After seven years away, actress Catherine Tyldesley is officially returning to Coronation Street to reprise her beloved role as Eva Price. Fans are thrilled to see the feisty character back on the cobbles, this time stepping into the iconic role of landlady of the Rovers Return. Eva’s comeback follows Jenny Connor’s exit and Carla Connor’s reclaiming of her business, marking a new era for Weatherfield’s most famous pub.

Eva Price’s last appearance in the soap saw her relocating to France with her daughter, Susie, following the tragic death of Aidan Connor. Now, Catherine Tyldesley once again dons Eva’s signature blonde locks, ready to bring her vibrant energy back to the show. Speaking with the Manchester Evening News, Tyldesley said she had always wanted to return: “Eva is so much fun to play, and I really meant it when I said I’d love to come back.”

The timing of her return felt “serendipitous.” While filming in Malta, Tyldesley received a call from Corrie producer Kate Brooks with the exciting offer. “She said, ‘Would you like to be landlady?’ and I screamed!” Tyldesley recalled. With two young children and a desire to work closer to home, the Manchester-based role came at the perfect time for the actress.

Keeping her comeback a secret proved challenging. Tyldesley shared humorous moments with co-star Jodie Prenger, who plays Glenda Shuttleworth, as speculation swirled about Eva’s possible return. “She’d ask if I’d ever come back, and I’d just smile, knowing I’d soon be her boss,” Tyldesley laughed.

Eva’s storyline upon her return promises warmth and surprises. Producer Kate Brooks revealed that Eva had been enjoying a happy life with her new partner, Ben Driscoll, played by actor Aaron McCusker. Joining them is Ben’s meddling mother, Maggie (played by Father Ted’s Pauline McLynn), along with Ben’s two sons and Eva’s daughter, Susie. The new blended family is set to “arrive with a bang and a suitcase full of secrets.”

A twist ties this new family to the Bailey storyline: Ben’s son, Ollie, is revealed as Dee-Dee Bailey’s love interest, ensuring plenty of drama ahead. Brooks described the upcoming Rovers scenes as “joyful, fierce, and full of love,” aiming to recreate the family-centered magic that made the pub such a cornerstone of the show.

Tyldesley acknowledged the legacy of strong women who have run the Rovers Return, from Bet Lynch to Liz McDonald. While she admits Eva has “big boots to fill,” she believes her version of the landlady will bring a fresh spark. She also teased an exciting reunion with Jane Danson and Georgia Taylor, who play Leanne and Toyah Battersby, calling them the “three witches reunited.”