Actress Pauline McLynn, renowned for her roles in Father Ted and Shameless, has officially made her debut on Coronation Street as Maggie Driscoll, a character she hints will exhibit significant 'bad behaviour'. McLynn's arrival introduces a new dynamic to the ITV soap, particularly concerning her son Ben Driscoll and his partner, the returning character Eva Price, played by Catherine Tyldesley.

Maggie's entrance on Monday, October 27, brought a surprising twist to the Rovers Return storyline. While Eva was under the impression that the pub was purchased for her by Ben, Maggie dropped the bombshell that it was her money that funded the acquisition, effectively making her the true landlady. This immediately sets up a complex relationship between Maggie and Eva, with McLynn noting that they might 'get on like a house on fire if it wasn't for the fact she wasn't with one of her beloved sons'.

Describing Maggie, McLynn shared with the Manchester Evening News that her character is 'fiercely loyal and protective of her family'. However, she also teased future storylines, stating, 'there will be some things happening over Christmas that you think, 'Oh come on! That is very bad behaviour,' at the very least.' McLynn added that Maggie is a woman who 'likes to throw in something and say sometimes the most terrible things, just to see how far can she go and often, the line has been long crossed.'

Maggie's arrival also brings her grandsons, Ollie and Will, and Eva's daughter, Susie Price (whose father was the late Aidan Connor), into the fold. This expansion of the Driscoll family on the cobbles promises more intricate family drama.

McLynn admitted to feeling 'bewildered' and 'nervous' about joining Coronation Street, a role she 'didn't see coming'. Despite her extensive acting career, including a stint on EastEnders as Yvonne Cotton, she described joining Corrie as unique, feeling 'immediately at home and immediately as part of that family'. She acknowledged the 'huge responsibility' of being part of such a long-standing and beloved institution, particularly as an older, strong female character.

Interestingly, McLynn discovered a historical connection between herself and the Rovers Return. Social media users informed her that the first-ever barmaid in the Rovers, Concepta Riley (1960-1964), was played by Irish actress Doreen Keogh. Keogh was also known for her role as the Irish neighbour in The Royle Family and for a memorable scene with McLynn's own Mrs. Doyle character in Father Ted, where Mrs. Doyle wrestled her about paying a bill. This lineage of Irish women behind the iconic bar delighted McLynn.

Her initial scenes on Coronation Street were not at the Rovers bar but in Roy's Rolls, alongside Peter Gunn (Brian Packham) and David Neilson (Roy Cropper). McLynn recounted a positive experience, feeling welcomed by the veteran actors. She also shared a humorous anecdote about a mix-up during filming, where she was called back to set after having left for the day, highlighting the fast-paced nature of soap production.