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Fans of Father Ted and EastEnders are in for a treat, Irish actress Pauline McLynn is heading to Coronation Street in what promises to be one of the most talked-about soap arrivals of the year.
Best known for her iconic role as the tea-obsessed Mrs Doyle in the classic Channel 4 sitcom Father Ted, Pauline will be trading the quiet parochial life for the drama-filled cobbles of Weatherfield. But this time, she’s not bringing tea, she’s bringing trouble.
Meet Maggie Driscoll
Pauline will play Maggie Driscoll, the no-nonsense, sharp-tongued mother-in-law of returning character Eva Price, portrayed once again by Catherine Tyldesley. Fans will remember Eva as the glamorous, quick-witted former barmaid who lit up the Rovers Return before leaving Weatherfield in 2018.
Eva is back in town, and she’s not alone. Joining her is new partner Ben, played by Shameless and Marcella actor Aaron McCusker, and his formidable mother Maggie. Together, they form part of a brand-new blended family that’s about to shake things up on Coronation Street.
Drama Behind the Bar
According to Corrie bosses, Eva will return as the new landlady of the Rovers Return, taking over the pub that has been the heart of so many storylines over the decades. But with Maggie Driscoll in the mix, it won’t all be smooth pints and happy locals.
Corrie producer Kate Brooks teased what fans can expect:
“We are beyond thrilled that Eva is returning as the landlady of the Rovers, with her new blended family in tow. The Driscolls do not arrive quietly, so expect big drama, explosive secrets and raucous knees-ups galore.”
Maggie’s arrival is set to bring a mix of humour, heart, and high drama, and given McLynn’s comedic timing and stage presence, viewers can look forward to plenty of unforgettable moments.
Corrie’s Pauline has a star-studded TV past – from Father Ted to Shameless to EastEnders, where she played Yvonne Cotton alongside June Brown – Credit: PA
A Soap Star with Serious Credentials
Pauline McLynn has a long and varied acting career. While she became a household name as Mrs Doyle in Father Ted, with her trademark “Ah, go on, go on!” catchphrase, she has also taken on a variety of dramatic roles.
Her previous soap stint saw her join EastEnders as Yvonne Cotton, the mother of Charlie Cotton, and she has appeared in shows such as Shameless, Doc Martin, and Death in Paradise. Her versatility as an actress makes her an ideal fit for the drama and comedy balance that Coronation Street is known for.
When Will She Arrive?
While an exact on-screen date hasn’t been revealed, it’s expected that Maggie Driscoll will make her first appearance later this year, with storylines stretching well into 2026. Soap insiders hint that her arrival will coincide with some big plot twists at the Rovers Return, setting up months of unmissable drama.
