‘You Can’t Recast Her!’: Catherine Tyldesley’s Verdict on Coronation Street Legend
The return of Eva Price to the Rover's Return has sparked a wave of nostalgia and speculation amongst Coronation Street fans. With Catherine Tyldesley back on the cobbles, many have wondered if her on-screen mother and grandmother would follow suit, leading to rumours of a potential recast for the character of Stella Price.
The Case Against a Stella Price Recast
When asked about the possibility of another actress stepping into Michelle Collins' shoes to bring Stella back to Weatherfield, Catherine Tyldesley was unequivocal. ‘You can’t! Can you?’ she exclaimed. ‘That woman, there is not many people who have appeared in two soaps, she’s super iconic!’
Michelle Collins herself recently addressed the idea at the Inside Soap Awards, effectively shutting it down. She expressed doubt that EastEnders, where she now plays Cindy Beale, would allow such a move. ‘I don’t think so. I think it might confuse people a bit too much,’ she stated, while offering her full support to Tyldesley's own comeback.
A Glimmer of Hope for Gloria Price's Return
While Stella's return seems unlikely, the door may still be open for her mother, Gloria, played by the esteemed Sue Johnston. Tyldesley revealed a promising conversation she had with the acting legend. ‘I did a film with her last year and I asked her would she ever go back and she said: ‘Oh my darling, if you did of course I would’ so I might just give her a call and hold her to that,’ she shared.
Tyldesley heaped praise on Johnston, calling her ‘so iconic’ and ‘so incredible,’ and admitting to being in awe of her when they first met on the set of the ITV soap.
The ‘Old School Corrie’ Vision Driving the Show
The actress also discussed the creative direction under producer Kate Brooks, which was a significant factor in her decision to return. ‘What Kate Brooks our wonderful producer has done is bring back an old school Corrie feeling,’ Tyldesley explained.
She emphasised the focus on character-led storylines and strong women, a hallmark of the programme. ‘Finding those character led storylines, with strong women at the forefront is something Corrie has always done so well and that the audience seem to crave, and I think Kate is feeding that,’ she added, suggesting that a return for the formidable Gloria Price would fit this vision perfectly.
The Price family originally took over the Rovers in 2012, with Stella and Gloria departing in 2014. Eva remained until 2018 before leaving to join her mother. Her recent comeback in 2025 has seen her managing the pub with her new blended family, the Driscolls, immediately being thrown into dramatic storylines involving her stepson Will and the manipulative Megan.
