Pauline McLynn Promises ‘Bad Behaviour’ as Maggie Driscoll Arrives in Coronation Street
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A new era is dawning at the Rovers Return as veteran actress Pauline McLynn joins the cast of Coronation Street, promising a wave of dramatic storylines and a complex new character in Maggie Driscoll. McLynn, known for her iconic roles in Father Ted and Shameless, has teased a mischievous and fiercely protective matriarch who is set to shake up life on the cobbles.
A Return to Weatherfield and a Rovers Return Twist
The arrival of Maggie Driscoll coincides with the return of Catherine Tyldesley as Eva Price, who reappeared in Weatherfield on October 27th, now the proud owner of the iconic Rovers Return pub. Eva’s return follows a period living in France with her daughter, Susie, after the tragic death of Susie’s father, Aidan Connor. However, the celebratory atmosphere quickly shifts as Maggie reveals a shocking truth: she, not Eva, is the true owner of the pub, having financed the purchase through her own funds.
This unexpected twist immediately establishes Maggie as a force to be reckoned with, and a potential source of conflict with Eva. The dynamic is further complicated by the arrival of Maggie’s grandsons, Ollie and Will, and Eva’s daughter, Susie, creating a complex family web within the heart of Coronation Street.
Maggie Driscoll: A Fiercely Loyal and Protective Grandmother
According to McLynn, Maggie is defined by her unwavering loyalty and protectiveness towards her family. “It’ll be no surprise to everybody that she’s just fiercely loyal and protective of her family,” she shared. The actress hinted at upcoming storylines, particularly around the Christmas season, that will showcase Maggie’s more challenging side.
“I find, and there will be some things happening over Christmas that you think, ‘Oh come on! That is very bad behaviour,’ at the very least,” McLynn revealed. She playfully suggested that her portrayal of Maggie might even raise eyebrows among her own family, adding, “Sometimes… I know my family are going to say, ‘Is that your mother you’re playing?’” McLynn described Maggie as someone who enjoys pushing boundaries and observing the reactions of those around her, often crossing the line in the process.
A Legacy of Irish Women Behind the Bar
Interestingly, McLynn discovered a historical connection between her role and the Rovers Return’s past. She learned that the first-ever barmaid at the Rovers, between 1960 and 1964, was also an Irish woman named Doreen Keogh, who also appeared in The Royle Family. “So there’s a long tradition of the Irish in the Rovers,” McLynn noted, adding a layer of significance to her casting.
Behind the Scenes and a Surprising Start
Despite her new role being centered around the Rovers Return, McLynn’s first scenes weren’t actually filmed behind the bar. Instead, she began her Coronation Street journey in Roy’s Rolls, working alongside Peter Gunn and David Neilson. “They were my first scene, not my family or anything, and it was just like they got me like this [hug motion] and we had a lovely morning,” she recalled.
The actress also shared a humorous anecdote about a last-minute call back to set, highlighting the unpredictable nature of television production. “I released myself two days ago, in the afternoon… and they went, ‘We’re ready for you now,’ and I went, ‘What!?’”
With a mischievous glint in her eye and a character brimming with potential, Pauline McLynn is poised to become a captivating addition to the Coronation Street landscape, promising viewers a compelling blend of drama, humor, and unexpected twists.
