Coronation Street has revealed a rare update on Stella Price, more than a decade after the character was last seen on the cobbles. In Wednesday's episode (September 23), it was confirmed that Leanne Battersby had travelled to France to visit Stella, establishing that the character still resides there.
Stella's history on the cobbles
Stella, played by Michelle Collins, made her debut on the ITV soap in 2011, arriving in Weatherfield alongside daughter Eva (Catherine Tyldesley). It was later revealed that Stella was the biological mother of Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson). During her time on the show, Stella was involved in numerous landmark storylines, from taking over as landlady of the Rovers Return to a romance with the younger Jason Grimshaw (Ryan Thomas).
Stella's ex-husband, Karl Munro (John Michie), set fire to the pub in an incident that claimed the life of Sunita Alahan (Shobna Gulati). In 2014, Michelle departed the soap when Stella left the street. Catherine continued as Eva before exiting in 2018 and returning in 2025.
Return ruled out?
The update on Stella's whereabouts will likely disappoint fans hoping for a return to Weatherfield. In 2025, Michelle, who now portrays Cindy Beale on EastEnders, discussed the possibility of returning to Corrie. Speaking to Metro, she said: "I don't think EastEnders would let me go across, would they?"
She continued: "I know it's only two and a half hours on the train. Actually that might be quite funny, going from Cindy to Stella in like a day. But no, I don't think so. I think Cath will do a good job. She's running the pub, isn't she?"
Adding: "I shall be watching because I love Cath and she told me she was going back, so I'm very excited for her. It'll be great. But I don't think so. I think it might confuse people a bit too much." Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
