Acclaimed stage and screen veteran Frances Barber has joined the cast of Coronation Street, portraying a relative of Bernie Winter-Alahan (Jane Hazlegrove), according to actress Amy Robbins, who plays Christina Boyd on the ITV soap.
Frances Barber's Role and Cast Reaction
Speaking to Digital Spy, Amy Robbins expressed her excitement about working with Barber, saying: "She's playing a relative of Bernie's. I have to say she is just so perfect for Corrie – she's everything Corrie women should be! Glamorous, a bit tough round the edges, but soft in the centre – just wonderful."
Robbins admitted it was "an utter thrill when she turned up" and that she "couldn't believe it." She added: "We did a few scenes together, but I wished we'd done more. She was fabulous. I hadn't worked with her before this, but I'd met her socially – that was a dream. When I was training, she was one I'd keep a firm eye on. I wanted a career like hers – I'm genuinely not just saying that."
Barber's Acclaimed Career
Frances Barber is well known to television audiences for roles in Doctor Who, Cold Feet, Casualty, and Friday Night Dinner. She joined the ITV sitcom Benidorm in 2016, playing Daisy. Beyond television, Barber has an extensive stage career, performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company alongside Sir Ian McKellen. The Wolverhampton-born actress has received two Olivier Award nominations and appeared in films including Prick Up Your Ears and An Ideal Husband.
Current Storyline Tension
Meanwhile, on the cobbles, Christina Boyd has been acting suspiciously, distracted by calls and messages. In Wednesday's episode (July 8), Glenda (Jodie Prenger) searched Christina's handbag and discovered credit card statements bearing Mary Taylor's (Patti Clare) name, hinting at a deeper mystery.
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
