Coronation Street has reportedly cast acclaimed actress Frances Barber for a guest role in an upcoming storyline centered around Bernie Winter-Alahan. According to reports, the television and theatre star has joined the ITV soap as one of Bernie's relatives, although details surrounding her character are being kept under wraps for now. Further information regarding the character will hopefully be released soon, reports The Sun.
Frances Barber's Notable Career
Frances is well known to TV audiences for playing Dolly Nolan in the detective drama Whitstable Pearl, while her impressive screen career also includes appearances in Midsomer Murders, Doctor Who, Friday Night Dinner, Benidorm, Cold Feet and BBC's Casualty. Away from television, the actress has built a successful stage career, performing in numerous productions with the Royal Shakespeare Company, including The Seagull by Anton Chekhov. Her performance in Uncle Vanya earned her a nomination for the 1997 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, recognizing her work in the 1996 production.
Cast Changes on Coronation Street
The reported casting comes shortly after it was confirmed that Mollie Gallagher will be leaving Coronation Street after nearly seven years in the role of Nina Lucas. The actress is set to take on a new challenge on stage, having been cast as Clarice Starling in the upcoming UK and Ireland tour of The Silence of the Lambs. A spokesperson for Corrie told Digital Spy: "Mollie has created a unique and well-loved character in Nina over the past six and a half years and everyone will be sorry to see her go. It is fantastic for Mollie that she has been given this incredible opportunity to play such an iconic role and we wish her all the best for the theatre tour."
Another Star Confirms Stay
Better news for fans of the iconic ITV programme comes as one star has confirmed they won't be leaving in the immediate future. Sharing that there is more in the pipeline, Carl Webster actor Jonathan Howard told The Mirror: "I think we’d be missing out on something for Carl to leave before he’s come to terms with his mum’s dementia diagnosis. I would at least like to stay until we see what happens to Debbie, then we’ll see what happens after that." Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1.
