Coronation Street star Pauline McLynn has issued a stark warning about 'life-changing' repercussions set to hit the cobbles, while also teasing a special flashback episode that will reveal secrets from her character Maggie Driscoll's past.
Flashback Episode Reveals Maggie's Hidden Past
Pauline McLynn, who plays the formidable Maggie Driscoll, has given fans an exciting glimpse into an upcoming flashback episode scheduled to air in the lead-up to Christmas. The episode will delve into Maggie's history, finally shedding light on her husband and her experiences as a young mother.
'We finally find out a bit more about her husband,' Pauline explained. 'For me, it was just the most magical, strange thing ever because there is a flashback scene that you see through Maggie's eyes, and I got to meet the younger me.'
The actress described the scenes as profoundly moving, showcasing the difficulties of early motherhood without imposing a judgment on whether Maggie was happy in her marriage. She hinted that the revelations from this episode will have significant repercussions, potentially emerging much later in the storyline. 'It'll just take one question to unlock a whole load of things,' she teased.
'Life-Changing' Fallout from Grooming Plot
Beyond the family secrets, Pauline also discussed the soap's ongoing and disturbing grooming storyline involving her on-screen grandson, Will, and his athletics coach, Megan. She warned viewers that the truth, when it eventually surfaces, will be devastating.
'They'll be completely blindsided, because it's the sort of wicked thing that you really don't expect,' McLynn stated. She described Megan, played by Beth, as a 'dangerous narcissist' and a 'consummate liar and manipulator' whose innocent appearance makes the manipulation all the more insidious.
Pauline confirmed that the fallout from this storyline will be monumental, stating unequivocally, 'When the truth comes out I honestly think it's going to be life-changing for everyone.' This promises to be one of the most impactful plots on the street as the Driscoll family takes centre stage in the Christmas episodes.
A Fierce Protector and a Personal Connection
Pauline also shed light on Maggie's core motivation: the fierce protection of her family. 'Protecting her boys. Right from the beginning, we know that that's been a huge thing for her, and that's why she's so fierce,' she said, adding, 'She's terrifying when she's like that. You'd be a fool not to be terrified of her.'
In a touching revelation, the actress shared that she draws inspiration for Maggie from her late mother, Sheila. She noted the increasing similarities, describing her mother as having a 'great way of fronting down any bad behaviour' and a mischievous streak, much like her character.
'It's like I'm getting to spend time with her, as well,' Pauline shared. 'Which is just bringing everything. I know she'd be thrilled.'
Coronation Street continues to air on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
