Coronation Street fans are in for a surprise as actress Tracie Bennett, 59, reprises her role as Sharon Bentley, Rita Tanner's foster daughter, after a 22-year absence. The character was last seen on the cobbles in 1999.
Sharon's return is unexpected, particularly for Rita (Barbara Knox), given their falling out over Sharon's attempt to sell the Kabin, which Rita had gifted to her. Jenny Connor (Ann Matthews) is also less than thrilled about the prodigal daughter's comeback and Rita's decision to give her another chance.
Tracie Bennett expressed her excitement: 'I am absolutely thrilled to be returning to the cobbles. It is a dream come true for me... I am looking forward to working with Barbara again and getting my teeth into the storylines.' She revealed she was first approached about the return 18 months ago, but scheduling and the pandemic delayed it.
Producer Iain MacLeod teased: 'Sharon returns across some badly burned bridges to reconnect with Rita - but very quickly her presence becomes destabilising and extremely dangerous... The big question is: what has her life become since she was last on the Street?'
Sharon's previous stints saw her cause trouble, including making a play for Brian Tilsley, lying to Gail about an affair, and dumping Curly Watts for Terry Duckworth. In 1999, she left after putting the Kabin up for sale to buy a house with ex-fiancé Ian Bentley.
Since leaving the soap, Tracie Bennett has enjoyed a successful theatre career, winning two Olivier Awards and earning a Tony nomination for her portrayal of Judy Garland in End of the Rainbow on Broadway.
