Former Coronation Street favourite Wendi Peters has revealed she no longer watches the iconic ITV soap, blaming a shift towards excessive 'doom and gloom' and a noticeable lack of the comedy that once defined the cobbles.
From Fan to Street Legend
Peters, who memorably portrayed the loud and mischievous Cilla Battersby-Brown for four years from 2003, landed the life-changing role while on holiday in Spain. Recalling the audition in Manchester, she said she exaggerated her native Lancashire accent to create Cilla's distinctive, squeaky voice, seeing her as a 'strong, northern battleaxe' with warmth and humour.
'Initially, you're given a six-month contract,' she explained, noting her surprise at staying for years. 'I kept coming back for more because I was thrilled with what they did with the character.' She admitted Cilla quickly evolved from fun to a 'bit of a monster' and a troublesome neighbour, but affirmed playing a baddie was always more fun.
Favourite Storylines and a Fond Farewell
Among her standout plots was an early clash with Weatherfield stalwart Rita Sullivan, played by Dame Barbara Knox, which saw Cilla get Rita arrested. She also fondly recalled a particularly 'wicked' cancer storyline where Cilla faked a terminal diagnosis to scam money for a trip to swim with dolphins.
By 2007, Peters decided to leave, driven by a desire to return to theatre and pantomime, and to spend more time with her young daughter in London. 'Luckily, they didn't kill her off so she's still out there somewhere,' she said, confirming her departure was amicable. She made a brief return in 2014 to facilitate a storyline for her on-screen daughter, Fiz.
A New Chapter On Stage and In Love
Peters, now 57, has since enjoyed a stellar theatre career. She is currently playing Queen Rat in Derby's Dick Whittington until New Year's Eve. From January 19, she begins rehearsals for Glorious!, where she takes on the role of the notoriously tone-deaf socialite Florence Foster Jenkins.
She described the unique challenge of learning to sing off-key for the part, having to meticulously de-tune Mozart's Queen of the Night. The play will tour 16 venues from February to June, co-starring former EastEnders actor Matthew James Morrison.
Professionally fulfilled, Peters has also found personal happiness after a difficult period following the end of her long marriage. In 2022, she met partner Gareth Wale, a carpet showroom owner from Leicester, through a dating website for arts professionals. 'The conversation just flowed,' she said. The relationship has flourished, leading her to buy a house in Leicester where they now live together.
Despite her enduring affection for the show that made her a household name, Peters stands by her decision to stop watching Coronation Street. 'The last time I did, it was all doom and gloom,' she stated. 'I rather missed the fact there was no longer any comedy... In my opinion, they're after a younger audience.' On a potential return to Weatherfield, she remains open but busy, offering the classic showbiz caveat: 'Never say never.'
