Coronation Street star Pauline McLynn has a surprising connection to Graham Norton's first television drama, with her character's name in the series bearing a striking resemblance to her soap alter-ego. The actress, best known for playing Mrs Doyle in Father Ted, appeared in the 2022 ITV mini-series adaptation of Norton's novel Holding, where she played shopkeeper Eileen O'Driscoll.
From West Cork to Weatherfield
The four-part series, set in a sleepy Irish town in West Cork, starred Game of Thrones actor Conleth Hill as the lead. The story revolves around a murder that rocks the community after a body is discovered. In the drama, Pauline's character Eileen O'Driscoll runs the local shop. Now, on Coronation Street, she plays Maggie Driscoll, the mother of Ben Driscoll and the new landlady of the Rovers Return.
Pauline made her debut on the cobbles in October last year, arriving as Maggie Driscoll and quickly revealing herself to be the owner of the iconic pub. She followed her son Ben, who brought Eva Price back to Weatherfield after seven years, along with their children Susie Price and Ollie and Will Driscoll. Ben surprised Eva with the beloved boozer, telling her she was the new landlady.
Ruffling Feathers at the Rovers
Eva wasted no time settling into the pub and throwing a huge opening party for the regulars. However, Maggie's arrival ruffled feathers when she delivered the shock news that she, in fact, was the landlady after Ben had to ask her for financial help. As Maggie continues to make her presence known on the cobbles, fans spotted the link to Graham Norton's show, which recently became available to stream on Virgin Media TV.
Sharing a clip on X, @PaulineMcLynnUK wrote: "Pauline played Mrs O’Driscoll in Graham Norton’s #Holding which is now streaming on Virgin Media TV - she now plays Maggie Driscoll in #Corrie."
Previous On-Screen Reunions
This is not the first time fans have noticed a connection between Pauline and her on-screen son Aaron McCusker, who plays Ben Driscoll. The two actors previously appeared together in the E4 comedy drama Shameless, set in Manchester on the fictional Chatsworth council estate. Pauline played librarian Libby Crocker, who later became Frank Gallagher's main love interest, while Aaron played Jamie Maguire, son of Mimi Maguire.
