Viewers of Coronation Street have been left stunned by the announcement that Catherine Tyldesley will reprise her role as Eva Price after a seven-year absence from the cobbles.

The actress is set to return this autumn as the new landlady of the Rovers Return, bringing with her a completely new family.

Eva will arrive in Weatherfield with her partner Ben Driscoll, portrayed by Shameless actor Aaron McCusker, and his mother Maggie, played by Father Ted’s Pauline McLynn.

The blended family also includes Ben’s two sons and Eva’s daughter Suzie.

The dramatic revelation that Eva and Ben are the pub’s new owners will unfold in October, marking her first time behind the bar since she departed for France in 2018.

The casting news has particularly excited viewers, with many focusing on Pauline McLynn’s involvement.

Social media erupted with references to her iconic Father Ted character, with one fan writing: “Mrs Doyle is going to be in the rovers! Incredible.” Another commented: “I can just hear Mrs Doyle saying to Billy cup of tea father.”

McLynn previously appeared in EastEnders as Yvonne Cotton in 2014 and played Libby Croker in Shameless.

McCusker, who portrayed Jamie McGuire in Shameless, also played Jim Hutton, Freddie Mercury’s partner, in the Oscar-winning film Bohemian Rhapsody.

Others were pleased by the news of the classic Coronation Street character, with one writing: “Welcome back. Please no more ridiculous storylines let’s get Corrie back to the brilliant show it always was.”

A second shared: “Great news, loved Eva!” while another enthused: “Corrie are ye kidding me right now?!! So excited to see Cath back – but Pauline is an icon. And I’m sure Aaron is lovely too.”

Some issued pleas over the soap plots though, with one writing: “Less drama, more laughs are needed. Too many hospital, fight, and police station scenes! I rarely watch it anymore , after 60 years, it’s so depressing.”

ITV confirmed the actors have already started filming confidential scenes at the Manchester studios.

The new arrivals are expected to bring significant drama to the street, with producer Kate Brooks promising “explosive secrets” ahead.

Eva’s character first joined the soap in 2011 when her mother Stella assumed control of the Rovers Return and revealed herself as Leanne Battersby’s biological mother.

The sisters eventually formed a close bond, with Eva moving in with Leanne after Stella’s departure in 2014.

Her most significant storyline involved her engagement to Aidan Connor, played by Shayne Ward, which ended after his affair with Maria Connor.

Eva retaliated by feigning pregnancy and plotting with Adam Barlow to strip the factory bare, causing Aidan to lose everything.

She later discovered she was genuinely pregnant with Aidan’s child. Following a complex arrangement with Toyah Battersby regarding baby Susie, Eva ultimately chose to leave Weatherfield in 2018, relocating to France with her daughter after Aidan’s tragic suicide.

Producer Kate Brooks expressed enthusiasm about the return, while seeming to indicate fans hoping for peaceful plotlines may not get their wish.

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She stated: “We are beyond thrilled that Eva is returning as the landlady of the Rovers, with her new blended family in tow.

“The Driscolls do not arrive quietly, so expect big drama, explosive secrets and raucous knees ups galore.”

She added: “To have actors of Catherine, Aaron and Pauline’s considerable calibre at the beating heart of this family is absolutely wonderful, and we can’t wait for you to get to know and fall in love with them as much as we have already done. Strap yourselves in, it’s going to be an exciting and eventful ride.”

The announcement follows Sally Ann Matthews’ recent departure as Jenny Connor, the current Rovers landlady, after nearly four decades associated with the programme.