'Even people who didn't watch Corrie know Bet Lynch'

Catherine Tyldesley on how thrilled she is to be back on the cobbles – and the big shoes she has to fill

- WORDS: CHARLOTTE TUTTON

It's been seven years since Eva Price tearfully departed Coronation Street with her baby daughter Susie but actress Catherine Tyldesley is over the moon to be back on the show that made her famous.

Since leaving, the 42-year-old has dazzled on Strictly Come Dancing, guest-starred on Midsomer Murders and reunited with fellow former Coronation Street star Shayne Ward in The Good Ship Murder.

Despite her success outside Weatherfield, Catherine says now is the perfect time to revisit her role as Eva. "It all came at the right time, on a personal and professional level. It felt right and I'm thrilled," she said. "I've always adored playing Eva." Catherine's husband of nearly 10 years, Tom Pitfield, welcomed her decision after Catherine spent nine months filming in Malta for 5's hit drama series The Good Ship Murder.

"I remember Tom saying to me, 'God, I hope your next job's in Manchester,' and then we got the call," she said. "My family have really missed me because much of my work has been in a different city or abroad, so everyone was really happy." Catherine has two children - Alfie, 10, and Iris, three - and Alfie is especially excited after finding out just how famous her soap character is.