'I'm obsessed with Christmas!'

Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley can't get enough of the festive season – both on screen and off

- WORDS: SUE CRAWFORD

The Corrie cast film the Christmas episodes at the start of October, so Catherine Tyldesley would be forgiven if she was now feeling a little bit jaded about the festive season.

But luckily, when it comes to Yuletide, the actor just can't get enough. 'I've been Christmassing for a while,' she laughs.

'But I'm here for the tinsel, because I am slightly obsessed with Christmas. I know some people at work go, “Oh God, Christmas feels like it goes on forever!” But I love it. My decorations go up at the start of November.'

Catherine, who plays Rovers Return landlady Eva Price, will be celebrating Christmas at her Manchester home with her husband, photographer Tom Pitfield, their two children, Alfie, 10, and Iris, three, and assorted other family members.

And for the star, who spends her days glammed up as high-maintenance Eva, it's a chance to unwind. 'I wear baggy pyjamas or a slobby tracksuit the entire day - it's zero effort!' she confesses with a grin.

'We like to host and other people do make an effort, but I tell them, "The food will be great; I'll look like a troll - deal with it!"

'Tom is a phenomenal cook and he makes an amazing Christmas dinner, so I need an elasticated waistband! I like to kick back and enjoy it.'

Catherine, 42, believes she has inherited her enthusiasm from her mum Janet, who began playing Christmas songs as early as she could.