First pic of Coronation Street's new family

This is the first picture of Michelle Collins and John Michie outside the most famous pub in Britain – as they prepare to move in and wreak havoc. Michelle, John and Manchester actress Catherine Tyldesley join Coronation Street as new Rovers landlady Stella Price, daughter Eva and Stella’s boyfriend Karl Munro. The TV favourites started recording scenes 5 weeks ago and will make their entrance next week.

Stella’s brought into the Rovers by owner Steve McDonald after a series of bust-ups with wife Becky leave the pub’s future in jeopardy. When Steve employs Stella as his new bar manager he’s looking for an easier life but he gets more than he bargained for when she promptly moves in her fella Karl, played by Taggart actor John Michie, and her gorgeous but feisty daughter Eva, played by Catherine who fought off tough competition from dozens of actresses to land the part.
Life’s about to get a whole lot more complicated in the Rovers! Sparks will fly, not least with Becky McDonald, but as the dust settles Stella’s warm but no nonsense personality makes her a hit with the locals.

And Eva certainly proves a hit with the regulars – in particular the men of Weatherfield! Alongside laidback charmer Karl, Stella’s the perfect front of house landlady but she’s hiding a dark secret and in true soap style it won’t be long before the truth comes out. News of Stella’s past will have shocking consequences for some of the street’s most loved residents, it will also take Stella and Karl’s relationship down a rocky road.

Coronation Street Executive Producer Kieran Roberts said: “I'm thrilled to be welcoming John, Michelle and Catherine to the cast of Coronation Street.  As Robbie Ross in Taggart John has kept viewers on the edge of their seats for the last ten years.  Karl is a very different character for him though and the ladies of Weatherfield need to watch themselves, as this sexy charmer will quickly make his presence felt.  Michelle's acting credentials are first class with more than a decade leading some brilliant and memorable drama series.  Of course Michelle's soap credentials are superb and in the same way she made Cindy Beale one of Eastenders' most memorable bitches, I am certain she is going to be fantastic as the warm, funny, steely, flawed and larger than life northern matriarch Stella.  Karl and Stella's fiery marriage is sure to keep viewers hooked through 2011 and beyond. “

Michelle Collins said: “I am honoured to be joining the cast of Coronation Street, the show has been part of my life since I was a child so become a part of it is extremely exciting.”

John Michie said: “My mum is from Rochdale, my wife is from Grimethorpe they are both northerners and huge fans, I am from even further north so it is the only soap for me.”

John Michie’s credits include Taggart, Wire in the Blood, Randall and Hopkirk Deceased, the feature film To Walk With Lions and Bare Necessities.

Since leaving Eastenders 15 years ago Michelle’s credits have included Sunburn, Two Thousand Acres of Sky, Single, Sea of Souls, Rock Rivals and Hotel Babylon.

Michelle will appear on screen on June 16th, John and Catherine arrive on June 17th.