Sharon Bentley Returns... But Who Is She?

Tonight’s Coronation Street sees the return of Rita’s original foster daughter Sharon Bentley, played by award-winning broadway star and actress Tracie Bennett. A character that debuted in 1982, Sharon may not be familiar to us younger Corrie fans, so here is a quick catch-up ahead of this Wednesday night’s Corrie! 

Who is Sharon Bentley nee Gaskell? 

• Originally introduced as Rita’s foster daughter (with Len Fairclough) Tracie made 173 appearances as Sharon Gaskell in 1982, 1983-84, returning in 1999. 

• In 1982 Sharon made a play for Brian Tilsley (Nick’s Dad) and lied to Gail that they were having an affair, before leaving to work at a dog kennels in Sheffield. Random! Returning briefly in 1983, Sharon caught the eye of Curly Watts but dumped him for his mate Terry Duckworth!

• In 1999 she came back to invite Rita to her wedding to Ian Bentley, who she subsequently dumped at the alter - exposing his affair with Natalie Barnes. Happy that Sharon decided to stay around after the wedding fiasco, Rita offered Sharon a job at The Kabin. Sharon happily accepted, although she soon clashed with Rita's assistant, Leanne Battersby. Much to Leanne's horror, and that of a few of Rita's other friends, Rita offered The Kabin to Sharon as a birthday gift. Rita admitted to Sharon that she offered her the business as she was lonely. 

• After an ill-fated romance with Danny Hargreaves (Sally Metcalf’s Ex) and a suicide attempt, Sharon got back in touch with ex-fiance Ian Bentley, and much to Rita’s dismay she put the Kabin up for sale to purchase a house with Ian in Bolton. Rita bought the Kabin back off Sharon and sent her packing. 

 

So, after a 22-year hiatus, Sharon Bentley returns to the Cobbles. In the meantime actress Tracie Bennett who plays her, has become one of the theatre world’s foremost leading ladies, winning two Olivier Awards for roles in West End productions and was nominated for a Tony Award for her portrayal of Judy Garland in End of the Rainbow on Broadway. Other musical theatre roles include Les Miserable and Hairspray. She recently played Carlotta in the National Theatre production of Follies and starred in the revival of Mame at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre where she is patron. Television work includes acclaimed ITV dramas Scott and Bailey and The Bay. 

What’s to come? 

Well, Sharon does have some history on the street and our Reet has a harem of unofficial foster daughters, in the shape of fiery Jenny Bradley, and loudmouth, Gemma Winter. From clips that I’ve seen, (and vaguely remembering her 1999 return) I think she was quite a feisty one and a bit of a trouble causer. Will Sharon face-off against Gemma and Jenny? I’d reckon so and I’m sure Rita will give us a classic ‘ now listen lady...’ speech in the next few episodes! 

PS - If you get a chance, jump on youtube and type in 'End of The Raindow', Tracie Bennet is uncanny as Judy Garland - Brilliant!!

@rybazoxo your Cobbles Connossieur 

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