Coronation Street Blog: Amy Cudden interview: Becky Swain returns from the dead

Coronation Street’s DS Lisa Swain got the shock of her life in tonight’s episode (Mon) when the wife she thought had been killed in the line of duty turned up in her living room.

After a dramatic 18th birthday for daughter Betsy Swain who witnessed an horrific hit and run, Lisa and new fiancee Carla Connor were looking forward to a quiet night in. But when Carla nipped out to investigate an alarm going off at the factory Lisa was stunned to be confronted by the ghost from her past.

What does the return of ‘murdered’ Becky mean for Carla and Lisa, how will Betsy cope with discovering the mother she thought was dead for the last four years was actually alive and in hiding?

Why has Becky chosen to return to Weatherfield now and is she here to stay?

In Friday’s episode Carla returns to the house to find her shocked fiancee demanding answers from her wife and in the coming weeks the plot thickens as Carla determines to find out the truth about Becky’s fake death.

Actress Amy Cudden has been cast in the role of Becky, here she talks about keeping the secret of her arrival, where Becky has been and if she believes she can win back the family she lost.

So the secret is out, Becky is alive. Was it hard keeping the secret that you are playing Becky Swain?

Of course the impulse is that you want to just sort of shout and scream about it, but I already care about it. There has been a lot of speculation but I am so pleased we managed to keep the arrival a secret. Obviously I didn’t want the fans of the show to lose any of the pleasure they're going to get from the arrival of this character and all of the big feelings that are going to come along with that. It would have felt very disrespectful to give the secret away. So I told my husband and my mum and some close family members and kept it at that

How did you get the part of Becky?

I received a self-tape request from my agent for a police officer character thought to have died in the line of duty four years prior, now returning to her wife. The names were disguised, but obviously I had an idea who I might be auditioning with. I worked on my Northern accent with my husband. I didn't think it would be a big role at first, just a guest spot.

What happened after you sent the self-tape?

I got an in-person chemistry read in Manchester. I met Vicky Myers on set at one of the family houses. Vicky had already done the audition with seven or eight other actors and was incredibly committed, which pushed me to up my game. We did it in one take, and I initially worried I had "ruined it." Then about a week later, my agent called and said they liked me but that the character was complicated and they wanted me to try a scene showing a different side to her. I had another chemistry read with Ali and Sydney in the back room of the Rovers Return. This was more intimidating with a full camera crew. It explored a darker side of the character and the chemistry with the two other significant people she'd be interacting with.

How long did you have to wait to hear back after the second audition?

After the second chemistry read, I had to wait two weeks. When I got the calI I was sitting in my son's bedroom, playing Roblox with my 10-year-old son, building a campfire and killing zombies. My agent called and told me I had got the part, I was so convinced I hadn't got it that I initially replied, "Oh, well, never mind." I couldn't believe it, and it took about a week on set for it to truly sink in.

What were you told about Becky's character and background?

I had a long conversation with Kate Brooks the producer the day after I got the part and that was when I realised what a big story it was going to be. I went in knowing more about Carla and Lisa's relationship through my research of old episodes. I was given a "robust skeleton sketch" of Becky, but a lot was left for me to fill in. Vicky and I discussed their shared history, including songs important to them, their wedding dance, first date, and who proposed.

What psychological backstory were you given for Becky?

A key piece of information was that she didn't receive much care when she was younger and wanted to leave home as quickly as possible. This helped me lean into her independence, resilience, and toughness. I think she's bright, capable at her job (when her passionate nature doesn't get the better of her), and she adores her wife and child, who are the most important things to her.

Why has Becky returned now?

Becky's wife, Lisa, is about to get engaged and married to another woman, Carla. It was dangerous for Becky to return before, but her primary objective is to be with her wife and daughter. While there wasn't a direct threat to that central family unit, she kept her distance. Now that Carla is a clear threat and Lisa and Carla are deeply in love, Becky feels she must return to try and reclaim her family even if that puts her at risk.

Do you get the impression Becky has been tracking the family since she's been away?

Yes, absolutely. I think if you saw her "screen time," it would be 98 hours a week looking at Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and X, thinking about them. Her life in Alicante is hollow without them; nothing matters unless she gets her family back.

Were you aware of the Swarla relationship before taking the part?

Yes, it would be hard not to, there is so much about them online. My cousin in Sheffield and his partner watch the show, and I remembered them talking about Swarla. Even though I don't watch much TV due to lack of time, it was a phenomenon you'd hear about on the news or online.

How does it feel to be part of such a well-known show?

It's incredible. Coronation Street is a monolith of British TV, my mum remembers watching the first episode with her own mum. All the things I wanted when I was 17-18 and decided to be an actor – to tell stories, be different people, connect with people – are happening. I'm genuinely blown away and so happy.

Where did you grow up and how did you get into acting?

I'm from Norfolk. I spent most of my life in Norwich and I now live in Essex., I've always enjoyed performing. I loved being on stage as a child, and I enjoy connecting with people. I did amateur dramatics in my late teens. I completed a three-year degree at the University of Leeds as a theatre practitioner, but I felt I didn't get proper acting training until my postgrad at the Oxford School of Drama. There, I realized that as an actor, you have to "get out of the way of the character" and your ego, focusing on what the character wants.

What might viewers know you from?

Viewers might recognize me from Mr. Bates vs. the Post Office, where I was in one episode at the beginning. I might be more readily recognized as "Daniel Radcliffe's mum" from Am I Being Unreasonable? I was in a tiny scene in the first series, and Daisy May Cooper improvised a line calling me "Daniel Radcliffe," leading to me being brought back as ‘Daniel Radcliffe’s mum’ in the second series because I apparently look like Harry Potter. I've also been in Midwich Cuckoos and the usual circuit of Holby and Casualty. This is my first time on Corrie.

How have you settled in and what's it been like working with the cast?

It has been one of the biggest privileges of any job I've ever had. Vicky Myers, Alison King and Sydney Martin are the most caring, generous, supportive, kind, patient, and talented people. We have so much fun; when they yell "cut," we're just mates. Sydney is genuinely one of the sweetest people I've ever met, and Ali and Vicky are brilliant scene partners. My character has been reformed and solidified by creating dynamics with them. They are incredibly well-established and continually evolving characters. They've been fabulous and so supportive with any questions, helping me get used to the speed of shooting scenes. I genuinely love it.

What do you hope viewers will get from Becky's story?

I agree with fans who might be furious to see someone come in and disrupt one of the most beautiful on-screen relationships. It's unconscionable, and they should be angry. However, it's such a complicated relationship that other feelings will emerge as it unfolds. Things forged in fire only get stronger. Becky is a "spanner in the works," but it doesn't necessarily mean the worst, though it will be very difficult. Ultimately, this makes for really good TV and a fun, emotional, challenging, but rewarding journey for everyone. We want to give viewers a really good show; if everything was always wrapped up neatly, it wouldn't be interesting. Come with us on this journey!

What can you tease about Costello's involvement in the story?

What we know so far about Becky and Costello's relationship is just the tip of the iceberg; what's underneath is much more complicated and hidden. It will be a lot of fun watching that unfold. Daon Bruni is amazing and a brilliant scene partner. He's going to tangle the story even further and create more brilliant drama and mess.

Glenda Young

Bestselling novelist published by Headline