Roy Cropper's fierce mum joins Corrie

Julie Hesmondhalgh, who plays Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street, has revealed more about the upcoming storyline of Roy's mum joining Corrie.

Julie told Holy Soap: "There's a cat amongst the pigeon once again - just when you get a bit of peace and quiet and normality back, Roy's mum comes into the equation and she's quite fierce."

The soap star admitted shy, eager-to-please Hayley is no match for her mother-in-law, played by Stephanie Cole.

She laughed: "Oh no! I don't think so. She's trying to build the bridges in her usual well-meaning way, between mother and son and I don't think either of them particularly welcome it. I think it's going to be really good fun. We're always at our best when they throw a random third party into our relationship. We've had a few of those and it's always great. It keeps it fresh for us as well."

Stephanie Cole films first Corrie scenes

Actress Stephanie Cole, who's been signed up to play Roy Cropper's mum on Coronation Street, has filmed her first scenes for Corrie. 

Corrie actor Andew Lancel, who plays Frank Foster, tweeted yesterday: "The legendary Stephanie Cole started today. Not sure we'll get her twitter tho!"

I'm really looking foward to seeing this actress on the Street as Sylvie Cropper and can't wait for Roy's mum to arrive.

Meet Roy Cropper's mum

Meet Sylvie Cropper, mother to resident oddball Roy Cropper. ITV.com have revealed that Sylvie will be played by 'Doc Martin' actress, Stephanie Cole. She arrives early next year to stay with Roy and Hayley, and soon makes her presence felt.

Coronation Street producer Phil Collinson said of the casting: "I am delighted to welcome Stephanie Cole to the cast. I have long been an admirer, from the brilliant dramatic performances she gave in Tenko, to the side splitting Diana in Waiting For God - she is one of this country's finest actors. Life at Roy's Rolls is never going to be the same again."

Stephanie is the latest in a line of new castings, including Andrew Lacel as Frank Foster and Chris Fountain as Tommy Duckworth.