WE’RE in for a stormy Weatherfield as a new diva arrives on Coronation Street – straight from the West End.
Frances Barber is the latest signing for the ITV soap, a move which caps off a stunning 48-year career on stage and screen.
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Frances Barber is the latest signing for ITV soap Coronation Street Credit: Alamy
Frances will take her first steps as a guest star playing a relative of Bernie Winter (Jane Hazlegrove) Credit: Getty
The 68-year-old actress will take her first steps onto the cobbles as a guest star playing a relative of Bernie Winter (Jane Hazlegrove).
A show insider said: “With her pedigree, bagging Frances is a huge coup for Corrie bosses.
“She’s an iconic actress who steals every scene she’s in.
“It’s only a guest role for now but who knows what could happen in the future.”
EastEnders World Cup 2026 schedule: When show is on during the Last 32 ties
Coronation Street World Cup 2026 schedule: When show is on during Last 32 ties
Frances, who used to date Hollywood director Danny Boyle and Drop The Dead Donkey star Neil Pearson, is a true showbiz veteran.
She’s appeared in a string of huge TV shows including Doctor Who and BBC legal drama, Silk, as well as Cold Feet, Friday Night Dinner and Benidorm.
Frances has dabbled, very briefly, in soaps before with an appearance on BBC medical drama, Casualty in 2019.
On stage, she played the mother to James Norton’s character in the play That Face, which was the Happy Valley actor’s breakthrough role in 2010.
And she’s appeared in Royal Shakespeare Company productions alongside Sir Ian McKellen who also had a guest role on Corrie, playing Mel Hutchwright in 2005.
They are among a number of superstar thespians who have previously appeared on the soap — including Sir Patrick Stewart, Sir Ben Kingsley, Joanna Lumley, and Miriam Margolyes.
I reckon Frances might turn out to be the most impressive of them all.
Olivia Attwood hasn’t let the loss of ITV series The Heat get her down Credit: ITV
OLIVIA ATTWOOD hasn’t let the loss of ITV series The Heat get her down.
I told earlier this month how the culinary reality show with Jean Christoph Novelli had been canned over poor ratings.
But yesterday the Love Island star turned presenter revealed a string of new recommissions will be keeping her busy well into 2027.
Speaking from backstage on the set of Bad Boyfriends in Ibiza, Olivia said: “I just had a chat with my big boss at ITV and Getting Filthy Rich and Price Of Perfection have both been recommissioned.
“So that’s series three of Bad Boyfriends, series four and five of the docs.”Joking, she added: “So RIP to my life! But I love handbags, I love boys and I love recommissions so it’s a hat-trick.”
No wonder she’s not had time to officially confirm her relationship with TV’s Pete Wicks yet – despite him sending her 100 red roses to set.
TRAITOR PALS ARE IN TUNE
C4 have confirmed the guest line-up for the new series of The Piano which includes Jamie Cullum and Jools Holland Credit: Instagram
CHANNEL 4 have confirmed the guest line-up for the new series of The Piano which includes Jamie Cullum and Jools Holland.
But I can reveal another famous face briefly joining the ivory tinkling – and it’s a Celebrity Traitors reunion.
The Piano’s Christmas special will see TV host Claudia Winkleman come together with singer Charlotte Church.
The duo, who both appeared on BBC One’s The Traitors last autumn, were seen together making The Piano’s festive show at Kings Cross Station in London.
It must have been a funny sight as Claudia, Charlotte and the rest of the gang were wearing Christmas sweaters in the middle of summer.
Though a change from seeing murderers in cloaks.
