Coronation Street’s Maureen Lipman signs a new contract to keep Evelyn Plummer on the soap until 2021
CORONATION Street star Maureen Lipman has signed a new contract to keep Evelyn Plummer on the cobbles until 2021.
The 74-year-old actress – who is best known for playing straight-talking Evelyn on the ITV soap – will remain on the show until winter next year.
Maureen Lipman has signed a new contract with Coronation Street[/caption]Contract talks had been put on hold for a number of actors in Weatherfield due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But it appears producers were keen to get Maureen on board.
A source told The Sun: “Corrie bosses are thrilled they’ve managed to secure Maureen for another year.
“Very few people can match her for comic timing and she has achieved ‘fan favourite’ status in no time at all.
Maureen joined Corrie as Evelyn in 2018 [/caption]“She is certain to be at the centre of plenty more drama on the cobbles until winter 2021 – at least.”
Maureen, a prolific TV actor as well as a comedian, recently returned to Coronation Street following lockdown.
She had originally expected to return in September owing to strict filming rules for the soap.
Maureen told Lorraine Kelly on Good Morning Britain back in June: “I’m very aware that I’m incredibly lucky to have Coronation Street to look forward to in September when the wrinklies get unrolled.”
Most read in TV
The soap resumed filming on June 9 and was the only soap to remain on-air with standard episodes during the pandemic shutdown.
Meanwhile, last month, it was announced Maureen is to be made a dame in the Queen’s birthday honours.
The star has enjoyed a 50-year career in TV and film including roles in Up the Junction, The Pianist, Educating Rita, Smiley’s People and sitcom Agony.
The Times said Maureen will be recognised for her services to art and charity. Her damehood comes 21 years after she was made a CBE.