[Scarlett.]

Acclaimed actress Stephanie Cole is about to join Corrie as Sylvie Cropper, the outspoken mother of café owner Roy.

Famous for her roles in war drama Tenko, comedy series Waiting for God and more recently Doc Martin, Stephanie will join the cast in early 2011 and be seen on screen from March.

Sylvie arrives in Weatherfield to stay with Roy and Hayley – and she makes her presence felt from the start.

Stephanie said: "I am absolutely delighted to be joining. In any great drama, be it on television or on the stage the writing comes first, and Coronation Street is brilliantly written.

"When I worked at Granada Television a lot in the 1980s I used to play bridge with Doris Speed and I remember thinking ‘maybe one day they will offer me a role on Coronation Street’ well that day has finally come and I am thrilled.

"I am a huge Roy and Hayley fan, so to be joining their family on screen is a privilege for me and I can’t wait to get started."

Producer Phil Collinson said; "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 countries finest actors. Life at Roy's Rolls is never going to be the same again"

[Kerry]

Roy's 105! He has a mother alive?!?!?!

[Scarlett.]

He's only 56

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by Chewy

He's only 56

Looks double that

[Scarlett.]

Awww don't diss the Royston!

[Novo]

I think he looks pretty good for his age, not a sign of grey hair

[Kerry]

Maybe it's the cardi...

[Scarlett.]

It's all the red meat he eats :3

[Callum]

Too many new characters for my liking

[Scarlett.]

There's not that many - Only Frank Foster, Tommy Duckworth and Sylvie Cropper

[Niamh.]

Is she going to be the new Blanche then?

[Scarlett.]

It seems to be what everyones thinking so I hope so, I can see her with Roy behind the counter making comments, and Roy saying "mother, would you please..."

[Niamh.]

oh good, I miss Blanche

[Scarlett.]

The actress will fit right in at Corrie

[Niamh.]

who's Frank Foster btw? and is Tommy duckworth Jacks bad son?

[Scarlett.]

Meet Frank Foster
Meet Tommy Duckworth

[Niamh.]

oh thanks, they both sound good, don't they?!

[Scarlett.]

Aye and all of them are decent actors

[Braden]

Looking forward to seeing her in action. hopefully she'll be like her son