[Scarlett.]

We can confirm that Michelle Collins and John Michie are set to join Coronation Street as new Rovers couple Stella and Karl, following Liz's departure.

Ex-EastEnder Michelle and Taggart star John, will step onto the cobbles next month to begin recording scenes that will air in June.

Stella’s brought into the Rovers by owner Steve McDonald after a series of bust-ups with wife Becky leave the pub’s future in jeopardy.

When Steve employs Stella as his new bar manager he’s looking for an easier life, but he gets more than he bargained for when she promptly moves in partner Karl and her gorgeous but feisty daughter Eva, who’s yet to be cast.

Life is about to get a whole lot more complicated in the Rovers! Sparks will fly, not least with Becky McDonald, but as the dust settles, Stella’s warm but no-nonsense personality makes her a hit with the locals.

Alongside laid back charmer Karl, Stella’s the perfect front of house landlady, but she’s hiding a dark secret and in true soap style, it won’t be long before the truth comes out.

News of Stella’s past will have shocking consequences for some of the Street’s most-loved residents. It will also take Stella and Karl’s relationship down a rocky road.

Executive Producer Kieran Roberts said: “I'm thrilled to be welcoming John and Michelle to the cast of Coronation Street. In Taggart, John has kept viewers on the edge of their seats for the last ten years. Karl is a very different character for him though and the ladies of Weatherfield need to watch themselves, as this sexy charmer will quickly make his presence felt. Michelle's acting credentials are first class with more than a decade leading some brilliant and memorable drama series. I am certain she is going to be fantastic as the warm, funny, steely, flawed and larger-than-life northern matriarch Stella. Karl and Stella's fiery marriage is sure to keep viewers hooked through 2011 and beyond."

Michelle is best-known for her role as Cindy Beale - the unfaithful wife of Ian Beale in EastEnders. She has also appeared in television dramas including Two Thousand Acres of Sky and Real Women.

John has played DI Robbie Ross in Taggart since 1998. He has also appeared in Casualty and Heartbeat.

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