[Smithy]

Veteran actress June Whitfield is to join the cast of Coronation Street, it has been confirmed.

The 84-year-old - whose extensive filmography includes Carry On films and more recently Doctor Who - takes on the role of May, Blanche's old friend who turns up for her funeral.

On Tuesday, it was announced that Roy Hudd is to reprise his role as undertaker Archie Shuttleworth for the commemorative episodes.

In October, Blanche actress Maggie Jones was quickly written out of the Manchester serial when she became critically ill. Two months later, she died at the age of 75 at Salford's Hope Hospital.

After Jones's final scenes had aired, writers explained Blanche's absence form the Barlow household by revealing that her friend had won two tickets for a holiday in Portugal.

Whitfield begins filming her two episodes at Corrie's Manchester home at Granada Studios in a fortnight's time and will appear on screen in early May.

June Whitfield