[Smithy]

BRITAIN'S favourite landlady Bet Lynch is set for a shock Rovers Return.

For we can exclusively reveal that actress Julie Goodyear will be the first of MANY old faces making a Coronation Street comeback.


As well as reinstating the Weatherfield legend, it's believed the soap's new producer Phil Collinson will look to AXE younger faces of the ITV soap in a bid to boost ratings.


Watch Coronation Street legend Bet Lynch's best bits
The former Dr Who supremo, who famously chopped Freema Agyeman as the Doc's sidekick, has been dubbed Mr Cull-inson.


Julie, 67, who played The Rovers' brassy landlady for 25 years, recently hinted at a return to the show. She left back in 1995 after winning the Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Television Awards.


A Corrie insider said: "Phil feels viewers have been turning off because the show has become a teen soap, like Hollyoaks. So he's set a brief to make changes and revive the golden days.


"Julie is on the top of the list. Phil thinks she stands for everything about the show - the humour and the campness of Corrie." Other iconic names he wants to bring back to the cobbles include Kevin Kennedy, who played Curly Watts from 1983 to 2003.


The 48-year-old star admitted last year that he was interested in making a comeback.


He said: "Coronation Street celebrates 50 years soon. I think this is the perfect time to return."


Collinson is also interested in getting Loose Women star Sherrie Hewson back on the soap. She joined in 1993 playing dizzy Maureen Naylor.


Our source added: "Phil has also mentioned Richard Fleeshman who played Craig Harris. Richard left in 2006 but was always a well-loved character."


But the new plans will hit the younger stars of the show too. Favourites like Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold), screen wife Claire (Julia Haworth) and Maria Connor (Samia Smith) are under scrutiny.


The source said: "Newer names could face the axe. One of those up for discussion is Helen Flanagan, who plays Rosie Webster.


Older

"Phil's aim is to make the show more about the older, more established characters. The Street celebrates a landmark later this year so it seems natural that they would want the big names back in the show for then.


"Just a glimpse of Bet back on the cobbles will be enough to get fans tuning back in."

[Scarlett.]

w00t!

[Mrluvaluva]

I think Rosie plays a good part....or two.