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BREAKING NEWS: Coronation Street producer Phil Collinson has revealed that acclaimed actress Sue Johnston has been cast to play Stella Price’s mum Gloria.

The announcement ends weeks of speculation about who would be signed up for the role.

Sue is no stranger to the worlds of soap and drama, having played Sheila Grant in the fondly remembered series 'Brookside', long-suffering Barbara in 'The Royle Family' and Grace in 'Waking the Dead'.

Her character Gloria will arrive unannounced on the cobbles in early summer from Spain, where she has been running a bar. She tells Stella she is only staying for a short time. But as the days runs into weeks and the weeks into months Stella becomes suspicious about what her mum has really been up to abroad and why she isn’t returning.

It soon becomes clear that Gloria has been economical with the truth and the sparks fly between her and her daughter. And the ladies of Weatherfield soon discover that they will have to keep an eye on their men as she sets her sights on Dennis and Lewis.

Larger than life, ballsy and outspoken Gloria will be in the great tradition of strong Weatherfield women who don’t take no for an answer and live life to the full.

Phil Collinson said: “I'm delighted to be welcoming Sue Johnston to the cast of Coronation Street. She is a national treasure and a stunning actress. She has been at the heart of the very best comedy and drama the UK has produced over last 30 years and will step into the heart of Coronation Street as her character, Gloria, takes up running The Rovers with daughter Stella.”

Sue will begin filming in April and will be on screen from June.

ITV.com