Coronation Street star Rita Tanner is to get the shock of her life next month when her foster daughter Sharon returns to Weatherfield.
The role will be reprised by actress Tracie Bennett, who propelled to fame as character Sharon Bentley in the 80s and 90s.
Rita’s foster daughter has not been seen on the cobbles since 1999, after she and the shop owner had a falling out when Sharon tried to sell the Kabin after it had been given to her as a birthday present.
Even though Sharon has proved to be untrustworthy in the past, it would seem that Rita may about to be forgiving.
Coronation Street November 1999 TV Programme starring Tracie Bennett Actress as Sharon and Barbara Knox Actress as Rita – saying goodbye to each other
Chum Jenny Connor isn’t as enthused about Sharon’s return, however it would seem Rita is willing to give her another chance.
But will beloved Rita live to regret her decision of welcoming Sharon home with warm arms?
Speaking about her return to the street after 22 years, Tracie said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be returning to the cobbles.
“It is a dream come true for me, I had such an amazing time there and I am looking forward to working with Barbara again and getting my teeth into the storylines they have planned for Sharon.”
Tracie said “it was a dream come true” to be able to return to Coronation Street
The actress who first landed on the soap 39 years ago as a trouble teen, added: “I was first approached about coming back about 18 months ago.
“I was keen and excited to see what was in store but my work schedule and then the pandemic has meant that it has taken till now for it all to come together.
“I am so pleased that I can finally tell everyone as it has been hard trying to keep the secret.”
Will Rita live to regret her decision of welcoming Sharon back with open arms? (Image: ITV)
Iain MacLeod, an ITV producer for the soap explained: “It’s extremely exciting to see someone of Tracie’s calibre revisit a role so rich in history and with such a complicated psychology.
“Sharon returns across some badly burned bridges to reconnect with Rita – but very quickly her presence becomes destabilising and extremely dangerous, in ways that I hope the viewers won’t see coming.
Like what you see? Then fill your boots…
There’s MUCH more where that came from! Want all the jaw-dropping stories from the world of showbiz and up to the minute news from TV and soaps?
Well, we’ve got you covered with our showbiz, TV and soaps newsletters – they’ll drop straight into your inbox and you can unsubscribe whenever you like.
We’ll bring you the inside track from telly expert Ed Gleave and soap specialist Sasha Morris. Oh, and your daily fix of Piers, Katie Price, Demi Rose and all your other Daily Star favs.
You can sign up here – you won’t regret it…
“The big question is: what has her life become since she was last on the Street? The answer to that question will drive a massive story for us, which runs into the summer and beyond.”
Following a successful on-screen career, Tracie went on to become a leading lady in the West End star – winning two Olivier Awards for her performances.
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm on ITV.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
