Maureen reveals when older Corrie stars will ‘unroll their wrinkles’

MAUREEN Lipman has revealed when Coronation Street’s older cast members will go back to work.

The star, who plays no-nonsense Evelyn Plummer, said it won’t be happening for a few months.

Filming for the ITV soap restarted earlier this month but children and those over 70 and with underlying health conditions are yet to return.

The programme is continuing its three episodes a week run as cast and crew get used to filming under social-distancing guidelines.

Maureen said that she, along with the likes of William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow, will be back on the cobbles in September.

She said: “There is an

Show veteran William Roache plays Ken Barlow

element now of people – particularly in my business – you used to be able to waitress when you weren’t working but now there’s nowhere to waitress. So it is tough.

“I’m very aware that I’m incredibly lucky to have Coronation Street to look forward to in September when the wrinklies get unrolled.” She also spoke about her appearance on Channel 4’s Celebrity Gogglebox, along with Countdown favourite Gyles Brandreth.

She said: “Gogglebox just goes on you know, I do about seven episodes and they show us programmes that I’ve never seen before.”

John Whiston, the managing director of continuing drama for ITV, revealed before filming restarted that the soap will feature a number of new measures to keep cast and crew safe. He said: “As well as a staggered return from workers, masks must be worn by the crew and there are poles to prod actors who accidentally breach the two-metre rule.”