Salon WARS!

Back in Corrie, Rula Lenska on her character’s comic clashes with rival hairdresser Audrey Roberts

Rula Lenska returns as Coronation Street’s glamorous Claudia Colby this week, and reveals her character is about to start a hairdressing war with rival Audrey Roberts.

Claudia was last in Weatherfield in May 2011, hoping to expand her salon business, Perm Suspect, with another on Coronation Street, but left after falling out with Audrey over a man.

Rula says, ‘Claudia comes back to poach Maria from Audrey’s salon to run one of her new franchises. It’s a battle of the hairdressers…’

However, Claudia’s behaviour towards Audrey – with whom she has a love-hate relationship – will be more playful than sinister as Claudia winds her up about how Audrey’s more suited to serving ‘the blue-rinse brigade’.

‘She’s quite catty, saying how some salons are the future and others, like Audrey’s, aren’t. But that’s just her nature,’ says Rula.

Rula thinks viewers will welcome this frothy storyline involving older characters. ‘You need light relief,’ she says. ‘I’d say 75 per cent of Corrie’s audience are older. It’s important there are viable, interesting relationships. Two older ladies who love and hate each other – that offers delicious possibilities for grown-up humour.’

Rula, who made her name in a host of TV, film and stage roles in the 1970s, joined Corrie in 2009 but left for theatre projects. However, she was so popular with viewers that she’s delighted to be back.

‘People would stop me and ask, “Are you ever going to return to Corrie? It’s such an unusual relationship with Audrey.” I think the writers liked the bitchy relationship between two older women, and I’m thrilled to be back.’

Claudia’s relationship with Audrey won’t just be about business. ‘There’s Dubai or Nepal? I prefer holidays in places where you can switch off and be at one with nature, like Nepal.

Mexican or Thai? My favourite food is probably Thai, although I do love a good Italian pasta dish.

Vodka or gin? Vodka, preferably Polish. I like it ice-cold, neat with lime, or in a martini with an olive.

Comedy or drama? English television is the best at period dramas, such as Downtown Abbey. I also like wildlife

a warmer friendship, where they discuss life and love, which I hope will grow bigger,’ says Rula. ‘It’s a lovely opportunity for Sue Nicholls [who plays Audrey] as well, I hope.’

Rula’s return coincides with that of Nigel Havers, who played Audrey’s suave fraudster ex-boyfriend Lewis Archer, after the pair were introduced by Claudia. Lewis has already been seen working with dodgy clairvoyant Rosemary Piper to con Gail Platt.

‘Lewis and Audrey’s relationship will be rekindled, but that’s all I know,’

says Rula. ‘I hope Claudia meets a tall, dark, handsome stranger too.’

Rula, 70, who has a daughter and grandson, commutes to Manchester from her home in London – which has its disadvantages. ‘It’s great for learning lines on the train but it is tiring, and it’s very hard being away from my family.’

But Rula can’t wait to see what the writers have in store for Claudia and Audrey. ‘My dream is that they have a joint salon, but who knows...’