Maureen Lipman's Coronation Street Comeback Conditional on 'Proper Storyline'
Acclaimed actress Maureen Lipman has revealed she doesn't know when she'll return to Coronation Street, issuing one specific demand for her potential comeback as beloved character Evelyn Plummer. The veteran performer, who joined the iconic soap in 2018, has become a firm fan favorite through her portrayal of the fiercely uncompromising battle axe with a delightfully acidic tongue.
Evelyn Plummer's Evolution and Extended Hiatus
After five years as a full-time cast member, Lipman decided to step back from regular appearances, transforming Evelyn into a recurring character. This career shift allowed the actress to spend more time at home with her new husband, David Turner, while pursuing other interests. Within the show's narrative, Evelyn departed Weatherfield after being convinced by best friend Roy Cropper to follow her dreams and pursue a university law degree.
Despite her absence, Evelyn has reappeared several times when daughter Cassie Plummer and grandson Tyrone Dobbs required her trademark tough love and caustic putdowns. Lipman initially described her break as a 'gap year' from the show, explaining Evelyn would be 'in and out' so the actress could 'have a bit of a life.'
The Specific Demand for Return
Speaking to The Mirror, Lipman revealed exactly what would secure her return to the cobbles: a substantial, meaningful storyline rather than a simple cameo appearance. 'I love Corrie but I don't know when I am going back,' she stated. 'They asked me at Christmas. I said, 'I will come back, but you will have to give me a proper storyline. I am not just coming back to stand in the Rovers Return and say, 'I'm back'. Who cares?'
The actress added that Coronation Street represents 'a perfect job' where she could potentially remain 'for the rest of my sane time,' highlighting her continued affection for the series despite her current absence.
Recent Appearance and Critical Views
Lipman's most recent appearance saw Evelyn stumble upon the aftermath of Will Driscoll's brutal attack on Daniel Osbourne, discovering the bloodied teacher while walking her dog. This dramatic moment reflects broader changes in the soap that have drawn criticism from both fans and former cast members.
Executive Producer Iain McLeod recently discussed evolving Coronation Street's look to engage younger viewers, stating: 'What we don't want is to be left behind. If your mum's now watching Squid Game on Netflix, you don't want those viewers to turn on Corrie or turn on Emmerdale and it looks like a completely different century.'
Industry Debate Over Soap Direction
Former Coronation Street star Sally Ann Matthews vehemently disagreed with McLeod's vision, arguing the soap should 'stick to its USP' rather than incorporating elements of police and hospital dramas. 'If I wanted to watch a police drama, I'd watch Line of Duty. If I wanted to watch a hospital drama, I'd watch ER!' Matthews declared.
Lipman herself has previously expressed dissatisfaction with the show's direction, siding with Matthews during an appearance on the Beyond the Title podcast. 'We've come to a point in Corrie now where people are getting murdered in knicker factories,' she remarked. 'We're having domestic abuse. Anything that ticks the box of social problems in the 21st century is going to be in your local soap.'
The actress nostalgically recalled earlier eras when characters could simply 'sit down and have a conversation about Ben-Hur' without addressing every contemporary social issue. This debate continues to rage within the soap industry as traditional formats face increasing pressure to evolve while maintaining their core identities.
As Coronation Street navigates these creative challenges, Maureen Lipman's potential return remains uncertain, hinging entirely on whether producers can deliver the 'proper storyline' she demands for Evelyn Plummer's next chapter.
