Emma Matthews, an actress familiar to Coronation Street viewers for her multiple roles over the years, is returning to the cobbles in a brand new part. Her last appearance was in 2017, meaning a nine-year gap before this comeback. ITV has not yet revealed what her new role will be, how long she will appear, or which storylines she will influence.
A Familiar Face with a History of Diverse Roles
Matthews first appeared on Coronation Street in 2006 as Kathleen Gutteridge, the biological mother of Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold), who had abandoned him at birth. That role led to a later appearance as Genna, a social worker involved in Les Battersby-Brown's (Bruce Jones) adoption of his stepson Chesney (Sam Aston).
Between 2012 and 2015, she played a nurse at Weatherfield General Hospital, appearing intermittently. In October 2017, she took on the more substantial role of Fiona Crawley, a social worker dealing with Abi Webster's (Sally Carman) children, Charlie and Lexi Franklin.
The Actress's Busy Career Beyond Weatherfield
Outside of Coronation Street, Matthews is currently starring in David Walliams' Billionaire Boy at the Garrick Theatre in London's West End. Her theatre credits include Cabaret, Oh What A Bloody Circus, The Hired Man, Stepping Out, and Gangsta Granny. On television, she has appeared in Prisoners Wives, Casualty, Trying Again, Doctors, and The Bay.
In 2013, Matthews opened her own stage school in Bury. Speaking to the Bury Times, she said: 'Opening another stage school was something I had always wanted to do and moving back to the area gave me that opportunity. We have lots of contacts in the industry including casting directors, agencies and TV and film companies, so many of the children we work with end up getting professional work.'
Directing Ambitions and a Corrie Connection
In addition to acting, Matthews has been pursuing a Masters qualification in Theatre Directing. She recently directed an adaptation of Beautiful Thing, a play written by Coronation Street writer Jonathan Harvey, to complete the final practical assessment of her degree.
Another Multi-Role Return: Elizabeth Rider
Matthews is not the only actor to return to Weatherfield in a new role. Elizabeth Rider recently resurfaced as Sadie, the mother of Asha Alahan's (Tanisha Gorey) new love interest Sienna Milburn (Charlotte Tyree). Sadie suffers from dementia, more advanced than Debbie Webster's (Sue Devaney) condition, and her presence has shaken Debbie and her husband Ronnie Bailey (Vinta Morgan), who see it as a sobering glimpse into their future.
Speaking to The Sun after her return was announced, a source said: 'Corrie bosses are delighted to have tempted Elizabeth for a short stint on the cobbles. She's a legendary actress with a huge amount of talent and everyone's thrilled she's here.'
