Gearing up for another exit from Weatherfield, Dame Maureen Lipman had huge hopes for her character.
She has revealed details about her ITV alter ego’s future on Coronation Street after confirming a hiatus from the iconic soap. Joining in 2018 as Evelyn, Tyrone Dobbs’ grandmother played by Alan Halsall, Maureen had previously taken a break last year.
During the Inside Soap Awards, Maureen teased details about Evelyn’s upcoming storyline, stating, “I’m not sure how much I can share, but Evelyn will be embarking on something interesting and unusual—an idea of mine. I’m uncertain how it will unfold, but I really hope we can have a spin-off showcasing her journey.”
She also quashed any speculation about Evelyn leaving for good, reassuring fans of her commitment to the show: “I’m not dying. I haven’t fallen into the Manchester Ship Canal, so I’ll likely be back until I’m wheeled off the set.”
During her chat, Maureen also shared how she influenced the plot for Evelyn’s temporary exit: “I had the idea that Evelyn might get so fed up with working in three crappy jobs and not being appreciated I suggested and [the bosses] liked it,” Maureen recalled. “She applies to go to university at the age of 78 and that she’s studying law with special emphasis on dogs.”
“What a spin-off it would be if she was put in a hall of residence with some 17 year old kid who’s never been off the isle of Orkney and then everybody at university starts dressing like Evelyn!”
Outside of the soap, Maureen recently announced her engagement to her partner, David Turner, after publicly revealing their relationship last year. Previously, Maureen was married to playwright Jack Rosenthal until his death in 2004, and she had a relationship with Guido Castro from 2008 until his passing in 2021.
In a chat with OK! about her engagement to David, Maureen expressed: “It came as shock to him and me. It’s just a lovely mad, insane, fantastic thing that happened to both of us and I’ve been very lucky to meet three men who seem to like me and bring me a cup of tea. I wish it for everybody.”
On Monday, Evelyn’s grandson Tyrone (Alan Halsall) learned that his wife, Fiz Dobbs (Jennie McAlpine), was expecting their first child. However, with Hope and Ruby already at home, their financial situation raised concerns. In Wednesday’s (October 2) episode of the Manchester-based drama, Fiz decided that having an abortion might be the best choice for them.
