Stella set to take over Corrie pub

Michelle Collins’ ‘Coronation Street’ character is set to become the landlady of the Rover’s Return.

The actress – who plays Stella Price in the ITV soap – will buy the pub after current owner Steve (Simon Gregson) puts it up for sale to ease his debt problems, and she admits she is “quite excited” to become the manager of the iconic drinking establishment.

She said: “I've had my name above the door for quite a while now as manager, but now she's actually going to own it. They struggle to get the money together to get a mortgage. And they're turned down by a few people because they're 'too old'. But then you'll see what happens. It's quite exciting, being the owner of The Rovers."

She is particularly looking forward to developing her character – who joined the soap this year amid much criticism about her Mancunian accent – and hopefully turning her into another memorable owner of the pub.

She added: “I’d love to create another iconic character. I think Stella seems to be a bit like the Mother Teresa of ‘Corrie’. Suddenly she’s everybody’s agony aunt.

“They’re injecting a little bit of steeliness into her.”