By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 1:57 PM on 15th April 2011
Former EastEnders star Michelle Collins is to join Coronation Street as the new landlady of the Rovers Return.
Taggart actor John Michie will join her as new couple Stella and Karl who make 'sparks fly, the soap announced.
Michelle, 49, who is best known for her role as Cindy Beale, says: 'I am honoured to be joining. It’s been part of my life since I was a child. It is extremely exciting.'
Moving in: Former EastEnders star Michelle Collins has been announced to play Stella, the new landlady of Coronation Street's Rovers Return pub
Taking over: The actress will begin filming her scenes at the iconic location in the next month, show sources say
Stella is brought into the Rovers by owner Steve McDonald after a series of bust-ups with wife Becky leave the pubs future in jeopardy.
But Stella promptly moves in partner Karl and feisty daughter Eva, who's part has yet to be cast.
The new cast members are expected to begin filming their scenes in the next three weeks.
Villainess: Michelle played Ian Beale's wife Cindy for ten years on EastEnders
Husband: Taggart star John Michie will play Collins' husband Karl
Executive Producer Kieran Roberts said: 'I'm thrilled to be welcoming John and Michelle to the cast of Coronation Street.
'In Taggart, John has kept viewers on the edge of their seats for the last ten years.
'Karl is a very different character for him though and the ladies of Weatherfield need to watch themselves, as this sexy charmer will quickly make his presence felt.
'Michelle's acting credentials are first class with more than a decade leading some brilliant and memorable drama series. I am certain she is going to be fantastic as the warm, funny, steely, flawed and larger-than-life northern matriarch Stella.
'Karl and Stella's fiery marriage is sure to keep viewers hooked through 2011 and beyond.'
John Michie added: 'My mum is from Rochdale, my wife is from Grimethorpe they are both northerners and huge fans. I am from even further north so it is the only soap for me.'
Michelle became a household name as the cheating, scheming wife of Ian Beale on EastEnders.
Passing the torch: Viewers watched Liz McDonald (left) leave Weatherfield last night and her on Steve will bring in Stella after bust-ups with wife Becky (right)
She played the villainous character for ten years from 1988 to 1998. She is currently appearing on stage at the Octagon Theatre in Bolton in a production of The Demolition Man.
Michelle's Corrie character will be taking over from Liz McDonald, the current Rovers Return landlady played by Bev Callard, who was seen by viewers leaving Weatherfield behind in last night's episode.
She’ll be following in the footsteps of famous Rovers landladies including Elsie Tanner, Annie Walker, Bet Lynch and Vera Duckworth.
Following in their footsteps: Former landladies Annie Walker (Doris Speed) and Bet Lynch (Julie Goodyear)
Behind the taps: Vera Duckworth (played by Liz Dawn) ran the pub with husband Jack (Bill Tarmey) from 1995 to 1998
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