Coronation Street fans, brace yourselves! The formidable and much-adored Dame Maureen Lipman, the iconic actress behind the beloved battleaxe Evelyn Plummer, is set to make a sensational, lightning-fast return to the cobbles in mere weeks! This isn’t just a simple comeback; it’s a stunning U-turn on her previously announced plans for an “extended break,” and it comes hot on the heels of her explosive, no-holds-barred criticism of the show’s recent storylines!

The “Break” That Wasn’t: Evelyn Plummer’s Shocking Return!

Last July, Coronation Street enthusiasts were left reeling when reports surfaced that the veteran actress, Dame Maureen Lipman (79), was set to take an “extended sabbatical” from the long-running ITV serial drama. Her formidable character, Evelyn Plummer – grandmother of Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall) and a fan-favourite for her sharp wit and even sharper tongue – was written out of the show, embarking on a seemingly bizarre new career path: studying law at university, even seeking accommodation in university halls at the age of 78! Her “official exit” storyline played out on-screen back in January, leaving a hole in the hearts of viewers who had grown to love her regular appearances since 2018.

But hold onto your hats, because what was billed as a lengthy departure has morphed into a jaw-dropping reversal! A source has now sensationally confirmed to The Sun that Evelyn will be back in Weatherfield, and the wait for fans is incredibly short. An insider revealed: “As Evelyn went off to uni, it makes sense for her to pop back in from time to time.” This seemingly innocuous statement hints at a far more significant shift in plans for the beloved star.

Behind the Scenes: A Star’s Daring “Swipe at Bosses” Fuels Return Speculation!

While the official line points to Evelyn’s university stint allowing for occasional returns, the real intrigue lies in Dame Maureen Lipman’s own fiery comments made just months before her supposed “sabbatical.” The veteran actress didn’t just quietly step away; she made headlines by taking a SCATHING swipe at Coronation Street bosses, openly urging producers to take a “back to basics” approach with storylines and move away from what she perceived as overly dramatic or “social problems” narratives.

Speaking on the “Beyond The Title” podcast, Dame Maureen remarked with brutal honesty: “We’ve come to a point in Corrie now where people are getting murdered in knicker factories. 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.” She contrasted this sharply with the show’s golden era, where characters like Martha Longhurst, Minnie Caldwell, and Ena Sharples could simply “have a conversation about Ben-Hur” in the snug. She yearned for the days when “the women sit down and go, ‘Ooh, Donald Trump, ain’t his hair shocking.’”

These were not gentle suggestions; they were powerful criticisms from a revered industry veteran, publicly challenging the show’s direction! Coming from a star of her caliber, such comments often spark intense debate and speculation about her future with the production. Did her outspoken views play a role in her seemingly rapid return? Or is her influence so profound that the show is responding to her call for a narrative shift?

The Confirmed Comeback: “I’ll Be In And Out”!

Despite her strong opinions, Dame Maureen had previously hinted at a more flexible future with the soap. Appearing on “Love Your Weekend” with Alan Titchmarsh, she confirmed a crucial detail: “Yes, I have been signed up to do another year.” She emphasized the positive impact the show has on her: “It’s good for you, it keeps you on your metal, my goodness me. I mean everything is still completely fascinating to me.”

And in December last year, she clarified her intentions to The Sun, stating clearly: “I’ll be absent for a while, and then coming back. I’m not going to die but then I’ll be in and out of it because I want to have a bit of a life.” She even hinted at a “gap year” with her partner David. This confirmation, while softening the blow of her “exit,” now makes her imminent “weeks away” return even more intriguing, suggesting a faster comeback than many anticipated after such strong public statements.

The imminent return of Evelyn Plummer, a character celebrated for her authenticity and sharp commentary, now carries an added layer of “hotness” due to Dame Maureen’s candid criticisms. Will her presence on the Cobbles signal a shift in Coronation Street‘s storytelling? Or will her unique brand of honest observation simply continue to captivate viewers, regardless of the plot? Either way, her return in just weeks promises a burst of beloved energy and potentially, a fascinating new dynamic behind the scenes.

Coronation Street continues on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.