Coronation Street star’s scenes in rival soap ‘cut’ – and unaware co-star was to blame
Coronation Street newcomer Pauline McLynn, who plays Maggie Driscoll on the ITV soap, previously had a role in EastEnders but not all of her planned scenes went ahead
Coronation Street newcomer Pauline McLynn, who plays Maggie Driscoll on the ITV soap, previously had a role in EastEnders(Image: ITV)
Pauline McLynn had plenty of soap experience before her Coronation Street debut as new Rovers Return owner Maggie Driscoll.
But the star hinted we were meant to see a bit more of her EastEnders character Yvonne Cotton than what aired, and a co-star was to blame. Rather hilariously, the soap legend in question had no idea that thanks to their constant script cutting, it cost poor Pauline some onscreen moments, likely starring the mystery legend’s soap character.
Pauline chose not to name who it was, but she joked about them questioning why Pauline wasn’t being used more onscreen, failing to realise it was down to their own meddling. Speaking to The Mirror, Pauline told us: “I had a lovely time on EastEnders, but I wasn’t there for long, and it was quite a few years ago.
“I did a lot of scenes with an elderly actress who’s an absolute icon, but she would often come in having cut most of the script, saying, ‘No, my character wouldn’t say that.’
Pauline McLynn had plenty of soap experience before her Coronation Street debut (Image: BBC)
“She once said to me, ‘I’m surprised I’m not doing more with you,’ and I said, ‘Well, they are trying!’.” Pauline loved her time on the soap though, while she noted it was a “very different working arrangement” to Corrie.
She went on: “It was wonderful, but not at all like here. This is the first time I’ve ever walked into a place and felt immediately at home, immediately part of the family. That’s what I mean about casting, we all feel like we’ve known one another forever.
“I feel, in the best way, like I’ve been here longer than I have. Things are getting a bit itchy now because it’s my honeymoon period. We’re about ten to twelve weeks ahead with the stories.
The star hinted we were meant to see a bit more of her EastEnders character Yvonne Cotton than what aired(Image: BBC)
“Nobody knows anything about what’s to come, but once we’re on screen, I presume all hell will break loose, fans liking it or not liking it and all that!” Pauline never thought a role on Coronation Street would be on the cards, and was stunned when she was told about the role.
She explained: “I was just bewildered, really. I didn’t see this one coming down the line. I’m not one of those actors who has goals or even ambition, really, if I’m honest. I tend to stagger from one thing to the next, depending on who wants me.
“I certainly didn’t have this on a list, I don’t have a list! So this was huge. It was like, ‘What? Wait! Who? Say that again. Coronation Street are interested?’.”
