Coronation Street starâs scenes in rival soap âcutâ â 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 legendâs soap character.
Pauline chose not to name who it was, but she joked about them questioning why Pauline wasnât being used more onscreen, failing to realise it was down to their own meddling. Speaking to The Mirror, Pauline told us: âI had a lovely time on EastEnders, but I wasnât there for long, and it was quite a few years ago.
âI did a lot of scenes with an elderly actress whoâs an absolute icon, but she would often come in having cut most of the script, saying, âNo, my character wouldnât say that.â
Pauline McLynn had plenty of soap experience before her Coronation Street debut (Image: BBC)
âShe once said to me, âIâm surprised Iâm not doing more with you,â and I said, âWell, they are trying!â.â Pauline loved her time on the soap though, while she noted it was a âvery different working arrangementâ to Corrie.
She went on: âIt was wonderful, but not at all like here. This is the first time Iâve ever walked into a place and felt immediately at home, immediately part of the family. Thatâs what I mean about casting, we all feel like weâve known one another forever.
âI feel, in the best way, like Iâve been here longer than I have. Things are getting a bit itchy now because itâs my honeymoon period. Weâre 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)
âNobody knows anything about whatâs to come, but once weâre on screen, I presume all hell will break loose, fans liking it or not liking it and all that!â 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: âI was just bewildered, really. I didnât see this one coming down the line. Iâm not one of those actors who has goals or even ambition, really, if Iâm honest. I tend to stagger from one thing to the next, depending on who wants me.
âI certainly didnât have this on a list, I donât have a list! So this was huge. It was like, âWhat? Wait! Who? Say that again. Coronation Street are interested?â.â


