One of Coronation Street’s most iconic roles is about to change hands — and fans are already buzzing with anticipation. After seven years away from the cobbles,

Catherine Tyldesley is officially returning to Weatherfield in a move that promises nostalgia, drama, and a seismic shift at the heart of the street

. The actress, now 41, is reprising her role as Eva Price — this time stepping into the legendary position of landlady of the Rovers Return.

Catherine Tyldesley is making a Coronation Street comeback

Bosses persuaded Catherine, who plays Eva Price, to rejoin after seven years away

Eva was last seen leaving Weatherfield for a fresh start in France following the tragic suicide of her child’s dad

For Coronation Street fans, the Rovers is more than just a pub. It’s the emotional epicenter of Weatherfield — the place where secrets spill, feuds explode, romances blossom, and history is made. And now, Eva Price is set to join the elite lineage of women who have ruled behind its bar, following in the formidable footsteps of Bet Lynch, Annie Walker, and Liz McDonald.

According to insiders, Eva’s return has been in the works for months, with producers determined to lure Catherine Tyldesley back after her departure in 2018. This was no casual phone call or fleeting cameo offer. Bosses reportedly pitched Eva’s return as a major long-term storyline, built around her reclaiming a central role on the street — quite literally — by taking charge of the Rovers.

“It’s one of the biggest jobs in soap,” a source revealed. “Being landlady of the Rovers is iconic. Bosses were desperate to get Catherine back, and they knew it had to be something special. Making Eva the new landlady was the perfect hook.”

The timing of Eva’s comeback is no coincidence. The news follows confirmation that Sally Ann Matthews, who has played Jenny Connor in recent years, has been written out of the ITV soap. Jenny’s emotional exit will leave a power vacuum at the Rovers — and producers wasted no time filling it with a familiar, fiery face.

Catherine Tyldesley reportedly agreed to return earlier this year and is set to begin filming imminently, with Eva’s on-screen comeback expected to air in the autumn. The announcement has already sparked excitement across social media, with fans eager to see how Eva — older, wiser, but no less outspoken — fits back into Weatherfield life.

Eva Price last left the cobbles in heartbreaking circumstances. After enduring one of the most devastating chapters of her life — the suicide of her partner Aidan Connor — Eva made the difficult decision to leave Weatherfield behind. Carrying her baby daughter Susie, she headed to France in search of a fresh start, leaving behind a trail of grief, unresolved pain, and unfinished business.

At the time, Eva’s departure felt final. Catherine Tyldesley had been a core part of Coronation Street since 2011, delivering some of the show’s most emotionally charged performances. From Eva’s tumultuous relationships and explosive confrontations to her fierce loyalty and vulnerability, the character quickly became a fan favorite.

Now, seven years later, Eva’s return raises immediate questions. Why has she come back? What has life been like for her and Susie abroad? And perhaps most importantly — what has drawn her back to Weatherfield, and to the Rovers Return specifically?

Insiders tease that Eva’s return will not be a quiet one. Her appointment as landlady will reportedly come with major storylines that ripple across the street, forcing old wounds to reopen and long-buried tensions to resurface. Eva’s history with the Connor family alone promises fireworks, particularly given her connection to Jenny Connor and the legacy of Aidan’s death.

Stepping into the role of landlady also signals a significant evolution for Eva. Once known for her impulsive decisions, emotional volatility, and dramatic flair, Eva returning as the boss of the Rovers suggests growth — but not necessarily restraint. Fans can expect Eva’s trademark wit, warmth, and sharp tongue to remain firmly intact, especially when challenged.

Behind the scenes, Catherine Tyldesley’s return is being treated as a major coup for the soap. Since leaving Coronation Street, the actress has expanded her career beyond Weatherfield, most notably appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2019, where she impressed viewers with her confidence and charisma. She has also remained a popular media figure, making her comeback all the more headline-worthy.

Producers are reportedly keen to capitalize on both Eva’s legacy and Catherine’s star power, positioning her at the heart of the show during a period of transition. With the Rovers once again under new management, the pub is expected to reclaim its status as the beating heart of the cobbles — a place where stories collide and emotions run high.

Catherine played Eva from 2011 to 2018

Eva’s return also promises to shake up existing character dynamics. Old friendships will be tested, rivalries reignited, and new alliances formed as Eva reasserts herself in a street that has changed dramatically since she left. Yet some things never change — and Eva’s presence alone is likely to send shockwaves through Weatherfield.

For long-time viewers, the announcement taps directly into nostalgia while offering something new. Eva Price isn’t simply returning to the street; she’s returning with authority, responsibility, and a fresh chapter that could redefine her legacy.

As autumn approaches, anticipation is building. How will Eva handle the pressure of running the Rovers? Who will support her — and who will challenge her? And what secrets from her past might resurface now that she’s back where it all began?

One thing is certain: with Catherine Tyldesley back behind the bar, the Rovers Return is once again set to become the most explosive address in Weatherfield. After seven years away, Eva Price is coming home — and she’s bringing drama with her.