Biggest bombshell! Coronation Street’s newest k.i.l.l.e.r revealed ahead of huge festive storyline that will include special flashback episode

The 63-year-old actress, who played housekeeper Mrs Doyle in the ’90s comedy series, is set to shock viewers of the ITV soap.

Pauline McLynn in character as Mrs. Doyle, holding a tray with teacups and a tea cozy.

From looking after three priests on Father Ted as Mrs Doyle, above, Pauline McLynn is taking on a killer role in Coronation Street

Six cast members from Coronation Street are pictured in the Rovers Return set, from left to right: Lucas Hodgson-Wale, Pauline McLynn, Aaron McCusker, Catherine Tyldesley, Aurora Bradshaw, and Raphael Akuwudike.

Newcomer Maggie Driscoll, left, will shock fans by killing a key character in a special Corrie flashback episode – seen here with her new Corrie family running the Rovers Return

Her character Maggie Driscoll will be seen in a special flashback episode bumping off a pivotal figure.

Maggie only arrived on the cobbles last month as part of a new family to run the Rovers Return pub.

It includes son Ben Driscoll, played by Aaron McCusker, and her daughter-in-law and new landlady Eva Price, played by a returning Cath Tyldesley.

A TV insider said: “When viewers see whose death Maggie was behind it will really send shockwaves through Weatherfield and life will never quite be the same again for her.

“The killing happened prior to her moving into the Rovers Return with her son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren, and none of them will be aware of it.

“But it will all come out in a bombshell storyline leading up to the festive season.”

Pauline played Mrs Doyle in 28 Father Ted episodes, looking after three priests on Ireland’s Craggy Island.

They included the foul-mouthed alcoholic Father Jack, famous for shouting out “feck”.

Coronation Street was asked for a comment.