Coronation Street producer Kate Oates has been interviewed about the return of Carla Connor to Weatherfield.
Speaking to the Daily Star Sunday, Kate said: “Carla’s comeback storyline is good, I don’t think it’s what people would expect. It’s a storyline that’s got long-running consequences. I think when she first comes back people will be like, ‘Oh, I didn’t expect this to be her returning story’ but as it runs on things will become clear and they will realise why Corrie has brought her back.”
She also talks about how she persuaded Alison King to return to the role as Carla.
She said “I think there’s an element of once Alison recovered from sheer exhaustion, she missed it. She missed her friends and the dynamic of Corrie. We know each other off screen and get on really well, it’s just an element of timing. Whenever I saw her I’d be like, ‘Any chance? Have another glass of wine, any chance now?’ It was just good timing. I’d sign her up forever. Hopefully she’s happy. And it’s my job to make sure she doesn’t feel exhausted like she did last time, because you want longevity from characters.
“It’s really hard when people are cursed by their own popularity, if you like. They are played in every storyline and that’s hard, especially when you’re on six episodes a week. The lucky thing is we have a great ensemble cast so no-one needs to feel like that.”
Kate said: “She’s a little Christmas present to the nation. There’s lots coming up with Michelle. They’re going to have some good old-fashioned barneys, but in a good way, in a thoroughly entertaining way, like when you see best friends fall out. It’s fiery and exciting but they love each other, so they will always work it out.”
Catch up on the first 10 years of Carla's life in Coronation Street with this fab little book. Available in paperback or as an ebook here.
Carla will return to Coronation Street on Friday December 22nd, it was revealed this week.
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