Coronation Street has confirmed an exciting new cast addition with the hiring of former EastEnders star Pauline McLynn, who will join the soap in a major new role alongside Catherine Tyldesley’s return as Eva Price. It was initially reported in February that Tyldesley would reprise her role after a seven-year absence, and the latest updates reveal that Eva will arrive back in Weatherfield with a fresh storyline—and a new partner.

In an official update from ITV, it’s been confirmed that Eva will be joined by her partner, Ben Driscoll, played by Aaron McCusker, and her “interfering” mother-in-law, Maggie, who will be portrayed by McLynn. The trio is set to make their grand entrance on the cobbles in October, with Eva and Ben taking over the legendary Rovers Return Inn. As expected in soap opera fashion, their arrival will be marked with plenty of drama, explosive secrets, and a suitcase full of surprises.

The new family dynamic will not stop at Eva and Ben—Ben’s two sons and Eva’s daughter, Suzie, will also be joining them in Weatherfield. While these roles have yet to be cast, Tyldesley has already begun filming, so fans can expect the full family to make an impact on the show very soon.

Pauline McLynn, best known for her iconic role as Mrs. Doyle on Father Ted, brings her impressive acting talent to Coronation Street after a year-long stint as Yvonne Cotton on EastEnders, which ended in May 2015. McLynn is no stranger to working alongside McCusker, as the two previously appeared together in Shameless, and their reunion on Coronation Street is sure to bring plenty of chemistry and intrigue.

Coronation Street producer Kate Brooks shared her excitement about Eva’s return and the arrival of the Driscoll family, saying, “We are beyond thrilled that Eva is returning as the landlady of the Rovers, with her new blended family in tow. The Driscolls do not arrive quietly, so expect big drama, explosive secrets, and raucous knees-ups galore.” She also expressed her delight at having such talented actors—Tyldesley, McCusker, and McLynn—at the heart of the new family dynamic, and teased an “exciting and eventful ride” ahead for viewers.

As the Driscoll family settles into life on the cobbles, fans can expect plenty of twists and turns. The addition of Maggie as a key figure promises to bring even more sparks to the already dramatic world of Coronation Street. With secrets, conflict, and new relationships on the horizon, Eva Price’s return is bound to shake things up in Weatherfield.