The cobbles of Coronation Street just got a new addition, and she’s quickly becoming a fan favorite. Auntie Rani, played by actress Josephine Lloyd-Welcome, made her first appearance in the ITV soap recently, causing a stir with her sassy and demanding personality that immediately put the Alahan family in their place. But as viewers couldn’t help but notice, Rani’s entrance sparked a wave of nostalgia as they quickly realized that they recognized the actress from previous iconic roles.

Auntie Rani’s Big Debut
Auntie Rani’s entrance into Weatherfield took fans by surprise. Arriving earlier than expected, she made quite an impact in the Rovers, stirring up drama right from the start. Dev (Jimmi Harkishin) was seen eagerly preparing for his wedding plans, with his son Aadi (Adam Hussain) by his side, only to be caught off guard by the arrival of his outspoken aunt. Her grand entrance didn’t disappoint, and fans were quick to react on social media, declaring her an instant icon.

One fan wrote, “I love Auntie Rani already,” while another declared, “Auntie Rani is already a queen!” Others were equally enthusiastic, with comments like, “Auntie Rani is going to be the highlight of the show,” showing just how much of an impact she had in her very first scenes.

Fans Realize They Recognize Her
While Auntie Rani quickly became a fan favorite, viewers soon began to realize that they had seen Josephine Lloyd-Welcome before. Many fans took to social media to express their recognition of her from previous TV shows. One fan even joked, “Is Auntie Rani the doctor from Only Fools & Horses?” This wasn’t just a passing thought; many others echoed the same sentiment.

Indeed, fans were correct. Josephine Lloyd-Welcome had appeared in the hit sitcom Only Fools & Horses back in the day, playing the role of Doctor Shaheed in the episode titled “Sickness and Wealth.” In this memorable episode, she famously delivered the line to Del Boy, “I meant the top half,” a moment that still resonates with fans of the classic British comedy.

But Only Fools & Horses isn’t the only place fans have seen the actress. Recently, she made an appearance in a popular Maltesers ad, where she played a cheeky grandma introducing her “companion” to the family. Fans couldn’t help but notice the similarities between Auntie Rani’s bold character and her portrayal of the sassy, fun-loving grandma in the ad. One fan shared, “Auntie Rani sounds like the old granny in the ad who’s ‘getting it on’ with her boyfriend,” and another commented, “Auntie Rani is Doctor Shaheed from Only Fools & Horses and the recent Maltesers ‘Companion’ advert!”

A Familiar Face in Weatherfield
This isn’t the first time Josephine Lloyd-Welcome has graced the streets of Weatherfield. Long before taking on the role of Auntie Rani, she had already made several appearances on Coronation Street over the years. Her first stint on the soap was as Dr. Patel, a GP who appeared on-screen from 2004 to 2009. Fans will also remember her role as a doctor who checked on Asha Alahan (Tanisha Gorey) for suspected meningitis in 2010.

Two years later, she returned to the hospital as Raveena Bhatia, a superior of Marcus Dent (Charlie Condou), and now, in 2025, she’s back as Auntie Rani, injecting new life and drama into the Alahan family’s storyline.

The Future of Auntie Rani
With the Alahan family in turmoil, especially with Aadi’s wedding plans and Dev’s financial troubles, it looks like Auntie Rani is here to stay for a while. Will her relationship with the family grow stronger, or will she cause more chaos in the weeks to come? One thing’s for sure: Auntie Rani has quickly established herself as a formidable character who’s not afraid to speak her mind and stir the pot.

As the drama in Weatherfield continues to unfold, fans can expect more fiery interactions from Auntie Rani, especially as her role in the family dynamic becomes clearer. Will she help the Alahans with their struggles, or will she become a thorn in their side? Fans will have to stay tuned to find out.

For now, though, Auntie Rani is here, and she’s definitely making an impression. With her strong presence, sharp wit, and complex backstory, she’s quickly becoming one of the most talked-about characters on Coronation Street.