'Coronation Street' favourite Tracie Bennett returning as Sharon Gaskell

Kerry Martin
·3-min read
Jenny Connor is also less than impressed with the prodigal foster daughter's return and Rita's decision to give Sharon another chance. (ITV)
Jenny Connor is also less than impressed with the prodigal foster daughter's return and Rita's decision to give Sharon another chance. (ITV)

Coronation Street’s Rita is to get a blast from the past next month when Tracie Bennett, who plays her delinquent foster daughter Sharon, returns to Weatherfield.

Sharon Gaskell was last seen causing trouble on the cobbles in 1999 feuding with Rita after she attempted to sell the Kabin.

On her return to Coronation Street, Bennett said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be returning to the cobbles.

"It is a dream come true for me, I had such an amazing time there and I am looking forward to working with Barbara again and getting my teeth into the storylines they have planned for Sharon.

What has brought Sharon back to a place where she has more enemies than friends, and will Rita live to regret letting this cuckoo back into the nest? (ITV)
What has brought Sharon back to a place where she has more enemies than friends, and will Rita live to regret letting this cuckoo back into the nest? (ITV)

“I was first approached about coming back about 18 months ago, I was keen and excited to see what was in store but my work schedule and then the pandemic has meant that it has taken till now for it all to come together.

Read more: Next week on Coronation Street: Leanne starts dealing drugs

I am so pleased that I can finally tell everyone as it has been hard trying to keep the secret.”

Producer Iain MacLeod said: “It’s extremely exciting to see someone of Tracie’s calibre revisit a role so rich in history and with such a complicated psychology. Sharon returns across some badly burned bridges to reconnect with Rita - but very quickly her presence becomes destabilising and extremely dangerous, in ways that I hope the viewers won’t see coming."

Tracie Bennett reprises the role she made famous in the 80s and 90s. Sharon Bentley was last seen on the cobbles in 1999. (ITV)
Tracie Bennett reprises the role she made famous in the 80s and 90s. Sharon Bentley was last seen on the cobbles in 1999. (ITV)

"The big question is: what has her life become since she was last on the Street? The answer to that question will drive a massive story for us, which runs into the summer and beyond.”

Jenny Connor isn't best pleased about Sharon's return, however it would seem Rita is willing to give her another chance.

But will beloved Rita live to regret her decision of welcoming Sharon home with open arms?

Read more: Coronation Street's Shelley King has been 'hell to live with' over abuse storyline

Since leaving Coronation Street Bennett has become one of theatre’s foremost leading ladies, winning two Olivier Awards for roles in West End productions and was nominated for a Tony Award for her portrayal of Judy Garland in End of the Rainbow on Broadway.

Other musical theatre roles include Les Miserable and Hairspray.

Avid ITV viewers will also know her for her roles as Sharon and Margaret in the acclaimed drama’s Scott and Bailey and The Bay respectively.

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