Corrie fan favourites to return for Betty funeral?

Coronation Street bosses are hoping to tempt back a host of former cast members as they plan Betty Driver’s on-screen farewell.

“It is one of the most spectacular episodes to have ever been ­discussed for someone’s final farewell,. Everyone loved Betty Driver and, if asked, people would no doubt jump at the chance of being brought back to pay this incredible tribute” – An “insider” speaking to the Sunday Mirror

The actress, who played Rovers barmaid Betty Turpin, died earlier this month at the age of 91. Driver joined the cast of Corrie in 1969 originally on a short-term contract but remained with the Granada soap for over 40 years becoming a firm fixture at the Rovers Return Inn. Corrie bosses are now planning the on-screen farewell for Drivers’ character and are hoping to lure back former cast members for the occasion.

The Sunday Mirror reports that among those bosses are hoping to lure back are Jean Alexander, Julie Goodyear and Sarah Lancashire among others such as Roy Barraclough, Cheryl Murray and Bill Kenwright. Jean Alexander played Hilda Ogden between 1964 and 1987 and remains a firm favourite with older Corrie fans. The actress has declined several offers to return in the past and more recently has been somewhat critical of the soap.

Julie Goodyear played Bet Lynch, barmaid and later Rovers Landlady, between 1970 and 1995 but returned for short stints in 1999, 2002 and 2003. The actress reportedly stated she would be happy to return to Coronation Street to mark the death of Driver.

Sarah Lancashire played Raquel Watts between 1991 and 1996, returning briefly in 2000, whose character worked alongside Betty in the Rovers Return. Bill Kenwright played Betty Turpin’s son, Gordon, who was brought up by her sister Maggie Clegg (Irene Sutcliffe) but the truth of his real parentage was later discovered.