Stella Price
Encyclopedia
Stella Price is a fictional character
from the British ITV
soap opera
Coronation Street
, played by Michelle Collins
. Collins' casting was announced in April 2011 and she began filming her scenes in May. The actress commutes from north London to Manchester for filming. Collins joined the show in order to have the financial security to ensure that her daughter can go to university. Collins, who is from the south of England, uses a northern accent for the role of Stella as Coronation Street is set in Manchester. She made her first on-screen appearance on 16 June 2011. Stella was introduced with her boyfriend, Karl Munro (John Michie
) and daughter, Eva (Catherine Tyldesley
).
Stella was introduced as the new bar manager of the show's public house, the Rovers Return Inn
, following the departure of landlady, Liz McDonald
(Beverly Callard). Stella is described as a "confident sort of woman" who is strong, feisty and funny. Collins stated that Stella is not as glamorous as Liz. Stella does not have much money and is quite "down-to-earth". Collins said that Stella is not a "big, bouncy barmaid" as she is more subtle. The actress opined that Stella is a "typical Coronation Street character". Stella arrives with a "dark secret" which is the reason why she has moved to Weatherfield
. In June 2011, it was revealed that Stella is the biological mother of Leanne Barlow (Jane Danson
). Collins explained that Stella has decided that it is time to make herself known to Leanne.
public house. She initially refuses the position when the pub's landlord, Steve McDonald's (Simon Gregson
), explains that accommodation is not included. However, Stella accepts the position after Steve decides to let her move in. Stella moves in with her boyfriend, Karl Munro and her daughter, Eva. Stella becomes the licensee of the pub. She goes to the bookmakers and whilst there a robber threatens worker, Leanne Barlow, with a baseball bat. Stella wrestles him to the ground and takes the bat, causing him to run off. Leanne and her husband, Peter
(Chris Gascoyne), invite Stella for a meal at their home as thanks. At the meal, Leanne discusses her family and shows Stella photos of them. Stella then steals a photo of Leanne. Stella gives Peter some flowers for Leanne as thanks for the meal and forgets that her purse is underneath them. She offers to hold Leanne's 30th birthday party at the pub, which Peter agrees to. Peter returns Stella's purse to her and asks her why she has Leanne's photo in it. Stella tells him that she is Leanne's mother. Stella begs Peter not to tell Leanne and he agrees. At Leanne's 30th birthday party, Stella becomes emotional and Peter attempts to calm her down. Stella and Peter argue and when Leanne overhears them, she demands to know why they are arguing. Stella reveals to Leanne that she is her mother, having had a relationship with Leanne's father, Les Battersby (Bruce Jones), when she was seventeen.
Afterwards relations begin to improve between Stella and Leanne as they reach a mutual understanding. However, Leanne gets wound up by half-sister Eva and angrily tells Stella that she cannot forgive her for abandoning her as a child. Later Stella calls to the flat to talk with Leanne but is run over by a drunk Carla Connor
(Alison King
) while she's standing on the street. She is rushed to hospital, where she is placed on life support. A few days later she regains consciousness, much to the relief of Karl, Eva and Leanne. After Frank Foster
switched places with an unconscious Carla, he is cautioned for supposedly dangerous driving. However, a few weeks later after Carla calls off her wedding to Frank he rapes her and is imprisoned, causing him to tell Leanne that it was actually Carla who ran over Stella after a drunken row with Frank's parents. Shocked that Peter knew about this, it causes friction between Leanne and Peter. Then in an ironic twist, Stella goes to see Carla, who is struggling to deal with her rape, and confesses that twenty years previously she was raped whilst working in a pub in Rochdale.
, John has kept viewers on the edge of their seats for the last ten years. Karl is a very different character for him, though, and the ladies of Weatherfield need to watch themselves as this sexy charmer will quickly make his presence felt. Michelle's acting credentials are first class with more than a decade leading some brilliant and memorable drama series. Of course Michelle's soap credentials are superb and in the same way she made Cindy Beale
one of EastEnders
most memorable bitches, I am certain she is going to be fantastic as the warm, funny, steely, flawed and larger-than-life northern matriarch Stella. It was stated that Stella would be joined by her daughter, Eva, who had yet to be cast. It was announced on 4 May 2011 that Catherine Tyldesley
had been cast as Eva. Collins later revealed that she joined the show in order to have the financial security to ensure that her daughter can go to university. She began filming her scenes on the 1 May. Other actresses who auditioned for the role of Stella included Lisa Maxwell
and Jacqueline Leonard
. Collins commutes from north London to Manchester, where Coronation Street is filmed, for the role. She made her first on-screen appearance on 16 June 2011.
. Collins said that Stella is not as glamorous as previous landlady, Liz McDonald
(Beverly Callard). Stella does not have much money and is quite "down-to-earth". ITV said that she is "the perfect front of house landlady". Collins explained to media entertainment website Digital Spy
that Stella is not a "big, bouncy barmaid" as she is more subtle. She is a "feminine, strong and forthright woman in her late 40s". Stella does not dress inappropriately, but wants to be "sexy-looking". During an interview with The Sun, Collins opined that Stella is a "typical Coronation Street character" as she is "a working woman who takes care of herself and stands her ground". Collins is from the south of England, but because Coronation Street is set in Manchester, she uses a northern accent for the role. Collins said that using her own accent would have been a "cop-out". Collins works with a dialect coach who is also on-set with her. She admitted that she was "working hard" to get the right accent, but said it was tough.
) biological mother. A Coronation Street source told the newspaper: This was genius by the bosses. And it makes for a massive future for Michelle in the show. There has been a lot of cloak and dagger involved in the arrival of Stella." However, the storyline was not confirmed by the show. In an interview with Soaplife
magazine, Collins revealed that Stella "does have one big skeleton in her closet". She said "Let's just say there's a reason she's come to Coronation Street. It's a fantastic storyline and I'm very, very excited about it." The storyline was confirmed in June 2011. Collins told Soaplife magazine that Stella has moved to Weatherfield as she has decided that it is the time to finally make herself known to Leanne. Stella was in a relationship with Les Battersby (Bruce Jones) and gave birth to Leanne when she was seventeen. Les started drinking and left her alone with Leanne and she struggled to cope. Stella left with every intention of coming back for Leanne once she was settled. When she did, Les would not let her near Leanne and Collins said that Stella "didn't stand a chance".
Leanne discovers Stella's true identity as she celebrates her 30th birthday. Speaking to Inside Soap
magazine about the storyline, Danson explained: "Leanne has never really given her birth mother a second thought because she's not been in her life. Her dad Les and stepmum Janice [Battersby
] (Vicky Entwistle
) were together for a long time, so Janice always took on that mother role. Having said that, Leanne's always known Janice by her first name, so she hasn't called anyone 'Mummy'." Discussing having Collins as her on-screen mother, Danson said that she was looking forward to the "really meaty" scenes between Stella and Leanne. Danson added that people have said that she and Collins have similar face shapes and the same mannerisms. She thought it would be interesting to see if viewers pick up on the resemblance between herself and Collins.
(who plays Michelle Connor
) said it was "great" that Collins was joining the show. Upon Collins debut in Coronation Street, viewers criticised her northern accent. However, Coronation Street producer, Phil Collinson
defended Collins commenting "I think the landlady of the Rovers Return would have to be a Northern character, really, I don't think we could have had a Southerner running the pub." He opined that Collins accent was great and that viewers would "just get used to it". After it was reported that the Coronation Street cast were unhappy over Collins casting, her co-star Anthony Cotton (who plays Sean Tully
) spoke out to deny the claims. He said that the cast and crew had "far better things to do" than gossip about Collins. He added that Collins is "so very watchable" and called Stella and her family "exciting and intriguing". Tyldesley also defended Collins saying "There is absolutely nothing wrong with her accent from my point of view and she's doing an amazing job." Marsh reiterated her opinion, asking viewers to give Collins a chance to settle into the role. In July 2011, it was reported that Collins could be axed from the show if she does not "win over viewers". However, this was denied by a Coronation Street spokeswoman. The Sun's television magazine Buzz said that they were "already giving Stella the big thumbs-up".
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
from the British ITV
ITV
ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK...
soap opera
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
Coronation Street
Coronation Street
Coronation Street is a British soap opera set in Weatherfield, a fictional town in Greater Manchester based on Salford. Created by Tony Warren, Coronation Street was first broadcast on 9 December 1960...
, played by Michelle Collins
Michelle Collins
Michelle Danielle Collins is a British actress best known for her roles on television in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, as Cindy Beale, Coronation Street as Stella Price, and BBC dramas Sunburn and Two Thousand Acres of Sky...
. Collins' casting was announced in April 2011 and she began filming her scenes in May. The actress commutes from north London to Manchester for filming. Collins joined the show in order to have the financial security to ensure that her daughter can go to university. Collins, who is from the south of England, uses a northern accent for the role of Stella as Coronation Street is set in Manchester. She made her first on-screen appearance on 16 June 2011. Stella was introduced with her boyfriend, Karl Munro (John Michie
John Michie
John Michie is a Scottish television and film actor, best known for his role as DI Robbie Ross in the STV Scottish detective television series Taggart and for playing Karl Munro in Coronation Street.-Early life:...
) and daughter, Eva (Catherine Tyldesley
Catherine Tyldesley
Catherine Tyldesley is an English actress, known for portraying Iris Moss in Lilies and Eva Price in Coronation Street from 2011.-Background:Tyldesley is from Walkden, Greater Manchester. She attended St...
).
Stella was introduced as the new bar manager of the show's public house, the Rovers Return Inn
Rovers Return Inn
The Rovers Return Inn is a fictional public house on the long-running British soap opera Coronation Street. The Rovers Return occupies the corner of Coronation Street and Rosamund Street. Since the first episode it has been the principal setting in the show and many of its most memorable moments...
, following the departure of landlady, Liz McDonald
Liz McDonald
Elizabeth "Liz" Jayne McDonald is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Beverley Callard, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 27 October 1989 and remained on the series until Callard opted to leave in 1998...
(Beverly Callard). Stella is described as a "confident sort of woman" who is strong, feisty and funny. Collins stated that Stella is not as glamorous as Liz. Stella does not have much money and is quite "down-to-earth". Collins said that Stella is not a "big, bouncy barmaid" as she is more subtle. The actress opined that Stella is a "typical Coronation Street character". Stella arrives with a "dark secret" which is the reason why she has moved to Weatherfield
Weatherfield
Weatherfield is a fictional town, based on Salford in North West England, which serves as the setting for the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street...
. In June 2011, it was revealed that Stella is the biological mother of Leanne Barlow (Jane Danson
Jane Danson
Jane Danson is an English actress, most famous for playing the role of Leanne Battersby in Coronation Street.-Acting:...
). Collins explained that Stella has decided that it is time to make herself known to Leanne.
Storylines
Stella arrives in Weatherfield and applies for the position of bar manager at the Rovers Return InnRovers Return Inn
The Rovers Return Inn is a fictional public house on the long-running British soap opera Coronation Street. The Rovers Return occupies the corner of Coronation Street and Rosamund Street. Since the first episode it has been the principal setting in the show and many of its most memorable moments...
public house. She initially refuses the position when the pub's landlord, Steve McDonald's (Simon Gregson
Simon Gregson
Simon Gregson is an English actor. He is known for being a cast member of the British soap opera Coronation Street in which he has played Steve McDonald since 1989....
), explains that accommodation is not included. However, Stella accepts the position after Steve decides to let her move in. Stella moves in with her boyfriend, Karl Munro and her daughter, Eva. Stella becomes the licensee of the pub. She goes to the bookmakers and whilst there a robber threatens worker, Leanne Barlow, with a baseball bat. Stella wrestles him to the ground and takes the bat, causing him to run off. Leanne and her husband, Peter
Peter Barlow (Coronation Street)
Peter Francis Barlow is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera Coronation Street. The character first appeared onscreen during the episode aired on 15 April 1965...
(Chris Gascoyne), invite Stella for a meal at their home as thanks. At the meal, Leanne discusses her family and shows Stella photos of them. Stella then steals a photo of Leanne. Stella gives Peter some flowers for Leanne as thanks for the meal and forgets that her purse is underneath them. She offers to hold Leanne's 30th birthday party at the pub, which Peter agrees to. Peter returns Stella's purse to her and asks her why she has Leanne's photo in it. Stella tells him that she is Leanne's mother. Stella begs Peter not to tell Leanne and he agrees. At Leanne's 30th birthday party, Stella becomes emotional and Peter attempts to calm her down. Stella and Peter argue and when Leanne overhears them, she demands to know why they are arguing. Stella reveals to Leanne that she is her mother, having had a relationship with Leanne's father, Les Battersby (Bruce Jones), when she was seventeen.
Afterwards relations begin to improve between Stella and Leanne as they reach a mutual understanding. However, Leanne gets wound up by half-sister Eva and angrily tells Stella that she cannot forgive her for abandoning her as a child. Later Stella calls to the flat to talk with Leanne but is run over by a drunk Carla Connor
Carla Connor
Carla Connor is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, a long-running serial drama about working class life in the fictional town of Weatherfield. She is portrayed by actress Alison King. Carla was created by producer Steve Frost as part of the new Connor family....
(Alison King
Alison King
Alison King is an English actress. She has had major television roles as Lynda Block in the Sky One television series Dream Team, and as Carla Connor in Coronation Street since 2006.- Early life and education :...
) while she's standing on the street. She is rushed to hospital, where she is placed on life support. A few days later she regains consciousness, much to the relief of Karl, Eva and Leanne. After Frank Foster
Frank Foster (Coronation Street)
Frank John Foster is a fictional character in the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, a long-running serial drama about working class life in the fictional town of Weatherfield. Frank is played by Andrew Lancel and was introduced as a business associate of Carla Connor...
switched places with an unconscious Carla, he is cautioned for supposedly dangerous driving. However, a few weeks later after Carla calls off her wedding to Frank he rapes her and is imprisoned, causing him to tell Leanne that it was actually Carla who ran over Stella after a drunken row with Frank's parents. Shocked that Peter knew about this, it causes friction between Leanne and Peter. Then in an ironic twist, Stella goes to see Carla, who is struggling to deal with her rape, and confesses that twenty years previously she was raped whilst working in a pub in Rochdale.
Casting
The character of Stella and Collins casting in the role were announced on 15 April 2011, along with Stella's partner, Karl Munro (John Michie). Collins said of her casting: "I am honoured to be joining the cast of Coronation Street. The show has been part of my life since I was a child so to become a part of it is extremely exciting." Coronation Street executive producer Kieran Roberts said, "I'm thrilled to be welcoming John and Michelle to the cast of Coronation Street. As Robbie Ross in TaggartTaggart
Taggart is a Scottish detective television programme, created by Glenn Chandler, who has written many of the episodes, and made by STV Productions for the ITV network...
, John has kept viewers on the edge of their seats for the last ten years. Karl is a very different character for him, though, and the ladies of Weatherfield need to watch themselves as this sexy charmer will quickly make his presence felt. Michelle's acting credentials are first class with more than a decade leading some brilliant and memorable drama series. Of course Michelle's soap credentials are superb and in the same way she made Cindy Beale
Cindy Beale
Cindy Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Michelle Collins.Cindy always had an eye for the lotharios of Walford and despite trying to settle down repeatedly with the more reliable Ian Beale, she was unable to remain faithful to him. She had a selfish...
one of EastEnders
EastEnders
EastEnders is a British television soap opera, first broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC One on 19 February 1985 and continuing to today. EastEnders storylines examine the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work in the fictional London Borough of Walford in the East End...
most memorable bitches, I am certain she is going to be fantastic as the warm, funny, steely, flawed and larger-than-life northern matriarch Stella. It was stated that Stella would be joined by her daughter, Eva, who had yet to be cast. It was announced on 4 May 2011 that Catherine Tyldesley
Catherine Tyldesley
Catherine Tyldesley is an English actress, known for portraying Iris Moss in Lilies and Eva Price in Coronation Street from 2011.-Background:Tyldesley is from Walkden, Greater Manchester. She attended St...
had been cast as Eva. Collins later revealed that she joined the show in order to have the financial security to ensure that her daughter can go to university. She began filming her scenes on the 1 May. Other actresses who auditioned for the role of Stella included Lisa Maxwell
Lisa Maxwell (actress)
Lisa Maxwell is an English actress and television presenter.-Early life:Born in the Elephant & Castle district of Southwark, South London in November 1963, she was trained at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, and first acted on TV aged 11 in a schools programme A Place Like Home...
and Jacqueline Leonard
Jacqueline Leonard
Jacqueline Leonard is an English television, film and theatre actress.Best known for her appearances in long-running British television shows, she played Lorraine Wicks in the London-based soap opera EastEnders, and also appeared in the Glasgow-based soap River City as gangster's wife Lydia...
. Collins commutes from north London to Manchester, where Coronation Street is filmed, for the role. She made her first on-screen appearance on 16 June 2011.
Characterisation
Stella is described as a "confident sort of woman" who is strong, feisty and funny. Stella was the landlady of The Sundial public house in Rochdale, before becoming the bar manager of the Rovers Return InnRovers Return Inn
The Rovers Return Inn is a fictional public house on the long-running British soap opera Coronation Street. The Rovers Return occupies the corner of Coronation Street and Rosamund Street. Since the first episode it has been the principal setting in the show and many of its most memorable moments...
. Collins said that Stella is not as glamorous as previous landlady, Liz McDonald
Liz McDonald
Elizabeth "Liz" Jayne McDonald is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Beverley Callard, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 27 October 1989 and remained on the series until Callard opted to leave in 1998...
(Beverly Callard). Stella does not have much money and is quite "down-to-earth". ITV said that she is "the perfect front of house landlady". Collins explained to media entertainment website Digital Spy
Digital Spy
Digital Spy is a British entertainment and media news website. According to Alexa Internet traffic statistics, as of February 2011, Digital Spy is the 93rd most popular website in the United Kingdom, with an overall Alexa ranking of 2,088....
that Stella is not a "big, bouncy barmaid" as she is more subtle. She is a "feminine, strong and forthright woman in her late 40s". Stella does not dress inappropriately, but wants to be "sexy-looking". During an interview with The Sun, Collins opined that Stella is a "typical Coronation Street character" as she is "a working woman who takes care of herself and stands her ground". Collins is from the south of England, but because Coronation Street is set in Manchester, she uses a northern accent for the role. Collins said that using her own accent would have been a "cop-out". Collins works with a dialect coach who is also on-set with her. She admitted that she was "working hard" to get the right accent, but said it was tough.
Leanne Barlow
When the character was announced, it was revealed that she was hiding a "dark secret" and news of her past would have "shocking consequences" for some established characters. In May 2011, the Daily Mirror reported that the secret Stella is hiding is that she is Leanne Barlow's (Jane DansonJane Danson
Jane Danson is an English actress, most famous for playing the role of Leanne Battersby in Coronation Street.-Acting:...
) biological mother. A Coronation Street source told the newspaper: This was genius by the bosses. And it makes for a massive future for Michelle in the show. There has been a lot of cloak and dagger involved in the arrival of Stella." However, the storyline was not confirmed by the show. In an interview with Soaplife
Soaplife
Soaplife is a fortnightly UK magazine, released on Tuesday. Storylines of the shows it covers are from soap operas shown in the United Kingdom and from Australia....
magazine, Collins revealed that Stella "does have one big skeleton in her closet". She said "Let's just say there's a reason she's come to Coronation Street. It's a fantastic storyline and I'm very, very excited about it." The storyline was confirmed in June 2011. Collins told Soaplife magazine that Stella has moved to Weatherfield as she has decided that it is the time to finally make herself known to Leanne. Stella was in a relationship with Les Battersby (Bruce Jones) and gave birth to Leanne when she was seventeen. Les started drinking and left her alone with Leanne and she struggled to cope. Stella left with every intention of coming back for Leanne once she was settled. When she did, Les would not let her near Leanne and Collins said that Stella "didn't stand a chance".
Leanne discovers Stella's true identity as she celebrates her 30th birthday. Speaking to Inside Soap
Inside Soap
Inside Soap is a weekly UK magazine, released every Tuesday. It covers current and future storylines in soap operas shown in the United Kingdom....
magazine about the storyline, Danson explained: "Leanne has never really given her birth mother a second thought because she's not been in her life. Her dad Les and stepmum Janice [Battersby
Janice Battersby
Janice Bernadette Battersby is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Vicky Entwistle, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 6 January 1997....
] (Vicky Entwistle
Vicky Entwistle
Vicky Entwistle is an English actress who is most famous for playing the role of "loudmouth" factory worker Janice Battersby in ITV1's long-running soap opera Coronation Street....
) were together for a long time, so Janice always took on that mother role. Having said that, Leanne's always known Janice by her first name, so she hasn't called anyone 'Mummy'." Discussing having Collins as her on-screen mother, Danson said that she was looking forward to the "really meaty" scenes between Stella and Leanne. Danson added that people have said that she and Collins have similar face shapes and the same mannerisms. She thought it would be interesting to see if viewers pick up on the resemblance between herself and Collins.
Reception
Coronation Street actress Kym MarshKym Marsh
Kimberley Gail Marsh is an English actress and singer.- Early life :Marsh was born in Wigan, Greater Manchester and raised in Garswood, in the Metropolitan Borough of St Helens, Merseyside...
(who plays Michelle Connor
Michelle Connor
Michelle Sinéad Connor is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Kym Marsh, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 3 April 2006...
) said it was "great" that Collins was joining the show. Upon Collins debut in Coronation Street, viewers criticised her northern accent. However, Coronation Street producer, Phil Collinson
Phil Collinson
Philip "Phil" Collinson is a British television producer. He was initially an actor, before switching to working behind the cameras in the industry as a script editor and writer on programmes such as Springhill and Emmerdale, later becoming the producer of Peak Practice, Doctor Who and Coronation...
defended Collins commenting "I think the landlady of the Rovers Return would have to be a Northern character, really, I don't think we could have had a Southerner running the pub." He opined that Collins accent was great and that viewers would "just get used to it". After it was reported that the Coronation Street cast were unhappy over Collins casting, her co-star Anthony Cotton (who plays Sean Tully
Sean Tully
Sean Tully, is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actor Antony Cotton, the character first appeared on screen during the episode airing on 13 July 2003. Sean works as a factory machinist, and as a part-time barman in the Rovers Return...
) spoke out to deny the claims. He said that the cast and crew had "far better things to do" than gossip about Collins. He added that Collins is "so very watchable" and called Stella and her family "exciting and intriguing". Tyldesley also defended Collins saying "There is absolutely nothing wrong with her accent from my point of view and she's doing an amazing job." Marsh reiterated her opinion, asking viewers to give Collins a chance to settle into the role. In July 2011, it was reported that Collins could be axed from the show if she does not "win over viewers". However, this was denied by a Coronation Street spokeswoman. The Sun's television magazine Buzz said that they were "already giving Stella the big thumbs-up".
External Links
- Stella Price at itv.comItv.comitv.com is the main website of ITV plc, the UK's largest commercial television broadcaster which operates 11 out of 15 regions on the ITV network under the ITV1 brand. The website offers on-line streaming, ITV archive, news, sport, entertainment, games, soaps, lifestyle, drama and an interactive TV...