'Bill Roache is VERY SEDUCTIVE'

Comedian Helen Lederer on starring in Corrie and the return of Ab Fab

- SARAH ROBERTSON

Helen Lederer is impossible to miss in a crowd with her striking blue eyes and quizzical smile.

The comedian, actor and writer from south-east London rose to prominence in the 1980s breaking through the ranks of the male-dominated comedy circuit alongside Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French and Victoria Wood. Helen, now 69, later made her way onto television screens in The Young Ones, Naked Video and French and Saunders, before becoming loveable champagne-swigging journalist Catriona in Absolutely Fabulous.

More recently, the star, who is married to GP Chris Browne, has appeared in Coronation Street as Ken Barlow’s love interest Elspeth and released her memoir, Not That I’m Bitter.

Here, she discusses turning 70, why she’s prioritising sleeping over tantric sex and whether we can expect a new series of Ab Fab.

Hi Helen! Have you filmed any more Coronation Street scenes?

Not yet! I enjoyed being welcomed into the hotel where Sue Devaney’s fabulous character [Debbie Webster] rules the roost and enjoyed meeting the cast and crew. The wardrobe department was such fun as well.

What was it like stepping onto the famous Cobbles?

It was very special. Even though the set is new, it felt steeped in history. I took a photo of myself just before I stepped on the Cobbles to remind myself I was actually there. It was raining, which felt very atmospheric and conjured all the images I had when I think of the ‘Street’.

Did any soap legends give you advice before you joined?