‘They've met each other's match!'

Corrie favourites Sue Devaney and Jane Danson on joining forces to run Weatherfield’s iconic Bistro…

- ALISON SLADE

A new chapter is underway in Coronation Street. Having previously run the Bistro single-handed, Debbie Webster has gone into partnership with Nick Tilsley and Leanne Battersby – the latter of whom, when it comes to sass and spirit, can match indomitable Debs pound for pound.

Is a new friendship set to heat up? Or will there be food fights before the year is out?

Here, in an exclusive interview, stars Sue Devaney, 54, and Jane Danson, 42, tell TV Times more...

Having lost her son Oliver, it’s been a difficult period for Leanne. Is it nice to play something lighter?

JANE Yes, definitely. As much as it was an amazing story, it was quite concerning how we would get Leanne out of that. In real time, she would still be deep in grief, but I think viewers get a little bit impatient and they need to see that progression sooner than it would normally be.

It’s lovely to do some more lighthearted stuff, rather than the awful misery that Leanne goes through. But there is a balance to be had. Leanne is very focused in the Bistro, but it is a distraction from her grief. She does say, ‘At least I’m tired from actually doing something, rather than just being tired from crying.’ Oliver’s death is always going to be with her. I’m very conscious of that.

Debbie previously ran the Bistro on her own. Sue, how do you think she fared as her own boss?

SUE She probably bit off more than she could chew as she’s got a hotel, too. And she’s a property developer, so hospitality is a new area and she’s got to be kind to everybody!