‘Taxi drivers say they used to be in LOVE WITH ME!'

Former Man About the House star Paula Wilcox is now winning over new fans on the cobbles of Coronation Street

- SUE CRAWFORD

It’s been more than 40 years, but to men of a certain age, actor Paula Wilcox will forever be flirtatious Chrissy from the hit 1970s sitcom Man About the House.

‘I definitely still get recognised from it. I get taxi drivers saying they used to be in love with me and I say, “What do you mean – used to be?”’ she chuckles.

‘It’s very flattering after all this time. It was a lovely programme and it’s nice to be recognised for something that was dear to people’s hearts.’

Paula was only 24 when she was cast as playful Chrissy Plummer, locked in a battle of wits with her good-looking male flatmate, Robin.

Fast-forward 48 years and Paula is still winning over audiences, this time round as Coronation Street’s kind-hearted mum Elaine Jones. And despite being 72, she has no thoughts of retiring.

‘No!’ she says vigorously. ‘I really like my work and I’m lucky to still be doing it and enjoying it, so I’ll just keep my head down, keep busy and keep at it. Work is a big passion for me. I’ve always done it, so I don’t know what I would do if it wasn’t there.’

In recent years, Paula has popped up in countless TV dramas, from Grantchester to Upstart Crow and the popular comedy series Boomers.