Maria Connor's 'new' mother-in-law

Coronation Street's Maria Connor finally goes into labour on July 1 but she may think she's seeing things when mother-in-law Helen turns up.

New actress Dearbhla Molloy has been hired to play Liam and Michelle's mum, replacing Sorcha Cusack, who has played Helen since February last year.

The latter was tied up with other projects.

"We have recast Helen Connor, as the actress who played her previously is not available at this time," a show spokesman said.

Dearbhla has been a film and TV veteran since the 1970s, and has previously appeared in Casualty, Doctors and Midsomer Murders.

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