Michelle Collins to play Leanne's mum in Corrie

Michelle Collins is to play Leanne Barlow's mum in what could prove to be one of the year's biggest storylines in 'Coronation Street'.

Michelle Collins is to play Leanne Barlow's mum in 'Coronation Street'.

The former 'EastEnders' actress - who played Cindy Beale in the BBC One soap - will be part of one of Corrie's biggest plots of the year when it is revealed she is feisty Leanne's (Jane Danson) long-lost mum.

With ITV1 bosses reportedly having spent months planning the new twist, Michelle's alter-ego Stella will descend upon the cobbles when she becomes landlady of the Rovers Return pub later this week.

A 'Corrie' insider told the Daily Mirror 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 clock and dagger involved in the arrival of Stella."

Alongside Michelle, 'Taggart' star John Michie will also be joining 'Coronation Street' to play Stella's husband Karl, with the family set to give current Rovers boss Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) more than he bargained for as soon as they set foot on the cobbles.

Executive producers Kieran Roberts recently explained: "Karl and Stella's fiery marriage is sure to keep viewers hooked through 2011 and beyond.

"Michelle's acting credentials are first class with more than a decade leading some brilliant and memorable drama series. I am certain she is going to be fantastic as the warm, funny, steely, flawed and larger-than-life northern matriarch Stella."