Coronation Street viewers celebrate Maureen Lipman for ‘outstanding’ acting performance
Actor’s portrayal of Evelyn Plummer in the soap has impressed soap fans
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Coronation Street viewers have heaped praise on Maureen Lipman for her work on Wednesday’s episode (28 June) of the long-running ITV soap.
Lipman plays Evelyn Plummer in the Manchester-based serial drama. Her character is a reliably no-nonsense woman, who is estranged from her drug-addicted daughter Cassandra (Claire Sweeney).
During the mid-week episode, Evelyn received a call that Cassandra was in the hospital, which led to an emotional in-person exchange about their differences.
Since Evelyn is usually straight-laced and restrained, her breaking into tears while arguing with Cassandra in her hospital bed marked a significant and memorable moment for the character.
Soon after it aired, viewers expressed their appreciation of the heartfelt moment and how Lipman’s performance showed a more vulnerable side to Evelyn than ever before.
“Maureen Lipman who plays Evelyn proves again what a brilliant actor she is, this scene with her on-screen daughter was outstanding,” wrote one Twitter user, to which another wrote: “What an amazing actress Maureen Lipman is!”
High praise also went to Sweeney’s part in the scene.
Another viewer added: “The best, most well-written and performed scene I’ve seen in Coronation Street for a long time – Brava to both players – The timing, the delivery, the emotion all superb, right down to the tear that rolled down Claire Sweeney’s cheek as Maureen Lipman left. I think that was real.”
Others simply called the scene a “masterpiece in acting”, with some asking for more opportunities to see more storylines that inspire heavyweight performances.
“Superb acting from Maureen Lipman. What a national treasure! Corrie doesn’t do this sort of acting nearly enough.”
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Last year, Lipman spoke about a day in her life while filming the soap, and spoke of her affection for the programme for its connection to her late husband, the dramatist Jack Rosenthal.
“I’ve had quite a wonderful career in that I’ve never stopped working, but I’ve had quite a limited career,” she told The Times.
“I’ve never travelled. I’m like kosher wine – it doesn’t travel. I see Coronation Street as something of a completion of the circle because my late husband, Jack, wrote many episodes.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments