Corrie drama team dismiss Wallace jibes

The team behind the BBC's new drama exploring the origins of Coronation Street have dismissed tabloid rumours surrounding Jessie Wallace's performance in the programme.

Earlier today, a newspaper reported that Wallace had struggled to master a northern accent after taking on the role of Pat Phoenix, who played Weatherfield legend Elsie Tanner.

Among the allegations printed were suggestions that the star was only able to shoot a few lines at a time as she supposedly worked with a dedicated voice coach on set. It was also claimed that Wallace's alleged problems had caused her to regret accepting the part.

However, the drama's director Charles Sturridge told DS: "Jessie is completely brilliant as Pat Phoenix. She nailed the accent from day one but more importantly captures Pat's vulnerability, energy, anarchy and humour. It is a standout performance."

Producer Rebecca Hodgson added: "There was always going to be a lot of pressure on the actresses we chose to play the stars of 50 years ago and so there was a level of trepidation from everyone at the read-through. But as soon as Jessie started to speak as Pat, the whole room was won over by the intelligence and accuracy of her performance."

Meanwhile, Coronation Street creator Tony Warren - who worked as a consultant on the BBC project - said: "Jessie Wallace didn't just get the accent right - she got Pat's husky timbre and the laugh and the personality as well."

The programme's writer Daran Little also addressed the rumours on Twitter, where he told DS: "No truth in it at all - Jessie's accent is wonderful… When I heard her speak, Pat Phoenix was alive again."

Wallace was confirmed for the role of Phoenix late last month. Filming on the drama - which is yet to be officially named - has since been completed.

Responding to today's tabloid story, a close friend of Wallace told DS: "These rumours are absolutely absurd and quite hurtful as Jessie loved working on this drama and has never once regretted taking on this role.

"Yes, she saw a dialect coach before she started filming but only briefly and that is what any decent actress would do if they are taking on a role that required a completely different accent.

"It's absolute rubbish that she had a voice coach on set and that they could only film a few lines at a time. It's cruel that someone has decided to make this up as one thing you can't knock Jessie for is her acting."