Julie Walters wanted for Corrie, says Phil Collinson

Coronation Street boss Phil Collinson has revealed he would "love" Julie Walters to appear in the soap.

Speaking to Matt Johnson for This Morning, Collinson also named his favourite characters and storylines from rival soaps.

When asked for which "dream" cast member from the past he would bring back, he replied: "I'm a massive fan of Hilda Ogden. You loved it when she was in an episode. I'd love it if Jean Alexander decided to come back."

On which "fantasy" actor he would like to recruit for the soap, Collinson said: "Julie Walters keeps saying she'd like to be in the show.

"I have phoned her agent and I have asked. It's not ever come off, but I'd love it if she would, and be Audrey's sister. They'd be a great double act."

On choosing a character from another soap to switch to Coronation Street, he said: "I'd love to see Dot [Cotton, from EastEnders, played by June Brown] in the Rovers Return. That would be brilliant.

"Probably having a chat with Rita and Betty."

Collinson chose the recent 'right to die' storyline from Emmerdale as his favourite plot from another soap. He said: "It was so carefully and beautifully handled. It was very strong and a great moral dilemma, and something that genuinely got the nation talking."

Julie Walters has previously spoken of her ambition to appear in Coronation Street on a number of occasions.

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