Corrie stars 'cheer up Michelle Collins by talking Cockney'

The stars of Coronation Street have reportedly started talking to newcomer Michelle Collins in Cockney ­rhyming slang.

The actress made her debut on the soap last month as Stella Price, but has received criticism for her attempts at a Northern accent.

In a bid to cheer her up, co-star Ryan Thomas, who plays Jason Grimshaw, started putting on a Cockney accent while talking to the former EastEnders star in between takes.

Collins found it so funny that other cast members have now joined in, the Sunday Mirror reports.

"Michelle has been having a really tough time of it lately," a source said. "This was the cast's way of saying they are on her side. It really cheered her up."

Collins has reportedly been handed a last-chance storyline to help Stella become accepted by viewers.

> Coronation Street team deny Michelle Collins backlash