Corrie Catherine Tyldesley defends Michelle Collins accent

Catherine Tyldesley has revealed that she "can't understand the fuss" over Michelle Collins's accent in Coronation Street.

The actress, who plays Eva Price on the ITV1 soap, insisted that she would be able to tell if her co-star didn't sound Northern enough.

She told Inside Soap: "I can't understand this fuss. If you actually listen to Michelle's accent, there's nothing wrong with it at all.

"My family couldn't get any more Northern, so if I heard something that wasn't quite right, I'd be the first to say so. I think she and John Michie (Karl Price) are both doing a brilliant job of their characters."

Antony Cotton - who plays Sean Tully in the Manchester-based serial - has also defended Collins and praised her acting ability.

He commented: "Contrary to rumour, the cast and crew of Coronation Street have far better things to do than stand by idly gossiping about Michelle Collins.

"What matters far more than her accent, which is great in my opinion, is the character she is playing. Say what you want about Miss Collins, she's so very watchable. And for that reason, this new family is exciting and intriguing,"

Collins joined the cast of Coronation Street in April.

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