Barlow return "pure speculation"

Reports of Thelma Barlow returning to Coronation Street to reprise her role as Mavis Wilton have been dismissed as "pure speculation".

Peter Baldwin, who played her on-screen husband Derek Wilton, told TeleText: "There are moves to bring back some of the old humour, and I know Thelma has been asked. But it would have to be a very good offer. Thelma's career has gone from strength to strength since leaving, so she doesn't need the work."

A Street spokeswoman told Ananova that producers were refusing to comment on castings for the show, and that rumours of Barlow's return were "pure speculation".

April Young, Barlow's agent, added: "I don't know if she would want to go back to the soap. She is very busy. She's about to open in play Smoking With Lulu at the Soho Theatre in London and the run is open-ended."