EXCLUSIVE: Former Coronation Street actress Debra Stephenson has joined the cast of BBC comedy series Mrs Brown’s Boys as Anita, the close friend of fan favourite Cathy Brown
Debra Stephenson has landed a role on Mrs Brown’s Boys.
The former Corrie star will make her debut on the new series of the BBC show as Anita.
It marks a TV comeback for the star as it is her first TV role for two years.
A show insider said: “Debra is perfect for Mrs Brown’s Boys because she brilliant at comedy
“Producers are confident viewers are going to absolutely love her.”
Debra’s character Anita is a pal of fan favourite Cathy, played by Jennifer Gibney.
It means she will be at the centre of the action.
The insider added: “Debra is part of some brilliant storylines.
“There’s speculation she could be Cathy’s half sister, so she could quite literally become part of the family.”
Debra is most famous for playing Frankie Baldwin on Corrie between 2004 and 2006.
Over the years she’s also had high profile roles on drama Bad Girls, Playing The Field and Holby City.
For over 10 years, the comedy series has been a consistent feature on the BBC‘s Christmas television line-up.
However, the broadcaster recently announced that the series will return with never-before-seen episodes next month to mark the show’s inaugural season since 2013.
The four episodes of the Irish telly sitcom, created by and starring Brendan O’Carroll, are scheduled to be broadcasted on both BBC One and iPlayer in the later part of 2023.
Brendan told the BBC back in March: “This mini-series was actually planned for 2021.
“Having been thwarted twice, firstly by Covid-19 and then by a post Covid shortage of studios, it’s fantastic to, at last, have the chance to make it happen.
“Fasten your seatbelts and hold onto your hats!”
