Pauline McLynn has carried a beloved part of her television past into her everyday life, and fans of Coronation Street are now getting a closer look at that connection. Her long-standing association with tea has gone beyond acting and turned into a personal passion that continues to grow.
Mrs Doyle’s Legacy Turns Into a Real-Life Habit
Pauline McLynn became widely known for playing Mrs Doyle in Father Ted, where her famous line “go on, have a cup of tea” became unforgettable. That love for tea did not stay limited to the screen.
The actress recently revealed that she has developed a strong habit of collecting teapots and tea-related items. In her guest column for Woman’s Weekly, she shared that she visits Salford Shopping Centre at least once a week and browses through its seven charity shops.
She explained that she regularly buys teapots and tea paraphernalia. Some pieces get used, while others are displayed or even hidden away from her husband, Richard Cook. She joked that it is better than having a drug habit, but it is still a habit nonetheless.
A Tea-Inspired Venture Takes Off
A simple interest soon turned into something more creative for Pauline McLynn. As her 50th birthday approached, she decided to knit 50 tea cosies and sell them online. She chose the name “Go On! Tea Cosies,” linking the idea back to her time as Mrs Doyle. Each item reflects her love for tea and her connection to the role, with prices ranging between €25 and €65.
Her passion for knitting is just as strong as her love for tea. Time spent on the set of Coronation Street often includes moments where she picks up her knitting during breaks. She shared that whenever filming slows down, she continues working on a tea cosy and always has one in progress.
Pauline admitted that real life has caught up with make-believe, and she is not entirely sure she enjoys that change. In the past, she often played characters much older than herself, especially Mrs Doyle, whom she portrayed while she was just turning 30, even though the character appeared decades older.
That gap no longer exists, and she cannot say the character is 30 years older than her anymore. Even so, her love for tea and knitting continues to remain a constant part of her life, both on screen and off. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Coronation Street spoilers.