Coronation Street has had its critics lately, but Sherrie Hewson isn’t staying quiet. The former star, who fans adored as Maureen Holdsworth, has spoken out to defend the show and she’s convinced the best days for soaps aren’t over.
When Corrie Got The Balance Right
Sherrie looks back on her Corrie years with real affection. She said the show worked so well then because it balanced the funny with the dramatic. She laughed about her daft water-bed scenes with Reggie, which sat right next to shockers like murder plots. For her, that mix was what made Corrie click.
These days, she feels soaps lean too much into gritty realism. She suggested advertisers pushed them that way, focusing heavily on gangs, drugs, and crime. While she agreed these stories matter, she insisted soaps can’t lose the humour that keeps viewers hooked. To her, soaps should show every part of life.
Sherrie’s Big Defence Of Coronation Street
When people claim Corrie’s golden era is gone, Sherrie pushes back. She said soaps are cyclical, like fashion, and she believes comedy is already on its way back. She even said she felt it “in her waters” that the balance was shifting. She pointed to unforgettable scenes like Hilda Ogden mourning Stan in front of her three ducks, calling it one of telly’s greatest moments.
Sherrie added that Corrie always paired those sad stories with characters like Blanche, whose sharp humour made viewers laugh out loud. For Sherrie, that balance is the true heart of the show. She also praised Corrie today, saying Sally is still her favourite character, and “so fabulous.” She said the show still has soul, mentioning Tony Maudsley’s George Shuttleworth as another highlight, especially now he seems set for romance.
Why She Still Believes In Soaps
Despite her critiques, Sherrie made it clear she’ll always love Corrie. She said the cobbles still create characters who feel timeless and keep fans watching. She predicted another golden era is on the horizon as writers rediscover the value of mixing humour with tragedy.
And she hasn’t ruled out stepping back into soap herself. With her close friend Harriet Thorpe now playing Elaine in EastEnders, she said she’d love to join as Elaine’s evil sister or cousin. She laughed that the two of them would have “the best time ever” bringing trouble in the Queen Vic. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for all the latest Coronation Street news, updates, and spoilers. Stick with us so you don’t miss a single twist on the cobbles.