Corrie's Betty in panto 34 years after first role

Coronation Street's Betty Williams is reprising her role as the Fairy Godmother in a Weatherfield Christmas panto - a part she played 34 years ago.

The veteran character, played by 89-year-old Betty Driver, is the only member of the old guard to appear in this year's production of Cinderella.

Betty told The Mirror: "It took me back to when we did Cinderella in 1975."

She continued: "Mind you, I think my dress was a lot nicer this time around. It was fabulous with a gold bodice, a tiara and a magic wand. Last time I looked a swine. The dress was all white and very virginal."

Sparks are sure to fly in this year's panto, set in the Rovers, as Claire Peacock (Julia Haworth) beats Becky McDonald (Katherine Kelly) to the part of Cinders, and consequently has to kiss Becky's husband Steve (Simon Gregson), who plays Prince Charming.

Written by John Stape (Graeme Hawley), the play also features Jesse Chadwick (John Thomson) and Sean Tully (Antony Cotton) as the Ugly Sisters.

The 1975 panto saw Deirdre Barlow (Anne Kirkbride) in the role of Cinderella, and its supporting cast included Annie Walker, Bet Lynch, Alf Roberts and Albert Tatlock.

Betty said: "Filming brought back lots of memories. I miss them all."

Corrie's panto will air on Christmas Eve at 8.30pm on ITV1.

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