Coronation Street – who plays Rufus' wife Lou?
Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street introduces a new guest character this week, as the Stephen Reid serial killer saga takes another twist.
Show bosses are bringing in Rufus Donahue's wife Lou, who's suspicious over the circumstances surrounding her husband's watery demise.
Lou proves to be a thorn in Stephen's side over the next few weeks, but what do we know about her future in the show and who plays her?
The role of Lou is portrayed by Eleanor Howell, who has previous appearances in soapland on her CV.
In 2014, Eleanor played the guest role of Nell Baker in BBC One daytime soap Doctors. She has also twice appeared in Casualty as guest characters – first as a woman called Elaine in 2004 and later as Jorgie Ray in 2016.
Eleanor's other credits include appearances in the film A Serial Killer's Guide to Life, podcast series Tommies and a voice role in Doctor Who videogame The Eternity Clock.
In recent years, Eleanor has focused on voice-over work. On her official website, she writes: "I began my working life as a theatre and television actress, a job which still brings me great joy.
"After performing in various radio plays, I decided my voice was something I wanted to do more with, so began a voice-over career."
Eleanor announced her Corrie casting on Twitter last week and shared an amazing piece of soap trivia in the process – revealing that she's the real-life wife of Steven Meo, who played Rufus.
She tweeted: "Well, don't mind if I do… Delighted to say I'm joining the lovely bunch at Corrie!
"Following in @stevemeo's footsteps, Catch me as my real life hubby's on screen widow! On screen from this Monday… here's hoping I catch that @todd_boyce."
Well, don’t mind if I do…
Delighted to say I’m joining the lovely bunch at Corrie! Following in @stevemeo’s footsteps, Catch me as my real life hubby’s on screen widow! 🤯
On screen from this Monday… here’s hoping I catch that @todd_boyce …#corrie #itv @itvcorrie pic.twitter.com/Qe3ihuOtB1— Eleanor Howell (@EllieHowellMeo) August 2, 2023
Steven also chimed in by adding: "Hugely proud to announce my super talented wife will be appearing in #Corrie from next week on, as my On-screen grieving widow!! #proudhusband."
A few weeks earlier, at the end of June, Eleanor had made another tweet which appeared to suggest that she'd finished filming her contracted Corrie episodes.
She said at the time: "Feet are up, after finishing my first proper TV job since becoming a mum 8 years ago. Beyond grateful for the chance to act again. Thanks to #castingdirectors who take a chance on a gappy CV. Mamma's still got it in the tank."
Lou's arrival comes as Corrie's sly villain Stephen is starting to find it increasingly difficult to cover his tracks.
Stephen drugged and drowned Rufus in April – lashing out as Rufus had been trying to blackmail him.
Rufus' death in his swimming pool was treated by the police as a tragic accident, but over the coming days, Stephen becomes rattled when Lou correctly speculates otherwise.
The final straw comes when Lou realises that a tie-pin was found at the scene of the crime, which didn't belong to Rufus.
Stephen recognises the item as his own and fears the worst when Lou vows to tell the police about the potentially crucial clue.
Could this play a role in Stephen's ultimate downfall?
Check out more of our Coronation Street coverage:
- Coronation Street's Lucy Fallon returning to Bethany Platt role
- Coronation Street star George Banks calls for Henry Newton to save The Rovers
- Coronation Street star George Banks reveals how Henry Newton has changed
- Coronation Street's Peter Barlow to be drawn into Rufus Donahue death storyline
- Coronation Street's Max Turner to receive an ultimatum from Sabrina Adetiba
- 13 huge Coronation Street spoilers for this week
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
Read more Coronation Street spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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