FROM its earliest episodes, Coronation Street fans have loved its battleaxes like Ena Sharples.

She of the frowning face, piercing eyes and obligatory hairnet struck terror into more than the families on the cobbles. Ena was am immediate and terrifying institution.

Others like the marvellous Blanche Hunt took up this mantle in later years, winning all the best lines from writers who recognised the importance of such feisty characters.

Now actress Maureen Lipman is set to continue the tradition when she moves into the Street next month as outspoken Evelyn Plummer, the grandmother of Tyrone Dobbs. And they couldn’t have chosen better.

Maureen, now 72, is a character actress of the old school who had already created a domineering persona in overwhelming mum Beattie in the old BT adverts. Remember her delight in her brood gaining anything with “an ology”?

The soap’s producer Iain MacLeod is delighted, and so he should be. She is not only an accomplished actress but has the battleaxe look off pat. Let the fun begin!