Stephanie Beacham talks Coronation Street return after ‘troubled times’ with Bill Roache

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Stephanie Beacham believes there’s space for her ex Coronation Street character Martha Fraser to return to the soap. The actress was last seen in the ITV drama back in 2009 as Ken Barlow’s (Will Roache) love interest, as part of an affair storyline.

The pair first met after Ken’s dog fell into a canal and Martha offered her fishing net to help him.

They swiftly struck up a close bond and realised they both had an interest in literature.

Martha later told him to leave after realising he was married to Deidre (played by Anne Kirkbride) after they kissed.

Despite this, the duo later rekindled and Ken was set to leave Deidre for her, but changed his mind at the last minute.

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It wasn’t just on camera that the duo had a close bond.

Behind-the-scenes, Stephanie, 74, said they helped each other through troubled times.

At the time of her joining the soap, Bill had recently lost his wife Sara, who died suddenly.

The actress, who is supporting Santander’s ‘Push Off, Politely’ campaign, said she was also going through “a hard time” in her personal life.

“It was a very precious time, the two of them on the canal.”

On returning, she added: “Maybe, should an offer should turn up again but it was such a contained story.

“But maybe Martha on the barge could turn up again.”

Ken has had a fair few lovers during his time, including three wives.