Maureen Lipman has joined the cast of Coronation Street as an “outspoken battleaxe” who will turn the existing characters’ lives “upside down.”

Ms Lipman will play Tyrone Dobb’s grandma Evelyn Plummer, having come into his life after he decides to research his family history following the death of his mum Jackie.

According to ITV, Ms Lipman’s character will “rule the roost” at number nine, much to Fiz’s dismay.

The British actress and comedian, 72, already appeared in the soap back in 2002 when she made an appearance as snooty landlady Lillian Spencer.

Coronation Street Producer Iain MacLeod said: “I am beyond thrilled that we are introducing such a great new character, played by someone of Maureen’s pedigree.

“Evelyn is eye-wateringly withering and will add a fresh dollop of northern humour to the show as she turns Tyrone and Fiz’s lives upside down.”

Ms Lipman, who appeared in Roman Polanski's Oscar-winning film The Pianist, is currently appearing in her one-woman show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe called Up For It.

The actress’s show marks 50 years since she first came to the festival and has promised audiences at the Assembly George Square Theatre, an evening of “rave, rollick and rant".

She told the JC: “I thought I should do something frightening and challenging but, at the time, I didn’t realise I would be working on another project. I’m bricking it.”

She will make her debut on the cobbles in September.