National treasure and Wimbledon resident June Whitfield has packed her bags and left SW19 for a short stint in Coronation Street.

The Absolutely Fabulous star arrived in Manchester for filming this week. Her character comes to Weatherfield from Portugal to explain to Deirdre Barlow how her mother Blanche Hunt died.

Maggie Jones, who played battleaxe Blanche, died in December, aged 75.

Whitfield, 84, praised the cast of the nation’s favourite soap, saying: “I admire them all. I think they have an amazing schedule and I don't know how they do it. I only hope I don't let them down."