As fans of Corrie will most likely know, actress Roberta Kerr has made a cobbles comeback after more than twenty years away in the role of Ken Barlow’s former mistress, Wendy Crozier.

However, when we see Wendy again in forthcoming episodes, we’ll discover that after her affair with Ken, she got married – and is now Mrs Papadopolous – and for a while, she moved away from Manchester.

Speaking to Soaplife about the role, and if there’s any chance of a rekindling of the romance between Ken (Bill Roache) and Wendy, Roberta began by explaining how Wendy bumps into Ken again.

She said, “Wendy’s Vice Chair of the Bessie Street School Governors and Head teacher Brian Packham [Peter Gunn] has asked Ken to be on the governing body which is unbeknown to Wendy.

“She rushes into the meeting late and she’s shocked to see that he’s there. Then it gets worse…

“She had assumed that she would automatically replace the Chair [who has died], but Brian wants Ken in that position.”

And when asked, “How does she feel about seeing Ken after more than 20 years?” Roberta replied, “Her initial reaction is shock; she’s been married for the past 15 years and is now widowed.

“But she’s busy in her life, she’s not looking and she’s certainly not predatory. It’s a complete bolt from the blue.”

Roberta went on to say that Ken wins the vote at the meeting and is therefore going to be on the board permanently…

She said, “They have to give a bit of a speech each then there’s a vote and the vote goes in Ken’s favour – which is a bit galling for her, to say the least!”

However, given his history with Wendy, Ken’s not sure it’s a good idea for him to take on the role.

Roberta continued, “Wendy’s invited to a meeting with Brian because Ken’s said he doesn’t want the role.

“Brian’s trying to persuade Ken to accept and wants Wendy onside. That’s when Wendy suggests they go for a drink and talk about it.

“Ken’s worried, but for Wendy it’s just two work colleagues having a drink.”

When asked how she thinks Ken’s wife Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride) would feel if she knew that Wendy and Ken had met up again, Roberta said, “I think she’d feel insecure and angry.

“Undoubtedly she’d think the worst, even if there is nothing going on Deirdre will assume there is, especially because Ken doesn’t mention he has met up with Wendy again.”

And finally, when asked if Ken and Wendy meeting again could reignite their former spark, Roberta said, “Yes, it could, but at the moment it just feels like they’re testing each other out.

“Wendy’s reappearance has certainly opened up a hornet’s nest, though!”

Apropos of flames, sparks and igniting things, Corrie star Catherine Tyldesley managed to set her hair alight during her birthday party recently!

When presented with a cake, the birthday girl posed for pictures, not realizing that her long tresses were in the way of the candles!

So, with literally smokin’ hair, her guests rushed to her aid, and later, her co-star Antony Cotton tweeted, “Birthday update: @Cath_Tyldesley has just set her hair on fire.

“Actual fire. I put it out but the #privateroom smells of burning bush…”

Catherine replied, “Tonight @antonycotton saved my life… Now my hair smells… Bad…”

O bless.