Who is Coronation Street newcomer Paula Wilcox and what has she been in before?

Paula Wilcox - Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 26: Paula Wilcox attends the National Youth Theatre's fundraising event at The Stafford Hotel on February 26, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) (Image credit: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Actress Paula Wilcox has joined the cast of Coronation Street, here is everything you need to know about her new role...

There is a new twist heading for Geoff Metcalfe's coercive abuse storyline in Coronation Street as TV actress Paula Wilcox joins the cast.

It has been reported by The Sun that the actress, who had a small part in the soap 51 years ago, will be joining the soap as Elaine.

Elaine is the former partner of Geoff (Ian Bartholomew) meaning she will be a pivotal part of the drama.

Coronation Street fans will know that Geoff has spent the last year abusing his wife, Yasmeen (Shelley King), and she is now in prison waiting to stand trial for attempted murder.

Yasmeen and Geoff Coronation Street

Paula's character, Elaine, will be part of Yasmeen and Geoff's domestic abuse storyline (Picture: ITV)

But it seems newcomer Elaine could help Yasmeen, because it has been reported she is also a victim of Geoff's.

A source told the newspaper: "Elaine's testimony could prove invaluable, but as this is Corrie it won't be plain sailing.

"Paula is only making a guest appearance but it is a role she will relish, after all she'll play a pivotal part in a storyline that's gripped the nation."

Who is Coronation Street newcomer Paula Wilcox?

Paula is a veteran TV actress who was born in Manchester.

She first found fame at the age of just 17 when she became a member of the National Youth Theatre.

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What has Paula Wilcox been in before?

Paula Wilcox Great Expectations

Paula has had a hugely successful stage career (Picture: Getty) (Image credit: Corbis via Getty Images)

Paula is a familiar face from there world of British television, having starred in some big TV shows.

She is best known for her roles as Chrissy Plummer in 70s sitcom Man About The House.

She has also appeared in shows like The Lovers, Mount Pleasant, The Queen's Nose, Girlfriends and Emmerdale.

Paula also has a vast number of theatrical credits to her name.

These include Chris Hannan's play What Shadows, Great Expectations, Canary, Dreams of Violence and La Cage aux Folles.

When will Paula Wilcox be in Coronation Street?

Paula's new character will be joining the soap later this month, and will quickly find herself at the centre of the drama surrounding Yasmeen and Geoff Metcalfe.

Who did Paula Wilcox play in Coronation Street before? 

Paula appeared in Coronation Street more than half a century ago when she played a character called Janice in 1969.

Janice was the younger sister of Ray Langton, played by Neville Buswell.

Who did Paula Wilcox play in Emmerdale? 

Laurel is concerned in Emmerdale

Paula played Laurel's mum, Hilary, in Emmerdale (Picture: ITV)

Paula is no stranger to soapland, having also appeared in Emmerdale.

She played Hilary Potts in 2007, who is the mother of current character Laurel Thomas.

Coronation Street will temporarily air a reduced schedule of three episodes a week.

Watch on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm on ITV. 

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 


After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off


She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 


As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.