Coronation Street’s Audrey Roberts gets ‘rich’ new boyfriend in update after absence

Audrey Roberts Embarks on a Romantic Chapter in France

Coronation Street fans have been treated to an exciting update on one of Weatherfield’s most cherished characters. Audrey Roberts, portrayed by Sue Nicholls, has reportedly found a new romantic partner, adding a fresh chapter to her long and storied history on the iconic ITV soap.

Audrey first appeared on the cobbles in 1979 as the mother of Gail Platt, played by Helen Worth. From the start, she captivated audiences with her charm, wit, and resilience, quickly establishing herself as a beloved fixture in the community. Over the years, viewers have witnessed both joy and heartbreak, including her marriage to Alf Roberts (Bryan Mosley) in 1985 and the devastating loss of Alf in 1999.

A Turbulent Romantic History

Audrey’s love life has mirrored the drama of the cobbles themselves. Following Alf’s death, she entered into a relationship with the affable butcher Fred Elliott (John Savident). Later, she became engaged to the former male escort and reformed fraudster Lewis Archer (Nigel Havers), whose untimely death in 2019 left fans heartbroken. These storylines have showcased Audrey’s ability to balance vulnerability and strength, making her one of the soap’s most enduring characters.

Current Absence and Recent Update

In recent months, Audrey has been off-screen, with the character currently visiting France with her daughter Gail. Her absence prompted concern among fans who wondered about her well-being and the direction of her storylines.

However, in Monday’s episode (July 20), the show provided a heartwarming update. During a family scene, the Platts gather to record a birthday message for Audrey. In a playful exchange, Harry Platt announces they are filming for “Granny Audrey” to show her new boyfriend. Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon) teases: “This new boyfriend, is he French and is he rich?” prompting a light-hearted quip from David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd): “What do you think?” The scene hints at Audrey’s exciting new romantic development, while keeping fans eagerly anticipating the character’s return.

Sue Nicholls: More Than Just a Soap Star

Audrey’s portrayal by Sue Nicholls is iconic, but her career extends beyond the cobbles. Before joining Coronation Street, Sue enjoyed a singing career, releasing the single Where Will You Be? in 1968, which reached number 17 on the UK Music Charts. She also performed cabaret in Vienna during her younger years, showcasing her versatility as an entertainer.

Nicholls further established herself on British television with notable appearances, including The Rise and Fall of Reginald Perrin (1976-1979) alongside Leonard Rossiter, and as Nadia Popov in Rentaghost (1981-1984). This breadth of experience has contributed to her enduring presence and popularity on Coronation Street.

What This Means For Fans

Audrey Roberts’ new romantic storyline offers a fresh and engaging twist for longtime viewers. The character’s rich history, combined with her latest romantic development, adds depth to the narrative while providing an opportunity for light-hearted and heartwarming moments amidst the usual cobbles drama.

Fans can expect Audrey’s return to France and her blossoming romance to be explored in upcoming episodes, potentially introducing new storylines and character interactions that will shape the next chapter in her enduring journey on Coronation Street.

Coronation Street continues weeknights at 8:30 p.m. on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.