Catherine Tyldesley

Tyldesley played a midwife in an episode broadcast on 13 January 2006. In May 2011, Tyldesley was cast in the regular role of Eva.[10] The actress began filming her first scenes that month.[10] During an interview with Digital Spy, Tyldesley revealed that there had been a lot of competition for the role of Eva and that she felt "incredibly lucky" to have secured the part.[11] Tyldesley said she felt "nervous" when she first arrived on set.[12] Speaking to What's on TV, she said that she had a "mini freak out" when filming her first scenes in The Rovers. Tyldesley added that Coronation Street is "absolutely legendary" and is thrilled to be a part of the cast.[12] After impressing producers, it was later confirmed that Tyldesley was to be kept on as a permanent member of the cast.[13] After signing a new six-month contract, an executive said that Eva will be involved in some "cracking" storylines towards the end of the year.[13] In May 2012, Tyldesley expressed her desire for a long-term stint on the show.[14] Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Tyldesley said "I've always wanted to be in Corrie. So when I got the phone call to tell me that I'd got the part, I was thrilled to bits."[14] She also added that Eva has got "so much scope".[14]

Before she appeared on screen, Eva was described as being "feisty".[10] Tyldesley revealed more about her character, saying "Eva is a little bit of a princess! She's been spoiled rotten, so she's somewhat high maintenance and a little bit of a drama queen. She's definitely used to getting her own way."[11] The actress said her character adores her mother and they share a great relationship.[11] When Eva enters the show, her circumstances force her to be more angry than she normally is. Tyldesley said that Eva does have a softer side, which she believed viewers would see in the future.[11] When asked why Eva and Karl do not get along, Tyldesley said "I think it's because they're both quite similar. When Eva first joins the street, she's had a little bit of turmoil with past relationships and things like that, so I think she feels like she wants to be quite selfish at the moment, which annoys Karl. But she's always been full of self-importance because she's always been spoiled – she's not known any different."[11] Tyldesley revealed that Eva is not a lesbian character, despite a newspaper report, and that she definitely loves the boys.[11] When asked about Eva's type, Tyldesley said that they would have to be "on her wavelength" as Eva gets bored and frustrated with people who are not on her level.[11] In May 2012, Tyldesley commented that Eva's glamorous lifestyle can be "straining" and she enjoys time off work so she can wear normal and more comfortable clothes.[15]

She wears the stuff I would never have the nerve to wear. It's weird, sometimes you just feel really glam and it's a nice feeling. Then other times you feel she's gone slightly overboard, ridiculous big hair and fake eyelashes – like TOWIE on Red Bull!

— Tyldesley explains Eva's sense of dress (2012)[15]

In December 2017, it was announced that Tyldesley had decided to leave the series; her final scenes aired on 3 August 2018.[16][17]

• Loose Women (2011) – Guest
• I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! NOW! (2011) – Guest panellist
• Life on Murs (2012) – Herself
• Lorraine (2012) – Guest
• Through the Keyhole (21 September 2013 & 17 February 2018) – Guest panellist
• All Star Family Fortunes[22] (17 February 2013 & 28 December 2013) – Contestant
• Tonight (2015-2017) - Herself
• Loose Women (2018) — Guest Panellist
• Strictly Come Dancing (2019) - Herself-Contestant; series 17
• The Weakest Link (2021) - Herself-Contestant; Strictly Come Dancing Special.