Michelle Collins to join Coronation Street

Michelle Collins is joining 'Coronation Street'.

The former 'EastEnders' actress - whose character Cindy was married to Albert Square businessman Ian Beale in the BBC soap - will play Stella, a woman who is employed by Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) as a new bar manager at the iconic Rovers Return pub on the street.

She will be joined by 'Taggart' star John Michie as her husband Karl, as well as their daughter, who has yet to be cast.

However, Stella - who harbours a dark secret - is set to give Steve more than he bargained for when she moves to Weatherfield.

Executive producer Kieran Robert confirmed the storyline is one viewers will be hooked on.

He said: "Karl and Stella's fiery marriage is sure to keep viewers hooked through 2011 and beyond. "Michelle's acting credentials are first class with more than a decade leading some brilliant and memorable drama series. I am certain she is going to be fantastic as the warm, funny, steely, flawed and larger-than-life northern matriarch Stella."

Michelle, 49, also confirmed she was "extremely excited" to be joining the ITV soap.

She said: "I am honoured to be joining. It's been part of my life since I was a child. It is extremely exciting."