Coronation Street: Remembering Max Turner’s Aunt Becky McDonald and Katherine Kelly’s Thoughts on a Return
Becky McDonald, a standout character from Coronation Street, grabbed the audience’s attention with her loud and rebellious spirit that eventually softened into a beloved persona. Tied to Steve McDonald through marriage, Becky was also the half-sister of Kylie Platt and the aunt to Kylie’s children, Max and Lily. Her complex background and her relationships with characters like Steve, Tracy Barlow, and the Croppers—Roy and Hayley—contributed to her lasting popularity among viewers.
Portrayed by the talented Katherine Kelly, Becky’s journey began in 2003, making her mark on audiences after appearing in roles on series like Last of the Summer Wine and No Angels. However, it was her portrayal of Becky that launched her into stardom. Since exiting the soap, Katherine has expanded her repertoire, featuring in acclaimed series like Mr Selfridge, Happy Valley, and Gentleman Jack.
Becky entered Coronation Street as an old friend of Kelly Crabtree when Hayley Cropper offered her a job at Roy’s Rolls. Initially, her presence stirred trouble, but she soon found her footing and entered a tumultuous relationship with Jason Grimshaw, which ultimately led her to develop feelings for Steve McDonald. Their relationship was fraught with ups and downs, including a memorable moment where Becky’s drunkenness caused their wedding to be postponed and a false drug allegation during their second wedding celebration.
After enduring personal tragedies including miscarriages and struggles with family ties, Becky emerged as a central figure, particularly in caring for Max when Kylie faced her own difficulties. The dynamics shifted drastically when Kylie’s actions negatively impacted Becky and Steve’s adoption application, resulting in escalating tensions.
Ultimately, Becky managed to clear her name regarding Tracy’s false claims and decided to start anew with Danny Stratton in the Caribbean, leaving Weatherfield behind. Her absence was notable, especially as her sister Kylie met a tragic end shortly after.
In a recent episode, Becky was brought up as Max’s family attempted to help him navigate a precarious situation with the police. David shared that Max could potentially stay with Becky and her partner Ian, hinting at the lingering influence of her character.
As for a possible return, Katherine Kelly has addressed the question multiple times. In a 2021 interview, she expressed that revisiting Becky would be a “bitter disappointment.” She emphasized the significance of the character in her time and indicated that it would be best for Becky to remain a cherished memory, rather than risk tarnishing her legacy.
As Max’s storyline unfolds, it seems that Becky’s involvement with the show is unlikely to be revived, particularly as her connections to the narrative continue to diminish.
Coronation Street typically airs on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings on ITV. What do you think about Becky’s legacy and the potential for Katherine Kelly to return? Share your thoughts on Facebook.