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Coronation Street: The Legacy of Max Turner’s Aunt Becky McDonald and the Possibility of Katherine Kelly’s Comeback

February 12, 2025 – by Kerry Barrett

When it comes to Coronation Street, few characters resonate quite like Becky McDonald, the fierce and fun-loving aunt of Max Turner. Portrayed by actress Katherine Kelly, Becky captured the hearts of viewers as she navigated the tumultuous waters of love and loyalty. Married to Steve McDonald and a half-sister to Kylie Platt, Becky was central to some of the most memorable storylines in the show’s history.

Becky brought a vibrant energy to the Street, emerging from a troubled past to become a multifaceted character who balanced her wild side with a genuine affection for her friends Roy and Hayley Cropper. Katherine Kelly’s portrayal made Becky a fan favorite, thanks in part to her evolution from a bad girl into a more sympathetic figure struggling with deep personal challenges.

Katherine Kelly, who first caught the public’s attention in roles on shows like Last of the Summer Wine, has enjoyed remarkable success since her time on Coronation Street. She has starred in critically acclaimed series such as Mr Selfridge, Happy Valley, and The Night Manager. As a devoted mother to two daughters, Orla and Rose, Katherine has successfully balanced her personal and professional life, despite her amicable split from former husband Ryan Clark.

Becky’s entrance into the world of Weatherfield wasn’t smooth sailing. Arriving at Roy’s Rolls as a friend of Kelly Crabtree, she initially sparked chaos between the Croppers. However, her romance with Jason Grimshaw and subsequent affair with Steve McDonald showed her complex nature. Their relationship was riddled with challenges, including a notorious drunken wedding vow that led to a series of dramatic events, including false drug charges and heartbreaking miscarriages. Ultimately, Becky and Steve’s dreams of adopting children were dashed, primarily due to a slanderous reference from her sister Kylie, showcasing how familial ties can entangle and complicate lives.

After a period of struggle post-marriage, Becky slowly found herself again. She fell for Danny Stratton and even contemplated a fresh start in the Caribbean. The nail in the coffin for her Weatherfield chapter came when she discovered the truth about Tracy Barlow’s miscarriage. Instead of revealing it before Tracy and Steve’s wedding, she chose to drop the bombshell at the reception, marking her dramatic exit from the show as she left for a new beginning.

Katherine Kelly has repeatedly expressed mixed feelings about a potential return to her iconic role. During a 2021 interview, she described the idea of revisiting the character as a “bitter disappointment.” She believes Becky was a product of her time, and any return could tarnish the legacy of the character she once portrayed so passionately. As Max Turner navigates his own troubles in the latest storylines, including legal issues that could change his future, Becky’s mention as a possible escape route adds another layer of intrigue—but it seems her return is highly unlikely.

Viewers continue to wonder if Katherine might ever don the fiery persona of Becky McDonald again; however, with the evolving narrative and Max’s departure from the show, her connections to the cobbles are diminishing. As the drama unfolds in Weatherfield, one thing remains clear: Becky McDonald will always be remembered as one of Coronation Street’s most unforgettable characters.

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Stay tuned for more updates as Coronation Street continues to deliver captivating storylines every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8 PM on ITV.