Actress and comedienne Julie Walters was reported to be joining Coronation Street - fulfilling a lifetime ambition of hers to one day star in the show.
Writers from the ITV soap were reportedly creating the perfect part for Harry Potter favourite Julie, 64.
“Julie's appearance has been on the cards for quite a while. It's been a matter of finding the right role for her,” a source told the Mirror.
“The producers love her and it is a case of when her work schedule slows down and finding the right time.”
Julie hinted that she would welcome a role in Coronation Street as long ago as 2007, saying: “Corrie was the very first thing I watched.
“That's why it’s my favourite. I wonder if they would ask me?”.
However, after the tabloid story appeared, Coronation Street denied immediate plans to feature Julie in the soap.
A spokesperson said: "Julie is a fantastic actress, so it would be great to have her on board in the future if the right role came up and if she had time in her busy work schedule.
"However, there are no plans at the moment for her to join the show."
Award-winning Julie - who won BAFTAs for her roles in Educating Rita, Billy Elliot, My Beautiful Son, Murder, Canterbury Tales and Mo - will follow other major stars including Sir Ian McKellen, Nigel Havers and Joanna Lumley in taking on a Weatherfield role - if and when she does.
