Coronation Street executives have revealed that they have been forced to recast the role of Helen Connor because the original actress is not available to play the part.

Producers made the decision to replace 60-year-old Sorcha Cusack, who made several appearances in the soap since making her debut in 2008, because of a "clash of schedules" which will prevent her from filming in Manchester.

The role of Liam (Rob James-Collier) and Michelle Connor's (Kym Marsh) mother will now be played by Dearbhla Molloy.

Viewers will see the characters of Helen and Barry Connor make their return to Weatherfield in July. Frank Grimes will reprise the role of Barry.

A spokeswoman for the soap told Digital Spy: "It's always tricky when a character's not with us on a rolling basis.

"We always try our best to secure the return of the original actors but sometimes we are forced to recast, as has been the case with Helen."

The characters of Helen and Barry made their Corrie debut when they attended the Liam and Maria's wedding in February last year.

The couple were not seen in the soap until they made a brief return in October following Liam's death in the hit-and-run incident.

Grimes recently wrote on his blog that he would be making a return to Coronation Street.

He wrote: "Well it is definite now... I am going back into Coronation Street. Start filming on Friday. I am to have a new wife though!"

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