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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Katie Fitzpatrick

Janice Battersby actress accused of taking swipe at ITV Corrie as Spider returns to the cobbles

Former Coronation Street star Vicky Entwistle has responded after being accused of taking a swipe at the soap. Vicky, who played the iconic Janice Battersby, responded to the news that Martin Hancock was returning as Spider Nugent after almost 20 years.

She raised eyebrows by commenting 'bring the talent back' and adding that she might switch back on now that Spider is coming back. Vicky wrote: "This may just be the best news I have heard in the last 10 years!! Bring the Talent back!!! Might start watching now!!!"

@MichelleGillive replied: "There is still lots of talent on Corrie! Glad to hear Spider is back joining them." @BeddoesJill told her: "There is fantastic talent already on the show." And @LeslieMacNutt scolded: "Now, now Janice!!"

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But @LittleMiss073 agreed: "Indeed! When are you coming back?" @ChrisLewin said: "I think Janice needs to revisit and sort Toyah out" and @Rob_Hall1984 said: "I think it's high time Janice came for a visit."

Vicky, whose gobby character ruffled feathers on the cobbles when they arrived with their daughters Leanne and Toyah in 1997, has now defended her tweet. And she said she was trolled over her post.

"I genuinely thought this was a beautiful tweet! It came from a love of Martin!" she exclaimed. And she added with crying laughing and facepalming emojis: "6 Trolls!!! I hope you are well!!"

Janice left the street in 2011 to start a new life with boyfriend Trevor Dean in London. She and Les, played by Bruce Jones, split in 2001 after she had an affair with Dennis Stringer who died in a tragic car accident while driving Les to hospital after he attempted suicide.

In 2000 Vicky apologised for a 'childish and hurtful tweet' about the tragic Oliver Battersby storyline. She clashed with Jane Danson, who plays her stepdaughter Leanne in the soap, after saying she was unimpressed by the writing.

The Battersbys in 1998 - Janice Battersby (Vicky Entwistle), Les Battersby (Bruce Jones), Leanne Tilsley (Jane Danson) and Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor) (Granada Television)

Georgia Taylor, who plays Janice's daughter and Leanne's stepsister Toyah, tweeted: "My beautiful, brilliant friend @RealJaneDanson You blow me away." And Vicky replied: "But imagine if she had better writers behind her!!! That really would have been something!!!"

Jane, whose character made the devastating decision to agree to her three-year-old son Oliver's life support being switched off after months of fighting, replied: "Thats so disrespectful. They were some of the best scripts I have ever had. Shame on you for writing that! Very disappointed how mean that comment was!"

Vicky later tweeted: "I have apologised to @RealJaneDanson this morning. Rightly so. She is a wonderful actress! My tweet was childish and hurtful. I realise that and am truly sorry for any hurt I may have caused." And Jane replied: "Thank you. Xxx"

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