Rob Donovan - Carole Evans

Carole Evans, played by Debbie Arnold, made her first screen appearance on 5 November 2012. Arnold previously appeared in Coronation Street thirty years ago as Sylvie Hicks, a girlfriend of Frank Baldwin (Sam Kydd). Arnold revealed that Carole is the landlady of The Weatherfield Arms and "an old acquaintance and sparring partner" of Stella Price (Michelle Collins). Steve Burbridge from the Sunday Sun commented that many of the landladies of the Rovers Return have had rivals from other pubs and wondered whether Carole and Stella would have the same kind of relationship. Arnold told him "If it's the same sort of relationship I'd be delighted because it was very bitchy and also very funny". Jaci Stephen from the Daily Mail commented "And why, in Coronation Street, do locals not try the Weatherfield Arms? Let's hope that landlady Carole (Debbie Arnold) becomes a regular feature. Heaven knows, the Rovers could do with the competition."

Carole used to work for Stella Price, until she was caught flirting with her then partner, Karl Munro (John Michie). Carole comes to the Rovers Return, where Stella now works, after learning that they have won the local Pub of the Year competition. Carole informs Stella that she is now the landlady of The Weatherfield Arms. During the presentation of the plaque, it is revealed that Stella's mother had forged some of the comment cards and the plaque is given to Carole and The Weatherfield Arms instead. Carole and Stella form rival pub football teams and during their first match, the ladies try to outdo each other.