Landing Mrs Slocombe role was 'magical' for Sherrie Hewson

Loose Women panellist Sherrie Hewson has described the "magic" of being cast as Mrs Slocombe in an Are You Being Served? one-off special.

The experienced actress - who played Coronation Street's Maureen Holdsworth from 1993 to 1997 - said she had "never been so scared" during her audition for the sitcom, based in a fictional London department store.

She told the Daily Mirror: "Mrs Slocombe and the show are so iconic. It meant everything to me.

"I got into such a state that by the time I got there I was beside myself. I started to read on camera and I had to stop and start again because I was just so excited, scared and nervous."

She said she "screamed down the phone" when her agent confirmed the role two weeks later.

"It was magical and wonderful and fabulous. I just didn't believe it," she said.

Are You Being Served? was broadcast between 1972 and 1985. The one-off special is set in 1988 and picks up where the comedy last left off.

It is due to be filmed next month in front of a studio audience in Media City, Salford. It will air on BBC One later in the year.

Hewson will be joined in the cast by the likes of John Challis and Mathew Horne.