Shameless actress Tina Malone officially opened Walsall’s new Poundland store – after Coronation Street star Beverley Cal-lard pulled out to attend Betty Driver’s funeral.

The former Celebrity Big Brother contestant was full of praise for the crowds who turned up to have pictures and autographs with her. Poundland, which has its headquarters in Willenhall, has opened its second store in Walsall town centre, taking over the former TJ Hughes in Park Street.

Bosses had lined up Corrie favourite Callard, who plays barmaid Liz McDonald, but Malone was brought in as a last-minute stand-in on Saturday following the death of Coronation Street legend Betty Driver. Malone, aged 48, said: “I was non-stop all morning doing autographs and the people were so lovely. I brought the sunshine with me from Manchester and I just thought, what a lovely town and what nice people.”

The actress, who plays foul-mouthed Maguire matriarch Mimi in the hit Channel Four show, said she is currently in the middle of filming the latest series. The ever-growing discount chain has op-ened 35 new shops nationwide since April with another 17 due to follow before Christmas.

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