It is a look that could – and probably should – have vanished with the departure of Hilda Ogden from Coronation Street all those years ago.

But Kate Garraway proudly stepped out as a latter-day Hilda as she arrived at the BBC yesterday morning.

Wearing an old-fashioned pink floral maxi dress and with her hair still in rollers, Ms Garraway appeared in high spirits before an appearance on Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg.

Apart from the Sunday papers tucked under one arm, the Good Morning Britain host instantly brought to mind one of the Street's greatest characters. 

Played by Jean Alexander, Hilda appeared on the show from 1964 to 1987. 

In her pinny, curlers and headscarf, she became a fixture in the soap – with her sharp retorts to long-suffering husband Stan treasured by fans.

For Ms Garraway, 59, the Hilda look is nothing new – and strictly practical. 

She is often seen arriving at TV studios before dawn with her hair still pinned up in rollers, keeping them in until the last minute to ensure her bouncy blow-dry stays in place for the cameras.