Trouble brews when Michelle Connor pretends that she and Robert Preston have split up, Kym Marsh tells Soaplife. And the danger comes from Will…

Why would Michelle Connor make out that she and chef Robert Preston are no longer an item? To try to find out who’s waging a vendetta against them! “It’s Robert’s idea. He’s absolutely certain it’s not [his former friend and drug-dealer] Rich who’s got it in for them and he’s worried about Michelle’s safety,” Kym Marsh told Soaplife. “Robert suggests that, as the perpetrator is obviously out to get him, Michelle will be safe if she makes out they’ve split up.” But he’s so wrong!

Does Michelle have any idea that her old flame, Will Chatterton, is behind all this? “None. He’s not even on her radar and she hasn’t seen any weirdness in him up till now. He’s dating Maria Connor and everything, as far as Michelle is aware, seems to be going well between them. So it doesn’t really register with her at all. She treats him as an old friend and she’s grateful he seems kind and supportive, and that he’s there for her.”

Will she find out how twisted and dark Will is? “Eventually something happens, which is going to terrify her! It’s very soon after the fake split with Robert [Tristan Gemmill] that Michelle realises something sinister is going on with Will. She’s really creeped out and horrified.”

Do things turn ugly with Will? “Basically, he discovers she’s not been totally honest about things with him. But then Michelle makes a discovery of her own, which implicates Will massively and she suddenly has this ‘Aaargh!’ moment. It’s very dramatic and she’s desperate for help.”

Michelle doesn’t half have bad taste in men! “I don’t think it’s that so much – she’s just a romantic. The romance with Will happened when they were teenagers. She hasn’t had a real relationship with him since then, but he’s obviously got some very strange emotions, deep down. Steve was just an idiot, but he was her idiot and she loved him for that.”

How about Robert? “She knows now Robert’s not squeaky clean, but his heart’s always been in the right place. Everything Robert’s done has been to try and improve Michelle’s life, and to protect her. He’s not very good at protecting her, though, when you examine his track record! He looks like Superman, but he’s not. He’s Clark Kent.”

Coronation Street, ITV

Corrie star Kym Marsh is furious that a person is able to get away with pretending to be her six-year-old daughter online

Kym Marsh has criticised a person for setting up a fake Twitter account in the name of her six-year-old daughter.

The Coronation Street actress also said that the page on the social networking site was using pictures of her youngest child Polly.

The account fused Polly’s first name with the second name of Marsh’s Coronation Street character, Michelle Connor.

Kym said: “The fake account of my 6!!!! Year old @pollyconnor4 has BLOCKED me!!! You are using photos of my little girl you strange strange person.”

In a second tweet, she said that 'something needs to be done' about fake accounts.

She added: “Why would ANYONE make a fake account of a 6 year old??? Weird.”

The Twitter account is protected and has 36 followers.

Kym, 41, has previously spoken out about the dangers of identities being stolen online, and earlier this year revealed a man had been duped into thinking he was dating her for 10 years when her name and image was used in a 'catfishing' (fake profile) scam.

She also said her eldest daughter Emilie had been used as bait online with more than a dozen fake profiles set up in her name on various social media sites.

The campaign of terror against Michelle Connor and Robert Preston is stepped up in Coronation Street, reveals star Kym Marsh

Michelle Connor thought Robert Preston was a safe, reliable and dependable guy in Coronation Street. How wrong was she?!

“Michelle has been totally taken by surprise since Robert’s admission about his drugs past,” Kym Marsh told Soaplife. “But because he did the right thing and told the police about Rich she has accepted that it is nothing to do with who he is now.” But it seems it is…

Has Robert’s confessions changed Michelle’s feelings for him? “Initially she was furious that he had brought this trouble to their door, but she loves him and she is prepared to accept that he has a past. So does she. For her the fact that he told her is important after Steve lied to her.”

Then someone paints ‘RIP’ on the wall of the Bistro… “And Michelle is terrified, Robert [Tristan Gemmill] has disappeared so she is left to try and clean it off herself. Robert returns having been mugged in town and then someone throws a firebomb at the Bistro. They both start to think that Rich is definitely behind all the problems they have been having. She knows that he is a very dangerous man who knows some very dangerous people so she is scared.”

Can Robert cope? “Robert is really struggling with the fact that he has brought all of these problems to their door. He hates that his past has caught up with him and he can’t cope with the fact that he has put Michelle at risk.”

Is Michelle tempted to leave him? “No – she is determined they will deal with this together. The fact that her first true love, Will, has returned makes no difference to Michelle and she’s happy for him when he starts dating Maria. She is over Steve, too. She loves Robert.”

So Robert is the right man for Michelle? “Before we found out about his shady past I’d say yes, he is exactly what she needs, as he is dependable and wants to take care of her. But looking at it from the outside, I wonder: is he just going to cause her more heartache and grief?”

Will life be looking up for Michelle any time soon? “I think things are going to get a lot worse for Michelle. We’ve filmed some pretty dramatic stuff in the past few weeks so watch this space!”

Coronation Street, ITV

With so many popstars turning up in the soaps, we look at some of the most memorable switches from singing to acting

Who knew that the pop world would be such a fertile grounding for a career in our most beloved TV programmes! Meet the pop stars who went on to appear in some of our favourite soaps...

1. Lee Ryan - EastEnders

A former member of boy band Blue who had hits with All Rise and One Love, and a solo career, too. Lee is no stranger to acting as he starred in Holby City as a teenager. He recently joined the cast of EastEnders as bar manager Harry ‘Woody’ Woodward who rubbed the Carters up the wrong way during his temporary stint in the Queen Vic. Although he was booted out by Mick, who caught him in bed with Whitney, bad boy Woody is set to return later in the year.

Watch Lee singing his solo hit I Am What I Am...

https://youtu.be/b_kqoJJVDkE

2. Duncan James - Hollyoaks

Also a member of Blue, Duncan enjoyed all the group's success and their 2011 appearance as the UK's entry in Eurovision. He joined the cast of Hollyoaks in 2016 as policeman Ryan Knight, who was in a relationship with Amy Barnes, but he was recently outed as bisexual as it’s been revealed that the night Amy was murdered, Ryan spent the night with Kyle (played by former Corrie star Adam Rickitt, who himself tried a pop career back in the 1990s.)

Duncan in Eurovision 2011 with Blue...

https://youtu.be/y1dXMWWq6y8

3. Martin Kemp in EastEnders

Along with his brother Gary, Martin played guitar in the hugely successful 1980s band Spandau Ballet, who’ve had numerous hits including the classic love song True. He joined the cast of EastEnders as villainous nightclub owner Steve Owen in 1998, who murdered his old flame Saskia Duncan and then framed Mathew Rose (Joe Absolom) for the crime. Steve Owen was dramatically killed off in 2002 when his car exploded in a fireball as he was being chased by Phil Mitchell.

Watch Martin with Spandau Ballet performing True...

https://youtu.be/ldXgK71pgxs

4. Kym Marsh - Coronation Street

Kym rose to fame on ITV’s Popstars in 2001 which saw her win a place in the manufactured band Hear’Say. Although she quit soon after to go solo, she then turned to acting and landed the role of Rovers Return barmaid Michelle Connor in 2006. Kym recently won a British Soap Award for a harrowing storyline involving her and husband Steve losing their baby to stillbirth. She constantly wins plaudits for her Corrie performances.

Watch Kym with Hear'Say on Top Of The Pops in 2001...

https://youtu.be/q_hMSrLhvlg

5. Keith Duffy - Coronation Street

After the break up of Irish supergroup Boyzone in 2000, Keith was offered the part of Rovers Return barman Ciaran McCarthy in Coronation Street in 2001. He was in the soap for three years as trouble-maker Ciaran, but then made a return in 2010 before quitting again when Boyzone reformed for a reunion tour.

Watch Boyzone, with Keith, performing Love Me For A Reason in 1994...

https://youtu.be/w2BmYZkODlg

6. David Essex - EastEnders

A teenage heartthrob in the 1970s with hits including Hold Me Close and Gonna Make You A Star, David proved his acting prowess in films such as That'll Be The Day and Stardust as well as playing Ché Guevara in the West End music Evita! He turned up in Albert Square in 2011 as Alfie’s uncle, charmer Eddie Moon, who was the father of Michael, Tyler and Anthony. Although he was only in the soap for six months, Eddie managed to have affairs with both Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson) and Vanessa Gold (Zoe Lucker)!

Watch David on Top of The Pops in 1975 performing Hold Me Close...

https://youtu.be/9G2lqY3Nuk0

7. Suzanne Shaw – Emmerdale

A member of the band Hear’Say along with Kym Marsh, Suzanne joined the cast of Emmerdale in 2010 as Eve Jenson, the mischievous granddaughter of Edna Birch (Shirley Stelfox). She was a bit naughty, and had an affair with Carl King (Tom Lister) who was in a relationship with Chas at the time. Having made many enemies in the village, Eve decided to jet off to Mexico and left the soap in August 20111.

Watch Suzanne in Hear'Say singing Bridge Over Troubled Water....

https://youtu.be/rr1cTTEG8s0

8. Alvin Stardust - Hollyoaks

The late singer who had hits with My Coo Ca Choo and I Feel Like Buddy Holly, appeared in Hollyoaks as Greg Andersen, the landlord of the pub, The Dog In the Pond, in 1995. His on-screen daughter Natasha (Shebah Ronay) died following a drug problem and Greg sold the pub to his sister Celia and her husband Jack Osborne, leaving the soap in 1996 to go back to the US.

Watch Alvin sing his 1974 hit My Coo Ca Choo...

https://youtu.be/J4Y93Qucbt0

9. Shayne Ward – Coronation Street

After winning the second series of The X Factor in 2005, Shayne had a few hits and appearances in stage musicals before he joined the cast of Coronation Street in 2015 as Carla’s cousin Aidan Connor who works in the factory with his dad Johnny. Although he’s engaged to Eva, he’s secretly been having an affair with hairdresser Maria.

 Watch Shayne win The X Factor...

https://youtu.be/8aQ2i2UvnCE

10. Samantha Womack – EastEnders

Aged just 18, Samantha represented the UK in the 1991 Eurovision Song Contest finishing 10th with her song A Message to Your Heart which peaked at No 30 in the UK singles chart. After acting in a number of TV shows including Game On, Pie In The Sky and Liverpool One. She joined EastEnders in 2007 as Ronnie Mitchell, who turned up in Albert Square with her sister, Roxy, for their cousin Phil’s wedding to Stella Crawford (Sophie Thompson) and helped run The Queen Vic while their aunt Peggy (Barbara Windsor) was on holiday. Ronnie ended up running the nightclub R&R with Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) who later became her husband. Ronnie and Roxy died in January 2017 on the night of Ronnie’s second wedding to Jack.

Watch teenager Sam at Eurovision...

https://youtu.be/rdtglC5k320

11. Rita Simon - EastEnders

The niece of The Apprentice’s Lord Sugar, Rita was in the girlband Girls@Play who had a couple of hits with Airhead and a cover of Mel and Kim’s Respectable before she left to join another group called Charli, who had a with Feel Me. She joined EastEnders in 2007 as Roxy Mitchell who moved to Albert Square with her sister Ronnie after they’d run a bar together in Ibiza. The sisters died together earlier this year on Ronnie's wedding night.

Watch Rita sing Airhead with Girls@Play...

https://youtu.be/ZNdoZU5PwXE

12. Sarah Harding - Coronation Street

Sarah was a contestant in ITV's 2002 talent show Pop Stars The Rivals, which saw her voted into the winning girl group Girls Aloud. This supergroup had 20 top 10 hits with songs such as Love Machine, Sound Of the Underground and Wake Me Up. Sarah later turned her attention to acting with a part in the BBC drama Freefall and the film St Trinian's 2: The legend of Fritton's Gold.

In 2015 she joined Coronation Street as Joni, the wife of returning character Robert Preston (Tristan Gemmill), but left later that year...

Watch Sarah in Girls Aloud action, with their first hit Sound of The Underground...

https://youtu.be/V9Wv4SCBiTE

13. Wendy Richard – EastEnders

Wendy topped the pop charts back in 1962 when she appeared on the single Come Outside, by Mike Sarne, long before she became famous as matriarch Pauline Fowler in EastEnders, a role she played from the very first episode in 1985 until her character’s death at Christmas in 2006. Pauline’s storylines focused on her family troubles, her money worries and bullying of her downtrodden husband Arthur. In 2007 she won a British Soap Award for Special Achievement, but Wendy sadly died in 2009 after a long battle with breast cancer.

Listen to Wendy with Mike Sarne...

https://youtu.be/5aMIAiseHP4

14. Brian Hibbard –  Coronation Street, Emmerdale, EastEnders

Welsh singer Brian was a member of The Flying Pickets who had a famous Christmas No 1 in 1983, with an a cappella version of Only You, a cover of the big Yazoo hit.

The Flying Pickets with their famous Christmas hit...

https://youtu.be/8kjXfDpS4EI

The former miner went into acting and appeared in Coronation Street as garage mechanic Doug Murray, who worked alongside Kevin Webster (see above). He then joined Emmerdale as Bobby-John Downes, played Johnny Mac in Welsh soap Pobol Y Cwm, then appeared as Henry Mason in EastEnders in 2011.

Brian sadly died in June 2012.

Our soap favourites have arrived at Salford's Lowry Theatre for the annual British Soap Awards. Here are some of the best red carpet looks...

Our best-loved soap stars headed to Salford's Lowry Theatre for the annual British Soap Awards on Saturday.

The public has been voting to decide which of their favourites from the soaps Coronation Street, Doctors, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks should win a gong.

The stars are dressed to impress as they arrive to find out who the awards will go to.

Corrie's Cath Tyldesley looked stunning as she walked down the red carpet wearing a powder pink, fishtail, backless gown accessorised with a matching clutch bag and drop earrings.

Best Female Dramatic Performance nominee Kym Marsh opted for a fitted navy dress with a revealing split. Kym is nominated for her portrayal of grief-stricken Michelle after the tragic loss of her baby Ruairi in Coronation Street.

Corrie's Katie McGlynn decided against a traditional long evening gown, instead opting for a pastel pink mini dress and strappy stilettos.

Hollyoaks actress Nadine Mulkerrin looked worlds apart from her troubled character Cleo McQueen as she turned up wearing a nude, floral, sheer gown. Nadine is up against Corrie's Kym for the Best Female Dramatic Performance gong.

Sophie Porley, also known as Hollyoaks' Ellie Nightingale, opted for a monochrome halter dress with minimal accessories as she arrived on the red carpet.

Hollyoaks star Amanda Clapham opted for a strapless, floor length red gown and showed off her long locks as she arrived at the bash.

Hollyoaks veteran Sarah Jayne Dunn, who has just announced that she will be returning to the soap as character Mandy for the first time since 2011, looked classy as she arrived wearing a black, strapless pencil dress.

Stephanie Waring, best known for playing Hollyoaks' Cindy Cunningham, opted for a revealing black gown with beaded embroidery.

Hollyoaks' Jessica Fox looked vibrant as she arrived wearing a floor-skimming, red, prom-style gown with spaghetti straps.

Soap favourite Nikki Sanderson, who started her TV career as Candice in Corrie before starring in Heartbeat and Hollyoaks, beamed as she arrived wearing a pine-coloured embellished ballgown with a V-neck.

Anna Passey, best known for playing Hollyoaks' Sienna Blake, displayed her own take on red carpet glamour as she arrived wearing a floaty floral gown with her hair styled in a feminine platt.

Pregnant Chelsee Healey looked glowing as she arrived wearing a coral jumpsuit accessorised with large hoop earrings.

EastEnders Tameka Empson looked glamorous as she stepped onto the red carpet wearing an emerald-green gown with a clinched in waist. Tameka is tipped to win the award for Best Comedy Performance for her character Kim's great one-liners.

EastEnders' Shona McGarty opted for a peach chiffon strapless dress with minimal accessories.

Corrie veteran William Roache, who has played Ken Barlow since the show's first episode, looked dapper as he arrived wearing a smart black tuxedo.

Adam Woodyatt smiled for the cameras as he wore a blue pinstriped suit with a matching pink cravat and pocket square.

EastEnders star Bonnie Langford looked sophisticated as she arrived wearing a fitted black trouser suit with pointed black heels.

Lucy Fallon is taking a well-deserved night off from the harrowing grooming storyline involving character Beth Platt. Lucy is nominated for Best Actress along with Kym Marsh, Charlotte Bellamy, Lacey Turner and Anna Passey.

Hollyoaks actress Persephone Swales-Dawson opted for the bohemian look as she arrived wearing a white pixie-style gown with a band tied around her head.

Corrie fave Jennie McAlpine was dressed to impress as she arrived in a navy blue jumpsuit with nude heels.

Emmerdale actress Isabel Hodgins, who plays Victoria Sugden, smiled as she arrived wearing a classic, baby pink evening gown.

Roxy Shahidi, who plays Emmerdale's Leyla Harding, opted for a bright mustard wide leg jumpsuit with removable sleeves.

Soap couple Alan Halsall and Lucy-Jo Huson smiled together on the red carpet as they arrived at the bash. The pair, who met on Corrie, married in 2009.

Emmerdale's Eden Taylor-Draper smiled for the cameras as she arrived wearing a lilac and white lace gown with capped sleeves.

The British Soap Awards screen on ITV on Tuesday, June 6.

The Weatherfield favourite, who’s nominated for three awards at this weekend’s ceremony, talks prizes, partying and prosecco – and reveals what she’ll be wearing on the red carpet…

It's been a huge year for Corrie star Kym Marsh, who has moved soap fans to tears with her performance in Michelle Connor's late miscarriage storyline. Kym, who's nominated in three categories at the British Soap Awards – Best Actress, Best Female Dramatic Performance and Scene of the Year – talked to us ahead of the big bash...

Kym, how do you feel about the possibility of doing the treble? "I’m absolutely delighted! To be nominated is brilliant, and to win one would be amazing. To win three would be ridiculous and I’ll probably be very drunk!! But you never know, do you?"

If you were lucky enough to win a trophy, who would you most like to present it to you? "Tom Hardy!"

Have you prepared a speech in case you win, or will you just talk off the cuff? "I can’t talk off the cuff because it would be just awful. Nearer the time, I’ll put something together. The worst part about speeches is missing someone out, so the best thing to do is keep it brief and not mention anyone’s names."

You’ve had a huge reaction to the storyline in which Michelle and Steve lost baby Ruairi. Do you feel proud of your achievements? "Absolutely. I’m really proud of us as a team, actually. We worked so hard; the scripts were phenomenal and the director was really sensitive, as were the crew. When we saw the finished piece, we were blown away. I put everything into it, and I took myself back to places that I had tried so hard to come away from. I wanted to make it as realistic as possible for those people watching, because I know how important that is."

Do fans still approach you about the storyline? "Yes, in fact just the other day someone came up to me about it. And since the storyline aired, I’ve become more involved with baby loss and bereaved parents. I’m an ambassador now for a charity called Saying Goodbye. There are so many people who said they were able to identity with the story, and we know that websites and helplines had a big surge, so we’ve reached out to a lot of people."

It has been another strong year for the soaps – are there any other actors or storylines that you think deserve recognition? "Lucy Fallon has been wonderful in the storyline about Bethany being groomed. Some people have said that it’s difficult to watch, but there’s a reason for that. It’s so realistic and it’s such a huge subject and an important one. And that’s what soaps do – we tell important stories. Should I lose out to Lucy, I’ll be losing to a very worthy winner. And I have to give credit to Emmerdale for their dementia storyline. That has been a big one for me, and Charlotte Bellamy (who plays Laurel) has been wonderful."

It’s 10 years since you last won a soap award – for Best Newcomer. Can you remember much about that night? "Yes, I was ecstatic! Obviously, being new to the show, it was such a thrill. And here I am, 10 years later, with the possibility of winning another award – it’s lovely!"

Where have you put your Best Newcomer trophy? "I think my mum’s nicked it! I’ve got my NTA and she’s got my Soap Award. She’s not having any more though, if I win any this year! Seriously, though, my parents are so supportive. They’ve got so much memorabilia in their house, including my gold discs from when I was in Hear’Say. They’re proper proud."

Can you remember your first ever award? "I do, it was a singing trophy, called The Ken Dodd trophy, for a competition called Joy Time in New Brighton. I was 10 years' old."

Have you chosen your dress for this weekend? I have, yes. I’m usually last minute – ask anyone at Corrie, I’m terrible! But this year, because I’m nominated, I thought I’d better look good! I wore a red dress last year, but this year I’ve gone for something blue. But I don’t want to give anything else away!

Have you ever worn anything at an awards show that you’ve regretted? "Yeah, I’ve worn some terrible things in the past – did you see me in the Hear’Say days? I went to the Brit Awards once, and the record company company got this woman to make a dress for me. She said: 'It’s gonna be amazing!' But I looked like an umbrella! At the Soap Awards, I’ve been OK, though. I go for quite simple things; I’m not one for anything daring or not wearing any knickers!"

>>Find out everything you need to know about the 2017 British Soap Awards here

Who will be your plus-one guest this year? "I’m taking my son, David. I’ve never taken him before because he’s quite shy and doesn’t like cameras, but this year I said 'Do you want to come?' and he said 'Yeah mum, I’d love to.' This was before I knew I was nominated, and now my daughter Emilie, who’s been with me a few times, is gutted. We’re going suit shopping, but David’s on a health kick at the moment, so we’ll leave it to the last minute."

Do you have any friends in other soaps that you’ll catch up with on the night? "Yes, I used to live next door to Duncan James when I lived in Hertfordshire, who’s now in Hollyoaks (playing Ryan Knight) so I'll catch up with him. He used to pop round, and we’d have drinks in each other’s houses. We never sang together though!"

What will be your tipple at the aftershow party? "I like a glass of champagne or prosecco, and I’m partial to a gin and tonic."

Will you be up on the dance floor? "It depends how much prosecco I’ve had! I like music from the 80s and 90s so that will probably get me up."

And will you be partying till the early hours or leaving at a respectable time? "I normally get to a point where I’m like 'Right, it’s time to go home!' Gone are the days where I’m still up at 5 o'clock in the morning. I can’t cope with the hangovers – they’re much worse as you get older!"

The British Soap Awards screen live on ITV at 8pm on Saturday, June 3rd

Michelle returns from her visit to Carla and she’s ready to start again – but probably not with husband Steve! Corrie’s Kym Marsh reveals all

Hanging out with best friend Carla Connor has done Michelle McDonald the world of good. Now she’s back in Weatherfield, even though she knows it’s not going to be easy living on the same street as estranged husband Steve, who fathered baby Ollie with Leanne Battersby.

“She could move away for good, but I don’t think she’d let them drive her away from what she considers to be her home with her family and friends,” Kym Marsh tells Soaplife. “So she won’t be going anywhere. But she isn’t about to let bygones be bygones either!”

How is Michelle feeling now she’s back in the Street? “She’s a lot more settled and she’s made peace with herself. But she’s still angry with Steve [Simon Gregson] and she wants what is hers.”

So how does react when Steve suggests marriage counselling? “Michelle makes it very clear she thinks he’s got a right nerve. Her kneejerk reaction is to say, ‘Get lost!’ But then Steve comments that she’s still wearing her wedding ring…”

He’s got a point.… “Michelle can’t really work out why she hasn’t taken her ring off. Obviously, she remembers what they had together, the Rovers is still her home and she misses stepdaughter Amy. She just wants her life to be normal again.”

So will she take Steve back? “It would almost be the all-too-easy option to try to give their marriage another go on her return. Michelle’s very confused and she ends up talking to Robert [Tristan Gemmill] about it.”

Ah, Robert! Just what are Michelle’s feelings for him? “She realises he’s a lovely guy who just wants her to be happy. He’s never been selfish, he’s never tried his luck… It’s the opposite, in fact. She does start to wonder if she has feelings for Robert. She knows how he feels about her and he’s been a great friend, even though she’s treated him badly.”

What does she make of his offer of work at the Bistro? “She knows Robert has no agenda and he just wants to take care of her. Michelle feels the Bistro job is perfect for her. It’s just what she needs and would give her a real helping hand, with the bonus of being in competition with the Rovers.”

What advice would you give Michelle as a friend? “Don’t go to marriage counselling, as Steve suggests! He had so many opportunities to tell her the truth, yet he didn’t. I’d tell her to remember that she’s strong and she should be with someone who deserves her.”

Can Michelle ever truly recover from the awful time she’s had recently, with Steve’s betrayal and the death of their premature baby son, Ruairi? “She will never be able to forget it. If Steve and Michelle ever do reunite, it’ll have to be something huge. So now she’s taking a different path with Robert, who’s not a clown like Steve!”

Coronation Street, ITV

Brave Kym Marsh has spoken out about losing her son Archie, who died 21 weeks into her pregnancy in 2009. The actress said she wanted to help other women who have gone through a similar experience.

Coronation Street star Kym Marsh has credited her two children and a good support network for giving her strength following the devastating loss of her third child a few years ago.

Kym, 40, lost her son Archie in 2009 at 21 weeks into her pregnancy.

The actress, who plays Michelle Connor in the ITV soap, recently tackled a stillbirth storyline which mirrored her own real-life heartache.

She told The Sun on Sunday: “After Archie died I was utterly lost. I never got to the point of thinking about taking my own life, but I don’t know how I might have felt if I hadn’t had two young children and a good support network around me.

“I know that others who have lost children have found themselves in the same situation as Michelle. I can totally understand how people feel like they can’t carry on.

“When I lost Archie, all I could think was, ‘Why has this happened to me?’

“I had carried a baby for nearly six months and yet what did I have? What was the point in it all?”

In the soap, viewers saw Michelle go into labour 23 weeks into her pregnancy, resulting in the death of baby Ruairi at birth.

Kym says she took on the emotional storyline to help other women.

She told the paper: “I wanted to help women like me, and I wanted to honour Archie.

“I knew it would be really painful but this is an issue that affects thousands of families every year and it’s something that often isn’t talked about.”

She said the family – her two children David and Emilie, and Polly, who is six – still celebrate Archie’s life.

“We always celebrate Archie on his birthday, February 11, every Mother’s Day and at Christmas.

“He is still part of our family. Even though we never got to spend time with him, or even see his eyes open, he’s still my son and David, Polly and Emilie’s brother.”

The actress is an ambassador for the charity Saying Goodbye, which provides support for anyone who may have lost a baby either during pregnancy, at birth or in infancy.

Michelle has found out Steve is the father of Leanne’s baby in Corrie…Now what’s she going to do? And how worried should Leanne be?

You could have heard a pin drop in Nick's Bistro in Corrie tonight, when Steve McDonald lost all control as he found himself holding Oliver at the baby’s head-wetting party.

“I’m so sorry,” Steve said to wife Michelle. “This is my son.”

And, finally, his secret one-night stand with Leanne Battersby was very public knowledge.

Leanne (Jane Danson) and her fiancé Nick Tilsley, who has told everyone he’s the baby’s father, were horrified, and Steve’s wife Michelle (Kym Marsh) was stunned. She thought her husband was having some sort of breakdown following the recent loss of their own son, Ruairi.

Then the shocking truth dawned on her… The baby Steve (Simon Gregson) was cradling gently in his arms is indeed his son.

As Michelle's heart broke, Leanne tried to explain that she and Steve have no feelings for each other. That didn't make any difference. Michelle angrily punched Leanne in the face, her hate for her very clear.

Just a couple of hours earlier, Michelle had surprised Steve by telling him she still wants a baby, despite the pain of Ruairi’s death.

Is Steve’s plan now to give Michelle the baby she wants by going for custody of Oliver?

We already know that Nick actor Ben Price has quit Corrie, and Nick will be leaving “in an explosive storyline” says our Corrie source, which will reportedly air over the summer.

What if, now the truth is out, mentally fragile Nick cracks under the pressure and he hits Leanne again?

And then what if, as Leanne fights that battle, Michelle discovers Nick is being violent? She's going to tell Steve that she wants a divorce but she could decide that she and Steve need to stay together to save Oliver…

How? Michelle could launch a custody battle, dredging up Leanne’s history of prostitution and drug abuse and Nick’s violence and making people conclude they’re not fit to look after Oliver.

That would be shocking, cruel and devastating for Leanne. But Michelle would be thinking only of keeping the baby safe… And of getting revenge.

That would result in Leanne fighting for the baby she never thought she would have. And it could lead to her doing something equally drastic and shocking...

Coronation Street, ITV

Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh has posted an emotional message to her late son on what would have been his eighth birthday.

Kym Marsh has paid tribute to her late son on what would have been his eighth birthday.

The Coronation Street actress posted an emotional message on Twitter, saying she missed Archie every day.

Kym and Jamie Lomas’s son died in 2009, when he was born 18 weeks early.

The actress tweeted: “This day 8 yrs ago my baby boy got his angel wings.

“Happy birthday my beautiful Archie.

“We love you very much and we miss you every day.”

She also shared a poem entitled “An Angel Never Dies”.

The following day Kym tweeted again, this time to announce that a charity ball would be held in Archie’s honour.

Robert Preston fears for Michelle McDonald’s safety when he finds her alone on the edge of a bridge, Kym Marsh tells Soaplife…

How is Michelle coping with the tragic loss of Ruairi,  her and Steve’s baby son, Kym? “Michelle is really struggling – she is a strong woman and trying to keep going but this loss is so huge, she can’t really come to terms with it and is in a very dark place indeed.”

Is she getting support from Steve? “He is supportive but they are finding it very hard to communicate. They’re dealing with their grief very differently and she was really upset when he removed everything from the nursery. Steve [Simon Gregson] just doesn’t really know how to cope.”

What happens when Michelle tries to drown her sorrows? “Steve persuades her to go out to the Bistro but it’s probably too soon and she has too much to drink. She’s very upset, toasting her dead son and shouting at other customers. It is very sad and Steve doesn’t know what to do. Michelle storms out. She has no idea where she’s going and ends up alone on a bridge.”

Robert Preston finds her – what kind of state is she in? “Freezing cold and in a very bad way. Robert [Tristan Gemmill] is very concerned for her safety and what she is planning to do.”

 Why is it easier to talk to Robert than Steve? “It can be very difficult to deal with your own grief and someone else’s. Robert is removed from the situation yet he cares about her and she finds she can open up to him. She tries to kiss him which is the result of the situation and her grief. It’s difficult for Robert because of the way he feels about her.”

She says she wants to visit Ruairi at the chapel of rest… what happens there? “Robert is amazing and gives Michelle the space she needs. When she says she wants Steve, he totally understands.”

Can you talk us through Ruairi’s funeral? “It is very moving and was very emotional to film. It’s just Michelle and Steve, which is how they wanted it. This is a real turning point for them and they’re able to move forward.”

Can Michelle and Steve come through this? “I think so but of course there is the huge ticking timebomb of Leanne’s [Jane Danson] baby which now after the loss of Ruairi takes on an even bigger significance.”

Could Robert be the one Michelle turns to when the truth about Leanne’s baby finally comes out? “There is some time to go yet and in the meantime she will be working on her relationship with Steve, and try to put how Robert feels about her out of her mind.”

Coronation Street, ITV

Corrie actress Kym Marsh says she took on the harrowing stillbirth storyline to honour the son she lost

Coronation Street star Kym Marsh has said that recreating a stillbirth on screen was the 'best way to honour' the baby she lost.

In Wednesday night’s episode, Kym’s character Michelle Connor went into labour at 23 weeks, resulting in the death of her baby Ruairi at birth.

After losing her own son, Archie, in a similar way eight years ago, she said she felt a 'gut instinct' to take on the story and encourage people to open up about their own experiences.

Kym, 40, said: “My gut instinct was to do this because, I felt, what better way to raise awareness of this subject, and also to honour my son?

“This subject has been very taboo for far too long. Sharing is absolutely imperative to being able to put the pieces of your jigsaw back together.”

The episode saw Michelle and husband Steve McDonald, played by Simon Gregson, go through the heartache of being told there is no way to save their baby and that, because he was born before 24 weeks, he will not be given a birth certificate.

Comparing it to her own experience, Kym said: “Calling my son a late miscarriage was one of the things that really got to me because I had just given birth to a baby, I didn’t miscarry him.

“When I’m not here any more, nobody will know that my baby existed, and that is upsetting for a lot of women I think.”

While the creators ensured there was a psychotherapist on the set to offer counselling, Kym and Simon revealed how the process forced them both to delve into memories they had been trying to avoid.

“I didn’t know what was in the box until I lifted the lid off,” Kym added.

“You never get over it, but you learn to live with it, and diving back into that place that I spent years coming out of strangely helped me to realise that I have accepted that it happened to me.

“There will not be a single day that goes by that I don’t think about him, but I am able to talk and reach out to other people who have been in that situation.”

It was an equally close-to-home experience for Simon, 42, who also lost a baby with his wife Emma Richards.

Describing his role in the programme, which saw him try to comfort Michelle while she insists he does not understand how she feels, he said: “As a bloke you feel completely helpless.

“Men and women grieve differently… we decided to let Michelle show the raw emotion, but Steve’s grief will come later.”

The script was developed with advice from specialist bereavement group Sands, which ensured that proper terminology and information was used so the story would relate to viewers who have had similar experiences.

Michelle’s baby joy lasted for a nano second. Now she’s not even sure she’ll keep the baby – as Amy discovers. Corrie's Kym Marsh tells Soaplife what happens

Corrie’s Kym Marsh talks to Soaplife about Michelle McDonald’s emotional turmoil with her pregnancy...

 Michelle really is having a miserable pregnancy, isn’t she? “She was just beginning to get excited about her pregnancy when Steve [Simon Gregson] dropped the bombshell about his call from Jim and the possibility of having Myotonic Dystrophy [MD]. Now she can think of nothing else. She doesn’t know what’s going to happen and she wonders if a termination is the only answer.”

And things get worse when Steve’s young daughter Amy finds out she’s pregnant, don’t they? “Liz ends up telling Amy because Michelle’s been really snappy with her and Liz [Beverley Callard] explains she’s hormonal because she’s pregnant. Michelle’s looking at abortion information online and Amy [Elle Mulvaney] finds the pages on her tablet and she’s devastated.”

Why is Michelle thinking about having an abortion? “She’s worried she might end up with a situation where Steve gets depressed and they have a child who’s also ill and she really doesn’t know if she could cope. It isn’t something she’s thinking about lightly.”

Does she speak to Steve about her fears? “Yes, but it’s hard for Steve as he’s worried, too. And Michelle doesn’t know that Steve is also worrying about Leanne’s child.”

How come Michelle has a heart-to-heart with Robert? “Michelle’s upset after Amy confronts her about the abortion. She and Robert [Tristan Gemmill] haven’t really seen eye to eye since the whole Carla thing, but he’s suddenly someone who calmly listens to her. He tells her she’s strong and she can deal with it. He’s the opposite of Steve. He can stand back, take stock of a situation and be rational. Steve just goes into panic mode.”

Could Michelle forgive Steve if she found out the truth about Leanne’s pregnancy? “There’s a long way to go before Michelle finds out, but I don’t see how she could forgive him. Who knows what the future holds? But I think that big reveal could spell the end of Michelle and Steve.”

Coronation Street, ITV

Michelle and Steve McDonald might be going through a tough time on screen, but actress Kym Marsh has revealed she had a big crush on her Corrie co-star in real life.

Coronation Street star Kym Marsh has revealed she had a real-life crush on her soap hubby.

The former Hear’Say singer has played Michelle in the ITV soap since 2006.

Michelle and Steve McDonald tied the knot last year, but Kym has admitted she thought Simon Gregson, who plays her other half, was a real heartthrob when she was in her teens.

She told the Daily Mirror: “I actually had a poster of Simon on my wall when I was younger, which is so weird. He was a heartthrob in the day! I love Simon, he’s gorgeous like a teddy bear, he’s lovely.”

Kym, 40, added that co-star Simon, 41, is so funny that she often has trouble completing scenes.

She said: “It’s a skill, you have to look slightly past him so you can’t see his face. We just try to compliment each other and make it funnier. We enjoy working together.”

In Corrie , barmaid Michelle is carrying Steve’s baby, unaware he has also made neighbour Leanne [Jane Danson] pregnant.

But Kym insisted there will be no more babies in real life. She laughed: “No, no! I’ve done my bit for motherhood thank you.”

The twice-married actress has two grown-up children, David, 21, and Emily, 18, and a five-year-old daughter, Polly.

Talking about switching from a pop to a soap career, Kym said: “I was well aware that everybody didn’t know me as an actress so I had the pressure of people thinking was she any good or going to fall flat on her face. But everyone welcomed me and made me feel very relaxed.”

The actress also said Beverley Callard, who plays her TV mother-in-law Liz, is a real hoot: “She’s amazing. Beverley is such a giggler. If I have to tell her someone’s died or something she’ll lose it and start laughing. We get told off sometimes.”

Kym also revealed that she has no plans to leave the soap: “Pop Stars was filmed at the Coronation Street Granada studios so I’ve kind of went full circle really. I’m very happy. I really feel I’ve found my home.”

Coronation Street star Kym Marsh said her family was visited by her late son Archie on his exact birth minute in February

Kym Marsh has claimed she was visited by the ghost of her son Archie, who tragically died seven years ago.

The Coronation Street star lost her son with ex, Holyoaks actor Jamie Lomas, moments after he was born, 18 weeks early.

But spookily, Kym’s five-year-old daughter Polly has faced some paranormal experiences.

Speaking on Loose Women on Monday, she told viewers how she marked the anniversary of Archie’s birth and death on February 11 with candles and balloons. But this year the boy seemed to visit Polly in her room, while Kym was downstairs eating dinner with son David.

The 40-year-old recalled: “This particular night I had got home late from work and I was eating and next thing we hear, jumping up and down from Polly’s bedroom. So I’m thinking, Polly’s awake. I sent David up, ‘David go and see Polly, tell her to get back in bed’.

“So he goes up, opens the door, came down, said Polly’s still asleep. Next thing we hear this jumping, it’s like someone’s jumping on the floor upstairs. And then David went, ‘Mum, look!’

“And the chandelier underneath the room was shaking.”

She added: “The next thing we hear is a child crying. And it was not Polly, it was not Polly’s cry. David’s eyes came out on stalks… we were all really freaked out. There was no other explanation for it.”

She said the incident occurred on Archie’s birth minute.

However, while she admitted the encounter was 'weird', Kym said she was not scared, instead thinking: “This is Archie, he’s come to say hello and tell us he’s okay.”

Archie also seemed to visit Polly when she was just 18 months old.

Kym recalled the moment when her daughter sat up, pointed into thin air and told her: “Mommy, Archie, see him, see him!”

Coronation Street's Steve McDonald is in for some sleepless nights – for more reasons than one, explain Simon Gregson, Kym Marsh and Jane Danson

Having recently discovered that he has got Leanne Battersby pregnant following their one-night stand, coming up in Coronation Street Steve McDonald discovers that wife Michelle is expecting, too.

Stars Simon Gregson, Kym Marsh and Jane Danson share their thoughts on the bumpy road ahead…

 Simon, what was Steve thinking when he jumped into bed with Leanne? “I don’t think he was! Me and Jane were like: ‘Where has this come from?’ So the writers wrote scenes for us to explain what happened. They will never be aired, but now it makes sense to us.

"Basically, Steve went round to Leanne’s and thought him and Michelle were over. Leanne wasn’t in a good place, they started chatting, and one thing led to another over a bottle of vino…”

Does he really think he can keep the fact that he’s her baby’s father a secret? “That’s his plan! Leanne doesn’t want him to have anything to do with the baby, and he has agreed to that because he thinks that if Michelle finds out, she will leave him.”

How does he feel when Michelle gets pregnant, too? Simon: “I think Steve kind of shocks himself sometimes. He is like ‘Am I going to wake up in the shower like Bobby Ewing?’ He’s is in a bit of a state, bless him.” Kym: “Being as fertile as he is, I’m surprised that Michelle hasn’t got pregnant before now. Normally, he only has to throw his undies on the bed and that’s it!”

How does Leanne feel about Michelle’s pregnancy? Jane: “She thinks it is the worst thing in the world! Obviously, there are the inevitable trips to ante-natal classes together and talking about baby clothes and the rest of it.

"Suddenly, Leanne has become Michelle’s new best friend, and it is just so awful and awkward. We have had all these scenes where Michelle is blissfully unaware and Leanne is looking a bit sheepish.”

Are Steve’s terrified expressions making you laugh? Kym: “I am used to him now, but Jane did said to me, ‘I don’t know how you do it – I can’t stop laughing!’” Jane: “I do struggle slightly! Simon is very funny, so I just say to him, ‘There is no point in me looking at you, 'cos I can’t do it’. In some scenes, he has played it for laughs because it is tragically funny; it is like ‘Another fine mess you got me into!’ Whereas for Leanne, it is über-serious.”

How do you feel about wearing a baby bump? Kym: “Well I’ve never had to wear one before so it’ll be quite weird. I spend all my time trying to not have any bumps now!” Jane: “Leanne has never experienced pregnancy before – I have, but she hasn’t. At least it will be in the winter months when it will be cold.”

Do you think the storyline will make you feel broody? Kym: “Well, I can’t have any more children. I lost a little boy seven years ago [son Archie] and I had complications when I had my daughter Polly. I couldn’t take that gamble again so I had a procedure done to prevent me from getting pregnant.” Jane: “It will be nice because when they’re not your own babies, you can give them back. I can get all the best bits on set.”

How do you feel about filming the birth scenes? Kym: “Well, I have given birth before so I know that it’s about a lot of excruciating pain! But I don’t know what is going to be asked of me.” Jane: “I can certainly draw on my own experiences. It will probably end up being dramatic, or maybe Steve will be there. He might be running between the two women with a sweat on!”

Can you envisage Steve being the busiest dad on the street? Simon: “I think that’s probably in the writers’ minds at some point, yeah. Steve in trouble seems to be what they like. Even though it’s quite a dramatic thing, there’s a lot of scope for comedy.”

Leanne is keen to get back with Nick. What is she going to tell him about her pregnancy? Jane: “In her eyes, she has totally ruined it, because she thinks he is not going to want to raise somebody else’s baby – especially Steve’s. So she lies and says the father was some guy she had a one-night stand with.”

Peter Barlow is coming back to Weatherfield. Will this also affect a Nick and Leanne reunion? Jane: “I know absolutely nothing, but suffice to say there is history between the three of them. I think Leanne still likes him a bit. It’s safe with Nick, but there’s an element of danger with Peter.”

How will Michelle react when she finds out the truth about Steve and Leanne? Kym: “We have no idea of the details yet, but she’s not the most forgiving person in the world, is she?! When it comes to a head, she’s probably not going to be very pleased about the fact that that everybody knew and she was kept in the dark.”

Do you think she and Steve can weather the storm or will this be one discrepancy too many? Simon: “We’ll be a bit sad if it goes that way but yeah, I think it might be a step too far.” Kym: “Hopefully, if it does mark the end for now, then at some point in the future they will find their way back to each other.”

Do you think Steve is going to wish he’d had that vasectomy? Simon: “Yeah!” Kym: “I think Michelle’s gonna make him have one. In fact, Michelle may actually perform one on him!”

Interview by Alison Slade

Michelle and Steve McDonald have just decided to head to Ireland for a baby planning break, but it seems like the stork has flown and she's already pregnant in Corrie!

Michelle McDonald’s world is set to be rocked as she discovers she's expecting a baby in a forthcoming storyline on Coronation Street.

The character, played by Kym Marsh, becomes broody after her friend Leanne Tilsley (Jane Danson) is revealed to be pregnant.

After what has been a difficult few months for Michelle and husband Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) following a long-awaited reunion, the barmaid is stunned to learn that she is in the family way.

The actress has reportedly already filmed the scene in which she tells her reluctant spouse the news, and fans will be keen to know how he reacts to the baby bombshell.

A show source told The Mirror: “As always it’s not going to be all plain sailing."

“It’s another huge storyline for Kym.”

Kym recently spoke about Michelle and Steve’s tempestuous relationship in a chat with Radio Times, explaining why she suddenly has such a strong desire to have a baby.

“It’s basically Leanne being pregnant that prompts it. She realises that, as she’s 40, she’s getting close to the point where it might not be possible,” the actress said of her on-screen alter-ego.

Michelle is already a mother to grown-up son Ryan from a previous relationship, while Steve has daughter Amy with Tracy Barlow.

Kym added: “She doesn’t feel like she’s needed as a mum by Ryan and she’s still young. It’s a bit of a wake-up call for her, really.

“There is certainly an element of her thinking it will help her and Steve cement their relationship. But she does have a genuine desire to have a baby.”

She went on to add that Steve is 'not as keen' about the baby news, throwing the future of their parenthood into the balance in typical dramatic Corrie style.

Michelle wants a baby of her own when she finds out Leanne is pregnant, reveals Coronation Street star Kym Marsh.

Not so long ago Corrie's Michelle McDonald was so against becoming a mum again, she wanted Steve to have a vasectomy. But the recent crisis in their marriage has seen her have a change of heart, Kym Marsh tells Soaplife.

How does Michelle [Kym] find out Leanne [Jane Danson] is pregnant? “They’re chatting in the Street when Leanne starts having pains and confides in Michelle that she’s in the early stages of pregnancy. Michelle insists she goes to hospital and gets Tim [Joe Duttine] to give them a lift. It turns out everything’s fine and Michelle is excited for Leanne. Michelle’s intrigued to know who the father is, but doesn’t push it.”

And Leanne’s pregnancy makes Michelle want a baby of her own? "It’s Leanne being pregnant which prompts it, but Michelle realises that at 40 she is getting close to the point where it might no longer be possible, plus there is certainly an element of her thinking it will help her and Steve cement their relationship.”

 How does Steve react when Michelle tells him she wants him to become a dad again? "He’s reluctant and says he needs time to think about it. Michelle’s really surprised as Steve was previously so keen that they have a child. Steve finally tells Michelle he’s happy to try for a baby with her."

What’s the state of their marriage now? "They came very close to splitting, but now they’re rebuilding their relationship and finding their way. Michelle knows she hurt Steve, but that’s in the past and now she feels they have a great future. She trusts him implicitly."

Do you think Michelle and Steve having a baby is a good idea? "No, if she sees it as a way of mending their marriage. But if she is sure her relationship with Steve is solid then, yes, having their own child may be a good thing."

If Michelle does fall pregnant, could it bring her and Leanne closer together? "I’d like it to – I’m loving working with Jane. With Carla [Alison King] gone, Michelle needs a new buddy so if she and Leanne are both pregnant together it would be perfect…"

Michelle thinks Steve is having a wild time with women on dating websites and she has accepted a job on a cruise ship. Is this really the end for Michelle and Steve McDonald? Kym Marsh tells us

Talk us through Michelle’s feeling since Steve found out the truth about Will…

“It has been really difficult for her as Steve [Simon Gregson] has frozen her out and she can’t get through to him. She has got to the point where she really doesn’t feel there is anything more she can do to try and get him to forgive her.”

Michelle (Kym) didn't properly cheat but did cross a line. Who do you sympathise with more?

“She is the first person to admit what she did was wrong and she could have done a lot worse. Remember she was left on her own for months and he hadn’t even turned up for her birthday, or so she thought. I’m not condoning what she did, as it was wrong, but Steve does need to cut her some slack. She did confess and now she is paying the price.”

Are viewers on Michelle’s side?

“The viewers do seem to really love Steve and Michelle as a couple and most people seem to want them to sort out their differences and move on. They do think that he is being a bit harsh considering what he has done to Michelle in the past.”

Yes, Steve did properly cheat on Michelle with Becky…

“Exactly! And, yes, she has reminded him, what he did was much much worse but they are older now and more settled and he is obviously hurt. He was ill after all with depression and he knows he stayed away too long, so he probably blames himself a bit, but he won’t admit that.”

Does she have any idea that Steve’s secretly pining for her?

“No, he is doing far too good a job of being cross with her and freezing her out. She genuinely believes that this is the end and that he is never going to forgive her.”

Is this why she takes the job on the cruise ship?

“She has got to the point where she just thinks there is nothing left for her. Carla has gone, her son is abroad and now it looks like her marriage is over so when her friend tells her about the job on the cruise ship it just seems like the right thing to do. She still loves singing and it feels like a fresh start for her. She can’t bear the thought of staying in Weatherfield and seeing Steve every day.”

Should she go, or should she stay and fight for her marriage?

“If Steve is not going to forgive her I can totally understand her desire to get away. She probably is also doing it to try and call his bluff, but that is a dangerous game as it looks very much as though he is going to let her go.”

Due to the Euro 2016 football tournament, Coronation Street’s next episode is on ITV on Wednesday, June 29, 7.30pm

Michelle’s leaving Coronation Street unless Steve has a change of heart. Could he? Kym Marsh tells Soaplife…

Why does Michelle give up on Steve?

“Steve’s frozen her out completely. So she’s got to the point where she really doesn’t feel there’s anything more she can do to get him to come round and forgive her for kissing Will [Leon Ockenden].”

You can’t blame Steve for being mad at Michelle, can you?

“She’s the first person to admit she did wrong, but she was left alone for months while Steve [Simon Gregson] was in Spain and she didn’t think he was even going to come back for her birthday. I’m not condoning what she did, but Steve needs to cut her some slack, especially as he hasn’t exactly been an angel in the past.”

Does she have any idea Steve’s secretly pining for her?

“No, he’s far too good at being angry with her. Michelle genuinely believes this is the end and he’s never going to forgive her. The viewers will want to bang their heads together. It’s one of those times when you’re shouting at the screen. It’s a real Ross-and-Rachel Friends-style storyline!”

So they’re both being stubborn?

“Yes. They’re as stubborn as each other. If they could just admit they’ve both made mistakes and forgive each other and move on, then it would all be OK. But neither of them is going to back down.”

So where is Michelle going?

“She plans to join a cruise ship as a singer. She feels there’s nothing left for her in Weatherfield. Carla [Alison King] has gone, her son is abroad and now it looks like her marriage is over, so it seems like the right thing to do when she hears about the gig. She still loves singing and it’s like a fresh start. She can’t bear the thought of staying in Weatherfield and seeing Steve every day.”

Shouldn’t she stay and fight for her marriage?

“If Steve isn’t going to forgive her, I can totally understand her desire to get away. She’s probably also doing it to try and call his bluff, but that’s a dangerous game… as it looks very much as though he’s going to let her go. If Carla hadn’t left, I doubt Michelle would be considering leaving.”

Coronation Street, ITV

Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) finally returned to Coronation Street last night (April 22), ready to celebrate wife Michelle’s 40th birthday.

But by the time Steve got to kiss Michelle (Kym Marsh), her lips had already been warmed up by her very first love, Will (Leon Ockenden).

Michelle couldn't keep her hands off Will

Michelle jumped out of Will’s bed just before their passionate kissing went further — but can she stay away from him?

Even with Steve back home, we’re not sure she can.

Her marriage has hit the rocks and we don’t think Steve will be able to steer it back into calm waters — especially as, right now, he has no idea that Michelle has been seeing Will.

Michelle had been determined to stay faithful to Steve and was looking forward to him coming home for her 40th.

But then Steve didn’t turn up.

“Is that bloke deliberately trying to wreck his marriage?” asked Eva (Catherine Tyldesley), when Steve was a no-show for Michelle’s 40th birthday party.

We don’t think so… But that doesn’t mean it’s not over.

“Steve thinks Michelle and himself have been getting on fine,” says Simon Gregson. “It turns out they haven’t. Steve hasn’t got a clue what’s going on with this chap called Will, who’s kind of good-looking.”

Which means Steve doesn’t know that Michelle ran to Will because she thought Steve has let her down yet again.

“I didn’t come here for the food,” Michelle told Will last night, when he talked about cooking her a birthday dinner.

And it was Michelle who took Will by the hand and led him to his bedroom.

But then she had a change of heart.

“Stop! I thought I could do this but I can’t,” Michelle told Will, “not while I’ve still got something worth fighting for.”

But has she?

“Steve comes back all chilled out,” adds Simon. “But he comes back to a massive drama. Typical!”

Steve returned for Michelle's 40th birthday – but he was too late

And we think this drama is just beginning… Michelle has told Will she wants her marriage to work.

But what does Will want? He’s supposed to be marrying his fiancée Saskia, who also has no idea that he and Michelle have been getting hot and heavy.

Will Will walk away from Michelle? Or will he decide that it’s their relationship he wants to fight for and call off his wedding?

Coronation Street continues on ITV, Monday, April 25, 7.30pm.

As she celebrates a decade in Coronation Street, Kym Marsh shares her top five highlights with TV Times, and her delight at being reunited with screen husband, Simon Gregson...

After 10 years on Corrie your days in the charts with Popstars winners Hear'say must seem like a long time ago now?

"When people see me now, they forget that I’m a singer – and that’s a real compliment. Not that I was ever ashamed of where I came from, because it was ultimately being in Hear’Say that brought to me to where I am today. But it means they see me as an actress, and very much a part of this show."

You got the acting bug when you were part of a 2004 West End production of the musical Saturday Night Fever, didn't you?

"I’d always loved acting when I was younger, but it kind of got forgotten about, with the singing. So I thought 'I’ll try and get an agent and see what happens.' I felt like I had a lot to prove, and I know that Shayne Ward [former X Factor winner, who plays Aidan Connor] has felt that, too. In this country, you won’t necessarily be seen as a serious actor if you come from the music world, whereas in America, it’s quite common to do both.

"So I had a lot of doors slammed in my face in the beginning, and my agent said to me: 'You’ll have to do a few things before people start to take you seriously.' I did an episode of Doctors and a Holby City and a couple of theatre things, and then the opportunity came up for this, so I was very fortunate.

You were originally signed up for just four episodes, but after being courted by the producers of Hollyoaks, Corrie asked you to return for a longer stint…

"I played a call girl in [spin-off] Hollyoaks: In the City, just after my first Corrie stint, and they wanted me to stay on. I can remember exactly where I was when I got the call about coming back – I was in my kitchen in St Albans [where Kym was living with children David and Emily and first husband, Jack Ryder], making spaghetti Bolognaise. That got left in the pan, and we all went out to celebrate."

It must be nice to celebrate your 10th  anniversary with the return to Corrie of Simon Gregson…

"I’ve missed Simon terribly. Working with him is like putting on a pair of comfy slippers. I’ve spoken to him on the phone quite a lot and he’s popped in to the studios and brought his new baby boy in – who has more hair than he does! But it’s so good to see him, and he looks really well. Too well, in fact, because he’s really brown.

"I said to him the other day, 'You look like Des O’ Connor!' His wife, Emma, had 'faked baked' him, because of Steve having been away in Spain. He was like 'My hands are a bit patchy, though – I look like I’ve had a fight with a gingerbread man!'"

KYM’S TOP FIVE CORRIE MOMENTS

1 .

My first episode (2006)

"I was brought in to stir things between Vernon and Liz. Vernon was a bit flirtatious and Liz thought they were having an affair. Being in The Rovers was slightly intimidating, but I truly enjoyed myself, and Beverley Callard made me feel so welcome."

2.

Michelle/Sonny/Sean love triangle (2007)

"Sonny was my first screen kiss, so Pal Aron, who played him, got the most terrified girl ever! My friendship with Antony Cotton (Sean) really blossomed during this time. And, of course, this was the start of the 'Will they, won’t they get together?' storyline with Michelle and Steve."

3.

Michelle discovers the truth about Dean’s death (2007)

"Michelle had always believed that her boyfriend Dean had been drink-driving when he died, but she found out that Paul was driving, and he and Liam had moved Dean into the driver’s seat when they crashed. There was a massive set-to between Liam and Michelle, and I had my first big crying scene."

4.

Michelle and Steve get back together (2012)

"Steve had broken Michelle’s heart by cheating on her with Becky and then marrying her. It took her a while to trust him, but finally they got together. I love working with Simon, and I think the public really love Steve and Michelle together."

5.

Steve’s depression (2014-15)

"Simon and I wanted to do this justice for everyone going through it. He was fabulous, and I wanted to show what it was like to be on the receiving end. It was also a love story, because it was Steve and Michelle’s love for each other that ultimately got him through it."

A blast from the past is about to set Corrie’s Steve and Michelle McDonald’s marriage on a path to self-destruction, but there’s one person desperately fighting to keep them together – Kym Marsh.

Kym’s character Michelle will be reintroduced to her first boyfriend Will, played by Mr Selfridge’s Leon Ockenden, when she’s hired by his fiancee as their wedding planner.

Michelle and Will reunite when Saskia leaves them to plan the wedding (Mark Bruce/ITV)

With Steve (Simon Gregson) living happily in Spain without her and Michelle struggling under the weight of three businesses, she soon finds a shoulder to cry on in Will and finds her teenage feelings reignited.

But Kym said she’s as torn as Michelle over what to do about their unfinished business.

She said: “When I first heard about the story I thought, ’That is so not like her, why would she do that?’

“But she put up with all kinds of things (with Steve) and helped him through his depression. She was there for him and then he just went away to Spain and left her to it and has shown no signs of coming back or wanting to since.”

Steve is helping brother Andy out in Spain in the soap (ITV)

With Will, on the other hand, she said, “It’s the first time we see her opening up to anybody about how she is feeling about Steve… she just feels that she can offload this feeling that she has. He is very much there for her.”

But giving in to those feelings doesn’t come easy, as viewers will see when Will joins Coronation Street in April.

“She really, really does try everything to put things between them and stop anything from happening,” Kym said.

Now Kym is worried that this could mean the end for lovebirds Steve and Michelle.

Liz will begin to suspect there’s more between the two of them than just friendship (Mark Bruce/ITV)

She said: “This is soap and we know that couples hardly ever stay together. But there is always that worry and obviously I wouldn’t want them to split Steve and Michelle up permanently, but the writers do what they do and we do as we’re told and that’s it.”

The duo, who married on-screen in May 2015, have been compared to classic Corrie couple Jack and Vera Duckworth which Kym finds 'flattering'.

“It is really flattering to be thought about being anywhere near those kind of characters. It is wonderful. That is why we hope we don’t end up being split up but you just don’t know,” she confessed.

Kym hopes Steve and Michelle will become Street stalwarts like Jack and Vera Duckworth (Granada TV/PA)

Simon took a sabbatical from Corrie in October 2015 and is due to return in May, and Kym said she loved having her screen hubby back.

“I have missed Simon terribly and I’m so glad he’s back. Our first scene together when he came back we were both really excited – we’ve got a scene together! It’s like putting on a comfy pair of slippers.

“Every scene I’ve done with Leon I’ve been dressed in something really uncomfortable and I can’t sit down properly! Hold your belly in!” she laughed.

Watch to see what happens when Will joins the show in early April.

Coronation Street star Kym Marsh reveals her big plans for her big year to Soaplife… And talks about her new fitness programme.

How’s 2016 panning out for you so far?

“Good. I’m still loving Corrie and am definitely there until June, and hopefully beyond that. There are quite a few other things I want to do, too – like trekking to the Everest base camp. It’s also a big year for our family as my son is 21 in April and I’m 40 in June. We’re planning a joint party.”

How do you feel about turning 40?

“It’s the thought of being 40 that’s spurred me on to get fit and reach my goals. I want to be able to look in the mirror and think, ‘You know what? You’re not bad for an old bird!’”

Is that what inspired your Power Sculpt fitness programme?

“I was very clear from the start that I wanted anyone to be able to follow the plan. I wanted to make it accessible to everyone. The programme has two phases – beginner and intermediate – and each phase has an easier option. You can pick and choose, and do as little or as much as you like. It doesn’t say you’ve got to do a certain number, you simply try your best. Do a couple of 20-minute work-outs three or four times a week, and you’ll really start seeing a difference.”

Even if you eat whatever you like?

[Laughs] “If you want to get fit and lose some weight, I’m afraid you can’t just eat what you like. You’ve got to adopt a healthy diet.”

What’s your diet like?

“Pretty good most of the time. I follow a mainly Paleo diet – high protein, low carb – although I do eat good carbohydrates, such as leafy green veg and sweet potatoes. I eat a lot of eggs, vegetables, fish and lean meat. I don’t have much dairy and substitute coconut or almond milk for cow’s milk. I have a cheat day once a week, though. I think you’ve got to do that or you get bored and start feeling deprived.”

And what are your 'cheat' foods?

“Whatever takes my fancy. It might be pizza, might be chocolate... I indulge myself, but don’t go mad. It’s never a good idea to eat your body weight in chocolate!”

Coronation Street, ITV

Kym Marsh has admitted that her relationship with Dan Hooper is completely over, after failing to work things out.

The Corrie star, 38, and her fiance, 32, announced their engagement just five months ago.

Kym, who plays Michelle Connor in the soap, and personal trailer Dan previously told how they were taking 'a break', but that their engagement wasn’t broken off.

Kym Marsh (Ian West/PA)

Now Kym has written in her OK! column: “I’m very sad to have to tell you that Dan Hooper and I have split up.”

She added: “I said I was hoping things would sort themselves out but for one reason or another it doesn’t feel like we can fix things or get back on track so we’ve decided to go our separate ways.”

Kym wrote: “Sometimes things just don’t feel right no matter how much you want it to.”

“I know some people will say we rushed in too quickly and that things got too serious too fast, but I think you have to follow your heart and I have no regrets.”

Kym has been married twice previously.

Kym Marsh (Ian West/PA)

She and her second husband Jamie Lomas, father to her daughter Polly, divorced last year.

The actress was previously wed to EastEnders star Jack Ryder and has two teenage children, David and Emily, from a previous relationship.

Kym Marsh has hit out at internet trolls, who claimed her niece had died.

The Coronation Street star revealed she had been the target of a hoaxer, who pretended her niece had died from cancer on a fake Facebook page they set up.

This IS NOT MY FACEBOOK and whoever this sicko is needs locking up! You need help! My niece is alive and well pic.twitter.com/CO5psCtLOM

— Kym Marsh (@msm4rsh) June 2, 2015

The bogus profile even featured an image of the actress on a Disney visit kissing Mickey Mouse.

Also guys need to say I am NOT on facebook and never have been someone pretending to be me once again #strangefolk

— Kym Marsh (@msm4rsh) May 31, 2015

Kym, who plays barmaid Michelle Connor on the ITV soap, has been targeted by internet bullies before.

The 38-year-old actress had a fake email account closed down when she discovered someone was emailing her friends, pretending to be her and trying to arrange drinks.

Kym Marsh (Yui Mok/PA)

She also had people mocking her following the death of her minutes-old baby son Alfie – and had abuse from trolls over her split from fiance Dan Hooper.

There are some very sick and strange people out there how very odd

— Kym Marsh (@msm4rsh) May 31, 2015

Some people disgust me

— Kym Marsh (@msm4rsh) May 31, 2015

Don't appreciate nasty people tweeting me and tricking me into retweeting things! You need your head testing

— Kym Marsh (@msm4rsh) May 31, 2015

A source told the Daily Mirror that Kym is considering getting the police involved, or even withdrawing from social media.

“She is suffering from a constant barrage of people trolling her or pretending to be her. She is now going to look into involving the police because this can’t go on,” they said.

“It is very upsetting and she is getting to the stage where she is considering pulling the plug on social media. But she doesn’t want to do that because she doesn’t want to let the bullies win.”

Steve and Michelle are finally getting hitched in Coronation Street. But little do they know, Steve's treacherous ex Tracy is out to get even with all those she thinks have wronged her!

As an unmissable week of episodes gets underway, Corrie star Kym Marsh opens up about Steve and Michelle's long-awaited big day.

"I loved the wedding dress," says Kym. "I was hugely involved in choosing it. I was very quick in choosing the dress. I wasn't a bridezilla! I think it was the third or fourth dress I tried on. It's hard. You do look at the dresses and think, 'What would I like?' But you have to remember you're not shopping for you, you're shopping for Michelle."

Kym also gives us the scoop on the new Connor cousins moving to the Street later this year (lead by Shayne Ward), the aftermath of Tracy and Tony's attempted takeover of the Rovers... and her cute new canine co-star Cookie, who happens to be Simon Gregson's real-life pet!

"Simon just happened to hear the producers were looking for a Jack Russell to be a part of the show," explains Kym. "They were going to give Steve and Michelle a dog called Rover. So Simon brought Cookie in and she is now Rover. She is just so cute. She is gorgeous… until she breathes in your face! She's got the smelliest breath ever!"

Don't miss the explosive events in Coronation Street, all this week at 9pm on ITV.

Another Coronation Street wedding, another drama. Kym Marsh talks to Soaplife about Tracy’s threat to Steve and Michelle’s happiness...

After all their ups and downs, and trials and tribulations, Michelle Connor and Steve McDonald are ready to wed. “It’s a registry office do because they don’t have much money,” explains Kym. “But as Michelle’s a wedding planner, she’s been able to pull in a few favours. They’ve also done everything themselves, decked out the Rovers so it looks beautiful, and they’re looking forward to it being the happiest day of their lives.” And Tracy’s looking forward to wrecking it…

How excited is Michelle about getting married?

“Things were a bit muted because Michelle and Steve have been worried about their jobs and their home at the Rovers being in jeopardy. When Carla [Alison King] offers to buy Liz’s [Beverley Callard] share of the pub, though, Michelle’s very excited.”

Tracy’s not! Does Michelle have any idea how furious Tracy is?

“Not a clue! But then she has no inkling Tony [Terence Maynard] has been having an affair with Tracy and they’re planning to take over the Rovers. There’s a scene when Carla and Michelle are talking about Carla now part-owning the pub and a fuming Tracy overhears them. She’s shaking with rage, but no one notices.”

Will Tracy (Kate Ford) ruin the wedding?

“If she has her way, she will. She wants revenge and she’s lashing out at everything and everyone.”

Is Tracy’s affair with Tony revealed on Michelle’s wedding day?

“It does come out, but I’m not saying what happens next or how the happy couple react. Sorry!”

Do you want Steve and Michelle to have a happy ever after?

“Simon [Gregson, who plays Steve] always says we’re the Ross and Rachel [from Friends] of Coronation Street and, yeah, I’d like them to stay together now. They’ve been through so much – not just recently but way back – and it would be weird if they didn’t have much of a future.”

Coronation Street, ITV.

Coronation Street’s Kym Marsh has opened up about taking a break from her relationship.

Kym, writing exclusively in her column for OK! Magazine, has revealed why she and her fiance Dan Hooper have decided to take time apart.

She wrote: “It’s been a really tough and upsetting time.

“It was a really difficult decision for us both to make, but something that we mutually felt we had to do, as we both needed some space.”

She added: “We’ve been in contact daily though.

“We needed to take a step back, have some time on our own and figure out where things have gone wrong and see if we can fix it – I hope that we can.

This week’s OK! magazine cover (OK! Magazine)

“I’ve said in the past that I’ve felt happier with Dan than with anyone and that’s true, but issues come up in relationships and you have to try and deal with them.”

Dan took to Twitter last week to have his say.

Nothing's broken off. We are having space and a break. False headlines. Please leave us alone with the horrible comments.

— Dan Hooper (@Dan_hoops) May 12, 2015

At the end of March she posted a picture of the pair with the caption: “Happy anniversary babe 1 yr and still going strong!! I love you babe @Dan_hoops.”

Happy anniversary babe 1 yr and still going strong!! I love you babe @Dan_hoops ❤️ pic.twitter.com/lKoQZyIbNQ

— Kym Marsh (@msm4rsh) March 29, 2015

As Coronation Street’s Steve and Michelle prepare to tie the knot, star Kym Marsh hopes the couple get their happy ending, but she says any mini McDonalds are not on the cards…

Tell us about the big day, KYm…

“It’s at a registry office because Michelle and Steve don’t have much money, and the reception is at The Rovers. But obviously, Michelle being a wedding planner, she’s been able to pull in favours so they’ve done a really nice job. It’s all on a budget, but it looks beautiful. We had such a laugh filming it; it was great fun. But we always do. Me and Simon [Gregson, who plays Steve] are really good mates.”

As the wedding approaches, is Michelle confident that Steve’s recovery is going well?

“Yeah, absolutely. Obviously, when we saw him propose, she was concerned that he’d asked her to marry him when they had all these money problems, but she was just worried about everything. I think she’s absolutely confident that they’re heading in the right direction. She’s very much there for him, and he knows that.”

What is Michelle’s wedding dress like? And does it meet with your approval?

“Well, it’s not what Kym would wear! It’s hard when you go looking at wedding dresses, or any clothes really. You want to buy something that’s ‘you’, but you have to keep in your mind that it’s got to be right for the character. It’s not massively frilly; it’s a bit vintagey.

"It was only the third one I tried on; I was like ‘That’s the one!’ Although I did try it on in a size 18 which was quite amusing! They had to pin it in and say ‘Imagine it in your size!”

Real-life brides normally get in shape before their wedding – did you feel pressure to look good?

“Yeah, I totally did! I had my spray tan. Even though it’s not you and it’s your character, you still don’t want to look horrible in your dress! But I was very busy around that time so I didn’t do as much working out as I would’ve liked.”

Do you feel a sense of anticipation when you film a wedding, even though it’s not real?

“Yeah, you get excited when you’re in make-up and having your hair done. And then you put the dress on and everyone says, ‘Aww, you look gorgeous!'”

Will you and your fiancé, Dan Hooper, watch the wedding together*?

“He probably won’t watch it, but I’ll watch it, definitely. I like to watch when there’s something big going on, whether it’s my storyline or someone else’s. And my children will watch it – although Polly, my four year old, gets really confused. She’ll say ‘Mummy, your name’s not Michelle, is it not?’ She calls Simon ‘the daddy one’. She came into work when I had the fitting and said ‘Why have you got that dress on?’ and I said ‘Cos I’m gonna get married in this.’ She said, ‘You’re getting married to the daddy one?’ I was like,’Yes – but not really...”

Do you want Steve and Michelle to have a happy ever after?

“Simon always says that we’re the Ross and Rachel of Coronation Street. It’d be nice for them to stay together. I think it’d be weird if they didn’t now because they’ve been through so much to get to where they are – not just recently, but over the years with Becky and all the rest of it. But it’s soapland, so you never know, do you?”

Would you like them to still be together in 10 years?

“Yeah, why not? That’d be nice.”

Can you envisage them having kids?

“No, don’t say that! I don’t think that’s ever on the cards. They had the argument about whether he was going to have a vasectomy, and Michelle has made it clear that she doesn’t want to have any more children. Whether they do or not is another matter, but Simon and I both hope that doesn’t happen – we’ve got enough at home.The dog’s enough for now!”

*The interview was held before Dan and Kym announced their temporary split

Coronation Street star Kym Marsh says that win or lose she and co-star Simon Gregson were proud of the way Steve McDonald's depression storyline has played out.

Kym, who plays his soon-to-be wife Michelle, told What's on TV at the British Soap Awards: "I think the best scenes for me were when Steve finally broke down and told Michelle that he had depression. They were, I mean, the subject matter, they were fantastic. "]

"But the funniest scenes for me and Steve were when he turned up to pick her up and she found him sat in his car and she threatened to pull the wing mirrors off that stupid little car he was in. She was like pulling them! We had such a laugh."

Kym continued: "But that storyline was major. For a comedy couple to do such a serious subject matter was massive, so hopefully we did it justice. So if we don't win tonight we're proud of it anyway."

Kym and Simon were nominated for Best Storyline at the awards, but lost out to EastEnders and its Who Killed Lucy? plot.

She was accompanied to the awards with her teenage daughter, Emily.

The British Soap Awards screen on ITV on Thursday, May 21.

Kym Marsh and her fiance Dan Hooper are 'taking a break' five months after announcing their engagement.

The 38-year-old Coronation Street actress, who plays Michelle Connor and has been married twice previously, had planned to wed personal trainer Dan, 32, next year.

Dan denied they had called off their engagement, but admitted that the couple, who moved in together, were having some time apart.

Nothing's broken off. We are having space and a break. False headlines. Please leave us alone with the horrible comments.

— Dan Hooper (@Dan_hoops) May 12, 2015

Kym and second husband Jamie Lomas, father to her daughter Polly, divorced last year.

The actress was previously wed to EastEnders star Jack Ryder and has two teenage children, David and Emily, from a previous relationship.

Kym Marsh (Ian West/PA)

She has said of her relationship with Dan, who she met when he had a few scenes on the cobbles: “I’ve never been happier. I feel like a weight’s been lifted off my shoulders and it’s all because of Dan.”

Dan, who has a young daughter with Hollyoaks actress Stephanie Waring, has gushed: “It didn’t take me very long to fall in love. Kym’s amazing inside and out. We laugh all the time.”

Coronation Street bosses have reportedly signed deals with two of the soap’s regular stars to keep them in the soap after the exit of two of its big names.

According to the Daily Mirror, Kym Marsh (Michelle Connor) and Brooke Vincent (Sophie Webster) have had their contracts renewed for at least another 12 months.

Brooke Vincent plays Sophie Webster (ITV)

A Corrie source was quoted as saying: “Brooke loves it on the soap and is very happy. Before signing on for another year she met with bosses and her character has some great storylines coming up.”

Alison King and Craig Charles both announced that they were leaving last week.

Alison King (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

ITV have insisted Alison will be back on Coronation Street and that she is taking a sabbatical.

Craig is leaving to focus his efforts on a new series of Red Dwarf.

Craig Charles (Andrew Parsons/PA)

Catherine Tyldesley (Eva Price) and Jennie McAlpine (Fiz) are also signed up until the middle of 2016, the newspaper said.

Amy Kelly (Maddie Heath) announced she was leaving earlier this year.

Amy Kelly (Ian West/PA)

Jimi Mistry (Kal Nazir) and Hayley Tamaddon (Andrea Beckett) have also announced in recent months that they are leaving the soap.

One of the soap’s biggest names – Michelle Keegan – bowed out last year.

Michelle Keegan (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Coronation Street star Kym Marsh tells Soaplife how Michelle worried that Steve’s unpaid tax bill for thousands of pounds will set back his recovery...

How does Michelle find these letters from the taxman?

“Michelle’s having a clear-out at the pub when she finds some unopened letters addressed to Steve [Simon Gregson] from the tax office, saying Steve owes £10,700 in unpaid tax. It seems he’s been ignoring the letters for months.”

Is Michelle angry?

“No. She knows that Steve was ignoring his mail and pretty much everything else because he was ill – and still is. You don’t instantly recover from depression. In fact, Michelle’s worried that all the progress Steve’s made over the past few months will have been in vain.”

So why does she tell him about it?

“She has to. But before she says anything to Steve, she tells Liz [Beverley Callard], who checks with the tax office that the bill is correct. Then Michelle breaks the news to Steve. Mortified, he admits he hid the letters away at the height of his problems and forgot about them. Michelle’s worried when Steve then promises to fix things.”

Why?

“Because she doesn’t know what Steve might do! He’s still very vulnerable, quite unpredictable and not like his old self. This just might tip him over the edge.”

Coronation Street, ITV. 

Coronation Street’s Kym Marsh reveals to Soaplife how Michelle falls out with Liz over Steve...

Michelle and Liz have always been good mates, but they really don’t see eye-eye about how to help Steve deal with his depression. “Mum and girlfriend both want to help Steve because they love him so much and are so worried about him, but while Liz prefers the tough love approach, Michelle prefers treading softly,” says Kym.

What does Michelle think of Liz’s tough love approach to Steve?

“Michelle’s very protective of Steve [Simon Gregson] – especially since the minibus crash. She also feels a bit guilty that she didn’t pick up on the fact he has been depressed. She feels they should go easy on him, but Liz [Beverley Callard] thinks they should start making him do things.” 

Then Liz criticises Michelle for dating Hamish…

“And that’s upsetting for Michelle. Liz is having a go at her about how she tried to move on, but it was Steve who dumped her! They now know why he did it but, at the time, Michelle felt unloved and rejected. I think at the point Liz has a go at Michelle for dating Hamish [James Redmond], both are exhausted and have so much going on they are at each other’s throats. Michelle defends herself, telling Liz that Hamish made her feel wanted and that’s what she really needed at the time.”

And Steve overhears her. How does he feel?

“He feels dejected, as though he’s let Michelle down and that she’s better off without him. He slopes off to Streetcars and later tells Michelle she’d be better off leaving him.”

How does Michelle react?

“It breaks her heart because it couldn’t be further from the truth. Michelle does everything she can to persuade him that he’s wrong. She wants to do everything she can to help him get better.”

Making up with Liz would be a good start, wouldn’t it?

“Of course and both women realise they shouldn’t be arguing – that they’re extremely stressed because they’re worried and there’s so much going on. They come to the conclusion that no matter how different their approach to helping Steve, ultimately they both want the best for him.”

So Michelle’s going to stand by Steve?

“She will do everything in her power to help him and will stand by him through thick and thin. She’s going to be with Steve every step of the way.”

Coronation Street, ITV. Click here for dates and times.

Kym Marsh has revealed her teenage daughter has auditioned for The Voice - with her full support.

The former Hear'Say singer, who now plays Michelle Connor in Coronation Street, admitted to having a sleepless and speechless night before Emilie's auditions in front of judges Sir Tom Jones, Will.i.am, Ricky Wilson and Rita Ora.

"I was so nervous all day. We were just on eggshells. I couldn't sleep the night before and I couldn't eat - and Emilie was nervous," the actress told The Sun.

Kym said trying out for the BBC singing show was Emilie's own choice. Emilie, 16, is the 38-year-old's eldest daughter and goes by the surname Cunliffe.

"This had to be one hundred million per cent her choice," she said. "She couldn't be going into a show like this unless it was. If I forced her, it would come falling down on top of me, but this is all she ever wanted to do."

She added that Emilie had also tried out for Britain's Got Talent but has "no interest" in cashing in on her mum's name.

"Emilie doesn't like to mention me or my work. She has a different surname from mine too - she loves that. If people ever mention me to her, she's like, 'Yeah, yeah, yeah, that's my mum. Move on'. She's determined to do this by herself," Kym continued. "And she will - she gets that from me."

Meanwhile, Paul Cullinan, who used to play Bungle in Rainbow, also auditioned for The Voice - but only Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky had heard of his character.

"The reaction I get when I do Bungle really freaks people out," he told the crowds after his blind auditions.

The Voice returns to BBC One on Saturday, January 10.

Coronation Street’s Kym Marsh tells Soaplife how Michelle’s hopes of rekindling her romance with Steve are dealt a bitter blow

How does Michelle cope with Steve’s behaviour over Christmas?

“She doesn’t really, she’s upset and confused. Michelle really doesn’t know where she stands with Steve on the run up to Christmas and then his behaviour on Christmas Day really hurts her. Steve [Simon Gregson] throws all of his efforts into making it the best Christmas ever for Amy and invites Michelle to a big party for the family. Then he asks her to go upstairs with him and she hopes that this is a sign of him wanting them to rekindle things. As they are throwing the fake snow for Amy out of the window Michelle gets all nostalgic and goes in for a kiss, but he knocks her back. She’s hurt and humiliated by his behaviour towards her and she’s really not coping well at all.”

Does she realise that it’s a mental health problem at this stage?

“Gosh, no! Michelle has no idea that Steve’s got a mental health problem because he hasn’t told her. She just knows he’s been pushing her away. She has absolutely no clue that the reason he’s been doing that is because he’s suffering from depression. Michelle just thinks he doesn’t love her any more. She feels completely rejected and confused. She’s still in love with Steve so she’s really upset.”

What does Steve overhear her saying to Tony?

“A lot happens over Christmas that makes Michelle think she really has to accept that they’re over. She’s trying to talk herself into moving on so I think she feels she needs to vocalise it to someone so that it feels real and she can hear herself say it out loud. She tells Tony [Terence Maynard] that she’s moving on and that Steve’s her past.”

Does she mean it?

“She means it when she says it to Tony … Whether her heart wants to or is ready to is another story. She’s saying it to convince herself more than anyone else. In Michelle’s mind Steve couldn’t make it any clearer that he doesn’t want her so she knows she has to move on and move forward with her life.”

We’ve heard Michelle’s going to get a new bloke...

“Yes, she kind of doesn’t want to move on, but she thinks there’s no hope for her and Steve. When a nice man comes along everyone encourages her to go for it, but how ready she’ll be is another story…”

Coronation Street, ITV. Click here for dates and times.

Kym Marsh has announced her engagement to her boyfriend Dan Hooper.

The Coronation Street star, 38, who has been dating 31-year-old Dan for seven months, confirmed the news after newspapers broke the story at the weekend.

She tweeted to her 518,000 followers: "Thank you so much for all your lovely messages. Yes, the news is true and I just can't tell you how happy we both are!"

A source told the Daily Mail: "Dan hadn't told Kim what was going to happen, but they both dressed up for a big night out. Even though they haven't been together for long, they both know it's completely right."

Kym has been married twice before, to Jack Ryder and Jamie Lomas, and is mother to David, Emily and Polly.

Coronation Street star Kym Marsh is to appear a new Northern Irish production of Bram Stoker’s iconic gothic tale as one of the vampire’s wives.

Kym has been cast with Rachel Tucker and Jayne Wisener as the brides of Dracula in upcoming show called Jonathan Harker And Dracula.

Star of stage and screen Gerard McCarthy will double up, playing both Jonathan Harker, whose diaries chronicle the bloody tale, and the greatest supernatural character of all time, Count Dracula.

Kym, Rachel and Jayne will feature in pre-filmed sequences to be projected on stage with Belfast actor Gerard McCarthy reports the Mirror.

“We wanted three powerful, strong, sexy women to play the brides of Dracula and I’m delighted that Kym, Rachel and Jayne are on board,” says Gerard. “The three of them together will be a force to be reckoned with.”

They are expected to shoot the sequence in Belfast in August.

Kym is best known for her her role as Michelle O’Connor in Coronation Street. She has won a number of awards for the part, including a British Soap Award, a TRIC Award and a National Television Award. On stage she played Annette in the West End production of Saturday Night Fever and recently performed in Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues at the Gaiety Theatre, Isle of Man.

Rachel made her name in the BBC1 talent search I’d Do Anything. The Belfast actress went on to land the highly coveted role of Elphaba in the West End’s production of Wicked, for which she won several awards. Other theatre credits include Meat in We Will Rock You, Ida in Farragut North, Maureen in Rent at the Olympia Theatre, Dublin) and Sally Simpson in The Who’s Tommy (UK tour). Rachel also plays Meg Dawson in The Last Ship, a new musical composed by Sting, opening on Broadway in October.

Jayne became a household name playing Johanna in Tim Burton’s Sweeney Todd alongside Hollywood A-listers Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. She also played Lauren in The Inbetweeners, Sandie Morrow in Northern Irish production Six Degrees and Stacie in E4’s Misfits. Her stage credits include Mary Phagan in Parade (Donmar Warehouse) and Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden (West Yorkshire Playhouse).

Gerard has starred in Hollyoaks, The Fall, Titanic: Blood & Steel and Vikings. His first feature film, A Nightingale Falling, is due for cinema release in September. He made his Shakespearean debut as Fenton in The Merry Wives of Windsor at Shakespeare’s Globe in London, directed by Christopher Luscombe.

Directed by Ulster Theatre Company’s artistic director Michael Poynor, Jonathan Harker and Dracula will run from September 18 to 27 at the Theatre At The Mill in Belfast prior to a UK and Irish Tour.

Coronation Street, ITV, continues on Monday, July 28, 7.30pm & 8.30pm.

As Coronation Street's Steve gives Michelle a birthday cake to remember this week, Kym Marsh and Simon Gregson talk to TV Times magazine about their relationship on and off the cobbles – and reveal their plans for the Easter weekend...

Steve and Michelle are one of the more stable couples on The Street right now. What is the secret of their successful relationship?

Kym: "Since they got back together, there’s a whole new trust thing between them. And they know each other inside out – they were friends before they ever got together. I don’t think they try to change each other. She knows what his downfalls are, and she kind of accepts them and embraces them because she wouldn’t have him any other way. He’s an idiot, but he’s her idiot!"

Simon: "They have a lot of fun; they get on. Steve’s been bad in the past; he cheated on Michelle with Becky. He knows he was lucky to get her back, so he can’t do anything to mess it up."

Who wears the trousers?

Kym: "Michelle definitely wears the trousers! I think they’re a classic Corrie couple. When you look at people like Jack and Vera - those couples that have worked really well - the woman is always the feisty one, and the guy’s always a bit downtrodden."

Simon: "Michelle certainly knows how to boss him around, but Steve’s one of those guys who will do anything for a quiet life. If he wanted to kick up a fuss, he would, but he can’t be bothered. He’s very much like Jack in that way – 'OK, just let 'em bang on for a bit, let 'em think they’re in charge, and then I can go to the pub and everything’s fine.'”

Do you find it easy to work together, given how long your characters have been a couple?

Kym: "Absolutely, when you’re sitting at home reading your lines, you know exactly what the other person’s going to do and how they’re going to do it. Simon may pull some funnier faces, however - he’s terrible. I always say to him, 'Whatever you’re going to do, do it in the rehearsal so that I can get used to it' because if he does something different in the take, I’ll just laugh."

Simon: "Totally, it’s very easy to do scenes with people you’ve worked with for a long time, especially if you’re friends with them as well. It’s very easy working with Kym."

What would you say each other’s best quality and worst habit is?

Kym: "Simon’s best quality is he’s just so funny. If you’re having a bad day, you know he’s going to cheer you up. The crew all love him as well, he’s a natural comedian. I don’t know if he’s got any bad habits. We both get really bad heartburn, so we share a bottle of Gaviscon on set. We’re like an old married couple!"

Simon: "Yes, there’s several bottles of Gavison behind the Rover’s bar. How times have changed! Kym’s best quality is that she’s extremely funny. Her worst quality is that she’s constantly got her phone in her hand, which she’s completely addicted to. I’m like 'Get off the phone, I’m bored!'"

Tell us about the birthday cake that Steve makes for Michelle this week...

Kym: "It’s the first birthday that Michelle has had on screen - I’ve never had one in nearly nine years, so I’m wondering how old I am! He buys her a nice necklace and decides he’s going to make her a cake, but it’s a surprise. He’s in and out of the kitchen all day, completely covered in flour, and she’s like 'What are you doing?' He brings it out and it’s slightly burnt, but she’s really chuffed that he’s gone to that effort. I think it’s his way of saying he loves her.

Simon: "She finds it cute rather than annoying, so the cake has a happy ending. And he’s made an effort with the necklace - he’s gone shopping, which is a big thing for a man."

Steve joins the gym this week so he can get fit and beat Lloyd in the fun run. We have visions of him wearing a tracksuit and Michelle laughing...

Kym: "Oh, believe me, you will laugh a lot!"

Simon: "It’s not a tracksuit, it’s a skin tight outfit. It’s quite a sight. And no, I haven’t kept it. I don’t want to ever see it again!"

Steve knows about Peter’s affair with Tina – could this cause problems for him and Michelle, given that Peter’s wife, Carla, is Michelle’s best mate?

Kym: "We’ll have to wait and see, but I wouldn’t imagine she will be very happy..."

Simon: "He really didn’t want to know this secret but it got blurted out and he’s got no choice but to be involved now. Why he doesn’t tell Michelle is beyond me - but he doesn’t, and I’m sure it will cause all sorts of issues later on."

Long-term, would you like Michelle and Steve to get married?

Kym: "I always said I didn’t want Michelle to settle down, but I would love her and Steve to get married. I think it makes sense and it would be nice to think they have some longevity rather than being one of those couples that splits up."

Simon: "I think Steve and Michelle being married would be good, and if they could be married without us having to film a marriage, that would be even better. They last two weeks and they’re dead boring. They could get married off-screen.... or abroad! The producer’s in earshot now. (speaks louder) Yes, I think they should get married in the Caribbean; we could do a spin-off. You could come and write about it, everybody’s happy! The producer’s not happy at all, but we are!"

Finally, what are you plans for Easter?

Kym: "We’re working on Good Friday, but we’re off on Easter Monday, so I’m going to take my tribe to London for the weekend to see some of their old school friends (Kym has three children – teenagers David and Emily, and three year old Polly). We lived down south during my Hear’Say days. I’m a massive chocoholic but at the moment I’m on this whole fitness thing. I’ve got to be careful what I eat, but I will make sure that Easter Sunday is my cheat day."

Simon: "We’ll be off down south to a friend’s place - I think it’s near a water park, so we’ll go there with the kids (Simon and his wife Emma have two boys – Alfie, 6, and Harry, 4). I’m not a massive chocolate fan, which people will probably laugh at when they see me on screen looking like some kind of huge bear. I wouldn’t mind one, but I wouldn’t be able to keep hold of it, 'cos the kids would be all over it like crazed animals!"

Jamie Lomas will be leaving EastEnders this summer after the show's producers decided not renew his contract.

A source told the Sun: "Bosses feel the character has run his course and their decision is final."

Jamie made his first appearance in August last year, with his character Jake Stone introduced as a love interest for recovering alcoholic Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa).

The pair first encountered each other at a support group, but it was later revealed that Jake was already married.

Their affair wrecked Jake’s marriage and drove him back to drink and out of Albert Square.

Jake has only just resurfaced in Walford and was living rough until Ian (Adam Woodyatt) took pity on him and gave him a sofa.

Jamie, meanwhile, has assured viewers there’s still plenty of drama ahead for Jake.

Writing on Twitter, the actor teased future plotlines and also sang the praises of EastEnders’ executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins

Coronation Street's iconic cobbles are being fixed - because the stars reportedly keep tripping over them.

"The new cobbles are really difficult to walk on as there is too much of a gap in the pointing and some were too prominent so actors keep tripping over them," a Coronation Street source told The Sun.

Cast members including Michelle Keegan and Kym Marsh have been struggling to walk on the cobbles in their high heels at the soap's new set.

And older stars such as 83-year-old Eileen Derbyshire - who plays Emily Bishop - fear falling and spraining an ankle.

The Corrie set moved from Manchester city centre to Salford Quays earlier this year.

"Nobody has hurt themselves but there have been complaints," another source told the paper.

A Corrie spokeswoman confirmed the teething troubles.

She said: "With any building project you are going to have snags that need sorting out. We're across this one."

Kym Marsh is reportedly dating her 23-year-old personal trainer.

The 37-year-old Coronation Street star - who had her divorce from EastEnders actor Jamie Lomas finalised last month - spent Valentine's Day in Paris with Matt Baker, according to the Daily MIrror.

Kym tweeted after her romantic trip: "Literally having the best weekend EVER!!!!! #luckygirl #lifeisgood."

And Matt teased on Twitter: "Le weekend ?."

The pair travelled to Paris with friends, but insiders told the newspaper their friendship has blossomed into romance in recent weeks.

A spokesman for the mum-of-three said: "Kym and Matt are close friends but are not in a relationship."

Matt helped Kym lose 10lb when her marriage to former Hollyoaks star Jamie hit the rocks last summer.

Kym and Jamie, 33, were together for five years and tied the knot in September 2012. But Kym filed for divorce in October 2013 citing Jamie's 'erratic behaviour'. They were reported to be living separately last summer.

The daughter of Coronation Street star Kym Marsh looks set to follow in her mother's showbiz footsteps after she auditioned for Britain's Got Talent.

Emily, 16, went before the judges at the Manchester auditions on Friday, buoyed on by support both from Kim and some of her Corrie co-stars.

"Wishing my baby all the luck in the world today!" Kym tweeted, adding: "Too proud of you emz."

Meanwhile Ian Puleston-Davis and Alison King were among others voicing their good wishes to the teenager.

Although the outcome of her performance has not been revealed, David Walliams reportedly told her she was "brave" for attempting to emulate her mother's success, while Alesha Dixon added: "You've had a fantastic teacher in your mum."

However Emily did not have to face Simon Cowell at the Manchester try-outs as the mogul was unable to attend due to being in bed with flu.

Britain's Got Talent is due to return in the Spring, with auditions currently being held up and down the UK.

Coronation Street actress Kym Lomas has spoken out in defence of her co-star Michael Le Vell, saying he had the 'full support' of the show's cast.

The actor, who plays Kevin Webster in the soap, is currently facing child sex charges and is due to stand trial in September.

However Kym - aka Michelle Connor - told the Mirror that he would be welcomed back to the show.

"Michael has the full support of the cast," she said. "We're very much behind him and we're looking forward to having him back at work.

“We’re a team and we’re a team no matter what and obviously when things happen, no matter who it happens to, we’re always there to back each other up.

"It sounds really cliched but we are like a family. You have to be there for each other. You do have to take good care of each other.”

Michael has been written out of the show until his trial is over, but producers have previously indicated he would be welcomed back to the show if he is found not guilty.

Meanwhile former Corrie star Helen Flanagan has also spoken out in support of the actor, having starred alongside him for 11 years as his screen daughter Rosie.

"I don't believe it for a second," she said of the charges.

"I can't believe what Michael is going through, It's absolutely vile what is being said about him. He's a lovely, lovely man. Everyone at Coronation Street is behind him."

Co-star William Roache also added: "You're innocent until proven guilty. So let's wait until the trial is over."

This movie version of the popular stage musical, very loosely based on the story of Diana Ross and The Supremes, stars music industry darling Beyoncé. However, the real star of this film is Jennifer Hudson. She totally outshines her co-stars  Anika Noni Rose, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy, and even Ms Knowles fades into the shadows when Hudson's around.

After competing in American Idol in 2004, Hudson made her film debut in Dreamgirls in 2006, a role which won her an Oscar. More recently she's starred in Sex and the City and The Secret Life of Bees and of course she sung at the Michael Jackson memorial concert. She's well and truly made it, and with talent like hers, she deserves to.

So with the X Factor final this weekend, I've been wondering what other reality TV singing stars have made it big over the past decade:

Hear'Say

The original reality TV talent show Popstars gave us Hear'say, resulting in Corrie star Kym Marsh and face of the M&S advertising campaigns Myleene Klass. Klass also starred in the movie Igor as the voice of Dr Holzwurm.

Liberty X

I liked these Popstars finalists, but after disbanding they've all just floated around the Reality TV world doing nothing outstanding. Shame.

Will Young

Since winning Pop Idol in 2002, Will had some big hits (including that one with the Top Gun inspired video) and his  career took off. He's bagged numerous awards and become a highly successful recording artist. He also starred in the movie Mrs Henderson Presents.

Gareth Gates

Pop Idol runner up Gates may have done a successful West End run in Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat and it's great that he's poised to star in Les Mis, but for me he'll always be the one who sang that annoying song from Ghost - Unchained Melody.

Girls Aloud

Who?

Only joking. Cheryl Cole is of course the nation's sweetheart, so how could anybody not know of Girls Aloud. The band starred in the 2007 St Trinian's film and Sarah Harding has starred in a few additional movies, including St Trinian's II: The Legend of Fritton's Gold, out at cinemas on 18th December.

Kellie Clarkson

This first American Idol winner is known over here but has a bigger following in the States. Her song The Trouble With Love Is features on the soundtrack to that great festive film Love Actually.

Fantasia Barrino

Hmm, yeah, rings no bells with me either, but she won American Idol Season Three (that's the same American Idol that introduced Jennifer Hudson  to the world). A film has been made about her life, in which she stars, called Life is not a Fairytale: The Fantasia Barrino Story.

Carrie Underwood

Winner of American Idol in 2005. Underwood is now a massive country music star over in the US, but virtually unknown over here in the UK.

Kellie Pickler

Pickler was a contestant on American Idol in 2006,  but didn't win. Nevertheless, she's making a name for herself over in the country music world.  Taylor Swift fans probably know who she is (they're best mates), but she's not really known on this side of the Atlantic. I'm keeping my eye on her though as I reckon she'd be perfect for playing the lead role in the Dolly Parton life story stage musical (yes, it's on the cards). Apparently though, Dolly has someone else in mind for the stage show, and for the film version she'll be dubbing the singing vocals herself, so the movie could end up starring any actress who's suitably well-endowed, regardless of their singing talent.

Leona Lewis

Pop Idol 2007 winner Lewis was quickly welcomed from across the pond and has truly made it as an international star. She performs the song I see You in the James Cameron movie Avatar, out in cinemas on 17th December.

Jordin Sparks

Winner of American Idol 2007, Sparks has made it in the US and is probably best known here in the UK for her singles Battlefield and Tattoo.

Alexandra Burke

Has this Pop Idol 2008 winner made it yet? I'm not sure.

JLS

They lost out to Burke in 2008, but their recent UK chart successes show that they're making up for it now.

So, when you look at how many X Factor, American Idol, Popstar winners have faded out of the public eye over the past decade, it makes you realise that it's not that many that make it big. It's a tough world out there.

I'm personally hoping that Geordie Joe McElderry wins X Factor this weekend. He's got a lovely voice, a lovely face (anyone else think he has a look of Hilary Swank?), and a lovely demeanor. Whether he wins or not doesn't really matter though. I think he's got a great career ahead of him, and that potentially includes the movies. The camera loves him and a musical role similar to Hudson's in Dreamgirls would be perfect. If not that though, I'm sure it won't be long before he's  crooning the theme song for the next big Disney movie.

Dreamgirls is showing tonight, 11th December, on Film 4 at 9pm