When it comes to acting dynasties, people tend to namecheck the Redgraves, Foxes or Fondas. But the Robbins may soon be on everyone's lips when another member of the clan joins Coronation Street next week.
Amy Robbins, who has starred in Emmerdale, Hollyoaks, Blood Brothers and The Royal, is following in the footsteps of her brother, comedian Ted Robbins, 67, who starred in the soap seven years ago playing Mary Taylor's love interest, Brendan Finch.
She is also auntie to Emily Atack, 33, and eldest sister Kate Robbins, 64, has starred in high-profile TV projects including Spitting Image, After Life and rival soap EastEnders.
Another sister Jane was a member of the UK's 1980 Eurovision entry, Prima Donna. Sir Paul McCartney is also her cousin once removed.
"My family are all really pleased for me," says Amy, 51. "They know how much this Coronation Street role means to me. We are never competitive with each other and we are all very close. My dad, Michael, worked in variety all his life and my mum, Elizabeth, sang.
"Showbusiness is in our DNA, it’s a family business that has lasted generations."
Smiling as she shares the advice Ted gave her on learning she had landed a part in the hit ITV soap, she says: "He told me not to underestimate the feeling of standing in the Rovers for the first time.
"He said it would be overwhelming and he was right.
"His other piece of advice was not to call William Roache 'Ken' like he did. Ted bumped into William and accidentally said 'hello Mr Barlow'."
Likeable and down to earth, Amy beams as she describes how pleased she is Emily has become a huge star. She says: "What you see is what you get and she deserves to be the star she is."
You wonder what Christmas is like in the Robbins family home. Do they all burst into song?
"There are about 30 of us and everyone comes to my house," she says. "I bake a big Lancashire hot pot and we have a lot of fun. My sisters and I are always singing together. It makes us sound like the Scouse von Trapps."
Although her mum's cousin Sir Paul does not come along to the festive get-together, Amy says he has always been very supportive of her family, saying: "He's everything you would hope him to be, genuinely lovely."
A lifelong Corrie fan, Amy, who grew up in Liverpool, burst into tears when she heard she had landed the part of Christina who is set to cause havoc, determined to make amends with daughter Daisy who she had abandoned.
"It has always been my dream to work on Coronation Street," says Amy. "We always watched it religiously when I was growing up and my mum and dad absolutely loved it.
"They sadly died about 10 years ago now. When I arrived on my first day on set, I stood in front of the Coronation Street sign and said to myself 'look where I am now Mum and Dad'. They would have both been so excited.
"At that point, a song that Dad played to me just before he died came on. It was as if they were with me. It was such an amazing moment."
Joking her character won't be winning any awards for mum of the year, Amy says her arrival in Weatherfield will be met with dismay by Daisy (Charlotte Jordan) and her stepmother Jenny ( Sally Ann Matthews ).
"She is hoping to bag an invite for Daisy's wedding," explains Amy. "But her relationship with Daisy is very difficult. And Jenny blames Christina for abandoning Daisy. Although Christina appears to be terribly confident, there is a vulnerable side to her too.
"But she says what she thinks and within hours of seeing Jenny, she tries to give her a fat lip. Hard as nails. It's a brilliant character to play and it's not often you get the chance to offer to beat someone up on screen.
"It's interesting to play someone who has made very different life choices to me. I was very close to my lovely mum and I am also very close to my two daughters, Betsy and May, and stepson, Benjamin.
"In fact, I think my kids would say I am a little too present. Being a mum is without doubt my entire reason for everything."
Amy has been happily married to her husband, Robert Daws, 63, who she met on The Royal, for 19 years. She says she feels lucky to have a husband who understands the acting business, adding: "We can talk about anything and he always has such great advice."
She does, however, admit they both found it very tough during the pandemic. "Like everyone, we really struggled," confides Amy. "Suddenly we had zero income and it was difficult. The theatres closing broke my heart and there were moments where I w"ondered whether to give acting up.
"I started retraining as a counsellor as I thought it would be too hard to get another job."
Luckily for Amy, the theatres have reopened and filming has also resumed on every drama set.
And she is enjoying her job even more than when she first started on stage after graduating from the prestigious RADA drama school.
"I really love the fact that Coronation Street is known for writing so beautifully for older, strong female characters," she adds.
"You have more to lose in your 20s and 30s as you are constantly trying to prove yourself all the time. Now I just want to enjoy every second."
Will she be encouraging her own children to follow the showbusiness path? "I don't know," she says. "My stepson has been to film school and so he is wanting to go in that area.
"My eldest daughter is at the London College of Fashion but she is a beautiful singer. My youngest is doing A-levels and showing interest.
"If any of them want to go into acting, then of course I would encourage them and I would be very supportive. But I would also warn them that if they were looking for security and regularity, then that is not what they are heading for."
Pausing to reflect on the chaos her character is about to cause in Weatherfield, Amy smiles and adds: "If she does turn up at Daisy's wedding, then I would like her to bag a fella.
"One thing is for sure though; you definitely can't ignore her."
Coronation Street every Monday, Wednesday and Friday on ITV at 8pm.
