Coronation Street star Jodie Prenger has been flooded with plenty of support after she shared her nerves after her co-star confirmed she was taking a brief break from the ITV soap. The theatre star made her debut on the cobbles last year as Glenda Shuttleworth.
And Jodie quickly settles in with former cruise performer Glenda, the brother of funeral director George Shuttleworth, getting a job behind the bar at the Rovers Return under the watchful eye of Jenny Connor and her former step-daughter Daisy Midgeley.
But Jodie appears to be taking some time away from the cobbles as she returns to the stage. Taking to Instagram earlier this week, the actress confirmed that she is appearing in Annie the Musical as Miss Hannigan. It's just a week-long stint, with Jodie kicking her new gig off on Monday (May 8) before finishing this weekend, on Saturday, May 13, in Stoke.
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Sharing a picture of herself in action, Jodie typed on Instagram: "So this happened tonight. I was so nervous…how sad is that? But it’s always a honour to step out there and share a stage with such a talented bunch, not to mention the amazing production team."
She then added: "@anniemusicaluk a big thank you for tonight. You welcomed me in…love you all loads." And her Corrie co-stars and celebrity pals were quick to show their support.
Georgia Taylor, who plays Toyah Habeeb in the ITV soap, said: "I bet you were knockout, darling." Former X Factor winner-turned-theatre star Matt Terry posted: "Come on!!!!!" Former Emmerdale actress Natalie Anderson shared: "There she is!!! Proud as always darling."
And fans also showed a lot of love to Jodie after her admission. @wendy.loving_life said: "You were amazing (as always) @msjodieprenger. Standing ovation for an amazing cast." @waynebamber9782 shared: "Nervous / never . your fantastic at what you do. You're very loved by everyone so they are right behind you."
@8015lizzy wrote: "I hope you had a brilliant time! They are a very lucky audience! I loved seeing you in Annie before, I believe it was Oxford - feels so long ago now!" @shelleyridler77 added: "I've seen you on stage @msjodieprenger and you are fab! Would love to see you as Miss Hannigan. Enjoy that wonderful role."
Jodie also had some support in the audience as Tony Maudsley, who plays brother George in Corrie, headed over to watch her alongside Sue Cleaver, who plays Eileen Grimshaw, and Lisa George, who is know for starring in the long-running soap as Beth Sutherland.
"I had these sexy thangs with me last night," Jodie typed on Instagram alongside a selfie of the foursome which also featured Jodie's new rescue dog, Lily, who she named after the late Paul O'Grady's alter ego Lily Savage. "I bloody love these people @tonymaudsley1 @officialsuecleaver and our @lisageorgeactor with Lily."
Ahead of he show, Tony shared his joy at going to support Jodie, writing on social media: "Our Glenda's @msjodieprenger's taken a little break from the cobbles and swapped her bar apron for some pearls and a bottle of gin to play Miss Hannigan in ANNIE for a few weeks. Went to see her tonight and she was AMAZING!! That girls got some lungs on her!! I was a very proud telly brother!"
He then later shared the same selfie and said: "The best night at @anniemusicaluk watching our @msjodieprenger as Miss Hannigan." Showing her support, Sue replied: "She was amazing," while Lisa commented: "@msjodieprenger was bloody brilliant!!!! Had me in stitches."
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