Jodie Prenger thrilled Corrie fans when she made her debut on Friday's episode.
The 43-year-old portrays George Shuttleworth's sister, Glenda, and she described the role as a dream come true. She said: “I know I sound like a soppy sod, but it’s been on my bucket list to be in Coronation Street since I was little.
"It’s an honour, it truly is a very special moment in my life. To be part of something my family and I have loved for so long. And what a character, oh I have to say, total dream part."
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Jodie has forged a successful career in showbiz as she won BBC Talent show I'd Do Anything in 2008. Jodie went on to play Nancy in Oliver in the West End - and also played the title role in Shirley Valentine.
However, the talented actress had already appeared on reality TV before she first shot to stardom. Jodie opened up on her weight loss journey for Living TV's The Biggest Loser.
She won £25,000 on the show after she shed 9 stone and went from a size 26 to 9st 9lbs. Jodie confessed her weight struggles were down to a bad pattern from working shifts.
According to the Daily Star, she said: "Because I worked at night, I'd sit around in the day and make a sandwich for something to do. I couldn’t cook, so I’d eat in restaurants all the time and then after gigs I’d have a KFC or a cheese sandwich. I knew it was wrong, but it fed my hunger."
However, Jodie had to exercise three hours a day to maintain her physique and has since admitted she is happier now she has regained weight. She said: "I found it hard to keep weight off, and it’s never helped that I am partial to a cheeseboard and a bottle of prosecco.
"The main thing now is that I do enjoy myself and refuse to beat myself up about my weight. Size 10-12 just wasn’t sustainable. Besides, I’d gotten too skinny. I was happy to regain a couple of stone and get some curves back.”
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