Erin Austen has lit up the screen since she arrived on Coronation Street.
The 29-year-old soap star from Liverpool made her onscreen debut as Crystal Hyde in last week's episodes. The character made the trip to Weatherfield for Daisy Midgeley's wedding and became embroiled in one of the ITV long-running show's major storylines.
The actor landed the role after a tough audition process and said it was "surreal" when she found out she was going to appear on Corrie. She told the ECHO: "It’s such an iconic show and I couldn’t believe I was going to be able to walk down the Cobbles let alone be on the show with so many other incredible actors."
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Erin shared a snap on Instagram outside the famous Rovers Return ahead of her first episode as she teased a turbulent stint in Weatherfield. She said: "Heading to the Corrie cobbles from tonight to play Crystal Hyde and cause a little bit of chaos."
Erin admitted she was nervous on her first day but heaped praise on her co-stars as she was quickly welcomed into the Corrie family. She said: "Everyone from the security guards, catering staff and every single cast member made me feel so welcome. They are genuinely the nicest bunch of people I have ever met.
"The cast and crew are so committed, so talented - it is like a slick well oiled machine." Erin's love of performing was ignited at an early age and she heaped praise on the support her parents have provided on her journey to turn her passion into a career.
She said: "Even though they both have no interest in acting and didn’t understand the industry, they have always told me to pursue whatever makes me happy. I’m so lucky that they support me no matter what, and are always there with a box of tissues and cup of tea when I don’t get the part."
Erin's character is an Ibiza DJ and she immediately set her sights on Ryan Prescott after arriving in Weatherfield. The actor said she loved bringing the confident character to life and revealed she shares the same love for the Spanish paradise island.
However, Erin laughed as she admitted she doesn't quite share Crystal's keen ear for music. She added: "I have absolutely zero DJ’ing skills and when I’m in charge of music at a party it usually clears the room. However, I adore Ibiza as an island and Crystal is really determined and strong minded, I think we have that in common."
Crystal and Ryan immediately hit if off and fans feared she was going to lure the beloved character away from the show to start a new life together in Ibiza. However, the plans have taken a hit after Ryan was subjected to a horrific acid attack as he attempted to save Daisy from dangerous stalker, Justin Rutherford.
Daisy told Ryan that Crystal wants to maintain contact while he recovers - but he has since reconciled with former flame, Alya Nazir, so it remains to be seen if Ryan will elope away from the Cobbles. Erin remained tight-lipped on any spoilers but vowed that some thrilling developments are on the way. She said: "You’ll have to keep watching and trust me when I say there are some incredible twists coming up."
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