Coronation Street viewers were thrilled as Stephanie Davis joined the cast this week.
The 30-year-old will play Courtney Vance on the Cobbles, who is the glamorous wife of one of Dev Alahan's business associates. The news spells trouble for the Alahans as Courtney sets his sights on Dev's son, Aada.
Steph said she was delighted to join the cast when the news was announced this week. She said: "Growing up I have always watched and loved the show, so to be part of the biggest TV soap in Britain, which is in the hearts and homes of so many people, is an honour.”
READ MORE: Gogglebox Siddiquis supported as they give two weeks' notice
Stephanie is no stranger to the world of soaps as she played Sinead O'Connor in Hollyoaks. Steph played the character across two stints from 2010 - 2019.
However, Steph was fired on the spot in 2015 after she was warned about her behaviour. At the time her representative said: "Stephanie's contract was terminated following warnings for lateness, attendance and after a final incident in which she turned up to set unfit to work because of alcohol consumption."
Steph has been to rehab for alcoholism and feared she would end up dead if she didn't kick her drinking habit. She told OK Magazine! how she turned to drink during her relationship with Jeremy McConnell, who was found guilty of assaulting Steph and handed a suspended sentence.
She said: "I knew that if I didn’t take drastic measures to turn my life around, I would end up dead. I was drinking heavily and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after I split up with Jeremy, because of everything I had been through while we were together.
"It got to the point where I was drinking most days until I would black out, and I was feeling suicidal. I knew that for Caben’s sake, I had to sort myself out before it was too late." She added: "I’m an alcoholic. Going to rehab saved my life. I’ve always turned to drink when I’ve gone through difficult times, but I started drinking more and more when I was with Jeremy in order to block out how awful the relationship was."
Steph is a proud mum of one and said it helped her to finally accept herself when she was diagnosed with high-functioning autism. She told OK!: "When I got the diagnosis, I didn’t really understand what it meant, but as soon as I did my research I was like, ‘Whoa, that is me.
“Everything jumped out and it made me feel more at ease because I felt, ‘It’s not just me.’ It made me accept myself for the first time and start to look forward. It was the biggest relief.”
Steph has since turned her life and is now in a happy relationship with her boyfriend, Joe Mckalroy. He penned a sweet tribute to her after she landed the part in Corrie.
He said: "So proud of you @stephaniedavis88 on your new journey. You’ve worked soo hard and you deserve the world and more love you more than you’ll ever know."
Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here
For more celeb news, videos and pictures follow our designated Facebook page HERE
Shoppers 'obsessed' with Zara dress that has 'Goddess energy'
Pregnant mum found out she was having a baby girl week before she died
Coronation Street's Maria star gives update as she undergoes procedure
A Place in the Sun's Laura Hamilton wished well as she leaves UK
The One Show viewers divided over Sandie Shaw's outfit choice
