A former soap star has opened up on whether she would ever return to the Cobbles.
Born in Trafford, Faye Brookes rose to fame playing Kate Connor on ITV soap Coronation Street.
Since leaving the show, she married her Legally Blonde stage production co-star Iwan Lewis and is now based in the Cotswolds.
Now, Brookes has reflected on her time on the show and the possibility of returning to Weatherfield.
Coronation Street star Faye Brookes on potential return to ITV soap
The actress joined Coronation Street in 2015 and quickly became a fan favourite for her portrayal of Kate, particularly during her on-screen romance with Rana Habeeb, played by Bhavna Limbachia.
The relationship, cut short by tragedy, left a lasting impact on viewers.
"I was suddenly this household name, people knew who I was," Ms Brookes told The Mirror.
"I wasn't Faye any more, I was being called Kate.
"And I relished it.
"I loved every second of my time there."
She credits her family with helping her handle the pressures of soap stardom.
Ms Brookes said: "It was like a whirlwind.
"I think I took it in my stride, but that's down to my family as well, being so normal and calling me out if I was ever a diva.
"I needed that, so I didn't ever lose sight of who I was.
"And then I was representing a character that people were looking up to.
"I had a responsibility."
Kate Connor’s exit from the show saw her leave Weatherfield to go travelling, following the death of her partner Rana, who was killed when the Underworld factory roof collapsed on their wedding day.
Ms Brookes said she is glad her character wasn’t killed off, and revealed that she would return if the story was right.
She said: "It's got to be worth it, because I've had so much joy playing other characters on stage that have really taught me something."
After leaving Coronation Street in 2019, she took part in Dancing On Ice, reaching the final, and has since focused on stage roles, performing in productions including The Sound Of Music and Chicago.
Her latest project is leading the UK touring cast of the musical Burlesque, based on the 2010 film starring Cher and Christina Aguilera.
Coronation Street star's new career after exit
Faye Brookes may be enjoying slightly different acting roles since leaving Coronation Street, but another star is trying out a new creative venture since their exit.
Luca Toolan, who played school bully Mason Radcliffe, was killed off in a January storyline last year.
Now, the actor is making strides in his post-Corrie career with the launch of his own production company.
Speaking in a recent TikTok interview with Phil Roberts on Cheshire’s Mix 56, the 22-year-old said: "Life after Corrie, I’m not actually dead.
"Life continues, I’m making my own stuff now, I’ve got my own production company so that's my passion is making projects."
He continued: "It’s a dream come true, that’s the stuff that really excites me, having that creative licence and writing, directing, making, hearing stuff.
"Honestly, that's the most fun stuff."
Fans were quick to offer messages of encouragement in the comments section.
One wrote: "Good luck to you, I would love to see you in Corrie again."
Another said: "Your [sic] doing really well, I hope you’re doing great @Lucaku."
Who is your favourite character on Coronation Street? Let us know in the comments.
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