Jodie Prenger fulfilled her dream in 2008 when she won the West End role of Nancy in Oliver! via BBC talent show I’d Do Anything.
But now, the 43-year-old is swapping the stage for the Coronation Street cobbles after landing the part of George Shuttleworth’s sassy sister Glenda, telling OK! this week: "The tears ran down my face when I walked into the Rovers!".
Here, Jodie, who was born and raised in Blackpool, tells us about her colourful new character and what it felt like walking on set for the first time…
Hi, Jodie! How did it feel get the Corrie call?
I must have terrified about 30-odd people in Ikea! I was at the checkout and my agent called. I screamed and I cried – one woman nearly dropped a cactus, bless her. Then my mum started crying – and then she went back in to get some meatless meatballs for me.
Your family are all big fans of the show, aren’t they?
They’re all from Manchester. They had a launderette and a grocer’s – my nan’s brother used to deliver Pat Phoenix’s groceries. My nan worshipped Elsie Tanner, so this is an honour.
Tell us about Glenda…
She’s a woman to be reckoned with. She reminds me a lot of my mother. She’s a bundle of energy. She comes off a cruise ship and there’s a vibrancy to her that is a dream to play.
How does Glenda end up in Weatherfield?
I think she was having a thing with a sous-chef, but then she ended up having an affair with a percussionist so she had to get out of town. She did a back door boogie and came to Weatherfield to see her brother.
Did you base Glenda on anyone?
I used a lot of my own experience. I used to work on the Disney cruise ships. There’s a lot of my nan in her too – the way she puts people in their place.
She’s close to her brother, but do you think Glenda was the bossy one growing up?
I feel it’s always been the women in George’s life who have ruled the roost. But she loves the bones of her brother. I instantly got that with Glenda. And I think you instantly feel that with George. I do think she does it probably in a bolshie way – and in a heartfelt way. She’s just looking out for her bro.
Glenda’s wardrobe is rather bold, don’t you think?
She’s a magpie if she sees a good earring or a good bangle. It’s all very colourful, especially with the hair. I love being a redhead – although my bathroom towels don’t!
Glenda is set to work in the Rovers Return – how was your first scene there?
I got ready really early because I was just so scared I wouldn’t turn up on time. Then I got there and it’s hard to describe. There’s a little corner with a big picture of characters who went before in the show. As I looked at it I could feel the tears run down my face. It was really special.
Were there any cast members you were particularly excited to meet?
I actually just met Bill Roache. I did a bit of a half-curtsey and went to do a handshake too, but it didn’t really work out. I made a bit of a weirdo of myself.
We've heard that when you're not filming, you're spending time with your partner Simon Booth and increasing number of animals, is this true?
I’ve currently got three rescue cows, three rescue ducks, about 17 chickens – the majority rescued – three dogs and three cats. I like rescuing animals, so if any of you know anyone with a one-eyed goat or a three-legged pig, please send them my way. Simon is an animal lover like me – it’s like walking into a game of Jumanji in our house. You’ve got cats coming one way and at a certain time you have to open the kitchen door for the ducks to go through.
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