Actress and musical theatre star Jodie Prenger is best known as winning the role of Nancy in Oliver! on BBC talent show I’d Do Anything in 2008. Since then she has appeared in a string of musicals and theatre productions including Monty Python's Spamalot, One Man, Two Guvnors and title role in the UK tour of Shirley Valentine.
Jodie’s first Corrie episode goes out on ITV on Friday, August 5. We found out how she felt landing her dream job on Coronation Street...
Warning, Corrie spoilers ahead!
As a Lancashire lass are you excited to be joining Coronation Street?
Am I?! It may be a cliché to say it’s a dream come true but it really, really is. Sorry if I sound a bit like a competition winner but Corrie’s been on my bucket list for years. It’s an honour and truly is a very special moment in my life.
I was born in Blackpool but my family all hail from Manchester and I grew up watching Corrie. My late nan – who I can’t talk about without wanting to cry – worshipped Elsie Tanner, played by Pat Phoenix, and Nan’s brother used to deliver Pat’s groceries!
I was in IKEA with my mum when my agent called to tell me that Corrie had called. I let out a really loud scream and must have terrified the other customers and the check-out staff. One woman almost dropped the cactus she was buying! My mum came rushing up to me and we both started crying.
I wanted to tell the world immediately, but I had to keep it secret – although obviously everyone in IKEA already knew something was up!
Who are you playing in Corrie?
She’s a larger-than-life character called Glenda and she’s undertaker George Shuttleworth’s sister. She was created especially for me, which is such a thrill. Glenda is a woman to be reckoned with and she reminds me a lot of
my mother. She’s fun, sassy and a bundle of energy.
She has a real vibrancy – outwardly and inwardly – and loves wearing bright colours and novelty earrings. Glenda’s a bit of a magpie where earrings and bangles are concerned, actually!
She’s a redhead, which is a first for me. I’m naturally brunette and I’ve been blonde but never auburn. Anyway, I love it – even if my bathroom towels don’t. The dye gets everywhere!
How come Glenda’s in Weatherfield?
She’s been singing on a cruise ship but has done a runner, having had a ding-dong with a sous chef, plus she’s been having a messy affair with one of the percussionists! So, she seeks out brother George. Right from the start, it’s clear they have a very close relationship. George adores Glenda but Eileen’s a bit wary of her.
Didn’t you have a stint singing on the cruise ships?
Yes, I did. In 2001 I was one of four main entertainers in a team of 19 aboard the ‘Disney Wonder’. So, I know just where Glenda’s coming from. It looks like I will be doing a bit of singing in Corrie at some point. She ends up working behind the bar of the Rovers and I can envisage her entertaining the locals with a bit of a sing-song.
My first day filming behind the bar, I arrived really early because I was worried about being late. Anyway, there I was on the Rovers set and I’m just in awe. When I met Ken Barlow – or rather Bill Roache who plays him – for the first time… Oh my God, I practically curtseyed.
Have you ever considered joining Corrie before?
There’s been talk of it but never anything serious till now. I could never commit to a TV thing because I’ve been on the road so much, touring in amazing plays such as Shirley Valentine, and A Taste of Honey. When you’re in a touring theatre production, you sign up for a year usually. I didn’t have another planned and then Corrie came along. It was meant to be!