Corrie legend speaks out as she's given 'meatiest storyline' in years

29 January 2024 , 16:38

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Kate Ford and co-star Matt Milburn are involved in a new storyline on ITV soap opera Coronation Street (Image: ITV)

Coronation Street star Kate Ford has opened up about working on her character's latest storyline, teasing that she hasn't had one "as meaty as this for quite a long time".

The actor, 47, is known for playing Tracy Barlow on the ITV soap opera. Her first stint on the show was from 2002 until 2007, though she later returned in 2010. Kate has remained a cast member of Corrie for more than a decade since.

Tracy has been married to Steve McDonald (who's played by Simon Gregson), for a second time, since 2018. Her latest storyline however is set to see her "embark on a steamy affair" with decorator Tommy Orpington (Matt Milburn).

Tracy Barlow (played by Kate Ford, left) and Tommy Orpington (Matt Milburn, right) are set to 'embark on a steamy affair' on Coronation Street (ITV)

Tracy previously had notable romances with the likes of Rob Donovan (Marc Baylis) and Tony Stewart (Terence Maynard), both of which caused drama among the residents of Weatherfield around a decade ago. The last few years however have seen her embrace marital life with Steve.

Speaking about the new storyline, Kate suggested to the Mirror that Tracy receiving a microwaveable neck pillow from Steve for her birthday acts as a "turning point". Kate described her character as "massively underwhelmed" by it and said she realises "how fed up she is with her life".

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It's understood to lead to a romance with former footballer Tommy, who's been enlisted by Tracy and Steve to do some jobs around their home. A teaser clip shows Tracy and Tommy flirting in her kitchen, though she warns: "You know that I'm married." The pair however end up sharing a kiss.

Kate said that her character feels "really bored" but will find the romance "fun". And although she's said to have some nerves, it's been stated that Kate has welcomed the storyline. She told us in an interview recently: "I haven't had a storyline as meaty as this for quite a long time."

Tracy has been married to Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson, centre) for almost six years on the ITV show but is said to be 'fed up' with her life (ITV)

She said: "Me and Simon haven't done any kissing scenes for about 10 years, so I was a bit nervous. There's that initial thing of 'oh, gosh, I've only known this person for five days, this is quite strange.' Once you've done it then you feel OK but I've had to come out of my comfort zone a little."

The actor - who has won several British Soap Awards for the role over the years - said: "It's not easy turning on Tracy's sexy side." She added: "I think that's a lot less challenging to play in your 30s... I'm trying not to be too vampy with it because that would be a bit too much."

Sue Crawford