Starring role on the cobbles for GB Wheelchair Basketballer

GB Wheelchair Basketball player Laurie Williams today swapped the court for Coronation Street when she joined new Corrie actress Cherylee Houston. The two starring ladies were appearing to promote the 2010 BT Paralympic World Cup, which Laurie will compete in.

Cherylee will become the first ever disabled actor in the soap’s 50 year history to play a permanent character with a disability. ‘Izzy’ will be introduced to viewers on 16 April as a future love interest of Kirk Sutherland.

Cherylee said, “I’m delighted to be supporting the BT Paralympic World Cup and to meet such an inspiring athlete as Laurie and I wish her the best of luck in the event.” Cherylee, who has a degenerative tissue disorder, continued, “I’m particularly excited about the elite sporting event being in Manchester as I embark on my new role in Coronation Street in its 50th year. These two events really demonstrate the support for disabilities that the city has.”
Laurie, who has paralysis in her legs after catching meningitis at 18 months old said, “It has been fantastic to visit the famous Coronation Street set today and to meet Cherylee and have her support our event is amazing. I’m delighted that the soap has enabled a permanent role for an actress with a disability and as a huge fan of the programme I look forward to seeing her on screen.”

The BT Paralympic World Cup is the world’s largest annual multi-sport elite disability event and major international stars and a strong British contingent are expected. The competition will be staged in Manchester from 25-31 May, with over 400 competitors from over 31 countries scheduled to compete. Find out more here: http://www.btparalympicworldcup.com/