Who's the Daddy? Coronation Street Blog Interviews Alexandra Mardell

Stood outside studio one on the ITV Coronation Street lot, the air hangs heavy with the smell of my fruity vape. Like nicotine-starved Liz McDonald, I enthusiastically take a drag, whilst we wait to commence the final interview of this Coronation Street summer press day.  We stand idly chatting, as actress Alexandra Mardell, who plays Emma Brooker, is still filming on the outside set of those hallowed Corrie cobbles, which is bang across from where we are stood (and yes, we saw quite a few other cast members too!).

It was a treat then (once she'd finished filming, and cheerily strolling into the Rovers studio) to sit down with Alexandra to discuss her latest storyline, and one that installs Emma Brooker into the fore of one of Weatherfield's most famous families, the McDonalds. Yep, that's right, it's not even a retcon. It harks back to super stud Steve McDonald and his one-time girlfriend, the gorgeous Fiona Middleton, played by Angela Griffin, who we discover is Emma's mum. Due to her stepfather dying suddenly, Emma is about to discover a long-held secret about her paternity, and that Steve is her real father.

How does Alexandra feel about this sudden character development?

'It was a bit of a shock but I'm chuffed it's happening. Angela Griffin has always been an idol of mine all my life, and we are both from Leeds, I'm excited. I've seen clips of Steve and Fiona together, she was a brilliant character, and it's lovely how she lived in the flat above the salon, just like Emma'.

Alexandra is also equally excited about upcoming filming with Angela Griffin ' We've spoken on the phone and she's reached out to me, it has been nice'.

With the death of her 'father', Emma confides in Audrey, Maria, and Bethany about how she's feeling, which sparks suspicion in Audrey, once she realises who Emma's mum is.

'Emma gets a call from her mum, and Audrey sees the picture of Fiona pop up on her phone and recognises her,' Alexandra tells us. 'Emma only finds out that her dad isn't biologically her father, on his deathbed, so Audrey is suspicious and starts digging further. Steve gets wind of this and decides to take Emma out to lunch to support her, but he has an ulterior motive. She thinks its all innocent and then he secretly snips some of her hair for a paternal DNA test.'

How does she feel about Steve, will Emma be her father's daughter?

'Building up to the situation, she gets on with Steve, he's kind and generous but he's gone about it all the wrong way, and she feels lonely as a result of this'

What's her relationship with Liz like?

'They've had conversations in the past and seem to get on quite well so it could be nice'

And, Tracy?

'Well, Tracy doesn't like Emma and finds her irritating, so it could be interesting.'

Following her Best Newcomer Award at this year's British Soap Awards and Emma joining one of the Street's most famous families, how does Alexandra feel about her future on Coronation Street?

'I'm still not over winning the award. I've been here a year and a half now, Emma has made her mark. She's made to be dipsy but I've pushed it a little bit further. I'm happy to stay here as long as they will have me!'

I can't wait to see Emma develop into a McDonald. What do you think?

For those of you who are too young to remember Fiona Middleton, check out her Corriepedia character profile here

Personally, 1998 was the year I turned 17 and Fiona Middleton was one of my earliest Corrie crushes! 21 years later, I could have never envisaged being on set for this great insight into upcoming Corrie storylines and her proposed (Rovers) return.

Emma is Steve's daughter, which means Liz is her gran. I'm off for a vape, that's Corrie history, right there!

With thanks to fellow Corrie blogger Emma Hynes for emailing me the interview audio.

*Someone's* phone battery died from taking too many selfies in The Rovers Return studio set.

Cue Eric Spears theme music...

Until next time Corrie fans,

TA-RA

I am @rybazoxo on twitter, your cobbles connoisseur and writer of Wednesday episode reviews.

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