Corrie star makes history in Shakespeare play

Shobna Gulati, who played Sunita Alahan in Coronation Street and will be starring in the "first ever company of women of colour" performing Shakespeare on a major UK stage.

The Globe Theatre in London described their staging of Richard II as "historic".  It is the first of Shakespeare's four plays about King Richard's fall from power and the House of Lancaster's rise to the British throne.

Richard II runs from 22 February to 21 April in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.  All details and tickets here.

See also: Shakespeare - Coronation Street style!

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Martyn Hett draws in the crowds as we celebrate the 'Iconic' Corrie fan

I made the journey to the vigil for Martyn Hett on Sunday to pay my respects and show my support to his family and friends. I didn’t know Martyn as well as a lot of you, but he was, in my eyes, the head of the Corrie fandom and I was distraught when I found out he’d died in the Manchester blast. It took a while for it to sink in that we’d never be able to see more of his silliness on YouTube, laugh at his hilarious and sarcastic Tweets, follow what amazing things he was doing next in life or bump into him and his entourage on Canal Street in Manchester. It was even more tragic that Martin was due to travel to the US in the week he died, I’m sure he’d have taken America by storm. In fact I know he would have.

  

As I approached Heaton Moor Park, just North of Manchester City centre, I heard a roar of laughter. And it really was a roar. There were SO MANY people at the vigil. I walked in through the gates into the crowd and joined the celebration of Martyn’s life.

On stage at the front of the park were Martyn’s closest family and friends. I felt a lump in my throat as I stood in awe of their bravery. They told stories, joked about things Martyn used to say and do, how his ex-boyfriend had to pursue him for some time before Martyn finally agreed to start a relationship, and how a friend once told Martyn they were going through a rough time so he travelled hundreds of miles to cheer them up, but they never actually talked about the problem, they just went out and had fun. That was Martyn’s way so that was generally the mood of the vigil.

But it was also sombre at times, small groups of friends huddled and cuddled, especially when a local choir started to belt out emotive classics like Man in the Mirror. I had my trusty sunglasses to hide my tears, as I'd done they day before when arriving in Manchester to the strangest atmosphere. It was like Mancunians were determined not to let recent events keep them down. But once the floodgates open, it's hard not to sob a little and try to find a way understand recent events. That was the case too at Martyn's vigil.

Cast and crew of Coronation Street were at the vigil too. In the week following Martyn’s death they’d referred to Martyn as ‘a friend of the show’. And he was. Jennie McAlpine, writer Furquan Akhtar, Dolly-Rose Campbell, Shobna Gulati and exec producer Kate Oates were all present, among others to show their respects. They held up the letters 'ICONIC' as people listened to the choir and began to light candles as the sun set over South Manchester.

Martyn's step father ended the family's speeches with these words, which I think help encourage us all to live life to the fullest like Martyn did: 'I see Martyn as a comet hurtling through the universe. At some point that comet had to crash, but we can now all pick up a little piece of that comet and take it away with us. We can all BE MORE MARTYN'.

I will.

@StevieDawson 

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Shobna Gulati to star in Anita and Me

Anita and Me is one of those wonderful books that never leaves you after you read it.  It's the semi-autobiographical story of actress Meera Syal and it's now also a stage play. 

Shobna Gulati, who played Sunita Alahan in Coronation Street, will be starring in the stage play which opens on Tuesday 14 February 2017 at Wolverhampton Grand.

The play then tours to five other theatres across the UK.

Find your nearest theatre to book tickets.


See more here.

Anita and Me opens 14 February 2017 at Wolverhampton Grand and then tours to five other theatres across the UK. Find your nearest theatre to book tickets. - See more at: http://theatrecloud.com/anita-and-me/tour-dates-booking-info#sthash.52xdImN6.dpuf

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Corrie actor's son to star in stage play

Akshay Gulati, aged 20, is the son of ex-Coronation Street actor Shobna Gulati, who played Sunita Alahan.

He's been cast as sweet and simple Eddie Taylor in 'The Family Way', a Bill Naughton play set in 1960s Bolton.

Akshay is the youngest member of the cast, says the Bolton News, and is performing in his first professional role, having recently completed a foundation course in acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts.

He said: "I grew up in green rooms watching my mum so I never had any other career path in mind. Mum has been great at teaching me about the industry and I admit it is nice to have that inside figure guiding you, but I do want to carve my own path.

"Although of course, like most mums she is very proud."

The Family Way is running from September 4 to October 3 at The Octagon Theatre in Bolton. Buy tickets here. 

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Shobna Gulati reveals why she had to quit Coronation Street

There's a good, long interview with Shobna Gulati, who plays Sunita Alahan on Coronation Street, in today's Sun in which she reveals the real reasons she's leaving the soap.

It's a sad read, really. Shobna says she's been coping with depression, anxiety attacks after racist abuse on twitter and by being that broke she couldn't pay her household bills.

She says that killing off Sunita is the best thing that could happen and is a huge weight lifted from her shoulders.
 
Having filmed her final scenes, Shobna said: “I now feel free.” and “When I handed in my resignation I knew it was the right thing. I hope now I won’t feel like I’m living in a goldfish bowl and the stress in my life will be reduced. here are a lot of things about the Street I loved, but there are many things I won’t miss. The pressure got too much. I’m pleased just to be Shobna again.”

Read the full interview here.

See also: Shobna Gulati to join ITV's Loose Women

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Sunita's a Loose Woman!

I couldn't resist that headline! Shobna Gulati isn't going to be unemployed for long. There are reports in today's Independent that she's going to be joining the panel of the daily talk show, Loose Women. It's a fun talk show and there are a lot of former Corrie actors that have graced the stage including Sherrie Hewson (Maurieen Holdsworth Webster), Sally Lindsay (Shelley Unwin, Sunita's best mate), and Denise Welch (Natalie Horrocks Barnes).

Shobna is looking forward to it and says  "I'm delighted to be joining the Loose Women team. It's a show I have watched and loved for years."

There's no word on when she starts but look for her soon.

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Paparazzi pics of Sunita's funeral

There's a couple of paparazzi pictures from Coronation Street's filming of Sunita's funeral today after she dies in the fire at the Rovers Return.

The pics are on the Mirror's website.

And there are even more funeral paparazzi pics on YouTube here.

The more interesting of the two pictures is the second one, of Dev beside the funeral car and the floral arrangement in the back of it.

As far as I know, and do correct me if I'm wrong, Dev and Sunita are Hindu so will this be Corrie's first Hindu funeral?

Does anyone know what the floral arrangement in the car represents?

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Coronation Street's Sunita and Kirsty film final scenes

This lovely photo of Shobna Gulati and Natalie Gumede, who play Sunita Alahan and Kirsty Soames in Coronation Street, was posted to twitter today by the official Coronation Street website at @itvcorrie.

Shobna and Natalie, as Sunita and Kirsty ,have now filmed their final scenes and left the cobbles - for good?  Who knows?  Well, if tabloid rumours are true, Sunita will snuff it in the Rovers Return fire which takes place next month.

But as for crazy Kirsty, well, I'd love to see her back.  Just when Tyrone and Fiz and the kids are settling down to watch telly on a cosy, cold winter's night, their Christmas lights flickering above the fireplace, a glass of sherry in their hands, there'll be a sound at the back door, a shadowy figure, and it'll be Kirsty coming back to cause more trouble. Yes, I'd love to see her back. 

Natalie Gumede has been one of the best actresses Corrie's ever had - in this fan's opinion. And Kirsty Soames will be remembered for being one of the nastiest villains ever - and so brilliant to watch.

It's going to be interesting to see where the careers of both actresses will take them next.  As soon as we hear news of either of them, we'll be blogging it, of course.


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The ruination of Sunita Alahan

Christmas is but a distant memory, the pavements are covered in ice and all we have to entertain us of a weekend is a parade of Z-list celebrities belly-flopping into a swimming pool. Weep, Britain. Weep bitter tears for these dreary days. They, of course, are about to become drearier as the luckless, loveless Sunita Alahan bids farewell to t'cobbles.

I dare say one or two people will be dancing a merry jig at the thought of the former Miss Parekh getting the heave-ho she so richly deserves. To a certain extent, I agree. However, I have that odd, heavy feeling - nothing to do with the hideous Yorkshire Pudding I made at the weekend (thank you Mary Berry) - that comes with the knowledge that a Corrie character appears to have been well and truly trashed.

I had the same feeling about poor old, very dead Molly Dobbs. Here was a character who, let's be honest, was never dynamic but who represented a kind of Corrie everywoman - generally dependable, honest, a good wife and a bit of a laugh. Somehow though, it wasn't enough and before long, she was the Whore of Babylon. The same thing seems to have befallen our Sunita.

Once a good friend, happy wife and a demon with a pricing gun, Sunita morphed into a doxy almost overnight. Suddenly it was 'baps ahoy!' as Sunita's cleavage threatened to fill the Rovers like an inflatable dinghy. The cheery face was replaced by some arch, vixen-like pouting as she dragged herself around the pub playing the tart for Karl. Karlnita - the coming together of two decent people to become one heinous creature. The relationship ultimately didn't work for them and it certainly didn't work for us. Was it a case that the storyliners had no idea what to do with Sunita? If so, would it have been better to just let her depart with her head held high (and her bosoms held low?)

Shobna Gulati is a fantastic actress and no doubt will have great success with whatever she does next. As for Sunita, I'm going to forget that the 'Carry On Moll Flanders' version ever existed and will forever remember her dishing out sliced loaves to customers and sound advice to young Sophie.

Let's hope someone buys her a nice chunky high-necked sweater as a parting gift.

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Shobna Gulati to leave Corrie (again)

News just in from the official Coronation Street website at itv.com has a Farewell Sunita page as actress Shobna Gulati announces she is leaving the soap - again.  She left once before and then returned, if you recall.

The official Corrie site says Shobna has decided it is time to explore other acting opportunities and focus more time on her comedy writing. She will leave the soap next year - the Coronation Street writing team are currently working on an explosive exit for the character.

Shobna said: "I have loved playing Sunita but, having played the role originally from 2001 to 2005 and then returning to Corrie four years ago, I really feel the time has come for me to focus on other aspects of my career. I had always told myself I would see my son through school and I have done that. Comedy writing has long been a passion of mine and the commitment to a show like Corrie is huge and doesn’t really leave enough time to concentrate on other projects.  I’d love to be able to combine my writing and acting career in the future.

"Playing Sunita has been a fabulous opportunity. I've thoroughly enjoyed her journey and am looking forward with excitement to her dramatic departure. I shall miss her. That said, I have made a host of friends cast and crew - friendships that will stay with me."

Will anyone miss Sunita?  And how would you like character to be written out of Corrie - and should she take Dev with her?


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Shobna's Lovelife Could Be Improved

Judging from an interview in the People today, it sounds like the lovelife of Shobna Gulati isn't all that far off from Sunita's rubbish relationships. She admits she's not been very lucky picking the right man and recently found herself single again after another man let her down. Shobna would only say "It was more about what he wanted to get out of it, with me being in Corrie." Don't you hate when that happens? I'm sure a lot of celebrities find themselves in similar situations.

Shobna admits she thinks she's never really been in love though has loved her boyfriends after a fashion. But she may have learned one lesson, when you hear those mental alarm bells going off, pay attention. She still believes in finding that figurative Handsome Prince and love at first sight and says she's got a childlike nature. Hmm..

She talks about her current storyline, Sunita's affair with Karl Munro and says it has improved her popularity and made Sunita more human, more real. I'm not sure where she's getting that from but Sunita certainly has changed. There's also mention of the upset over Twitter where she was subjected to racial abuse and more. She says "It's bullying and you shouldn't stand for it, not in your relationships, in your life or on Twitter. I don't do social networking because it brings back school bullying memories." It's too bad, because she did like the interaction with true fans.

I've always liked Sunita and Shobna herself is quite a sparky personality. I've seen her in an "Evening With.." type show here and she really had the crowd in her hand.


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Video: Shobna Gulati on Sunita's affair exposed

Shobna Gulati, who plays Sunita Alahan on Coronation Stret, was interviewed on ITV's This Morning today. 

She talks about the transformation of Sunita, moving into the Rovers and becoming a bit more saucy, unleashed and chats about Sunita's affair with Karl. 

Shobna reveals that she's not a confident person in real life and having to wear more revealing clothes on Corrie and exposing her cleavage makes her quite embarassed.

As for the Karl and Sunita storyline, Shobna reveals that Dev's started to smother Sunita already and he hires Julie to be her wedding dress designer. So, there's a big breakout storyline coming out soon which Shobna didn't reveal, but it did sound very teasing indeed.

"A little bit of momentary madness!" says Shobna on what we can expect for Sunita. "She's doing something that's not morally acceptable."  Oh dear, wonder what it could be? Anyone know?

Could she be the one turning into the Corrie cougar?

Watch the video here.

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Corrie cast sing and dance at charity ball

Some of the Coronation Street cast were showing off their singing and dancing skills on stage in Cheshire at a charity ball for Destination Florida.

Shobna Gulati (Sunita Alahan) sang a few tunes and showed off her newly voted Rear of the Year.

Corrie's quirky couple Julie Carp and Brian Packham, aka actors Katy Cavanagh and Peter Gunn delighted the audience with a hilarious dance routine in 1950s outfits.

Katy told the Manchester Evening News: “It's Julie and Brian out there dancing rather than me and Pete. There's tango, salsa, cha-cha-cha and even body-popping. We've had a funny time rehearsing it all.”

Kym Marsh (Michelle Connor) and Cath Tyldesley (Eva Price) also sang at the do.

More pictures here.

She may have just won Rear of the Year, but Coronation Street star Shobna Gulati proved that's certainly not the end to her talents at a glittering charity bash. Shobna larked about on stage at the Destination Florida ball to show off the fabulous curves that won her that most coveted of showbiz accolades last week. But it was her incredible singing voice wowing the hundreds of revellers packing into the bash at The Mere Resort in Cheshire. And as she belted out Judy Garland hit Get Happy and Etta James' At Last, there were certainly no bum notes! Shobna's performance came on a night of starry cameos on stage that helped to raise over £70,000 for the Destination Florida charity that arranges a dream trip to Disneyland for poorly children. Also showing off hidden talents were Corrie's quirky couple Julie Carp and Brian Packham, aka actors Katy Cavanagh and Peter Gunn. They delighted the audience with a hilarious dance routine in 50s outfits and Katy told me there had been plenty of preparation for the performance. She laughed: “It's Julie and Brian out there dancing rather than me and Pete. “There's tango, salsa, cha-cha-cha and even body-popping. “We've had a funny time rehearsing it all.” Corrie sirens Kym Marsh, stunning in a black body-con dress and Cath Tyldesley, rocking an electric blue gown by hip Manchester label Merabi by Nadine, also showcased their stunning voices as they performed at the bash. And while Kym started out as a singer, with reality pop band Hear'Say, she said she still gets nervous before a performance. She said: “It's always nerve-wracking, I think if you don't get nerves there's something wrong with you!” Guests on the night included Loose Women star Denise Welch with her new beau, event organiser Lincoln Townley. The couple are looking forward to the Hale launch of Denise's new TV locations business, Morgan Welch, after Lincoln organised the glitzy London launch last week. Denise said: “It's actually quite exciting to have a new venture and we've already managed to secure a great location for a new BBC project in Stockport.” But Denise assures me the new business won't interfere with her appearances on the ever-popular Loose Women panel show. Denise is a regular at the Destination Florida summer ball, organised by Entertainment Today and hosted by radio DJs Becky Want and Darren Proctor, and which continues to get glitzier with every passing year. Charity chairman Mike Hymanson got some of the biggest cheers on the night when he headed on stage to make his annual speech – wearing his white tracksuit and the Olympic torch that he had carried last week during the Olympic tour of the region. Mike said: “I do wonder every year how on earth can we top that? But every year we seem to manage it. I can't thank all the stars enough for giving their time and energies to the charity on what was a wonderful night for everyone involved.”

Read more at: http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/tv_and_showbiz/s/1582470_coronation-street-stars-including-shobna-gulati-kym-marsh-and-cath-tyldesley-show-off-their-hidden-talents-at-destination-florida-charity-ball

She may have just won Rear of the Year, but Coronation Street star Shobna Gulati proved that's certainly not the end to her talents at a glittering charity bash. Shobna larked about on stage at the Destination Florida ball to show off the fabulous curves that won her that most coveted of showbiz accolades last week. But it was her incredible singing voice wowing the hundreds of revellers packing into the bash at The Mere Resort in Cheshire. And as she belted out Judy Garland hit Get Happy and Etta James' At Last, there were certainly no bum notes! Shobna's performance came on a night of starry cameos on stage that helped to raise over £70,000 for the Destination Florida charity that arranges a dream trip to Disneyland for poorly children. Also showing off hidden talents were Corrie's quirky couple Julie Carp and Brian Packham, aka actors Katy Cavanagh and Peter Gunn. They delighted the audience with a hilarious dance routine in 50s outfits and Katy told me there had been plenty of preparation for the performance. She laughed: “It's Julie and Brian out there dancing rather than me and Pete. “There's tango, salsa, cha-cha-cha and even body-popping. “We've had a funny time rehearsing it all.” Corrie sirens Kym Marsh, stunning in a black body-con dress and Cath Tyldesley, rocking an electric blue gown by hip Manchester label Merabi by Nadine, also showcased their stunning voices as they performed at the bash. And while Kym started out as a singer, with reality pop band Hear'Say, she said she still gets nervous before a performance. She said: “It's always nerve-wracking, I think if you don't get nerves there's something wrong with you!” Guests on the night included Loose Women star Denise Welch with her new beau, event organiser Lincoln Townley. The couple are looking forward to the Hale launch of Denise's new TV locations business, Morgan Welch, after Lincoln organised the glitzy London launch last week. Denise said: “It's actually quite exciting to have a new venture and we've already managed to secure a great location for a new BBC project in Stockport.” But Denise assures me the new business won't interfere with her appearances on the ever-popular Loose Women panel show. Denise is a regular at the Destination Florida summer ball, organised by Entertainment Today and hosted by radio DJs Becky Want and Darren Proctor, and which continues to get glitzier with every passing year. Charity chairman Mike Hymanson got some of the biggest cheers on the night when he headed on stage to make his annual speech – wearing his white tracksuit and the Olympic torch that he had carried last week during the Olympic tour of the region. Mike said: “I do wonder every year how on earth can we top that? But every year we seem to manage it. I can't thank all the stars enough for giving their time and energies to the charity on what was a wonderful night for everyone involved.”

Read more at: http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/tv_and_showbiz/s/1582470_coronation-street-stars-including-shobna-gulati-kym-marsh-and-cath-tyldesley-show-off-their-hidden-talents-at-destination-florida-charity-ball

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Shobna Gulati named Rear of the Year

Coronation Street actress Shobna Gulati has won the Wizard Jeans Rear of the Year title.

Along with John Barrowman, Shobna was a winner in the Wizard Jeans Rear of the Year after winning a public vote for the cheeky title.

Shobna, who plays Corrie's Sunita Alahan, said she had to thank her mother for her prize-winning asset.

"I am really honoured and flattered to be a winner of this year's competition and for my bum to be etched into the history of the award's alumni - a list which includes so many other distinguished bottoms. And I'd also like to say thanks - in the words of Will.i.am, 'I got it from my mama'."

Barrowman is known for his role as Captain Jack Harkness in Torchwood and Doctor Who as well as his West End stage roles. "With tush tightly toned, cheeks firmly clenched and a big smile on my face, I'm thrilled to be awarded the accolade," he said.

Sally Allen, of sponsor Wizard Jeans, called the winners "two excellent examples of this year's ideal rear. Shobna's slim but womanly silhouette is a fine example of the happy, healthy female form for 2012 and John's rear is clearly admired on an international basis, judging by the number of fans who voted for him. No doubt his dancing prowess helps to keep him in tremendous shape."

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Shobna's enjoying Sunita's new storyline

There's a chatty interview today in the Scottish Daily Record with Shobna Gulati who plays Our Sunita. I've always liked Shobna and have met her on one occasion. She's sparky and fun and sincere. It's also nice to see Sunita glammed up behind the bar because she's been dowdy for too long!

In the interview she talks about her character's affair with Karl, calling it a "huge change in direction for stable, reliable Sunita". She puts the blame squarely on Dev who has underappreciated her for years. She sees Sunita as looking for something for herself now that her children are no longer babies and her husband/partner is undermining her and taking her new job as a joke. Sunita is blooming under the attentions of a new man.

She also talks about struggling with self esteem and body image and how important it is for women and young girls to have a more realistic example to look up to. She's not comfortable with fame and got into acting for herself, for the work and the performance moreso than being famous for it.

It's a good interview and gives you a bit more of the woman behind the character.

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Shobna Gulati to choreograph UK Bollywood film

Coronation Street actress Shobna Gulati, who plays Sunita Alahan, will be shaking and moving in a Bollywood film to be shot here in the UK.

The film is part of the Southbank Centre's Alchemy Festival in London.

Playwright Nikesh Shukla will write the script to the Aneil Karia-directed project. Shobna has signed on to choreograph the film's song and dance sequence.

Festival-goers and participants in free Bollywood dance classes will have the opportunity to appear as extras in the film, starring alongside dancers, actors and musicians from across London.

The Alchemy Festival is scheduled to run from April 12 to April 22.  Find out more about it here.

Meanwhile, back in Weatherfield, Shobna's character Sunita is set to have a fling with Karl Munro.

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Shobna Gulati on Sunita becoming the new Rovers Return barmaid

Image from PickledJo

Shobna Gulati, who plays Sunita Alahan on Coronation Street, was interviewed this morning on ITV's Daybreak about Sunita becoming the new Rovers Return barmaid in Corrie.

She says it's very daunting and Daybreak showed the VT  of Sunita serving Dev in the pub, recommending he has a small brandy rather than a large one - very funny indeed!  "You'll have drunks making passes," Dev warns his wife, jealous as anything. Shobna says Sunita loves winding up Dev by dressing up as a busty barmaid.

Shobna talks about the difference it makes working behind the Rovers Return bar, and it changes the way an actress behaves, she says it makes her feel very different as an actress.  She's been taught how to pull pints by Michelle Keegan (Tina) and Michelle Collins (Stella).

She also talked about how great it is to have Michael Le Vell back on the set of Coronation Street, which was lovely to hear.

And... oooh!... she revealed that Sunita will be puckering up with another fella, someone who's not Dev. Wonder who it could be?
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Shobna Gulati on Coronation Street trams, tumours and twins

There's a fab interview in OK! Magazine with Shobna Gulati, who'll soon be playing the new Rovers Return barmaid in Coronation Street.

Shobna's interviewed, and pictured with, her make-up artist Armand Beasley, and it's a fun interview to read.

She talks about filming the Corrie tram crash last year, how much fun it is to work with Jimmi Harkishin, who plays Dev, and about being recognised as Sunita in far flung places around the world.

Have a read of it here.

Corrie couple bloom at Southport Flower Show

Coronation Street actors Shobna Gulati (Sunita) and Jimmi Harkishin (Dev) were guests at Ladies Day at this year's Southport Flower Show.

Shobna said: “We’ve had a lovely day. I like the Southport style and the women looked very dapper. Some of the gardens have been fantastic and I particularly liked the school gardens. I like gardening and its been great to come here and see so many people who share that interest.”

Jimmi added: “We’ve really enjoyed today and it has been great meeting all the people here.”

Shobna Gulati cooks curry for Comic Relief

Shobna Gulati, who plays Coronation Street's Sunita Alahan, was in London's Brick Lane yesterday cooking with chef Gordon Ramsay. The chef and the Corrie actress joined forces to serve curry from a stall in aid of Comic Relief.  Shobna mingled with fans in East London as they launched the charity’s Seriously Good cooking sauces.  Find out more about this year's Comic Relief - Friday 18 March.