Coronation Street’s Paula Lane Set For An ITV Drama Role?

Rachel McGrath

Later this month, Paula Lane is set to bow out of ‘Coronation Street’, and the actress has now revealed her hopes for life after Weatherfield.

Playing Kylie Platt has certainly been eventful, but the star is now setting her sights on something a little different.

<strong>Paula has played Kylie for six years </strong> (Photo: ITV Pictures)
Paula has played Kylie for six years  (Photo: ITV Pictures)

She says: “I loved ‘Marcella’, loved the style, really gritty.

“ITV has got some great dramas on at the minute, so you just have to see.

“Of course it is easy say I would love to do something completely different from ‘Corrie’ like a period drama, or sci-fi. And I would love to do theatre as well.”

If Paula does land a drama role, she won’t be the first former ‘Corrie’ star to do so.

Since quitting the street back in 2012, Katherine Kelly, who played Becky McDonald, has carved a successful career for herself, by landing roles in shows including ‘Mr Selfridge’, ‘Happy Valley’, and ‘The Night Manager’.

Suranne Jones also used ‘Corrie’ as a springboard for something a little more serious, and went on to star in ‘Scott & Bailey’, after calling time on her stint as Karen McDonald.

Paula’s final ‘Corrie’ scenes will air from Monday 11 July, and we’ve also already been given a sneak peek at how the Weatherfield residents will cope following her shock exit.

Can the Platts get over what happens? Watch this space…

Catch up on all the latest soap news and spoilers here.

Denise Welch

<strong>Played: Natalie Horrocks (1997-2000)</strong> Having been a regular panellist on 'Loose Women' since 2004, Denise has remained in the spotlight with appearances on 'Dancing On Ice' in 2011 and 'Celebrity Big Brother' in 2012 (which she won) and roles on 'Waterloo Road' and 'Benidorm'. Her 25-year marriage to actor Tim Healy fell apart in 2012, and she subsequently found love with toyboy Lincoln Townley, who she married in 2013.
Played: Natalie Horrocks (1997-2000) Having been a regular panellist on 'Loose Women' since 2004, Denise has remained in the spotlight with appearances on 'Dancing On Ice' in 2011 and 'Celebrity Big Brother' in 2012 (which she won) and roles on 'Waterloo Road' and 'Benidorm'. Her 25-year marriage to actor Tim Healy fell apart in 2012, and she subsequently found love with toyboy Lincoln Townley, who she married in 2013.

Katherine Kelly

<strong>Played: Becky McDonald (2006-12)</strong> Katherine's multi-award winning performance as Becky may be missed, but you can currently catch the actress starring as Lady Mae Loxley in ITV drama 'Mr Selfridge'.
Played: Becky McDonald (2006-12) Katherine's multi-award winning performance as Becky may be missed, but you can currently catch the actress starring as Lady Mae Loxley in ITV drama 'Mr Selfridge'.

Ken Morley

<strong>Played: Reg Holdsworth (1989–95)</strong> Ken starred in 'CBB' in 2015, however his time in the Borehamwood bungalow came to an abrupt end, when he was removed from the house for using offensive language and making a series of unacceptable remarks.
Played: Reg Holdsworth (1989–95) Ken starred in 'CBB' in 2015, however his time in the Borehamwood bungalow came to an abrupt end, when he was removed from the house for using offensive language and making a series of unacceptable remarks.

Liz Dawn

<strong>Played: Vera Duckworth (1974, 1976–2008)</strong> Liz quit her role as the formidable Vera after 34 years due to health problems, but made a return as a ghost two years later when her on-screen husband Jack died. Liz has battled problems with emphysema, revealing that only a third of her lungs are still working and that doctors have told her there is nothing more they can do to prolong her life. In May 2013, she suffered a heart attack.
Played: Vera Duckworth (1974, 1976–2008) Liz quit her role as the formidable Vera after 34 years due to health problems, but made a return as a ghost two years later when her on-screen husband Jack died. Liz has battled problems with emphysema, revealing that only a third of her lungs are still working and that doctors have told her there is nothing more they can do to prolong her life. In May 2013, she suffered a heart attack.

Suranne Jones

<strong>Played: Karen McDonald (2000–04)</strong> Suranne has starred in a string of hit dramas since leaving the soap including, 'Harley Street', 'Strictly Confidential' and 'Five Days'. In 2011 she played a human version of the TARDIS in 'Doctor Who'. Suranne has also starred in several West End productions and appeared in Virginia Woolf's 'Orlando' in early 2014, for which her performance was described by The Guardian as 'superb'. She's currently one of the female leads in ITV detective drama 'Scott And Bailey'.
Played: Karen McDonald (2000–04) Suranne has starred in a string of hit dramas since leaving the soap including, 'Harley Street', 'Strictly Confidential' and 'Five Days'. In 2011 she played a human version of the TARDIS in 'Doctor Who'. Suranne has also starred in several West End productions and appeared in Virginia Woolf's 'Orlando' in early 2014, for which her performance was described by The Guardian as 'superb'. She's currently one of the female leads in ITV detective drama 'Scott And Bailey'.

Stephen Hancock

<strong>Played: Ernest Bishop (1961-1978)</strong> Stephen, seen here in 'There Goes The Bride', was one of Corrie's earliest stars. He went on to appear in a whole host of shows, right up until 2008, when he made a guest appearance in 'Heartbeat'. Sadly, Stephen died in November 2015.
Played: Ernest Bishop (1961-1978) Stephen, seen here in 'There Goes The Bride', was one of Corrie's earliest stars. He went on to appear in a whole host of shows, right up until 2008, when he made a guest appearance in 'Heartbeat'. Sadly, Stephen died in November 2015.

Sarah Lancashire

<strong>Played: Raquel Watts (1991–96, 2000)</strong> Since quitting the cobbles, Sarah has gone on to star in a whole host of TV dramas, along with critically acclaimed stints on the West End. She was nominated for an Olivier Award for her role in the stage's 'Betty Blue Eyes', and won a BAFTA in 2014 for her role in BBC drama 'Last Tango In Halifax'.
Played: Raquel Watts (1991–96, 2000) Since quitting the cobbles, Sarah has gone on to star in a whole host of TV dramas, along with critically acclaimed stints on the West End. She was nominated for an Olivier Award for her role in the stage's 'Betty Blue Eyes', and won a BAFTA in 2014 for her role in BBC drama 'Last Tango In Halifax'.

Angela Griffin

<strong>Played: Fiona Middleton (1992–98)</strong> Angela joined the cast 'Holby City' after leaving The Street, and went on to star in the likes of 'Cutting It', 'Down To Earth' and 'Waterloo Road'. In 2009 she launched her own lunchtime chat show for Sky1 called 'Angela & Friends', but it was axed after nine months. She currently provides the voice of Amy the vet in children's TV series 'Postman Pat'.
Played: Fiona Middleton (1992–98) Angela joined the cast 'Holby City' after leaving The Street, and went on to star in the likes of 'Cutting It', 'Down To Earth' and 'Waterloo Road'. In 2009 she launched her own lunchtime chat show for Sky1 called 'Angela & Friends', but it was axed after nine months. She currently provides the voice of Amy the vet in children's TV series 'Postman Pat'.

Charlie Condou

<strong>Played: Marcus Dent (2007–2008, 2011–2014)</strong> Charlie hasn't appeared on our screens since leaving the soap. At the moment, he's concentrating on his two kids, who split their time between Charlie and his boyfriend's home, and their mother's. The children were conceived by IVF, and the actor has spoken frequently about his experiences as a parent, and also launched a charity, Out With The Family, which puts on events for LGBT families.
Played: Marcus Dent (2007–2008, 2011–2014) Charlie hasn't appeared on our screens since leaving the soap. At the moment, he's concentrating on his two kids, who split their time between Charlie and his boyfriend's home, and their mother's. The children were conceived by IVF, and the actor has spoken frequently about his experiences as a parent, and also launched a charity, Out With The Family, which puts on events for LGBT families.

Dawn Acton

<strong>Played: Tracy Barlow (1988-99)</strong> The third actress to play Tracy Barlow auditioned for the part again when bosses brought back the character in 2002, but the role was awarded to Kate Ford. Dawn is now a local DJ, and is a voluntary worker for Beanstalk, an organisation which helps children learn to read. She recently shaved her head in memory of her late mother.
Played: Tracy Barlow (1988-99) The third actress to play Tracy Barlow auditioned for the part again when bosses brought back the character in 2002, but the role was awarded to Kate Ford. Dawn is now a local DJ, and is a voluntary worker for Beanstalk, an organisation which helps children learn to read. She recently shaved her head in memory of her late mother.

Gaynor Faye

<strong>Played: Judy Mallett (1995-99)</strong> Gaynor won the first series of 'Dancing On Ice' in 2006, and went on to star in the West End adaptation of Calendar Girls in 2009. As of 2012, she is starring in rival soap 'Emmerdale' as Megan Macey.
Played: Judy Mallett (1995-99) Gaynor won the first series of 'Dancing On Ice' in 2006, and went on to star in the West End adaptation of Calendar Girls in 2009. As of 2012, she is starring in rival soap 'Emmerdale' as Megan Macey.

Ian Puleston-Davies

<strong>Played: Owen Armstrong (2010-2015)</strong> After five years on 'Corrie', Ian went for something a little different, taking a role in ITV's new 'Beowulf' adaptation.
Played: Owen Armstrong (2010-2015) After five years on 'Corrie', Ian went for something a little different, taking a role in ITV's new 'Beowulf' adaptation.

Helen Flanagan

<strong>Played: Rosie Webster (2000–12)</strong> You'd have been hard pressed to avoid Helen since she quit 'Corrie', having become one of Britain's most infamous celebs. She appeared on 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' shortly after leaving the soap, and has since kept herself in the media by stripping off for regular raunchy photoshoots and was voted the UK's Sexiest Woman by FHM readers in 2013.
Played: Rosie Webster (2000–12) You'd have been hard pressed to avoid Helen since she quit 'Corrie', having become one of Britain's most infamous celebs. She appeared on 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' shortly after leaving the soap, and has since kept herself in the media by stripping off for regular raunchy photoshoots and was voted the UK's Sexiest Woman by FHM readers in 2013.

Johnny Briggs

<strong>Played: Mike Baldwin (1974-2006)</strong> Johnny was made an MBE the same year he left 'Corrie'. He later starred in the short-lived ITV show 'Echo Beach' in 2008.
Played: Mike Baldwin (1974-2006) Johnny was made an MBE the same year he left 'Corrie'. He later starred in the short-lived ITV show 'Echo Beach' in 2008.

Julie Goodyear

<strong>Played: Bet Lynch (1966, 1970–95, 1999, 2002, 2003)</strong> After an ill-fated 'Corrie' comeback in 2003, Julie went on to star in a number of reality TV series including 'I'm Famous And Frightened', 'Celebrity Fit Club' and 'Come Dine With Me'. She had a brief role in 'Hollyoaks' as a B&B owner in 2006, and most recently became a housemate in 'Celebrity Big Brother' in 2012.
Played: Bet Lynch (1966, 1970–95, 1999, 2002, 2003) After an ill-fated 'Corrie' comeback in 2003, Julie went on to star in a number of reality TV series including 'I'm Famous And Frightened', 'Celebrity Fit Club' and 'Come Dine With Me'. She had a brief role in 'Hollyoaks' as a B&B owner in 2006, and most recently became a housemate in 'Celebrity Big Brother' in 2012.

Vicky Entwistle

<strong>Played: Janice Battersby (1997–2011)</strong> Vicky quit the show after 14 years in 2011, and landed a role in panto shortly after. However, it was just the start of her stage career, as she then toured the country in Funny Peculiar, along with Suzanne Shaw and Gemma Bissix. Vicky starred as Madame Thénardier in the West End production of Les Miserables in 2013, before entering the CBB house for the 12th series.
Played: Janice Battersby (1997–2011) Vicky quit the show after 14 years in 2011, and landed a role in panto shortly after. However, it was just the start of her stage career, as she then toured the country in Funny Peculiar, along with Suzanne Shaw and Gemma Bissix. Vicky starred as Madame Thénardier in the West End production of Les Miserables in 2013, before entering the CBB house for the 12th series.

Bruce Jones

<strong>Played: Les Battersby (1997–2007)</strong> It was revealed in May 2013 that Bruce was working as a garage mechanic after being axed from the soap in 2007 following allegations of drunkenness and inappropriate comments made in the presence of an undercover reporter. Bruce is now earning £120 a week at Abergele Tyres and Exhausts near his home in Towyn, North Wales, but is hoping to kick-start his acting career again soon. He appeared on 'Celebrity Big Brother' in August 2013.
Played: Les Battersby (1997–2007) It was revealed in May 2013 that Bruce was working as a garage mechanic after being axed from the soap in 2007 following allegations of drunkenness and inappropriate comments made in the presence of an undercover reporter. Bruce is now earning £120 a week at Abergele Tyres and Exhausts near his home in Towyn, North Wales, but is hoping to kick-start his acting career again soon. He appeared on 'Celebrity Big Brother' in August 2013.

Rob James Collier

<strong>Played: Liam Connor (2006–08)</strong> Rob is now known worldwide thanks to his role as Thomas Barrow on the smash-hit ITV drama 'Downton Abbey'. He has also appeared in the stage version of 'Calendar Girls'.
Played: Liam Connor (2006–08) Rob is now known worldwide thanks to his role as Thomas Barrow on the smash-hit ITV drama 'Downton Abbey'. He has also appeared in the stage version of 'Calendar Girls'.

Sherrie Hewson

<strong>Played: Maureen Naylor (1993–97, 2006)</strong> After 'Corrie', Sherrie went on to star in the 2001 revival of daytime soap 'Crossroads'. When the show finished in 2003, she joined the 'Loose Women' panel where she remained until 2016. <br /><br />More recently she starred on sitcom 'Benidorm' as hotel manager Joyce Temple-Savage, and appeared on 'CBB'.
Played: Maureen Naylor (1993–97, 2006) After 'Corrie', Sherrie went on to star in the 2001 revival of daytime soap 'Crossroads'. When the show finished in 2003, she joined the 'Loose Women' panel where she remained until 2016.

More recently she starred on sitcom 'Benidorm' as hotel manager Joyce Temple-Savage, and appeared on 'CBB'.

Joseph Gilgun

<strong>Played: Jamie Armstrong (1994-1997)</strong> Soap fans are more likely to recognise Joe from 'Emmerdale', but long before then, he enjoyed a stint on 'Corrie'. Younger TV fans will know him from Shane Meadows' 'This Is England' film and subsequent series, along with 'Misfits', in which he played Rudy.
Played: Jamie Armstrong (1994-1997) Soap fans are more likely to recognise Joe from 'Emmerdale', but long before then, he enjoyed a stint on 'Corrie'. Younger TV fans will know him from Shane Meadows' 'This Is England' film and subsequent series, along with 'Misfits', in which he played Rudy.

Georgia Taylor

<strong>Played: Toyah Battersby (1997–2003)</strong> Georgia was part of the Golden Globe nominated cast of 'Blackpool' and its follow up 'Viva Blackpool' in 2004 and 2006 respectively. In 2005 she received rave reviews for her role in Christmas is Miles Away at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester and the Bush Theatre in London and played the role of Fiona in the film adaptation of the Alan Bennett hit, 'The History Boys'. She then joined 'Casualty' as Doctor Ruth Winters, before quitting in 2011. She is set to star in the seventh series of 'Law & Order: UK' as new prosecutor Kate Barker.
Played: Toyah Battersby (1997–2003) Georgia was part of the Golden Globe nominated cast of 'Blackpool' and its follow up 'Viva Blackpool' in 2004 and 2006 respectively. In 2005 she received rave reviews for her role in Christmas is Miles Away at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester and the Bush Theatre in London and played the role of Fiona in the film adaptation of the Alan Bennett hit, 'The History Boys'. She then joined 'Casualty' as Doctor Ruth Winters, before quitting in 2011. She is set to star in the seventh series of 'Law & Order: UK' as new prosecutor Kate Barker.

Tina O'Brien

<strong>Played: Sarah Platt (1997-2007)</strong> Since leaving the soap, O'Brien appeared in Waterloo Road, as well as the 2010 series of Strictly Come Dancing. She now works as a drama teacher.
Played: Sarah Platt (1997-2007) Since leaving the soap, O'Brien appeared in Waterloo Road, as well as the 2010 series of Strictly Come Dancing. She now works as a drama teacher.

Amanda Barrie

<strong>Played: Alma Baldwin (1981, 1982, 1988, 1989–2001)</strong> After landing a role in 'Bad Girls' in which she starred as 'Costa con' Bev Tull from 2003-2006, Amanda is now a regular on the panto circuit and appeared as the Fairy Godmother at the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft last Christmas.
Played: Alma Baldwin (1981, 1982, 1988, 1989–2001) After landing a role in 'Bad Girls' in which she starred as 'Costa con' Bev Tull from 2003-2006, Amanda is now a regular on the panto circuit and appeared as the Fairy Godmother at the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft last Christmas.

Richard Fleeshman

<strong>Played: Craig Harris (2002–06)</strong> Richard attempted to launch a music career after quitting the soap, achieving mixed success. In 2008, he was invited by Sir Elton John to join him on his Summer stadium tour. He then reinvented himself as a West End star in Legally Blonde: The Musical and Ghost: The Musical, which he then starred in on Broadway.
Played: Craig Harris (2002–06) Richard attempted to launch a music career after quitting the soap, achieving mixed success. In 2008, he was invited by Sir Elton John to join him on his Summer stadium tour. He then reinvented himself as a West End star in Legally Blonde: The Musical and Ghost: The Musical, which he then starred in on Broadway.

Sally Lindsay

<strong>Played: Shelley Unwin (2001–06)</strong> A former panellist on 'Loose Women', Sally has also starred in Sky1 comedy 'Mount Pleasant'. Along with pal and former 'Corrie' co-star Suranne Jones, she came up with the idea for TV cop drama 'Scott and Bailey', and was originally supposed to star as Scott, before she fell pregnant with twins. She now appears as Alison Bailey, the sister of Suranne's character.
Played: Shelley Unwin (2001–06) A former panellist on 'Loose Women', Sally has also starred in Sky1 comedy 'Mount Pleasant'. Along with pal and former 'Corrie' co-star Suranne Jones, she came up with the idea for TV cop drama 'Scott and Bailey', and was originally supposed to star as Scott, before she fell pregnant with twins. She now appears as Alison Bailey, the sister of Suranne's character.

Nikki Sanderson

<strong>Played: Candice Stowe (1999-2005)</strong> Nikki was a contestant on 'The X Factor: Battle Of The Stars' in 2006, being mentored by Sharon Osbourne. She then starred in 'Heartbeat' as Dawn Bellamy between 2008 and 2009, and can currently be seen playing Maxine Minniver in 'Hollyoaks'.
Played: Candice Stowe (1999-2005) Nikki was a contestant on 'The X Factor: Battle Of The Stars' in 2006, being mentored by Sharon Osbourne. She then starred in 'Heartbeat' as Dawn Bellamy between 2008 and 2009, and can currently be seen playing Maxine Minniver in 'Hollyoaks'.

Danny Young

<strong>Played: Warren Baldwin (2004-06)</strong> Warren starred in horror film 'Exposé' in 2009, before joining the line-up of skating stars for the 2010 series of 'Dancing On Ice'. In 2012, he performed nude on stage as part of the touring adult comedy theatre show, Wildboyz, alongside Alex Reid. He is now famous for posing for various half-naked photo shoots with ex-girlfriend Chloe Madeley (that's Richard and Judy's daughter).
Played: Warren Baldwin (2004-06) Warren starred in horror film 'Exposé' in 2009, before joining the line-up of skating stars for the 2010 series of 'Dancing On Ice'. In 2012, he performed nude on stage as part of the touring adult comedy theatre show, Wildboyz, alongside Alex Reid. He is now famous for posing for various half-naked photo shoots with ex-girlfriend Chloe Madeley (that's Richard and Judy's daughter).

Tina Hobley

<strong>Played: Samantha Failsworth (1996-98)</strong> Tina went on to star in 'Holby City' for 12 years as nurse Chrissie Williams, before quitting to pursue new roles. She recently teased that she was meeting with the producers of 'Broadchurch', prompting speculation she could star in the hit-drama's second series which will begin filming in 2014.
Played: Samantha Failsworth (1996-98) Tina went on to star in 'Holby City' for 12 years as nurse Chrissie Williams, before quitting to pursue new roles. She recently teased that she was meeting with the producers of 'Broadchurch', prompting speculation she could star in the hit-drama's second series which will begin filming in 2014.

Lucy-Jo Hudson

<strong>Played: Katy Harris (2002–05)</strong> Lucy-Jo's only major role since leaving 'Corrie' was in ITV drama 'Wild At Heart' until 2009, making a brief comeback for the final episode in 2012. In real-life, she is married to her former 'Corrie' co-star Alan Halsall, who plays Tyrone Dobbs, and the couple are currently expecting their first child.
Played: Katy Harris (2002–05) Lucy-Jo's only major role since leaving 'Corrie' was in ITV drama 'Wild At Heart' until 2009, making a brief comeback for the final episode in 2012. In real-life, she is married to her former 'Corrie' co-star Alan Halsall, who plays Tyrone Dobbs, and the couple are currently expecting their first child.

Mark Eden

<strong>Played: Alan Bradley (1986-1989)</strong> Mark has popped up on a number of classic TV shows, including 'Doctor Who' and 'Z Cars', as well as appearing in movies. Decades before his 'Corrie' stint, Mark starred in the film 'Doctor Zhivago'.
Played: Alan Bradley (1986-1989) Mark has popped up on a number of classic TV shows, including 'Doctor Who' and 'Z Cars', as well as appearing in movies. Decades before his 'Corrie' stint, Mark starred in the film 'Doctor Zhivago'.

Denise Black

<strong>Played: Denise Osbourne (1992–97, 2007)</strong> Denise played the role of Mother Superior in the first UK tour of Sister Act the musical in 2011, and it was announced in June 2013 that she would be joining the cast of 'Emmerdale' in the role of Joanie - the adoptive grandmother of Amy Wyatt.
Played: Denise Osbourne (1992–97, 2007) Denise played the role of Mother Superior in the first UK tour of Sister Act the musical in 2011, and it was announced in June 2013 that she would be joining the cast of 'Emmerdale' in the role of Joanie - the adoptive grandmother of Amy Wyatt.

Shobna Gulati

<strong>Played: Sunita Alahan (2001–06, 2009–13)</strong> When Sunita was killed off in the Rovers fire in 2013, Shobna wasn't out of a job for long, quickly joining the panel of 'Loose Women'.
Played: Sunita Alahan (2001–06, 2009–13) When Sunita was killed off in the Rovers fire in 2013, Shobna wasn't out of a job for long, quickly joining the panel of 'Loose Women'.

Nigel Havers

<strong>Played: Lewis Archer (2009–2010, 2012–2013)</strong> Veteran star Nigel has one of the biggest CVs in showbiz. He's not just all about the acting though, and in between his 'Corrie' stints he enjoyed - well, tolerated - a spell in the 'I'm A Celebrity...' jungle. He's also appeared on the panel show 'Would I Lie To You?'.
Played: Lewis Archer (2009–2010, 2012–2013) Veteran star Nigel has one of the biggest CVs in showbiz. He's not just all about the acting though, and in between his 'Corrie' stints he enjoyed - well, tolerated - a spell in the 'I'm A Celebrity...' jungle. He's also appeared on the panel show 'Would I Lie To You?'.

Georgia May Foote

<strong>Played: Katy Armstrong (2010-2015)</strong> Georgia swapped the cobbles for the dancefloor, going on to star in the 2015 series of 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
Played: Katy Armstrong (2010-2015) Georgia swapped the cobbles for the dancefloor, going on to star in the 2015 series of 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

Tracy Brabin

<strong>Played: Tricia Armstrong (1989-1997)</strong> Tracy's another star who went on to switch soaps, starring in 'Emmerdale' in 2014.
Played: Tricia Armstrong (1989-1997) Tracy's another star who went on to switch soaps, starring in 'Emmerdale' in 2014.

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