Noughties reality star joins Coronation Street 22 years later and looks exactly the same
A pop star from the noughties is set to shake things up on Coronation Street, joining the cast as Steve McDonald's new love interest - and she hasn't aged a day in 22 years since her hit.
Steve, played by Simon Gregson, was left heartbroken when his wife Tracy, played by Kate Ford, ran off with former footballer turned decorator Tommy Orpington, portrayed by Matt Milburn. Despite a brief reunion, Tracy decided to jet off to Spain after finding a note from Tommy that Steve had tried to hide.
Since then, Steve has dipped his toe into the world of online dating and in upcoming scenes, he will be seen going on a date with one of his matches. The mystery woman, Aurora, who turns up at the Rovers Return, is played by Fame Academy star Pippa Fulton.
Pippa shot to fame on the talent show in 2002 where she shared the stage with future stars like Lemar and David Sneddon before being voted off in week four.
After Fame Academy, Pippa popped up in rival soap Emmerdale where she took on various guest roles from 2014 to 2017. The TV star also made an appearance in the BAFTA-nominated Channel 4's show Hullraisers, which was created by Lucy Beaumont, reports the Mirror.
Pippa's Coronation Street character Aurora is headed for Weatherfield but not everything is as it appears. In a plot twist that no one saw coming, Aurora isn't actually chasing after Steve but has her eyes on his pal Tim Metcalfe instead. Sally Metcalfe is less than thrilled when she catches them sharing a laugh together.
While it seems Steve might be ready to leave his past with Tracy behind, her return to the show could happen quicker than anticipated. Last month, viewers watched as Tracy shared emotional goodbyes and left the street in her boyfriend's van, seemingly for good.
But, during a chat on This Morning last week, soap guru Sharon Marshall teased that there might be more surprises in store this week. While discussing the new love interest storyline for Steve, Sharon sparked rumours that Tracy's absence might not be permanent.
She commented: "I'm wondering... I mean Tracy, that was a bit of a low-key exit for such a major character mid-week, you know? Is she going to be coming back? That's what I wonder, anyway! ".
