THERE were other interviews after this week’s special Coronation Street preview screening in London.
You may already have read my transcript of the main cast Q&A at Coronation Street: Wedding Drama.
I later spoke to Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntyre) about a different subject:
Shopping, Katherine Kelly and Mr Selfridge.
Here’s the full version of my story:
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Katherine Kelly as Lady Mae Loxley.
Michelle Keegan says she would love to bag a role in hit period drama Mr Selfridge.
The Coronation Street actress was working on the make-up counter at Selfridges in Manchester when she landed her Weatherfield part.
Co-starring with Katherine Kelly, who played Becky McDonald, now winning rave reviews for her portrayal as posh society hostess Lady Mae in Mr Selfridge.
“I’m a big fan of period dramas and absolutely love Mr Selfridge,” revealed Michelle, 25, who plays Corrie’s Tina McIntyre.
Asked if she would she like to make a cameo appearance as a shopgirl, Michelle told me: “100 per cent, yes! I’d love to do something like that. I’m qualified!
“I know the history behind it all. When I first started in Selfridges we had a big talk about when and how it first opened and they talked about Mr Selfridge.
“And then I found myself working with a lady who is now in the drama of Mr Selfridge, which is amazing.
“Katherine Kelly is wonderful as Lady Mae. I remember when she first got the part, I said, ‘Oh my God, what an amazing role to get.’
“And I’ve never seen Kate do anything else than Becky. So to see her on TV in a period drama is amazing. She’s brought proper life to the character and got it off to a T.”
Michelle was stunned to be plucked from her shop role in 2007 to star on the cobbles after what was just her second-ever audition.
“I heard about the Corrie audition and went just for the experience. I didn’t think I had a chance.”
Stockport-born Michelle is nominated for Serial Drama Performance at next Wednesday’s National Television Awards.
Mr Selfridge continues on ITV at 9pm on Sunday in an episode featuring the daring first steps to open the make-up counters Michelle later worked on.
With Harry Gordon Selfridge (Jeremy Piven) shocking the staff by suggesting they openly sell make-up, including lipstick – thought of in 1909 as only fit for showgirls and prostitutes.
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Coronation Street: Wedding Drama
