Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street star Olivia Frances Brown first arrived on the cobbles earlier this year as mysterious newcomer Jodie Ramsey. The character was soon revealed to be the estranged half-sister of Shona Platt, and has been causing trouble within the family ever since.
Despite being unrelated in real life, the actors bear an undeniable resemblance to each other, making Jodie a fitting addition to Shona’s family tree. However, Brown’s Corrie debut could’ve have been very different, as she’d originally auditioned the role of Crystal Hyde.
“I actually first auditioned for Corrie about three or four years ago for a smaller part called Crystal. I’m half-Scouse, so I was really crossing my fingers for it, and I was gutted when I didn’t get it,” she recalled.
Crystal was introduced back in 2023, as a love interest of Ryan Connor. The Ibiza DJ played a pivot role in Ryan’s devastating acid attack storyline, before exiting the soap later that year.
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Though the part ultimately went to Erin Austin, the casting directors promised to consider Brown for other roles following her audition.
“At the time, they said they’d keep me in mind for the future, but as an actor, you take that with a pinch of salt,” she shared.
“When they got back in touch three years later remembering me for the role of Shona’s sister, I was made up. I couldn’t believe they remembered who I was! The full process felt really smooth from there.”
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Speaking about landing the role, the star said: “I was just at home eating breakfast and watching TV! I missed the call from my agent, and when I tried to call back, he was in a meeting.
“I had to wait on edge, but eventually, his assistant told me it was good news. I was just so happy. You’re on edge for those days or weeks when you don’t know.”
Upcoming episodes will see Jodie continuing to drive a wedge between Shona and her husband David, following a drunken night out. After plying her sister with alcohol, Jodie calls David to help carry her home and put her to bed.
With Shona out of the way, Jodie seizes the opportunity to spend some quality time with David. But as the hairdresser begins to see through her manipulation, how long will it be before she is rumbled?
Coronation Street airs on weeknights at 8.30pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
Read more Coronation Street spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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