Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street's Amy Robbins has heaped praise on new co-star Frances Barber following the big news that she's joining the soap.
As first revealed last week, the legendary stage and screen star has filmed a guest stint on the ITV soap – playing a new character who has a connection to Bernie Winter-Alahan.
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Amy, who plays Christina Boyd on the cobbles, has now officially confirmed the news for the first time – hailing Frances as the ideal choice for Corrie.
"She's playing a relative of Bernie's," Amy confirms. "I have to say she is just so perfect for Corrie – she's everything Corrie women should be! Glamorous, a bit tough round the edges, but soft in the centre – just wonderful."
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And the good news is that fans can expect to see Christina interact with the mystery Weatherfield newcomer.
"We did a few scenes together but I wished we'd done more," Amy adds. "She was fabulous.
"I hadn't worked with her before this but I'd met her socially – that was a dream. When I was training, she was one I'd keep a firm eye on. I wanted a career like hers – I'm genuinely not just saying that. It was an utter thrill when she turned up on Corrie – I couldn't believe it."
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Barber's previous screen credits include roles in Doctor Who, Benidorm, Friday Night Dinner, Cold Feet and Casualty.
She's also an accomplished stage actor who has performed in productions with the Royal Shakespeare Company alongside Sir Ian McKellen.
Meanwhile, it's a busy time for Amy's Corrie character Christina right now, as she continues to keep secrets from her partner George Shuttleworth.
"There's a lot of love for Christina these days, and those close to her hope that she's being genuine with George," our Corrie insider recently explained. "But her shifty actions have caused suspicion, and when Glenda goes through her handbag, she gets a clue that changes everything!"
When George confronts her this week, Christina is backed into a corner and finally tells all…
Coronation Street airs on weeknights at 8.30pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
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