Kym Marsh all smiles as she opens 'brilliant' food spot and starts new role

Former Corrie favourite Kym Marsh was all smiles as she officially launched a new family carvery.

Kym donned her own Farmhouse Kitchen uniform as she became honorary restaurant manager for the day at the former Applewood Farm in Astley, on the border of Salford and Wigan.

While the venue is still owned by Greene King, it's received a seven-figure investment to become a new pilot restaurant, which is being referred to as 'a brand evolution of Farmhouse Inns', offering diners 'a traditional carvery experience in a more appealing, contemporary environment'.

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As a true northerner with a love for both carvery and cakes, Kym got stuck into her role, cutting the ribbon to officially open the site, carving the meat for the first guest and showering customers’ plates with bottomless gravy.

Her appearance came just hours after she revealed she has found her 'soulmate' while starring as Cruella de Vil in 101 Dalmatians - The Musical, which arrives in Manchester at the end of this month.

The 48-year-old posted a picture on Instagram sharing a kiss with her 29-year-old co-star Samuel Thomas - who plays the part of Tom Dearly - referring to him as the 'most amazing man'.

While remaining tight-lipped on her love life, Kym told the Manchester Evening News that she's happy in her personal life right now and enjoying her role as Cruella, which she picks up again for the Palace Theatre run, following a stint filming Waterloo Road.

"It's a great role to play," she said. "My brother was joking saying 'there's really no acting required for this one, is there?'

"She's obviously mean, but she's funny too and there's lots of comedy in it. It's for everyone, not just for kids, as some of the comedy goes over the heads of the children.

"People really want to hate her, but they can't help but love her. I've been waiting for the boos, but it's not really happened yet. I think when kids see me at the end of the show, they are pretty terrified though."

Kym knows only too well how important places like Farmhouse Kitchen are for keeping kids fed and entertained.

She has two grown up children, David, 29, and Emilie, 27, as well as a 13-year-old daughter Polly, who she shares with ex-husband Jamie Lomas, and three grandchildren.

"We love having carvery," she said. "Growing up, Sunday dinner was always a big thing where we would be together as a family. It's hard finding time at the moment when I'm on the road and the last thing I want to do when I get home is to stand cooking in the kitchen, so places like this are just brilliant."

Nuala Gallagher, Farmhouse Kitchen brand director said: “We’re delighted to be able to bring our Farmhouse Kitchen offering to the public.

“Our new restaurant provides diners with a vibrant, fresh feel inside and out while the food and drink offering marries up people’s love for a carvery with all the delights of a classic café at terrific value.

“It’s such an exciting time for the brand to launch for people to enjoy our offering through the summer with something to suit every occasion.”