West End star Jodie Prenger joins 'Coronation Street' cast

West End musicals star Jodie Prenger is fulfilling a lifelong dream by taking a starring role in Coronation Street.

She is set to play cruise ship entertainer Glenda, sister of undertaker George Shuttleworth (Tony Maudsley), and has described the opportunity to appear in the ITV soap as a bucket list item.

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Prenger, who found fame when she won TV musical theatre contest I'd Do Anything in 2008 landing a role in Oliver!, and has starred in West End shows including Annie and One Man Two Guvnors, has even said that watching Corrie inspired her performance in a National Theatre production of A Taste of Honey.

She said: “I know I sound like a soppy sod, but it’s been on my bucket list to be in Coronation Street since I was little. It’s an honour, it truly is a very special moment in my life. To be part of something my family and I have loved for so long.

"And what a character, oh I have to say, total dream part. I can't wait for you all to meet fun and sassy Glenda, George Shuttleworth's sister. I love Tony Maudsley already, what a fella!

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"Your first day on the cobbles is one of the most nerve wrecking experiences you’ll go though and everyone was just so gloriously lovely, kind and welcoming.  It was, and is, everything I expected, and more.”

George has been having a tough time recently as his former school bully Frank Bardsley has arrived on the cobbles, so he will be relieved to be joined by his sister.

Prenger's character Glenda will come to Weatherfield straight from her latest cruise ship shift and lands a job behind the bar of the Rovers.

Coronation Street producer Iain MacLeod said: “Glenda sails in fresh from the cruise ships with a whiff of the exotic, quickly making best friends and enemies in equal measure. The character is loads of fun and has echoes of classic Coronation Street females of old.

"Jodie is a fabulous talent and we are all very excited to have her aboard. She has felt very Corrie since the moment she stepped onto set and I think the viewers will love her.”

Prenger will be on screen as Glenda from early August.

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