Soaps Julie Lordan chats to Corrie’s Connie Hyde about Gina’s relationship with Sally
(Gina in Coronation Street)
Since Sally’s release from prison, what has the relationship been like between Gina and her?
Very tense! It’s been tense at the factory and they’ve not really seen each other socially. Gina is trying her best to suck up to her really and get into her good books, but Sally’s not having any of it.
Did Gina think Sally would be easier to win round?
No, she knows she’s stubborn but she also knows that eventually if she hangs on in there, she will forgive her. She has always forgiven her in the past no matter what Gina’s done, so she hopes that eventually she can wear her down.
Last week we saw Gina collecting money from the factory staff to organise a party for Sally, but her good deed totally backfired when Kevin unknowingly took the money. How does Gina feel when Sally calls her a thief?
She’s absolutely devastated because she was trying to do a really lovely thing for Sally. I don’t think Sally would have enjoyed a Madonnathemed party, but the thought was there. Gina hasn’t taken the money, so she’s deeply hurt by it.
Gina decides to go and stay with a friend for a while, but what prompts this?
It’s not just that Sally didn’t believe her – she sort of expected that from Sally – it’s the fact that all the factory workers jump to the conclusion that she has taken the money straight away. They don’t give her the benefit of the doubt at all.
When Kevin returns, he confirms that he took the money. Gina is relieved, but does she think then that people will come back round to her?
She’s incredibly relieved. She’s been dealing with a barrage of horrible thoughts and feeling so betrayed that nobody stood by her. She feels very isolated, she doesn’t feel like she’s got any friends, as well as losing her sister.
How does Gina react to Kevin’s suggestion that she can stay with him for a while?
She’s incredibly thankful: she’s known Kevin for a long time and she’s also been there when Sally hurt him, so they are very good friends. She stood by him when Jack was in hospital after the sepsis, so they’re close and it means a lot to her.
With Kevin fighting her corner, does Gina hope that she can
change everyone’s opinion of her?
Yes, the facts are the facts: she didn’t steal the money, so I think if people apologise to her then hopefully they can move forward, Gina doesn’t really hold grudges. Her main priority is to get her sister back.