Kym Marsh: ‘I was the “fat one” in Hear’Say!’
There’s no such thing as a smooth ride in soap land, as Corrie’s Michelle Connor (played by actress Kym Marsh) has discovered. Just when it looked like Michelle was going to get her happy ending with new boyfriend Robert, her ex, Will, returned.
Since then, he’s put her through hell and back by stalking and kidnapping her but, over the next few weeks, his revenge steps up a gear – leaving Michelle in danger once more.
We catch up with Kym, 41, to find out more about the explosive storyline, and how life away from the cobbles with her family – including children David, Emily and Polly – is fortunately much happier! Michelle’s been through a lot, hasn’t she?! It’s been drama, drama, drama… just when we thought she might get a happy ending, up pops Will!
Why is Will doing this?
He’s in love with Michelle and incensed, as he thought she’d go to him should she ever split with Steve. He’s really miffed that she’s now with Robert.
Do you think she’s got bad taste in men?
I don’t think so... she’s a romantic. The thing with Will was that they were teenagers. Obviously, he’s got some very strange emotions, deep down.
How will she react if she discovers Will’s true nature?
Eventually something will happen, which is going to terrify her to the very core! She’ll be devastated. He’s one of her oldest friends, and she’s creeped out and horrified.
Is she in danger?
Potentially, yes. It’s very dramatic – put it this way, I was shattered filming it!
And is her relationship with Robert strong enough to go the distance?
I think so. She loves him, and she’s learning things about him as they go along, but
Eleven years since joining Corrie, Kym Marsh talks about the jump from singing to acting, family life and never being ‘off-duty’…
it’s made them quite strong, because they’ve gone through quite a big thing together.
How’s Michelle coping?
With Robert being away, she’s finding it difficult. But, as always, we’ll see her bounce back and go, ‘I’m not going to let this damage me.’ She will always come back fighting – that’s who she is.
Away from filming, how do you switch off?
I go home to my family, cuddle up on the couch and watch Trolls with Polly. You come home to a six-year-old going, ‘Mummy, Mummy!’ and running round like a mad woman. She just wants Mum, so that lifts me out of any drama that might still be there from filming. But I’m still really tired at the end
of the day.
Do you like being busy, though?
I have to be! On holiday, it takes me days to just lie there and do nothing, and I’m in need of a holiday now after this year! I’ve just had a couple of days off and, even then, I was doing stuff with Polly, rather than chilling. Someone offered to take her out for me, but I said no, I don’t get to do this often!
Do you watch Corrie at home?
When I’m home for it! The kids have been watching it recently, because they’re quite keen to see what’s going on after I came home with [make-up] bruises all over me! They were like, ‘ What’s happened to you?!’ They like to dip in when they see a storyline they think’s interesting. I won’t let Polly watch, though – she gets upset.
You’re very popular on Corrie. Was acting initially a leap of faith, though?
Yes. And, at the time, you’re very aware that people see you as the fat one from Hear’Say, which is what I was known as back then! I’ve made my peace with it. I’ve been lucky as I think people have been very accepting of me. It’s not that easy for everyone. Eleven years on, and I was only meant to be in for four episodes!
Could you stay on the Street another 11 years?
Why would I go anywhere else while I’m so happy? You’re working with your mates and having some real laughs.
What are the challenges?
When Michelle lost her baby, I’d come in without any make-up on, looking like the girl from that horror film The Ring! People think this job’s glamorous, but you have moments filming in the freezing cold, in winter, in a jumper and jeans. But I love the challenges.
Have you made friends for life on Corrie?
Absolutely. Ali King [who plays Carla Connor] and I will always be mates.
Would you like to not get recognised?
I get called ‘Michelle’ when I’m out… I don’t really feel you’re ever off-duty, unless you go somewhere nobody knows you. The strangest place I’ve ever been recognised was standing in front of the Mona Lisa. We were going, ‘ Wow, the Mona Lisa… ’ when someone said, ‘Can we have a photo?’ That was bizarre!
For more, see itv.com/ coronationstreet