Unlucky in love... again!

Alexandra Mardell on her Corrie character Emma Brooker’s latest heartache as she searches for true romance

He’s not the most obvious Casanova, but Coronation Street’s Chesney Brown has found himself at the centre of a love triangle, with two women competing for his affections.

While Chesney’s been dating trainee hairdresser Emma Brooker, there’s been an obvious flirtation between him and his kebab-shop colleague Gemma Winter. This week it all comes to a head when Emma sees sparks fly between her boyfriend and Gemma, and selflessly gives in to her love rival.

‘She really wants to be with Chesney but, no matter how much she likes him, she believes in true love and doesn’t want to get in the way of that,’ says Alexandra Mardell, who plays Emma. ‘She can see Chesney likes Gemma and it’s the right decision for her to let them be together.’

In her first year on Corrie, unlucky-in-love Emma has won the hearts of millions of Corrie viewers, as well as the attention of David Platt and Seb Franklin. But it’s only with Chesney that she’s looked close to finding happiness. ‘Chesney’s a gentleman – he’s lovely and kind. He’s everything Emma’s been hoping for,’ says Alexandra.

Emma has suspected for a while that Chesney had fallen for Gemma, but was convinced otherwise. ‘Gemma and Chesney have both told Emma they don’t want to be together,’ says Alexandra. But she realises she has to break off her romance this week when a good deed by Chesney leads to a tender moment with Gemma.

Caring Emma even agrees to take over Gemma’s shift at the pub so she and Chesney can spend time alone together. ‘Emma’s upset but knows there’s no point holding a grudge,’ says Alexandra. ‘She believes she’ll find her special person one day. Emma’s desperate to find love, but she’s already tried out a couple on the Street so she might need to look further afield!’

Alexandra, who grew up in Leeds, spread her wings too after leaving performing arts school four years ago, launching her own theatre com- pany. During a performance she was spotted by actress Brenda Blethyn, which led to a small role in Brenda’s ITV crime drama Vera in 2017.

She was also noticed by Corrie’s producers. ‘The casting director said I suited the show and just had to wait for the right part,’ explains Alexandra, 25, who’s been with her boyfriend Joe for a year. ‘When they finally found a role for me, it was unbelievable.’

Fans have a theory Emma will turn out to be the lovechild of Steve McDonald and his former flame Fiona Middleton, but all Alexandra will say is, ‘I’ve heard that one.’

Whatever happens, Emma’s fast becoming a Corrie favourite. ‘I’m having a great time,’ says Alexandra. ‘It doesn’t feel like a job because I’m doing what I want to do.’