Faye Brookes
“T is storyline is a game changer – I’m really proud of it…”
This storyline is a game changer, and I’m really proud that we’re giving people a voice,” says Faye Brookes of her character Kate’s romance with marrie Muslim Rana. “We’ve worked really hard, and I think Coronation Street is doing something historical!”
As Faye joins us to chat about the latest development for the pair, she’s well aware of the footprint such an important story could leave on the cobbles. Kate and Rana’s relationship has already had consequences for everyone concerned, but as their spark is reignited following an emotional heart-to-heart this week, Faye is as determined as her smitten alter ego that true love must win out…
This is a big week for Kate and Rana! You and Bhavna Limbachia (Rana) have discussed how vital it is that you get their story right – have you felt pressured by that?
Definitely. Although as much as there is a pressure, we’re enjoying it. We were worried about the reaction, and that people weren’t going to accept the idea of this new relationship – but it’s had really positive feedback. The writers love writing for us, and that’s really nice. The more Bhavna and I invest, the more positives we’re getting out of it.
Has the audience feedback you’ve received so far surprised you?
It surprised me when everyone turned on Kate after she started going out with Sophie. But I liked that! The fans are choosing sides, and that’s great. We’ve been overwhelmed by the response. We knew it’d be a hard story to tell, and we’re so grateful for the support.
Who do you consider part of your own support network?
At work it’s my screen family, the Connors. I share a dressing with Kym Marsh [aka Michelle] and Ali King [who plays Carla], and the pair of them are like sisters. They look out for me, and nobody messes with me as I have them in my corner! Shayne Ward [Aidan] is like a real-life brother – he’s always the one I turn to if I need someone to talk to. I’m also super-close to my own family, so it’s a real perk that I work on their doorstep now. Plus my partner Gareth [Gates] is in Manchester, so I have my best friend and partner around all the time, too. I feel really content.
“We were worried people wouldn’t accept Kata and Rana’s relationship”
It must be great having Alison King back – but how do you feel about Shayne’s impending departure from the show?
I’m devastated about Shayne going! I don’t want him to. I know he’ll do so well after Corrie, but I can’t imagine him not being here. I think it’s going to have a detrimental effect on Kate, too. As for Ali, she’s just slotted right in again – and I have my sister back! I love her, and she’s a joy to work with.
What’s the best thing about working with Bhavna and Brooke Vincent, who plays Sophie?
Brooke has natural ability, so I soak that up when I’m with her. And Bhavna and I share the same work ethic. We bounce new ideas off each other. And as we have to kiss a lot, it’s important to be comfortable with her! I can’t take that trust for granted.
The agreement Zeedan has with Rana’s parents – to continue his marriage to their daughter for at least a year in exchange for them bankrolling his business – has left both husband and wife in the depths of despair. With Rana terrified of being cast out by her family, she’s been determined to stay away from Kate, while Kate makes a lame attempt to move on with Sophie. But as Zeedan stirs the pot by suggesting Sophie move in with Kate to cover the rent on Luke’s old room this week, it has the opposite effect – only serving to push Kate and Rana closer together…
The spare-room situation gives Kate a wake-up call, doesn’t it?
It does. She doesn’t think Sophie moving in is a good idea, but doesn’t want to hurt her. She knows that her true feelings are for Rana, and realises she needs to come clean…
But it’s not just Rana that Kate has to worry about, with Aidan and Carla undergoing kidney transplant surgeries. Is Kate able to take it all in her stride?
No! She just wants Rana by her side.
She gets so emotional, as her brother is risking his life for their sister, and it was a coin toss between Aidan and Kate for who would make the donation. She wants to cry on Rana’s shoulder.
What do you make of how Kate’s dealing with everything?
She’s not coping well – she’s just on autopilot. So I feel like if she told Rana how she feels, her spark might return and she could be herself again.
And this week, as Rana admits her marriage is now nothing more than a financial arrangement, the girls are forced to confront their feelings for one another…
Yes, they have that love-sickness where you can’t function without a person. I have that love, and I relate to it. Kate’s never felt like that before, which is why it’s so intense. Kate and Rana want to be together no matter what!
How do you see life panning out for Kate and Rana – do you think they can live happily ever after?
I hope so. It would be something new for Coronation Street, so I would like to see them go the distance!