“I’d have exactly the same feelings as Karen – I’d be livid!”

Lorraine gives us her take on the soap affair that has rocked the nation…

What did you think when you first heard about Keanu and Sharon’s affair?

I laughed, as I know Tish [Dean, who plays Sharon] and I love her to bits – so I just thought, ‘Oh my God, she is going to have the time of her life’! He’s a good-looking guy, my son! Tish is a complete professional, of course, but I bet she’s had a good day at work! [laughs]

How is Danny [Walters, aka Keanu] coping with being thrust into such a saucy story with a legend like Sharon?

I know, she is the Queen of soap! He’s such a good guy, is Danny. He is completely professional, really mature for his age and I think he’s handling it very well. I don’t think Danny’s intimidated at all as he’s a strong actor.

What was it like filming the scene where Karen confronts Sharon?

Oh, so funny! We laughed to the point where I could not look her in the eye. It took us a few takes when Karen comes bowling into the house to have a go at her. I think I fluffed a few lines and we just giggled! But then we got down to it, did it, and it was great. I love Tish. We wish that we worked more together.

You’ve joked before that Karen might fancy her chances with Phil, to get her revenge on Sharon. Do you still like the sound of that idea?

Yeah, I said that and then it was all in the papers with a picture of me and Phil – and underneath it said that we look alike! That was brilliant, actually. Nothing that I know about is going to happen between Karen and Phil, but I still think it’s a great idea. Hey,

I’m just an actor,

I don’t write it!

I’d love to work with Steve

[Mcfadden, who plays

Phil] but that’s because I rate him as an actor. I’m not sure Phil would scrape the barrel for Karen, though!

If you found yourself in Karen’s shoes, how do you think you would have dealt with this situation?

I would probably act similar in that it’s morally wrong and I would try to stop it – but maybe I wouldn’t be as aggressive. I might be a bit more controlled with it, yet I’d still have the same feelings – I’d be livid! It’s more about Sharon being married. It’s not so much an age thing for me. It would be about the fact that she’s married and that is just wrong. I’d have a fear of Phil too, as he’s no pushover. I’d be worried for Keanu. Ultimately, Phil would batter him!