Rachel Leskovac
“Natasha doesn’t want Nick, but who knows what might develop?”
When Natasha Blakeman made a shock return to Nick’s life last year, and introduced him to Sam – the son he never knew he had – Nick’s mum Gail was concerned about her motives. She was sure that Natasha was back to make a romantic play for Nick, and issued her son’s ex with a stark warning to keep her grubby mitts off him! Fast-forward six months, and Gail embraces both Natasha and Sam into the family this week, making it clear that they’ll always be welcome at her house. And as we chat with star Rachel Leskovac about how she’s been settling back into Corrie following her return, she tells us that it’s been just like coming home…
Hi, Rachel! It’s great to see you back – did you feel like the new girl on the Street, even though you’d worked there before?
Oh, absolutely. Being back after 10 years is surreal, and nervewracking – but everyone said, “Oh, it’s as if you’ve never been away!” I’ve only seen people in dribs and drabs, because of the way we’re filming [due to Covid], and that’s helped ease me in. There are so many people who are still here after such a long time.
How do you view Nick and Natasha’s relationship now? It’s all very grown-up, and I’m glad it’s been written that way. For Natasha, it’s always been about her son, and she’s made that clear from day one. Allowing Nick to be a part of Sam’s life was a massive thing for her, and she really loves the fact that Nick and Sam have created this brilliant bond. Nick’s been insistent that he’s still in love with Leanne, and Natasha isn’t there to try to steal him away – although who knows what will develop in the future…
Gail tells Natasha that she and Sam will always be a part of the family… That means a lot to Natasha, as her past with Gail is pretty chequered! I love that they’ve built bridges, mother to mother. Plus, whenever I have scenes with Helen Worth [Gail], I get giddy, as she’s brilliant!
How do you get along with Jude Riordan, who plays Sam?
He’s the son I never had! He’s so sweet and funny. We clicked straight away, and it’s the hardest thing not being able to give him a hug. The minute we get the green light to hug, it will be all over social media.
Who else do you enjoy working with? I’m so happy to be back working with Ben [Price, aka Nick] and Jane [Danson, who plays Leanne] again, as we always have fun. I haven’t had the chance to work with Sue [Nicholls, aka Audrey] yet, so I’m hoping we’ll have some stuff soon – when I was here 10 years ago, a lot of my scenes were with her, and she’s a great actress.
Who else would you like to work with? I love David Neilson [Roy], we get on dead well. He’s one of the coolest guys you’ll ever meet, and really funny, too. I also love the ladies from the kebab shop [Bernie and Cathy], they’re both really funny, so I’d love some scenes with them.
What are your hopes for Natasha now she’s sticking around on the cobbles? Audrey will have to retire at some point, so I’d love Natasha to take over her salon. Then David could work for her too, that would be funny! I’m starting to get busier on set now – I’m finally getting my teeth into something, which I’m really excited about…