Conor no dae that
Winds and rain wreak havoc and forecasters predict snow
ACTRESS Jenna Russell said she was scared to take on the role of Michelle Fowler in EastEnders.
The character, originally played by Susan Tully, has returned to Albert Square more than 20 years after fleeing Walford for the US.
Viewers complained about the recasting of the role after she reappeared in the Christmas Eve episode.
Russell, who had to keep landing the part a secret, said she was worried about replacing Tully and hopes viewers will warm to her take on Michelle.
She added: “When you step into the shoes of a much-loved character it can be very scary.
“I thought, ‘Take a deep breath’ and I decided to jump up and go with it.
“I just have to do my own version of her and hope the audience go with it.” SCOTLAND was battered by high winds, snow and rain as Storm Conor hit the north of the country.
Fresh weather warnings were issued for winds and snow expected to sweep across parts of the Highlands today. Gusts of up to 90mph had been forecast.
Meanwhile, Edinburgh Zoo shut their doors yesterday as the winds prompted safety fears.
The Met Office issued a yellow “be aware” wind alert for today for the Highlands, Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland.
A gust of 85.5mph was recorded at Scalpay Bridge in the Outer Hebrides yesterday, while at Castlebay in Barra speeds reached 74.9mph, Western Isles Council said.
Snow also affected several routes in the north-east. Restrictions were in place on bridges including the Forth due to the winds. Gales could hit parts of Grampian and Strathclyde, while snow alerts have been issued for central Scotland northwards. Flood warnings are in place for much of the country.
Yesterday, transport minister Humza Yousaf met the Scottish Government’s resilience team.
He said: “Of course many people will be travelling to meet loved ones and spend time with their families … and we would remind the public to check before they travel and delay their journey if they have to. Safety must be paramount.”
Edinburgh Zoo told visitors on social media that they were closing to the public but booked lunch reservations were still going ahead.
As Scotland was battered by Storm Conor, mild air behind it meant England had one of the warmest Christmas Days on record, with temperatures of up to 15C.
The record was 15.6C recorded in Devon in 1920.
Meanwhile, firefighters were praised for protecting homes from flooding after a water main ruptured in Bathgate Road, Blackburn, West Lothian.