You Ask… Sally Carman (Abi)
SALLY CARMAN Corrie’s Abi Franklin ...faces your questions!
The Street’s Abi is used to facing police interrogation – and luckily, Sally is just as calm under pressure when faced with our reader questions…
“If Abi could hook up with anyone on the Street, who would it be?”
Steve Mcdonald – absolutely, all day long. She has the hots for him, and he’s a match for her. That’d be brilliant.
Tracy wouldn’t be at all happy about it, though…
“What was it like tipping spag bol over your co-star Sally Dynevor [Sally]? And how would you feel if it was the other way around?”
It was brilliant! We absolutely loved doing that scene. I’ve got to say, I have so much fun working with Sal – we laugh so much. She is the kindest, most honest, loveliest woman I have ever met in my life. And if Sal had to pour spaghetti on my head, I would love it! I like getting mucky.
“Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever been recognised?”
That was in Rome, in a museum near the Spanish Steps. I was just sat there on a chair, looking at some books, and one of the Italian attendants came and said, “It’s you!” That was perhaps the most surreal place I’ve been recognised. I’ve also had someone pop their head over the top of a toilet cubicle before, just to check that it was me! It didn’t faze me at all, I just said “Hello!”
“You’ve been working with students at The Manchester College – what advice do you give them about getting into acting?”
The advice I give a lot is to prepare to be out of work, because a working actor is a rare thing! And keep your skills up to scratch, be kind, be nice, and be a team player. That will get you just as far as being talented.
“I saw some pics of you and your boyfriend Joe [Duttine, who plays Tim] taking a New Year’s dip in the sea! What inspired that?”
“How do you spend a day off from work?”
I really have no idea! It’s not something I’ve ever really thought of, being a Tv-and-couch kind of gal! But I just thought, ‘You know what, I’ll try it’. And I tried it, and now I can say I’ve tried it… I don’t need to do it again! Also, we had no idea those photos were being taken, but it was an Indian couple who couldn’t quite believe what they were seeing!
“What do you think of Abi’s style?”
Abi has no style at all! It’s as though she gets dressed in the dark – she needs to seriously replace that lightbulb in her bedroom! I’d like to think my style is much better, just because at least I attempt to have a go at it. My favourite costume of all time is Abi’s overalls. I like that she’s a scruff and she never brushes her hair, she wears too much black eyeliner – it’s brilliant. It helps to keep your ego out of it.
“If you could play another Coronation Street character, who would it be and why?”
It’d be Norris! I’d have a go at that, because he’s so different from
Abi. Or Mary. Do you know what though, I take that back, I couldn’t do Mary – the lines she has to learn are absolute tongue-twisters. Patti Clare, who plays her, is a phenomenon – she takes my breath away.
“What’s your favourite way to spend a day off from work?”
Me and Joe have started canoeing – we’re quite into that. So we can get in the car and go off to the Lakes, and get the canoe out. I had no idea I’d love canoeing as much as I do. You have this sense of freedom – you’re on the water and it’s gentle, but it’s exciting. Then just relax over a bottle of wine and some nice food.
“Abi’s a mechanic, but could you repair a car engine?”
I wouldn’t know how to fix an engine, no. But my dad is a very practical man, and I have my own drill, and my own shed with my own tools. I can put up shelves, change tyres and do that kind of thing. But an actual engine, no. Don’t come to me if you’re having car trouble!
“What’s the most ‘Abi’ thing you’ve ever done?”
Ooh… she’s a bit out there! She’s true to herself, and I guess I am – I can be quite outspoken. Her heart’s in the right place, and I know that mine is too. However, as for the rest of it, I don’t think we have anything else in common, to be honest.
“What’s the best Coronation Street night out you’ve ever been on?”
The summer party we had the year before last – the summer sizzler – that was amazing. We organised a massive party, and everyone was there, including cast and crew, and it was one to remember! We really do have a good time at work. I know everybody says that, but it feels like a real company. They’re a genuine bunch on Corrie, and it’s a lovely place to work.
“Who would you like Abi to hook up with?”