It’s weird to think that the expanded Connor clan are still
considered Coronation Street newcomers – they have settled in to
Weatherfield so well that it’s as if they have been there for years. And
Faye Brookes is taking the baton in the Connor newcomer award relay
from Shayne Ward at this year’s NTAs.
With Kate having proven popular with fans, we caught up with Faye to
talk about being nominated in the National Television Awards, what the
future might hold for Kate and her family and whether sparks could still
fly with Sophie Webster.
Here is what she had to say:
Kate seems extremely settled as a Corrie character – do you still feel like a newcomer?
I still feel so brand new! I thought I’d missed the boat as I came
into Coronation Street a couple of months after Shayne (Ward, who plays
Aidan) and obviously he won the Best Newcomer at the 2016 NTAs and I was
so proud of him and so happy. But I just didn’t imagine I would be in
the shortlist this year, I am so grateful for everyone’s support and
it’s unbelievable.
What is it about Kate that you think fans have taken to?
I think it’s because she’s a bit different; I don’t think she is too
eccentric that she will be one of those characters that you will
remember forever and ever but she’s certainly someone that you can
relate to, particularly the younger generation. I didn’t realise how
many teenagers watch Coronation Street – it reaches so many and it’s
obviously something they enjoy and something that reaches them and that
they can relate to.
Obviously Kate is younger than me but for that playing age, people
have obviously been able to take to her. Also, she’s fun, she says it
like it is, she’s a bit of a drama queen sometimes but she also wears
her heart on her sleeve and that might be what engages viewers.
After Shayne’s win, it’s now over to you to fight the Connor corner…!
Always flying the flag for the Connors, yeah! They’re a strong family, so absolutely!
What has been the highlight of your first year?
I loved filming Carla Connor’s wedding! The cast here have done their
fair share of weddings but it was my first one. And I think the drama
over that previous Christmas and Kate knowing that Carla is her half
sister was the cherry on the top for me as I didn’t know that was going
to happen when I first came into the show.
Having the scenes and stories with the family makes me feel like I am
part of Corrie history a bit and it helps to give you roots and let you
settle in. I think every character always wants to have that personal
attachment to Coronation Street.
Coronation Street seems to have a big buzz around it at the moment – is the atmosphere exciting on set?
Oh, yeah, absolutely – especially as we’re going to six episodes this
year, everything has to have a positive energy – if you didn’t, why
would you even be here? Everyone loves their job and is getting on with
it and we all become like a family with our good days and bad days. The
energy is strong because there are so many fresh faces coming in and we
are meeting so many people and we are all working with each other
differently now – I am not just with my family now, but have also had
scenes as Kate develops friendships which is great as you can explore
the character more and there is more of a community feel on screen and
off.
Would you like to revisit the potential romance between Sophie and Kate?
Oh, secretly I am always wanting Kophie to happen! The fans
definitely do and I always appreciate their support with that. Brooke
has been in Coronation Street since she was a little girl and has grown
up in this world so to have her by my side makes me feel like I’m a good
place. I love Brooke to pieces – I can see Kate and Sophie, maybe and
eventually falling for each other. But I do think it’s nice to tease the
audience with that so as much as I wish it, it’s not happening any time
soon, that I know of. I just wish love for both of them – both of them
deserve a happy ending!
What would be your dream 2017 storyline for Kate?
I would love Kate to become a little mini Carla – maybe a bit more
responsibility at work or with the family. Maybe it’s not her picking up
the pieces but can be her story. It’s nice not to know as well but I do
wish more for her because I think there’s more to her than we actually
see at the moment.
I could never fill Carla’s shoes but I think Kate can at least be a little, mini her.
And are you planning to stick around on Corrie?
I’m loving my life here – I hope they keep me on for as long as they
want me! I am here for another year which is contracted so we’ll see
what happens but I’d love to say.
Have you had a sit down with producer Kate Oates about her plans for Kate?
It was brilliant that when she came in, she sat down with every one
of us and it was very personal. We talked about our characters before
she’d even taken over – she did her research, the girl knows what is
happening. She looked at old tapes and reminded us of stories that maybe
even we had forgotten. She definitely got me excited about the Connors
in general – I love that they are building up the Barlows and that there
might be some family rivalry coming up. Watch this space!
Have you kept up with the work of the other nominees in the category?
I am definitely aware of Emmerdale as they are our sister show and we
always support each other but there’s no Emmerdale in the Newcomer
category this year. I do know of Duncan (James, Ryan in Hollyoaks) and
he definitely seems to be one to beat but I don’t think anyone is
competitive. We’re all newcomers and happy to be where we are. For fans
to vote a newcomer, it’s getting their seal of approval so hats off to
everyone to make it into the category as there are so many new faces
coming into soaps right now and soaps are hard work. I have done the
transfer from theatre, Duncan has done it from music and Tilly (Keeper,
Louise in EastEnders) is so young and you can forget how hard it is.
Everybody is just excited to be a part of such a fascinating
industry. We’re really proud to fly the flag for Coronation Street and
we see the same atmosphere with Emmerdale, EastEnders and Hollyoaks.
It’s just all the more reason to just get together and celebrate each
other.
You can vote for Faye and Coronation Street in the NTAs by following this link.
