Faye Talks NTA's & Corrie With Lorraine!

Metro Interview

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.

Celebrity Radio Interview

Listen to Faye's fabulous interview with Alex Belfield from Celebrity Radio.

I think Alex is nearly as big a fan of Faye as I am! Hardly surprising, she is rather special.

Radio Times Interview

Faye recently chatted to David Brown from the Radio Times about what the future might hold for character Kate Connor on the Cobbles.

Her relationship with Caz was always doomed to fail as her ex fiancee seemed a little unhinged from the start and was clearly keeping secrets. I think we might soon see just how dangerous she can be as this storyline begins to unfold. I'm sure she's not going to let Kate go without a fight.

However, there's surely no way back for the couple now and this hopefully this means there might be a future for Kate and Sophie. It wasn't long ago that 100% of our readers voted for Sophie as the girl they wanted Kate to end up with in our blog poll.

Here is the interview in full:


Coronation Street: Kate to date Sophie after break-up with Caz? 

They'd make a great couple, says Faye Brookes But it doesn't look like Caz will be quitting Weatherfield any time soon... 

Kate looks set to have a tough time in getting Caz out of her life when her army officer ex moves in with Maria.

Upcoming Coronation Street scenes see Kate break up with Caz when the truth about her absence from the armed forces is revealed.

As it turns out, Caz has been lying about being injured and is instead facing a court martial for fighting at her barracks - a scrap in which Caz's opponent came off much worse!

However, it doesn't look like Caz will be leaving Weatherfield any time soon - so how will Kate free herself of Caz's influence? And will she now take up with Sophie Webster, with whom she was recently seen sharing an impromptu kiss?

Here, actress Faye Brookes reveals all about what's coming up for her character - and the rest of her on-screen family...

How is Kate feeling since finding out about Caz’s deception?

She's so hurt. She had given her another chance and now she's discovered she has been lying all along. She feels very betrayed by Caz - I think she invested everything into that relationship especially after everything that happened with Sophie.

Do you think it’s a blessing considering she’s always had her doubts about marrying Caz?

Maybe. She knew she wasn't quite ready for marriage but I think commitment scares Kate. Her Dad hasn't ever really settled down and she's also still trying to figure out who she is. The fact that this has happened makes it easier in some ways for her to get out of the relationship as she has a reason.

Why is Kate so unwilling to hear Caz out? Is it the final straw for her?

I think Kate will find it hard to forgive Caz. This isn't the first time that she has lied to her, so how is she expected to trust her again?

How does she feel when Caz moves in with Maria?

Firstly, I think she's questioning Maria's loyalty - why has Maria taken Caz's side? And just when Kate thinks that Caz is no longer an issue in her life, she finds out that she is only down the street!

Caz has already shown her controlling side – is there potential for this story to take a dark turn if she sets her mind to winning back Kate?

Oh I think Caz is capable of anything! That's what's slightly scary and puts Kate on edge. She's is a very clever girl...

Where does this leave Kate and Sophie? Is there still chemistry between them?

I'm hoping that Sophie and Kate will become better friends because of it. That's what they are first and foremost, but Caz wasn’t happy about that and it affected Kate and Sophie’s relationship.

Do you think Kate and Sophie would make a great couple?

I do actually, but then I like I also love their friendship. Maybe it can be something that we all look forward to seeing unravel - a “will they won't they?"  situation.

Who do the fans want Kate to be with?

100 per cent Sophie.

Kate’s wedding day keeps eluding her! Would you like for her to get married and film a soap wedding?

I would love that purely just for the fact that it could go down in history as the first ever lesbian soap wedding!

Meanwhile, Johnny is growing closer to Jenny. How do Aidan and Kate feel about their dad dating another woman?

Kate loves the idea of her Dad being happy. She's a real daddy’s girl and he's brought them up single handed. Though, she will always want to vet a potential partner for Johnny.

How do you think they’d feel about having Jenny Bradley as their wicked stepmother?

Dad hasn't had the best of luck with his choice of ladies in the past, but I think Jenny Bradley has a lot of potential Step Mum qualities. I do think Kate and Aidan will be wary of her motives.

How is the Connor family feeling since Carla’s departure?

They're all a little lost and they're all dealing with it in our own ways. Kate would have liked to have Carla around when it call goes wrong with Caz. She would value her advice.

Can you give us any sneaky hints about what you’ve been filming recently and what is coming up for the Connors?

I can definitely say that Caz is going to be 100 per cent trouble for the Connors and potentially other residents - but not directly for Kate Connor.

You can watch a 60-second rundown of next week's episodes of Coronation Street below

Strong Young Thing Interview

Check out this fabulous interview Faye did with @Georgiejourno for stymagazine.com:

Having been one of a handful of cast members signing new contracts in recent months, Coronation Street’s Faye Brookes AKA Kate Connor looks ready to take the reins as the matriarch of the Connor family. In a short space of time she has found out about her Dad’s affair, acquired a new family member, planned and cancelled a wedding … oh and a sneaky kiss with Sophie Webster. But with her Fiancée’s lies set to be exposed very soon, the future for the perky factory worker is to become quite dramatic. We caught up with Faye Brookes recently to ask her all about her recent marathon, playing Kate and the power of social media.

SYT MAG: Congratulations on completing the marathon yesterday, have you recovered?  
FB: I am off today so I am going to get a massage. I properly went for it. It’s a cause that means to much to me. I like to keep fit, it’s a part of my daily routine so I thought I just need to go for it. But the competitive inner Faye was wanting to beat the best time and was saying “GO GO GO”, it’s like I left my body behind. I did 10k in 55 minutes. The atmosphere was unreal. I am so glad I took part.

SYT: I guess when you are surrounded by all those people the adrenaline kicks in and you just got for it?  
FB: There were 36,000 people in the race yesterday. It’s mental to think about. I was trying to get my head around it this morning from people telling me. I didn’t absorb it at all yesterday, it was all a bit of a blur.

SYT: Did you read a lot of the feedback on Twitter? You are quite together with social media.  
FB: I am totally loving the power of Twitter and how much money we did raise for The Royal Children’s Hospital, it means a lot to me. My brother went there when he was diagnosed with Leukaemia, I really wanted to give back and we did. Reading everyone’s comments they were just so excited for me and some of them were there, some were supporting through Twitter. That’s the amazing thing about social media these days is that it can have that effect on people.

SYT: Did you meet many fans whilst you were there?  
FB: They were all there. Some of them came to the tent when I was having my physio done and of them were at the parade on different parts. A map has been set out for the races so you end up meeting some of them along the way. There was a bus set up for the Royal Children’s Hospital and they were all dressed up, they didn’t know who I was, I was just wearing their t shirt, running past them and they are all cheering and shouting. It got me through. It was amazing.

SYT: Did you do much preparation beforehand or are you just a natural runner?  
FB: I did. I made sure I built up to a good kind of mentality for it. I was nervous on the day, I was taking my training to the point where I had to give myself a day off whereas usually I would be like ‘Oh let’s make sure I get a good fitness work out today’ and that is where I go to. If I don’t do anything I get a little bit twitchy. I’m a dancer, trained in theatre, if I don’t do something with 100% of me just going “YEAH YEAH YEAH” for about an hour then I am just no one’s. I’m just rubbish, I have no personality. So I was twitchy when it came to the actual 10k. I was ready to go and I had built up in my head that I was ready to do it. I think it was mind over matter at the end of it all.

SYT: So you were in Theatre, what made you do the jump from stage to screen?  
FB: It wasn’t necessarily a choice of doing a jump. I always wanted to be on TV and the right job came at the right time.

SYT: Did you know much about Kate before you auditioned for her?  
FB: Kate was a brand new character and I was in the middle of performing for Shrek the musical playing Princess Fiona. I got the call from my agent saying they want to find a new character, this is what her background is, are you interested? I said absolutely. I didn’t know what was in store for me. They were going to have her played as a lesbian, it was going to be her secret then there would be a big reveal, then they changed their mind. The writers were two-ing and throwing. I thought ‘This is what it is going to be like!’. I just didn’t know what to expect. I got down to the screen test with Kim, met the most amazing director and that was it. The rest is history. I am now a Connor and loving life.

SYT: You have acquired quite the fan base since being on the show. Did you realise how massive it would be?  
FB: No, I really didn’t and I am so grateful for the support absolutely. Like I said the power of social media these days is far beyond what I thought it was going to be.

SYT: Now Brooke Vincent (Sophie Webster) also has acquired quite the following in the past few years. Did you realise how much of a stir you would cause?  
FB: I love being associated with Sophie Webster because wherever she goes I am loved as well. That’s how I feel. The likes of Brooke have been there since she was young, she has grown up on Coronation Street, so hats off to her she is like … a Corrie Princess, through and through. I have to basically follow in her footsteps so if I get to be associated with her even better.

SYT: Well you have some even bigger shows to fill with the departure of Carla Conner …  
FB: I know, I am gutted she has left.

SYT: Before joining the cast, did you have any worries? It is quite a big family to take on.  
FB: Oh I know and because I am from Manchester as well it is even better. I just relished in it. Not wasting a second. I have a massive support group behind me, my family, my friends and Gareth.

SYT: Well you are certainly have the social media side sorted. You are very good at it I have noticed.  
FB: I don’t know if I am good at it you know, I am just getting on with it. I speak to Richard Hawley and he is just getting in to it, he is so oblivious to how it works. We sit there, we talk about it, it gets to the end of the week and he is like ‘I think I need to take a break from this, it’s too much’. I think there is a way of just doing it, if you make it a part of your life then it is a natural way to reach out to fans and it is just the norm. It doesn’t have to be put on this pedestal. Yes we always have to think about what we say and do, naturally, it happens in everyday life. We all have our flaws. When it comes to social media I think there is a strong powerful outlook on it, that’s exactly what I take from it. I am just so grateful for the fans, I hope they keep following us and I will always be open to them, if they are happy to receive what I put out there.

SYT: What kind of things do they say to you?  
FB: I answer to fan mail too so it isn’t just Twitter I’m listening to. I listen to a lot of girls who have struggled coming out to their family and that is really interested for me because everyone knows I am playing a gay character but I’m not actually gay. So if I can help them in any way through the Kate Connor character that’s just a really lovely feeling, to walk away and know I have helped people not just playing a character then going home and having my dinner. Hopefully being a positive influence.

SYT: It’s great that you realise something like that because a platform like Coronation Street has a big impact in that way, if people can see it played out it then it gives it less stigma.  
FB: We need to keep the authenticity of Coronation Street which means we are real and people can relate to us.

SYT: How would you like to see Kate develop as a character?  
FB: I would love her to be the new Ali King but there is no point trying to be her. There is only one Carla Connor and that’s ok. I can be her little sister who hopefully gets to carry on in her footsteps in working at the factory and being a Connor.

SYT: Well you still get to wear awesome clothes …  
FB: Everyone loves her wardrobe!

Sunday Express Interview

In the closet with Coronation Street star Faye Brookes 

How do you describe your style?
Girlie and glamorous.

Which colours and shapes suit you best?
Black is my basic, but I’m becoming more adventurous when it comes to colour. I love gold, all shades of blue and nude pinks. Shape-wise, I love high-waisted trousers, fitted dresses and full skirts.

What is your favourite fashion era?
The late 20s and 30s – the fashion for men and women was so elegant. When I did the TV drama Our Zoo, set in that era, I adored all the costumes.

What is your favourite high-street store?
Topshop, always.

Who are your favourite designers?
I like British designers, especially Burberry and Mulberry. But if money were no object, Christian Dior.

Do you have a style icon?
Audrey Hepburn. I like to think I’m a bit like her, without the short fringe.

What is your best beauty secret?
Use an anti-ageing eye cream.

Are you a fan of vintage?
Yes. York is one of my favourite cities for vintage.

How many shoes and handbags do you own?
Sixty pairs of shoes, including boots and trainers, and 30 handbags, including my favourite Mulberry. Gareth bought it for me after I landed the role of Princess Fiona in the touring version of Shrek in 2014.

What is the best piece of fashion advice you have ever been given?
Keep it simple.

Faye models a gold sequin top and silk organza skirt from Coast. The skirt was a present to herself for her birthday

What is your current favourite outfit?
A camel coat over a fitted dress – it’s chic and simple.

Is there an old favourite you turn to in a wardrobe crisis?
One of my Jack Wills blazers.

Have you a favourite pair of jeans?
Yes, a pair of black stretchy Joni jeans from Topshop.

How similar or different is Kate’s wardrobe to your own?
The colours and patterns are bolder and louder than the ones I’d wear in real life, but she has some really cool pieces, too. Some of her clothes I’d never wear – she has an oversized Del Boy coat, which suits her personality, but I don’t think I could get away with it as me.

Do you help choose Kate’s wardrobe?
Corrie stylists pick things out they think will work, then I get my say, because I have to feel comfortable. On my first day on set I wore a pair of really high Russell & Bromley tiger-print wedges. In the beginning, I was stumbling all over the cobbles but when I got into character, as confident Kate, I could suddenly walk properly. They are so her.

How much do you spend on clothes each month?
About £100, but I do splash out more for a special event, like the £150 I spent on a long skirt from Coast for my birthday.

What is the most expensive item in your wardrobe? And best bargain?
A Juicy Couture tracksuit, which cost over £200. My best bargain is a leather biker jacket from River Island, which cost £30 in a sale.

What is the oldest item in your wardrobe?
My nana’s fur jacket with her initials in the lining. I never wear it, but I’ll keep it for ever.

Who would you like to make your wedding dress?
Vera Wang. I’m thinking Sex And The City.

'This Morning' Interview

Faye had an early start this morning as she and her Corrie co star Shayne Ward visited BBC Radio 1 and the ITV This Morning studios.

Check out thse great pictures from the InstaGrim Booth :)

They've both been fabulous additions to Corrie and the Connors are establishing themselves as one of the best families in soapland.

Unfortunately due to work I wasn't able to listen or record the radio interview but here is the video of their interview with Phillip Schofield & Holly Willoughby on This Morning:

Faye & Gareth OK! Interview

There are tiny bits missing as it didn't quite fit on my scanner but as promised here are some pictures from Faye & Gareth's interview with OK!

If you're a fan of Faye or Gareth you have to get yourself a copy of this Christmas and New Year OK! magazine. It's an absolutely wonderful interview and includes some of the best photos of seen of this gorgeous pair.

If you click on thr pictures below it will make them bigger and you'll be able to read the interview.

Faye's Christmas Q&A

FESTIVE FLASHBACK: Love this great pic of Princess Fiona and Donkey in their Christmas jumpers!

This will be the third successive year Faye has been able to spend the festive season with her family in Manchester after starring in 'That Day We Sang' at the Royal Exchange in 2013 and 'Shrek' at the Palace Theatre in 2014.

2015 will be her first Christmas on the cobbles and I'm sure we're all looking forward to seeing what's in store for Kate.

The Coronation Street Blog recently caught up with Faye for a special Christmas Q&A.


Here's what she had to say:

Will your character be having a merry Christmas this year?
Maybe, maybe not. She’s going to try, certainly. It’s her first Christmas in Weatherfield, so it’ll certainly be different for her. Kate won’t be with her fiance, Caz, so she might feel a bit down about that.

Make a NY resolution for your character…
To stop procrastinating! And get on with it.

What’s your favourite Christmas board game?
It’s got to be charades, or chararrrrdes, however you prefer to say it!

What’s your Christmas tipple?
A port! With cheese, always! Only on Christmas Day though, we’ll do cocktails the rest of the time!

Turkey or otherwise?
Otherwise! I quite like a nut roast. I’m not vegetarian but I prefer the vegetarian route, then I feel as though I’m doing something that’s kind and healthier.

Where’s your favourite place to spend Christmas?
At home, up north with the family.

Best Christmas tip?
Be prepared! Always be prepared and do everything early. Then you can just enjoy it, Christmas won’t be a stress if you get everything done!

Any Christmas disasters?
We had a mini fire one year! We left a candle burning on top of the TV and went out for a Christmas drink. When we came back the whole lounge was just black with smoke - the TV had started to set itself on fire but we got home just in time!

Favourite Christmas memory…
Playing Princess Jasmine in my first ever Christmas Panto and all of my family got on a coach to come down to Guilford from Manchester to see me in it. That was special.

Christmas Day...cheese or chocolate?
Cheese! With port!

Sprouts...devil or delicious?
Delicious. I cook them with a bit of bacon and maybe with a bit of coconut oil this year? That would make them really creamy.

Christmas Day...PJs or fancypants?
Fancy pants, we get really dressed up. My boyfriend’s family tend to do PJs, so this year we’re going to have to meet in the middle somewhere. Whether we wear half and half, I don’t know!

If you could spend Christmas Day in any other country where would you spend it?
New York. I’ve been at that time of year before but haven’t spent Christmas there and I just think it’s something else, it’s so magical, and everything’s bigger and better.

Favourite Christmas film?
It’s between Home Alone and Elf. I like Home Alone because it’s my childhood favourite but Elf is my absolute favourite! I love all the voices, they are so fun.

Favourite Christmas song or carol?
I like Rudolf the Rednose Reindeer, but the one with the funny after comments “He had a very shiny nose (like a lightbulb)” etc etc.

Describe your perfect Christmas…
There’d be snow, all the family together, a big burning log fire and everybody really happy! No arguments, no dramas, just serene, cool calm and collected!

Favourite Corrie Christmas...yours, your characters, or a scene off screen!
Well my character Kate hasn’t had a Corrie Christmas yet - so it’s exciting that this is her first. I’m looking forward to seeing it and hope for more to come!

What would you like to find in your Christmas stocking?
A surprise! I’ve told everyone what I would like, so a nice surprise would be cool.

You have one spot left at the dinner table..Who would you give it to, anyone past or present?
Will Ferrell, but as Elf. How fun would that be! He would be so full of merry cheer.

Faye Is Loving Life On The Cobbles!

Here is another lovely interview with Faye taken from the STV website.

She talks about how much she's loving life on Corrie, tells us more about her character Kate and even sneaks in a Shrek link, comparing the Connor's to onions. :)

Corrie’s Faye Brookes talks Kate's feisty side and Connor clashes

The new members of the Connor family have certainly stirred things up on Coronation Street, not least Kate, whose feisty attitude caused a few run-ins at Underworld in the last few weeks.

But who is Kate underneath her tough girl exterior? Faye Brookes, who plays the character, tells us more, as we’re about to see Kate’s fiancée Caz arrive in town, as the ladies plan their upcoming wedding.

How’s Kate settling into Coronation Street at this point?
I think the change has done her some good, I don’t think she had a strong sense of purpose whilst she was away in Spain and in Weatherfield she has a base, in the factory, even if she was reluctant at first to be a part of it.

I think perhaps her dad thinks the move to Weatherfield and her helping in the factory might ground her a little and give her a purpose, but how much she wants to be there is a mystery!

I think Kate looks up to Michelle and Carla as sisters and motherly figures. They are paving the way for her, leading her to something new - be it in the Rovers, or in the factory, or elsewhere. But I do think this move closer to the rest of her family and back on home turf will be the making of her.

How is Faye settling into Coronation Street?
So well. I love it here, everyone is so nice. It’s such a team effort at Corrie - everyone pulls together to make this fantastic programme and it’s great to be a part of. It’s amazing to be here - everyone is genuinely so nice!

What can you tell us about Kate and Caz’s relationship?
With any relationship that is long distance, it’s going to be difficult. They have an intense relationship when they see each other because they don’t know when they’ll get time together again! They’ve been together seven months and they’re already engaged. Kate is very wary of being under the thumb or being controlled in any way - she likes to have her own mind.

Why does she confide in Michelle about how intense their relationship is?
Kate feels close to Michelle and she is relishing that female friendship and guardianship because she’s never had it. So she feels comfortable enough to be honest with Michelle.

How keen is Kate on a wedding?
Well, she has a ring on her finger and she’s set the date, so a part of her must be keen! I think she is getting cold feet, though... I think she’s passive. I think she knows her dad really wants this wedding to happen, and because Kate is such a daddy’s girl then she wants to make him happy.

Has she always struggled to work alongside Johnny and Aidan?
Kate and Aidan have that typical sibling rivalry and they bicker - she winds him up and he winds her up, both in jest and to the point where they infuriate each other!

I think Kate is a daddy’s girl and maybe that annoys Aidan. While he’s older than her and I think Kate likes to think she’s wiser than him. With her dad, Johnny is really keen for Kate to get into the family business but I think he knows Kate isn’t, or initially wasn’t, so interested.

What’s it like working on the Underworld set?
It’s great because of the people I get to work with and the characters that you find in the factory - the likes of Beth and Kirk, who Kate has so much fun with. It’s great because that’s where the Connors are based, it’s their turf, and I like that and I like being part of the Connor family in there, having those roots.

What’s the best thing about playing a Connor?
I love it, I really do. I’ve been so lucky to come into such a strong family. Every single one of the Connors are great - I always say we’re like onions, they all have so many layers to them. I’m really grateful to have that - and that’s the best thing about playing a Connor, is being part of a wider network and of a strong family. They might not always be close, or see eye to eye, but they’ll always stand up for one another and look out for each other.

What kind of reaction have you had?
She’s quite feisty and there’s definitely a bit of rivalry between her and Aidan, hopefully people will see that it’s just sibling bickering! Kate is fun though, I hope people like the mischief she might cause in the factory.

Cheeky New Connor on the Cobbles

It seems like everyone wants a piece of Faye Brookes right now.

It's a bit of a whirlwind for me trying to keep up with all the Corrie news, TV appearances, interviews and magazine articles, so goodness knows what it's like for her.

Here is another interview where Faye tells us what we can expect from the cheeky new Connor on the cobbles:

Faye Brookes talks to BT.com about her role in the expanding Connor clan

Following the triumphant arrival of Shayne Ward’s character Aidan Connor in August, Faye Brookes has made her Corrie debut as his sister Kate Connor.

On track with her self-confessed five-year plan, Brookes reveals she’s “worked her socks off” to get to this point, and she’s determined to enjoy it. So how did she celebrate her first appearance on the cobbles?

“I watched it in a car on my iPad!” says the soap’s newest recruit, laughing. “Work was full-on that day. I finished at 5.30pm and then I needed to get to London to appear on Lorraine the next morning. I had to watch it, to see what the viewers were responding to!”

Swapping the stage for the cobbles
Known for her starring roles in West End hits Legally Blonde and Shrek, Brookes was delighted to receive “positive comments” from fans and her loved ones in light of her latest performance.

“My family are just over the moon, and my boyfriend [Gareth Gates of Pop Idol fame] is really proud and happy for me,” she says, admitting she still finds the whole situation very bizarre. 

“I grew up watching it; I would eat my dinner and it would always be on the telly. You just connect with Coronation Street if you’re from Manchester. Everyone in it is Northern and friendly and the stories are real – if not slightly exaggerated for drama purposes. It was very surreal to watch Sally’s wedding and then see myself in the next scene. I love all the national treasures.”

Who is Kate Connor?
Having lived in Spain for two years, Kate arrives in Weatherfield after discovering her brother Aidan has taken her inheritance and bought a stake in Underworld. With her father Johnny (Richard Hawley) in tow, the self-professed Daddy’s girl and youngest member of the family quickly ruffles feathers.

“I’m not going to be a quiet character,” the 26-year-old rising star promises. “I love that Kate’s the fun, mischievous, cheeky character at the moment.”

A family reunion
On screen, Kate and Aidan’s relationship is similar to that of any siblings: slightly argumentative, playful and competitive, but ultimately loyal. Off screen, it’s much the same. “He’s always tripping me up at work and we bicker about music, actors and films.

We have a great relationship and it’s interesting how it’s coming across the more scenes we do together,” Brookes reveals.

And what about the rest of the Connor clan? With Carla’s character (Ali King) taking a hiatus next year, could Kate be the next queen of Underworld?

“I don’t know what her path is yet; she’s a bit of a lost soul, but maybe she’ll find her niche on the street. She lost her mum when she was younger and Carla is her idol; she’s just a mini her.”

Tying the knot
Embedding herself at the factory, Kate is quick to rile up Beth (Lisa George), when it appears she’s getting close to Kirk (Andrew Whyment). However, the newcomer eventually reveals that she is engaged to marry her soldier girlfriend Caz (The Bill’s Rhea Bailey), who will be joining the cast in the weeks ahead.

“Caz has been away in the army for the last couple of months. It’s very intense and while she loves her, like all long-distance relationships, it’s hard work. I think the audience will fall in love with Caz and Kate; they’re a really nice couple.”

Acting responsibly
On the subject of taking on a gay character, Brookes admits she feels "a certain responsibility to do the role justice".

“I’m not playing it tough because I’m a lesbian. It’s not like I’m coming out, so it’s not a subject that needs to be talked about - it’s just a part of who Kate is and I own it. I hope to be flying that flag at Gay Pride next year!”

She laughs at her on-set competition with Sophie (Brooke Vincent), to be “the only gay in the village”. And while she doesn’t deny a potential love interest with her long-serving co-star, she stresses that the writers don’t want to pair the two together simply because of their sexuality.

Bright future
Despite being experienced in the theatre world and recognised for her work in BBC series Atlantis and Our Zoo, the pretty actress admits she was a “nervous wreck” during her screen test at The Rovers, saying: “Coronation Street has such a great reputation and that’s a lot of pressure on your shoulders.

“When they yell ‘Cut!’ my heart is racing. It’s a different adrenaline to when you’re on stage.”

Stardom, Corrie & Her Man

Faye is a girl in demand right now.

If you've been lucky enough to see her in theatre, you'll know she's always been destined for greatness but despite her undoubted talent she has in the main managed to stay under the radar.

Until now that is.

It seems after just one episode of Corrie she's a household name with photoshoots, interviews, TV appearances and countless tweets from new fans.

In the lovely interview below Faye discusses her new found stardom and how she and Gareth make sure they have quality time together despite their hectic schedules.

Faye Brookes says boyfriend Gareth Gates is happy to share the limelight

Whenever Faye Brookes walks down the red carpet it’s always her boyfriend Gareth Gates who gets the attention. 

But all that is about to change, because this week Faye made her debut as the newest member of the Connor clan in Coronation Street.

And Faye says her Pop Idol boyfriend can’t wait for her to have her own moment in the limelight.

She reveals: “Gareth is so proud of me. He knows how hard I have worked to get here. He is so supportive and wants me to be the best version of who I am. He would love to be on my arm walking me down the red carpet with me in the limelight. He wants that for me - he really does.

“But it is hard in this industry. Once you are up there - and he has watched it happen and people have done it to him- it is a whirlwind and you just go with it.

“Go with the punches, ride the highs and lows. That is what we have got to do.”

The couple met in 2012 when musical theatre star Faye played leading lady Elle Woods in Legally Blonde the Musical and Gareth played her boyfriend, Warner.

Following their stint on the show, Gareth split from his wife of 10 years Suzanne Mole, mother of his daughter Missy. Ten months later Faye, 28, and Gareth, 31, made their first public appearance together.

Faye says now: “Life is for living and we are all about being spontaneous and going with it. It is so nice he wants me to enjoy this and to establish myself.

“From the moment I met him he was writing songs for me... it’s beautiful.

Our relationship is like no other, but I do need to keep us well protected. “Because sometimes when people know how good something is, all they want to do is pull it apart and that can be hard to take.

“I know that is not what someone’s intention is, and when you see something good it has got to come with some bad things along the way. I am in it with him for the journey, and he is in it with me. And I think it is really nice that he wants me to blossom.”

Although Faye’s Monday night debut as Kate Connnor may have been her introduction to Corrie viewers, she is already a big name to fans of musical theatre.

As well as taking over the lead in Legally Blonde from Sheridan Smith, she also starred as Princess Fiona in Shrek. But the multi-talented actress says dancing and singing did not come naturally to her and she’s had to work hard to succeed. Now being in Corrie is a new peak.

“Life changed for me completely when I got this role,” she says. “I am from Manchester, so this was a really big deal for my family. They think I have made it now I’ve got Corrie.

“Forget the theatre, forget all the hard work I did training for that.... I always wanted to go into TV. The fact that I have been given this opportunity to go into this massive soap which has got such an amazing ­reputation is unbelievable.

“I have grown up with Corrie. We still watch it now while we’re having tea. And having Ali King and Kym Marsh with me is amazing. It is like having two older sisters. From the first day they just took me under their wing. They just call me ‘little one’. We get on like a house on fire. Everyone is so genuinely lovely and happy to be here.”

And Faye thinks her character Kate, lesbian sister of Aidan (Shayne Ward), will shake things up on the cobbles. 

“She is so much fun- she is literally coming into Weatherfield as this hothead,” she says.

“She is a Connor, so she has got this full competitive streak in her. She is so unpredictable, she is a little bit cheeky, she is mischievous, so Coronation Street is definitely in for a bit of fun.

“She goes in there all guns blazing.

I am not like that at all. She is a challenge and I love that about her - but I am not up for a scrap. I go home worrying about what people think of me. I am a bit of a worrier and she is not.”

In a few weeks’ time viewers will also be introduced to Faye’s girlfriend Caz, played by Rhea Bailey.
“It is quite an intense relationship,” Faye explains. “Caz is in the Army so she is away a lot, so when they are together Kate literally can’t let her go.

“I think it is a relationship that nobody has really seen before in Corrie, this Army relationship. It’s a whirlwind. Caz is in charge and putting pressure on Kate, but Kate just goes with it because she adores her.”

Back in real life, Faye and Gareth have been together for three years now.

They share a London flat, though with Faye filming in Manchester and Gareth touring in Mad About the Musicals, they are often apart.

It’s clear they are besotted with each other, and absence seems to make their hearts grow fonder.

“We are used to living out of a suitcase and making time to see each other,” says Faye. “He is very sweet at surprising me and keeping that romance alive. I have lost count of the romantic things he has done.

Recently I came home after not seeing him for a week and my boots had been broken. There was a big box on the table and he had written a message on the front to me. It said, ‘I am here to fix anything, let’s start with your shoes’, and my mended boots were inside.

Gareth is pulling out all the stops to make sure Faye enjoys her new stardom. On Monday - her first day on screen - he picked her up from shooting with a car full of balloons, a message saying “Happy TX Date” and a romantic picnic.

“I think he’s a keeper”, jokes Faye. “He’s really making the effort to celebrate my success. It’s taken me so long to get here!”

Faye has no theatrical background at all. Her dad Carl Barber works on the oil rigs and mum Inger is a holistic therapist. Her three siblings work in retail and education.

But she always knew she wanted to perform.

“My mum and dad would come home and I would be forcing my little brother to do shows, dressing him up,” she recalls with a laugh. “They loved that I was so expressive, outgoing and confident. I was tone-deaf but they encouraged me to go off and do what I wanted to do. They were like, ‘Maybe you need to go and get some lessons’ in the nicest possible way.”

Faye explains: “I wasn’t naturally gifted. With tap, for example, I was always the last one in the bottom of the set and I had to work my way up.

But I would be the last one in the room until dawn.

“That was me - I had to put my heart and soul into it. It wasn’t easy.”

She put herself through drama school, working on a make-up counter, as a barmaid and teaching dance and drama to support herself.

Now her big TV dream has come true, and though she knows nothing can fully prepare her for the attention that comes with Coronation Street, Gareth is a fund of good advice. He has been in the spotlight for 13 years since he was runner-up on 2002’s Pop Idol at the age of 16.

“He just wants me to find myself in this whole new life, but at the same time it has got to be normal,” says Faye.

“I have asked him how he deals with it because he is so good. Everywhere we go, whether it be in this country or abroad - we have been in Venice and he has been asked for an autograph - he says yes to everybody with a smile and there is not one complaint.

“Because at the end of the day there is no room for ego. You just have to appreciate that fans are helping your reputation and helping you succeed in the world.

“So if you are nice to them and you smile and you are humble that is it - it paves the way for the future. That is the best advice he has given me.”

Faye adds: “At the same time you can’t worry what people think of you all the time - you wouldn’t live your life. You have just got to go with it and enjoy it.”