A reality star from the 2000s is set to stir up drama on Coronation Street as she becomes Steve McDonald's new love interest.
Recently, Steve, played by Simon Gregson, was left heartbroken when his wife Tracy, portrayed by Kate Ford, left him for former footballer turned decorator Tommy Orpington, played by Matt Milburn. Despite a brief reconciliation, Tracy decided to follow her lover to Spain after discovering a note from him that Steve had initially tried to hide.
Since then, Steve has ventured into online dating and in upcoming scenes, he will go on a date with one of his matches. The mystery woman, Aurora, who arrives at the Rovers Return, is played by Fame Academy star Pippa Fulton. She is best known for her stint on the talent series in 2002 where she appeared alongside future stars like Lemar and David Sneddon before being eliminated in the fourth week.
Since Fame Academy, Pippa has appeared in rival soap Emmerdale where she took on various guest roles from 2014 to 2017. The TV star also made an appearance in the BAFTA-nominated Channel 4's show Hullraisers, which was devised by Lucy Beaumont. Pippa's Coronation Street character Aurora is headed to Weatherfield but not all is as it seems.
In an unexpected twist, Aurora isn't actually after Steve but instead, she's got her sights set on his mate Tim Metcalfe. It comes much to the dismay of Tim's wife Sally, who is far from impressed when she discovers them giggling together. While it appears that Steve is finally ready to move on from Tracy, her reappearance on the show could be sooner than we think. Last month scenes showed Tracy having farewell drinks at The Rovers.
After heartfelt goodbyes with loved ones, Tracy ventured off the cobbles for a fresh start in her boyfriend's van, apparently never to return. But during an appearance on This Morning last week, soap expert Sharon Marshall hinted there could be more drama to unfold this week.
Discussing Steve's budding romance narrative, Sharon ignited speculation that it may not last long due to Tracy. She said: ⁘I'm wondering... I mean Tracy, that was a bit of a low-key exit for such a major character mid-week, you know? Is she going to be coming back? That's what I wonder, anyway!⁘