‘MY DAD WOULD HAVE LOVED JOE'

SOAP STAR ALIMARDELL AND HER FIANCÉ JOEPARKER TALK EXCLUSIVELY TO OK! ABOUT THEIR WEDDING PLANS AND HOW THEY INTEND TO HONOUR ALI’S LATE FATHER ON THEIR BIG DAY

- CHLOE ALEXANDROU

When we catch up with Alexandra Mardell and her fiancé, actor Joe Parker, the happy couple, who are both 27, are on cloud nine. Joe popped the question in April, but as we chat to the self-confessed “soppy” pair about their engagement it’s clear they’re both still buzzing as though it was yesterday.

Most of us know her as Coronation Street’s lovesick barmaid Emma Brooker but, in reality, Alexandra – or Ali as she’s also known – isn’t nearly as unlucky in love. As she and Joe cuddle together and reminisce about their relationship, it’s obvious they’ve both hit the jackpot.

Joe tells us that he originally planned to propose in Paris, where they’d hoped to be celebrating Ali’s birthday, but with restrictions still blighting travel plans he decided to get down on one knee in the couple’s kitchen instead. Ali and Joe, who were used to a long-distance relationship, moved in together at the start of last year and have gone from strength to strength ever since.

Sadly, Ali’s father, who passed away in 2016 from cardiomyopathy, won’t be there to witness her happily ever after. As we talk to the soap star, she admits she’s sad her dad won’t be walking her down the aisle. However, she knows he’d have loved her future hubby. Plus, Ali has an amazing relationship with her stepdad, Mick, who’ll be the one doing the honours.