BACK IN THE DAY - 'I'D BE SCREAMED AT IN THE STREET WHEN I WAS ON EASTENDERS'

SOAP ROYALTY JACQUELINE LEONARD ON THE PRICE OF 90S FAME AND HOW HER INDUSTRY HAS CHANGED

- KATIE ARCHER

Jacqueline Leonard is something of a soap queen, after a high-profile EastEnders role as Lorraine Wicks in the 90s and frequent appearances in Scottish serial River City as Lydia Murdoch.

But it’s clear that if one soap has her heart, it’s close-to-home Coronation Street, where the Blackpool-born actress is currently back on the cobbles as Linda Hancock. And Linda’s ruffling feathers ahead of Chesney and Gemma’s wedding.

“It’s a dream come true, this job, I’m absolutely thrilled to be back doing it again,” she smiles. “I just love the people there – there’s no egos, it’s a great crowd to work with. And it’s on my doorstep. I know that Northern, working-class world, it’s my upbringing.”

Linda was last seen in Weatherfield during Covid times, which Jacqueline, 57, admits was “a little bit strange, obviously we had to do all our own hair and make-up”. But now the social distancing rules have been relaxed, she’s enjoying Linda getting close to flirty Dev and clashing with rival Bernie.

“She just wants the best for everybody, especially when her grandson [Joseph] is involved,” Jacqueline says of her character. “That can come across as quite overpowering, but it’s a good conflict with Bernie, who feels very threatened by her. I love the way those two play off each other.