PC Jess Haywood (Donnaleigh Baileigh)
Craig Tinker is about to get a new mate on the beat in Coronation Street as Doctors star Donnaleigh Bailey has joined the cast to play his colleague PC Jess Haywood. In pictures sent to Metro.co.uk, actor Colson Smith was seen filming scenes in a police car with Donnaleigh, who is best known for playing Michelle Corrigan in the BBC daytime medical drama.
Craig is currently working on the job as a trainee and Jess will take over as his mentor following the downfall of sinister and corrupt Neil. With Craig ambitious to make a real career out of police work, will Jess help him to achieve his goals? And will they build a solid friendship or might she be quite the formidable taskmaster?
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Corrie casts Doctors star to play Craig's mentor replacement for Neil
(Picture: Mark Campbell/MCPIX)
Metro.co.uk understands that Donnaleigh has currently filmed for two episodes in the role although there is the expectation that the character could recur. However, nothing beyond the first two episodes is confirmed.
Donnaleigh has had a number of guest roles in Corrie, including popping up as a police officer last year.
However, fans will most know her from her four years in Doctors where her character Michelle was involved in some major storylines including being stalked by unhinged Ruth who tried to steal her identity and drinking on the job which led to a serious mistake – and prompted her to lie and get her best mate Cherry to take the fall.
The actress has also had guest roles in shows such as Holby City and stage roles include Beautiful Thing and Redundant.
The scenes pictured will air later in September as Craig focuses on his career after everything that has happened. With Neil out of the picture and Jess by his side, are things destined to go well for the loveable local?
metro.co.uk
