(Katy Cavanagh) Julie Carp

[Perdita]

I am putting this in the spoiler section as some new storyline might be revealed.


Katy Cavanagh first appeared in Coronation Street as Julie Carp in April 2008 and quickly became a permanent fixture in Weatherfield when she moved in with her 'Kirky' and secured a job as an Underworld machinist and then supervisor. Producers are now bringing Julie to the forefront of the Manchester-based soap as her relationship with Kirk begins to wither and her mother Paula (Sharon Duce) appears on the cobbles and the shocking secret she's had stowed away for years.

So what does a week in the life of a Corrie actor consist of? The lovely Katy Cavanagh reveals all in Day One of our first ever 'Week In The Life Of...' feature.

9am: Arrived at work, straight into makeup to get my Julie 'do'. Looked over my scenes for the day, on two units today. Got into my costume and chose my matching accessories - Julie spends a lot more time getting ready in the morning than I do!

11am: Managed a quick sip of tea before Sharon Duce and I headed over to the Roy's Rolls set to have a horrible row as Julie and Paula. Very complex relationship and I'm loving getting to grips with it and working with Sharon who is such an experienced and brilliant actress. Scene went well, I think.

12.30pm: Lunchtime. Had lunch in the canteen with Sharon and chatted about Paula and Julie then rushed off to the gym to train for an hour.

I have allowed myself to be persuaded to run the Wilmslow half marathon on March 29th, which is now feeling far too imminent. I've never run in anything before and am quite frankly terrified. I've decided to run it for the mental health charity Moodswings in Manchester and I've got far too many sponsors now to back out! I ran six miles at the weekend and honestly felt like my legs were going to fall off - think my brain got lost somewhere en route, too. Thirteen miles feels like a distant dream at the moment.

2.30pm: Back at work for make-up checks. Learned my lines for my scene with Fiz and Eileen. Julie is stepping up her campaign to catch the eye of gorgeous Jason. Subtlety is not Julie's forte and I have a feeling she may be disappointed in her efforts to seduce him...or maybe not?! Managed another sip of tea while the crew laid a track. Shot the scene outside - it was absolutely freezing and blowing a gale. Bring on the spring!

4pm: Ate a banana instead of a biscuit - VERY proud of myself and tried to locate my mug which has vanished from the green room. Someone already finished Guardian crossword - gutted!

5.30pm: Finished the scene, got changed and double-checked the schedule for tomorrow. Heavy workload this week as there are some big storylines for Julie. Can't wait to get started! Drove home to put my feet up, learn my lines and drink a whole cup of tea.

Day 2 tomorrow

[Perdita]

Katy Cavanagh: Day Two

After a busy one yesterday, Katy Cavanagh returns to blog about her next hectic day filming on the cobbles of Britain's most famous street.

Today, Katy goes shopping, films on a new set and has a good chat with her screen mum Sharon Duce. Katy tells us more in Day Two....

6.45am: Arrived at work bleary-eyed and went straight into make-up. Can't usually string a sentence together until 8am but managed to swap toddler stories with Caroline, my make-up artist, who also made me a piece of toast because I forgot to eat something when I left the house. She's lovely! Looked over my scenes.

8.15am: First scene of the day in the living room of the Rovers with Eileen and Jason. Never worked on this set before, so it felt quite strange. I'm so used to the Battersbys. It's good strange, though, because Julie certainly wasn't feeling comfortable and at home there! Talked through the scene with the director and rehearsed a few times. Complex situation and because we shoot the scenes out of order, we haven't shot the scenes before this one yet, so it's hard to pitch the emotion. Seemed to go well though. I worry too much!

9.45am: Manages to nip into the Rovers set while it wasn't being used. Unless Julie becomes a barmaid, I'll never get to pull a pint behind the Rovers bar! Thought I'd give it a sneaky try. Pint-pulling isn't as easy as it looks! Will drop in again later in the week when I have a little more time! I will pull a perfect pint...

10am: Managed to nip out to the Trafford Centre and choose an outfit for Julie to wear to Colin's 70th party. Julie's definitely dressing to impress. Love shopping for Julie - it's much more fun than shopping for me. Get to go to all the shops I would normally avoid and try on lots of clothes I would never wear. Dresses in particular. Julie's very particular about what she wears and she accessorises like mad. Got back to work and picked up my scripts for the next block. Will read them later when I can concentrate.

1pm: Quick salad in the canteen before I'm back on set. Outside on the cobbles. Forgot to put my thermals on but thankfully only had a few lines, most of the scene was Norris and Rita. Not too long before I can get warm in the green room, have a cup of tea and catch up with some of the cast I haven't seen for a while.

3pm: Met up with Sharon to talk through our scenes later in the week. Had really good chat. Starting to feel like she's my mum in real life! She's always checking I'm OK and making sure I've eaten enough food! Absolutely loving working with her.

5pm: Headed home to learn lines for tomorrow. Big day. Shooting the climax of the block in the Rovers where a revelation causes devastation for so many people. Julie's life is turned upside down. Excited and nervous about it all. Early night for me tonight!

[Perdita]

After yesterday's Julie Carp-esque shopping spree, Katy Cavanagh dons the dress for Colin Grimshaw's (Edward de Souza) 70th birthday bash, during which a huge family secret is revealed.

Here, Katy gives us a sneak peek into her hectic day filming in Day Three of her 'Week In The Life Of...' feature.

7am: Cup of tea, bowl of Shreddies, big blow dry and a little lippy later, I arrived on set to celebrate Colin's 70th birthday. Always a bit surreal shooting party scenes first thing in the morning. In the Rovers all day today, so lots of banter and general cheekiness especially as the scenes we're shooting are really traumatic.

10am: Bit of a break in the green room. The lovely Craig Kelly made me a cup of tea in a borrowed mug - mine has never reappeared. Probably best not to dwell on that, only a mug after all. Caught up with all the factory gossip with Craig as I haven't had scenes in there for a while. I don't know how Luke is coping without Julie to organise his desk and his life in general.

1pm: Had massage for an hour, fantastic! Really sorted my head out. First time I've ever done it. Floated back to work feeling six inches taller and very chilled. Wish I was actually six inches taller. I digress....Back into the Rovers for more celebrating. We're able to shoot in story order today, which helps when the bombshell is dropped!

3pm: Found a quiet corner to get a head start on my scenes for tomorrow. Rang my children and my little boy informed me in no uncertain terms that my work was rubbish! I miss them.

5pm: Finished for the day. Swapped Julie's heels for Katy's Uggs and grabbed my training gear. Met up with my personal trainer Duncan to run. Really didn't feel like it. Much rather eat steak and chips but half marathon is looming and it has to be done.

7pm: Actually can't walk now. Can't decide whether to throw up or try to eat something! Duncan lied to me and said we were going on a six mile run, then informed me I'd just run 8.5 miles when we got home. Will lie down for very long time after I have strangled him.

[Perdita]

Katy Cavanagh: Day Four

With her mug still nowhere to be seen and plenty of marathon training to be done, Katy Cavanagh embarks on her fourth diary day for DS.

8am: Tired this morning. Arrived at work and went straight into make-up. Decided to experiment with Julie's hair today - mini beehive with a clip at the back. Made me laugh which is always a good sign. Feeling the effects of my run last night but at least I can walk - even if I do have two enormous blisters on my insoles. Ouch!!

11am: Grabbed a banana for some energy and was called onto set in Stage One to shoot some scenes with Paula and Eileen. Complex scenes but I think we got the measure of them after some intense discussions with each other and the director. So lucky to be working with Sue and Sharon - they're both really talented and experienced actresses. Very emotional stuff, too. Can't wait to see the scenes when they're completed.

12.30pm: Salad in the canteen and a bit of banter with Kate Anthony who plays Auntie Pam. It seems to be compulsive that I tell every single person I meet that I ran eight-and-a-half miles last night - even the man in the petrol station this morning! Kate just looks at me like I've completely lost my mind.

1.30pm: Popped into town to purchase my husband a birthday present. Left it to the last minute as usual and now I have no time and no inspiration! Boys are so difficult. Eventually found something I think he'll love after picking the brains of every male shop assistant I came across. Bought a talking Yoda birthday card that made me laugh out loud in the shop!

2.30pm: Had a meeting with Tom Mcalpine from Moodswings Network (the charity I'm running the half marathon for) to talk about printing their logo onto a t-shirt I can wear on the day. I'm thinking pink - might as well match my t-shirt to my face!

4pm: Back at work. Make-up checks and a change of costume. Managed to get a few more sponsors in the green room, have a slurp of tea and help Craig Charles finish the Guardian crossword - not that he needs any help, though!

On set in the Rovers for Kelly's birthday and needless to say, Julie has one too many and decides to entertain everybody in her own special way. Complete contrast to the scenes this morning. Had a good giggle. I'm now totally convinced that I wouldn't do anything like that in real life - think my husband would divorce me! Enjoyed myself when I'd stopped going bright red - singing's not something I'm overly confident about. Finally pulled a perfect pint in the Rovers, though!

7pm: Wrapped for the day. Met up with Sharon to work on our scenes and have a bite to eat.

[Perdita]

It's been a long week for Katy Cavanagh and it's finally drawn to a close. Numerous emotional scenes in the Rovers, a boogie and a sing-song at Kelly Crabtree's birthday, a shopping trip for Julie and numerous marathon training sessions later, Katy's ready for a well-earned rest at home with her family.

For the final time, here's what Katy got up to on her her last DS diary day.

7am: Woke up with 'The Promise' by Girls Aloud on a loop in my head - probably because I had to learn the dance for my impromptu boogie in the Rovers. Started everyone else in the make-up room singing it. After I've been 'Julied', quick cup of tea and look at my lines before I plunge into first of ten scenes today. By Friday I start to lose my stranglehold on what day is where and which is whose - if you know what I mean. In the mini-cab office with Sue. Our characters couldn't be more opposite - loads of scope for an interesting relationship!

11am: Tea break. Have an in-depth discussion with Marc on the AD desk (they're the guys that co-ordinate everything!) about The Wire. I've just finished all five series and he is halfway through the second. I am bereft now I've finished it but it's good to find a fellow addict. Mad Men is my new obsession.

1pm: Completed scenes in the Battersbys. I think that set will always feel like home as it was the first place I lived when I joined the Street. Worked with Jennie, Andy and Sam. Kirk and Julie’s relationship has moved onto a different level now but she's still compulsively mothering him - or should I say smothering him!

I don’t think Kirk's complaining, though! In good spirits, it's the weekend soon and I will see my lovely family tonight in London. Kids will be bathed and bedded by the time I get back but I can still give them a kiss goodnight.

3pm: Go into the quiet room to get a head start on my lines for Monday. It's a split week, so four units shooting at once - completely mental! Check the schedule and pick up the call sheets for next week. Try to work out when I can train next week - gives me a headache!

5pm: Had to break down in a scene, which was really difficult. I think it went OK, though. Director was happy, so I’m happy. Remembered that I'd forgotten to eat lunch, so made a cheese and ham toastie in the green room kitchen immediately. One more scene to go....

7.30pm: Wrapped for the week.Throw on my civvies, say goodnight to my babies on iChat and jump in my car. Radio 4 on full blast and head home up the M6 for some good old-fashioned quality time with my family.

A special thanks must go to Katy for her time and effort during the week!

[Perdita]

After only recently discovering the true identity of her father Colin (Edward de Souza), Coronation Street's Julie Carp - played by actress Katy Cavanagh - gets the shock of her life next week when he suddenly suffers another stroke and tragically dies. Here, Katy gives us an insight into Julie's reaction to upcoming events, as well as potential screen love material and her newly-found Street sister Eileen (Sue Cleaver).

What did you think of the reveal episodes when you saw them?
"I was really pleased - I thought they were fantastic. I always think it's a bit of a shame that viewers knows beforehand because it was a really great twist which you wouldn't have seem coming at all. Sharon [Duce] was brilliant, too - I just think she's amazing. The writing was brilliant, too."

Were you pleased that they gave you such a strong storyline?
"Yeah, definitely. It's taken me a year but I've been quite lucky because I crept in at the back and pottered around for a bit, finding my feet. I was definitely ready to get my teeth into something. I'm so chuffed with it. I've loved it. It's nice to show a different side to Julie and discover what's behind her slightly manic positivity."

Colin's quite ill, so Julie and Jason take him back to Number 11…
"Colin says that he's going to discharge himself from the hospital but he's clearly not well. There isn't anywhere else for him to go and so Julie makes an executive decision - as she has a tendency to do! – to take him to the Grimshaws'. Eileen has no say in the matter really, because Julie just railroads her. Julie's desperately trying to create this family that she's never had. It's very funny, but there's a heartbreaking element to it, too. Julie doesn’t have any memories of her dad like Eileen has, so she's trying to do a quick fix of her family."

But then Paula drops a bombshell…
"Yeah, Paula wanders in and says that she's been to the police to report him for abusing her all those years ago. Julie tries to talk her around into withdrawing her statement, but she absolutely won't. It's all quite quick from there. Paula wants Julie to do a DNA test, which she doesn't want to do. Then the police turn up and Eileen won't let him in. But in that time, Colin has another stroke before they can arrest him."

How does Julie take the news?
"Julie's devastated, but she can't really grieve because she didn't really know Colin. She has a really good go at grieving, though - she's grieving for what she never had. It's an odd place for her to be and Eileen's not accepting her at all. Julie gets way too involved in the funeral! She gets up and gives this moving speech about a man she never knew! But she only stands there because nobody else gets up! Someone had to say something, so Julie steps into the breach. Julie doesn't really do silence, though, does she?"

And you're losing your screen mum, too, aren't you?
"Yeah. I really, really hope we'll be seeing her again, though. Sharon's a fantastic actress and I love her to bits. It's all left quite messy in the storyline in the way Paula leaves. Julie tells her that she never wants to see her again. Fingers crossed she'll be back. Maybe if Julie gets married, she'll there to ruin the wedding or something! I really don't think it's going to happen, though! Who'd marry her?"

Will Julie find happiness beyond her Kirky?
"Well she's still living at the Battersbys' where Julie and Kirk are almost acting like they were before they split up! The house just works really well. Maybe if another man came into the equation - or obviously woman for Kirky - I don't think they'd be best pleased about their situations. Julie's on the market, though. She's lonely and I'm sure she'd rip the head off of any man that comes within five miles of her."

Julie and Luke would make a perfect couple, don't you think?
"Now, me and Craig [Kelly] were having this same conversation the other day. We do have a bit of a flirty thing going on in the factory and Julie would be the perfect housewife. You never know…"

Julie will have to wait her turn behind Rosie, though…
"Well Rosie's a girl and Julie's a woman. I can give him so much more - in every way!"

Apparently Julie's not going to let Eileen forget that she's her sister…
I don't think Julie will be very far from Eileen from hereon in. Their relationship is great, though. I'd imagine Eileen will become fond of Julie at some point, but I think Julie will drive her mad in the process. I can't wait to see how it pans out. And then there's Jason, too - she's Auntie Julie to him now, so I'm sure she can start interfering in his life somehow."

What does your son think when he sees his mum on TV?
"To be honest, he's not seen me. But he's going to school in September and I'm starting to think I should sit and watch an episode with him! I don't really know how to explain what on earth I'm doing why I'm looking weird and behaving in a strange manner! I'm worried about freaking him out! He's got far too much to do with his life at the moment, though!"

How's the training going for the half marathon?
"I ended up not being able to do it, which I was gutted about! It all got a bit hectic for me filming at Corrie. I'm now doing the Great Capital Run in London on July 26, though, so I'm looking forward to that."

Did you eve find your mug in the green room?
"No, I didn't. I've had to buy another one, which I'm protecting with my life and I'm keeping it in my dressing room. I bought a bowl the other day, too. That's in the dressing room now as well!"

[alan45]

Corrie has been lacking in comedy lately, and even though I have enjoyed the slightly darker storylines, such as Becky's rampage and John Stape's downfall, my favourite part of Coronation Street has always been the comedy. That's why I was thrilled to see Brian Packham back on the cobbles on Friday.

His interactions with Julie have been really amusing, and I think he has the makings of another classic comedy character, just as Mary Taylor and Graeme Proctor have become.

[alan45]

ACTOR Peter Gunn is nicknamed Monty by the cast - because he's a dead ringer for golfer Colin Montgomerie.
Peter, 48, is back as teacher Brian Packham, and a source said: "One of the crew first spotted the likeness, and it spread from there. He loves the nickname."


Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...#ixzz1POTHbG7q

[Perdita]

BATTY Corrie knicker-stitcher Julie Carp and new lover Brian Packham will turn Ashley Peacock's old butchers' shop into a trendy fruit and veg store.

Viewers will see her romance with Brian blossom - and it will become so serious that they go into business.

The store will open in the autumn and work has already begun on the new set.

The storyline comes as bosses try to get Weatherfield residents - and viewers - eating their five-a-day.

A source said: "The idea is to teach viewers about healthy eating, without preaching.

"Many ITV bosses are worried the regular cast are only ever seen in the Rovers or Dev's kebab shop."



Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...#ixzz1QRr1A3de

[alan45]

Coronation Street star Katy Cavanagh can today (March 30) reveal the full details of her role in the soap's upcoming Street of Dreams musical.

The actress's character Julie Carp is to play a crucial part in the show's storytelling, appearing as the Angel of the North to guide Paul O'Grady through five decades of Weatherfield plots.

As she takes Paul and the audience on the journey from start to finish, Julie will be present throughout the entire 90-minute production - engaging in plenty of banter with Paul along the way.

Digital Spy recently caught up with Katy to hear all the gossip on Street of Dreams and more.

> Jodie Prenger interview: 'Corrie musical role is so exciting'

How do you feel about being part of the Coronation Street musical?
"It's very exciting - I can't wait! We haven't started rehearsing yet, but I'm really looking forward to getting into the rehearsal room to get going. It's going to be a brilliant show.

"When I was first approached to do this, I thought it sounded really interesting right from the get go. It's brilliant to be working closely with Paul O'Grady, because I think he's great and really talented. I was just really flattered that they wanted to involve Julie."

What can you tell us about Julie's role as the Angel of the North in the musical?
"Well, the Angel of the North is going to be a magical element in the show, which enables Paul to time travel through the 50 years of Coronation Street. So Julie is like a guardian angel to him - a bit of a guide! I haven't seen the final script yet, but I've been told that I'm going to be in the musical all the way through."

Are you doing any singing?
"No, although I was initially approached to! I can sing, but I can't sing like the singers in this musical can, so I did let them down gently with that! I won't be breaking into song, but I'm very much an integral part of it all."

You haven't started rehearsals yet, but how familiar are you with what's planned?
"Well, the cast have all met and had a read-through, and we've heard all the songs. A lot of the people involved are brilliant singers and really experienced West End performers. I know it's going to be brilliant - it gave me goosebumps at the read-through!"

Are you getting much input into Julie's role on the stage?
"I've got some input, but at the same time, they've got a very clear idea of what they want the show to be. It'll be great to work with Paul, because he works on an improvisational level, which I love! I'm hoping we can throw a few ideas around in the rehearsal room."

Are you expecting to feel nervous on premiere night?
"Well, I think we're all really confident that this is going to be a great show. For any actor, to do something live is such a great buzz - I just can't wait for the audience to be there. I love the theatre, and any time I can do it, I jump at the chance. I'll get my kids there on the night and I think they'll be quite excited!"


© ITV

> Coronation Street musical to tour in May

What else can we expect from the show?
"It's something very different and interesting. There's a multi-media element, so there's some archive footage involved. We've got some fabulous dance numbers, an orchestra on stage and an absolutely enormous set - which is apparently the biggest set that's ever been at the Manchester Arena. It's going to be incredible.

"I just think for anyone who loves Corrie, this is going to be spectacular and an absolute must. It's really nostalgic, moving and funny - it's going to be like nothing you've ever seen! I'd get in there quick before the tickets sell out, as it's going to be a great night."

Are you having to take much time off from filming Corrie to do this?
"No, it's still full-steam ahead at Corrie. Nothing stops Corrie!"

What's coming up for Julie on the main show?
"I can't say too much, but it's not all going to be plain sailing for Julie. I've actually just finished shooting a lot of material that I've really enjoyed doing with Peter Gunn, who plays Brian. There's going to be some good stuff coming up."

With a baby on the way, do you think Julie and Brian will be good parents?
"Yes, because they will just love their child more than life itself. They'll try extremely hard, they'll read every book, and they'll take it very, very seriously. They'll do their absolute best, which is as much as you can hope for from a parent."

What's coming up for Julie and Eileen?
"There's lots more with Julie and Eileen. We're getting a lot more sister stuff, and a lot more banter! There'll be a few more disagreements between them, too. Their relationship is now really evolving and progressing to somewhere that's really good."

You've mentioned in the past that you get quite a lot of letters from Julie fans. What do you think her appeal is?
"I think there's something old-fashioned about her. She's so positive and joyful, and I think that just cheers everybody up!"