Coronation Street producer Stuart Blackburn has tipped show newcomer Maddie Heath as one to watch this year.
Maddie, played by Amy Kelly, made her first on-screen appearance on Christmas Day as a new love interest for Sophie Webster (Brooke Vincent).
Sophie calls into the soup kitchen where Maddie the homeless girl admits stealing Sally's handbag.

© ITV
Maddie with Sophie
Speaking at a Coronation Street press event today (January 10), Blackburn revealed that the new recruit is already reminding the show's team of Katherine Kelly, who played fan favourite Becky McDonald.
He explained: "We saw Sophie meet Maddie on Christmas Day, and she is incredible. Everyone from the team who's seen her has been saying, 'Kate Kelly, Kate Kelly!' There's something about her instincts. Amy hasn't done anything else before this, but she's phenomenal.
"There's a long journey for Sophie and Maddie. I've always loved Brooke who plays Sophie, but she's just risen. This is a partnership that works and I'm absolutely loving it."
When Michael Le Vell's character Kevin Webster returns later in the year, it's just as tensions are running high at home over Sophie's relationship with Maddie.
Blackburn continued: "Sophie's relationship with Maddie is something that terrifies Sally, but with good reason. Maddie has been brought up in a chaotic world, she is terrified of commitment and could be a bad thing for Sophie. Kevin walks into all of that and has to referee it.
"When he left for Germany, Kevin was also in a place where he knew he loved Sally and thought perhaps there was a chance for them. While he's been away in Germany, time has stood still for him - but Sally now has Tim there. I'm loving Sally and Tim at the moment, but I don't think Kevin will. I don't think Kevin's going to be impressed at all."
Blackburn also discussed plans for some of Weatherfield's other newcomers. Fans know that Steph Britton (Tisha Merry) has been made a show regular, while actor Dean Fagan has been cast as her brother Luke, who will soon start working with Tyrone Dobbs at the garage.

Dean Fagan
© IMDB/Dean Fagan
"We're going to build up Steph," he explained. "She's working at the Bistro and she lights up the screen every time. Her brother Luke is young and very, very driven.
"He's made some choices in the past - think of a young kid growing up in Moss Side and all of the attendant issues that are dealt with there. He's turned his back on that. He's absolutely determined, very overprotective of Steph and very successful with the ladies."
Show chiefs will also be looking to introduce a new hunk to the cobbles at some point this year.
Blackburn said: "We've got a long-term conference coming up. [We want] somebody mid-to-late 30s with the swagger of Liam Gallagher! I think we'll be giving it a go."
Love many, trust few, always paddle your own canoe