ITV Coronation Street’s Steve McDonald to get new love interest as noughties pop star joins soap
Aurora is played by a former TV talent show contestant
A reality star from the 2000s is set to stir up drama on Coronation Street as she becomes Steve McDonald’s new love interest. Steve, played by Simon Gregson, was recently left heartbroken when wife Tracy, played by Kate Ford, left him for former footballer turned decorator Tommy Orpington, played by Matt Milburn.
Since then, Steve has ventured into online dating and in upcoming scenes, he will go on a date with one of his matches. The mystery woman, Aurora, who arrives at the Rovers Return, is played by Fame Academy star Pippa Fulton. She is best known for her stint on the talent series in 2002 where she appeared alongside future stars like Lemar and David Sneddon before being eliminated in the fourth week.
Since Fame Academy, Pippa has appeared in rival soap Emmerdale where she took on various guest roles from 2014 to 2017. The TV star also made an appearance in the BAFTA-nominated Channel 4’s show Hullraisers, which was devised by Lucy Beaumont, reports the Mirror.
In a surprising turn of events on the cobbles, it’s not Steve McDonald who has caught Aurora’s eye, but rather his friend Tim Metcalfe. Sally Metcalfe is less than thrilled to find her husband Tim in fits of laughter with Aurora.
Meanwhile, Steve seems poised to move on from Tracy, whose return might be more imminent than anticipated. Last month, viewers saw Tracy bid an emotional farewell at The Rovers before leaving Weatherfield for a new beginning in her partner’s van.
On a recent episode of This Morning, soap guru Sharon Marshall teased potential upcoming twists. While discussing the latest love interest for Steve, Sharon sparked rumours about Tracy’s possible comeback, commenting: “I’m wondering… I mean Tracy, that was a bit of a low-key exit for such a major character mid-week, you know? Is she going to be coming back? That’s what I wonder, anyway!”
Simon himself has shared his vision for a fresh storyline for Steve. “I think it would be great if we see Steve having to go down the route of speed dating, online dating”, he said, although he admitted he’d prefer Steve to remain single “for a while”.
He also suggested a potential mid-life crisis for Steve, involving a physical transformation and gym visits. “It could be a lot of fun and also a great excuse for me to make some changes in real life!” he added.
