Alexandra Mardell has signed a new 'Coronation Street' contract.
Sue Nicholls
The 24-year-old actress will be sticking around on the cobbles as hairdresser Emma Brooker after the star confirmed she has put pen to paper on a new 'Corrie' deal to remain on the ITV soap for "a bit longer".
She told RadioTimes.com: "It's great to know that I'm going to be sticking around for a bit longer. I'm so pleased."
Alexandra's character works in Sue Nicholls' alter-ego Audrey Roberts' salon in Weatherfield, and the actress has been picking up plenty of tips from the 74-year-old star about how to act on the cobbles.
She said: "There's always something to learn. Sue herself says she learns something every day.
"I'm glad that I'm getting to work with her a lot because she gives me so many hints and tips. Even down to how I'm positioning myself or showing me how to hold a gaze or a silly look. It really helps me out."
Emma is set to be involved in a tug-of-war between Audrey and her rival hair salon boss Claudia Colby when Rula Lenska re-joins 'Corrie' later this year, and Alexandra loved working with the TV "legend".
She said: "It's great for me because I got to share a scene with Rula Lenska, who's a legend. It doesn't come much better than being in a scene with both her and Sue. I'm being spoilt."
Away from work, Emma will also receive some romantic interest from Seb Franklin (Harry Visinoni), but Alexandra isn't sure if her ditsy alter-ego will understand "fully" if he reveals all about his recent HIV diagnosis.
She added: "I think she'd be very open-minded if she were to find out. But she probably wouldn't understand it fully - that could be more of an issue. There are certainly lots of complications when it comes to Seb - Faye's still interested in him, for a start."
Alexandra was first seen on the cobbles in April when Emma appeared in Weatherfield as a brief love interest for David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd) before he got back together with Shona Ramsey (Julia Goulding).
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