Katherine Kelly has backed Kym Marsh to land some big TV roles when she leaves 'Coronation Street' later this year.

Katherine Kelly

Katherine Kelly

The 39-year-old actress played barmaid Becky McDonald on the soap for six years and since her departure in 2012 has gone on to star in a host of acclaimed dramas, including 'Mr Selfridge', 'Happy Valley' and most recently ITV thriller 'Cheat' which ended this week and attracted an impressive five million viewers.

Katherine is certain that Kym, 42, can follow in her footsteps and be a big success once she steps away from the cobbles after portraying Michelle Connor for 13 years.

Speaking on the Series Linked podcast, Katherine said: "Oh yes for sure, Kym is well equipped absolutely. I think if there's something in you that wants to leave, then I think you should go off and play different roles.

"And, you know, I would imagine 'Coronation Street' are sensible enough to always have a place for her if she wants to go back. Because I think she's a triumph in that show."

And Katherine insists the schedule and storylines of 'Corrie' are great preparation for all types of other roles once you have left the programme.

She added: "'Corrie' in terms of is it a good training, I think it's a gift for actors. And I think you get out what you put in, definitely. Every scene they give you is almost like an audition really, because the writers are constantly watching. And the job is still ongoing, so they think, 'Oh, she can do that, or he can do that.' And then they'll push the character that way a bit, or that way a bit."

Although many former soap stars worry about being typecast after leaving their roles, Katherine never did because she felt as though her journey in Weatherfield as Becky showed that she was a very "versatile" actress.

She said: "What was really fortunate was that within the writing team, and within the three producers that I worked under, they also saw that I was versatile. So actually with the way the character started, and the way the character finished, were completely different. And to me, there was, kind of seven characters in between that. And that's what kept me going. I've never really worried about typecasting because I think I am a chameleon and I'd already had a big and varied career."

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