Former Coronation Street actress Sophiya Haque, 41, dies of cancer

Former Coronation Street actress Sophiya Haque has died following a short battle with cancer.
The stage and screen star, who played Rovers Return assistant manager Poppy Morales from 2008-2009, passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Sophiya died in her sleep in a London hospital, just a few weeks after she was diagnosed with cancer before Christmas.

Tragic: Actress Sophiya Haque, pictured on December 10 2012, has died at the age of 41

She had been suffering from pneumonia and had developed a blood clot on her lungs.
Up until falling ill, she had been starring in Michael Grandage's West End production Privates On Parade.
The director led the tributes: 'She was a true force of nature and her glorious performance as Sylvia in Privates on Parade is one that will be remembered with great joy.
'A spirited lady, she lived life to the full, and her presence in the theatre will be sorely missed. The company would like to dedicate the remaining performances to her memory.'

Corrie stint: Sophiya played assistant bar manager Poppy in Coronation Street in 2009

Also paying tributes were ITV and some of Sophiya's former co-stars at Coronation Street.
An ITV statement read: 'We are saddened to hear the terrible news of Sophiya's death.
'She was a vibrant and beautiful actress who was a pleasure to have around during her time on Coronation Street. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this very sad time.'
Corrie star Antony Cotton (Sean Tully) tweeted: 'Just on set and heard the news about Sophiya Haque. So effing sad. Night night kiddo x.'

Last production: Sophiya performing with Privates On Parade co-star Simon Russell Beale in November

Co-star Michael Le Vell also wrote on Twitter: 'No way just heard about sophiya haque so sad. My heart goes out to the family.'
Sophiya played Poppy in Corrie from December 2008 and June 2009.
Originally hired as the Rovers' 51st barmaid, she was soon promoted to assistant manager.
Poppy irked locals when she fired Betty Williams from her hotpot making, but later was fired herself by Steve McDonald.

Tributes: Sophiya's former Corrie co-stars Michael Le Vell and Antony Cotton paid tribute to the actress

West End star Sophiya started her career as a dancer in her hometown of Portsmouth, before moving to London.
She then spent time in a band and got a record deal with Warner Brothers and was also a presenter for MTV Asia and Channel V.
In 1997, she moved to India and starred in many Bollywood films, before returning to the UK to star in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Bombay Dreams in 2002 and West End production of The Far Pavilions in 2005.

Fiery: Poppy clashed with Becky McDonald (Katherine Kelly) during her time at the Rovers

West End star: Sophiya in the London production of The Far Pavilions in 2005

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Coronation sleek: Shobna Gulati cuts a slim figure on the cobbles in very skinny jeans

It's a far cry from her Corrie character's usual frumpy attire.
But Shobna Gulati, who plays Sunita Alahan in the soap, showed off her endless legs in some tight skinny jeans.
Arriving for filming in Manchester yesterday, the 46-year-old brought some rock chick glamour to the cobbles.

Rock chick: Corrie actress Shobna Gulati arrived for filming yesterday at the soap's studios in Manchester

Pretty woman: The mother-of-one showcased her very slim pins

Dressed in a black leather studded jacket, a black zip top, heeled boots and white bag, the mother-of-one added some black nail varnish to complete the look.

 

With Shobna set to leave the soap some time this year, her character Sunita is expected to have a dramatic exit.
Also arriving for the day of shooting was Michelle Collins, who plays Stella Price in the show.
Michelle is somewhat of a soap legend after also playing Cindy Beale in EastEnders.

Walk and talk: Michelle Collins, who plays Stella Price in the show, also arrived for filming

The 51-year-old wore blue vintage wash skinny jeans, a fur coat, black bag and aviator sunglasses.
Also joining her co-stars was Kate Ford, 35, who plays one of the soap's villains, Tracy McDonald.
The mother-of-one arrived in a khaki coat, grey patterned jumper, with jeans tucked into knee boots.
She accessorised with a black Balenciaga bag and a pop of red nail varnish.
Kate is an ardent supporter of animals rights group PETA, and is vehemently anti-fur. She also added a fake fur stole to her outfit to complete the look.

Keeping it casual: Kate Ford, who plays Tracy McDonald, arrived for filming looking slightly more dressed down that some of her co-stars

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'Just want to cuddle up in the house all day'

With much of the UK shrouded in snow, people across the country will no doubt be wrapping up warm in the hope of keeping the cold at bay.
But Helen Flanagan decided to ditch a cosy coat and snuggly scarf in favour of a skimpy ensemble as she treated her fans to a sexy snap.
Leading the way as a whole host of celebrities shared their snowy snaps on their Twitter and Instagram pages, the 22-year-old actress admitted the freezing weather made her want to 'cuddle up in the house all day'.

Not going out: Helen Flanagan posted a sexy snap of herself reclining on a sofa, telling her followers she wanted to stay at home for the whole day

Instead of bundling on as many layers as she could find, the former Coronation Street star stripped off to just a flimsy jumper as she posted a seductive black and white snap of her reclining on a sofa.
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'It's that Stella bird from Corrie'

Whilst most celebrities have complained of online bullying, Coronation Street star Michelle Collins has experienced abuse face to face.
The actress described the verbal attack on This Morning on Friday, telling her story of how she was threatened during a 'scary' confrontation with a group of teenagers on a train.
The actress, who plays Stella Price in the long-running ITV soap, said she was on the London Underground on her way to a party for co-star Charlie Condou when the trouble started.

Insulted: Coronation Street star Michelle Collins has described how she was threatened during a 'scary' confrontation with a group of teenagers on a train

She told ITV1's This Morning: 'It was about 7.15pm and I was minding my own business.'

'In fact I was reading my script on the train with a pair of reading glasses on, which their first question was: "What are you wearing sunglasses for on the Tube?" I said: "They're actually reading glasses."'
'There was about 10 of them that got on and they said 'It's that Stella bird from Corrie.' I went "Sshh, don't say anything."'

Tube trouble: The actress said she was on the London Underground on her way to a party for co-star Charlie Condou when the abuse started.

No support: Michelle said that 'the worst thing was that nobody did anything in the carriage' to help her

"It just got really heated,' Michelle thought back, 'It was unpredictable behaviour which I think is quite scary and you can tell that they [had] been drinking.
'When people are en masse - they were only 16, 17 - but it got very, very heated and it wasn't very nice.
But for Michelle, those people on the train just sitting by were just as bad: 'And the worst thing was that nobody did anything in the carriage. One girl actually when I came off said: "Are you OK cos that was really horrible?"'
'It was abusive, verbally very, very abusive behaviour which just isn't very nice actually to anybody.
'You don't need that, and when nobody does anything,' the soap star recalled.
In hindsight, Michelle knows if she was a witness of abuse, she wouldn't stand by idly:
'It's a sad indictment of our society that we don't get involved. I think if it was me I maybe would have done something but you don't know. It wasn't very nice.'

Stella: Her character became the landlady of the Rovers Return

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It’s a long way from Weatherfield! Michael Le Vell

He’s usually seen on the cobbled streets of Weatherfield wearing a greasy overall in his role as Kevin Webster in Coronation Street.
But in real life Michael Le Vell prefers something a little more glamorous as he was spotted on holiday in Australia.
The 48-year-old was seen enjoying the sun as he larked about with mates while having a pint in a bar on Sydney Harbour.

Laid back: Michael Le Vell was seen relaxing at a bar on Sydney Harbour with some friends 

Dressed in a pair of checked shorts, or boardies as they are known in Australia, with his cap on backwards and with flip flops on his feet, the actor could easily have passed for a typical Australian.

As temperatures reached nearly 30 degrees, Michael looked like he couldn’t be happier to be away from the North of England.
Pulling a variety of silly poses, he even stopped to have his picture taken with a fan who had recognised him all those miles away.

Looking like a local: The Coronation Street actor wore a pair of shorts with flip flops and a backwards cap

Strike a pose: Michael spent time posing for pictures in between having a few drinks with his friends 

The Manchester born star spent time at the famous Opera Bar in the city, which is in the shadow of the renowned and stunning opera house, before he and his mates moved on to a bar in the centre  of town.
It is thought that before arriving in Sydney, Michael spent time with a close friend of his – a physiotherapist – who lives in Brisbane.
However she didn’t appear to be present on the lad’s trip to the city.

Happy: The actor looked really delighted to be on holiday in Australia and away from the North of England for a while

Close friend: It is thought Michael was spending time with a close female friend in Brisbane before coming to Sydney 

Michael is currently in the process of divorcing his ex Janette Beverly after the pair decided to part ways in 2011.
The couple met in 1986 when she starred alongside him in Coronation Street and they married that same year, going on to have two children together.
The actor has been in Coronation Street for over twenty-six years and has no plans to move on after revealing he still viewed it as ‘the best job on television.’
In 2011 he was accused of a sexual offence; however in 2012 the case was dropped due to insufficient evidence and the actor kept his place on the popular soap.

Divorce: Michael is currently getting divorced from his wife, actress Janette Beverly, who he married in 1986

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Sylvain Longchambon and Samia Ghadie grow closer at rehearsal

Sylvain Longchambon has hit back at his critics on Twitter amidst speculation about his relationship with Dancing On Ice celebrity partner Samia Ghadie.
The French professional, 32, was clearly frustrated after his ex-girlfriend Jennifer Metcalfe, 29, spoke about their split for the first time in a magazine interview.
He took to Twitter on Tuesday night after spending the day in rehearsals with Coronation Street star Samia, 30.

Growing closer: Sylvain Longchambon and Samia Ghadie in training for Dancing On Ice

Heating things up: Samia looks comfortable in Sylvain's strong arms

The pair looked like they were certainly getting on well as they cosied up on the ice.
Later that day, when he was criticised for changing his Twitter profile photo to one of him and Samia, Sylvain responded with a series of retweets supporting him and his own statements.

He got involved in a debate with one Twitter user, who had commented it was 'harsh' of him to change his profile photo so soon after the end of his two-year romance with Hollyoaks star Jennifer.

Twitter defence: Sylvain hit out at his critics on Twitter on Tuesday

Tentative: Samia looks nervous as they go through one of the moves

He responded: 'What do u think about people judging other people they don't even know? #useless.
'As u said u don't know the exact circumstances...'
His Twitter defence comes after Jennifer told Now magazine about their break-up on the phone on Christmas Day.
She said: 'I felt completely shocked. I asked him if there was any chance of working it out and he said, "No."

Chemistry: Following their first skate in Week 1, the couple will have two weeks of rehearsals before Sunday's show

'I know I'm a good person - I'm loyal, I'm honest and if someone doesn't want that, they can just jog off.'
However, Jennifer said she liked Samia and didn't hold a grudge against her.
She added: 'She seems like a nice girl. I have good friends who've done bad things and it doesn't change the fact that they're still nice people.
'If it was me I wouldn't want to start a relationship with someone who was still in love.
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Watch out Mark! Michelle Keegan reveals she's 'always been broody'

She may have only just started 'dating' former TOWIE star Mark Wright, but Michelle Keegan seems to be keen to settle down and start a family.
The Coronation Street star has openly admitted that she's 'feeling broody' as speculation heightens over the status of her relationship with Mark.
Appearing on Daybreak just days after appearing to do the walk of shame after enjoying a night out with Wright, Keegan discussed how keen she is for children.

Ready for children: Michelle Keegan, who is reportedly dating Mark Wright, openly admits on Daybreak that she's feeling broody

The 25-year-old soap star was talking about her current surrogacy storyline in Coronation Street when she revealed how broody she is feeling.
She told hosts Lorraine Kelly and Aled Jones: 'I’ve changed my baby bump (on Corrie) - I’m five and half months so it's quite big now and I can balance plates on it! Its not comfortable but I like wearing them anyway.
'You know Samia, when she was pregnant [on the show] I used to always nick hers and try it on...so I’ve always been looking forward to wearing it... I’ve always been broody.'

Broody: The star spoke on Daybreak on Tuesday morning, just a day after being spotted doing the walk of shame out of Wright's Essex home

Ready for her appearance: Keegan was spotted on Tuesday morning ahead of the TV interview looking in good spirits

Her comments come after she was seen leaving the ITV studios with Mark dressed to impress with over-the-knee socks on Sunday evening.
And the following morning there was no disguising the pretty star as she was pictured leaving his Essex home.
Speculation has been rife they're a blossoming couple after they were spotted passionately kissing in a club in Dubai over New Year.

Opening up: The soap star refused to talk about her private life despite speculation mounting over her relationship with the former TOWIE star

While Mark carried the bags, Michelle, 25, walked a few steps ahead, with a woman in front of her in an attempt to shield the Coronation Street actress from view.
However, there was no disguising Michelle's identity as she left the Essex property on Monday morning after spending the night there on Sunday, looking chic in black trousers, a white coat and red boots.
But when she was faced with questions over the pictures and rumours on Daybreak, Michelle insisted she wouldn't talk about her personal life.

Boyfriend? Mark Wright was spotted out on Monday evening, the night after Michelle left his house after staying the night

She told the presenters: 'I’ve always been private so I don’t like talking about these things.'
Keegan is up for an NTA award for Best Dramatic Performance for her current surrogacy storyline.
She added: 'I didn't expect to be up for a nomination. I came in as a new actress as well. I know it sounds cliched but to be fair I think Alan should win; he has done amazing this year. He has not stopped.

'I've got nothing to wear yet - I’ve got one week and no dress. I always leave it to the last minute.'
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Damage control: Helen Flanagan visits animal shelter

Helen Flanagan is becoming as renowned for her online faux-pas as she is for her exaggerated pout.
So it was no surprise when on Thursday night she caused more upset on Twitter after she posted a photo of a cat who had had to have his nose and ears removed to save him from skin cancer.
Sadly, it means it is tricky to take Helen visit to an animal shelter the following morning as anything less than damage control as she flits from one scandal to another.

Cuddle time: Helen Flanagan visited Wilmslow Animal Sanctuary to get a cat on Friday

The ex-Coronation Street actress posted the picture of Charlie, a white cat who had to lose his ears and nose after developing skin cancer, to illustrate how she feels when her boyfriend goes out without her. 
Her spokesperson said that Helen posted the photo, which she has since removed, unaware that the cat was poorly.

They said that Helen 'didn’t realise the cat was disadvantaged and thought it looked really cute.'

Who's this girl: This proud looking cat was less than impressed to see the grinning soap star outside their pen

Um, is this really my new mum? Bueno the black and white cat looks shocked as he is cuddled by Helen

Despite her announcement that she wants to get a degree, it is perfectly possible that Helen mistook the terminally ill cat as a rare breed.
But, despite getting called out on the gaffe by furious animal lovers, she seemed to have put it to the back of her mind when she visited The Animal Sanctuary in Wilmslow, Cheshire.
She tweeted: 'Getting a cute little rescue cat from @animalswilmslow I love cats'. [sic]
The 22-year old actress dressed in a black outfit for the appointment where she was seen cuddling some of the shelter's furry residents.

Strong grip: Helen made sure she kept a strong hold of the black and white cat at The Animal Sanctuary

He's so cute! Helen looks beside herself with glee as she plays with a young cat and a toy

One cat she seemed to take a particular shine to was a young black and white cat, who she played with using a furry toy, and also enjoyed a quick cuddle with.
According to the shelter's website, the cat is called Bueno, and is a young male cat who has been at the facility since kittenhood.
'Bueno is a lovely little 4 month old grey and white male,' it reads. 'Bueno was born here at the sanctuary and as the rest of the litter have been adopted we have put him with another little kitten called Rochelle and as you can see they are now the best of friends.

Let's play a game: Helen catches the little cat's attention with the furry toy

Big hearted: Helen wants to adopt a cat from a rescue centre as she 'loves cats'

'As they are such good friends we would like Bueno and Rochelle to be rehomed together.' [sic]
Rochelle, a small black and white cat was abandoned at the facility with her mum, who has since been adopted.
Interestingly, both cats are now said to be reserved, which could mean they are going to be moving in with Helen and her footballer boyfriend Scott Sinclair over the weekend.

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Coronation Street star Hayley Cropper set to leave Weatherfield after 15 years

After 15 years on the cobbles of Weatherfield, Hayley Cropper is saying goodbye for the final time.
The first ever main transgender character in Coronation Street will be given a fitting explosive and dramatic exit to the show at the end of this year.
Julie Hesmondhalgh, who plays the fan favourite Hayley, thanked Corrie bosses for giving her the life changing role on the soap.

No encore: Hayley Cropper, played by Julie Hesmondhalgh, is leaving Coronation Street after 15 years

Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper she said: 'I've had the most wonderful and happy time in the life-changing years I've been in Corrie and I owe so much to the show and the special team that make it happen.'
Julie, 42, had recently taken a two month break from the show in order to star in Black Roses: The Killing Of Sophie Lancaster at Manchester's Royal Exchange.
She told the newspaper: 'The decision to hang up Hayley's red anorak was a tough one, but doing the play at the Royal Exchange last year made me realise that there's life in the old dog yet and that there are other things I want to try.
'Whatever happens next I'll always be proudest of lovely Mrs Cropper and in particular what we achieved in changing attitudes to transgender and in portraying possibly the most loving, faithful and steadfast couple in soap history! I'll always be the show's biggest fan.'

Perfect partner: Hayley and onscreen husband Roy Cropper became fan favourites with their transgender relationship

Black Roses is based on a radio play that is described as an 'elegy' for Sophie Lancaster, a 20-year-old girl who was kicked to death by a group of teenagers in Lancashire in 2007. Julie played Sophie's mother.
Coronation Street executive producer Kieran Roberts said: 'We'll be sorry to say farewell to Hayley - and to Julie.
'But we're planning a screen exit worthy of one of Coronation Street's best-loved characters.'

Coming a cropper: Hayley has been promised an explosive exit from the soap by Corrie producers

Hayley, who first appeared on screen in 1998, quickly became popular with viewers for her love-thy-neighbour attitude and good heart.
Together with onscreen husband Roy Cropper, played by David Nielson, the pair shared a British soap award for best partnership in 1999 and 2004.

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'If I can do it, anyone can!' Coronation Street's Catherine Tyldesley

She is one of soapland's sexiest women.
But Catherine Tyldesley's has worked hard for her flawless good looks.
And now, after losing an incredible six stone, the Coronation Street star has opened up about exactly how she managed to achieve such an incredible transformation.

Want a body like this? Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley has revealed the secrets behind her incredible six-stone weight loss

As she was: As a teenager, Catherine weighed 22 stone

Catherine, 29, was once an overweight, unhappy teenager who was a size 22 and weighed 15 stone.
But she's now a svelte size 10, thanks to her diet and exercise regime, as well as the help of her boyfriend and personal trainer Sam Witter.

Now a svelte size 10, the 29-year-old reveals how she dropped a dramatic six dress sizes and shed six stone.
In an interview with The Sunday People, the Corrie star reveals that her personal trainer and boyfriend Sam Witter helps her to keep fit and the flab at bay.
Sharing her diet tips the pretty blonde star told The Sunday People that willpower is the key.
She says: 'Most people's New Year's resolution is to get fit and lose weight but so many quit after a small amount of time. It all about finding a way of keeping going.'
And Catherine who has designed a special diet and exercise plan with Sam says it's important to eat the food out bodies are designed for.
She said: 'The beauty of the plan is that it is sustainable, a lifestyle change that is not one of those fad diets.
'Its very basic just taking things back to the food that our bodies are designed for.

Super-slim: Catherine owes her size 10 physique to rigorous daily exercise routines

Keeping the flab at the bay: Corrie star Catherine has worked hard to shift the six stone she carried as a teenager

Meanwhile, the daily fitness plan which includes 10 triceps dips, 10 leg lunges and 10 press ups, is designed to be a great upper body and cardio workout - getting the blood pumping and the heart working, perfect for those wanting to shift the Christmas pounds.

Speaking about the routine, Catherine says with the right commitment and discipline, results are thick and fast. She said:
'The results are amazing, people are like 'oh my God, it was so easy. People make tiny changes and see a huge difference. I don't deprive myself, I eat loads but I eat the right foods'.
But Catherine says its important not to deny oneself completely. She says: 'You need to have a little bit of what you fancy, life it too short, you need to be good 90 per cent of the time'.

Fitness goddess: Catherine Tyldesley in full workout mode. The actress admits it the secret to her incredible weight loss

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