Sian Reeves was nearly cast as Gina Seddon in \'Coronation Street\', before landing the part of Charlie Wood.
The 53-year-old actress initially auditioned for the role as Sally Metcalfe\'s (Sally Dynevor) sister - who was last played by Connie Hyde - and while she missed out on the role, she went on to be cast as Charlie.
Revealing how the role came about, Sian said: "I\'ve been flirting with \'Coronation Street\' for a quite a while, actually.
Coronation Street Stars Reunite to Support Sally Dynevor at Theatre Show
"I\'ve always wanted to be in it. I got down to the final screen test to play Gina, Sally\'s sister, and Sally [Dynevor] and Michael [Le Vell] were so lovely that when this part came up I was thrilled.
"The character of Charlie Wood has ticked every box for me and I still get to work with Sally."
Sian was delighted to claim her spot on the cobbles after watching the ITV soap opera since she was a little girl, and the star admitted she got emotional during her first time on set.
She recalled: "I\'ve watched \'Coronation Street\' since I was a little girl so I was a bit emotional when I walked into the Rovers bar for the first time.
"There are so many memories attached for me from watching with my grandparents, I remember Ena Sharples, Annie Walker, all the black and white episodes with William Roache, so it was a very emotional time for me. I\'ve had a very warm welcome, it\'s been lovely."
Now, the former \'Emmerdale\' star is able to tick something off her bucket list after meeting her idols and pouring a pint at the iconic \'Corrie\' pub.
She added: "I\'d love to work with David Neilson (Roy), get my hair done with Audrey and I didn\'t get to meet Barbara Knox, which I would have adored. I did however get to meet the lovely William Roache and I had a great scene with Bev Callard who was so welcoming.
"I did well, I got on the cobbles and I got behind the bar of the Rovers, so I ticked a lot of boxes. It\'s emotional in the Rovers, Betty is there on the wall and it\'s full of nostalgia, I\'m very proud to have been a little part of it."
22 February 2026 - 4:55 AM
