Coronation Street’s Jane Danson says there are some perks to playing pregnant Leanne
The actress also reveals she looking forward to working with a little baby on set
This week TV Magazine gets to know Jane Danson...
After all these years, I’m still really excited to be in Coronation Street. There’s such a good feeling about the place.
We’re not far off filming Leanne giving birth, so I’ll be able to eat a few cakes over Christmas and not worry! The fake bump feels like you’re wearing Spanx with a big cushion stuffed up your jumper. It’s uncomfortable and makes my back hurt, which reminds me of how it felt to be pregnant in real life.
I’ve got my hands full with my sons Harry [10] and Sam [seven], but would never rule out more kids. I had a loss a couple of years ago so it’s quite sensitive, but who knows? I’ll soon be working with a little baby on set, so I’ll get some nice cuddles then.
Having kids was the moment that changed my life. Nothing prepares you for the massive explosion of love you feel for your children. Of course there have been sleepless nights, tantrums, tears and illnesses too, but it’s absolutely the best thing I’ve ever done.
My boys are growing up so quickly. Although I work long hours, I always put them to bed every evening. I’m also lucky that my husband [actor Robert Beck] is a massive support, so we’ve never had to rely on nannies. He does the school run, homework, after-school clubs and makes sure the boys have all they need. That’s a full-time job in itself – he’s the perfect man!
Malcolm Hebden, who plays Norris, says I talk too much. He shouts at me as every time he comes into the green room I’m chatting away. I do need to shut up sometimes, I think.
I’ve got a lazy eye, which goes for a wander if I’m doing emotional scenes. I had an operation on it when I was three, so my very first memory is of going into hospital and having an anaesthetic. I remember it so well; it made a real mark on me.
I’ve just discovered I’ve got a bit of a thing for Jack Whitehall. He’s really funny and a good-looking guy – but he’s probably only about 26, so it might be a bit wrong! My most embarrassing moment was seeing my bottom exposed on the front page of every newspaper. A gust of wind blew my skirt up, and because I was wearing small, nude-colour pants it looked like I wasn’t wearing any at all! It was mortifying – I’ve gone red just thinking about it now.
Fame frightened me when I first started out. I didn’t enjoy it as much as I should have, which is probably my biggest regret. I took fame so seriously and found it suffocating when I should have just embraced it and not worried so much. Everything is clearer in hindsight.
I hate myself for it, but I love Keeping Up With The Kardashians. It’s everything I detest about life, but I love nosing around the houses and seeing how they spend their endless amounts of money. It’s fascinating.
If I watch anything sad with children or animals on TV, I’m a wreck. I can’t bear it. I’m a real softie, so it’s not too hard to tap into my emotions as Leanne. She’s had a hard life, and I find myself thinking: ‘Poor love.’
Rob and I have been together for a long time and we’re a team. At the risk of sounding smug, we share the load and it works. He’s been in the soap world too and knows you have to take the work while it’s there. We’ve learned to take the rough with the smooth – this is the life we chose.”
Coronation Street Mon, Weds & Fri Times vary ITV
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