Sarah Harding has opened up about her new role in Coronation Street. The former Girls Aloud Star, who is set to play the "feisty" new character Joni Preston, revealed she was worried about coming across as an "amateur" on set of the long-running soap.
"They are icons and they're pros as well and I came in thinking 'Oh my goodness, I'm so going to fluff my lines, I'm such an amateur!' So yes, I was well rehearsed." Sarah told ITV's Lorraine of working with actresses including Barbara Knox (Rita) and Eileen Derbyshire (Emily).
The 33-year-old also gave a hint at what we can expect from her character – including some trouble for Tracy Barlow, played by Kate Ford.
"Tracy Barlow gets a good old [slap!]" she laughed, adding, "I've found that the people who play the nasty characters are actually the nicest people because myself and Kate get on really well and she's a lovely person and we just had a real giggle!"
Sarah's Girls Aloud bandmates all sent congratulatory messages when she landed the role. One band member in particular who will be watching is Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, who is a big fan of the soap and made a cameo appearance for ITV's Text Santa appeal.
© Photo: ITVSarah Harding makes her debut in Coronation Street on Thursday
"I know I've got to please the judge!" Sarah joked, adding: "The one person I want to please is my mum, she's my biggest fan and she's Corrie's biggest fan and she's biased!"
Sarah is not the only famous face to be joining the soap this summer, her friend Shayne Ward has also landed a new role but she admits they are yet to bump into each other on set.
"I haven't [seen him yet] no but I know Shayne from back in the day because we both auditioned in Popstars before he did The X Factor. I want to bump into him but I've just not seen him, this place is literally like going to a college! It's so big, there's so many people and it's a cog that just keeps on turning."
