Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine has surprised fans by breaking the news that she is six months pregnant and expecting her third child.
The Bury-born actor, best known for her role as Fiz Stape in the popular soap series, shared her joyous announcement in an exclusive with OK! – and is even said to be considering a soap-inspired name for the little one.
Proudly showing off her bump, the Corrie actress, 38, kicked off the New Year in style with the announcement that her family would be growing again.
She was on a camping trip with her husband Chris Farr and their two children when said she started feeling nauseous, leading her to take a pregnancy test.
“It just feels really nice. We’re so over the moon”, she told OK! Magazine.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The thought of adding to our family mix and chaos was the best Christmas present! I’m really excited for 2023 – it’ll be a special one.”
She also opened up on names, revealing that she might opt for a Corrie-inspired moniker and that her daughter Hilda’s name – inspired by Hilda Ogden, played by the late Jean Alexander – was already in her mind.
ADVERTISEMENT
Asked if fans could expect a subtle tribute to the show, she said: “I can probably guarantee that whatever the name we choose, it will have been a character in Corrie – I don’t know how to avoid it!”
As for the sex of the baby? Jennie and husband Chris are determined that they are going to keep that as a surprise for when the little one comes along.
“Girl, boy – it’s not relevant! I’ve got two little humans who are very different from each other but I’m not sure they’re different because they’re a girl and a boy.”
Jennie has played the role of Fiz Stape since 2001, with her on-screen love romance attempting to plan a secret wedding to her just before Christmas. However, in true soap style, it didn’t quite come off.
Feature image – ITV
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The Manc -
2nd January 2023 
