Sanderson enjoying slow 'Heartbeat' pace

Nikki Sanderson has revealed that she is enjoying the slower pace of filming on Heartbeat.

The actress, who plays barmaid Dawn Bellamy on the ITV1 drama, admitted that the atmosphere on set provides a stark contrast to her memories of hectic times on Coronation Street.

"It was strange getting used to the pace of filming," Nikki told Hot TV magazine. "With Corrie we were filming so many episodes in a week that you hardly knew if you were coming or going. But with Heartbeat, we can take a week to film one episode and a lot of care goes into putting it together. You feel like you are part of something very special."

Sanderson, who appeared as Weatherfield's Candice Stowe for six years, signed up for the new role in January. She will be seen making her first appearance on the programme tomorrow night.

"My first day was quite nerve-wracking as the show is hugely successful and well-established, so being the new girl was always going to be scary," Nikki explained. "But I was so excited to join, as I've been a huge fan for years. And I've been made to feel so welcome by the other cast members. They all took me under their wing and after a few days I felt like part of the furniture."