Corrie's Stephenson shocked by Frankie's fate

Debra Stephenson has admitted her surprise at learning what became of her Coronation Street character Frankie Baldwin after she moved away from Weatherfield.

Although the plotline never made it to the screen, Baldwin was the basis of the idea that became spinoff DVD Romanian Holiday, which saw the Croppers fly to Romania to attend her wedding to a footballer.

Stephenson said that she was stunned to hear of her alter ego's marriage, telling Metro: "That's hilarious - I can't imagine how she'd marry a footballer. She's far too old! She's actually the mother of a footballer in the show."

However, despite her initial surprise, she added: "I'm deeply flattered that my character lives on in some way. I'm not in touch with anyone from the show. Bless her, I'm really pleased for her."

> Debra Stephenson: 'Corrie was draining'