Danson: 'I'm worlds apart from Leanne'

Jane Danson has admitted that she would never put her family life at risk like her Coronation Street character Leanne Battersby has done.

In recent weeks, fans have seen Leanne embark on a steamy affair with ex-husband Nick Tilsley (Ben Price), juggling the secret relationship with the home life she has with fiancé Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) and his young son Simon.

However, in an interview with The Mirror, Danson confirmed that in real life she is fully committed to her actor husband Robert Beck and their two young sons Harry and Sam.

The actress explained: "Leanne is feeling a bit trapped with Peter and believes things have got a bit predictable and boring. I'm different. I wouldn't say I like things to be predictable, but I like continuity and routine. I'm a very family-orientated person and although I enjoy my work, I like being with my family as much as I can.

"I like the idea of being a party girl like Leanne but the reality is quite different. My focus is the two boys now. Going out is a real treat. And often if I do get the opportunity, I think that I'd rather just put my PJs on and watch a DVD!

"Leanne seems to like drama and danger in her life. I don't like chaos and I'm completely square in comparison! We're worlds apart really. But I love the fact that we're opposites, because Leanne gives me a licence to do things I wouldn't do in the real world."

Leanne's storyline is one of many which look likely to reach a climax in the soap's 50th anniversary week, which begins tonight.