'Coronation Street's Natalie Gumede: 'Fans shout at me'

Coronation Street actress Natalie Gumede has revealed that passionate fans have shouted at her on the street about her character's recent storylines in the soap.

Gumede plays Kirsty Soames, who is dating mechanic Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall) in the ITV1 soap. She has also recently made an enemy of Tina McIntyre (Michelle Keegan).

"After three months on the street, I'm starting to chip away at the heart of Kirsty," Gumede wrote on the soap's official website. "I think viewers will be beginning to see an edge to her - she's scrappy and she cannot help but have the last word.

"It's great to be part of popular characters' storylines, as you are often shaking their world up, but I'm also aware that change can take some adjusting to.

"I've already had people shouting, 'Leave our Tina alone', and, 'You'd better look after Tyrone!' at me in the street . I think Alan Halsall is well on his way to certified National Treasure status, judging by the stern looks I receive from women across the country!"

Speaking about playing Kirsty, she added: "A complex character is always fun to play, because when they make negative or unkind comments, or behave in a seemingly unjustifiable manner, you have to dig deep to understand their perspective. I have to like Kirsty, even if the viewer doesn't.

"And like her I do - sometimes I wish I had the nerve to be as cutting as she is! I think most people can also relate to feelings of insecurity, except that they don't always act upon it.

"For me, what really redeems her is her genuine love for Tyrone, and her sense of humour; she's genuinely funny, and when delivering some of Kirsty's more crazy lines, I have my tongue firmly in my cheek."

Gumede was cast as Kirsty in Coronation Street in July.

> Michelle Keegan excited over Tina, Kirsty clashes