Gabrielle Glaister is set to return to Coronation Street after a two-decade absence, according to ITV. This time the Brookside and Blackadder actress will play the double of Bernie Winter (Jane Hazlegrove). Corrie actress Jane Hazlegrove reportedly suggested that she be cast as a double because she is often mistaken for Glaister on the streets. According to Metro , Hazlegrove pitched the plot to writer Jonathan Harvey, who later expanded on it. Fern, played by Gabrielle Glaister, will be recognized for her shady pranks and quirky fashion sense.
Brookside legend Gabrielle Glaister’s first Coronation Street scenes revealed in surprising twin story #corrie https://t.co/7drnjqaIxL pic.twitter.com/xDcOPF2Ryr
— Soap Land Glory (@SoapLandGlory) August 15, 2022
What role did Gabrielle Glaister play before in Coronation Street?
Gabrielle Glaister previously appeared in Coronation Street from 6 February to 10 November 2000. She played Debs Brownlow, who left with Natalie Horrocks’ (Denise Welch) boyfriend Vinny Sorrell (Ian Kelsey) after breaking up with Duggie Ferguson (John Bowe). Debs Brownlow played Natalie Horrocks’ beautician sister in the episode. She stayed with her for nine months and worked in the Audrey salon as a hairdresser. Gabrielle Glaister was happy to be a member of the ensemble and work with Denise Welch, ie her sister Natalie, when she was cast as Debs at the time. She stated:
“I’m a huge fan of Coronation Street and I’m delighted to be working with Denise.” I just hope it doesn’t spoil my viewing experience because I’ll know what’s going to happen.”
This time, however, she won’t be reprising her role as Debs, instead playing a completely different character known as Fern. While discussing a potential storyline that would be ideal for Jane and Gabrielle, the former said that the similarity in their looks prompted her to consider bringing Gabrielle Glaister back into the ensemble. She said, according to Entertainment Daily:
“People often confuse Gabby and I, saying they saw one of us in something when it was the other… We used to joke about it a lot, but I thought it might be fun to have her on the show as Bernie’s a hidden twin or double.”
Gabrielle further expressed her joy by mentioning how other performers in the profession sometimes mistake her for Jane. She mentioned:
“For years and years, Jane and I have been mistaken for each other. Jane insisted on being on Brookside, while I insisted on being on Casualty! Or people clapping for me at a show I didn’t have because Jane was fantastic.”
More information on the return of Gabrielle Glaister as an actress
Gabrielle can be seen wearing a colorful tank top with a pink jacket in one of the photos, and a bright blue jacket with a gray shirt in the other. According to The Daily Mail, Gabrielle was seen lugging a large black backpack while wearing blue medical gloves in one of the photos!
Spoiler alert: in the new episode, Bernie is accused of stealing from Fern, after which the two entertain the audience with their excellent acting skills. Gabrielle also said she is having a “great time” working with her longtime colleague and friend Jane.
Categories: Entertaintment
Source: HIS Education