Market Rasen actor makes debut in Corrie this week

Harriet Bibby with her on-screen family Image: ITV EMN-201116-192630001

Former De Aston student  Harriet Bibby has been cast as Summer Spellman in Coronation Street, a part previously played by Matilda Freeman.

As avid watchers of the world’s longest running soap, the Bibby family, who still live in Market Rasen, will be glued to the screen as the 22-year-old makes her debut appearance this Friday, November 20.

Harriet graduated from drama school last summer and this will be her first major screen role.

Harriet Bibby on the cobbles of Weatherfield Image: ITV EMN-201116-192619001

She said: “It is so exciting. I am absolutely chuffed to get this role.

“As a family, we have always watched it and so to actually be on ‘the street’ is bizarre.

“I am buzzing to see myself - it will be really exciting.”

Harriet has actually been on set since September, having secured the role earlier in the year.

She said: “I was asked to do a self tape and was then invited in for a screen test.

“Two days later I was told  I had got the part.

“My reaction was a cross between crying and laughing.

“We are all such huge Corrie fans, I couldn’t believe I was going to be part of it all.

“I told my parents and my sister straight away, but they were sworn to secrecy.

“They were so relieved when it was finally officially  announced I was playing Summer so they could talk about it.”

With Covid-restrictions in place, filming has had to adapt, but Harriet says she is just pleased to be able to work with the way things have affected  the television industry.

She said: “We are filming in different cohorts, which means we are in the same groups whether in the studio or the green room, with two-metre distancing and masks being worn when we are not filming.

“We all feel comfortable and safe, so that is important.”

Harriet continued: “It has been hard though, because you want to get to know people, go out for a drink with them,  but this hasn’t been possible.

“Everyone has been very welcoming though and they made me feel like part of it all from the beginning.”

Harriet’s first episode will be screened at 7.30pm this Friday, as Summer returns from staying at her grandma’s.

One person certain to be watching is the head teacher of Harriet’s former school,  Simon Porter.

He said: “I am immensely proud of Harriet.

“It is amazing to think how one minute you are supporting  a pupil with their English  Literature A Level coursework, and the next minute they are appearing in one of the most iconic TV shows of all time.

“Wonderful achievement  by a wonderful student.”