Actor Cath Tyldesley surprised fans by quitting Coronation Street but she has a bucket list of plans that will keep her extremely busy. She shared them with Lancashire Life readers.
Salford’s Cath Tyldesley has become a firm favourite in the role of feisty Eva Price in TV’s longest running soap, Coronation Street. But she shocked fans, after seven years in the role, by announcing she was quitting. Cath, 34, has decided to spend time travelling the world with her young son Alfie and husband Tom Petfield, a personal trainer. We caught up with her at Ribby Hall in Wrea Green.
Q: Tell us a little about growing up in Salford. What were your early memories?
A: I grew up in Walkden. I loved swimming as a child and Walkden Baths were like my second home. It was a huge part of my childhood. I also adored school. Sadly, St. George’s RC High in Walkden is no longer there. It was a wonderful school...so many happy memories. But I still see all my school pals. We went to nursery together and now we’re all having our own babies! It’s wonderful we still have that bond.
Q: How did you become interested in acting?
A: My granddad was a fantastic singer, as was my Auntie Margaret. I was always around music. This sparked my interest in musical theatre. Then I met an amazing drama teacher called Karen Burns. I have a lot to thank her for; she ignited my passion for Shakespeare and some contemporary playwrights such as Jim Cartwright, Jonathan Harvey and Patrick Marber. I then went to drama school to gain my degree in Acting.
Q: Did your family support your ambitions?
A: Absolutely. My family supported me from day one. They always believed in me. Mum held down several jobs to fuel my ambitions, dad worked long hours too. I will always be eternally grateful to them and my grandparents.
Q: Who were your early influences
A: Victoria Wood for sure. I’m huge fan. Also Julie Walters, Dame Judy Dench, Lesley Sharpe, Doris Day – Mum was a huge fan! – Brenda Blethyn, Albert Finney (Salford born and bred!) and Chris Eccleston (also a Salford lad). I’m also a big Kate Winslet fan.
Q: If you could give some advice to the young you starting out on your career, what would it be?
A: Look after your body. It is your tool. Fuel it. Train hard. Meditate more.
Q: What was the best advice given to you?
A: Katherine Kelly, who played Becky, once said to me: ‘Treat every scene in Coronation Street like an audition even if you’re just pulling a pint or walking down the street.’ So that’s what I did – it kept me on my toes!
Q: How difficult was it to decide to leave Coronation Street?
A: The hardest decision of my life. But once again my family fully supported my decision. We spoke about it for a long time. It wasn’t an easy decision. Corrie is my second home.
Q: What has it meant to you?
A: Everything. The best seven years of my life. I’ll always be grateful to producer Phil Collinson and casting director Gennie Radcliffe for giving me ‘Eva’. I’ve loved every second.
Q: What are your favourite places to visit in the North West?
A: I adore the Lake District. We love to stay in the new cottages at The Swan Hotel. Nothing quite beats a long walk in the Lakes. And I often visit Ribby Hall Village too for a spa day. It’s my quiet place when I get time off, the treatments are just wonderful.
I recently visited with my beautiful mum, we enjoyed an afternoon tea together, tried out their newly extended spa facilities and new Zen Garden. A special day and just what I needed amid a hectic schedule.
Q: What are the plans for the future?
A: I’m taking each day as it comes. I’m massively ambitious. There are so many things I’d like to do but we absolutely plan to do the following: travel, laugh as much as possible, live in the moment, work as much as I can, see as many different countries as possible and cuddle my boys as much as humanly possible! In between that, I’m writing books and scripts too ideally on a beach or in the Lake District.
