Here's everything you need to know about Kym Marsh... Written by Claire Crick
Ever since being catapulted into the limelight as part of pop band Hear’Say on ITV reality show Popstars in 2001, the nation has taken Coronation Street star Kym Marsh under its wing. And while we might feel like we know the actress inside out after seeing her on our television screens every week playing the cobbles’ Michelle Connor, there are a few unknown facts about her just waiting to be discovered…
1. Kym Marsh isn't a fan of walking the red carpet
After being in the limelight for more than 18 years, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Kym would be used to being photographed at awards, but it turns out she gets nervous just like the rest of us. She told the Daily Mirror: “I sweat profusely when I’m on the red carpet. It’s too much pressure. I even play it safe with my outfit in case I end up on the worst-dressed list.”
2. She’s got a surprising family nickname
Kym's childhood nickname was Trio, after the popular '80s chocolate bar. She once confessed that the girl on the advert had a really big mouth, so her brother took to naming her after the sweet snack. Charming!
3. She’s got a backup plan
After more than 12 years on Coronation Street as Michelle (above) we can’t imagine Kym doing anything else, but if it was to all end tomorrow, don’t fear, because she’s got a plan. Kym’s admitted she almost became a makeup artist and even signed up for a beauty course just two weeks before she auditioned for Popstars.
4. Performing isn’t the only job on her CV
These days she’s cemented herself as a Corrie fan favourite but, before she was famous, Kym had all sorts of jobs. They ranged from being a singing teacher and receptionist to a sales assistant and even an Ann Summers party rep. Oh er!
5. She’s always loved singing
She might have found fame as one-fifth of Hear’Say (above), but Kym’s love for music started way before that. The singer-turned-actress released a song at the tender age of 13 called One Kiss and she even appeared on This Morning to promote it. Who knew!
6. She got a hilarious gift from Corrie when she joined the show
You’d think that bagging yourself the role on Coronation Street would be enough of a gift in itself, but when Kym joined the soap she was given a DVD box set of Popstars - the whole TV show from start to finish! Wonder if she has ever sat down to watch it?
7. She has launched awards for nurses and midwives
After tragically losing her son Archie after he was born prematurely Kym decided something should be done to give thanks to the amazing medical staff who help women like her every day. The actress joined forces with bereavement charity Mariposa Trust to create three special awards for someone who has excelled in their level of compassion.
Main Kym Marsh picture: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock; on the red carpet, David Wala/REX/Shutterstock; Hear'Say picture, ITV/REX/Shutterstock
