Ann Montini's Soap Gossip

There's no imminent return for Georgia Taylor - who played Toyah Battersby in Coronation Street - as she has just signed a deal with Fox Films to star in the big-screen version of the Alan Bennett play, The History Boys.

She told me: "Before this came up, I was asked back and was thinking it was a good idea but I can't now... maybe next year - fingers crossed."

sky.com 20/07/05

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Interview with Brian Capron

Grange Hill

Brian, 56, knows he's been very fortunate in a line of work which dishes out more heartache than most. Older viewers will remember him as teacher Mr Hopwood in BBC1's Grange Hill.

"I am very lucky I chose to go into acting at an older age. It must be hard for some of the kids from Grange Hill as very few of them went on to good things.

"They were right in the public eye and I think their lives are probably quite hard afterwards.

"That's when I was first confronted with the situation of a lot of children coming into acting at a young age. They were suddenly catapulted into being recognised everywhere they went.

"It's difficult when kids suddenly get thrown into the spotlight. They don't know how to handle it. It's hard for them to cope. I do think it's worrying, particularly in soaps now, when kids start when they're 15 or 16 and they're thrown into what I'd call the eye of the storm with a lot of media interest.

"They work hard and play hard and they think the money's always going to be there. It's the same as young footballers in a way. They get seduced to stay in a series because of the money and maybe what you might call a bit of glamour.

Mature

"I certainly found it difficult and I'm really old and supposed to be mature. So what it must be like for them . . . I do have great sympathy. You need a bit of guidance and help and it's probably not forthcoming."

Brian says some young actors get it right.

"Georgia Taylor, who played Toyah in Coronation Street, is a sensible, delightful girl. She made the decision to come out of the Street and she's having a very successful career now. And that was a terrific thing to do.

"It's a difficult decision for any actor to give up anything because they don't know what's waiting."

Manchester Evening News article extract 08/07/05

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Georgia Taylor is poised to take her place in history.

Or, to be more precise, she's about to take her place in The History Boys. Corrie fans will remember Northern lass Ms Taylor as barmaid Toyah Battersby. She left the show three years ago and has now been cast by National Theatre chief Nicholas Hytner in his screen version of Alan Bennett's stage hit. She will play Fiona, the headmaster's sexy secretary and object of the lustful desire of handsome sixth former Dakin (created on stage and, from next week when cameras roll, on film by charismatic Dominic Cooper).

Eagle-eyed theatre goers who caught Bennett's award-winning drama about Oxbridge-bound sixth formers at a Sheffield comprehensive will be scratching their heads trying to remember who Fiona was. Well, she was neither seen nor heard. Rather, she was referred to by Dakin as he discussed how he wanted to seduce her.

Hytner told me that he and Bennett decided to add new characters from 'the life of the school' and these include Penelope Wilton and Adrian Scarborough playing teachers. Original staff-room members Richard Griffiths, Frances De La Tour, Stephen Campbell Moore and Clive Merrison will reprise their stage roles in the movie, as will the lads who played the students.

Hytner observed: "There's no sense of epic with The History Boys. It's the kind of film that explores an enclosed world. "Films either look at the whole world in every direction, or they look at one corner of the world in minute detail - and our picture's going to be the latter."

Ms Taylor has not been idle since leaving Coronation Street. She was recently seen in the BBC's scorching drama Blackpool, playing the daughter of David Morrissey and Sarah Parish.

The Daily Mail 08/07/05

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Another Interview with Jane Danson.

It was 1997 when the lives of Coronation Street's residents were turned upside down by the arrival of the Battersby clan. Loud and lairy, they had their neighbours up in arms with their rowdy behavior and couldn't-care-less attitude. 

Almost eight years later, things have barely changed. And even though both Battersby daughters were quick to fly the nest, actress Jane Danson delighted viewers by returning to our screens last year as gobby Leanne. And with rumours rife that Toyah (who was played by Georgia Taylor) could also be back at the end of the year for Les's wedding to bolshy Cilla Brown, a full Battersby reunion is looking increasingly likely.

"I don't know anything about that, but I would love it to happen!" laughs Jane. "I really miss Georgia at work, but we still see each other about three times a week, so I'll have to ask her about it. I think it would seem a bit odd if she didn't come back, though, everyone would be asking where she was."

Extract from Inside Soap Magazine 9-15 April 2005

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Interview with Jane Danson.

Jane Danson loves being back on TV as Corrie's lairy Leanne Battersby, but there is one thing that would make it all the more perfect - the return of Georgia Taylor, who played her younger sister, Toyah! "I see a lot of Georgia socially as her flat is only a few minutes away from mine, but I do miss her at work," admits Jane. "I'd love her to come back for purely selfish reasons! I know she hasn't ruled it out..." Let's hope this is the year for a Battersby family reunion!

All About Soap Magazine fortnight ending 28 Jan 2005

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Georgia Taylor, actress, 24.

All our Christmases are very similar - they're always big family affairs. I've got a lot of family in Ireland because my mum's from there so we either go over there or they come over here.

"It's always more fun when you're a kid - you come downstairs and find your bag of presents."

Leeds Today Website - Dec 2004

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Why Georgia Taylor had a ball getting married in Blackpool

Georgia Taylor has loved every minute of the filming for BBC1's musical drama Blackpool. It's her biggest role since leaving Coronation Street, where she played Toyah Battersby, and it gave her the chance to go into the recording studio for the first time.

'I sound like I'm on Pop Idol!' she laughs, as she talks about her singing experience. 'I don't claim to be the world's greatest singer but it was great fun. We used a Fifties-style microphone too, which was fab.

'Blackpool was the perfect job for me. I was really ready to do a series after doing a few episodes of things such as The Royal and Where The Heart Is. It was an amazing cast. At Corrie, everyone was so close I never thought I'd get that again. But, with this, I did.'

For this week's episode, the last of the series, Georgia glams herself up as her character, teenager Shyanne Holden, prepares to marry her older boyfriend Steve. Her dad Ripley has never approved and we see him trying to deal with the impending wedding, feuding with his wife Natalie on the morning of the ceremony - and being arrested for murder.

The wedding takes place in a ballroom in Blackpool and is a grand affair. 'It's pretty spectacular,' says Georgia, 24, who lives in Manchester. 'I had a dress made especially for me and it was beautiful. But when you're the bride, you have the earliest make-up call - 5.45am! I'm more scruffy in real life, so it was a bit of a challenge to make me sit still for an hour and a half at a time in the make-up chair.'

Georgia's not sure what roles she'll go for next, but could she be tempted back on the Street? 'I wouldn't rule it out, as I had a fantastic time there, but I think it would be too soon now,' she says. 'But I do watch Corrie whenever I can. It's fantastic at the moment, isn't it?'

What's On TV magazine 11-17 December 2004

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Georgia, currently starring on our screens in comedy-drama Blackpool, tells us why she just loves Simon Cowell.

What's your favourite programme on television at the moment?

I still watch Corrie because I like to see all my friends. I think it's really fantastic right now. I've also been watching The X Factor. I'm a huge Simon Cowell fan! I'd love to go out to dinner with him - I think he's a scream. He's obviously a very sharp guy, but I reckon he sends himself up a fair bit, too.

What makes you change channels?

I don't watch Eastenders any more, and I used to watch it all the time - so that says it all. I also think there are too many hospital and police dramas on TV. Concentrate on one or two good ones, but no more, please!

What was your favourite TV show as a child?

Top Of The Pops, because I always dreamt of being a dancer. I grew up in the Eighties with all the Stock, Aitken, Waterman stuff such as Kylie and Jason, and Bananarama. But my favourite artist was Kim Wilde.

What on TV makes you cry?

ITV has been doing some great one-off and two-part dramas recently. I really enjoyed Dirty Filthy Love. I thought it was just an incredibly brave programme to make. It had fantastic acting, and there was a real warmth and truth about it. It was so moving. I met one of the writers the other night, and she was lovely.

What's your favourite TV dinner?

Fish and chips. The best fish and chip shop in the whole world is one near my mum and dad's, Gaskells in Orrell, Wigan. To be honest, the chippies in Manchester don't even come close.

Who's in charge of your remote control?

I am, really. I live with my boyfriend and we're both big music fans, so we spend a lot of time surfing the music channels. He's a musician, so when we're watching the telly he's often strumming on his guitar.

TV Quick magazine 11-17 December 2004

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Corrie screen sisters Leanne and Toyah Battersby hated each other. But in real life actresses Jane Danson and Georgia Taylor are the best of pals.

Leanne and Toyah Battersby couldn't spend a night down the Rovers without having a drunken row. But in real life the girls, played by Jane Danson and Georgia Taylor, are so close they can see into each other's living rooms!

They joined Corrie in 1997 when Georgia was just 17 and Jane 18. Georgia left the show 18 months ago, while Jane, who quit in 2000, returned this year. Georgia, now 24, lives in Manchester with her boyfriend, musician Mark Eyden. Jane, 25, is renting round the corner from her but normally lives in Teddington, Middlesex, with actor boyfriend Robert Beck. The pair, who feature in a special programme on Corrie's kids this week, reminisced about old times on Sunday.

How often do you get to see each other?

Jane Probably twice a week. Since I have come back to Corrie I've been renting a flat that is quite close to Georgia's. From one of my windows I can see into one of her rooms. I occasionally go for a coffee in my slippers!

Georgia We speak to each other every other day and we spend a fortune texting back and forth.

Do you share the same taste in men?

Jane Not at all. I like dark striking men, such as Julian McMahon and Colin Farrell and my beautiful boyfriend!

Georgia We're different in that respect. I like scruffy, hairy, beautiful bohemian men. I've always loved skinny musicians - Tim Burgess from the Charlatans and Steven Tyler from Aerosmith, even Liam Gallagher, although I know he's a brute!

What do your boyfriends think of your friendship?

Georgia Our poor boyfriends! When I go round to Jane's or she comes round to my flat, they go into the spare bedroom because they know they're not going to get a word in edgeways!

Jane They leave us to it!

What were your first impressions of each other?

Jane We first met at an audition and I initially thought Georgia was quiet. But once I spoke to her one-on-one we realised we had loads in common. She hasn't shut up since!

Georgia I'd not had any TV experience before Coronation Street and I remember being intimidated by Jane, because she'd been a child actor. But I soon discovered she was really warm and friendly. Sometimes when we were filming I didn't know the technical terms used, but Jane would whisper them to me.

What brought you close together?

Jane There weren't many other younger characters, so we looked out for each other. We both grew up on screen - mentally and physically. My weight definitely fluctuated. When I joined I was relatively slim, but I piled on a few pounds eating biscuits and huge lunches. When you're a teenager and you read a comment in the newspaper that you're chubby you take it personally. It was nice we went through that together.

Georgia Jane would say: "My bum looks really big in this," and I'd say: "No, look at my bum, it's bigger." And if there was an upsetting story I could call Jane and she would understand. That's not changed. I still ring her up when something goes wrong and it's nice to have someone to say: "Yes, that happened to me." You realise it's not personal and that you didn't do anything wrong.

What cemented your friendship?

Georgia When I left Corrie, Jane was just leaving the Bill. We were both going through a huge transitional period in our careers. There was a time when neither of us was working and we were going for auditions. It wasn't easy , so we leant on each other.

Jane That hasn't changed. We are worriers and when I'm feeling a bit down I'll ring Georgia and tell her how I feel, and vice versa.

What's the biggest difference between you?

Jane Our musical tastes. I like cheesy pop classics, such as Abba, while Georgia's a bit more into her rock and indie music.

Georgia I like the Charlatons and Kasabian and the places I tend to go in the evening Jane wouldn't necessarily go to. It tend to like studenty, indie bars. That's not really her thing.

Do you have similar taste in clothes?

Jane I think so, although I'm a bit more conservative. Georgia always looks funkier than me.

Georgia We went to Topshop the other day and bought similar tops in exactly the same deep blue colour. And Jane's just bought a new belt from River Island, which I really want as well. But she's really coordinated - her boots, handbag and her hat all match. She's really polished and I think I look a bit scruffy in comparison.

Will you be bridesmaids at each other's weddings?

Jane Georgia'd definitely be one of mine if I got married. Robert hasn't proposed yet, but I have my hypothetical wedding all planned out!

Georgia I might not have bridesmaids. I might be a little bit alternative with my wedding too, and get married on a beach!

How would you describe your friendship?

Georgia Never having to explain yourself - we have a great understanding. I can count the number of friends I have like Jane on one hand. We will definitely be friends forever.

Jane We talk non-stop and we tell each other everything we're thinking and feeling. Corrie has given us something quite special - our friendship. And no matter what happens further down the line with our careers we'll always have that.

Have you seen many changes in each other?

Jane We both look at old pictures and say: "Oh, my God!" But we're not hugely different - we're just grown up a bit.

Georgia We've had our share of fashion horrors and dodgy hairdos! Our tastebuds have matured. We used to be obsessed with Archers and lemonade, and now it makes me sick!

Would you like to work together on Corrie again?

Jane Of course. Sometimes we reminisce and it reminds me that we shared something unique. If Georgia was ever to come back to Coronation Street it would be great fun working together.

Georgia I really enjoyed being in Coronation Street and I certainly don't feel as if I've closed the door on that part of my life. I would definitely be more inclined to come back now that Jane is back on the show, but at the moment I'm really happy working on other drama projects. 

News of the World Sunday Magazine November 28th 2004 (Click to enlarge pictures)

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Since Corrie hit our screens in 1960, a host of young actors have walked down the Weatherfield cobbles. But what's it like growing up on the most famous street in Britain?

There can't be a child in the country who hasn't, at some point, wanted to be famous. But while most never make it into the spotlight, others have done their growing up in a very public arena. In ITV1's The Kids From Coronation Street, child stars past and present talk about their time on the soap and how it shaped their lives. While some have since faded into obscurity, others have gone on to become major television stars - like Georgia Taylor, who played Toyah Battersby.

'When I joined Coronation Street in 1997, I had just turned 17 and I remember feeling that I was very grown up and knew everything,' admits Georgia, who's now 24. 'Looking back, of course I wasn't; you're still a kid and you've got a lot to learn about life.

Georgia originally auditioned for the role of Zoe Tattersall, which was given to Joanne Froggatt. However, she was later cast as loudmouth Toyah. Starring in such a high-profile show meant she was invited to plenty of showbiz bashes, and could afford to but her own home. But while her family and friends were proud of her success, others showed a touch of the green-eyed monster. 'You definitely get more attention when you're in a soap and I was very aware of that,' says Georgia. 'I used to get a lot of animosity from young girls. They'd say, "You think you're it, don't you?" I was quite shy and I'd be like, "No, I really don't think I'm anything special".

'But the amount of lovely people that I met certainly outweighed the odd bitchy person.'

Georgia quit the Street in 2003. Her six-year stay saw Toyah transform from a teenage tearaway to university student - with many a crisis along the way, including being kidnapped, raped and discovering her boyfriend had got her best mate pregnant. After guest roles in The Royal, Where The Heart Is and Red Cap, she's currently starring in the BBC1 drama, Blackpool.

'Coronation Street was a great platform,' admits Georgia. 'People in the industry know who you are, so you're not starting from scratch. But the main thing it gave me was training and confidence; the sort that money can't buy.' So, would she ever return?

'It's strange watching it now because Jane Danson is back, so I'm the missing Battersby,' she smiles. 'Maybe in the future, there might be a family reunion. It would be interesting to see how they all interact now they're a little bit older and a little bit wiser - well, not that much wiser!'

TV Times 27 Nov - 3 Dec 2004

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Georgia Taylor walks down the aisle in the final episode of Peter Bowker's darkly comic musical drama.

Most little girls dream of their fairytale wedding and gliding down the aisle in a big white meringue. But for Georgia Taylor – who plays feisty teenager Shyanne in Peter Bowker’s darkly comic music drama, Blackpool – the experience wasn’t quite what she had expected, she tells Sarah Ward.

“I had such fun filming the wedding scenes,” recalls Georgia. “But the dress was so uncomfortable! It was really hot and I couldn’t go to the toilet while wearing it. I’m not really a girly girl, so it was a big effort having my hair and make-up done. I kept picking at my mascara and my lipstick kept coming off! We filmed some of the wedding scenes in Blackpool and there were lots of little old ladies and couples watching, so I gave them all a wave!

“Georgia is probably best known for her role as sullen teenager Toyah Battersby in Coronation Street, who was raped, kidnapped and had under-age sex. Since leaving the soap in January 2003, she has appeared in BBC One’s military drama, Red Cap, Sixties nursing drama, The Royal, and starred alongside Dennis Waterman in an episode of Where The Heart Is.

“Shyanne is a real daddy’s girl,” smiles Georgia, who plays the daughter of Ripley Holden (David Morrissey), a charismatic family man who is in debt up to his neck and has a murder charge hanging over his head. “She’s quite spoilt and has always been given everything she’s ever wanted. She has a very intense relationship with her dad but not such a great relationship with her mum. In fact, she’s an absolute bitch to her mum, because she has no respect for her.

“Shyanne completely worships her father,” smiles Georgia. “And he is completely godlike in her eyes. She knows he has his faults – he loves women, booze and money– but she loves that about him and he’s so charming. She sees him as a really strongman and, to find that there’s a chink in his armour, it almost makes her feel as if she doesn’t really know who he is.”

Georgia jumped at the chance of playing Shyanne and, after reading the first two episodes, she was hooked.

“I left Coronation Street because I wanted to do other things,” she says. “It’s so nice to play someone so feisty and Shyanne doesn’t always think before she acts. She’s got balls and if someone does something to hurt her, she’s the sort of person who wouldn’t just sit there and cry and talk about it over a cup of tea, she’d have a plan of action. I’ve never played someone so passionate before and she’s been such fun to play.

”Georgia is a huge music fan and loves bands such as the Charlatans, Supergrass and Oasis. “I live in Manchester and have a real love affair with the city, so I love anything Manc!

“We recorded some of the songs in the studio,” laughs Georgia. “God, I sound like I’m on Pop Idol! I don’t claim to be the world’s greatest singer but I really enjoyed it and it was great fun. We used a great Fifties-style microphone, too, which was fab. It isn’t about being the best singer, or dancer in the world, it’s more about the individual character’s perception and interpretation of that song.

”Georgia admits to not having heard of most of the songs featured in the drama before. “It’s really eclectic stuff,” she chuckles. “A big mix of stuff, obviously from Pete’s [Bowker] personal collection! Whenever I’m out and I hear one of the songs from the drama, it always evokes good memories of a great job.

”So, has Georgia enjoyed giving herself an honest critique of her performance in Blackpool?

“I don’t enjoy seeing myself on TV but I think it’s really important. I can’t understand actors who say they never watch themselves, because I don’t know how you learn from that. For me, it’s really important to watch everything I do. I’ve got much better at it now, because I used to rip myself to shreds years ago!”

BBC Website 20/11/04

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Ex-Corrie star Georgia Taylor makes her TV comeback this week. She tells us about her fitness regime, boyfriend Mark and whether she'd return to the Street.

Georgia Taylor will probably always have a special place in the nation's hearts after playing loveable teen Toyah Battersby in Coronation Street. During her six-year stint on the soap she tackled some hard-hitting storylines - including a rape ordeal - and won praise from fans and critics alike. Two years ago, though, she decided to quit the Street to try new things, and the last we saw, Toyah was leaving for a better life with Spider Nugent.

Since then, the 24-year-old actress has appeared in drama series such as Red Cap, Where The Heart Is and The Royal. But now she's landed her biggest post-soap job - a part in the all-singing, all-dancing BBC drama Blackpool, starring with Sarah Parish and David Morrissey, which starts this week.

The Georgia we meet up with in Manchester has grown up a lot since her Toyah days, and is barely recognisable with her long locks and slimline figure. She is chatty, confident and happy to talk to New! about her friends from the Corrie cast, her boyfriend of four years, Mark Eyden, and her future plans...

What was your plan after leaving the Street?

I wish I could say that I had a plan, but the fact is, I decided that it was a good time for me to try and do something else with my career. Blackpool is my first big job since leaving Corrie and I honestly couldn't have wished for a better one.

Do you still hang out with any of the Coronation Street cast?

Yeah. I still live in the area, so I can easily keep in contact with everyone. I'm always bumping into someone from the Street.

Who is your best friend from those days?

Oh, that is a difficult question... I'll go with Jane Danson, who played my sister Leanne. She is a good mate. In real life, she is completely opposite to Leanne; she is so honest and sweet. She has rented a flat opposite me, so we are always together.

Are you seeing anyone at the moment?

Yes, my boyfriend, Mark Eyden. He's a musician and we have been together for four years and everything is going really well at the moment.

So it's not a typical Battersby-style relationship then?

I should hope not! We never really seem to row, so I don't think we would fit into the Corrie mould of relationships, where everyone is always arguing. It would drive me mad!

Do you have a fitness regime?

Yeah. I like to work out as much as I can, as I tend to feel better for it afterwards, but I have been the same weight for about five years now. My attitude is, that if you feel OK with yourself, then that's the best way to be.

So why should we all tune in to watch Blackpool?

I think people are going to like the music for a start, and the storyline is fantastic. Then we have such a great cast, with the likes of Sarah Parish and David Morrissey - there was such an amazing buzz about the whole project.

You play Shyanne - what is she like?

Shyanne is Ripley's daughter. They have a very intense relationship as her dad [David Morrissey] would do absolutely anything to protect her. She is really protective about him as well, whereas she is pretty horrible to her mother [Natalie, played by Sarah Parish].

How did you cope with all the singing and dancing?

Luckily, all we are doing is singing along to some fantastic records. My voice is mixed down so much that you can barely hear me - I wouldn't want to inflict my voice on anyone!

 So you won't be making a record any time soon?

I can honestly say that I will not - the very thought of releasing a record just because I've been in a soap is pretty ridiculous. How could you look a serious musician in the face?

What's next, career-wise?

It's just a case of going for more auditions. I don't have anything lined up at all, but as a jobbing actress, you never know what's round the corner.

What about a return to Corrie?

Never say never, but at the moment I don't have any plans to return to the Street. And judging by all the awards the show has won recently, they're not really missing Toyah!

New Magazine - Nov 22nd 2004 (Click to enlarge picture)

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Stripping Off on TV was daunting for Georgia Taylor - But that wasn't her biggest worry...

Now, this could be a tricky one. A teenage girl is caught between two men in their 40s - one is her father and the other is her lover. This would be a difficult situation on it's own, but it's complicated by the fact the men are bitter enemies.

For Georgia Taylor, who plays 19-year-old Shyanne Holden in BBC1's musical drama Blackpool, it was a hard part to portray, especially when her stormy scenes involved singing and dancing, as well. But the thing that worried 24-year-old Georgia most of all was her character's love affair with Steve (Kevin Doyle), a man twice her age.

'Kevin and I hadn't auditioned together, and you just don't know whether there's going to be any chemistry between you,' says Georgia, who quit her role as Toyah Battersby in Coronation Street in January 2003. 'If you don't really click with someone, it's 10 times as hard.'

Georgia and Kevin didn't get to meet each other until they began rehearsals and then things were so rushed they didn't have any time to talk and get to know each other.

'I was quite nervous because it was my first big part since Corrie,' recalls Georgia. 'I left the rehearsals thinking, "Oh, God, is this going to be OK?" But actually, when we started filming, I had a ball. We really got on well. Kevin's a great guy and very charming and funny. It worked out brilliantly and I think some of the scenes we've got together are sweet.

'I think the writer wanted to keep away from the seedy side of it, because it could be perceived that way with her being so young. The sexual aspect of it is minimal, it's just about their love for each other.'

Georgia's only saucy moment is this week's scene in which she has to strip down to her underwear. 'I'm just stood there in my bra,' she says. 'I was really dreading it, but when you see it, it's nothing.'

But will the romance survive the opposition of Shyanne's dad Ripley (David Morrissey)? It seems that Steve knows some dark secrets about Ripley's past. When Shyanne finds out the truth, her relationship with her father is shattered.

'She says to him, "I'm not your daughter anymore, I don't want to know". That's a huge thing because they have a very intense relationship. She's a real daddy's girl and he absolutely adores her.'

So is Georgia a daddy's girl? 'Oh, yes,' she replies. 'My dad looks after me. He's the most dependable man I've ever known. We have a similar sense of humour and we're very close.

'It was fun playing a daddy's girl on screen, apart from the fact that David Morrissey is barely old enough to be my dad and he's a good-looking man as well. It was difficult getting into the mind-set of being his daughter. In real life, David has kids who are much younger than I am, so we had to get used to that as well.'

Shyanne's romance couldn't be more different to Georgia's relationship with 24-year-old musician Mark Eyden. They've been together for four-and-half years but a wedding is not yet on the cards. 'It's something that might happen down the line, but at the moment we're chilled about the way we are. Marriage just doesn't feel right for us at the moment. We don't need it to prove anything because we're really solid.'

But will there be a happy ending for Shyanne and Steve? Georgia doesn't think the age difference is the problem. 'Age is of no relevance,' she says. 'I think a lot of people make it work. Maybe Steve and Shyanne are Blackpool's answer to Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones!'

TV Times Magazine 13-19 Nov 2004 (Top picture enlarges)

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Georgia Taylor, 24, has lost 2st since her days as Coronation Street's Toyah and now she's back on telly in BBC1's Blackpool, she says a boob job would give her the perfect lift.

Why did you decide to leave Coronation Street?

It was a decision that came naturally to me, especially after my character Toyah was raped. I didn't think I'd be given another big story - everyone has their turn and that was mine. I didn't want the character to go through more tragic storylines and the public to lose sympathy for her.

Was it a shock for you once you actually left?

Not really. It's been good for me to be a jobbing actress because I've become a lot more self-sufficient. When you're in a soap you're looked after and protected to a certain extent. You never have to make any travel arrangements on your own or find your way anywhere. There's always a car and a first-class ticket booked. 

But I was always very aware it was a short-lived thing. And I wasn't always comfortable with it because you were almost treated as a better class of person, which I think is disgusting. So it's been quite liberating for me to be able to learn that I really can do it all on my own.

Did you have any real nerve-wracking moments in the show?

Probably the most frightening moment of my life was when the Battersby family were introduced to the press. There were about 50 photographers all taking our pictures. None of us had experienced anything on that scale and absolutely nothing can prepare you for it.

I remember I was wearing a hideous outfit and felt really self-conscious. I mean, I'd always been a self-conscious teenager and I'd just come straight from school into all this. It's not like now, where I'm a lot more comfortable in my own skin.

Were you always unhappy about your looks?

I think between the ages of 16 and 24 everyone is a bit uneasy about what they look like - unless they're stunning. Nowadays, I play up to my good parts and play down my worst. And, although I know I'll never be beautiful, I've certainly learned to accept my face. Besides, it's got me this far in my career, so it hasn't done me any lasting harm.

So would you ever consider having plastic surgery?

Probably the only thing I'd consider would be a boob job. I've always been aware that my boobs are too small and so I'd certainly not rule out a possible enlargement in the near future.

But plastic surgery or Botox on my face? I'd have to say no. The idea of it terrifies me, especially as an actress. If anything ever when wrong you could end up with a frozen expression - you certainly read enough stories about it in the papers. But I'd never say never to altering other parts of the body - though not just yet!

Have you ever had a weight problem?

I was never huge, just a normal size 12, but because I had a chubby face I just didn't carry it well. I was bottom heavy and it didn't suit me.

When I was 19, I lost about two stone through swimming 50 lengths a day and cutting out fatty food. Some people assume it was only puppy fat that just melted off me, but it was sheer hard work, I can tell you.

Weirdly enough, people still come up to me now in the street and say: "God, you've really lost weight!" And I say: "Yes, but that was five years ago!"

What's been the highlight of this year for you?

Getting this role in Blackpool alongside David Morrissey and Sarah Parish because it was the first time since the days of Coronation Street that I've really felt like I've arrived.  I was proud of myself when I got it. I knew it was nothing to do with my profile or my past because the director didn't even know about my role in Corrie, she didn't watch it.

Blackpool is a dark musical drama about an arcade owner called Ripley and his chaotic family life, and I even have to sing in it. But I can't sing and I'd never make a pop record as it's an insult to all the brilliant musicians who are around.

What's your role in it?

I play Shyanne Holden (David and Sarah's daughter). She has a very intense relationship with her dad Ripley: she's basically a daddy's girl. She's incredibly spoilt and also quite manipulative, but despite that she can still be passionate and vulnerable when she's hurt.

She starts a relationship with an older man who is a guy from her dad's past and Ripley is dead-set against it, and his relationship with his daughter disintegrates as a result.

You've been with your musician boyfriend Mark Eyden for five years. Any plans to get married and start a family?

No plans to marry just yet. I'm very maternal, but I've got two cats called Hari and Bo and they're enough of a handful for me at the moment. It's nice to have something to mother, but I don't think I'm ready for kids yet.

What first attracted you to Mark back then?

We were introduced quite by chance in a nightclub and I immediately thought he was beautiful. I thought someone that gorgeous would be an absolute swine but no he wasn't - it was amazing! He was quite shy and I realised within weeks that I was in love. And it just gets better and better between us.

Life really is good at the moment. My dreams for the future are for everything to stay exactly the same - and not many people can say that.

Take It Easy - Sunday People magazine Nov 7th 2004 (Click first picture to enlarge)

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She may love the bright lights and thrill of acting but former Corrie star Georgia Taylor would give it all up in a second - for the love of her life!

Billinge beauty Georgia has been with guitarist boyfriend Mark Eyden for more than four years. And she says "I am really ambitious. But if someone said to me, 'you can lose Mark and never see him again or you can have a brilliant career', I wouldn't even think about it. "It puts everything in perspective."

"We don't row. I think that's probably a bit unhealthy, especially when I watch Corrie and I see Karen and Steve having these mad arguments and passionate make ups!" she laughs. But I wouldn't like to have that sort of relationship - it's too stressful. We're both too soft. If we don't agree on something we both cave in or sulk for five minutes then forget about it. "I hope he's the one. I suppose that's quite a good sign."

That said Georgia did desert her man, temporarily at least, for the glitz and glare of ...Blackpool. It was the filming location for the 24 year old's latest role - which happens to be her meatiest since leaving the Street two years ago. And while she may have broken away from Weatherfield, some things never change. After playing student Toyah Battersby, she's once again been cast in a younger role, in new drama Blackpool, which starts on BBC1 next week.

"My new character's five years younger than me," laughs Georgia. "I'm getting used to it, but I'd love to play someone my own age because I haven't done it yet."

The character in question is Shyanne Holden, daughter of arcade owner Ripley Holden, played by David Morrissey, and full time mum, Natalie, Sarah Parish. Blackpool is a mix of comedy, drama, song and dance:

"It's something audiences won't have come across before and I'm really proud to be part of it," says Georgia. "It's certainly very different and brave. It's exciting to be involved in something that's taking a risk."

Since leaving Coronation Street Georgia has appeared in high profile shows such as The Royal and Where the Heart but she adds "It's great for my first big series to be something I'm proud to be part of. "Sometimes you do the odd job and your heart's not in it. I think it shows on screen and when you watch it back you know it wasn't the most enjoyable job in the world," she says, and then politely adds: "I shouldn't really say which!"

It confirmed to Georgia that she was right to walk away from Weatherfield.

"I do occasionally miss the security, but more often than not I enjoy the life of a jobbing actress. Blackpool has cemented the decision in my mind. I might not work for 12 months now but then again more things might come as a result of the series and working with the BBC," she explains.

And what she doesn't miss is some of the attention she attracted on the soap. It wasn't only the controversial Corrie storylines which sparked interest in Georgia, her two-stone weight loss caused consternation too.

"It's strange, people still come up to me and say I've lost weight since I left Corrie but I haven't. I've been the same weight for about five years," she says. "My body's happy at the size it is now. People in this country are obsessed with dieting. If they see somebody on telly drop a dress size down then its a huge issue.

Nonetheless, Georgia works at staying svelte. "I try and exercise quite a bit. At the moment I'm not working so I'm at the gym or doing a class every day. But when I get a job it all changes. At the end of a shoot I felt like everything was wobbling - so I've started again".

Blackpool's Holden family is a pretty dysfunctional one. Mother and daughter have a terrible relationship - Shyanne's a daddy's girl.

"Her father would walk over hot coals for her," says Georgia. "She's been spoiled throughout her life. Anything she wants she gets. Shyanne has a tendency to be quite selfish and manipulative. But she had a vulnerable side, too. "Her mum Natalie is a trophy wife and a good mum who wants the best for her kids. Shyanne has no respect for her. She sees her as someone who got married and had kids young and has no career and no ambitions. Shyanne can be a real cow to her. "That was fun to play. The director's told me to not hold back or show any British restraint. Once I got into it I relished it.

Liverpool Echo- Look Magazine 3/11/04 (Click pictures to enlarge)

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Corrie's Georgia Taylor plays Ripley's daughter - but she is certainly no Toyah Battersby

It's almost two years since Georgia Taylor quit Coronation Street as troubled teen Toyah Battersby. Since then she's been in Where The Heart Is and The Royal but says she loved getting her teeth into the part of Blackpool's Shyanne Holden.

'Shyanne's great because she's quite different to the girls I've played before,' explains Georgia. 'She idolises her dad, Ripley. They have a really intense relationship and their closeness actually pushes her mum Natalie and her brother Danny out. She's a real daddy's girl.'

Unlike some of the other characters in the show, Shyanne isn't involved in many of the musical numbers - something that Georgia, 24, was quite relived about. 'I hardly have to do any singing apart from in the last episode, which is a good thing. I mean, I can hold a tune but I'm definitely no Charlotte Church!'

As Georgia's career goes from strength to strength, it may seem safe to assume that she won't be returning to Corrie - but she says she wouldn't rule it out. 'I still watch Corrie, and seeing Jane [Danson] back again as Leanne does give me a little pang, because I'm the only Battersby who isn't there now. But I wouldn't go back unless I was 100 per cent sure it was right thing to do.

'It also depends on whether they'd have me of course. I mean, I wouldn't presume that I could just ring up and say, "Right, I've had enough, I want to come back!" They might tell me to sod off!'

TV Quick Magazine 6-12 November 2004

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Slipper Distance!

Jane socialises a lot with her Corrie colleagues especially with her long-term pal, Georgia Taylor, who played Leanne’s sister. "Georgia lives near the flat I’m renting in Manchester so we’re seeing a lot of each other, which is great. We’ve so close we can pad around to each other in our slippers!"

Extracted from article within Rosemary Conley's Health and Fitness Magazine Oct/Nov 2004

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Blackpool Pleasure Beach Press Release

Blackpool Pleasure Beach Website Press Release 26/07/04

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TV Times Insider Special

Insider can exclusively reveal who's in Blackpool, a new BBC1 musical drama which follows the town's attempts to become Britain's very own Las Vegas. State of Play's David Morrissey, Cutting It's Sarah Parish and Cold Feet's John Thomson are to head up the cast in a series tipped to put the va-va-voom back into the seaside town.

David, who also starred in the 2001 Hollywood film Captain Corelli's Mandolin and directed the recent James Nesbitt drama Passer By, plays arcade owner Ripley Holden, a wheeler-dealer who sees the chance to make a fortune from casinos when big-time gambling moves to the Lancashire coast.

Sarah plays his wife, Natalie, John Thompson is his best friend, Corlette, and Georgia Taylor (Toyah Battersby in Corrie) is Shyanne, one of the Holdens' two daughters.

The six-part, darkly comic drama has been created by writer Peter Bowker, whose work includes ITV1's Single, which starred Michelle Collins, and Buried Treasure with John Thaw. He also adapted The Miller's Tale, staring James Nesbitt and Billie Piper, for BBC1's Canterbury Tales, and the BAFTA nominated drama Flesh and Blood.

Blackpool, which is described as a 'roller-coaster ride around the bright lights and faded grandeur of Britain's famous seaside resort', went into production last week.

Like Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge! film and Dennis Potter's The Singing Detective, it will see characters break into song at various intervals, with hits including Elvis Presley's Viva Las Vegas.

'Blackpool has a brilliant cast and is going to be a vibrant musical drama which has all the values of a great theatre production,' says a BBC source. 'It will be bold and exciting.'

Tourism chiefs are hoping the series will inject some glamour into Blackpool following a campaign to perk up its image. Traders have been asked to stop selling offensive T-shirts and sex aids. Meanwhile, the Government may deregulate gambling to pave the way for Las Vegas-style casinos.

TV Times 17-23 April 2004

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