Coronation Street viewers have been left stunned upon discovering that a soap legend is married to their co-star in real life.
Jane Danson, who has portrayed Leanne Battersby since 1997, has been involved in numerous major storylines over the years, from shocking affairs and sex work to tragic baby loss and drug abuse.
However, the past year has been particularly challenging for her character. Last year, Leanne was deceived by a cult, The Institute,and its leader Rowan (Emrhys Cooper), and was heartbroken when she discovered that her sister Toyah (Georgia Taylor) and former fiancé Nick (Ben Price) were in a relationship.
Since then, Leanne’s life has spiralled out of control, leading her to attempt to frame Toyah and herself for fraud. She has also been battling loneliness and will soon become a prime suspect in the Platt house fire.
Off-screen, however, actress Jane is happily married to fellow soap star Robert Beck, who has appeared in shows including Brookside, Emmerdale, Waterloo Road, and even Coronation Street in 2008, where he played criminal Jimmy Dockerson. During his time on Emmerdale, he portrayed villain Damon ‘Harry’ Harris in 1999.
Jane and Robert met in 1999 and got married in 2005. They are parents to two children, Harry, born in July 2006, and Sam, born in February 2009, reports Lancs Live.
Jane opened up to OK! Magazine about her longstanding marriage to Robert previously, saying: “Me and my husband have been together for 22 years, and we’re really good friends as well as loving each other lots.”
“Rob is absolutely my best friend in the world. We’ve only had about two rows in 20 years. I’m not saying we don’t get on each other’s nerves sometimes, but we’re a strong team and we’ve always allowed each other to be individuals.”
The couple met back at the British Soap Awards in May 1998, with Jane recalling the moment: “I’m not the world’s most confident person but I’d had a crush on Rob since I was 15, so I thought, I have to speak to him, it’s fate.”
Fans were surprised to learn that Jane is married to Rob, expressing their astonishment on a Coronation Street Facebook fan page. Comments ranged from disbelief to wishes of seeing Rob in more diverse roles rather than just playing the villain.
One fan reminisced, saying: “I remember him, didn’t know they were married.”
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