Coronation Street Interview - Helen Flanaghan explains Rosie's desires

Friday, 19 June 2009

We've been chatting to Coronation Street actress Helen Flanaghan about what Rosie's going to do with John Stape's £150k.

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What's Rosie's reaction when John tells her he's giving her 150k?

"She is absolutely stunned. She was intrigued to get the letter from him with the visiting order and she was determined to see what he wanted. She dressed in sexy clothes with full make-up and killer heels. She was determined to be in control and prove to him that he hadn't broken her with what he did. So when he says he is giving her the money she is a bit thrown. He does tell her that he wants her to use it wisely for her education or to better herself but she takes great delight in telling him she will spend it on Dolce and Gabbana and Jimmy Choo!"

What does she plan to do with the money? Spend spend spend?

"Oh yes - I have had such fun playing this storyline. She hooks up with Minnie and they turn into Ladies who Lunch. They go to a bar in Manchester to eye up footballers, she buys a £3000 handbag and even an open top sports car. As someone who loves to shop it was fantastic to be able to do it on screen. There is a scene where Rosie kisses her designer handbag and that is so like me - hilarious!

How does she feel about Luke's proposition that she invest in Underworld?

"Rosie has always seen herself as a mini Carla so this is her chance to start living Carla's life to a certain degree. She now has the flash car, the designer clothes and the chance to own part of the company. She can't wait to tell the girls that she is their new boss and start lording it over them."

Is he just piling on the charm to get money from her?

"Yes of course he is - but she knows that and to a certain degree she is interested in him because he is the boss and powerful. So they are playing each other at their own game. There had been a spark between them before this but Luke had thought she was too young so she knows that they money has played some part in him changing his mind."

How does she feel about him? He seems like the kind of guy she'd like to have a relationship with...

"Well she has tried it on with every one of her bosses at the factory and he is the first one to say yes! He is exactly the sort of guy she'd like to have a relationship with - not because of the person he is but because of what he represents which is power and success. It helps that he is funny and sexy too!"

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