Former Emmerdale actress Kelli Hollis has sent soap fans into a frenzy after revealing she has secured a role on the iconic ITV series Coronation Street. The actress, best known for playing Ali Spencer on the rival Yorkshire-based soap between 2011 and 2015, took to her TikTok account on Wednesday evening to share the exciting career news.
From the Dales to the Cobbles: A Soap Star's New Chapter
In a video posted to the social media platform, Hollis could be seen arriving at the famous Coronation Street studios, visibly thrilled and admittedly nervous about her new venture. The clip captured her genuine awe as she stepped onto the hallowed cobbles, exclaiming "Oh my God" repeatedly while taking in familiar landmarks like the Rovers Return pub.
Keeping Character Details Under Wraps
While overflowing with excitement about her Coronation Street debut, Hollis remained characteristically tight-lipped about specific details regarding her new role. She did not reveal which character she would be playing or how long her stint on the Manchester-based soap might last, leaving fans to speculate about her potential storyline.
The actress did share her emotional state during the filming day, telling herself to "calm down" while admitting "this is so weird" in the best possible way. Her palpable enthusiasm resonated with viewers, who flooded the comments section with supportive messages celebrating her career move.
Fan Theories and Storyline Speculation
Despite the lack of official confirmation about her character, keen-eyed fans have already begun piecing together potential plot connections. Several comments on Hollis's TikTok post suggested her character might be linked to Debbie Webster, who is currently facing prison time in ongoing storylines.
According to Coronation Street spoilers, Debbie Webster is set to be sentenced this week for taking the blame for the Corriedale crash, despite knowing her secret son Carl Webster was actually the driver. With Debbie headed to prison alongside returning character Lou Michaelis, speculation suggests Hollis might portray a fellow inmate involved in this developing prison narrative.
A Welcome Return to Soap Acting
This marks a significant return to soap opera acting for Hollis, whose character Ali Spencer was killed off-screen in Emmerdale back in 2018. The actress has maintained a profile through various acting projects since departing the Dales, but her return to a major primetime soap represents a notable career milestone.
Fan reactions to the announcement have been overwhelmingly positive, with comments ranging from "Exciting for you" and "So happy for you love" to more specific hopes about her potential role. One fan humorously pleaded, "Now leave Debbie alone, look after her in there," while another praised, "You are a fantastic actress & you are going to be amazing on the street!!"
Anticipation Builds for On-Screen Debut
While Hollis has begun filming at the Coronation Street studios, her exact debut date remains unconfirmed. Reports suggest her scenes will air shortly after Debbie Webster's imprisonment storyline develops, potentially placing her first appearance within the coming weeks.
The actress's decision to announce her casting via TikTok reflects the changing landscape of celebrity communication, allowing fans direct access to behind-the-scenes moments that would traditionally have been revealed through official press releases or television interviews.
Coronation Street continues to air weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, where viewers will soon get their first glimpse of Kelli Hollis in her new Weatherfield role.