Coronation Street star Sally Carman was rejected for Faye Brookes, Julia Goulding and Hayley Tamaddon’s parts in the soap.
The former Shameless actress joined the show as mechanic Abi Franklin last year without having to audition for the role.
But she was previously turned down by the Corrie bosses when trying out for the parts of Kate Connor (Faye), Shona Ramsey (Julia) and former cobbles resident Andrea Beckett (Hayley).
She said: “I got a phone call offering me six episodes. I didn’t have to audition and I, of course, said yes.
“But there has been legwork put in before then.
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“I had something like 10 screen tests over the years for different parts.
“Shona was one of the roles I auditioned for, as was Faye Brookes’ character Kate Connor. And Hayley Tamaddon’s character (Andrea Beckett); I was up for that as well. But Abi was worth waiting for.”
Sally insists Abi is the “best fit” for her and she has thanked Corrie casting director Gennie Radcliffe for helping her to land a role on the soap.
She said: “Gennie Radcliffe has been my biggest supporter.
“She’s worked so hard to try and get me on the show over the years. She finally managed it, and this character is by far the best fit for me.”
The ‘Prisoners’ Wives’ star feels fortunate to have landed her role as Abi and be starring alongside the likes of Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald), Alan Halsall (Tyrone Dobbs) and Kate Ford (Tracy Barlow).
She added to What’s on TV magazine: “She’s an actor’s dream and I genuinely pinch myself coming into work. I cannot believe that I get to be on the best show on television and also get to play such a fantastic character.
“To be laughing one minute with characters like Steve and Tyrone, then be sobbing my heart out the next with Tracy; it’s brilliant. I’m just so lucky!”
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Sally recently admitted she was grateful for Kate and Simon’s support since she started out on the show.
She said: “Simon Gregson is the most generous actor and so funny and so supportive, so is Kate.
“They are both gorgeous people and I could not be happier. It’s the best job in the world.”
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