Actress Alexandra Mardell has been breaking Coronation Street fans’ hearts this week with her performance as Emma Brooker.
And now the actress has revealed the real-life heartache behind the plot playing out on screen as she shared a tribute and throwback snap with her own beloved father, who passed away in 2016.
While Emma grieves the death of the man she thought was her dad on-screen, off it, Ali has been through a similar loss.
The star paid tribute to her late dad – and the storyline – with a lovely throwback picture on Instagram.
She wrote: “This one’s for you Dad. So honoured I was given the chance to take on the story of Emma’s loss.
“This will always be one of the most meaningful stories to play for me. Something so important that I could truly relate to.”
Her Corrie co-star Samia Longchambon was one of the first to comment on the snap, writing: “You have done yourself so proud, Ali… and your dad.”
And Jennie McAlpine, who plays Fiz Brown, added: “You did it so beautifully. And what a picture.”
“Can totally relate, darling, sending you a big hug,” said Jane Danson (Leanne Battersby).
Alexandra’s father Michael, passed away three years ago from heart disease cardiomyopathy, and the actress has previously revealed they didn’t even know he had the condition until he died.
Sharing pictures of her and her father to her Instagram on the anniversary of his death, Ali revealed: “In 2016 my dad suddenly passed away from cardiomyopathy, a heart disease we had never heard of and were unaware he had.
“This year I am going to take part in the Great Manchester Run to raise awareness which could hopefully prevent other families from suffering from this so suddenly.”
Alexandra then revealed in May that she completed the challenge and finished off her message of thanks for all her supporters saying: “For you Dad.”
In Monday’s double dose of Corrie (August 12), Emma went to visit her dad, who was recently diagnosed with stomach cancer.
Maria accompanied her friend to the hospital, where Emma was told her father’s cancer was terminal.
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Unfortunately, throughout the episode, poor Emma kept getting more and more bad news.
As Emma went to speak to her dad, he told her that he always loved her like she was his own.
Although Audrey had suspected he was confused with his medication, Emma rang her mum needing to know what he meant.
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Emma’s mum, who was later revealed to be Fiona Middleton, said that Emma’s dad wasn’t her biological father.
As the episode went on, Emma’s father unfortunately passed away from the cancer leaving the hairdresser heartbroken.
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV.
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