We can’t get enough of bubbly Coronation Street hairdresser Emma Brooker – especially now we know she’s actually Steve McDonald‘s secret daughter!
Her one-liners have us in stitches, and we reckon she’d be a pretty good friend to have around in times of need.
But what about actress Alexandra Mardell, who plays her? How old is she? Who is her boyfriend? And when did her real-life dad die?
Here’s everything you need to know about the Coronation Street star…
How old is Alexandra Mardell?
Alexandra – or Ali to her friends – was born on July 27, 1993 in Leeds, making her star sign a Leo.
She recently celebrated her 26th birthday with two parties – one in her hometown of Leeds, and one in London.
And judging by her social media posts, there were a lot of balloons involved!
Read more: Corrie’s Alison King ‘engaged’ to long-term partner
Who are Alexandra Mardell’s real-life parents?
Ali is very close to her mum Janet and stepdad, Mike, and when she’s not filming on the cobbles she loves to spend time with her family watching their favourite football team, Leeds United, in action.
Sadly, Ali’s dad Michael passed away in 2016 after a battle with heart disease, cardiomyopathy.
Ali has recently spoken out about how much it meant to her to play out the storyline in which Emma’s father passed away.
“This one’s for you Dad,” she wrote on her Instagram page. “So honoured I was given the chance to take on the story of Emma’s loss.”
Ali also took part in the Great Manchester Run earlier this year to raise money for Cardiomyopathy UK.
Who does Alexandra Mardell play in Corrie?
Ali joined the cast of Coronation Street as Emma Brooker in April 2018. Emma arrived on the cobbles to take up a job at Audrey‘s salon – and was soon romancing her colleague David Platt!
Although Emma can be ditzy at the best of times, she has a heart of gold, and is always there for anyone who needs her.
She has also enjoyed brief flings with Seb and Chesney, and has lived with Billy and Maria.
As well as working at Audrey’s, Emma is also currently working as a barmaid at the Rovers Return.
Is Steve McDonald Emma Brooker’s real dad?
Corrie viewers were stunned to find out recently that Emma’s mum is none other than former Weatherfield resident Fiona Middleton!
Even more shockingly, it turned out that Emma’s biological dad is actually Steve McDonald – and he had no idea she even existed!
Prior to the storyline playing out on screen, Alexandra had spoken out about how much she idolised Corrie star Angela Griffin, who played Fiona, and would love the chance to work with her.
So Ali was delighted when Angela filmed a cameo as her screen mum!
“Angela for me has been an idol all my life,” she told the Manchester Evening News. “She’s someone I look up to, and she’s from Leeds.
“She’s done brilliant things, started off with Corrie, so I’m really excited.”
Who is Alexandra Mardell’s real-life boyfriend?
Poor Emma may be unlucky-in-love, but in real life, Alexandra has been loved up with actor boyfriend Joe Parker since the end of 2017.
The pair love sharing snaps of their holidays on Instagram, and they’ve recently enjoyed trips to Egypt and Italy.
Joe starred in Doctors earlier this year as Archie Campbell, and has also been in many theatre productions, as well as an advert for Burger King!
Has Alexandra Mardell won any awards?
Ali was over the moon when she won the award for Best Newcomer at the British Soap Awards in 2019.
The star cried as she got up on stage to collect the gong, admitting, “I was really not expecting that!”
“I’ve had the best time of my life this year on Corrie,” she added. “This is just ridiculous!” Aw!
What other shows has Alexandra Mardell been in?
View this post on InstagramVera throwback! Last nights replay reminding me of this Ab Fab Summer in 2016, being a Geordie
Before landing her role on Corrie, Ali had a guest role in ITV detective show Vera in 2017, playing Kelly Horton.
She also starred in a short film called Chocolate Pieces as a character called Elle.
Ali is co-artistic director of Junk Box Theatre, which is based in London.
Read more: Coronation Street’s Faye Brookes splits from Gareth Gates
Is Alexandra Mardell a fan of the Spice Girls?
Who isn’t a fan of the Spice Girls? Ali enjoyed seeing the girl band on their recent stadium tour of the UK, and posted some snaps of her hanging out with the girls backstage at their Manchester show.
And it turns out she’s more than just a fan – Ali is good friends with band member, Melanie Brown!
Ali’s mum Janet has been pals with Mel’s mum Andrea for years, so Ali grew up being besties with the UK’s hottest girl band. Jealous!
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