User:Bluebolt94/Leanne Battersby

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Leanne Battersby
Coronation Street character
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Portrayed byJane Danson
Duration1997–2000, 2004—
First appearance4 July 1997
ClassificationPresent; regular
Introduced byBrian Park (1997)
Tony Wood (2004)
In-universe information
Other namesLeanne Battersby (maiden)
Leanne Tilsley (married)
Leanne Barlow (married)
OccupationCleaner (1997)
Shop assistant (1998–99)
Barmaid (1999–2006)
Exotic dancer (2004)
Prostitute (2006–07)
Restaurant owner (2007–08)
Bookmaker (since 2009)
Restaurant manager (2009)
Bar manager (2010)
FatherLes Battersby
MotherStella Price
Half-brothersGreg Kelly
Half-sistersEva Price
HusbandNick Tilsley (1998–99)
Peter Barlow (2010—)

Leanne Anika Barlow (née Battersby; previously Tilsley) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, played by Jane Danson. It was announced in February 1997 that a "family from hell" would be introduced to Coronation Street. This included Les (Bruce Jones) and Janice Battersby (Vicky Entwistle) and Les's daughter Leanne and Janice's daughter Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor). Leanne made her first appearance on 4 July 1997. Danson left the series in 2000 and returned in 2004. Danson later took maternity leave in 2006 and returned in early 2007. Danson took another maternity break in 2009 and returned on the same year. Leanne temporarily left the series once again on 2 February 2012.

Customers at the Rovers Return are said to be "horrified when a gruff newcomer with a jailbird wife and two tearaway teenage sons" arrive at Weatherfield. Leanne has been described as "sexy" and "manipulative". Her storylines include having numerous affairs, prostitution and drug-abuse. Leanne later married Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) but later split from hi, after his affair with Carla Connor (Alison King) is discovered. Danson teased an "exciting" upcoming storyline involving Leanne and said to be surprised by the storyline. It was later reported that new character, Stella Price (Michelle Collins), would be revealed to be Leanne's biological mother.

Storylines[edit]

1997–2000[edit]

Leanne moves to Coronation Street with her family. She begins a relationship with Nick Tilsley (Adam Rickitt), despite his mother, Gail Platt's (Helen Worth) disapproval. Nick proposes and he and Leanne go to Scotland to get married. In an effort to become more responsible, Leanne quits her hairdressing course and starts working with Rita Sullivan (Barbara Knox) in the Kabin. Nick, however, continues at college and they move into number 4 Coronation Street with Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold), his girlfriend, Zoe Tattersall (Joanne Froggatt), and Zoe's daughter, Shannon. Nick and Leanne's relationship becomes strained when Leanne becomes pregnant. Insisting they are not ready for a baby, Nick persuades Leanne to have an abortion and tell people that she miscarried. Leanne reluctantly agrees and the relationship begins to deteriorate.

Nick learns that his father's killer, Darren Whateley (Andy Robb), will soon be released from prison on parole and persuades Leanne to befriend him, intending to send Darren back to prison. Things do not go according to plan, and Leanne's safety is threatened when Darren breaks into her house. He returns to prison for breaking his parole conditions, regardless of the fact that Nick was responsible for the situation. Their relationship does not survive such trauma and they separate. Now single, Leanne begins dating Vikram Desai (Chris Bisson). Excessive partying and late nights take their toll and Leanne resigns from the Kabin following a row with Rita's foster daughter, Sharon (Tracie Bennett), over missing money and starts work as barmaid at the Rovers for Natalie Horrocks (Denise Welch) for money, but she refusses to break into The Rovers Return. Leanne ends up in hospital after a fight with one of Jez's thugs. Leanne is scared and decides to leave Weatherfield.

2004—[edit]

In June 2004, Les Battersby (Bruce Jones) finds Leanne dressed as a belly dancer in a local bar. She returns to the Street and moves in with Janice (Vicky Entwistle). She quickly causes trouble for ex-husband Nick and his girlfriend, Maria Sutherland (Samia Smith). Toyah (Georgia Taylor) told her about Maria's one night stand with Toyah's ex-boyfriend, John Lynley, and she takes revenge on Maria and Nick. Leanne and Maria’s sparring culminates in a brawl in the Rovers Return. Eventually, Leanne's scheming pays off as Nick leaves Weatherfield alone. Leanne later begins a relationship with Jamie Baldwin and after he briefly dumps her for Maria, they get back together. However in 2005 Leanne begins an affair with Danny, Jamie's father. After the affair was exposed in January 2006, Jamie ends his relationship with Leanne and disowns his father. Danny moves in with Leanne and they subsequently become engaged, plotting to change his father Mike's will in order for Danny to inherit his fortune. Leanne egged Danny on and upon Mike's death in April 2006, Danny inherited everything. However in July 2006; Leanne discovers a more recent copy of Mike's will which read that Mike intended to leave everything to his youngest son Adam Barlow, Leanne blackmails Danny with the recent will in order to gain £100,000 of Mike's inheritance - Danny rejected and Leanne showed the will to Adam, who had Danny arrested but Adam dropped the charges after Danny offered him a 40% share in Underworld. After Leanne's betrayal, Danny threw her out and Leanne left Weatherfield.

Leanne returns eight months later as an escort to which step-mother; Janice disagrees to. When Leanne begins dating Liam Connor (Rob-James Collier), Janice makes her realise that she has to choose between Liam and prostitution. Whilst Leanne is working, she is booked by a client and discovers that it is actually Liam's brother: Paul. He threatens to tell Liam about her life as an escort but keeps his silence after Leanne threatens to tell his wife Carla that he booked her. Following the incident with Paul and Janice's persistence; Leanne gives up escorting and informs Liam she wants to open her own restaurant. Looking for an investor, she approaches Liam's sister-in-law Carla and she agrees to invest in the restaurant. However, after Leanne buys the premises for the restaurant Carla discovers that her husband Paul booked her for sex when she was working as an escort, not believing that nothing actually happened, Carla retracts her investment leaving Leanne £10,000 in debt. After discovering that Carla knew the truth, an angry Paul kidnaps Leanne, putting her in the boot of his Mercedes before subsequently crashing his car into a truck. Leanne is recovered with minor injuries but Paul was killed. To add to her misery, Liam ends their relationship after discovering her past. Leanne then borrows the £10,000 she needs of Janice's boyfriend: Roger Stiles and pays him back gradually throughout the year. She later takes on Paul Clayton as a chef and he develops feelings for her which she refuses. However, after realising that Valandro's was losing money, her and Paul decide to stage an insurance scam and burn the restaurant down in March 2008, she sleeps with Paul as a bribe for him to torch the restaurant and he does on March 31st, 2008.

Meanwhile she had begun a relationship with Dan Mason and when the police questioned her and Paul after discovering the fire had been an insurance fraud, he provided her with an alibi leaving Paul in the frame. He was arrested and released on bail but later fled Weatherfield to escape imprisonment. In September 2008, Dan needs £10,000 to buy the bookies of his father Harry and Leanne offers to give him it after her Janice had won £25,000 in a lottery scam. However, after Dan discovered where the money had come from he broke up with Leanne, leaving her heartbroken.

When Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) returns to the Street with his son, Simon (Alex Bain), and Leanne takes a shine to both in October 2008. On 17 December, a drunken Peter goes to kiss Leanne but she rejects him. However, she forgives him when he promises to give up the booze and the pair start dating. Early in 2009, Peter struggles to stay off alcohol and enters a rehabilitation programme which Leanne supports, running the bookies in his absence. Leanne makes the incorrect assumption that Peter is having an affair and confronts him in The Rovers. She is mortified after discovering he was planning to propose to her. The reappearance of Leanne's ex, Nick (now played by Ben Price), poses a further challenge to her relationship with Peter. After an explosion at the bar and a tram derailment, Nick, Peter and Ashley are trapped in the office. Peter is seriously hurt and taken to hospital where he and Leanne marry but moments later, Peter has a heart attack and has to be resuscitated. To Leanne's relief, he survives and successfully comes through surgery to stop internal bleeding but it is later revealed that he has damaged his spine and it is likely to be some time before he is able to walk again. Noticing that Carla Connor (Alison King) is showing feelings for Peter, Leanne warns her to stay away from them. Leanne takes Peter off on an impromptu honeymoon on New Year's Eve.

On their return they move back to their flat, as Peter is sinking into depression over his injury and hates being treated like an invalid. Leanne finds herself under great stress, having to look after both Simon and Peter while also running the bookies alongside Nick, who continues to put pressure on her to leave Peter. Leanne later suspects that Peter has been having an affair with Carla. However, Peter and Carla were only supporting each other as alcoholics. Leanne and Peter argue, and Peter refuses to forgive Leanne because she didn't trust him. Leanne books a train to London but Peter stops her at the station. After a weekend spent talking through their problems, the couple agree to give their marriage another try and head off, with Simon, on the honeymoon Peter had booked. The new Landlady at The Rovers Stella Price (Michelle Collins) is revealed as Leanne's biological mother but Leanne rejects her. Leanne is overjoyed upon finding she is pregnant, but although Peter also seems happy on the surface, he admits to Ken that he isn't sure they are ready. Peter and Leanne celebrate in the Rovers, until Carla overhears Deirdre and Ken congratulating them and forces Peter to confirm her guess that Leanne must be pregnant. Leanne is furious when she realises Carla knows about her pregnancy, all the more so when Carla drops hints to Simon about it. She confronts Peter, and they have a heated row which ends with Leanne hurling quite vicious insults at Peter about his alcoholism. Rather than respond, he storms out of the flat. Feeling guilty, Leanne runs after him, but trips and falls down the stairs, where she is later found by Stella. Leanne discovers she has had a miscarriage at the hospital and reconciles with Stella. Doctor Carter tells her she's unlikely to be able to get pregnant. While she is discussing IVF, Peter is having an affair with Carla. It is later exposed that Peter has been having an affair with Carla. Leanne decides to leave Weatherfield once more, despite Stella begging her to stay. She stays with her sister and she is to return after Carla is accused of abusing Simon, and word gets round and Stella tells Leanne who comes back to try and get custody of Simon.

Character creation[edit]

Casting[edit]

File:Leanne Battersby (1997)(REMOVE THIS WHEN FINISHED).jpg
Leanne as she appeared in 1997.

It was announced in February 1997 that a "family from hell" would be introduced to Coronation Street.[1] Customers at the Rovers Return are said to be "horrified when a gruff newcomer with a jailbird wife and two tearaway teenage sons" arrive at Weatherfield.[1] A Coronation Street insider said that the new family are "real neighbours from hell". The insider added: "It's a taste of things to come from Brian Park, who thinks the troublemakers will bring in the viewers." The previous "new guns" in the show were the McDonalds, however, this was over a few years ago. The insider hinted that the new family will have a "big impact".[1] The writers introduce Leanne's mother by releasing her from jail to which the insider said will be a shock to viewers. Viewers are going to be pleasantly surprised by some of the new twists in plots.[1]

Actress Jane Danson was cast in the role.[2] After the introduction of the family, Danson said that the family came in with a bang and said that they are very different to anyone else on the show. She did not believe she had got the part until she filmed a scene in the Rovers Return Inn.[2] Danson said she has always been a big fan of Coronation Street. Her favourite characters are the Duckworths and the Malletts. Everyone has been really welcoming and keep asking how she is doing.[2]

Danson said in March 2008 that she would stay with Coronation Street for as long as producers wanted the character.[3] She explained that she has managed to create a perfect timing for filming and spending time at home with er family.[3] She told the Sunday Mirror that being an actor with children is the perfect job. Danson said she could never imagine getting bored with Leanne and said if it was up to her, she could quite easily imagine still being there in 20 or 30 years time.[3] Talking about her character, Danson added: "She's a loose cannon and she's destined to end up in a really bad way. I wonder how long she can keep picking herself up and dusting herself down - she's probably had six of her nine lives by now!"[3]

Characterisation[edit]

Leanne has been described as loud, cheeky and holds an "in your face" attitude. She is very cocky, does not care and does what she wants. She's just a lout coming in at three o'clock in the morning all the time. She disrupts the Street with her loud music and she's always smoking and getting on everybody's nerves."[2] She continued: "She's like a second-hand Spice Girl, who can't afford to go the whole way. But she wouldn't think twice about nicking clothes if she had the chance."[2] Danson also added that she has "always been a good girl" and wouldn't dare shoplift like Leanne.[2] After joining Coronation Street, Danson started to become drained, tired and put on weight after playing Leanne for just six months.[4] Danson took a short break from the show after being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.[4]

Danson told the Daily Mirror that she would never put her own family life at risk like Leanne has done.[5] After Leanne has an affair with Nick Tilsey, and keeps it a secret from her fiancé Peter.[5] Danson said that Leanne is feeling a bit trapped with Peter and believes things have got a bit predictable and boring. She said that she is different and a very family-orientated person and although she enjoys work, she likes being with her family. Danson added that she likes the idea of being a party girl like Leanne but the reality is quite different and that Leanne seems to like drama and danger in her life. She added that she loves the fact that her character and herself are opposites, because Leanne gives her a chance to do things that she wouldn't do in reality.[5]

Development[edit]

Relationship with Nick Tilsley[edit]

Danson said she was "intrigued" by the decision to re-introduce Nick Tilsley played by a different actor, Ben Price.[6] Leanne was married to Nick from 1998 until 1999. Leanne and Nick split in 1999 and Nick started dating Maria Connor (Samia Smith).[6] Speaking about Nick's re-introduction, Danson said it's interesting when an old character is re-introduced because even though it's a different actor, the previous baggage remains. Danson said that Nick has been involved with both Leanne and Maria and said obviously his family are there too so there is potential scope for that character. Danson said she doesn't know whether they will make anything of Leanne and him or not because she seems quite settled where she is. Danson revealed that there's always a possibility of revisiting it but Leanne would just wind up Nick.[6]


In an interview with Soaplife, the new actor of Nick, Ben Price said that even though Nick has told Leanne that he still loves her, Leanne wants to be with Peter.[7] Price added that there is always a chance with Leanne and Nick to get back together.[7] Speaking to The Sun, Price commented: "Nick started with Tina, then he moved to Kelly. I'm getting through the whole of the Street, I'll be on to Rita by the end of the year!"[8] Price added that he is expecting a storyline to develop between Nick and Leanne.[8] He added: "You'll see him bump into Leanne soon. I'm sure stuff will come out of that - there's a story there."[8] Asked whether if he wants to see Leanne and Nick to get back together, Price said: "There'd have to be a big journey to get to that point, but yeah, I would. But who knows? I don't know how it's going to go! But I think that would be great. But I think it could also be great if there's someone else on the Street who could come into his life. It's nice to keep spicing things up, really."[9]

Return[edit]

"Leanne decides to stir up as much trouble as she can. I've got a few explosive scenes with Adam and Samia... great shouting and screaming catfights in the Rovers and down the cobbles. I don't think she loves Nick any more. There's maybe a spark for all of 20 seconds but it soon passes and she remembers what he's like. Leanne's just meddling with his mind. It feels really nice to be part of the cast again, although it took a few weeks to get bedded in. Now it's like I've never been away."

—Jane Danson explains her return (2004)[10]

In November 2003, it was reported that Danson was in talks with Coronation Street producers about returning to the show.[11] A Coronation Street insider said that producers would "love" for Danson to return and were currently looking at storylines for Leanne.[11] On 5 February 2004, it was confirmed that Danson would be reprising the role of Leanne.[12] It was revealed that Danson would be returning to the show full-time.[13] Danson commented on her return: "They're having a ball in this really seedy bar, eyeing up the ladies. Les spots Leanne from behind and says, 'Wow look at that'. She turns round and he realises to his horror it's his daughter. Les shouts, 'What are you doing here?' But Leanne is wondering exactly the same about him. Of course, Patrick doesn't realise it's Les's daughter. He gropes Leanne's bum and she gives him a good wallop. It causes such a commotion they all get chucked out and Leanne is sacked. She also lived in a room above the bar and suddenly has nowhere to stay. So Les offers to take her home to No.5."[10]

Upon hearing that Leanne would be returning as a hooker, Danson told the Daily Mirror: "Even for Leanne it's quite a radical storyline," she says. "But I've been pleasantly surprised. There hasn't been any adverse reaction." [14] Danson said she found it hard to work on Coronation Street as her 10-month-old son Harry was asleep before she left and was in bed upon finishing filming.[14] Danson commented: "As much as I love my job I miss Harry incredibly," she admits. "He's happy, he's with his dad and he's absolutely fine, but I feel I'm being pulled in two directions and not giving 100 per cent to anybody. I feel completely torn. I need to work and to provide for Harry, but I also feel terribly guilty that I'm not there. I pine for him and feel this need to be with him constantly. With Leanne's current storyline I'm working long days. Harry wakes up at 7am but I leave the house about 6.30am and when I get home he's usually gone to bed. But I'm not on my own - a lot of the cast have got kids and they tell me it does get easier. I ache for him sometimes, but I think I would be forever kicking myself if I hadn't come back to work. I love being in Coronation Street. I've worked really hard to get this far and this is Harry's future too."[14] When Danson was presented with her return scripts, she was shocked to see that she was returning as a escort girl.[14] Danson added: "I'm not going to pretend that initially thought it was great. Coronation Street has never done a story like that before and I was worried people wouldn't like it. When I read the scripts I thought it just was a funny storyline - Leanne was charging people for her company while they took her out for a slap-up dinner. But when it turned out she carried on after dinner, I thought, 'Oh God!' "Thankfully it's not been seedy and I think she will redeem herself in the end."[14] A Coronation Street insider added: "Soon after arriving back Leanne wonders what the hell she has come back to. There are some cracking storylines lined up for her."[15]

Prostitution[edit]

In February 2007, it was reported that Leanne would become Coronation Street's first ever prostitute following Danson's on-screen return from maternity leave.[16] The Daily Mirror reported that Leanne would reveal that she became a prostitute to make money while holidaying in Spain.[16] A source told the newspaper: "It’s one of our racier storylines and we believe it will be a ratings winner, sparking much debate."[16] Leanne cannot see anything wrong in being a prostitute because "if the money’s there she’s up for it".[16] Danson was told about the storyline after returning from maternity leave and she initially disapproved.[17] She said "Coronation Street has never done a story like that before and I was worried people wouldn't like it."[17] However, upon reading the scripts for the storyline, Danson thought it was "just a funny storyline".[17] Discussing her initial hesitation, Danson explained "Leanne was charging people for her company while they took her out for a slap-up dinner. But when it turned out she carried on after dinner, I thought, 'Oh God!'"[17] The actress added that she was thankful that the storyline was not "seedy" and opined that Leanne would "redeem herself in the end".[17] Leanne adopts an alter-ego, Rachel, who is a high-class hooker.[18] The alter-ego "plies her trade to bored businessmen in top Manchester hotels".[18] Leanne tells Les and Janice that she is selling property for an estate agent.[18] Danson did not have to complete a lot of research for the storyline.[18] Leanne is a high-class prostitute who wears nice clothes and meets her clients in "top" restaurants.[18] Danson adopted a "posh voice" for the alter-ego of Rachel to impress her clients.[18] The actress revealed that humour was added to the storyline in "true [Coronation Street] fashion".[18] Leanne uses the alter-ego of Rachel as way to justify what she is doing.[18]

Leanne uses a hotel to meet her "wealthy businessmen" clients.[19] The hotel manager (Damian Myerscough) discovers this and throws Leanne out of the hotel, humiliating her.[14]

Relationship with Dan Mason[edit]

Leanne begins a relationship with Dan Mason (Matthew Crompton) in 2008.[20] Crompton said that Danson and himself had to film "a lot of heavy petting" and added that he was nervous because he has only worked with Danson a couple of times previously.[20] Speaking to Inside Soap, Crompton said: "The script said I had to wander around in a towel, so I spent all weekend doing sit-ups to get into shape. The producers took one look at my body though, and said for me to keep my shirt on!"[20][21] It was later confirmed that Dan would be leaving the show after he tries to burn down Leanne's restaurant in an insurance scam.[22][23]

Relationship with Peter Barlow[edit]

In October 2008, The Sun reported that Leanne would begin a relationship with returnee, Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne).[24] Peter returns to Weatherfield with his recently discovered son, Simon Barlow (Alex Bain), and Leanne helps Peter as he struggles with fatherhood.[24] Leanne is still "reeling" after her ex-boyfriend, Dan, ends their relationship.[24] Peter returns to Weatherfield a "broken man" and finds fatherhood difficult.[24] He does not receive the "warmest reception from the locals".[24] Discussing Leanne and Peter's relationship, an insider revealed: "When everyone else turns away from Peter, Leanne is there for him. She doesn't judge him and she listens to his problems."[24] Simon also likes Leanne.[24] The insider said that "Leanne and Peter's problems bring them together — but it's not long before their colourful pasts are tearing them apart."[24] Gascoyne told Digital Spy that Peter has not thought about how his relationship with Leanne is progressing.[25] Gascoyne explained that Peter is taking it "step by step", saying "Peter knows that Leanne gets on really well with Simon and I think Peter's nicely surprised by that. Leanne kind of has the upper hand on him and in a strange way, Leanne's a moral voice."[25]

In August 2008, it was reported that Danson was pregnant with her second child and that she would take maternity leave from Coronation Street next year.[26] Producers hid Danson's pregnancy by filming most of her scenes behind the counter of the show's fictional bookmakers, where Leanne works.[27] In December 2008, Gascoyne revealed that an upcoming storyline would see Peter enter a rehabilitation facility for his alcohol dependence.[25] When Peter returns from rehab, Danson said that Leanne is "thrilled" to see him.[28] Leanne tells Peter's family that she is going to reconcile with him rather than accept a job offer from her friends in Leeds.[28] However, a woman named Christina (Sarah-Jayne Steed) arrives and claims that she met Peter on her father's yacht recently and decided to visit him.[28] Leanne discovers that Peter left rehab early and she decides to leave.[28] Of the situation, Danson said "Leanne's been taken for a real mug. She has to decide whether to give Peter a second chance."[28] The story arc was implemented to facilitate Danson's temporary departure from the show to take maternity leave.[29] Digital Spy reported that Leanne becomes "fed up" with Peter taking her for granted and finds employment in a restaurant in Leeds.[29] Peter attempts to prevent Leanne from leaving by getting Simon to beg her to stay.[29] Despite this, Leanne leaves for Leeds.[29] Leanne's departure was broadcast on 9 March 2009.[29]

In September 2009, it was revealed that Danson had recently returned to work with the show.[30] Danson admitted that was "terrified" about returning, saying "I felt like I’d been in Babyworld for ages and I was panicking about whether I could learn my lines. There didn’t seem to be enough hours in the day with two kids, but you somehow find the time."[31] Leanne made her full-time return on 11 September 2009 when Peter finds her in Leeds.[31][32] Danson said that Leanne is getting on with her life and tells Peter that she has moved on from their relationship.[31] However, Leanne "has a change of heart and comes back [to Weatherfield]".[31] She tells Janice that she has split up with her boyfriend and Peter invites her for dinner.[33] She is impressed with how Peter has battled his alcoholism.[33] Peter admits to a "few meaningless flings" and Leanne spends the night with him.[33] However, Leanne becomes suspicious about remark that Simon makes about Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh).[33] Leanne tricks Michelle, who reveals her one-night stand with Peter.[33] Leanne then refuses to reconcile with Peter.[33] When Peter apologises to Leanne, she throws eggs at him and refuses to forgive him.[34] Leanne and Peter later reconcile and Danson hoped that they would be "together for a while".[33] Danson's father, Jack died in February 2008 and a big storyline featuring Leanne and Peter was moved to help Danson come to terms with the loss.[35] It was announced in February 2009 that Leanne and Peter's relationship will hit rock bottom.[36] Just as things couldn't get any worse, Leanne proposes to Peter.[37] An insider told TV Biz: "It's a really romantic scene. She proposes in front of everyone and Peter is thrilled. They're a great soap couple and viewers love them."[37] In an interview with What's on TV, Danson said that Peter and Leanne make a good couple and expressed her desire for the couple to marry at some point.[38] After Peter accepts Leanne's proposal, asked if Leanne wants to be a real mum to Simon, Danson said: "She'd like to. Her mum left when she was little and Janice came to her rescue. Leanne wants to be as good at being a mum and she is. All she's ever wanted is the family set-up she has with Peter and Simon."[39]

In November 2010, Carla Connor (Alison King) falls for Peter.[40] Asked what is attracting Carla to Peter, king replied: "In Peter she has found someone who understands what she is going through."[40] After Peter becomes disabled, Gascoyne said that Peter will be unable to be a proper husband to Leanne.[41] Leanne and Peter's wedding day is coming closer, and Leanne is still having an affair with Nick.[42] Asked whether Leanne will stop the affair, Danson replied: "She does love Peter. She feels safe and secure with him. They've created this family unit with Simon – and Leanne has the home life she craves. But when she's with Nick she gets a taste of the fast life and she’s the Leanne of old."[42] After Carla calls her wedding off to Frank Foster (Andrew Lancel), Leanne cannot understand why Peter is being so protective of Carla.[43] When asked to sum up Peter and Leanne's twelve months of marriage, Gascoyne said: "It's been very rocky to say the least. There was the stuff with Nick, Peter was very ill and had to get back on his feet, and there was all the guilt of Ashley dying, so it started off badly and carried on badly. And Peter says he's forgiven Leanne for Nick, but in his heart, it still niggles him." Danson said: "It's not been the best, has it! They had the blessing, where Peter found out about Nick, and then her mother turned up and they argued over that, then she got pregnant and had about half an episode of happiness, and then she lost her baby. And in the middle of all this, Carla's been hovering in the wings..."[44] It was announced in September 2010 that Peter's father, Ken, will catch Leanne in bed with Nick.[45] An insider commented: "Leanne is wracked with guilt over the affair," a source told the paper. "She loves Peter, she loves his son Simon and they've been through a lot together - but Nick was her first love and she never got over that."[45] It was later revealed that Peter will find out from his sister Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) that Leanne is sleeping with Nick.[46] Danson has said that Leanne's actions has changed her views on cheating.[47]

Insurance scam[edit]

In March 2008, it was reported that Leanne will receive an idea from Paul Clayton (Tom Hudson) to set fire to her restaurant in an insurance scam.[48] Of the storyline, Danson said: "Leanne needs to tell somebody about Valandro's as she is losing money. Dan flippantly says, 'If I were you, I'd torch the place!' She thinks it is great, but it has disaster written all over it."[48] Leanne bribes Paul with sexual favours if he successfully torches the restaurant.[49] Danson said of the storyline: "It's looking a bit dodgy for Leanne at the moment as she could go to prison if Paul spills the beans that they've committed arson and fraud. But she is relying on Dan's support to keep her going."[50]

Stella Price[edit]

Michelle Collins was cast as Stella Price in 2011 and was later revealed to be Leanne's biological mother.[51]

In May 2011, Danson teased an "exciting" upcoming storyline involving Leanne.[52] Danson revealed that she was surprised by the storyline, saying "I thought now that [Leanne and Peter are] married they'll probably have a baby and do the expected thing. But I think I'm alright to say that it's not that. I would love to tell you [what it is]! Keep watching."[52] It was later reported that new character, Stella Price (Michelle Collins), would be revealed to be Leanne's biological mother.[51][53] The storyline was confirmed in June 2011.[54] Collins told Soaplife magazine that Stella has moved to Weatherfield as she has decided that it is the time to finally make herself known to Leanne.[55] Stella was in a relationship with Les Battersby (Bruce Jones) and gave birth to Leanne when she was seventeen. Les started drinking and left her alone with Leanne and she struggled to cope.[55] Stella left with every intention of coming back for Leanne once she was settled. When she did, Les would not let her near Leanne and Collins said that Stella "didn't stand a chance".[55]

Leanne discovers Stella's true identity as she celebrates her 30th birthday.[56] Speaking to Inside Soap magazine about the storyline, Danson explained: "Leanne has never really given her birth mother a second thought because she's not been in her life. Her dad Les and stepmum Janice [Battersby] (Vicky Entwistle) were together for a long time, so Janice always took on that mother role. Having said that, Leanne's always known Janice by her first name, so she hasn't called anyone 'Mummy'."[56] Discussing having Collins as her on-screen mother, Danson said that she was looking forward to the "really meaty" scenes between Stella and Leanne.[57] Danson added that people have said that she and Collins have similar face shapes and the same mannerisms.[57] She thought it would be interesting to see if viewers pick up on the resemblance between herself and Collins.[57]

Danson said that Leanne will be "furious" upon discovering that Stella is her mother.[54] Speaking to Inside Soap about the plot, Danson commented: "Leanne has never really given her birth mother a second thought because she's not been in her life. Her dad Les and stepmum Janice were together for a long time, so Janice always took on that mother role. Having said that, Leanne's always known Janice by her first name, so she hasn't called anyone 'Mummy'."[54] Asked how Leanne reacts to the discovery, Danson added: "You'll have to wait and see! She'll either be over the moon to have her real mother in her life, or she'll be absolutely furious that she's been absent all these years."[54] Speaking to Soaplife, Catherine Tyldesley who plays Stella's daughter Eva Price explains Eva's motions when Stella starts to show a significant amount of interest in Leanne.[58] Tyldedley commented that Eva is Jealous that Leanne is married with a family because she split up from her fiancé just weeks before finding out Leanne is her half-sister. She also added that Stella is Eva's "territory".[58]

Reception[edit]

A writer for the Sunday Mirror called Leanne "tough"[59] while another writer called her "loud-mouthed" and a "mouthy Manc".[60] A Coronation Street insider said: "Leanne packs a mean punch. It's no holds barred."[59] Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy described Leanne as "love-torn".[61] Danson won the award for the "Best Dramatic Performance" at the British Soap Awards 2011.[62] Danson was additionally nominated for "Best Dramatic Performance" at the Inside Soap awards for marriage to Peter at his deathbed but lost out to Emmerdale's Danny Miller.[63] She was also nominated for "Best Actress".[64][65] In December 2010, following the show's critically acclaimed live episode, Jane Danson's performance was singled out by many Digital Spy forum members.[66] The Guardian columnist Grace Dent commented on Danson's decision to return to the show in 2007 saying that viewers knew Leanne would come back. She described Leanne as "one of those rare thesps who knows which side her bread's buttered on".[67]

References[edit]

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External links[edit]

Bluebolt94/Leanne Battersby at itv.com

Category:Fictional characters introduced in 1997 Coronation Street characters


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