While her Coronation Street alter ego Glenda Shuttleworth faces romantic turmoil on the cobbles, actress Jodie Prenger enjoys a wonderfully stable love story away from the cameras.
From Soap Romance Struggles to Real-Life Engagement
Jodie Prenger joined the iconic ITV soap in 2022, quickly becoming a fan favourite as the daughter of Archie Shuttleworth and sister to George. On screen, Glenda's love life has been fraught, including a brief fling with character Michael Bailey, played by Ryan Russell.
In stark contrast, Jodie's personal life is a tale of lasting love. She is engaged to businessman Simon Booth, whom she began dating in 2010 after a lasting friendship.
Finding "The One" After a String of "Prats"
Reflecting on her journey, Jodie once revealed her relief at meeting Simon after difficult past relationships. She told the Belfast Telegraph that she had felt like a magnet for "prats and Peter Pans" who caused her problems.
Despite being a self-confessed romantic, she had nearly given up hope. "It just hits you like a ton of bricks when you meet someone who ticks all the right boxes," she said of Simon, describing him as wonderful and sensitive.
A St Patrick's Day Proposal and Shared Heartbreak
The couple's relationship went from strength to strength, leading to an engagement in 2012. The proposal happened on St Patrick's Day in an Irish oyster bar, a surprise to Jodie who had expected it earlier after meeting the Queen.
Their joy was soon tempered by sadness when Jodie's father, Marty, died from kidney cancer in March 2012. Jodie found comfort in knowing her dad approved of Simon, having loved him like a son and believing Jodie would be safe with him.
Life on the Farm with a Menagerie of Animals
Today, Jodie and Simon have embraced a countryside life. The animal-loving actress has moved with her fiancé to a farm where they keep a variety of animals, including cows and chickens.
She humorously admits to often smelling of chicken poo, but states unequivocally that this life with the animals is what makes her happiest, even if she enjoys dressing up for a fancy event on occasion.
While Glenda Shuttleworth continues to search for love in Weatherfield, Jodie Prenger has firmly found hers, building a future with Simon far away from the dramatic storylines of the Rovers Return.
