Amy Robbins has become a firm favourite playing Christina Boyd on Coronation Street, but her real life is markedly different from her on-screen alter-ego. The actress joined the ITV soap in 2023 as Christina, the mother of Daisy Midgeley (Charlotte Jordan), and has since become a regular, featuring in several major storylines.
Her time in Weatherfield has included a devious catfishing scheme and finding love with undertaker George Shuttleworth (Tony Maudsley). Recently, it was revealed that Christina's long-lost granddaughter Lucy Parkinson (Anya Dewin) is living on the cobbles. In Monday's episode (October 5), Christina tries to get to know Lucy, who is unaware of the truth.
Amy Robbins' extensive television career
Amy Robbins is no stranger to screens, boasting an extensive television portfolio spanning many years. The RADA-educated star has appeared in programmes including Where the Heart Is, Heartbeat, Hollyoaks, EastEnders, Holby City, Doctors, and Emmerdale.
She appeared on the ITV soap in 2022, playing the defence barrister in the court case of the village serial killer Meena Jutla (Paige Sandhu).
Marriage to fellow actor Robert Daws
Amy is married to fellow actor Robert Daws, whose career spans almost 50 years. Robert has appeared in the likes of Death in Paradise and Holby City, and played Tuppy Glossop in ITV's comedy Jeeves and Wooster from 1990 to 1993. He also appeared on Coronation Street in 2010, playing Tom Hughes.
The pair started dating while working on ITV medical drama The Royal, in which Amy played Dr. Jill Weatherill and Robert played her on-screen husband Dr Gordon. Talking about their romance, Amy told The Mirror in 2007: "We were friends for a long time. But I just knew I wanted to be with him. We are like two sides of the same person and have a similar outlook on life. We are both big family people and put our families first. People even say that we look alike."
Amy and Robert share two daughters, Elizabeth and May. However, Amy has said her first experience of childbirth was traumatic. She added: "It was a nightmare. I remember going into the labour ward and thinking I'd gone into hell and all these women were being tortured."
Famous brother and wider family
Amy belongs to a remarkably gifted theatrical family. Her brother Ted previously appeared on Corrie seven years ago as Mary Taylor's romantic interest, Brendan Finch. He is also known for productions including Calendar Girls, The Slammer, Diddy Movies, and Benidorm.
In 2023, Amy revealed the guidance Ted offered her after discovering she'd secured a role in the popular ITV soap. She told The Mirror: "He told me not to underestimate the feeling of standing in the Rovers for the first time. He said it would be overwhelming, and he was right." His other piece of advice was not to call William Roache 'Ken' like he did. Ted bumped into William and accidentally said 'hello Mr Barlow'.
Meanwhile, Amy's sister, Kate Robbins, is also a recognisable face, and the duo featured together in the 1986 sketch programme Robbins. Kate has appeared on screen in programmes including Spitting Image, After Life, and EastEnders, whilst her daughter is I'm A Celeb and Rivals star, Emily Atack.
Amy's first cousin once removed is The Beatles icon Paul McCartney. Paul is Amy's mum's cousin, and she has spoken warmly of him, stating: "He's everything you would hope him to be, genuinely lovely."
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
