A Coronation Street extra has lifted the lid on life behind the scenes, including strict rules on tattoos and jewellery. Laura Jackson, who recently played a nurse on the soap, told Heart Bingo Online that producers enforce realism by limiting visible accessories.
Jackson explained that in medical scenes, jewellery is kept to a minimum. 'I’ve got three piercings, so obviously infection control, they wouldn’t be allowing that. I was asked to take my earrings out and my necklace off,' she said. Other restrictions include no visible offensive tattoos, false nails, or false eyelashes for certain roles.
For non-medical scenes, such as those set in the Rovers Return, rules are more relaxed. Jackson noted that only 'obnoxious hoop earrings' might be banned to avoid distracting from main characters. 'Everything is about realism,' she added.
Jackson also described the inclusive atmosphere on set, where extras eat alongside main cast members. She praised Tina O'Brien, who plays Sarah Platt, as 'an absolutely lovely person' after meeting her in the canteen. Extras are photographed after hair and makeup to ensure continuity across filming days.
Directors guide extras with simple directions or dialogue for speaking roles. Jackson said, 'Although you’re an extra you’re still important as you are there to make the scene look as realistic as possible.'
