A brand new character has arrived on the famous cobbles of Coronation Street, sending ripples through the ITV soap's loyal fanbase. The mysterious Jodie, portrayed by actress and singer-songwriter Olivia Frances Brown, made her dramatic first appearance during a special hour-long episode that saw the worlds of Coronation Street and Emmerdale collide.
A Dramatic Entrance on the Cobbles
Jodie's debut was nothing short of chaotic, unfolding during a catastrophic multi-vehicle pile-up that gridlocked traffic. In a shocking twist, viewers spotted a hooded man—later revealed to be Emmerdale's Graham Foster in a surprise return—holding a woman captive in the back of a van.
The captive woman, now known to be Jodie, managed to escape her confines but was injured as she fled into nearby woodland. She was subsequently rescued by the character Kit Green, setting the stage for her introduction to the Street.
The drama continued into Tuesday's episode, where a connection to established resident Shona Platt was established. Both women were hospitalised following the crash. As pregnant Shona and her husband David Platt passed by her hospital bed, Jodie looked on in clear surprise, with upcoming spoilers hinting at further entanglement between them.
The Star Behind the Character: Olivia Frances Brown
Bringing the enigmatic Jodie to life is Manchester-based Olivia Frances Brown. The Liverpool-born performer is not only an actress but also a talented singer-songwriter, with her Instagram bio quipping she is "probably singing jazz standards somewhere". She boasts a following of over 18,000 on the platform.
While her role in Coronation Street marks a major step, it is not her first television credit. Olivia has previously appeared in Channel 4's The Gathering, as well as in Archie and the acclaimed series Boiling Point.
Her Famous Fiancé: James Nelson-Joyce
Off-screen, Olivia's personal life is equally noteworthy. She is engaged to fellow actor James Nelson-Joyce, a star best known for his role as Michael Kavanagh in the popular series This City Is Ours.
The couple, who have been together for several years, announced their happy engagement in a joint social media post back in 2023. Just last week, they shared a glimpse of their festive celebrations on Instagram with a caption reading: "Merry Xmas from JNJ and OFB xxx."
James Nelson-Joyce has an extensive list of acting credits beyond his breakout role. His filmography includes appearances in Mount Pleasant, Little Boy Blue, The Nest, Time, The Outlaws, and Guy Ritchie's The Covenant, showcasing his versatility across both television and film.
As Jodie's story begins to unfold on the nation's most famous street, fans will be watching closely—not only for the on-screen drama but with newfound interest in the talented actress and her famous partner behind the character. Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV and ITVX.
