Coronation Street's Susie Price (Aurora Bradshaw) faces heartbreak in upcoming episodes when a bout of chickenpox threatens to derail her dreams of performing in a West End musical.
The eight-year-old, daughter of Rovers Return landlady Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley), had already seen her first shot at stardom cut short when a trip to London with stepdad Ben (Aaron McCusker) was abandoned after Eva was accidentally pushed down the cellar steps by Sam Blakeman (Jude Riordan).
Susie's second chance at stardom
Susie first came to attention when a video of her singing, shared by Glenda Shuttleworth (Jodie Prenger) through the Little Big Shotz performing arts school, caught the eye of a London casting director. That led to an audition for a major West End musical.
The opportunity divided the family, with step-grandmother Maggie Driscoll (Pauline McLynn) overprotective following the abuse ordeal suffered by grandson Will Driscoll (Lucas Hodgson-Wale). Glenda accused Maggie of trying to sabotage Susie's bid for stardom.
Chickenpox threatens the show
Now Susie is set for a second chance in the spotlight, but it may be blown. At the Rovers, under Glenda's supervision, Susie practises her vocal exercises despite clearly being unwell, hiding a rash on her neck before heading into the bar.
Susie shows Eva and Maggie the spots on her neck and back. When Maggie declares it is chickenpox and that she will not be able to perform in the show, Susie is gutted.
