Rochdale Literature and Ideas Festival: Jane Danson (aka Coronation Street's Leanne Battersby)

Rochdale Literature and Ideas Festival: Jane Danson (aka Coronation Street's Leanne Battersby)

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Coronation Street actress Jane Danson appeared at the Rochdale Literature and Ideas Festival today (Saturday 25 October) to give an acting workshop to young people as well as taking part in an interview and question and answer session.

Known for her role as Leanne Battersby in Coronation Street, Jane started her day in Rochdale by holding an acting skills workshop designed to develop acting skills and confidence.

Speaking about the workshop, Jane said: “We had a great response to the workshop. We had about six to seven students who had a good time. I think they were nervous at first but once we began they relaxed and the nerves went and everyone really enjoyed it.”

Jane then took to the main stage with compere Norman Warwick to discuss her life as an actor and her time on Coronation Street.

Jane first appeared on the famous cobbled street in 1997 as Leanne Battersby. After leaving the show in 2000 she then returned in 2004 before leaving again due to pregnancy. She returned in 2007.

During her time on the show, Jane has been involved in storylines including her character being a drug addict, becoming a mother and being married to an alcoholic.

Speaking about her job, Jane said: “It is fantastic. It is a very humbling experience and I am very lucky to be doing what I am doing.”

This year has seen the second Literature and Ideas Festival take place in Rochdale.

Speaking about the Festival, Jane said: “I think there is a strong line-up and think that it is great. It is really good that Rochdale has something like this.”