Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine reveals heartwarming name choice for third child in 'Very Corrie' connection

Coronation Street luminary Jennie McAlpine has opened up about her third child's name, a heartwarming revelation she's held close since welcoming her bundle of joy six months ago. The actress, renowned for her portrayal of the beloved Fiz Stape on the iconic soap, is now prepared to share her newfound joy with the world, and the chosen name resonates with a "very Corrie" connection.

A Baby's Name with Significance

Jennie McAlpine, aged 38, and her husband Chris Farr, welcomed their third child, a delightful addition to their family just days before Easter. Choosing to keep the news under wraps until now, Jennie has unveiled that they've bestowed the name "Doris" upon their cherished baby girl. This moniker complements their existing brood, which includes eight-year-old Albert and four-year-old Hilda.

Choosing a Name: The Corrie Way

Anticipating their new arrival, the couple embarked on a journey to select a name that would encapsulate their child's identity. The gender remained a surprise until birth, prompting them to curate a list of potential names for both boys and girls. Their eldest, Albert, engaged earnestly in the process, leading to an intriguing conundrum. Jennie shared, "There were a lot of boys’ names discarded, mainly because of football. Albert is a Manchester United fan and I think he left us with about two boys’ names to choose from."

A Connection to the Corrie Legacy

"Doris," a name replete with familial significance, aligns seamlessly with "Albert" and "Hilda." Jennie's choice holds a unique charm, enriched by its connection to the world of Coronation Street. The actress elucidated that her decision to name her daughter "Doris" is interwoven with the soap's history.

The name pays homage to the character Doris Speed portrayed, Annie Walker, the inaugural landlady of the Rovers. Jennie mused, "There’s obviously something in my DNA that means these baby names keep happening!"

Inspiration and Heritage

The distinctive name "Hilda," borne by Jennie's four-year-old daughter, was inspired by another indelible Coronation Street character. Hilda Ogden, immortalized by the late Jean Alexander, left an enduring impression. Jennie's penchant for drawing inspiration from the soap world has taken root, a sentiment she shared with OK! magazine before Doris' arrival. She affirmed, "I can probably guarantee that whatever the name we choose, it will have been a character in Corrie – I don’t know how to avoid it!"

The Delight of Secrecy and Hidden Bumps

Jennie's journey to motherhood was shrouded in secrecy, as she only revealed her pregnancy when she was six months along. Recognizing familiar signs from her previous pregnancies, she embarked on a pregnancy test that confirmed her expectations.

During her on-screen appearances, the ingenious team at Coronation Street artfully concealed her growing bump with inventive props. Washing baskets and even a Ford Fiesta played a part in maintaining continuity.

FAQs

How old is Jennie McAlpine?

The 39-year-old Coronation Street actress celebrated the arrival of her baby girl in April. Opting to keep the news within her close circle, she decided to savor the precious moments of the newborn phase privately for five months before making a public announcement.


Who is Jennie McAlpine’s partner?

In 2017, McAlpine tied the knot with Chris Farr, a restaurant manager, sealing their relationship that had begun in 2005. Reflecting on her Scottish heritage and distinctive red hair, she expressed her pride in her Scottish roots and her genuine fondness for visiting Scotland.