For actor Stephanie Davis, landing the part of Coronation Street's Courtney Vance has proven to be a dream come true, with the soap star having been gripped by the ups and downs of Weatherfield life since childhood. As Courtney, Stephanie has been given plenty to sink her teeth into, with the complicated character already making quite the impression following her introduction to the cobbles this summer.
Viewers were left stunned after flirtatious Courtney embarked on a surprise affair with Aadi Alahan (Adam Hussain), the 18-year-old son of Dev Alahan (Jimmi Harkishin). Things were of course made even more complicated given that Courtney's wealthy, and now-estranged, husband had been a potentially very lucrative business associate of Dev's, whom he'd hoped to stay on the right side of.
With Courtney and Aadi now setting up a home together in the precinct flat, cracks are already starting to show, leaving fans guessing as to what will happen next. For actor Stephanie, her career is going in an exciting new direction, and she has plenty to celebrate. The 30-year-old's path to success hasn't always been easy, however, and she has endured some very painful times in her life.
Toxic romance with famous ex
Stephanie was previously involved in an abusive relationship with model and reality star Jeremy McConnell, whom she met in 2016 while competing in the seventeenth series of Celebrity Big Brother. In 2017, Jeremy was found guilty of assaulting Stephanie while she held their baby son, Caben Albi, in her arms at her Merseyside home in March of that year.
At the time, The Independent reported that, during a tearful appearance at Liverpool Magistrates' Court, Stephanie shared how she had feared that Jeremy would kill her, describing the moment her mother knocked on the door as "the biggest relief of her life". Stephanie told the court: "He's completely destroyed my life, it's been the worst 18 months of my life." Jeremy was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and instructed to attend a Building Better Relationships course, on top of carrying out 200 hours community service.
Nowadays, Stephanie is loved up with boyfriend Joseph Mckalroy, who she reportedly began dating in 2022. Fans have been thrilled to see her looking so happy, with a recent sweet couple's pic of the pair kissing on a balcony prompting plenty of good wishes for their future together.
Speaking with the Mirror back in July, the now joyful Stephanie said: "You know when you're younger and your mum says about a boy, 'You'll know when you know'? Now I know what she meant – I just know! Joe's amazing. I'm so blessed to have him in my life. He's an amazing person, an amazing dad, and he's got the most amazing heart. And Caben's an amazing kid. It's like he's been here before, he's got a really good head on him. He's my world, my everything. Joe and Caben's bond is really special. I didn't think I could love Joe anymore until I saw their relationship."
Beating addiction
Brave Stephanie has previously opened up candidly about her battles with alcohol addiction, which drastically affected her mental health, and even led to her having suicidal thoughts. Now sober, Stephanie, who says she's been to "hell and back", attends regular recovery meetings, and now supports other women in similar positions in her role as a sponsor.
Reflecting on how far she's come, Stephanie told the Mirror: "When I was in that bad phase, I was suicidal. I didn't see a way out. That's why I love what I do now, because I can show people that if I can do it, they can too. I can say, 'This is where I was, and this is what happened, and this is where I am now'. I can help them through their journey – it's the gift that keeps on giving. I've grown up and I've worked my arse off to be where I am today – hell yes, I'm proud of myself! My dad always tells me there's one thing I am, and that's a fighter, and I really am."
If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch
Coronation Street airs every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 pm on ITV, and can be streamed on ITVX.
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