Coronation Street's Jennie McAlpine makes rare public appearance months after soap exit

Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine was seen making a rare public appearance weeks after exiting the soap after 22 years. It also comes after she announced back in January that she was expecting her third child - and was already six months into her pregnancy.

Jennie, who is famed for playing Fiz Dobbs - nee Brown - in ITV's Corrie, was all smiles as she posed outside Manchester's Palace Theatre where Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical had its opening night.

As well as Jennie, a number of other famous faces took to the purple carpet and hoards of school children packed out the venue for Charlie and The Chocolate Factory’s official launch night on Wednesday evening (July 12).

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Based on the iconic story, the spectacular stage show is said to follow the hit West End and Broadway productions to combine the memorable songs from the original 1970’s motion picture with all new numbers from the songwriters of Hairspray.

And back to Jennie and the soap star looked fabulous in black and orange floral dress worn under a classic denim jacket before accessorising with a small pink bag over her shoulder. And her trademark fiery red locks were tied back with just a few ringlets framing her face as she grinned for the camera with the musical's programme in her hand.

Jennie's outing comes after she was last seen on screen in Corrie in May. She was seen packing her bags before leaving her family behind as she was offered a new job. Viewers of the ITV soap saw the Underworld machinist being offered a supervisor role by Stephen Reid, telling her it was double the salary she was on - but was based in Norwich.

Fiz was then seen