From Soap Star to Supermarket: Alexandra Mardell's Unexpected Career Twist

In an unexpected twist that only life—and perhaps a sitcom—could deliver, Alexandra Mardell, our beloved Emma Brooker from Coronation Street, has traded her soap suds for supermarket aisles. Yes, you heard it right! The glittering lights of the acting world have dimmed in favor of a fresh, alluring line of work at Aldi. At the tender age of 31, Alexandra decided that it was time to hang up her pink attire and embrace a different kind of *role*—the one where she dons a nametag instead of a costume.

Her farewell to the cobbled streets of Weatherfield came in 2022 when she wrapped things up with a character who had all too familiar troubles, primarily concerning her tumultuous love life with Curtis Delamere. Talk about relatable, right? In a heartfelt social media post, she captured the bittersweet essence of moving on, declaring that it was "the right time" to bid adieu to the familiar and seek out new adventures—or perhaps just a discount on groceries.

In a curious twist, Alexandra has not just settled into her new role as a supermarket employee; she has taken her talents to the screen again as... wait for it... a speaking sausage in Aldi’s latest advert. Yes, you read that right! There’s nothing like being a sausage to remind you of the joy of cooking and, perhaps, eating on a budget. In a now-deleted Instagram video, she passionately exclaimed, "I am... Sausage Casserole! Never felt so connected to a role!" Now, that’s commitment! The advert boasted a family dining together, with the delightful revelation that this culinary masterpiece costs a mere £2.69. Gasp!

Of course, her co-stars and fans weren't short on support. Comments poured in, with Jenny Connor’s Sally Ann Matthews exclaiming, "Oh my God. That's totally being assigned as your ringtone. Love it!" while Georgia Taylor, of course, couldn’t resist adding that it was an "Absolute banger." It seems Alexandra has become a culinary sensation, one way or another!

If you were at all worried that she would slip silently into the world of discount groceries, fret not! Alexandra made her mark on television when she danced her way to stardom during the Christmas special of Strictly Come Dancing in December 2022. Paired up with Kai, they dazzled everyone with their quickstep to "Sleigh Ride" by the Ronettes, ultimately taking home the glittering crown. Who knew sausages could two-step?

As she bid farewell to her iconic character, Alexandra shared an emotional message in typical Nora Ephron fashion: "And that's a wrap on the best street there is! And of course I ugly cried as soon as the scene completed." It was a melange of love, laughter, and perhaps a sprinkle of regret for the good times that had passed. She thanked her Corrie family, saying, "To every person in that building, every viewer, family member, and friend, I love you all and can't thank you enough!" Ah, the bittersweet pangs of nostalgia!

Since stepping away from her soap opera days, Alexandra has been diligently stacking shelves and securing a role in the upcoming BBC comedy series Smoggie Queens, set to hit our screens this autumn. Now, that’s nothing short of a career renaissance!

On a personal note, Alexandra is living her very own fairy tale as she’s just stepped into matrimony with actor Joe Parker. They tied the knot in a breathtaking ceremony on March 19, 2023, and, if you can believe it, it took place at The Tithe Barn in Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire. With 90 guests—including her fellow Corrie stars—gathered to witness their vows, it was truly a star-studded affair. Love is in the air at Aldi, and it seems it won’t be leaving any time soon, like that stubborn supermarket trolley that just won’t roll straight!

So, here’s to Alexandra Mardell: from the cobblestones of Weatherfield to the aisles of Aldi, reminding us all that life is a balance of roles, whether it’s playing a character or just finding the best deals on sausages!