Katy Armstrong

Last updated

Katy Armstrong
Coronation Street character
Katy Armstrong.jpg
Portrayed by Georgia May Foote
Duration2010–2015
First appearance30 July 2010
Last appearance20 March 2015
Classification Former; regular
Introduced by Phil Collinson
Spin-off
appearances
Coronation Street: Text Santa Special (2013)
In-universe information
OccupationCatering assistant at Prima Doner
Gym receptionist
Father Owen Armstrong
Mother Linda Hancock
Sisters Izzy Armstrong
Sons Joseph Brown
Nephews Jake Windass

Katy Armstrong is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street , played by Georgia May Foote. The character's first appearance was broadcast on 30 July 2010 and she made her final appearance on 20 March 2015.

Contents

In the show, Katy is the youngest daughter of Owen Armstrong (Ian Puleston-Davies) and sister of Izzy Armstrong (Cherylee Houston). The character's storylines mainly revolve around her relationship with Chesney Brown (Sam Aston), her pregnancy and son Joseph Brown (originally Lucca-Owen Warwick), and her affair with Ryan Connor (Sol Heras).

Foote's departure from the show was announced in April 2014. She filmed her final scenes on 16 February 2015. Katy was killed in an off-screen car accident in Portugal on 18 October 2017, facilitating the return of Joseph (now William Flanagan).

Storylines

Katy attends Chesney Brown's birthday party with her sister, Izzy; she and Chesney get drunk and ride Izzy's wheelchair around the street, but are caught by Katy's father, Owen. Chesney invites Katy to Roy (portrayed by David Neilson) and Hayley Cropper's (portrayed by Julie Hesmondhalgh) wedding reception, and they soon become close. She opens up to him about her mother, who could not deal with Izzy's disability and walked out on the family. Owen takes an aversion to Katy's growing bond with Chesney, and Katy uses Izzy to cover for her when she and Chesney sleep together. When Owen discovers what has happened, he and Katy argue, and she decides to leave home. The couple soon realises that they cannot afford their own flat, but Katy moves in with Chesney at 5 Coronation Street. A few months later, Chesney and Katy rent a flat on Victoria Street.

When Katy discovers she is pregnant, Owen suggests an abortion. Katy talks through her options with Izzy. When Chesney is kidnapped by John Stape (portrayed by Graeme Hawley), she believes he has disappeared and decides on an abortion, but changes her mind when he returns. When Fiz Stape (portrayed by Jennie McAlpine), Chesney's sister and John's wife, is arrested, Katy helps to look after her young daughter Hope (originally portrayed by Harriet Atkins and Sadie Pilbury). Katy is cast as Mary in the local nativity play, and goes into labor during the performance. Anna Windass (portrayed by Debbie Rush) assists in delivering Katy and Chesney's son, Joseph.

Katy struggles with being a mother and leaves Joseph unattended while she goes out; she briefly leaves the Street as she doubts her parenting skills, but returns after talking with Izzy. After Izzy miscarries, Katy offers to be a surrogate for her and Gary Windass (portrayed by Mikey North). A fertility clinic counselor questions whether Katy is emotionally strong enough to give up a baby, causing Izzy to change her mind about surrogacy.

Katy develops a crush on Ryan Connor and begins a short-lived affair with him. Katy and Ryan are spotted by Gary, who punches Ryan. Chesney realises that Katy has been cheating on him and throws her out onto the street. Katy and Joseph move in with Owen and Anna. Owen struggles to accept Ryan as part of the family, and Katy moves in with Ryan, his mother, Michelle Connor (portrayed by Kym Marsh), and Michelle's boyfriend, Steve McDonald (portrayed by Simon Gregson). Chesney begins dating Sinead Tinker (portrayed by Katie McGlynn). Katy discovers that Gary tried to kiss her surrogate mother, Tina McIntyre (Michelle Keegan), and inadvertently reveals the truth to Izzy. Tina goes into labor with Izzy and Gary's baby two months prematurely. Izzy cuts off her links with Gary, Katy, and Ryan.

Katy tells Chesney that she does not like how much time Sinead spends with Joseph. When Chesney makes a remark about Ryan and his drug addiction, Katy leaves. Sinead sees that Chesney is using her to get back at Katy. When Katy and Ryan ask Chesney to babysit, it leads to a row with Sinead. Katy and Sinead clash, leading to an argument in the street. When Chesney tells Katy that Ryan was spotted with another girl, Jamie-Lee (portrayed by Kate Holderness), Katy looks at Ryan's phone and sees a series of text messages from Jamie-Lee. Katy breaks up with Ryan and begs Chesney for another chance, but he refuses.

Katy and Chesney eventually reunite, but both realise that they are only back together for the sake of Joseph, so they decide to break up again. Katy's friend, Steph Britton (portrayed by Tisha Merry), moves onto the Street and persuades Katy to attend a party thrown by their mutual enemy. Katy goes head-to-head with Gail McIntyre (portrayed by Helen Worth), in order to get a job as a receptionist at the new gym run by Dev Alahan (portrayed by Jimmi Harkishin) and Kal Nazir (portrayed by Jimi Mistry). Dev wants to hire Katy, while Kal prefers Gail for the job. Katy and Gail hear the way that Dev and Kal are talking about them, and they come to a decision where they will work part-time, with the wages being pushed up by £1.

When Katy finds out that Anna slept with Owen's former business partner, Pat Phelan (portrayed by Connor McIntyre), she decides to take Joseph to live in Steph's flat. She later has a short-term relationship with Callum Logan (portrayed by Sean Ward). Katy and Izzy's mother, Linda Hancock (portrayed by Jacqueline Leonard), arrives in Weatherfield and Katy grows fond of her. She asks Katy to move away back to Portugal with her, and after talking it over with Chesney, she and Joseph leave Weatherfield.

On 18 October 2017, Izzy gets a phone call from Owen saying that Katy has been killed instantly in a car crash off-screen.

Casting

On 9 June 2010, Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy announced that former Grange Hill actress Georgia May Foote had joined the cast of Coronation Street as Katy Armstrong. [1] Foote was working in her local fish and chip shop when she learned that she had won the role, following an audition. [2] She began filming her first scenes around the time of her casting announcement. [2] Foote had previously made a guest appearance in Coronation Street as Jess Burrows in January 2010. [2] Foote's "feisty and outspoken" character was introduced as the sister of Izzy Armstrong (Cherylee Houston) and a love interest for Chesney Brown (Sam Aston). [2]

Development

Relationship with Chesney Brown and motherhood

Katy arrives in Coronation Street to visit her older sister, Izzy. She meets Chesney Brown at a birthday party and is "instantly attracted" to him. [3] A show spokesperson explained "She loves the fact that he flogs stuff down the market, and he can't believe his luck when she asks him out. She's absolutely gorgeous and he really couldn't have asked for a sexier first girlfriend." [3] Katy and Chesney begin dating and Foote revealed that she wanted the couple to go the distance, saying "I'd like to see them make a go of it, they're a sweet couple - as long as Chesney does as he's told!" [4] The actress commented that she enjoyed working with Aston, as they had attended the same drama school and had "a laugh" together, a fact the writers reflected on screen. [4] The couple were seen discussing the future of their relationship and whether to take things further. [3] The spokesperson revealed that the storyline would be handled responsibly and Katy and Chesney would talk about the various contraceptives they could use. [3] Katy and Chesney plan to have sex at her house when they learn her father, Owen (Ian Puleston-Davies), will be out of the house. [5] However, shortly after Chesney arrives at Katy's, Owen decides to stay home and "scuppers the young lovers' plans". [5] Chesney then learns his house is empty and he and Katy go there and have sex for the first time. [5] Owen later finds out what has happened and he "hits the roof". [3]

In February 2011, it was announced Katy would reveal her desire to have a child. [6] She suggests starting a family to Chesney, who is left shocked because he believes they are too young to become parents. [6] Kilkelly reported "However, after Katy continues to push the idea, Chesney is expected to change his mind and begin looking for a flat that he can rent with his girlfriend." [6] A few months later, Foote explained Katy's motive behind her desire for a child was her mother's abandonment of her family. From that point, she did not have "a proper family" and Chesney experienced a similar situation. [7] The actress revealed "They both feel like they're missing out on something, so Katy came up with the idea of having a baby and moving out of home". [7] When Katy and Chesney learn that they are expecting a baby, they wonder how to tell their respective families. [7] Foote believed Chesney's sister would be shocked, while Owen would "absolutely flip" because it is not what he wanted for his daughter. [7]

Affair with Ryan Connor

While Katy and Ryan are running an errand together, their van breaks down and they end up sharing a kiss. The following month, Foote teased the storyline during an appearance on Daybreak explaining that it begins when Katy is teased by her friends for being dull. [8] The actress continued "It's her friend's 18th birthday, so they're having a party. They all keep taking the mick out of her, saying she's sitting at home and she's boring. She just wants to go out and have fun, and then [Ryan] starts making a bit of a move on her!" [8] Ryan "sees Katy in a new light" when she turns up at The Bistro for her friend's birthday, where he is DJing. Heras commented that his character has not really noticed Katy before, as she is a stay-at-home mother, but seeing her "dolled up" and in his environment catches his attention. [8] Heras said "He realises how pretty she is and what a gorgeous girl she is. He manages to sort it for her to get a job at the kebab shop and yes, he probably does have an ulterior motive." [9]

Katy and Ryan start to become closer at the kebab shop and one day go in for another kiss. [9] Foote believed that Katy had not had a "teenage wild time" because of her relationship with Chesney and their son, so her head is turned by Ryan and it is exciting for her. [9] Foote added that Katy does not mean to hurt Chesney, but the situation with Ryan gets out of her control. [8] Chesney later proposes to Katy in front of their family and friends at Faye's (Ellie Leach) birthday party, but hours later he learns about her affair with Ryan. [10] The Daily Star's Peter Dyke and Katie Begley reported that Chesney would confront Katy in front of their son, demanding to know whether she had sex with Ryan and threatening to beat him up. [10] Chesney then "calls time on their romance" and throws Katy out. [10]

Departure

On 27 April 2014, it was announced that Foote had been written out of the show. [11] Foote stated that while she was sad to be leaving, she was excited about the challenge of future roles. She also praised her character's storylines and her co-stars. [11] Executive producer Stuart Blackburn confirmed that Katy would not be killed off and that the door would be left open for a possible return in the future. [11] Foote filmed her final scenes in February 2015. [12] Katy was killed off-screen in a car accident on 18 October 2017. [13]

Reception

For her portrayal of Katy, Foote was included on the long-list for Best Soap Newcomer at the 2011 TV Choice Awards. [14] Roz Laws, writing for the Sunday Mercury , commented "Katy and Chesney are barely out of nappies but the young lovers are moving in together. I think Katy has been watching too much Big Fat Gypsy Weddings , as she's left school to become a teenage mum and housewife." [15] During her review of Coronation Street's Christmas storylines, Sarah Dempster from The Guardian commented "Sing hosanna, then, for Katy Armstrong's uterus. The impetuous organ presented Weatherfield with its first ever nativity-within-a-nativity, a neonatal turducken that would (temporarily) muffle the chaos and (briefly) drown out the boo-hooing." [16]

In February 2013, Laura Morgan from All About Soap wrote "Forget the upcoming Rovers fire, the most smoking thing on the street has to be the growing attraction between hot couple Katy and Ryan. This sexy young pair look so damn good together you'd be forgiven for forgetting that Katy's actually already spoken for. Whoops!" [17] Morgan added that while Katy and Chesney are sweet, she had never bought into their relationship and thought that it was about time Katy looked for excitement elsewhere. [17]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kirk Sutherland</span> Fictional character from Coronation Street

Kirk Sutherland is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street. The character first appeared on-screen as "Mark" during the episode airing on 22 May 2000, played by an uncredited walk-on actor. He was renamed Kirk and has been played by Andy Whyment since October 2000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sunita Alahan</span> Fictional character from Coronation Street

Sunita Alahan was a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, played by Shobna Gulati. She made her first screen appearance on 23 March 2001 and remained in the show until 2006, when the character was axed from the serial by producer Tony Wood. In 2009, Sunita returned to Coronation Street as a full-time character, reintroduced by producer Kim Crowther. In November 2012, Gulati announced that she had quit the soap once more, this time permanently. Sunita died on 3 April 2013 as she succumbed to the injuries she sustained during the Rovers Return fire, caused by her illicit ex-lover Karl Munro.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Violet Wilson</span> Fictional character from Coronation Street

Violet Wilson is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street. She was portrayed by Jenny Platt making her first on-screen appearance on 8 October 2004 and remained until 29 February 2008. Platt returned for one episode on 24 April 2011, and returned again on 20 March 2024 for a short stint.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Connor</span> Fictional character from Coronation Street

Ryan Connor is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street. He first appeared on-screen during the episode broadcast on 30 August 2006. The character was initially portrayed by actor Ben Thompson from his introduction until 8 October 2010, when the character was written out of the serial. Ryan was created by series producer Steve Frost as part of the Connor family. The character was reintroduced in 2012, with the role recast to actor Sol Heras. Heras quit the role in July 2013 and Ryan departed on 2 October 2013. Ryan's return was confirmed in February 2018 and he returned on 23 May 2018, with Ryan Prescott recast in the role. It was confirmed that Ryan would leave the soap in late 2023. Ryan’s departure aired on 20 December 2023. Ryan returned on 1 March 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Stape</span> Soap opera character

John Stape is a fictional character from the ITV soap opera Coronation Street, played by actor Graeme Hawley. He made his first on-screen appearance during the episode airing on 6 May 2007. The character departed on 3 June 2011 after four years on the show. Hawley made a short return to Coronation Street from 21 October 2011 until 28 October 2011 when he was killed off.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Julie Carp</span> Fictional character from the ITV soap opera Coronation Street

Julie Carp is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, played by Katy Cavanagh. The character debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 25 April 2008 and was originally introduced as a new girlfriend of established character Kirk Sutherland and in a later storyline she was revealed to be Eileen Grimshaw's half-sister. On 4 February 2015, it was announced that Cavanagh had decided not to renew her contract with the show in order to go and pursue other projects. She departed on 3 July 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sian Powers</span> Soap opera character

Sian Powers is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, portrayed by Sacha Parkinson. Sian was introduced as a love interest for Sophie Webster. Sian joined the cast of Coronation Street alongside Ben Richardson in January 2009 as Sophie's schoolmates. They soon form a new group of teenagers along with Ryan Connor. Sian and girlfriend Sophie are Coronation Street's first lesbian couple. It was announced on 29 May 2011 that Parkinson had quit her role, and she made her last on screen appearance on 30 December 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Becky McDonald</span> Character from the British soap opera Coronation Street

Becky McDonald is a fictional character from the British soap opera Coronation Street, played by Katherine Kelly. Becky was created by producer Tony Wood, and made her debut in the episode airing on 5 February 2006. Kelly was initially contracted to appear for three months, but became a series regular after impressing the serial's producers. In April 2011, Kelly announced her decision to leave the soap. Producer Phil Collinson created dramatic storylines in the build-up to her exit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Izzy Armstrong</span> Fictional character from Coronation Street

Izzy Armstrong is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, portrayed by Cherylee Houston. The character first appears on-screen on 16 April 2010; she is introduced as a new love interest for Kirk Sutherland. Following her arrival, she gets a job at the Underworld factory. Upon her debut, she was heralded as the soap's first disabled regular character in 50 years. Izzy was the first member of the Armstrong family to be introduced, her father Owen and sister Katy arrived within two months after her first appearance.

Cheryl Gray (<i>Coronation Street</i>) Soap opera character

Cheryl Gray is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, played by Holly Quin-Ankrah. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing 9 April 2010. Originally introduced as a love interest for an existing character, Cheryl has been involved in storylines involving lapdancing and domestic abuse since her inception. Cheryl's age was tweaked to accommodate the much younger Quin-Ankrah's real age. In May 2011, it was announced the producers had decided not to renew Quin-Ankrah's contract. She departed on-screen on 18 November 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Owen Armstrong</span> Fictional character from Coronation Street

Owen Armstrong is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, played by Ian Puleston-Davies. He made his first on-screen appearance on 9 June 2010 and left the show on 15 April 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diane Hutchinson</span> Fictional character from Hollyoaks

Diane Hutchinson is a fictional character from the British soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Alex Fletcher. The character made her first appearance on 1 September 2010. Diane was introduced into the series by Hollyoaks' executive producer Paul Marquess, during his rejuvenation of the show. Marquess axed numerous characters and replaced them with new families. Fletcher began filming in June 2010, the same month her casting was publicised. Diane was introduced with her husband, Rob and stepchildren, Sinead and Finn O'Connor. The O'Connors are one of three families that were introduced 2010. Diane is characterised as a "loving wife" and a "devoted stepmum". Fletcher initially hoped that Diane would be likeable, despite her over the top demeanour. Fletcher believed Diane has a good relationship with her step-children and was loathe to portray her as "the wicked stepmother".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kylie Platt</span> Fictional character from the British soap opera Coronation Street

Kylie Platt is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, played by Paula Lane. She was introduced as Becky McDonald's half-sister, making her on-screen debut on 26 August 2010. Lane landed the role, with executive producer Phil Collinson describing her as a brilliant casting. He also revealed that Kylie would have "major storylines" during her first six months in the serial. Lane created her approach to her portrayal from her own past experiences whilst growing up. Lane impressed the producers and had her contract extended until July 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chesney Brown</span> Fictional character from Coronation Street

Chesney Winter-Brown is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, played by Sam Aston. He made his first on-screen appearance on 10 November 2003. The character is named after the singer, Chesney Hawkes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stella Price</span> Fictional character from the British ITV soap opera, Coronation Street

Stella Price is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, played by Michelle Collins. Collins' casting was announced in April 2011 and she began filming her scenes in May. The actress commuted from north London to Manchester for filming. Collins joined the show in order to have the financial security to ensure that her daughter could go to university. Collins, who is from Southern England and was previously well known for her role as Londoner, Cindy Beale on BBC's EastEnders, used a Northern accent for the role of Stella as Coronation Street is set in Manchester. She made her first on-screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 16 June 2011. Stella was introduced along with her boyfriend, Karl Munro, and her daughter, Eva. The following year, Stella’s mother, Gloria was also introduced. In August 2013, it was announced that Collins would be leaving the soap and she filmed her final scenes on 19 February 2014. Stella departed on 2 April 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kirsty Soames</span> Soap opera character

Kirsty Soames is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, played by Natalie Gumede. She made her first on-screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 7 September 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ciaran McCarthy</span> Fictional character from British soap opera Coronation Street

Ciaran McCarthy is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, portrayed by Keith Duffy. He made his first on-screen appearance on 7 August 2002, before departing in 2005. He returned in 2010 until Duffy temporary departed in January 2011 to go on Boyzone Tour, and returned on 3 November 2011. Duffy departed the role again on 25 November 2011 due to family commitments. In his duration on the show the character has been at the centre of several romances including relationships with Sunita Alahan, Tracy Barlow and Michelle Connor. Ciaran has been characterised as a ladies' man and a charmer. The character is also known for his "sex symbol" status. Duffy has received nominations at various soap award ceremonies for his portrayal of Ciaran.

References

  1. Kilkelly, Daniel (9 June 2010). "Corrie role for former 'Grange Hill' star". Digital Spy . Hachette Filipacchi UK . Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Georgia set to join the Street". Lancashire Telegraph . Newsquest. 1 July 2010. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Hill, Susan (4 July 2010). "Coronation Street: Chesney deflowered by sexy newcomer". Daily Star . Northern & Shell . Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  4. 1 2 "Corrie's Georgia: I want Katy and Chesney to last". What's on TV . IPC Media. 19 February 2011. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  5. 1 2 3 "Ches gets the girl!". Inside Soap (39). Hachette Filipacchi UK: 19. 2–8 October 2010.
  6. 1 2 3 Kilkelly, Daniel (8 February 2011). "Baby storyline for teen Corrie couple". Digital Spy . Hachette Filipacchi UK . Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  7. 1 2 3 4 Kilkelly, Daniel (12 April 2011). "Corrie's Katy explains baby storyline". Digital Spy . Hachette Filipacchi UK . Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Kilkelly, Daniel (13 February 2013). "'Coronation Street': Georgia May Foote teases Katy, Ryan attraction". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK . Retrieved 20 February 2013.
  9. 1 2 3 Daniels, Colin (14 February 2013). "'Coronation Street' teases Katy, Ryan fling - pictures". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK . Retrieved 20 February 2013.
  10. 1 2 3 Dyke, Peter; Begley, Katie (8 February 2013). "Coronation Street: Chesney's heartbreak". Daily Star . Northern & Shell . Retrieved 20 February 2013.[ permanent dead link ]
  11. 1 2 3 "Corrie shock: Georgia May Foote axed from the soap". SoapSquawk. Retrieved 27 April 2014.
  12. Dainty, Sophie (26 August 2014). "Corrie's Georgia May Foote: 'I'm filming my final scenes in February'". Digital Spy . Retrieved 26 August 2014.
  13. Harp, Justin (12 October 2017). "Coronation Street death confirmed as the show kills off a past character off-screen". Digital Spy . Retrieved 19 October 2017.
  14. Wightman, Catriona (18 May 2011). "In Full: TV Choice Awards 2011 - Nominees". Digital Spy . Hachette Filipacchi UK . Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  15. Laws, Roz (13 March 2011). "Soap talk". Sunday Mercury . Trinity Mirror . Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  16. Dempster, Sarah (7 January 2012). "World of Lather: Pat Evans dies". The Guardian . Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  17. 1 2 Morgan, Laura (27 February 2013). "Corrie: Katy and Ryan are hot stuff!". All About Soap . Hearst Magazines UK . Retrieved 27 February 2013.