Channique Sterling-Brown, 25, a star of Coronation Street, talks about navigating online bullies and being proud to be a part of the show’s first Black family.
In Corrie, you’ve had your big break. What was that like?
After attending church the previous night and having my entire church family pray for me, I was feeling a lot less nervous about the whole situation. I then received a call from my agent the very next day. I was on a bus, but I couldn’t help being overly excited and noisy.
I said, “Shut up!” No way! God bless you, Jesus! and I started crying after that. I undoubtedly received a few odd looks. The tears were joyful ones. I had toiled long and hard for it.
When you were a kid watching TV, would you have liked to have seen that?
Before that representation is there, you cannot fully appreciate how much it matters to you. Then, you may think, “Wow, I could fit in, I could do that, it could be me,” when you see someone who resembles you. If someone has hair that resembles your own, you become excited.
In my memory, Noma Dumezweni played Hermione in Harry Potter And The Cursed Child, which I saw in a theatre. I later met her at the stage door, where I immediately started crying. I was 19 at the time, but I had known Hermione Granger all my life.
Do you encounter internet slander?
I make an effort to avoid reading the critical remarks, but I frequently receive them on my actions, appearance, and even the texture of my hair or body. Being a young lady and having your body under scrutiny is difficult.
Remembering that they are talking about actual persons is important for the people who write these remarks. They most likely wouldn’t say those things out loud to someone.
When I first started, I came across some racist remarks that claimed I had been cast solely for PC and diversity purposes. It was absurd because with me present, there are now a total of
Have you ever had a soap opera audition?
My most recent self-tape was for Naomi in Emmerdale, but my first major television part was in Corrie as Dee-Dee. Prior to joining, I had done some advertising and was teaching and directing. I perform spoken word and compose it as well.
It all began when I captured one in lockdown in my backyard. I posted it online, and it seemed to resonate with readers, leading to a commission. I write about whatever is on my heart, including social media, the murder of George Floyd, the elimination of free school lunches, and body concerns.
It’s odd that the Baileys are Coronation Street’s first Black family in 62 years, says Channique Sterling-Brown.
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Linda Crawford
10 February 2023 at 1:00 a.m.
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Antoinette Sterling-Brown
Antoinette Sterling-Brown (Image: Metro/Getty)
Channique Sterling-Brown, 25, a star of Coronation Street, talks about navigating online bullies and being proud to be a part of the show’s first Black family.
In Corrie, you’ve had your big break. What was that like?
After attending church the previous night and having my entire church family pray for me, I was feeling a lot less nervous about the whole situation. I then received a call from my agent the very next day. I was on a bus, but I couldn’t help being overly excited and noisy.
I said, “Shut up!”
Are you similar to Dee-Dee?
We are both vivacious and amiable. I felt a connection with her even after reading her bio before I joined. But when it comes to fashion, I’m not as daring as she is. I’ll always choose ease.
How did your first day on the paving stones go?
Nerve-wracking. I really moved houses the week before, so I had two weeks to study all these scripts while living out of boxes. But in my first scene, I was greeted by the entire Bailey family.
What hobbies do you have outside of work?
I enjoy singing. In my church, I play in a band. I work as a volunteer for the Samaritans in my community. Since a really great young man from my community committed suicide in 2018, I’ve volunteered with them. Giving them that assistance is a privilege. A weekly attempt is what I make. With my job, it can be challenging, but I always look forward to working shifts.
Do you keep a wish list?
I’ve always wanted to continue playing Dee-Dee, and I’ve
