Alexandra Mardell

Alexandra Mardell is an English actress, known for playing Emma Brooker in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street. In 2019, she won the British Soap Award for Best Newcomer for her portrayal, and was nominated for Newcomer at the 24th National Television Awards.

Early and personal life Mardell was born in Leeds to parents Janet and Michael; her father Michael died in 2016 from cardiomyopathy. She attended Batley Grammar School, and later studied acting at the Guildford School of Acting (GSA). While attending GSA, Mardell met fellow actor Joe Parker, with whom she began a relationship in 2017. In April 2021, she announced her engagement to Parker.

Career In 2017, Mardell made her professional acting debut in an episode of the ITV crime drama series Vera. Later that year, she starred in the short film Chocolate Pieces. For her portrayal, she was longlisted for Best Newcomer at the 2018 Inside Soap Awards, nominated for Newcomer at the 24th National Television Awards, and later awarded the British Soap Award for Best Newcomer at the 2019 British Soap Awards.

In 2022, she took the title role in BBC Radio 4's production of English Rose, about a British vampire taking a job as a nanny in Manhattan.

On 30 November 2022, it was announced she would dance with Kai Widdrington for the 2022 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, which she went on to win.

Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes 2017 Chocolate Pieces Elle Short film 2018 Walk Like a Panther Cliff's Daughter

Television Year Title Role Notes 2017 Vera Kelly Horton Series 7; Episode 2: "Dark Angel" 2018–2022 Coronation Street Emma Brooker Regular role; 339 episodes 2019 Celebrity Catchphrase Herself – Contestant Series 3; Episode 4 2021–2024 Fireman Sam Ellie Phillips (voice) Series 13–16; 41 episodes 2022 Strictly Come Dancing Herself – Contestant Series 20; Episode 26: "Christmas Special" (winner) 2023 The Family Pile Gaynor Episodes 1–6 2024 Daddy Issues Keeley Episode 1: "Happy Tears"2024–present Smoggie Queens Lucinda 12 episodes 2026 Richard Osman's House of Games Herself 66/100

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Result 2018 Inside Soap Awards Best Newcomer 2019 24th National Television Awards Newcomer 2020 25th National Television Awards Serial Drama Performance 2024 UK Pantomime Awards Barbara Windsor Award for Best Principal Lead