Being whizzed around theme parks had never appealed to 26-year-old Corrie star Michelle – not least because big dippers were a big turn-off. So the Irlam-raised stunner was more surprised than anyone that her week-long stay with other half Mark Wright in Orlando ticked her ‘ideal holiday’ boxes.
From checking into a fab villa, to eating mega portions of hotdogs, burgers, fries and downing cocktails when the sun came down – not forgetting visiting those theme parks – it was holiday heaven for Michelle and former TOWIE star turned Heart FM DJ and TV presenter Mark.
“When I was younger I never really fancied Florida,” says Michelle.“For me the ideal holiday meant a beach and a pool – somewhere in the Med. People kept telling me Orlando was amazing and unbelievable but I took a bit of persuading!” Now Michelle is even thinking of returning later this year when her she leaves the cobbles in highly dramatic storylines to be screened late in the summer. Poor old feisty barmaid Tina Mcintyre is set to get killed off – much to the disappointment of Michelle’s legions of fans who have voted her sexiest soap female five times.
“Mark and me really loved it, we both said it was one of the best holidays we’ve ever had. When we arrived at the villa it was really warm so we sunbathed by the pool; the next day was overcast but it was warm enough to wear a sun dress.” says Michelle. “And we’ll definitely go back, perhaps later this year after I’ve finished Corrie. I’ll definitely need a break then.”
And, surprisingly, for Michelle, who went to St Patrick’s RC School in Salford, it’s an ideal couple’s destination. “We went in November and saw more couples than anything – obviously the children would have been at school then but it still surprised us that it wasn’t all totally geared up for kids. Universal Studios in particular is great for adults especially if you’re film fans. I did go on all the rides – and so did my mum who also came with us. She’s a bit scared of the rides too but we both thought we’re not going to come all the way here and not try them out. I’m not going to lie – we forced ourselves to go on some but really enjoyed them and felt quite safe.”
Food-wise, Michelle bravely coped with the mega portions and fast food: “I did eat rather a lot of chips – and hot dogs and burgers. But you don’t have to go mad on fast food – there are lots of healthy options – I just happen to like chips!” But there’s no sign of that overindulgence as Michelle looks as gorgeous as ever!
For now though, Michelle is busy with her storyline in Corrie that’s seen her at the receiving end of more female envy this week – at the hands of ‘Toxic’ Tracy Barlow, weeks after stirring up the green-eyed monster in Kylie Platt outside the Rovers.
“I am getting picked on a lot at the moment,” she laughs. But that’s nothing compared to what’s around the corner for her character. For now Michelle will just have to dream wistfully about her next break: “I get a week off in March so am thinking of going away then, perhaps on a girlie holiday but Mark and I would definitely like to go back to Orlando – it’s so much fun.”