‘It feels wonderful!’ Coronation Street star confirms big return

Ash Percival and Michael Adams

Published July 29, 2024 11:59pm Updated July 30, 2024 12:13pm

Coronation Street star Ruxandra Porojnicu has said it is ‘wonderful’ to be returning to the soap as Alina Pop, as she teased what to expect from the character’s shock comeback.

Alina was last seen on the cobbles back in 2021 after her short-lived relationship with Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall) came to an end.

At the time of her exit, it was heavily hinted that Alina was pregnant with Tyrone’s baby, despite telling him she wasn’t.

Three years later, Alina arrives back in Weatherfield in scenes to air next week, as Tyrone’s wife Fiz Dobbs (Jennie McAlpine) is shocked to bump into her at Freshco’s car park.

While she is back to give evidence at the trial of the human trafficking group leader who brought her to the UK in 2019, it is not long before she is dragged back into Tyrone’s orbit.

Alina smiles in her flat in Corrie — Alina Pop is returning to Weatherfield (Picture: ITV)

Alina talks to Fiz outside Fresco's in Coronation Street — Fiz is shocked to see Alina again (Picture: ITV)

Of her return, Ruxandra says: ‘It feels wonderful. I love working with all the cast and crew, it’s definitely a big family who welcomed me back with their arms wide open!’

Teasing the drama ahead, Ruxandra continues: ‘When she sees Fiz, it’s definitely unexpected, if she was able to avoid that she would’ve done it at all costs! She basically tries to get away from Fiz and Tyrone.’

Alina will soon have questions to answer about whether she secretly gave birth to Tyrone’s child after leaving Weatherfield.

Asked why Alina kept secret about her pregnancy, Ruxandra explained: ‘She wanted to get away. She knew that if Tyrone knew, he would go after her and try to get access to their child.

‘I think she wanted to get away, start again, give herself time to heal the wounds because we all know she’s been hurt quite a lot.’

Prior to her exit, Alina suffered a miscarriage during a fire Tyrone’s stepdaughter Hope Stape (Isabella Flanagan) started at their flat above the salon, still upset about how Tyrone had split from her mum Fiz.

Coronation Street kiss scene with Tyrone and Alina — Tyrone previously left Fiz for Alina (Picture: ITV)

Hope watches from behind Alina in Coronation Street — Hope’s actions caused Alina to have a miscarriage (Picture: ITV)

And while there is bound to be trouble for the couple caused by Alina’s return, Ruxandra believes her character is happy to find out they have reunited since her exit.

‘I think she will always care for [Tyrone] in one way or another, but deep down, she knew that Fiz is the love of Tyrone’s life and they are meant to be together,’ she says.

‘Even though it hurts Alina a little bit, that he never chose her, she is willing to let the past go.’

But how will Fiz and Tyrone react?