Coronation Street’s Toyah Battersby Star: Real-Life Famous Ex and New Romance with Co-Star
Toyah Battersby, a beloved character on Coronation Street, is currently enduring a tumultuous period, both in her on-screen life and behind the scenes. In the soap, Toyah has been diagnosed with germ-cell ovarian cancer and is in the hospital awaiting surgery. Amid her health crisis, she has also embarked on a secret affair with Nick Tilsley, who happens to be in a relationship with her sister, Leanne.
Nick has remained by Toyah’s side throughout her cancer ordeal, even declaring his love for her. Meanwhile, Leanne, who is being targeted by the cult known as The Institute, has been distancing herself from both Nick and Toyah, further complicating the trio’s relationships. The drama has intensified this week, leaving Toyah’s future on the show uncertain.
Off-screen, actress Georgia Taylor, who portrays Toyah, has had an eventful personal life as well. Georgia, known for her roles in Casualty and other TV dramas, was previously in a real-life relationship with her Coronation Street co-star Charlie de Melo. On the show, Toyah married Imran Habeeb, played by Charlie, before his character was tragically killed in a car crash caused by Toyah. Behind the scenes, Georgia and Charlie were also romantically involved, told The Mirror.
In an interview with Digital Spy, Georgia reflected on her long-standing role as Toyah, which began in 1997. “When I joined the show, I was on a five-month contract and I didn’t see anything beyond that. So the fact that it’s really shaped so much of my life and my personal life is quite extraordinary. It really is a gift and it makes that place even more special to me,” she said.
Georgia expressed gratitude for the people she has met through the show, including her co-star Jane Danson, who plays her on-screen sister Leanne. “Going away and coming back, meeting Charlie, being reunited with Jane at work, and now being back up north near my family, I just feel incredibly lucky and thankful for the people that the show has brought into my life.”
Georgia’s romantic history includes a previous relationship with actor Mark Letheren, known for his roles in The Bill and Casualty. The couple met on the set of Casualty in 2008 and were together until 2022. Mark has since transitioned from acting to photography, showcasing his work on Instagram.
Georgia first joined Coronation Street as Toyah at just 17 years old, alongside Janice and Les Battersby and their daughter Leanne. After leaving the show in 2003, Georgia took on roles in Casualty, Where the Heart Is, Law & Order: UK, and Life on Mars before eventually returning to the cobbles, where she continues to captivate audiences with her performances.