Coronation Street star responds to 'special and overwhelming' Lisa and Carla fan reaction

Alexandra Mardell hails 'shipping community' after soap exit

Coronation Street star Alexandra Mardell has thanked soap fans for the "special and overwhelming" reaction to her character's relationship with Carla Connor.

The actress, who played Lisa Duckworth on the ITV soap for four years, left the cobbles in July this year.

During her time on the soap, Lisa struck up a close friendship with Carla (Alison King), which later blossomed into a romantic relationship.

The pairing, fondly dubbed "Lisa and Carla" or "Liarla" by their fans, quickly became a popular couple among soap viewers.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Mardell said she was "blown away" by the response to Lisa and Carla's relationship.

"It was so special and overwhelming," she said.

"I knew there was a lot of love for Lisa and Carla, but I didn't expect it to be so massive."

The actress said she was particularly touched by the support from the LGBT+ community.

"I've had so many messages from people saying that they were so happy to see a lesbian relationship on Coronation Street," she said.

"It's so important to have representation on TV, and I'm so proud that Lisa and Carla could be a part of that."

Mardell also praised the soap's writing team for their handling of the relationship.

"They did such a great job of developing Lisa and Carla's friendship and then their romance," she said.

"It was so believable and it meant that the audience really invested in it."

The actress said she was sad to leave Coronation Street, but she was excited to see what the future held.

"I'll always cherish my time on the cobbles," she said.

"But I'm also ready for a new challenge. I can't wait to see what's next."