Sarah Harding Turns Up On 'Coronation Street' As Feisty Second Wife In A Four-Episode Guest Role!

Sarah Harding is joining "Coronation Street" starting this week in a 4-episode guest role. She's set to appear on the ITV show as Joni Preston, current wife of Tracey Barlow's ex-husband, Robert.

However, according to OK! Magazine, the former Girls Aloud member's character in the soap wasn't part of the original concept. Apparently, the long-time soap's producer, Stuart Blackburn, wasn't sure what to do with her to begin with.

"He came down to London and we literally just threw a load of ideas out there," Harding said in an interview, as quoted by the source cited above. "At one point I was going to, possibly, come between the lesbian girls at one point. At one point I was a lesbian, but it didn't happen!"

Sarah Harding's first week in "Coronation Street" would be explosive, if the first few scenes she's shot are anything to go by. She spoke of the impressive slap her character will be giving one of the main characters.

"It's totally choreographed," she explained. "We didn't actually make contact. Health and safety! We actually had a stunt woman showing me how to do a realistic fake slap."

A blog maintained by avid fans of the 55-year-old soap said that Harding didn't audition for the part. Apparently, "Coronation Street" bosses were aware of Harding's work. What started out as a simple chat during a set visit turned into a role offer.

"I've moved with him to the restaurant and obviously he's still holding a torch for Tracy which I'm not happy about whatsoever," she said about her character. "So I play a woman on the edge. She does come across quite angry and feisty, but she's also hurting and people have got to remember that."

Her character is aware that she's living in Tracy's shadow, prompting her to react badly from the first moment she meets Robert's ex-wife. Fans expect Harding's short guest appearance to leave a lasting impact on the show.

Sarah Harding's "Coronation Street" debut happens in an extra episode airing July 23.