Coronation Street star Vicky Myers has hailed her ‘gorgeous’ fanbase as they supported her generous mission, but in their own cheeky way.
The actress is best known – and much-loved – for playing DS Lisa Swain in the ITV soap, having joined back in 2021. She arrived on-screen when the detective sergeant led the police investigation into the assaults on Nina Lucas and Seb Franklin which led to the latter’s death.
Viewers of the ITV soap later saw Lisa face backlash from Daisy Midgeley after the police didn’t stop her stalker Justin Rutherford before he launched a horrific acid attack on her wedding day, also hurting and permanently scarring Ryan Connor.
She was then seen hunting down serial killer Stephen Reid back in October, only for him to be ploughed into and killed on the street by Peter Barlow, before last year finding herself on and off the case of Joel Deering thanks to the evil solicitor’s involvement with her daughter Betsy Swain.
Despite sporadic appearances as the detective sergeant but it wasn’t actually until early last year that Vicky was given the regular role of Lisa on the cobbles and it would be fair to say thet her – and Vicky’s – popularity has been on the rise ever since.
Now part of iconic soap couple ‘Swarla’ alongside co-star Alison King as Carla Connor, fans are often on tenterhooks as they wait for the next drama – or non-drama – to hit the couple and their family – the Connor-Swains.
But they are as supportive of the character as they are the star who plays her as their recent efforts have shown. Last week, Vicky said she was at a “loss for words” as fans flocked to support the return of her charity venture alongside actress Erin Shanagher.
Vicky and Erin, who has starred in The Bay and Peaky Blinders, have once again teamed up for the Secret Santa Hamper. The pair first started the charity venture in 2020, in a bid to help families in Greater Manchester who were in food poverty during the Christmas period, by providing essential food hampers.
The post on their Go Fund Me page: “Since then, with the support and generosity of the public, we have created and delivered over 2000 food hampers to children and their families during the Christmas holidays.
“To mark five years of Secret Santa, again with your much valued support, we aim to raise a phenomenal £15,000 so we can help 1000 families this Christmas.
“Last year, we were inundated with requests from schools with young children who were in food poverty and in need of help. So, this year, we aim to help even more families across the borough by increasing the fundraising total to fulfil the aim of creating 1000 essential food hampers.”
Having already smashed their £15,000 target, fans are showing no sign of offering their support – and have now got a bit more inventive.
Taking to Instagram, Vicky reshared a post from a fan who has been backing the campaign. “Swarla fandom, you’re so funny! Please keep donating to @secretsantahamper & keep being funny,” the post read, along with a screenshot of some of the donations being made under Corrie character names, including Kit Green, David Platt, and ‘Mrs Carla Connor Swain’.
Resharing the post to her own Instagram Story, the soap star said: “It would appear that you’re not only extraordinarily generous but you also have a sense of humour! Fabulous. THANK YOU SO MUCH! [face holding back tears emoji].”
At the time of writing, donations had rocketed to more than £19,000. And the praise and support came flooding in.
One said: “Thank you, Vicky & Erin, for everything you do both do, what an incredible cause. Your kindness and generosity are truly inspiring. I’m so happy to contribute and help make a difference. Wishing you all the love and happiness you bring to others.”
Another commented: “Good luck Vicky and Erin, it’s fantastic that you do this each year, selflessly helping others. I will try to donate more soon.” A third shared: “Truly smashed it!! Will donate more shortly.”
