Coronation Street star Jane Hazlegrove recently left fans stunned with a surprising
revelation about her very first appearance on the iconic cobbles.
While many fans know her for her long-running portrayal of Bernie Winter,
Hazlegrove shockingly revealed that her initial appearance on *Coronation Street* was not
as the lovable, quirky character of Bernie, but instead as a completely different character altogether.

This unexpected tidbit has left fans buzzing and prompted many to revisit her journey on the show, reflecting on how far she has come since those early days.
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Hazlegrove’s candidness about her first appearance on the street adds a layer of intrigue to her already impressive career and gives fans a deeper insight into her versatility as an actress.
For many viewers, Jane Hazlegrove’s portrayal of Bernie Winter has become an integral part of *Coronation Street*. Bernie, with her unique personality, infectious humor, and caring nature, has made a lasting impression on the show’s audience. She is known for her role as the mother of Paul Foreman and for being a supporting, albeit eccentric, figure in the lives of other characters in the street. Bernie’s journey has evolved over time, and her complex relationships with those around her have kept fans engaged. However, few fans would have guessed that Jane Hazlegrove’s first appearance in the show had nothing to do with this character, as she initially appeared on the cobbles as someone entirely different.
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Hazlegrove’s revelation sheds light on an earlier chapter of her career and the development of her relationship with *Coronation Street*. Many fans were shocked to learn that Hazlegrove’s first appearance in the long-running soap was as a character named “Paula,” a role she played in a short, but memorable, stint many years ago. Her appearance as Paula took place long before she took on the role of Bernie Winter, and it’s a fact that many viewers were unaware of. Hazlegrove recalled the experience fondly, explaining how she had been cast in the role of Paula early in her career. Paula’s storyline was a much smaller, less involved arc compared to the prominent role Bernie would go on to have, but Hazlegrove’s performance was impactful nonetheless. This early appearance on the cobbles, while fleeting, marked the beginning of Hazlegrove’s connection to *Coronation Street*, a connection that would later evolve into a defining role for her.
At the time of her first appearance, Hazlegrove was still relatively new to the world of soaps, and she wasn’t yet the household name she is today. Despite this, her brief stint as Paula left a lasting impression on those who watched the show at the time. Hazlegrove herself has spoken about the excitement and nervousness she felt when she first stepped onto the *Coronation Street* set, describing the experience as an eye-opening and thrilling moment in her career. Her first appearance, even though it was in a much smaller role, was a stepping stone that eventually led to her iconic portrayal of Bernie Winter. Hazlegrove credits that initial role with helping her build confidence and gain invaluable experience in the world of television acting.
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Fans have been quick to react to Hazlegrove’s shocking revelation, with many expressing their surprise and delight at learning about her early days on *Coronation Street*. Some viewers have even revisited her first appearance as Paula, marveling at how much her acting style has evolved since then. It’s clear that Hazlegrove has grown tremendously as an actress over the years, and her portrayal of Bernie Winter now stands as one of the most beloved and recognizable roles in *Coronation Street* history. The contrast between her early role as Paula and her more recent work as Bernie highlights the breadth of her talent and versatility as an actress, able to adapt to vastly different characters and storylines with ease.
Hazlegrove’s story is also one of perseverance and dedication to her craft. While she may not have immediately been cast in a role as significant as Bernie Winter, she worked hard to hone her skills and eventually became an integral part of *Coronation Street’s* fabric. Her long journey from a small, guest role to a beloved, full-time character speaks to the opportunities for growth and development within the soap industry. *Coronation Street* is known for its ability to provide actors with a platform to showcase their talent and progress in their careers, and Hazlegrove’s career trajectory is a perfect example of this.
The revelation of Hazlegrove’s first appearance on *Coronation Street* also highlights the importance of the soap opera in the careers of many actors. For those who are cast in soaps like *Coronation Street*, the experience often serves as a crucial starting point, allowing them to develop their craft and gain invaluable exposure to audiences. Hazlegrove’s success story is a testament to the opportunities provided by the long-running series, and her journey has undoubtedly inspired many aspiring actors who hope to follow in her footsteps.
In conclusion, Jane Hazlegrove’s surprising confession about her first appearance on *Coronation Street* has left fans in awe and sparked renewed interest in her career. While her portrayal of Bernie Winter may be the role she is best known for, Hazlegrove’s early stint as Paula is an intriguing chapter in her career that adds a layer of depth to her journey. From her nervousness as a newcomer to her current status as one of the show’s most beloved characters, Hazlegrove’s story is one of growth, perseverance, and success. Her revelation only enhances her legacy as an actress and reinforces the connection she shares with both the show and its dedicated fans.