Newlywed Michelle Keegan lands lead role in BBC army drama Our Girl to replace fellow soap actress Lacey Turner
She's best known for her role as Tina McIntyre in ITV's beloved soap Coronation Street.
But Michelle Keegan, fresh from marrying the man of her dreams Mark Wright, has landed the lead part in BBC army drama Our Girl.
The 28-year-old, who was killed off Corrie last May 2014 in an explosive storyline, will take on the role of Corporal Georgie Lane and follows in the footsteps of EastEnders' Lacey Turner with a starring role in British TV series.
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New role: Michelle Keegan has accepted a part in BBC1 army dram Our Girl to begin filming in January 2016
Michelle said of the news: 'I'm a massive fan of the series so can't wait to be a part of it. It's going to be a big but exciting challenge for me.'
The brunette starred in popular BBC drama Ordinary Lies earlier this year and will get to work on her latest project in January next year after accepting a £250,000 deal, The Sunday People report.
Her character, due to appear in the show from late 2016, is known to be sent out to Kenya - unlike Lacey's Molly Dawes in Afghanistan - on a mission that will be 'full of surprises', according to producers.
Replacement: Michelle will follow on from fellow soap actress Lacey Turner's lead in the part, as she will play Corporal Georgie Lane
Gritty: EastEnders' Lacey played Molly Dawes, who was posted in Afghanistan, while Michelle's character will be based in Kenya
A BBC spokesperson told the newspaper: 'It won't be an easy posting as she has to earn the love and trust of her fellow soldiers, and the greater respect of her commanding officer, while working alongside aid workers in the world's biggest refugee camp.'
The original series drew 6.3 million viewers, though Stacey Slater actress Lacey has returned to her soap career with EastEnders since the big show.
It will be Michelle's big return to work after settling into married life with television personality Mark, who originally found fame on The Only Way Is Essex.
Moving on: Michelle is still best known for her role as Tina McIntyre in Coronation Street, which ended last May
New roles: Michelle went on to play Tracy (left) in Ordinary Lies earlier this year for the BBC
Michelle has her sights set high for her acting career, and has revealed that her new husband will support her if Hollywood comes knocking.
Speaking to Closer magazine last month, Michelle said: 'If the opportunity came up then of course I would like to go to Hollywood.
'I have never filmed in LA, so who knows - maybe in the future. If Mark didn't have work in the UK then he'd probably come with me, he supports whatever I do.'
Newlywed: The actress recently married the man of her dreams, Mark Wright, who will support her if she ever gets to Hollywood, she says
Speaking to OK! in February, Michelle revealed that there were 'lots of offers' on the table, post-Coronation Street.
One of them included a feature film and the opportunity to see her face on the big screen, though she added that nothing's been confirmed for the 'huge opportunity'.
Michelle waited around for the right role to come along after her Wetherfield spell, which lasted nearly five years.
Dramatic: Michelle was killed off in Coronation Street last year but waited for the right job to come along
Throwback: Michelle's part in Corrie lasted for nearly five years and gave her the fame she knows today
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