Coronation Street star Katherine Kelly has revealed a bizarre accident nearly ended her award-winning career.
The actress, who spent six years as Rangers barmaid Becky McDonald, fell through a door at a friend’s house when she was 19 and hit her coccyx, the bone at the base of the spine, on the corner of a table.
The 43-year-old was told at the time that she might need a wheelchair after the injury went untreated for 18 months.
Injured: Coronation Street star Catherine Kelly reveals bizarre accident nearly ended her award-winning career
Catherine spoke openly about her injury for the first time on podcast Three Little Words.
She credits her with having a physiotherapist at the time, saying: “If I hadn’t found him, I would have had surgery. I spoke to a professional about the wheelchair.
Catherine, who is studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, said: “I couldn’t predict when it would play. It was almost like I was lying because one day I was miserable and the next day I wasn’t. I knew I had to leave drama school.
“Being in that pain every day, not being able to walk…it’s nerve damage. What’s worse is that it hasn’t been treated for 18 months.
Accident: The actress, who spent six years as a Rangers barmaid Becky McDonald, fell through a friend’s door at the age of 19 and hit her coccyx, the bone at the base of the spine, in the corner of a table
Catherine added: “My mum would send me her migraine pills. I was in so much pain. I would spend time taking the tablets in PE class.
“The base of my spine has twisted to compensate because I’ve been taking so many pain medications.”
She revealed that Kevin Ludlow’s physical therapist changed her life: “He believed in rehab. In the long run, he said I had to do yoga or Pilates, and he was right. I Haven’t had any problems for 10 years.
She said: “When you’re a slim actress, you get asked a lot — especially when I was in Corey — ‘What’s your diet? What’s your secret?’
“I used to avoid these questions because the truth is I exercise because it keeps me healthy.”
Career: Originally signed for 12 episodes, the Barnsley-born actress unexpectedly extended her stint on Coronation Street, filming more than 700 episodes, running until 2012
Catherine got her big break in 2006 when she landed the coveted role of Becky McDonald in ITV’s long-running soap opera Coronation Street.
Originally signed for 12 episodes, the Barnsley-born actress filmed more than 700 episodes during her unexpectedly extended tenure, which ran until 2012.
She then went on to greater success, with major roles in Cheat, Liar, Mr. Selfridge and Gentleman Jack.
It follows news that Catherine is dating Call of Duty star Tony Pitts, according to reports.
The soap star is said to be in love with the 60-year-old actor two years after splitting from her IT consultant ex-husband Ryan Clarke.
The couple went public with their romance at the “Dancing With Heroes” ball at the Landmark Hotel in London on Sunday night.
Catherine and Tony “have been together for several months and have even met each other’s friends and family”.
New romance: Catherine is dating ‘Call of Duty’ star Tony Pitts and the couple will make their public debut at the ‘Dancing With Heroes’ ball at London’s Landmark Hotel on Sunday (pictured)
A source told The Sun: “They have always kept their relationship in the spotlight but have attended a number of events together this year, including Royal Ascot and ITV Palooza earlier this month.
“At Dancing With Heroes, Kelly couldn’t keep her hands off Tony and spent the night stroking the back of his head.
They had already met each other’s families earlier this year and went on vacation with their respective children. Catherine is very happy with Tony and it’s clear they really are a good match.
The couple are believed to have met while working together on a short film called Affection in 2019.
Tony played Archie Brooks in Emmerdale for a decade until 1993, and played bent copper DCS Lester Hargreaves in the hit BBC series Call of Duty.
Former lovers: The actress and her ex-husband, digital analyst Ryan Clark, split in April 2020 after seven years of marriage (pictured in 2015)
Katherine and her digital analyst ex-husband Ryan Clark made the “difficult” decision to part ways in April 2020 after seven years of marriage.
The former couple met 11 years ago and married two years later in a Las Vegas wedding.
Catherine and Ryan have two daughters. Ola, seven, and Rose, four.
A spokesperson said at the time: “Catherine and Ryan have made the difficult decision to separate. They believe this is a positive move for both of them and the split is completely amicable.
“Their children are their number one priority and they will continue to co-parent as good friends.”
Starring: Tony played Archie Brooks in Emmerdale for a decade until 1993 and played copper-bending DCS Lester Hargreaves in the hit BBC series Call of Duty (pictured)
