Ellie Leach was at a school friend's birthday sleepover when she discovered she had secured the part of Faye Windass on Coronation Street.
Now 22, the Strictly Come Dancing finalist, from Audenshaw, has already experienced a career that most people could only dream about.
Stephanie Bateman has followed Ellie's success every step of the way. More than just a proud former headteacher at Fairfield High School for Girls, in Droylsden, Mrs Bateman has kept in touch with Ellie, who starred on Corrie for 12 years before leaving the series earlier this year.
Each week, as Ellie has wowed Strictly judges and the viewing public with her performances alongside dance partner Vito Coppola, Mrs Batemen has messaged her ex-star pupil, urging her to 'go for her dreams' and 'be a true Fairfield girl'. "She is a delightful girl, she was at school," Mrs Bateman told the Manchester Evening News. READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing's Vito Coppola shares big 'risk' he took for partner Ellie Leach READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing couple 'will win' thanks to 'telepathic connection' "We are so proud of her achievements.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk