The Shona Platt actress was seen supporting Farrel Hegarty as she made her debut in the ITV soap

Coronation Street star Julia Goulding has shared a welcome message to her new co-star as she revealed they have a personal link. The actress was seen supporting Farrel Hegarty as she made her debut in the ITV soap.

Farrel was first seen on the Street during Wednesday night’s (February 12) edition of the ITV soap as Lou Michaelis after her arrival was revealed earlier this month.

It was revealed at the time that Lou and her husband Mick, played by Joe Layton, will be Weatherfield’s new ‘nightmare neighbours’ following on from the iconic Battersby clan back in 1997.

During her first appearance on the Street, Lou didn’t make her entrance quietly as she was seen giving Aadi Alahan grief over a purchase in the shop.

She was also seen immediately sparking up a friendship with Gemma Winter-Brown, with their connection quickly uncovered. The pair ended up recognising each other from Bessie Street School, where Gemma’s quads and Lou’s two young daughters attend, before sharing a drink in the Rovers Return.

Taking to Instagram, Julia revealed that she headed round to Farrel’s hope to watch her first scenes with their pals. Alongside a picture of them all together, the Shona Platt actress said: “The debut of Loui!”

She then shared a follow-up picture of her and Farrel being credited in the end credits after each other and said: “Welcome to the cobbles @farrelhegarty.”

It comes after Julia showed her support after Farrel’s role was announced at the end of last month and also marked her pal’s birthday belatedly. Sharing a picture of the actress, the Shona Platt star said: “This absolute dreamboat not only had her birthday this week (hbd) but it has finally been announced she’s joining the cobbles as ‘Lou’.” She added: “I hear she’s quite the mischief maker! Super proud. Love you Faz!”