Ruxandra Porojnicu made a comeback as Alina Pop in Wednesday’s episode of Coronation Street – but what was her real-life like before the ITV soap?

Alina Pop arrived on Coronation Street back in 2019 as a human trafficking victim who was rescued by the now-deceased Seb Franklin.

She ended up getting in a relationship with Tyrone Dobbs, who had split with his partner Fiz Stape and decided to pursue his romantic connection with Alina. Just before she left in 2021, she found out that she was pregnant with Tyrone’s baby.

Viewers didn’t know if she kept the baby- but in her final scene, she was shown holding her stomach, hinting she was still pregnant. Now she’s back and Alina’s been seen in a picture with a young child – but with the drama ongoing, what do we know about her real life?

Alina returned to the cobbles on Wednesday’s episode (Image: ITV)

Who is Ruxandra Porojnicu?

Ruxandra is a Romanian actress born in Bucharest on 5 July 1993, making her 31-years-old. Before finding fame on the soap, the aspiring actress worked at Pizza Express as she saved enough money for acting lessons.

Before joining Corrie, the star also appeared in modelling campaigns, music videos and adverts. A quick glance at her Instagram will reveal that she often models bridal wear.

The human trafficking plot line

Regarding her previously human trafficking storyline, Ruxandra once shared on Instagram how it held particular significance for her due to her background. She wrote: “As an immigrant, moving abroad with just £300 in my pocket, I could have been in this situation.”

“It is a great responsibility to be the voice of someone who went through this experience and I truly hope this storyline will make a change and will bring awareness in our society. I feel so privileged to be part of such an iconic production! I’m learning so much working here and I’m very grateful.”

What does Ruxandra Porojnicu do when she’s not on set?

A quick glance at her social media reveals that Ruxandra is an avid reader, often sharing snippets of text and cherished poems on Instagram. She utilises her platform to uplift others, sharing information about current affairs and promoting eco-conservation.

A few years ago, she took part in the London Marathon virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She participated in this event to raise funds for The Salvation Army, an organisation dedicated to helping victims of modern slavery.

Viewers will watch the drama playout in recent episodes

Baby theories

Throughout this Wednesday’s episode, fans took to X as many of them were convinced Alina had given birth to Tyrone’s baby: “Kid look like a mini Tyrone”, one of them wrote.

Another added: “Alina’s son. Tyrone can’t deny being the father”, while a third agreed: “That was definitely a photo of Tyrone’s son. He’s going to get the shock of his life when he meets Alina again and she drops the bombshell.” One viewer chipped in: “That was Tyrone’s son in that photo, and of course Fiz just happens to pick up her phone off the floor and see it.”