Formerly, in the 90s, Chloe Newsome originally played the naughty but rich Vicky Arden in Coronation Street – Weatherfield’s own first wife of the lovable bad boy Steve McDonald. In 1991, Chloe took on the character for the first time following Helen Warburton’s exit from the part. Chloe stayed on as one of the show’s popular teen drama storyline fixtures.
Vicky made the journey to Weatherfield after the fatal car accident that killed her parents, who were wealthy, and was transported to be fostered with her grandfather, Alec Gilroy. Grieving and moody, as much as any teenager, Vicky soon found herself caught up in Steve‘s life – and, most importantly, his cons.
Steve didn’t hesitate to charm her, with financial intentions very much in his mind. Vicky, desperate for a connection, fell hard. She even began working at his t-shirt printing company, Dun 2 A T. The couple eventually married. Still, Vicky soon discovered that Steve‘s affections were not as sincere as they appeared. Upon finding out about his involvement in shady activities, such as dealing in stolen whisky, she took a stand, testifying against him in court.
Chloe Today: New Look, New Life – but Still a Favourite Fan
After their messy split, Vicky went on to build a life of her own, running a wine bar named ‘Vicky’s’ and later marrying a man named Robert. Chloe’s stint on the show lasted 256 episodes, officially ending in 1996, although there was a brief return in 1998. She also appeared in the 1999 Coronation Street spin-off After Hours, which saw Steve and Vikram Desai go on a tipple run to Calais, where they bumped into Vicky in Brighton, with legends Bet Gilroy and Reg Holdsworth.
It has been 25 years since Chloe Newsome last strolled along the Weatherfield cobbles, and the change is dramatic. Now 48, Sheffield-born actress Catherine Gladwin looks unrecognizable from the character fans recall. Vicky‘s trademark mousey brown hair has gone – Chloe now has flowing blonde locks, which she flaunts regularly on Instagram, where she posts pictures of her real-life existence.
Coronation Street: Chole’s Life Off-the-Cobbles
Since leaving Corrie, Chloe has continued acting, appearing in Children’s Ward and The Bill, and most recently providing a voice for a BBC Radio 4 production of Agatha Christie’s The Lie. But her life outside the spotlight has also won over hearts—she wed Kevin Spruce in 2013, and the pair live a close family life.
To mark their tenth wedding anniversary, Chloe posted a heartfelt tribute alongside a windswept mountaintop photo, writing: “10 years ago today, we were off to Iceland on our honeymoon. Today we once again donned our storm wear & ventured out. I do love braving the elements with you, Mr Spruce. Here’s to the next 10 & some.”
Fans who remember her from the 90s might do a double-take today, but there’s no doubt Chloe Newsome – or Vicky Arden to many – still holds a special place in Coronation Street history. We will keep you posted about Chloe. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more soap updates!
