Cherylee Houston has been a familiar face on Coronation Street for many years as Izzy Armstrong. Fans have watched her character go through many ups and downs on the cobbles.
But away from the ITV soap, the actress has a real-life connection to the show that some viewers may not know about. Cherylee is married to a fellow actor who has also appeared on Coronation Street.
How Cherylee Houston Became A Coronation Street Favourite
Cherylee first joined Coronation Street in 2010. Izzy arrived on the street as a love interest for Kirk Sutherland, and it did not take long for viewers to warm to her character.
Since then, Izzy has been part of many major storylines. Fans have seen her relationship with Gary Windass face several challenges, while another memorable chapter came in 2016 when she spent two months in prison.
Izzy is still involved in dramatic storylines today. In the episode that aired on June 19, Maria Connor opened up to Izzy about her worries. Maria told her that she believes Gary may be having an affair with Sarah Platt, putting Izzy at the centre of another emotional storyline.
The Coronation Street Connection In Her Real Life
Away from the cameras, Cherylee is married to actor Toby Hadoke. Toby is known for appearing in shows such as Emmerdale, Shameless and Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights. He also runs the popular XS Malarkey comedy club in Manchester.
The couple even got the chance to work together on Coronation Street. In 2021, Toby appeared in the soap as Fergus, a neighbour who looked out for Izzy during the COVID-19 lockdown storyline.
The storyline focused on the difficulties many disabled people faced during the pandemic. It also gave Cherylee and Toby a chance to share scenes together on screen. The experience was even more special because part of the filming took place in their own home. The couple said they enjoyed being able to rehearse scenes and practise their lines together, something that is not always possible when filming a busy soap.
While Toby has only appeared on Coronation Street a few times, the soap remains an important part of his life. And, thanks to his wife Cherylee, who continues to be one of the show’s best-loved stars. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Coronation Street spoilers and behind-the-scenes updates.