Manning's niece joins Street cast

The niece of Bernard Manning is joining the cast of Coronation Street, say soap bosses.

Manchester-born Francesca Manning will make her first appearance in the show next month as the love interest of a Rovers Return regular.

Playing fun-loving thirty something Sandra Milligan, the Rada-trained actress will appear in a number of episodes.

A Street spokeswoman declined to reveal the identity of her boyfriend who she meets on a girls' night out.

Francesca, who has in the past sung on stage at her uncle's Embassy Club, says she is delighted and excited to be joining the cast.

A Street source says the actress overcame stiff competition to land the role.

"We cast the best actress for the role. Francesca didn't tell us she was related to Bernard Manning and won the role on her own merits," the source added.