Jennie McAlpine facts for kids

Jennie Elizabeth McAlpine is an English actress, comedian, and businesswoman. She was born on 12 February 1984. Jennie is best known for her role as Fiz Brown in the popular ITV soap opera Coronation Street. She has played this character since 2001. In 2017, she also took part in the TV show I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, where she finished in fourth place.

Early Life and First Steps in Acting

Jennie McAlpine grew up in Bury, England. She has family roots from Scotland and Ireland. When she was a young girl, Jennie loved to perform. She would put on shows for her neighbours on her patio, even charging them a small fee! She enjoyed singing and dancing, often copying famous music groups.

Her father, Thomas McAlpine, worked in mental healthcare. He encouraged Jennie to start acting when she was eight years old. They even performed together in a pantomime play. Jennie was a fairy, and her dad played the dame. As a teenager, she joined the Carol Godby Theatre Workshop to learn more about acting. Jennie lived with her father after her parents separated. She also has one brother.

Jennie's Career Journey

Becoming a Comedian

In 1997, when Jennie was 13, she entered a Young Comedian of the Year competition. She did very well, coming in second place in the final held in London. She entered the competition again in 1998 and finished second once more. From 1997 to 2001, Jennie performed as a stand-up comedian. She often performed with her father at charity events and local pub nights around Bury.

Famous TV Roles

Jennie played Michelle Morley in the TV show Emmerdale from 1999 to 2000. After finishing school, she went to college to study for her A-levels. At 17, she auditioned for the part of Fiz Brown in Coronation Street. She got the role and has been playing Fiz ever since 2001. When she auditioned, Jennie had her arm in a sling because she had dislocated her shoulder just two days before! She was first hired for only five episodes. She continued her studies and worked part-time at Boots The Chemist.

Jungle Adventures

In 2017, Jennie was a contestant on the 17th series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!. This show challenges celebrities to live in a jungle environment. She spent 21 days in the jungle and finished in 4th place.

Other Projects

In December 2020, Jennie became the voice for the new Burnley Bus Company Witchway buses. She provides the onboard information and announces the next stops on the route between Burnley, Rawtenstall, and Manchester.

Personal Life

Jennie McAlpine married Chris Farr in 2017. Chris is a restaurant manager, and they have been together since 2005. Jennie is very proud of her Scottish family background and her red hair. She has said that she feels "normal" when she visits Scotland because many people there have red hair too.

Jennie and Chris have two children. Their first child was born in 2014, and their second child was born in 2018.

Helping Others and Business Ventures

Since she was 17, Jennie has spent her free time helping children in Egypt. She works with Thebes Project in Luxor, which supports deprived children.

Jennie has also opened a restaurant in Manchester city centre called Annie's. She owns the restaurant with her husband, Chris Farr. Annie's serves modern British food.

Jennie's TV Appearances

Acting Roles

• 1999–2000: Emmerdale as Michelle Morley
• 2001–present: Coronation Street as Fiz Brown
• 2008: Coronation Street: Out of Africa as Fiz Brown (a direct-to-video movie)

Game Show and Other Appearances

Jennie has appeared on many different TV shows, often playing herself or as a guest.

• The Door (2010) – Contestant
• Loose Women (2010, 2015, 2017) – Guest panellist
• I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! (2017) – Contestant
• Supermarket Sweep (2019–2020) – Voiceover
• Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (2008) – Won £50,000 for charity
• The Cube (2011) – Won £1,000 for charity
• All Star Family Fortunes (2010, 2013)
• The Chase (2012) – Won £15,750 for charity
• All Star Mr & Mrs (2013)
• Tipping Point: Lucky Stars (2013) – Won £6,700 for charity
• Pointless Celebrities (2013)
• Countdown (2016) – In Dictionary Corner
• You're Back in the Room (2016)
• Rolling In It (2020)
• Richard Osman's House of Games (2022)

Awards and Nominations

Jennie McAlpine has been nominated for several awards for her acting, especially for her role as Fiz Brown.

• 2002: Nominated for Best Newcomer at The British Soap Awards and TV Quick Awards.
• 2007: Nominated for Best Actress at the Inside Soap Awards.
• 2008: Nominated for Serial Drama Performance at the National Television Awards.
• 2011: Nominated for Best Soap Actress at the TV Choice Awards.
• 2013: Nominated for Best Actress and Best On-Screen Partnership (with Alan Halsall) at The British Soap Awards.
• 2021: Nominated for Best Actress at the Inside Soap Awards.
• 2022: Nominated for Best Soap Partnership (with Alan Halsall) at the I Talk Telly Awards.

See also

In Spanish: Jennie McAlpine para niños

• List of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! (British TV series) contestants