Julia Goulding is renowned for her role on the Cobbles
Julia Goulding has become one of Coronation Street’s most popular cast members. The soap star arrived on the Cobbles in 2016 as Shona Ramsey and has been a key character ever since.
The character was introduced in dramatic circumstances as her estranged son, Clayton Hibbs, killed Kylie Platt. Shona had fallen on hard times after she had tried to keep her troubled son away from the influence of his abusive dad, Dane Hibbs.
However, she failed in her attempts and ended up homeless. Shona’s first storyline followed her attempts to get her life back on track when she bumped into Kylie’s widower, David Platt, on a night out.
The two did not have knowledge of each other’s past and then fell in love. The dark truth has since been unveiled but they overcame the obstacles to marry in 2019.
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The two are still together on the show, but have encountered trouble this week as Weatherfield Prison contacted Shona to reveal Clayton has tried to take his own life. However, David saw the emails first and decided to delete them to keep Shona in the dark about what’s going on.
The character, played by Jack P Shepherd, was concerned Shona may have uncovered the texts in Friday’s episode. However, Shona instead was shocked to receive the news there was headlice at Lily’s school.
Although David was relieved after the narrow miss, the storyline is set to rumble on into the future as spoilers have revealed David will visit Clayton in prison in an attempt to draw a line under the matter. However, the plan will not work as Shona will be told directly by the police that Clayton is in hospital.
Clayton Hibbs is played by Callum Harrison and Julia is thrilled her co-star has returned. However, she admitted the future is not looking rosy for her character’s marriage.
She said at a Coronation Street press event: “Clayton is her son and is always going to be part of her life. If it causes drama then all the better, I love it. And it’s also really nice to see Callum when he comes in. Let’s keep the drama going for David and Shona, otherwise it’d be very dull wouldn’t it?”
She added: “The sad thing is they’ve been so solid for so long that Shona is David’s final crutch. But he’s destroyed it himself in my opinion. I really am Team Shona in this.”
Away from the screen, Julia’s life is fortunately less turbulent as she has been happily married to Ben Silver since 2018. The couple are the proud parents of two children.
She gave birth to her second child, Emmeline, in November when she announced the news with a heartwarming post. The 39-year-old said: “We’re absolutely elated and Franklin is besotted with his little sister, Emmeline Beanie Silver. She’s perfect.”
Julia shared the inspiration behind her daughter’s name earlier this year when she posed in a picture emblazoned with the face of women’s rights champion, Emmeline Pankhurst. She captioned the post: “We named our daughter after the incredible #EmmelinePankhurst and here she is on a t shirt designed by the fabulous @justin_eagleton in support of the 50th anniversary of #manchesterwomensaid.”
Julia was flooded with messages of support after the update. Emmerdale star Michelle Hardwick said: “Love this! We have a photograph of her in our kitchen.”
Co-star Sally Ann Matthews shared a series of heart emojis after the update. A follower named Yvonne posted: “What a beautiful name.”
Julia latest social media update saw her dazzle on the red carpet at the TRIC awards in the summer. She was flooded with messages of praise after she snaps from the event.
Tina O’Brien said: “Absolutely gorgeous.” Sair Khan added: “Gorgeous.” Sally Carman posted: “Well fit” Former Corrie star, Catherine Tyldesley, responded: “Absolutely gorgeous.” Julia shot back: “Thanks my love.”
Julia enjoys a close bond with her Corrie co-stars and was flooded with heartfelt messages when she celebrated her 39th birthday this year. Cait Fitton led the tributes during her brief time away from the show as she said: “Happy birthday to this beautiful lady. I miss and love you dearly.”
Sally Ann Matthews, who plays Jenny Bradley, added: “Happiest of birthdays to this absolute Queen. Love you.” Georgia Taylor, who plays Toyah Habeeb, posted: “Happy birthday to our honorary Battersby.”
If you’re a Coronation Street fan, why not try our Rovers Return quiz? ECHO reporter Ryan Paton took part in a special pub quiz inside the iconic pub hosted by Sally Ann Matthews this week. You can test your soap knowledge with some of the questions that featured on the quiz below
