Suranne to open flower show

SURANNE JONES

CHADDERTON TV star Suranne Jones will open this year’s Southport Flower Show.

The former “Coronation Street” star will lead the grand opening ceremony on August 19.

The UK’s largest independent flower show runs until August 22.

Suranne (31) said: “I am hugely excited about going to Southport. It has been one of my favourite places since I was a child and I have always had a great time there.”

Her four years playing feisty Karen McDonald in the TV soap earned Suranne a number of awards, notably the Royal Television Society’s Most Popular Actress prize.

She was also voted the sexiest star in soap.

Since leaving the street, Suranne has turned in critically-acclaimed performances in hit TV dramas “Vincent”, “Five Days” and “Unforgiven’”, which earned her a Best Actress nomination.

Her latest project, “Single Father” co-starring David Tennant, will be broadcast on BBC1 in the autumn.

Suranne, who says her favourite flower is the classic English garden rose, added: “I am really interested in gardens and I hope to grow old in a big house with a big garden.

“I’m eager to get some top tips from the experts as well as seeing all the wonderful show gardens.

“There is so much happening at the show this year, it sounds like my perfect day out.

“I don’t have the luxury of a large garden where I live, so I’ll be asking the experts how I can give my home a bit of life.

“I’m sure the knowledgeable, friendly people visiting and exhibiting at the show will be able to give me some good advice on how to make the most of the space I have.”