Ruxandra Porojnicu has opened up about the sick abuse she's had hurled at her by racists over a bombshell Coronation Street plotline.
The Romanian-born actress has been told "go back to your own country" by a minority of soap viewers after her character Alina Pop embarked on an affair with Tyrone Dobbs, played by actor Alan Halsall.
Mechanic Tyrone has been with Corrie stalwart Fiz Stape (Jennie McAlpine) for years, but has had his head turned by Alina in the biggest test to his relationship yet.
And while Alan has admitted worrying about being attacked in the supermarket by furious fans, Ruxandra has already received some vile abuse from Corrie viewers.
When she first saw the script, Ruxandra immediately thought viewers would turn on her.
"I was very excited about the storyline and thought what a great opportunity it would be to work with two brilliant actors. But as a viewer I was gutted, because I really love Fiz and Tyrone together. I was really torn about it all," she told the Sun on Sunday.
But she was surprised by the initial mixed reaction to Alina and Tyrone's chemistry, with viewers seeming to warm to their blossoming romance.
However, a small handful of fans have turned nasty, hurling abuse at Ruxandra over the fictional show.
"I've also had people saying, 'Go back to your own country', and calling me a homewrecker. I don't take those comments seriously," she said.
She's also had positive reaction to the work her character is doing to increase visibility of minorities, adding: "I feel so privileged to have been given such a big storyline.
"I also feel proud to be representing my country. I've had a lot of people say how good it is Corrie is showing diversity with my character and it's important for television to show that."
*Coronation Street airs Monday at 7.30pm on ITV
