A PROUD Malvern couple will be glued to "the nations favourite" programme, even more than usual later this month, because one of the stars will be their grand-daughter.

Three-year-old Annabelle Tarrant is set to be the newest star of Coronation Street, when she plays Alice Watts - the daughter Curly never knew he had, until his estranged wife Raquel turned up on his doorsetp last New Year's Eve.

Annabelle has just returned home after filming three episodes in France with the crew of the soap.

"We are really proud," said Sandra Gardener, who lives in Sayers Avenue, with Annabelle's grandfather Peter.

"We were thrilled when we heard she was given the part."

Since they found out, the couple have been busy telling all their friends and neighbours the good news, as well as aunts and uncles who live in Malvern.

"She will be on shows coming out on the 25th and 29th of this month, as well as November 1," Mrs Gardener added.

"There is supposed to be more filming for a Christmas special as well. We can't wait to see her on TV."

Mrs Gardener added that Annabelle, who lives in Leicester, isn't likely to be fazed when she is thrust into the limelight at such a young age.

"Ever since she has been able to, she has loved to sing and play around," she said.

Annabelle, who will be four-years-old next month, was discovered after being taken along to the model agency Tuesday's Child, which is based in Macclesfield, Cheshire. The company then put her forward for auditions.

"She fitted in really well," said Tracy Gardener, Annabelle's mother. "She has already been to stage school and has plenty of confidence."

According to Alison Sinclair, senior publicist for Coronation Street, the little girls has already proved a popular star with the cast.

"She is a wonderful little girl and we are really pleased with her," she said.