Corrie's Millie Gibson calls for happier future for Kelly Neelan

Coronation Street's Kelly Neelan hasn't had the happiest of times since arriving on the cobbles in search of her missing father, Rick.

Not only has Kelly still not discovered the truth about what really happened to her dad but she is now serving a life sentence in prison after being wrongfully convicted of Seb Franklin's murder, while real killer Corey Brent (Maximus Evans) walks free.

Actress Millie Gibson, who plays Kelly, has told Inside Soap that she would love to see her character "build a life for herself" and embark on a happier future after all of the troubles that she has already experienced.

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"Hopefully she can start to repair everything she's lost," she said. "Trouble might follow her around for a while, but I want her to learn from her mistakes. And I want happier scenes too – because I'm tired of crying all the time!"

The actress also spoke about the possibility of Kelly gaining a love interest, revealing that she doesn't think her character is in the right place to start a relationship at the moment, particularly after her attempts to impress Corey led her down such a dark path.

"I don't think Kelly needs a boyfriend," she said. "She's a strong, independent woman. Kelly has a strange complex about men. She had issues with her father, and I think that impacts on the relationships with other men in her life.

"When a man turns up, Kelly is always fighting for their attention and then bad things happen – like with Corey. I think Kelly needs to repair herself before she starts trying to love someone else."

kelly neelan and corey brent in coronation street

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Millie also opened up about which other characters on the Street she'd like to share more scenes with, and it's safe to say that they could play a part in making Kelly even feistier.

"My current storyline has had a lot to do with Sally Carman's character, Abi (Franklin), but we've never had direct scenes together. So I'd love to do more with her," she said. "Another person I'd love to work with is Sally Ann Matthews (who plays Jenny Connor). I've picked all the feisty women on the show!"

She added: "I remember watching a lot when I was really little. And I really loved Maria (Connor) – I think it was because she's gorgeous. She always looked fabulous, so it was me looking up to her when I was younger. I'm hoping for some scenes with Samia (Longchambon) in the future..."

Could a career in hairdressing under Maria's tuition await Kelly?

Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm.