Career
McAlpine's big break came in 1997 when at the age of 13 she did stand-up comedy in London and came second in a Young Comedian Of The Year competition run by Fanta. At the grand final at Comedy Store in London she met TV presenter Jonathan Ross and comedian Peter Kay, and was so inspired that she entered a second time in 1998, coming second again. She spent four years (1997–2001) doing stand-up comedy at charity nights, galas and pub nights with her father in Bury.
McAlpine played Michelle Morley in Emmerdale from 1999 to 2001. After leaving school she enrolled in her local college, Holy Cross, and began studying for A-levels. At the age of 17 she auditioned for the part of Fiz Brown ( now Fiz Stape) on Coronation Street, a role she has played since 2001. McAlpine drew inspiration for Fiz from her father's work with troubled children. She was originally hired for just five episodes, and went back to studying for her A-levels and working part-time in Boots The Chemist. However her comic timing had so impressed Coronation Street producers that they offered her a long-term contract. She won Best Newcomer for the role at the 2002 British Soap Awards.
In 2008, McAlpine went to South Africa to film Coronation Street: Out of Africa. In 2008 she appeared in a Freeview advertisement promoting its PVR service. She has been a narrator for the Royal Festival Hall
McAlpine was nominated in the category of 'Best Soap Actress' at the 2008 TV Quick Awards. Additionally she has made a variety of television appearances notably on Big Brother's Big Mouth, F*** Off, I'm Ginger, 8 out of 10 Cats, The Xtra Factor, " The Door", and Who Wants to be a Millionaire, where she teamed up with Samia Smith and raised £50,000 for charity.
In December 2009, she appeared on the Christmas special of Podge & Rodge's Stickit Inn for RTE in Ireland with Johnny Vegas, where she revealed her Irish ancestry.
In November 2010, Jennie appeared as a guest panellist on ITVs flagship show Loose Women, in celebration of 50 Years of Coronation Street.
In Spring 2012, McAlpine starred in comedy show Mad Mad World on ITV1.
Read more about this topic: Jennie Mc Alpine
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