Coronation Street’s Tracy Barlow Star Kate Ford Once Had a Real-Life Romance With a Soap Co-Star
Coronation Street’s Kate Ford, a true soap icon, once enjoyed a real-life romance with a fellow soap star before the relationship eventually came to an end.
Kate rose to prominence in 2002 when she joined the long-running ITV drama as Tracy Barlow, the daughter of Deirdre Barlow (Anne Kirkbride). She stepped into the role after Dawn Acton, who portrayed the character between 1988 and 1999.
Over the years, Tracy has become one of Coronation Street’s most unforgettable characters, involved in countless major storylines. From explosive affairs and bitter feuds to committing murder with the killing of her partner Charlie Stubbs (Bill Ward), Tracy’s time in Weatherfield has been anything but quiet.
Most recently, Tracy was caught up in a devastating car crash during Corriedale last week, an incident that led to the tragic death of Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank).
Away from the screen, Kate Ford’s love life has been far less dramatic than Tracy Barlow’s. She was previously in a relationship with actor Bart Ruspoli, whom she met while they were both working on EastEnders in 2000, according to the Mirror.
Bart appeared on the BBC soap as Italian heartthrob Marco for around five episodes during the early 2000s. However, their romance didn’t last long, with the relationship eventually coming to an end as they realised their busy and conflicting schedules made it difficult to sustain.
Beyond acting, Bart is also a writer and producer. His screen credits include roles in popular TV series such as Band of Brothers, EastEnders, and Heartbeat.
Meanwhile, in 2022, Bart’s current wife shared a throwback photo from 1997 featuring Bart and Kate on social media. Kate later reposted the nostalgic snap on her own account, taking a moment to reflect on how she has remained friends with her former partner over the years.
She wrote: “I absolutely love this! When your ex’s wife shares a celebratory photo of you and her husband from 1997 — and I love them both — it really makes you realise how life can sometimes come full circle in the most beautiful ways you never could have imagined at the time.”
Fans were quick to comment on the post, with one follower saying, “This is how it should be,” while another wrote, “How lovely.” A third shared their appreciation, adding, “Love the sentiment.”
Back in 2007, Kate married television producer Jon Connerty, who has worked on projects including Sugar Free Farm (2016), Beauty and the Beast: The Ugly Face of Prejudice (2011), and Police: Night Shift 999 (2022).
Kate welcomed her son, Otis, in 2008. However, she and Jon eventually separated in September 2013.
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