Cheryl Gray is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, played by Holly Quin-Ankrah. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing 9 April 2010. Originally introduced as a love interest for an existing character, Cheryl has been involved in storylines involving lapdancing and domestic abuse since her inception. Cheryl's age was tweaked to accommodate the much younger Quin-Ankrah's real age. In May 2011, it was announced the producers had decided not to renew Quin-Ankrah's contract. She departed on-screen on 18 November 2011.
Cheryl has been described as having "positive, caring, family oriented" personality traits. Cheryl's storyline has mainly focused around her relationships with Lloyd Mullaney (Craig Charles) and Chris Gray (Will Thorp). Quin-Ankrah has stated that throughout Cheryl's duration she has been "caught in the middle" of Chris and Lloyd's fights. In 2010, Quin-Ankrah was nominated for an Inside Soap Award for her portrayal of Cheryl.
Creation and casting
In February 2010, it was announced that a new character, Cheryl, would be introduced to Coronation Street as the love interest of established character Lloyd Mullaney. Of Cheryl's introduction, Coronation Street series editor Louise Sutton said: "[Lloyd] soon learns she's a lapdancer but, far from being put off, he falls head over heels in love with her as he becomes her regular taxi driver. However, she tries to keep him at arm's length and when we learn more about her troubled personal life, we realise Lloyd's putting his heart and his safety on the line for the woman he loves." Cheryl was given an immediate link to Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) who is an old friend. Former Rock Rivals actress Holly Quin-Ankrah was cast in the role of Cheryl. Of her casting, Quin-Ankrah stated: "I'm really happy to be joining Coronation Street. It feels great and it's been really exciting seeing the set and meeting the cast. It's pretty scary too when you're sat in The Rovers filming a scene with Ken (William Roache) and Deirdre [Barlow] (Anne Kirkbride) sat next to you!" Former Footballers Wives actress Phina Oruche told the Liverpool Echo that she unsuccessfully auditioned for the role of Cheryl, after Coronation Street producers asked her to do a screen test with Charles. Twenty-two-year-old Quin-Ankrah did not reveal her age at the time of the casting process and dressed in clothes that made her look older. Cheryl was originally aged thirty, however this was changed to twenty-nine.
Development
While interview by itv.com, Quin-Ankrah described Cheryl as being a "positive, caring, family oriented, passionate, previous stripping, cocktail making, happy, positive and lovable" character. Quin-Ankrah has spoken positively of her character's lap dancing occupation, stating: "I know girls who do it as a job and that's great but I've never fancied it myself. If you're body conscious it's not the best thing to do – and I am." Quin-Ankrah admitted that she couldn't do the profession herself but added that she would never judge anyone who does it for a living. She also stated other positives as the health benefits and it helps tone the body.
In May 2010, it was announced that former Casualty actor Will Thorp had been cast as Cheryl's 'bad boy' husband Chris. Digital Spy reported: "It emerges that Chris and Cheryl share a son, Russ (Finton Flynn). However, things take a turn for the worse when Chris meets Cheryl's current boyfriend Lloyd." It was then revealed that Cheryl had been abused by Chris.