A former Coronation Street star was in town to enjoy the sights and smells of the 18th annual Bolton Food and Drink Festival with her new husband.

Alexandra Mardell, from Leeds, played bubbly hair stylist and barmaid Emma Brooker in Corrie from February 2018 until April 2022.

She tied the knot with Whites supporter Joe Parker, from Atherton, at Bolton Abbey, near Skipton in North Yorkshire in March.

The Bolton News:

The happy couple were on top form after joining the crowds at the Bolton Food and Drink Festival,with more than 180 stalls of food, drink, crafts and gifts with free demonstrations by some of the nation and region’s most respected chefs, live music acts, children’s activities, street performers and comedy acts across the August bank holiday weekend, on Friday.

Speaking at the Friday evening gala dinner to mark the special anniversary, prepared by top chefs including Simon Wood and Michael Caines, Alexandra said: “I can’t wait to tuck in. We’re very excited because we love food.”

READ MORE: Bolton Food and Drink Festival 2023 boost for business after difficult year for town

READ MORE: Bolton chef cooks up 'special' dish and serenades the crowd at day 1 of food festival

Bolton Wanderers supporter Joe said about the food festival: “To have something as good as this in Greater Manchester, we need more of it.”

For more information on the festival and full programme of events visit boltonfoodanddrinkfestival.com