IT’S been a hectic few weeks for Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine.

For not only has she been involved in a major storyline in Britain’s longest-running soap, she’s also gone into the restaurant business.

This week Jennie and partner Chris Farr opened Annie’s in Manchester city centre with a star-studded reception.

“Chris and I have talked about doing this for ages,” said Jennie who plays Fiz in the soap.

“He’s always been involved as a restaurant manager and for the last two years we’ve been working on this.

“The key was to find the find right location and with Annie’s we’ve found the perfect one on St Ann’s Square near the Royal Exchange.”

Bury-born Jennie has been in Coronation Street for 12 years and she admits its her dream job.

“I just love every minute of it,” she said, “it’s brilliant.”

Although sworn to secrecy about future plotlines Jennie did admit that there are some exciting times ahead for Fiz.

“It’s an exciting time for Fiz,” she said. “She’s currently involved in helping Tyrone but I think as we get to Christmas there will be a bit of a surprise in store for the views.”

Jennie is currently filming episodes which will be screen in March which means she should be able to take some time off over Christmas.

“When we’re filming it can be pretty intense,” she said. “At the moment because I’m involved in a big storyline it can be a 12 hour day, but being honest it’s not hard work like so many people’s jobs.

“To me if you love what you’re doing which I do, then it’s not really work at all.

“Having said that it will be nice to get a break at Christmas.

“It’s always a real family affair,” she said. “We all get together and have a traditional Christmas dinner – and yes we do all sit down to watch Coronation Street.

“I try not to give too much away when I’m watching with someone else but sometimes I’ll say something and then find that a scene I filmed has been cut.”

With her new venture now open Jennie said she is hoping to spend time at the restaurant when possible.

“I think there’s a chance people might see me there helping out,” she said.

“We’ve done a lot of research and we want Annie’s to be the kind of place where people feel comfortable.”

We called it Annie’s because of the location in St Ann’s Square but I think also it’s fitting because it’s got the sort of feel to it like your Auntie Annie’s house with comfortable sofas and a relaxed atmosphere.

“We’ve got a great team including chef Richard Moore who has worked at some top hotels and the menu is full of traditional, homely dishes which people love.

“And yes, we’ve put a hot pot on the menu — we had to really didn’t we?”

As well as the main restaurant, Annie’s also has a small private dining room.

“It’s going to compulsory for all Coronation Street parties to be held there from now on,” laughed Jennie.

“I think some of the cast will drop in from time to time as we’re all such good mates but I’m not forcing them.

“It’s just such a dream come true for Chris and I. We’re just so excited about the whole thing and can’t quite believe that our dream has become a reality.”