Coronation Street’s Amy Barlow details ‘vulnerable’ character’s connection to Institute

Exclusive: Elle Mulvaney, who portrays Amy Barlow on Coronation Street, is preparing for a half marathon in order to raise funds for the Wigan MS Therapy Center.

Star of Coronation Street Elle Mulvaney, who portrays Amy Barlow in the enduring ITV soap opera, has shared her thoughts on why her character keeps finding herself drawn to Leanne Battersby’s (Jane Danson) The Institute.

Watchers have seen Leanne present Amy to Rowan Cunliffe (Emrhys Cooper), the leader of the Institute, in recent weeks, and try to convince her to totally commit to the lifestyle, even if it means giving them money.

In an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk while preparing for a charity run to benefit Wigan MS Therapy Centre, the singer said that her bond with Leanne is what’s really pulling her into the almost religious-like Institute.

“I think there are a lot of links that people forget about, which makes the relationship between Amy and Leanne really interesting,” the speaker stated. Amy’s half-brother Oliver was Leanne’s son, who sadly went away. Furthermore, Simon’s mother is Leanne, and Simon is Amy’s cousin.

“Leanne also clearly dated her father, Steve McDonald, for a while, and she clearly had a long connection with Tracy Barlow, Amy’s mother. Thus, I find the entire dynamic to be incredibly fascinating.

**Amy Barlow has been getting sucked into the world of The Institute on Coronation Street (Image: ITV)**

“Upon learning about the plot, I became rather intrigued as I enjoy viewing documentaries on cults, thrillers, serial murderers, and psychopaths, among other subjects. I find it fascinating to learn about human psychology and the reasons behind people’s actions.

“I believe that when it was first presented to me, I was struck by how intriguing it sounded. She said, “And then I’m clearly getting into it, and it’s getting a little weird. I’m curious to see how the public will react.”

Elle thinks that Amy’s lack of parental direction has had a significant role in the character’s recent actions. The teenager has mostly been allowed to make her own decisions in life, with her father Steve living a lonely existence and her mother Tracy now living in Spain with Tommy Orpington (Matt Milburn).

“She seems to be on her own a little more now that neither of her parents is really paying much attention to her,” the author writes. Each is occupied with their own tasks. Each of them leads a separate life,” Elle thought.

**Away from Coronation Street Elle Mulvaney is training for a half marathon for charity (Image: Getty)**

Additionally, Amy is susceptible since she hasn’t fully moved on from prior experiences in her life, such as being raped. Every one of her pals appears to be preoccupied, employed, or struggling with personal issues. Amy therefore feels very much as though she is on her own and is acting like a responsible adult for the first time.

Thus, I believe it has played a part in her turning back toward Leanne and the Institute. It’s partly because Amy has always thought highly of Leanne. “I think Amy admires that about Leanne because she’s a very successful businesswoman who’s headstrong and very similar to Amy in many ways,” Amy stated.

Elle, who has portrayed Amy since 2010, is presently preparing for a half marathon with her sister Georgia in order to generate funds for the Wigan MS Therapy Centre, a cause that is dear to her. She speaks strongly about the charity’s work and is one of its patrons.

“There are no MS centers in the north. The only ones that receive government funding are those in the south. This one, therefore, was designed with those with multiple sclerosis in mind, and it has amenities like a completely accessible gym.

“People may come and simply chat since they have comfortable couches. In addition, they offer physiotherapy services and have individuals that come in to get haircuts. For example, getting a haircut can sometimes be extremely painful for persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) due to the possibility of severe neck pain from having their hair combed back for extended periods of time.

As a result, they invite individuals to work for them at a reduced cost or for free, and they pay for everything themselves as the government does not provide any financing at all. I decided to support them by running the Manchester 10k, and I was thrilled to have raised over £1000 for them during that race.

“They had their yearly summer ball a few weeks ago, and my family and I raised, I believe, three and a half grand for them.” Thus, while it’s undoubtedly not the largest sum of money in the world, even a little donation means a lot to a charity like theirs that receives no other financing.”