Corrie Star Cait Fitton: “Lauren is Desperate for Love and Stability”

Cait Fitton, who plays Lauren on Coronation Street, opens up about her character’s tumultuous journey and the gripping challenges she faces.

“Lauren is very much still under Joel’s spell,” says Cait. “She craves stability, something she’s never had. Joel manipulates her, saying, ‘If you keep quiet, I can help you.’ Lauren clings to that because, besides him, who else does she have? Especially now, with a baby to think about, she’s desperate for love and stability.”

Lauren’s struggle to speak up is a major theme. “She needs money for a fresh start,” Cait explains. “She’s been all over the place these past few months, with no job or support. Joel promises financial stability, and she feels she has no choice but to take it. Plus, there’s the fear of not being believed. Joel is a respected figure in the community, while Lauren has a troubled past. It’s a no-brainer for her—she feels she’ll never be believed.”

The fear of running away again weighs heavily on Lauren. “She managed to escape Joel once but worries about a second attempt. If she leaves, will he follow her? If she stays, will he harm her and the baby? She can’t confide in anyone because she doesn’t trust anyone,” Cait shares.

Lauren’s vulnerability is starkly highlighted when she’s mugged. “The reason I love playing Lauren is because she’s feisty and hot-headed. Months ago, she would have fought back. But now, she’s vulnerable, pregnant, and without support. She’s no longer just in survival mode for herself but also for her child.”

Despite Joel’s ‘support’, Lauren’s feelings towards him are clear. “She’s not grateful for Joel. He tried to kill her. She’s desperate. Her focus is on the baby. Joel has blackmailed her, promising financial support and a new life in Ireland if she stays quiet about what happened. She’s stuck between a rock and a hard place.”

Lauren’s fear intensifies when she experiences stomach pains, thinking she’s going into early labor. “Lauren is terrified. She’s never been through this before, and being alone makes it even scarier. This is not the way it’s meant to be.”

On Lauren’s potential as a parent, Cait reflects, “If you don’t know love, how are you supposed to offer it? But for Lauren, having a baby that will love her unconditionally gives her an inner power. She’ll make mistakes, but I want her to keep her feistiness. I want people to see her journey from trauma to motherhood.”

Cait has delved deep into the storyline, speaking with charities like the Maggie Oliver Foundation. “Talking to survivors of grooming and abuse has been eye-opening. The justice system often fails vulnerable girls like Lauren because of their backgrounds. It’s a relevant issue today, and I feel a duty of care in portraying this storyline.”

Cait’s dedication to her character is evident. “Lauren may seem like a troublemaker, but there’s so much more beneath the surface. I feel really protective of her. I hope that translates on screen.”