FORMER Coronation Street star Suranne Jones is to open this year’s Southport Flower Show.

The popular actress will lead the grand opening ceremony on Thursday, August 19, marking the start of the UK’s largest independent flower show.

“I am hugely excited about coming to Southport,” said Northern girl Suranne, who will be opening the 81st annual show. “It’s been one of my favourite places since I was a child and I have always had a great time there.”

Her four years playing feisty Karen McDonald in Corrie earned her a number of awards, notably the RTS’ Most Popular Actress award. She was also voted the sexiest star in soap.

Since leaving Coronation Street, Suranne, 31, has become one of the leading TV actresses of her generation.

She has turned in critically acclaimed performances in hit TV dramas ‘Vincent’, ‘Five Days’ and ‘Unforgiven’, which earned her a Best Actress nomination in the Royal Television Society (RTS) awards. Suranne’s latest major drama ‘Single Father’ co-starring David Tennant, will be broadcast on BBC1 in the autumn.

Suranne, who says her favourite flower is the classic English garden rose, added: “I am really interested in gardens and I hope to grow old in a big house with a big garden.I’m eager to get some top tips from the experts as well as seeing all the wonderful show gardens. There is so much happening at the show this year, it sounds like my perfect day out.”

Suranne describes herself as an “intrigued, keen to learn” gardener, and said she will be looking for inspiration and tips on how best to use the limited space she has at home: “I don’t have the luxury of a large garden where I live, so I’ll be asking the experts how I can give my home a bit of life. I’m sure the knowledgeable, friendly people visiting and exhibiting at the show will be able to give me some good advice on how to make the most of the space I have.”

David Jackson, Chief Executive at Southport Flower Show, said: “Suranne is one of the UK’s brightest stars and we’re sure she’ll enjoy coming to the show for a great day out. Like many of our visitors, Suranne is also keen to gather tips on how to make the best of the garden space she has and there will be plenty of good advice on offer from our experts. We’re looking forward to welcoming her to this year’s show.”

For further information and to order tickets for Southport Flower Show, which runs from 19-22 August, visit www.southportflowershow.co.uk or call 0844 847 1555. Advance tickets are £16.