Coronation Street Tracy Barlow star Kate Ford's life from health battle to famous exes

Kate Ford, the actress behind Coronation Street's notorious Tracy Barlow, has been captivating audiences with her character's scandalous antics for over two decades. Despite Tracy's history of manipulative and criminal behaviour, including blackmail and murder, Ford doesn't see her as evil.

In a 2015 interview with The Mirror, she explained: "I think she's a sociopath really, she doesn't have the empathy that most people have," adding, "But we do see the human side of her, I don't think the character would have lasted so long if she was just a baddie. People wouldn't believe her. She's never boring, I'm really lucky."

While fans are well-acquainted with Tracy's turbulent life on the cobbles, Ford's real-life background is quite distinct from her on-screen persona. Born in Salford, the star's journey included schooling in Cumbria and Lancashire, followed by training at the prestigious Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art.

Her early career featured a unique start in The Beatles' music video for "Free as a Bird" and a guest appearance in an EastEnders special before she stepped into Tracy Barlow's shoes, marking herself as the fourth actress to take on the role.

Outside of her acting career, it's reported that Julia Ford once dated BAFTA-nominated actor Bart Ruspoli, who had a brief appearance on EastEnders, back in 2000. Although their romance was short-lived, Ruspoli's current wife took to social media to post a nostalgic photo from 1997 featuring the pair, reports the Mirror.

Ford shared the throwback image on her own social media, commenting: "I love this! ! When your ex's wife posts a celebratory photo of you and her husband (I love them both) from 1997 you realise how life can (sometimes) come full circle in gorgeous ways you at one point, couldn't imagine xx."

Ford later entered into a relationship with television producer Jon Connerty, marrying him in 2007 and welcoming their son Otis James in 2008. However, the couple's marriage ended in divorce by 2013.

During that period, Ford expressed the emotional toll of the separation, telling the Sun: "We really tried hard to make it work. But it came to the point when we knew we had to get a divorce. Things had changed and it wasn't what it was. But it was incredibly painful. For a while after we split, I found it hard to get out of bed."

Post-divorce, Kate has not been romantically linked to anyone in the public eye. Ford has been candid about her battle with endometriosis, a debilitating condition that can impact her work on the popular ITV soap. Despite the challenges, Ford is determined to use her platform to support others facing similar struggles.

On social media, Ford has shared insights into her personal experiences with endometriosis. In a poignant Instagram post, she uploaded a selfie donning a red jacket adorned with a Coronation Street badge, detailing her on-set struggles with the caption: "Filming #itvcorrie this was a few weeks ago at a time that I was struggling with my #endometriosis, luckily got lots of support. Just sending a hug out to all those struggling with similar."

Her Corrie colleagues rallied around her, with Shobna Gulati commenting "You are so strong xxx and beautiful" and Samia Longchambon expressing solidarity with a heart and hug emoji.

Kate isn't just supported by her castmates; she also enjoys a close-knit friendship with Loose Women's Kate Thornton. The two share more than just a street in London; their families have become intertwined, with Ford recalling a Christmas spent at Thornton's home, awash with an extravagant feast and the warm company of their sons, who are great mates. Ford reflected on their bond, noting the constant flow between their homes and the tight-knit connection they share.

Fans recently watched Tracy leave Weatherfield during Monday's (September 16) episode just weeks after returning from Spain following a row with her new lover Tommy Orpington.

Her ex-husband Steve McDonald drove her to the airport, as she said farewell to Amy and dad Ken Barlow. She also encouraged Steve to move on with newcomer Cassie Plummer, before exiting the street. It's believed Kate is only taking another temporary break just like earlier this year, ahead of a return. It's been reported that a full-time comeback is planned for next year if not at least a longer return.

Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX