Michelle Keegan’s Coronation Street career as Tina McIntyre spanned from 2008 to 2014, and during that time, her character went through some major transformations, both in terms of her look and her storyline arcs.
1. Tina’s Changing Look:
Tina McIntyre started off as a hairdresser in Coronation Street, and over the years, her appearance evolved, mirroring the changes in her character. Initially, Tina was presented as a bubbly, young woman with a fresh, innocent appearance. However, as the show progressed, her style and look became edgier, more glamorous, and more confident. This reflected Tina’s personal growth and the complications she encountered in her relationships and career. Her hair, makeup, and clothing choices became more daring and high-fashion, which helped her stand out as a central character on the show.
2. Tina’s Controversial Murder:
One of the most memorable aspects of Michelle Keegan’s tenure on Coronation Street was Tina McIntyre’s dramatic and controversial exit from the soap. In 2014, Tina was killed off in one of the most shocking storylines of that year. The plot involved Tina being murdered by Rob Donovan (played by Marc Baylis), a character with whom she had been in a tumultuous and at times, volatile relationship.
The circumstances of Tina’s death were highly controversial because they involved a love triangle, deception, and a jealous rage that led to her tragic demise. Rob Donovan pushed Tina down the stairs during an argument, which ultimately led to her death. Her murder left viewers stunned and sparked intense discussion, particularly because it was a departure from the usual ‘dramatic exit’ that soap characters often experience (such as being written out in a way that allows for a return or leaving voluntarily).
What made Tina’s murder even more controversial was the reaction from the public and other characters in the show. Tina had been a central character for years, and her sudden and brutal death left a lasting impact on the other characters in Coronation Street, especially her close friends and family members.
3. Legacy of Tina McIntyre:
Tina McIntyre’s character was a fan favorite, and Michelle Keegan’s portrayal of her was highly praised. Over her six years on the show, Tina’s storylines ranged from love triangles to family drama, and her murder was a shocking and heart-wrenching moment in the show’s history. Her departure left a hole in the Coronation Street universe, and it marked the end of a significant era for the show, with many fans reflecting on the character’s journey long after she left the screen.
Michelle Keegan’s career post-Coronation Street has been hugely successful, with roles in Our Girl and numerous other television projects, but her time on the soap remains one of the most defining moments in her acting career.