fans were left gobsmacked when they discovered where they’d seen a new character before.
The soap aired scenes this week with the returning Rob Donovan still in prison for murdering Tina McIntyre back in 2014. Prison officer Mandy found herself in danger when Rob’s fellow inmate Matty pulled a knife on her, after murdering his own brother Mason.
Things quickly escalated, with Matty threatening to kill Bobby – who was in prison visiting Rob to ask him to donate his kidney to his sister Carla Connor. Eventually Rob pinned Matty to the wall and staff rushed in to help.
But plenty of fans were distracted from the on-screen tension when they realised just where they’d seen the actress playing Mandy before.
She was played by Rebecca Atkinson, who is best known for her role as Karen Maguire on hit comedy Shameless from 2004 until 2013.
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But she’s also appeared in before back in 2002, when she played Stephanie – who Kirk and Jason chased around Blackpool.
Rebecca’s starred in everything from Life on Mars to Silent Witness, along with medical soaps and Doctors.
Rebecca played Karen in Shameless (Image: Channel 4)
Gobsmacked fans took to social media to share their thoughts, with one writing on X: “I wonder if this is a test appearance to see if they like her. Maybe bring her in full time. Seems weird to bring in a relatively known name for a small one-time part!”
Someone else posted: “Ahh it’s Karen from Shameless!” while another echoed: “Karen from Shameless! Love her.”