From the cobbles to the Commons

CANDIDATE: Ex-soapstar Tracy Brabin is in the running for MP Jo Cox’s seat

Soapstar selected for Jo Cox’s seat

The Labour party has announced its new representative to replace murdered MP Jo Cox, with former Coronation Street star, Tracy Brabin, set to represent the party.

On 16th June 2016, the former Batley and Spen MP was fatally shot and stabbed outside the library in Birstall, West Yorkshire, where she was about to hold a constituency surgery at 1pm.

The shortlist for her replacement included Ms Brabin and Jane Thomas, with the prior eventually confirmed as the Labour candidate following a hustings event on Friday 23rd September.

Ms Brabin, who like her predecessor is also from Batley, paid tribute to Ms Cox at her funeral in July, calling her a ‘true inspiration and an extraordinary woman’.

Speaking following her selection by the Labour party, she said: “Jo was my inspiration. I intend to do her proud.

“Obviously no-one wanted this, but I'm the only person on the ballot paper that can stand up for everyone in Batley and Spen.

“I'm hoping people will put party politics to one side and we can work together.”

A by-election, to determine the next MP for the Batley and Spen constituency, will be held on 20th October.

The Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and UKIP have all said they will not be fielding a candidate in the by-election.

Labour do not expect the election to be ‘completely uncontested’, with Liberty GB and the English Democrats among those previously stating they will contest the seat.

Horror-nation Street: Corrie star suffers awful facial injury after blacking out

BATTERED AND BRUSIED: Corrie actor Qasim Akhtar had a freak ‘rush of blood to the head’ whilst training in his garden

Coronation Street fans were in shock this week after Corrie actor Qasim Akhtar posted a photograph of his bloodied face on social media.

The Corrie heart-throb’s face looked like it had gone through a few rounds with Mike Tyson after he revealed that he had blacked out in a freak accident.

25-year-old Qasim, who plays Zeedan Nazir in the award-winning soap, was exercising at home when he lost consciousness and fell on the patio, leaving a painful looking cut over his right eye.

The actor, who is now recovering, has been flooded with concerned messages and well-wishes from his co-stars Sally Ann Matthews, Kym Marsh and Jane Danson.

He wrote on Instagram: “So, I’ve just got out of A and E. Training in the garden earlier - had a sudden rush of blood to my head and hit the stone deck face first after blacking out. Great start to the weekend.”

He later explained: “I think I just got an unusual amount of blood rush to my head and fainted.”

Kym, who plays Rovers Return barmaid Michelle Connor, asked: “Are you ok doll?” to which he replied: “I am now mrs. Codeine and rest for me this weekend.”

Jane, who plays pregnant Leanne Battersby, tweeted: “Aw love, hope you feel ok soon, that looks so sore x”

And he told Sally Ann, who plays Jenny Bradley: “I’m counting my blessings I didn’t land two feet to the right off the corner of a step.”

Brave Qasim admitted that his injury was ‘very very sore’ but tweeted that he will be ‘back in work tomorrow’.

He said: “I’m a soldier haha this won’t stop me. I’ll be back on it Monday.”

Qasim has been on the ITV soap since 2014, when he was cast as the son of Kal, played by Jimi Mistry. He has also played Chesney Karib in the Channel 4 show ‘Shameless’.

Bhavna pulls up on the Corrie Cobbles

FAMOUS: A new resident will be moving into Coronation Street next month

Dream come true for ‘Proud Northerner’

DREAM COME TRUE: Bhavna has recently starred in Citizen Khan and Cuffs

Fans of ITV’s Coronation Street are set to welcome a new neighbour to the famed cobbles next month as new girl, Rana, busts onto the scene.

Played by Lancashire-born actress, Bhavna Limbachia, who’s previously starred in Citizen Khan and Cuffs, Rana will be introduced as an old uni friend of Alya – played by Sair Khan.

However, it isn’t friendship that encapsulates the character’s storyline but romance, with Alya’s brother, Zeedan (played by Qasim Akhtar), instantly falling head over heels for the 31-year-old actress.

It’s not long before Rana’s got herself a job at the medical centre and while many of the street’s residents have got their eyes on Rana it seems she’s got her sights firmly set on Zeedan.

Bhavna will first appear on our screens on Friday 19th February and as these first on set pictures show she’s sure to make an impression.

Producer Stuart Blackburn said: “Rana is sharp, funny, utterly gorgeous and not a little manipulative. She's a girl who likes to get her own way and when she sets her sights on something, or someone ... well, Zeedan better have his wits about him!”

Talking about her new role Bhavna said: “I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining the show. Being a proud Northerner - it's a dream come true.”