Coronation Street star Channique Sterling-Brown, best known for her captivating role as Dee-Dee Bailey, has opened up about her dreams and ambitions that stretch
far beyond the famous Weatherfield cobbles. Though she remains deeply committed to her role on the long-running ITV soap, Channique has revealed that
she’s already thinking ahead, eyeing exciting ventures that span the globe, the arts, and personal growth.
A Rising Star with Global Aspirations
Since joining Coronation Street in September 2022, Sterling-Brown has quickly established herself as a powerhouse talent. Her portrayal of the bold and fiercely intelligent Dee-Dee Bailey has won her praise from both viewers and critics alike. But while she’s flourishing in the heart of Weatherfield, Channique admits she’s equally curious about the world beyond the studio walls.
In an exclusive interview with My Weekly magazine, the actress shared her desire to explore life outside of the soap when the time is right. “I’d love to see more of the world,” she said with passion. “I’d love to learn to play a musical instrument. And I’d like to live abroad—just for a little while—to embrace somewhere new.”
These are not idle daydreams for Channique. They reflect the ambition of a performer who refuses to be boxed in by a single role, no matter how iconic or beloved.
A Passion for Performance – From Weatherfield to Shakespeare
While Dee-Dee Bailey may be her breakthrough role, Channique is eager to stretch her artistic wings. A classically trained actor with a background in theatre, she has her sights set on exploring more complex and diverse characters.
“I’d love to play Lady Macbeth,” she confessed. “It would be great to play a villain—just something completely different from Dee-Dee.”
Lady Macbeth—a figure of dark ambition, manipulation, and moral unraveling—stands in stark contrast to the principled and justice-driven Dee-Dee. But for Channique, it’s all about the challenge and the range. “I love Coronation Street,” she emphasized. “It’s a wonderful place to work and such a pinch-me moment. It’s defined this stage of my career, changed my life, and I’ve learned so much. But I’m still young, and it’s such a big industry. I’d love to try out different characters one day.”
Dee-Dee’s Explosive Family Drama
While Channique may be dreaming of international roles and Shakespearean stages, her current storyline on Coronation Street is delivering all the drama fans could hope for.
Recently, Dee-Dee has been caught in a highly emotional arc involving her brother James and his daughter Ila. The siblings, once close, now find themselves at odds over a life-changing decision. As Dee-Dee slowly realizes her own maternal instincts and the deep bond she feels with baby Ila, she becomes increasingly torn. Giving up her niece—whom she has come to see as a daughter—is no longer something she can bear.
Next week’s episodes promise to intensify the emotional stakes as Dee-Dee makes a controversial move: she goes behind James’ back in a desperate bid to keep baby Ila in her life. It’s a decision that could fracture their relationship forever, forcing Dee-Dee to confront questions of loyalty, motherhood, and morality.
The Importance of Representation
Beyond the screen, Sterling-Brown has been a fierce advocate for diversity and representation in television. Her role as Dee-Dee was a milestone for the show, bringing a young, successful Black female solicitor into the heart of Weatherfield. Channique takes that responsibility seriously and has used her growing platform to champion inclusivity and visibility in the entertainment industry.
Her presence on Coronation Street has resonated with viewers who see in Dee-Dee a refreshing mix of strength, vulnerability, and brilliance. Sterling-Brown has spoken often about the importance of showing multi-dimensional Black women on screen—something she’s proud to be a part of, but also hopes to expand upon in future roles.
What’s Next for Channique?
Though there’s no official word on when Sterling-Brown might leave the show, it’s clear that whenever she does step away from Coronation Street, she’ll do so with grace and a suitcase full of ambition. Whether it’s traveling the globe, exploring new cultures, learning to play music, or tackling Shakespeare’s most iconic characters, Channique has a vision—and it’s as bold as the woman herself.
Until then, viewers can look forward to more gripping performances as Dee-Dee faces the consequences of her latest choices. Will her bond with baby Ila cost her everything? Can her relationship with James survive this betrayal? One thing is certain: Sterling-Brown will bring every ounce of her talent to whatever storyline comes next.
A Star Just Getting Started
Channique Sterling-Brown’s journey on Coronation Street may be just one chapter in what promises to be a remarkable career. Her enthusiasm for storytelling, passion for growth, and fearless pursuit of new experiences make her a rising star with limitless potential. She’s not just content to play the part—she wants to redefine the stage she walks on.
As she puts it, “There’s so much of the world to see, so many characters to explore. I want to do it all.”