Former Coronation Street actress Tracy Brabin is believed to be considering a career in politics.
The soap star may stand in the by-election triggered by the death of MP Jo Cox, the BBC has reported.
The 55-year-old, who has also appeared in Emmerdale and EastEnders, is considering putting her name forward to become Labour’s candidate for Batley and Spen in West Yorkshire.
The seat is currently vacant after Jo was shot and stabbed to death on June 16.
The actress, who was born in Batley and had worked with the late MP, told the Yorkshire Post that she had not yet decided whether to stand, adding: “I need to get some soundings from the people in Batley and Spen.”
However, she emphasised that she was keen to ensure “there’s no void in Batley and Spen” in the aftermath of Jo’s death.
A spokesman for Yorkshire and the Humber Labour Party said they had not been contacted by the TV star.
The selection process has not yet begun, but is expected to take place “in the next couple of months”, he confirmed. No date has yet been set for the by-election.
Tracy supported Jo in her campaign to save Batley Library. The pair also both attended local Heckmondwike Grammar School.
The actress played Tricia Armstrong in Coronation Street in the 1990s. She later appeared as Roxy Drake in EastEnders, and played feisty Carole in Emmerdale.
She has also written for shows including Family Affairs, Tracy Beaker and Hollyoaks.
After Jo’s murder, the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Ukip said they would not field a candidate in the by-election.
However, Liberty GB and the English Democrats will both contest the seat, as will Ukip member Waqas Ali Khan as an independent candidate.
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