Tina O’Brien, the iconic Coronation Street star who has portrayed Sarah Platt for nearly 30 years, is navigating a new and dramatic chapter off-screen. Sources say she is preparing to make waves in the influencer world, potentially stepping into the spotlight alongside her daughter Scarlett and her ex-partner Ryan Thomas’s famous family. 
An insider tells The Sun: “Tina has always been adored for her Corrie role, but observing her peers and family members thrive online has inspired her. Scarlett is already a major social media star, and the Thomas family racks up millions of views. Tina now sees an opportunity to make her own mark.”
Previously critical of social media and calling Instagram “toxic” in 2020, Tina is embracing change six years later. She has signed with Alpha Talent Group, known for representing stars like Tommy Fury, Max George, and Paige Turley. The agency will help her secure brand partnerships, though all deals must be approved to avoid conflicts with ITV’s commercial agreements or compromising her character’s integrity.
While Scarlett charms her 352,000 TikTok followers and 245,000 Instagram fans with her singing talent, Tina’s approach is more curated. She won’t join viral TikTok trends but will explore selective brand deals and potentially reality TV, recalling her Strictly stint over a decade ago. Friends note: “Tina is subtly positioning herself to shine beyond Corrie. She’s not leaving the soap, but her future off-screen looks very bright.”
Tina’s plans coincide with high-profile moments for the Thomas Brothers. Adam Thomas’s recent I’m A Celebrity… South Africa stint stirred debate after on-screen clashes, potentially giving Tina an off-screen boost. Friends say she sees this as a chance to subtly ‘get one up on Ryan.’
Off-screen, Tina has weathered a turbulent history with Ryan following their 2009 split after a six-year relationship. Controversies have included a 2022 incident where Ryan claimed Tina damaged his Range Rover and a 2023 cryptic Instagram post about a “tyrannical narcissistic father.”
Tina began Corrie as 13-year-old Sarah-Louise and earned Most Popular Newcomer at the National Television Awards following her character’s teen pregnancy storyline. While she has supported Lucy Fallon, who plays her on-screen daughter, Tina now draws inspiration from both Lucy’s success and Scarlett’s social media following.
In addition to her influencer ambitions, Tina co-founded The Drama MOB in Manchester with Esther Morgan. The school produced Adolescence star Owen Cooper, who became the youngest male Emmy and Golden Globe winner. Tina plans to become the school’s public face, mentoring new talent and leveraging its growing reputation.
With a devoted fan base, a promising influencer career, and a thriving drama school, Tina O’Brien is stepping into a multifaceted off-screen life, proving that her story continues to captivate audiences beyond Coronation Street.
Source: https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/39028382/tina-o-brien-thomas-family-takeover/
