Corrie star makes Labour’s final list for candidates to replace murdered MP Jo Cox
Murdered MP Jo Cox could be replaced by a former soap star, after ex Coronation Street actress Tracy Brabin was included in a final list of candidates for the seat of Batley and Spen.
Brabin featured on the soap for for eight years as Tricia Armstrong, as well as taking on roles in Eastenders and Holby City, and she will compete for the nomination against environmental campaigner Jane Thomas.
The two will take part in a hustings for constituency party members with a vote expected immediately afterwards to choose the party's candidate.
Read More: Here are the dates for the Witney and Batley and Spen by-elections
A close friend of Cox, Brabin campaigned regularly alongside her. When her bid for the nomination was first revealed, Brabin was described as "nailed on" favourite for the spot.
The West Yorkshire seat has been vacant since Cox's murder in the run-up to the summer's EU membership referendum.
The largest political parties have vowed not to contest the by-election, although one candidate who will stand is former British National Party member Jack Buckby, who will seek to be elected for "anti-islamisation" party Liberty GB.