Coronation Street's Tracy Barlow star Kate Ford's life - famous exes, soap exit and 'incredible pain'

Kate Ford has been a staple on the cobbles for over two decades, but her life off-screen is a far cry from her character Tracy Barlow's tumultuous existence

Coronation Street favourite Kate Ford, known for her portrayal of the tempestuous Tracy Barlow, has been central to some of the show's most memorable storylines involving extortion and even a stint in jail for killing her boyfriend Charlie Stubbs.

Despite her onscreen indiscretions, the actress admitted she doesn't view her role as evil. Speaking to The Mirror in 2015, she disclosed: "I think she's a sociopath really, she doesn't have the empathy that most people have," and remarked, "But we do see the human side of her, I don't think the character would have lasted so long if she was just a baddie. People wouldn't believe her. She's never boring, I'm really lucky."

While viewers might feel like they've journeyed alongside Tracy throughout her eventful life spanning more than 20 years, in reality, Kate Ford's life is far removed from that of her character. Raised in Salford with academic stints in Cumbria and Lancashire, Ford honed her acting skills at the distinguished Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art.

Her early career saw her appearing in The Beatles' music video "Free as a Bird" in 1995 and making a cameo in a special EastEnders episode with Ricky Butcher and Bianca Jackson.

Kate Ford, who plays Tracy Barlow in Coronation Street, has had a varied love life over the years. Before joining the soap, she reportedly had a brief romance with Bart Ruspoli, who appeared in EastEnders, in 2000, reports the Mirror.

Although their relationship was short-lived, Ruspoli's wife recently shared a throwback photo of the pair from 1997, which Ford commented on, saying: "I love this! ! When your ex's wife posts a celebratory photo of you and her husband (I love them both) from 1997 you realise how life can (sometimes) come full circle in gorgeous ways you at one point, couldn't imagine xx."

Ford later married TV producer Jon Connerty in 2007 and they had a son, Otis James, the following year. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 2013.

At the time, Ford described the experience as "incredibly painful" and told The Sun: "We really tried hard to make it work. But it came to the point when we knew we had to get a divorce. Things had changed and it wasn't what it was. But it was incredibly painful. For a while after we split, I found it hard to get out of bed."

Post-divorce, Kate has been rather private about her personal life but has shown openness regarding her struggle with endometriosis. This painful condition has not dampened her resolve to offer support to others facing similar health battles.

She recently took to Instagram to give a glimpse into her experiences while filming. Accompanying a selfie in a distinctive red jacket with a Corrie badge, her caption read: "Filming #itvcorrie this was a few weeks ago at a time that I was struggling with my #endometriosis, luckily got lots of support. Just sending a hug out to all those struggling with similar."

Her openness prompted supportive messages from colleagues like Shobna Gulati who commented "You are so strong xxx and beautiful" and Samia Longchambon who expressed affection with a heart and hug emoji.

Beyond the on-set camaraderie, Kate enjoys a close-knit relationship with television host Kate Thornton, her neighbor, revealing their Christmas celebration together where Thornton spared no effort in the festive preparations. With their sons being close friends as well, their families spend considerable time together.

In storyline updates, fans have witnessed Tracy leave the Weatherfield cobbles in Monday's (September 16) episode, following an argument with Tom Orpington, marking a short-lived return to Spain.

Her former husband, Steve McDonald, took her to the airport as she bid goodbye to Amy and father Ken Barlow. She also urged Steve to move forward with new arrival Cassie Plummer before leaving the street.

It's thought that Kate is taking another short break, similar to earlier this year, before making a comeback. Reports suggest a full-time return is in the works for next year, if not at least a longer stint.