Coronation Street icon Jane Danson has celebrated a massive career achievement following nearly three decades portraying Leanne Battersby.

The 46 year old star first appeared in the ITV soap opera on July 4, 1997.

Throughout the past 28 years, Leanne has found herself at the heart of numerous compelling storylines spanning from extramarital relationships and sex work to uncovering her biological mother’s real identity and the devastating loss of her young son, Oliver Battersby.

Jane featured amongst the stars who took part in the opening night of the An Audience with Coronation Street tour at the Dominion Theatre in London on Sunday (September 14) alongside fellow cast members Patti Clare, Sam Aston and Jimmi Harkishin and Barbara Knox.

Chatting backstage before the inaugural performance, Jane revealed: “This is an absolute first for me being on a West End stage professionally so I can’t wait to have lovely celebrations of Coronation Street.”, reports the Daily Star.

Presented by This Morning’s resident soap specialist Sharon Marshall, the exclusive tour showcases five Coronation Street performers live on stage during each show.

Audiences will experience an evening brimming with humour, backstage revelations, and previously untold tales from the cobbles.

Discussing her participation in the event, Barbara Knox, who has portrayed Rita Sullivan for more than five decades and continues to be one of the programme’s most cherished and lasting characters, commented: “I’ve always believed the magic of Coronation Street lives in the connection it has with its audience.

“After so many wonderful years on the cobbles, it feels very special and a little nerve-racking to be stepping out and sharing some of those memories face to face.

“I don’t often do things like this, but this show felt like the right moment to say thank you, and to celebrate everything Corrie has meant to all of us over the years.”

An Audience with Coronation Street is already proving a hit, with the original Salford date selling out in record time, resulting in a special matinee performance at The Lowry on September 20 and an additional date at Sunderland Empire on September 21.

A range of cast members including Andy Whyment (Kirk Sutherland), Jack P Shepherd (David Platt), Samia Longchambon (Maria Connor), Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald) and Sue Devaney (Debbie Webster) will appear at various shows.

Vicky Myers, who plays DS Lisa Swain, was due to appear at the Glasgow performance but has had to pull out due to scheduling conflicts.