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By Sarah Bull
Hair-raising new look: Kym Marsh backcombed her hair into a large quiff as she arrived at Manchester Gay PrideThe prospect of standing out in a crowd of fully made-up drag queens can be daunting for a soap star.
So in order to ensure she made an impression at Manchester Gay Pride today, Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh decided to showcase a hair-raising new look.
The 34-year-old star had backcombed her black mane into a huge quiff, teaming her new 'do with a pair of skintight leather trousers and a Wonder Woman T-shirt.
Rock chick: Kym looked trendy in her skintight leather trousers and Wonder Woman T-shirtBut, despite her unique new look, Kym was outshone by some of her fellow Corrie stars, who joined her on the float to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ITV soap.
While Beverly Callard, who shared a kiss with Kym for the cameras, went for an all-white option and a dress and matching feather boa, Brooke Vincent opted for a bright pink wig and multi-coloured dress.
Brooke's character Sophie Webster has been involved in a storyline for the past few months which has seen her fall for her best friend Sian Powers, played by Sacha Parkinson.
Puckering up: Kym and co-star Beverley Callard share a kiss on the float
Floating along: The pair were just two of the stars chosen to ride on the float celebrating the 50th anniversary of Coronation StreetBoth Brooke and Sacha have been praised for their realistic portrayal of two teengers in love.
Jackie Crozier, the director of Manchester Pride, said: 'We're delighted they're teaming up with Manchester Pride in this, their 50th anniversary year.
'Through characters like Sean Tully, Hayley Cropper, Todd Grimshaw and, most recently, Sophie Webster, they have helped to raise awareness of the issues facing the LGBT community to millions of loyal viewers.'
Dressing up: Beverley (left) and co-star Brooke Vincent pulled out all the stopsThe float also featured a dozen drag queens who were dressed as legendary character Hilda Ogden, who last appeared in Coronation Street in 1987.
As well as being involved in the Gay Pride parade, Kym is also involved in a new photography exhibition in the city entitled Welcome To My World.
Explaining her involvement, Kym said: 'I was made up to be picked as one of 20 famous faces with strong links to the gay community.
'The pictures were all about playing up to gay stereotypes and my picture portrays a very strong female image.
'I was asked to take part and, as I have a lot of gay and lesbian friends, I was delighted to get involved.'
Celebration: The castmembers rode on this colourful float through Manchestersource: dailymail
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