Character: Joan
Actor: Jenny Platt
Episode: They Fought In the Fields

Jenny Platt admits she wouldn't have made a great land girl in real life.

"I loved playing Joan, she was a fantastic character and it is was good working in the countryside but I wasn't great with the cows. They tried to teach me to milk a cow but I was rubbish at it and only got a teaspoon of milk! Paula Jennings was more of a natural so she got to do it on screen.

"We had some tuition to herd them and the farmer helped us but the first try was a disaster. The calves were running amok, as were the cows, so I put my hands up in the air, then realised they were still filming. The second time was a bit smoother and it all worked like clockwork.

"It was hard work and a bit smelly and I got backache from planting potatoes in the fields. But I think Paula got it tougher than me - seeing her ploughing was pretty backbreaking!"

Joan is stationed on the farm belonging to Hugh Jackson (Nigel Terry).

"Joan is sparky and a bit rough at the edges but she means well. She's a Londoner who has never been to the country and she's really enjoying it. She's a rough diamond and trouble seems to find her, but she looks out for Rose, the other land girl.

"The clothes were practical and accurate, not glamorous. Some of the jumpers had make and mend patches on them but it helped get into the character and the spirit of the time.

"Paula and I both did a bit of research and read up about the land girls and their diaries. It was all very interesting, seeing how their lives changed so dramatically."

Since filming finished, 24-year-old Jenny has been busy in her latest role as new barmaid Julie in Coronation Street.

"It's really exciting. Going from Foyle's War to Coronation Street is just amazing for me as they are such high rating and high profile shows. I can't believe it has happened to me and quite freaky to think they will both come out at the same time. At least they are both programmes that my granny loves - she is so proud of me!"

Jenny studied at East 15 Acting School and her other roles include Where The Heart Is, Family Business and The Bill.