Ho ho ho: Coronation Street's Catherine Tyldesley gets in the Christmas spirit

By J J Anisiobi

Last updated at 6:37 PM on 17th December 2011

She is normally pictured showing off her fabulous curves in tight dresses.

But Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley covered up yesterday as she got into the Christmas spirit.

The actress wore a black dress with a red trim and red flowers as she did her best Mrs Santa Claus impression.

Merry Christmas: Catherine Tyldesley strikes a pose for Text Santa in Manchester yesterday

She teamed the dress with a red feather bower and matching ruby heels.

The 27-year-old capped off the outfit in a festive hat with the words 'Text Santa' embroidered on it.

She took time out of her busy schedule to support the charity campaign and posed for the pictures outside Granada Studios in Manchester, where Corrie is filmed.

A rising star: The actress signed some autographs outside of Granada studios

The rising star was interrupted by an eager fan who was after an autograph.

She was more than happy to give the enthusiast what he wanted though and then got back to the modelling.

Catherine was joined by what appeared to be a man dressed in a blonde wig.

Sexy Santa: Catherine posed with a man dressed as a woman

She's behind you: The Corrie actress took time out from her schedule to support the campaign

Her male friend, who looked like an ugly sister from a Cinderella pantomime, was wearing a pink dress that was lined with fur and pink jogging bottoms.

Catherine, who plays Eva Price in the popular northern soap, was helping to raise money and awareness for charities this Christmas through the Text Santa campaign.

Other celebrities that are supporting the effort include Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.