By NICK JACKSON GIANT-killing Wanderers have gained top marks from Coronation Street head teacher Sue Jeffers, alias Bolton actress Romy Baskerville. Romy, who watched her favourite team overcome Chelsea in the Coca-Cola 2-1 on Tuesday, is in the thick of the action herself at the moment, as viewers are kept guessing about a possible on-screen romance with Ken Barlow.

She has played Mrs Jeffers in a minor role for the last five years, but recently she has starred in the storyline in which she appears to be making a play for Ken.

Romy has become a keen Wanderers fan, since moving to Bolton 22 years ago. She is originally from Essex, and worked at theatres in the south and Midlands before coming to the Octagon Theatre in the 1970s, where she has also worked as a director.

"I've lived here longer than I have lived anywhere else, so I regard Bolton as my home town," said Romy.

"I felt really sorry for Chelsea. Gullit was really superb, he just finds space all over the pitch, but I thought Per Frandsen was man of the match. I think it's brilliant, what's happening at the moment, the whole town is buzzing.

"Colin Todd and Phil Brown are doing very well with the team, especially after all the furore over selling Sasa Curcic. But the Danish boys are excellent for the team."

"The way the team are pulling together is great. The weight seems to have fallen off Gerry Taggart and Nathan Blake, and, of course, John McGinlay is excellent as well.

"I normally sit in the Burnden stand, but sometimes I like to go on the terraces, I enjoy it there with my friends."

Meanwhile, Romy has been made to feel part of the celebrity team on the set of Britain's most popular soap.

She explained: "In the past my bits have been filmed on Sundays out on location at a school in Eccles, so I have never got involved with the main company and have the daily business with the gang on Stage One until now, and everyone has been very nice."

The plot involving Romy is coming to a head this week and next, then she drops out for while, before reappearing some time in November.

"I never know when I am called in whether it will be the last time. It's just one of those things. But I have been enjoying a bit of the limelight, you know, being recognised in Safeway and getting bit of special help from the staff."

Romy's other TV credits include Brookside, The Bill, Prime Suspect, Cracker and this autumn will appear in Hetty Wainthrop.

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