STAR TURN: HOW MUCH DOUGH FOR A MERINGUE?

Sunday Mirror, Jul 7, 2002 by Words: Naomi Greenaway

Drowning in net, taffeta, crystals and diamante, ex-Corrie girl Joanne Froggatt (who played teenage mum Zoe Tattersall) emerges from the changing room. She's kitted out for her new role - no, she's not starring as the Sugar Plum Fairy - as Julia, the adopted sister of three brothers in the BBC drama, Paradise Heights. In the series, Julia is getting married and falls in love with an pounds 8,500 wedding dress which her brothers (played by Neil Morrissey, Ralf Little and Charles Dale) try to acquire for her.

Today, Joanne, who's engaged in real life, swishes around the shop in her haute couture co-star. The dress, above, designed by Sharon Bowan, costs pounds 4,500 in real life. 'I feel at home wearing this dress,' says Joanne. 'I think I'm gonna phone my fiance and say, "OK, we're doing it now."' Fortunately, Joanne gets sidetracked by the tiara display before she gets the chance to relay this idea to 23- year-old Phil.

But we haven't taken Joanne to Virgin Brides bridal shop for a free afternoon of fairy princess bliss - she has to work for it. Her on-and-off-screen wedding experience will be put to the test as we make her guess prices of three different dresses. And we're not going to make it easy.

DRESS 1:

Design Empire-line gown with detail across the bust, skirt and hem. Designed by Rena Koh.

'This one's so heavy. I bet it's really expensive because there's so much of it. The beading is gorgeous and I love the pearls hidden away in the pleat. The sweetheart neckline is lovely but I'm not keen on the straps. I think I'd want my own wedding dress to be strapless. If I had to put a price on it, I'd say it's worth about pounds 4,000. I don't think I'd spend that much on my own wedding dress but I suppose it would change if I fell in love with something special. Also, I wouldn't want to spend more on the dress than on the rest of the wedding. I might even hire one, but I guess it's lovely to have your own wedding dress in years to come.'

Reaction 'Wow, I can't believe I was so off the mark. It looks worth much more than pounds 830 - what a bargain.'

Joanne's guess: pounds 4,000

Real price: pounds 830

DRESS 2:

Design Lace detail strapless bodice and full tulle skirt with scattered diamante. Designed by One And Only.

'Oh I love this one. I would definitely wear something like this when I get married. I wasn't sure about this dress when I saw it on the hanger, but it looks gorgeous on. I love all the sparkles on the skirt. It's not as heavy as the one from Paradise Heights. It was exhausting wearing that wedding dress all day, and I had to walk through doors sideways because it was so wide. This dress must be expensive. The skirt has loads of layers and there's intricate detail on the top. I reckon it costs about the same as the one in the series or maybe just a little bit less. Erm - (five minutes of deliberation later) - OK, I think it must be about pounds 3,000.'

Reaction 'At least I wasn't too far out with this one. I'm getting better.'

Joanne's guess: pounds 3,000

Real price: 2,040

DRESS 3:

Design Strapless

duchess satin silk gown

with blue Swarovski crystal and Japanese pearl detail. Designed by Richard Glasgow.

'Now I'm confused, but I reckon this is the least expensive of the three. It's not as heavy as the others, although the material is lovely. I would guess it's worth about pounds 1,000. When I first saw this dress I thought it was a bit old for me, but it looks lovely on. The blue beading makes it less traditional than a pure white number, but even though I'm into the traditional look I wouldn't mind a bit of subtle colour. I love the neckline, it's really flattering. I have to remember all these ideas when I eventually buy my own.'

Reaction 'I'm so bad at this. I take it back. It does look really expensive. I don't know why I thought different.'

Joanne's guess: pounds 1,000

Real price: pounds 4,500