It’s claimed the actress, who plays feisty Eva Price in the hit ITV soap, has been “desperately keen” to take part in the BBC dance contest.

Her friends are convinced she will make a great contestant and suggested the rivalry between ITV and BBC  has made it difficult for her to do Strictly Come Dancing in the past.

A source told The Sun: “We all know Catherine ticks all the boxes for the line-up and what a character she would be on the show.

“To be honest, she has been desperately keen to get on Strictly for a while but it’s not been possible with her Corrie contract and the awkwardness of ITV allowing people to cross to the rival channel.

“But 2018 is a massive year for her once she finally leaves the soap and she is setting her heart on a Strictly role.”

Catherine allegedly wants to work in the US after she quits Coronation Street too.

The 34-year-old is apparently keen to play Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe.

A source said: “She is always talking about how she is old time Hollywood and thinks there could be a market for her over in the States.

“She makes no secret that her dream role would be to play Marilyn Monroe.”

“It’s all a long, long way from her playing ditzy Eva Price in Corrie but Catherine has the ambition and drive to take herself to the next level.”

Last year, Catherine announced she was leaving Coronation Street after serving seven years on the show.

At the time, the soap favourite admitted it was a hard decision to make but that she was excited to try other roles.

She said: “Coronation Street has been a dream job for me which is why this was such a difficult decision to leave.”

However, it is believed ITV bosses will leave the door open for her to return to the soap.

A comeback could definitely be on the cards as Catherine teased: “Who knows, one day she might storm the cobbles of Weatherfield again?

“In the meantime, I’m excited about the future, new acting projects, and spending time with my family.”