Katie Redford was cast as Sarah Platt’s 14-year-old daughter Bethany and was believed to be 19 – but was axed when soap bosses found out she was 25.
And now the actress has been attacked by online trolls, forcing her to suspend her Twitter and Facebook accounts.
Her agent, Jo McLinlock, told The Mirror: "She has had horrific texts, emails and phone calls."
Jo also revealed that it was actually her idea that Katie falsify her age, although she has since admitted that ‘it’s backfired horrifically.’
She explained: "It wasn’t Katie’s decision to do that, it was us. When she went to Corrie, she went in based on her CV.
"Her playing age is 16-20.
"We said 'If they ask you your age, just let them believe you are 19'."
Defending the decision, Jo added: "It is common knowledge – people do that all the time."
And she added that, despite missing out on the role, Katie is actually happy not to be appearing in the ITV soap opera.
She said: “She realises a soap is not for her – she’s not interested in soaps any more.
"She said it felt wrong, even when she got it.”
The comment may come as a surprise to some, especially as, upon landing the role in Corrie, Katie declared: “It sounds cliched but it really feels like a dream come true."