In 1997, at the age of 13, she entered a Young Comedian of the Year competition run by Fanta and came second in the final at the Comedy Store in London. Jennie entered the competition again in 1998, also finishing second. From 1997 to 2001 she performed as a stand-up comedian at charity nights, galas and pub nights in and around Bury with her father. McAlpine played Michelle Morley in Emmerdale from 1999 to 2000. After leaving school, she enrolled at her local college, Holy Cross, and began studying for her A-levels.Claire Donnelly, 'Fiz Is the Biz' Daily Mirror (2 February 2005) At the age of 17 she auditioned for the part of Fiz Brown on Coronation Street, a role she has played since 2001. McAlpine auditioned for the role with her arm in a sling, after dislocating her shoulder in a fall two days earlier. She was originally hired for five episodes, and went back to studying for her A-levels and working part-time in Boots The Chemist.
