Lorraine Chase returns to Luton Airport

Former Emmerdale actress Lorraine Chase has returned to Luton Airport to mark an easyJet milestone.

The flight operator, which has also been the subject of an ITV docusoap, today celebrated reaching the milestone of flying its 65 millionth passenger from Luton Airport. Lorraine Chase checked in easyJet’s first ever passenger in 1995, who was heading from Luton to Glasgow. The former Emmerdale actress, who played the troubled daughter of Alan Turner, Stephanie Stokes, between 2002 and 2006, was on hand to toast the milestone occasion and launch a new Luton to Corfu route with passengers and crew.

Lorraine has been synonymous with Luton since the Campari advert – which kick-started her career – spawned her catchphrase “Luton Airport!” as a reply to the question “Were you truly wafted here from paradise?” The ad then inspired the 1979 hit record “Luton Airport” by Cats U.K.

Paul Simmons, easyJet’s UK Director, said: “We couldn’t think of anyone more appropriate to celebrate our milestone achievement and new Corfu route launch with than Lorraine, we’re really pleased she was able to join us again at London Luton Airport.”

As part of the celebrations easyJet previewed its new TV commercial, which will be airing from October. Since leaving Emmerdale Lorraine has appeared in a guest role in BBC One Midlands soap Doctors.