Top Corrie Star Killed Off

[alan45]

Schmeichel the Great Dane is being killed off in Coronation Street and he's now filmed his final scenes.

Anne and Clive Lunt own the Great Danes who have all played Schmeichel and they told the Manchester Evening News: "We have always shown dogs. I got my first Great Dane about 43 years ago and I’ve probably had about 15 to 20 over the years. The agent for Granada was a friend of mine and he asked me if he could use one of my dogs. When we first went in they said it would only be for three weeks but then we had storyline after storyline, it just took off. Because Chesney was a small child who had had no love in his life and he loved this animal, I think everybody took them to their hearts."
The dog first appeared on the cobbles in 2003 as the best pal of Chesney, played by actor Sam Aston. Since then he has been played by four different dogs, all owned by Anne and Clive who have been breeding and showing dogs, including Great Danes, for more than 40 years. At their busiest, the couple owned 12 of the pets but now have just two along with Schmeichel’s canine co-stars Ozzy and Eccles.

Thanks to Schmeichel’s success, the couple now run their own business – Animal Capers – supplying TV shows with pets of all shapes and sizes from horses to goldfish.

When the first Schmeichel had to retire due to ill health, Magnam – another of Anne’s prize pets – took his place, followed by Spike. The three dogs have all now died but the character lived on when Spike’s grandson – also called Schmeichel – took over in March.

Anne, who lives in Hyde, said: "He is a natural. He is a lovely character and Sam (Aston) has built up quite a bond with him.

[alan45]

Coronation Street favourite Chesney Brown (Sam Aston) will be left devastated after his beloved pet dog Schmeichel is put to sleep.

In scenes due to air over the next few weeks, Chesney will be left helpless as his Great Dane succumbs to illness and he is forced to end his faithful companion's life.

Schmeichel made his Coronation Street debut alongside Chesney back in 2003. Four different dogs have taken on the role in subsequent years.

"It will be heartbreaking for Chesney - and for viewers," a Corrie source told The Sunday Mirror. "But bosses think the time is right for Schmeichel to leave the show."

The decision to put Schmeichel down comes as Chesney and his girlfriend Katy Armstrong (Georgia May Foote) prepare to become parents.

The couple discovered last month that their baby could be born with a disability.

[Glen1]

Pity, I liked Schmeichel ,better actor than Stella & Trceyluv. Still we can rely on the latter pair to carry on slobbering.

[LostVoodoo]

thankfully i think i might be on holiday when this happens, it's always so sad, the death of Wellard was bad enough!

[alan45]

thankfully i think i might be on holiday when this happens, it's always so sad, the death of Wellard was bad enough!Only someone who has a pet can understand what it means to lose one

[Chloe O'brien]

I'm not watching this. I can't bear to see Schmeichel put to sleep. Chesney will be devastated.

[alan45]

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/56336000/jpg/_56336613_56336612.jpg

In mid-November, the television series Coronation Street will say farewell to one of its biggest characters - Schmeichel the Great Dane.

For seven years, the huge dog has been a constant companion to Chesney Battersby-Brown and has become a favourite with the soap's fans.

His on-screen death will mean a change in routine for the dog which has played the role and his owner, Anne Lunt.

Mrs Lunt has supplied Schmeichel since he first appeared on the Street - although, as she says, while the character has always been the same, the dog playing him has not.

"There have been four Schmeichels," she said.


"The first one was called Schmeichel and then Magnum came in when he was poorly.

"Then there was Spike, who took over when Magnum died - he was very old when he came in.

"But unfortunately Spike took a turn for the worse so we brought in his grandson, who has done all the acting since and is also called Schmeichel."

Mrs Lunt, who also owns Ken and Deirdre Barlow's border terrier Eccles and Maria Connor's Labrador Ozzy, said that, unlike the human actors, it was easier to have the animals called the same thing off-set as they were on.

"You can't call them something else, because otherwise, they just look elsewhere when you call them and it looks a bit silly," she said.

Unusual situations
Mrs Lunt and her husband's company Animal Capers have been supplying animals for TV and film production from their kennels for a number of years, beginning with the dog in the ITV production of The Hound of the Baskervilles in 1988.

Continue reading the main story
Schmeichel


Having Schmeichel in Coronation Street, in particular, has led her to some unusual situations.

"When Schmeichel did the run-over (in 2005), I had to go under the bus to hold him, just so that he knew I was there," she said.

"He was laid at the side of the bus, but I was right underneath it, holding his collar and stroking him.

"Nobody saw that, of course, as I was out of view of the camera."

Stubborn or clever?
Mrs Lunt said she could not disagree more with the old adage that in television, it was not a good idea to work with animals, but she admitted there were times when the four Schmeichels have not followed their scripts.

"Great Danes will do so many things but then all of a sudden it's 'no, I'm not doing that'," she said.

"We don't know whether it's that they're stubborn or they're clever.

"Labradors like Ozzy and border terriers like Eccles are good workers, but they like working.

"Danes don't like working - though I must admit I got the best out of the Schmeichels."

In fact, to ensure the dogs do as they are required in the more stressful scenes, Mrs Lunt's daughter has been pressed into service in on-screen roles, including one as his nurse after the bus accident.

Hard worker or not, Mrs Lunt said she had liked having Schmeichel in the show and would continue to enjoy her time on the Street with the other dogs.

After all, she said, it was not the most difficult of jobs for either her or the animals.

"They don't really work that hard," she said.

"You can do a good couple of hours' hard work or it could just be a walk down the street.

"It's easy - I take the good with the bad."

[alan45]

Over on Coronation Street, Chesney Brown receives some sad news in the coming days as he learns that his beloved dog Schmeichel is seriously ill.

After hearing the shock diagnosis from the vet, Chesney (Sam Aston) refuses to accept that Schmeichel is dying and vows that he won't allow his pet to be put to sleep.

Instead, Chesney insists on an expensive operation to prolong Schmeichel's life, but it's a procedure that he can't realistically afford with bills piling up and the arrival of his baby to prepare for.

Back home, Katy (Georgia May Foote) is concerned about rent arrears and panics further when she and Chesney receive a letter which threatens them with eviction. Chesney is keen to put his dog first, but can he continue to do so?

[Chloe O'brien]

Poor Chesney & Schmicheal. They have been a lovable pair on the street.

[Perdita]

Coronation Street star Sam Aston has revealed that his character Chesney wants to save dog Schmeichel by any means.

Speaking to Soaplife, the 18-year-old actor admitted that he will miss scenes alongside the Great Dane.

He explained: "Having his beloved dog put to sleep is not an option Chesney is willing to consider. Schmeichel has always been there for him; when Cilla, Les and even Fiz let him down, Schmeichel was always there.

"Chesney would do anything it takes to help out his faithful pal. He would go thousands of pounds into debt if he has to."

Paying tribute to Schmeichel, Aston added: "I will [miss him]; he has been such a massive part of Chesney's character.

"The first thing people want to know when I'm out and about is where my dog is. He's probably one of the most popular characters on the show. It's horrible because I've grown up with him."

[Ruffed_lemur]

I'm not watching this. I can't bear to see Schmeichel put to sleep. Chesney will be devastated.

I'm not either. I do hope they're not making it into a money issue. That would be absolutely awful!

[thestud2k7]

it was hard to watch i thought

[Perdita]

Coronation Street star Georgia May Foote has joked that she feared a backlash over her character's current storyline with Chesney and Weatherfield canine Schmeichel.

The actress's alter ego Katy Armstrong will soon be at odds with Chesney when he insists on an expensive operation to help his beloved dog, who is seriously ill.

As she and Chesney (Sam Aston) are currently preparing for the arrival of their first child, Katy decides that he should focus all of his attention on paying their existing bills to help provide a stable upbringing for their baby.

However, Chesney finds it difficult to let go of Schmeichel until he finally agrees to have him put to sleep in next Monday's double bill.

Revealing her initial reaction to the storyline, Foote told This Morning today: "I was a bit like, 'Oh, I'm going to get hate mail!' Because I'm being quite mean - but really she's just thinking about the baby."

She continued: "[Schmeichel is] such a big part of Chesney. Everyone loves little Chesney, and Chesney's always had his little dog. I've come along and kicked the dog out!"

Foote said that Katy believes she has a future with Chesney despite "an up and down 18 months".

She explained: "I think Chesney does as well - but things keep coming up and getting in the way all the time, like all this with Fiz and all this with Schmeichel as well at the minute. They're trying their hardest and they will get through it, I'm sure."

[Glen1]

I cannot for the life of me understand why Schmeichel needs to be put to sleep .as far as I can see it doesn't progress any storyline, we know different dogs need to be used , we can cope with that. If the writers are trying to create a friction between
Katy & Chesney there are other ways . What on earth are these writers thinking about . For God's sake get a grip !!!!!

[parkerman]

Actually I think it is quite a good and realistic storyline. There must be many people in this situation who can relate to what is happening. Of course you would do all you can to save your pet but there are times when you have to make a hard choice like this. Coronation Street made its name as a gritty realistic drama with people facing the dilemmas and life choices people meet in real life not dotty story lines like John Stape. This is a welcome return to its roots in my opinion.

[LizzyBizzy]

Agreed. It raises awareness of choices people have to make. Some times the decisions are very harsh.

[Glen1]

Actually I think it is quite a good and realistic storyline. There must be many people in this situation who can relate to what is happening. Of course you would do all you can to save your pet but there are times when you have to make a hard choice like this. Coronation Street made its name as a gritty realistic drama with people facing the dilemmas and life choices people meet in real life not dotty story lines like John Stape. This is a welcome return to its roots in my opinion.

Now come on guys how many gritty storylines do you want. So far this year there,s been a train crash with deaths, a serial killer,serial rapist,abduction, murders, child abduction, police corruption, fraud, criminal damage,divorce, alcoholism,brain tumour case
and on a lighter note Traceyluv threatened with a sledgehammer plus of course Ken Barlow knocked to the floor. If that wasn't enough poor Chesney who lost his mom & dad and if you recall never had any prezzies to open at Xmas.gets his first girlfriend
pregnant. has his sister Fiz sentenced to life imprisonment ( for the moment ) with the prospect of her baby to look after as well, eviction.looming , trying to scrape a living on the market selling dog leads or whatever. And to cap it all his lifelong friend Schmeichel is going to be put down a few weeks before Xmas and cost him 500 Quid of rent money to be told the dog's liver cancer is inoperable. Just think about that little empty dog food & water bowl.And you're all saying well it's all part of life's rich tapestry. Have a good night TTFN

[parkerman]

"a train crash with deaths, a serial killer,serial rapist,abduction, murders, child abduction, police corruption"

Exactly the point I am making. What relevance do all these events have to most people's real lives?

"Just think about that little empty dog food & water bowl"

Sadly, however, that is a reality many people have to face as well as the dilemma now facing Chesney about the cost of vet's bills.

[alan45]

Its a change to see a story that ordinary people can relate to. A lot of people have pets. Very few people have trams running at the bottom of their street. Even fewer have serial killers living amongst them, even here in NI. Whilst I am aware that a soap is supposed to be a microcosm of society I agree with Parkerman that this story has more relevance for the majority of viewers. We don't need another Murder or who's the Daddy story. There are enough crap story lines involving Stellarrrrgggghhh and Michelle so its nice to get one which will be both interesting and believable

[Glen1]

Yes, Ok Parkerman ,I surrender, I know when I'm beaten

[alan45]

Yes, Ok Parkerman ,I surrender, I know when I'm beaten I see your point of view as well Glen. Its nice to have a healthy discussion about Corrie on here

[Glen1]

Absolutely , good to have the discussions and a rant occasionally, I do agree with a lot of yours and Parkerman's views on some storylines and hope the writers do this storyline justice with everything else thats going on.

[lizann]

Schmeichel is one of the best characters on the show, great actor also

[parkerman]

I agree with alan. It's good to have a discussion on here. You're perfectly entitled to your point of view, Glen, and it is a valid one. I Just don't happen to agree with it; but then you don't agree with me. Nothing wrong with that. A healthy debate is good for democracy! We can't and don't always all agree with each other over everything, nor should we. Discussion and debate - as long as it doesn't get rancorous - is the way forward.

[Glen1]

Many thanks Parkerman for your comments ,I hope I haven't created the impression that I was put out by the discussion, I always enjoy coming on the site. Sometimes I get to emotional about certain topics ,very often get the wrong end of the stick,and have a rant . I respect all views and actually I do agree with a lot of your what you say about the storylines ,and this particular one .Again I would never take offence nor would I ever knowingly give it. I'm sure & hope someone would put me straight if that occured. Look forward to reading views and participating and I'm afraid occassionally going off on one.

[Perdita]

Coronation Street star Sam Aston has admitted that his on-screen sister Jennie McAlpine was "petrified" of dogs when Great Dane Schmeichel was first introduced to the cobbles.

Schmeichel has been part of the ITV1 soap since 2004, when he was brought in as a new pet for Aston's character Chesney. In real life, four different dogs have played the part over the years.

In an interview with The Sun, Aston confessed that Schmeichel's arrival was particularly challenging for McAlpine, who has portrayed Fiz since 2001.

Aston explained: "I take my hat off to Jennie McAlpine who plays Fiz, because she was absolutely petrified of dogs and she's had to work with him in loads of scenes.

"And he's absolutely massive. He weighs nine stone and when he stands up on his back legs he's 6ft tall. But he's cured her fear because he's so laid-back."

Coronation Street airs Schmeichel's final episodes tonight as Chesney finally agrees that his beloved dog should be put to sleep due to his ill health.

Aston commented: "It's very sad. We've both grown up together. I got him when I was ten and he was a puppy. Whenever I'm out in the street everyone says to me, 'Where's Schmeichel? Where's your dog, Chesney?' But I knew it was going to happen one day."

"I know what it's like to lose a pet," he continued. "We lost a dog called Jess when I was eight. I was devastated. Also my kitten Cagney got run over and I remember crying my eyes out. Animals become such a part of the family and it's heartbreaking when they die. I'll miss Schmeichel - I really will."

Coronation Street airs tonight at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV1.

[alan45]

Oh dear oh dear. Poor old Schmeicel away to that big kennel in the sky. Have to say there. We're tears in our house

[Glen1]

Same here and fair do's to writers I thought well written and well acted, what really cracked me up was the silence when Schmeical stopped breathing . I owe Parkerman ,Alan and others a big drink for saying the storyline should be done when I thought otherwise. Anyway we'll be passing the tissues round in our house for a while yet.

[alan45]

Same here and fair do's to writers I thought well written and well acted, what really cracked me up was the silence when Schmeical stopped breathing . I owe Parkerman ,Alan and others a big drink for saying the storyline should be done when I thought otherwise. Anyway we'll be passing the tissues round in our house for a while yet.

It really was well done and even the dog played its part very well

[LostVoodoo]

There were tears in my house too, poor Schmichael...