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Snoop Dogg has reportedly begged to appear on Coronation Street.
According to The Mirror, the rapper has asked his agent to get him a guest appearance on the soap.
He is quoted as saying: "I had my agent reach out to them to see if they could try to get me on and they said they were interested so hopefully it might happen. It would be perfect for me to be on the show. I've got friends around the world who always put me up on things and turn me on to things.
"11 years ago one of my friends turned me on to it. I love the whole dynamic, the way it is put together, it is my world, it is something I could fall into."
The 38-year-old is allegedly a huge fan of the programme and has been watching it for 11 years
Snoop Dogg has said that he would want his character to have an affair with Deirdre Barlow if he gets a cameo in Coronation Street.
The rapper, who revealed last month that he would love a part in the ITV1 soap, admitted that he finds Deirdre attractive and enjoys watching her relationship with Ken.
He told the Daily Star Sunday: "Deirdre and Ken crack me up, man. They are always playing away from home but never break up. I would like to come in as the new guy on the street to turn Deirdre's head.
"She is a hot woman for her age. She takes good care of herself. I could be like the new bad boy in town who tries to break up their marriage. That would be a great role to come and play for a few shows.
"Ken is a gangster though, the daddy of the Street. I wouldn't want to go upsetting him. But Deirdre is one beautiful woman."
Ruffed_lemur
30-08-2010, 00:31
Would be fun to see Snoop Dogg pursuing Deirdre! :D
CORONATION Street's bride-to-be Leanne Battersby tries on a gorgeous gown and gets a dressing down from jealous ex Nick Tilsley.
Smitten Nick - who wed Leanne when they were both 16 - flies into a rage and tries to talk her out of marrying bigamist Peter Barlow in scenes to be aired on ITV1 in October.
Sir Ian McKellen has revealed that he would like to return for another guest-stint in Coronation Street.
The actor - who first appeared in the soap in 2005 - is keen to reprise his role as fraudster novelist Mel Hutchwright, the Daily Express reports. However, he admitted that the character's exit meant a return was very unlikely.
"I'm discarded dross," he said. "I'm a screwed-up piece of paper in the bin. My character rather discredited himself so he couldn't possibly return."
He continued: "But Corrie did become like a family to me and I'm still in regular correspondence with a number of them. I was made to feel so welcome by everyone there."
He added: "The campaign to bring back shifty Mel starts here!"
McKellen had previously ruled out making a return to the Weatherfield drama.
Ruffed_lemur
05-09-2010, 14:51
Would love to see Shifty Mel back! Perhaps he could try and redeem himself somehow?
The Coronation Street set will reportedly be turned into a theme park-style tourist attraction if plans to relocate filming go ahead.
According to the Sunday Mirror, show bosses are hoping to build an exact replica of the Street near MediaCity UK in Salford Quays to lower filming costs and want to open the existing set to fans.
Visitors will apparently be able to drink in the Rovers Return, shop at Rita's Kabin and even film their own soap scene.
A source said: "There is a lot there which people would like to visit. Coronation Street bosses think it would be a hugely popular attraction and a fitting tribute to the old set."
A spokesman added: "We are currently discussing a number of options."
Coronation Street's on-set nurse manager Corinne McParland has been suspended after drugs went missing from the studio's medical centre.
The News of the World reports that McParland could be sacked and investigated by police after a colleague claimed that sleeping pills disappeared from a secure cupboard. The nurse, who has worked on the show for 20 years, denies any wrongdoing and Corrie's stars are said to be shocked at her treatment.
A source said: "Corinne's phone has been ringing off the hook with messages of support. No one believes the allegations. And Corinne says her conscience is clear."
McParland is said to be adored by the cast, and has helped to treat actors such as Sally Dynevor (Sally Webster), Bev Callard (Liz McDonald) and Bill Tarmey (Jack Duckworth).
Earlier this year, Whittaker said of the nurse: "Corinne's been brilliant throughout my [cancer] treatment and I can't thank her enough for being there for me."
Granada said: "An investigation is under way."
Coronation Street star Holly Quin-Ankrah has revealed that she couldn't be a lapdancer in real life.
The actress, who plays ex-lapdancer Cheryl Gray in the ITV1 soap, admitted that she would struggle to follow the same profession as her character.
Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, she said: "I helped choose the outfit I wore, a leopardskin bikini top and matching little skirt with stockings and big boots.
"The outfit looked really cool, but you just can't help but feel self-conscious. I know girls who do it and I would never judge them, but I couldn't do it myself. I would love to give pole dancing lessons a try though, because it really tones you up."
Quin-Ankrah, 22, added: "Cheryl was originally 30 but is now 29. My agent told me not to say how old I was. I wore tweed flares and a highnecked top so I looked older! It seems strange having a 10-year-old son on screen."
Speaking of her first on-screen kiss with Craig Charles, she said: "It was really scary. We were rubbish - we just didn't go for it enough!"
She also confessed that she now realises why women in abusive relationships don't immediately leave their partner, saying: "This has made me realise it's not as simple at that. It's very hard to fall out of love. It's a very difficult situation for a woman and one I hope to never be in."
CORRIE'S Katherine Kelly has been hit by a mystery illness - throwing filming schedules into chaos.
The actress, 30, who plays Becky McDonald, was sent home last Monday feeling peaky - and she is not expected back until Thursday.
A source said: "Because she works in the Rovers, Becky's involved in most scenes.
"Schedules are tight and it's becoming a problem. Obviously Kate's health is the top priority but everyone is hoping she's well enough to return soon."
Brash Becky is about to offer to buy her long-lost sister's son.
A Corrie spokesman said Katherine's condition wasn't serious.
The Sun
We so wanted this rumour to be true.
If Corrie's Ryan Thomas dated Big Brother Imogen Thomas they could get married without any need for a name change.
Pictures emerged of the pair enjoying a day out at Alton Towers, leading to claims they're now a couple.
But the Street hunk has poured cold water on suggestions, insisting he's "very much single".
Asked at the TV Choice awards if Imogen is his girlfriend, Ryan stressed: "Not at all. Imogen's a friend of mine. We just went to Alton Towers, and now I've been paired off with her.
"For the record I've never gone out with her and I'm not going out with her but she's a good friend."
The 26-year-old actor was of course involved in a six-year long relationship with former Corrie actress Tina O'Brien and they have a daughter, Scarlett.
But the romance broke down last year.
With a cheeky smile, Ryan added: "I'm very much single, I've never not been single since..."
You heard it here first ladies.
STRICTLY beauty Tina O'Brien last night spoke for the first time about her heartache after splitting from Corrie co-star Ryan Thomas but admitted: "It was for the best."
Tina, 27, was devastated after their six-year relationship broke down - leaving her a single mum to baby daughter Scarlett.
In her first major interview since the split last year she confessed: "I had a tough time. It was difficult. It took a while but we're both happier for not being together any more."
The former soap star, who is now dating cameraman Nick Cox, 35, added: "It was the hardest time in my life but it's turned into a good life experience. Either you get better or you get bitter - and I would never have let myself do that.
"I will never say anything detrimental about Ryan. He's the father of my child, and I hold him in high regard.
"And we've got the best thing ever - Scarlett, who is just amazing.
"We are still good friends. I want Scarlett to grow up knowing she has two parents who love her so much and that she has got two wonderful homes which are full of love for her.
"I'd much rather have that than arguing!"
Tina is now taking to the dancefloor in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing, which launched last night.
It marks a fresh start following her split from Ryan in November. They started dating in 2003 after meeting on Corrie where Tina played gymslip mum Sarah Platt and Ryan was her builder hubby Jason Grimshaw.
ON RYAN: "We're still friends for Scarlett's sake"
Off screen, the pair became one of showbiz's golden couples. Tina left the soap in 2007 to pursue other acting projects - and within months announced she was expecting their first child. Scarlett was born the following October, but cracks soon started to show in their relationship.
She later told how they split after Ryan, 26, said he no longer fancied her. They had a string of bust-ups, and one ended with him arrested on suspicion of assault, though he was later released without charge.
Tina says they have put their differences aside for the sake of 22-month-old Scarlett and are now on good terms.
The pair live close to each other in Manchester and share parenting responsibilities.
Her return to happiness has been helped by her new relationship with Waterloo Road cameraman Nick Cox, 35, who she met on the set of the BBC1 drama earlier this year.
I can't wait for Strictly. I've not got two left feet but I'm a beginner.. I won't win
She beamed: "It's going really well and he is absolutely fantastic with Scarlett. I'm not going to answer whether he could he 'The One' but I'm very positive about our future. We are very happy."
Tina is also preparing to dazzle on Strictly, partnering new professional dancer Jared Murillo when the live shows start on October 1.
She said: "It's a great opportunity and I'm really looking forward to this. I love dancing but I am literally a beginner. A friend gave me some salsa pointers on a night out but that's it.
"I've not got two left feet but I've never ballroom danced before. But I've had a rehearsal and it's great fun.
"I'm going to try to pick it up quickly. Coming from a performance background will help me as I'll be telling a story in the form of dance, rather than acting.
"But I don't think I can win, I just want to get through the first week."
One thing Tina is looking forward to is the chance to get fit. She explained: "I can't wait to get toned up as I've never been a gym bunny.
"I think the costumes will put me into character and make me feel sexy.
SINGLE MUM: "It was a massive shock but I love it"
"If it hasn't got sequins on it and backcombed hair then it's not Strictly. "I often play characters where they down-play you a lot so I'm looking forward to having a bit of glamour."
But Tina is terrified about being criticised by the judges. "I'm most nervous about that," she shuddered. "It they're constructive I will take everything on board.
"But if they give me negative feedback but don't tell me how I can improve then I will be gutted about that.
"I don't think I would stand up to them if I thought I'd been unfairly judged. I'd probably just cry in my dressing room!"
Despite Strictly's reputation for celebs doing some nifty footwork with their pro partners OFF the dancefloor, loved-up Tina ruled out any romance.
She said: "I don't see that happening with me. It's a form of acting, but through dance. We'll have fun, but not that kind of fun!"
Besides, Tina's schedule is packed full. As well as Waterloo Road, she has starred in The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister with Maxine Peake and later this year will appear in new drama The Accused by BAFTA-winning Jimmy McGovern.
She hasn't ruled out returning to Corrie one day either. "I loved it and I would go back. They are like a big family," she grinned.
The actress balances her work schedule with being a single mum to Scarlett. It's not a role she relished after splitting from Ryan because she was worried that it carried a stigma.
ON NEW MAN: "Nick's fantastic.. it's going so well"
She said candidly: "It shows I was a bit snobbish. Being a single mum has certain negative connotations and it was never something I envisaged myself to be.
"I always imagined Scarlett would grow up with two parents like I did.
"So it was a massive shock when I realised this wasn't going to be the case.
"The hardest thing for me was worrying if I would be able to work and be a mum. There's never a perfect balance. You just have to hold your hands up and say, 'We'll deal with it.'"
Tina admits her life changed completely after Scarlett's arrival. "Now she's my number one priority," she said. "I do everything for her. Life revolves around her."
"But Scarlett's made me more determined to succeed in my career. Obviously, I'm very lucky to be working in a job I love. It makes me a better parent because Scarlett gets to see mummy doing something she enjoys."
Now she is settled and enjoying life again, Tina is ready for the challenge of Strictly.
She grinned: "I really do feel very happy. I had a hard time but I've moved through it. You either sink or swim and there's no point in sinking.
"I am so positive about everything again. It has taken a while, but it's been worth it."
Rachel Leskovac has been reduced to a bundle of nerves - by the thought of singing!
The actress, who plays hairdresser Natasha Blakeman in Coronation Street, revealed she may be performing a tribute to iconic Rovers landlady Bet Lynch on the eagerly awaited Corrie: The Musical album, in celebration of the ITV soap's 50th anniversary.
But despite treading the stage boards in musical Spend Spend Spend in 1999, Rachel is anxious about her forthcoming turn.
"I did a show called Spend Spend Spend, which was my big break, but it's been a while since I've done anything. I'm nervous," she admitted.
"I'll be doing an homage to Bet Lynch - I'm going to be doing a couple of songs," she added.
The all-singing, all-dancing production of Corrie: The Musical is expected to launch in Manchester before heading to London for a further run. Composer Trisha Ward has been working on the music.
"Corrie: The Musical isn't happening until next year, but they are recording the album with some Corrie stars and other people to tie in the with 50th," Rachel revealed.
"There's a duet with Elsie Tanner, saying He's My Man, so they're fighting over a man. It's all brand new material from the musical. There are quite a few Corrie stars involved," she added.
Playing his dad on screen was such a doddle for James Roache, that he didn't need to do any research.
The 24-year-old is the real-life son of Coronation Street legend William Roache, who plays stalwart Ken Barlow, whom he portrays in BBC Four's The Road To Coronation Street.
"I've been very committed, I've lived with the guy for 24 years, so that's my main commitment. I'm very lucky," he joked.
"The genes speak for themselves, so there was no need for much research. I got an idea of what he was feeling at the time, and it was useful having him around."
James was intent on putting his own spin on his dad.
"I just asked him this morning, I know how he is now, but I wondered if he was more confident and cocky when he was younger, but generally I wanted to keep it focused on my own thing, I wanted to get my own idea of it," he said.
The actor, who will also appear in Corrie as Ken's long-lost grandson, didn't want to do a straight-up imitation of his dad.
"I was originally going to but wanted to put aspects of what people would recognise from Ken Barlow really," he explained.
"At the same time, putting a bit of my father into it as well. I do a few of his mannerisms, he used his hands a lot," James added.
:: The Road To Coronation Street airs on BBC Four on September 16.
Sue Cleaver has revealed that there will be "big repercussions" when Eileen Grimshaw has her revenge in Coronation Street.
Eileen is about to discover that Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard) is really the object of Owen Armstrong's (Ian Puleston-Davies) affections.
"I just think she is a very bad judge of character," Cleaver told ITV's This Morning. "She is an independent woman. She's brought her kids up, she's not a pushover but for some reason when it comes to blokes - she really picks them."
She teased: "People are going to see a really, really different side to Eileen because she's going to... this guy is not all he seems, and she is going to be the worm that turned."
Despite being pressed for more details, the actress said that she did not want to spoil the plot, adding: "But she really is going to seek her revenge."
On how Eileen's revenge could affect Liz, she said: "I'm not sure where that is going to go with that bit.
"All I'll say is that there will be big repercussions, very big repercussions. "
Cleaver also revealed that she is not desperate for Eileen to be paired off with anyone as the appeal of the character is that she is a "free woman".
Coronation Street stars Simon Gregson and Katherine Kelly are to pick up an award recognising half a century of soap success at an international television festival.
The long-running show, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, will get a special award at the Rose d'Or Festival in Lucerne, Switzerland, on Wednesday.
The actors, who play husband and wife Steve and Becky McDonald, will be joined by executive producer Kieran Roberts to pick up the gong.
Festival director Rolf Probala said it was a unanimous decision to present the show with the Rose d'Or Golden Jubilee Award.
He said: "Over its entire run, the series has shown originality, creativity and innovation, all the qualities which are the foundation of our awards.
"A further testimony is that the programme, 50 years after its first transmission, is as popular as ever and is still a huge ratings hit in the UK.
"Furthermore, Coronation Street is regarded as the gold standard by other similar programmes outside Britain."
The first episode of the show was transmitted on Friday December 9 1960. Originally only 13 episodes were made but the response from viewers was so strong that it has kept going and, more than 7,400 episodes later, is still watched by millions.
The show has seen 88 weddings, 39 births, 114 deaths and 51 different barmaids pulling pints at the Rovers Return since it began.
Bradley Walsh chose to be written out of Corrie four years ago, and left on a high, winning the Best Dramatic Performance award at the British Soap Awards.
But factory boss Danny Baldwin was not killed off, and now Bradley, 50, is thinking he wouldn't say no to reprising his role on the soap.
Bradley said: "If the time was right for them, and Danny Baldwin needs to go back and the time is right for me, where I've actually got some time to do it. Because you can't just go in and do one, two or three weeks, you have to really put your mind to it.
"The scripts come four months in advance, so the timing has to be absolutely right. It's a bit like the alignment of the moon and the stars to get it right.
"So if that came about somewhere later down the line, I would love to go back, of course. It was a fantastic show and a great character.
The Law and Order UK star was proud to be a part of the soap, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, calling it an "institution".
He enjoyed playing the part of Danny compared to his role of police officer Ronnie Brooks in Law and Order.
Bradley revealed: "I loved the character of Danny Baldwin, he was great. I really enjoyed playing him, and that's what's nice about playing someone like Ronnie Brooks, because when you've played Danny Baldwin, who is a bit of a Jack-the-lad, to play someone completely opposite is wonderful."
Chloe O'brien
20-09-2010, 00:14
You know I never really liked Steve McDonald when he was younger. Always thought he was a bit of a prat. But since he's been with Becky I've warmed to him. Becky and him are great together and I hope the writers don't go down the route of spliting them up anytime soon. We need a new Jack and Vera who will stick together through thick and thin and those two along with Roy and Hayley are the two best on-screen partnerships in soapland.
Coronation Street creator Tony Warren reportedly planned to end the show after its initial 13 episodes in 1960.
According to The Sun, Warren had suggested that Weatherfield could be destroyed in an explosion in its final episode.
Daran Little, a former Corrie archivist and writer, revealed: "His vision was that, on the 13th episode, the street would blow up, or something like that, and it would end.
"But after the fourth episode it was obvious how much people liked it. They didn't know how long it would carry on, but he couldn't write it all."
He continued: "What he perhaps wasn't ready for was the idea of other writers working on what had been his baby. Tony, within two years, had left. I'm not sure why."
However, Warren is still involved with the ITV soap.
"I meet regularly with the producers to discuss the storylines, and I see everything before it goes out," he said. "When it comes to the show, I'm quite hands-on, without people realising it."
He added: "With all the 50th anniversary celebrations, I'm going to have a busy few months ahead."
It's nice that Tony Warren is still involved to try and keep some of Corrie's original flavour. They manage it too, with the older characters like Ken, Rita and Norris.
Antony Cotton and Katherine Kelly reportedly nearly missed the 50th anniversary celebrations for Coronation Street due to a delayed flight.
The pair made it to Weatherfield in time for the Rose d'Or Awards on behalf of the show but faced problems on their flight back home.
Cotton wrote on Twitter: "So we're finally back in Weatherfield. [Flight] on the way was delayed for over an hour because there was no crew. Of course there wasn't."
Kelly replied to her co-star: "Thanks for sorting the flights today love. You stepped up, as per."
Kelly also tweeted to Carol Vorderman, who she met at the awards.
She wrote: "Lovely to meet you - you looked a million dollars. That frock is a winner!"
Cotton and Kelly are now back on the Street in preparation for the anniversary.
Cotton wrote this morning: "Today is the day when Coronation Street hosts the world's press on the cobbles. It marks the beginning of the show's 50th Anniversary!"
The Sun
ALL 72 current Corrie stars pose proudly for a historic snap - during a huge street party to mark the soap's 50th anniversary.
The actors, young and old, met up to chat about the past and look to the future.
Bunting was draped across the famous cobbles, and champagne was served alongside beer and tea with steak and ale pie and Betty's Hotpot.
Just one member of the original cast was there - 78-year-old Bill Roache, who was yesterday named by Guinness World Records as the longest serving TV soap star.
Bill, who plays Ken Barlow, told The Sun: "This is a fabulous party. I'm really delighted they're celebrating the 50th anniversary so well."
Bill has appeared in 3,927 of the show's 7,432 episodes and in 1961 uttered its first swear word - "bloody" - sparking 63 complaints.
But he said: "Retiring isn't something I ever think about - ever. I'm here for as long as they'll have me. I want to carry on for as long as I can. And the show will carry on. It could do another 50 years or another 100 years easily."
Coronation Street entered the record books too yesterday as the longest-running soap.
Since it first aired on December 9, 1960 it has featured more than 5,000 characters and seen 88 weddings, 39 births and 114 deaths - 12 of them murders.
Its Christmas Day episode in 1987 centred on the emotional departure of much-treasured Hilda Ogden, played by Jean Alexander. It pulled in 26.6million viewers.
Betty Driver, 90, has played barmaid Betty Williams for 41 years.
She said: "When I joined Coronation Street I was running a pub with my sister in real life.
"I thought I would only do six episodes! Love has kept me here this long. The show will go on forever - it has a life of its own."
The longest-serving woman cast member is Eileen Derbyshire, who plays Emily Bishop.
Yet neither her nor Betty's characters have appeared in as many episodes as two other legendary Corrie lasses.
Gail McIntyre, played by Helen Worth, has been in 3,391 and Rita Fairclough (Barbara Knox) in 3,150.
Fellow veteran Sue Nicholls, 66, has played Audrey Roberts since 1979.
She said: "I had no idea I'd be celebrating our 50th birthday one day. I'm enjoying it now more than I ever have.
"I've loved my storylines. I loved being married to Alf, but I really enjoy being a grandmother and a great-grandmother on the show now. I like being softer and caring.
"The joy of being in it for so long is how established your character is. Everyone knows Audrey."
She added: "This is very exciting - what a party time!"
The bash was hosted at Granada's studios in Manchester by former Boyband star Keith Duffy, who plays barman Ciaran McCarthy.
Former Hear'Say singer Kym Marsh, who now plays Michelle Connor, sang with a house band, while Craig Charles, who plays Lloyd Mullaney and DJs for BBC 6 Music, later took to the decks.
He said: "It's really exciting, the scripts for the 50th anniversary episodes and the tram crash that is planned are so well written. They are really exciting times."
Alan Halsall, who plays mechanic Tyrone Dobbs, said he had just played his toughest storyline so far.
He had to say goodbye to father-figure Bill Tarmey, 69, who is leaving after playing Jack Duckworth for 31 years.
They filmed the scenes last week and Alan revealed they were both in tears just reading the script.
He said: "It's a cliché but you do become a family. Bill was like my dad on screen and off. He took me under his wing when I started here. I was only 16.
"They wrote a beautiful story for him to leave on. But I was in bits - make-up had to pick me up from the corner of the studio."
But he quipped: "I won't miss him too much - I'll probably see him for a pint next week!"
Jack's final storyline will be played out at the end of next month and producers have brought back Liz Dawn, who played his nagging wife Vera for 34 years.
Alan added: "It was wonderful to have them both back on set. I think of them as my Mr and Mrs Coronation Street."
As part of celebratory shows to be screened in early December, a live episode will also be broadcast.
Michael Le Vell, who has played Kevin Webster 2,395 times, did not appear in the live episode to mark the 40th anniversary.
He said: "I've been in Corrie for 27 years now and I'm here at least for another 12 months.
"I can't wait for the live episode - it's like theatre."
Kevin's affair with Molly Dobbs looks likely to be exposed this Christmas but the actor hopes his family will get through it as he loves working with Sally Dynevor, who plays wife Sally Webster.
She recently recovered from breast cancer both on screen and off.
Michael said: "I love working with her, she's amazing. Coronation Street is a wonderful family."
i always knew they had a big cast but its looks huge with them all in one picture!
William Roache has revealed that he was almost axed from Coronation Street after three years on the soap.
Speaking to the News of the World about his autobiography, Roache said that producer Tim Aspinall, known as the 'Mad Axeman' among cast members, had drawn up a list of top names to cut from the drama when he started working on the show in 1964.
Roache said: "He had a kind of hit list of characters. He decided who he wanted out, while others including myself were put on warning that we were likely to be given the chop at a later date. It was appalling."
However, Roache was given a reprieve when Aspinall was replaced after five months.
The 78-year-old, who recently entered the Guinness World Record book as the longest-serving soap actor, also said that he initially did not want to audition for the role of Ken Barlow.
"I wasn't interested," he said. "I had my flat in London, I was getting acting parts and it all looked very rosy."
When Roache initially started on the show, he was told it would last for 13 episodes over six weeks. He said: "Those six weeks have now stretched into 50 years, and the programme is still going strong. Nobody could have known way back then what an impact it would have."
The full interview with Bill Roache is already posted http://www.soapboards.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?114105-0-years-on-Corrie-by-Bill-Roache
William Roache has recorded a cameo appearance on Harry Hill's forthcoming album.
According to PA, Roache, who plays Coronation Street's Ken Barlow, will join the comedian on his Funny Times LP, which is due to be released through Island Records in November.
The 78-year-old will appear on the track 'Ken!', described as "a Spaghetti Western-inspired paean to Ken Barlow", complete with a Mariachi-influenced trumpet version of the Corrie theme tune.
The song reportedly includes the line: "I was a librarian, I was a teacher, I was a trolley pusher, I was a taxi driver - now I am a free man."
A number of other TV stars and celebrities are due to appear on the record, including Bruce Forsyth dueting on 'I'm Not Anyone' by Sammy Davis Jr and Paul Anka.
Hill was recently forced to change the title of the album, after record label executives refused to allow his musical debut to be called Sgt Pepper's Volume 2.
Coronation Street star Ben Price says his days of stripping off on screen are behind him.
The 38-year-old plays businessman Nick Tilsley in the soap, but used to bare his body frequently as Conrad Gates in Footballers' Wives.
He told Reveal magazine: "There are times when I suddenly seem to answer the door with no top on. But my days of taking my clothes off are over."
He went on: "I took my clothes off a lot in Footballers' Wives! But now I'll leave the stripping to Ryan Thomas [who plays Jason Grimshaw], who's very good."
Ben took over the role of Nick from Adam Rickitt, who was famed for his killer abs.
Already posted yesterday http://www.soapboards.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?101186-Ben-Price-Cast-As-Tilsley/page2&highlight=price
Michelle Connor is ready to "give up" on Ciaran McCarthy.
The 'Coronation Street' barmaid - played by Kym Marsh - is devastated to learn the hunk (Keith Duffy) is considering a move away from Weatherfield but she can't bring herself to admit her real feelings for him.
Kym revealed: "This week, my Corrie character's love interest, Ciaran, announces he's going for a job interview in Scotland. Michelle tries to cover up her upset by being sarcastic.
"She's ready to give up on him at that point and decides there's no point in letting him know how she feels as he's going anyway."
Kym wishes the unlucky-in-love widow - who has seen several romances end amid infidelities - was able to be honest with Ciaran, but understands why she is so afraid of getting hurt again.
Writing in her new! magazine column, she explained: "I think it's sad she feels she can't let her guard down, but she has had some terrible things happen to her, so it's not surprising. She's scared of getting hurt and tries to protect herself by not letting anyone in."
Who on earth gave this woman a magazine column
Chloe O'brien
28-09-2010, 12:39
Who on earth gave this woman a magazine column
Alan she'll be looking for a job in the cabinet next.
The woman is a legend in her own mind. She is always seeking to publicise herself. She is so vain that she even had an article about rescuing a dog from an animal shelter. Of course after she got her publicity she "discovered" the dog wasn't suitable and back it went to the shelter
Do you remember the days when Corrie was in black and white, with Ena Sharples in her hairnet?
Everything was aired live so there were no plot spoilers in those days.
Well, to celebrate the soap's 50th anniversary, the British Film Institute are hosting a special screening of the first three episodes of the landmark show.
Coronation Street series creator Tony Warren will introduce the screening at the BFI in London on Tuesday November 9, before a panel of producers and cast from Corrie - which entered the record books this year as the world's longest-running soap - discuss everything about the Street, its inhabitants and its dramas over the last 50 years.
William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow and also holds the world record for the longest-serving soap actor, and Beverley Callard, who plays brassy barmaid Liz McDonald, are hoped to be among the stars on the panel.
Executive producer Kieran Roberts and producer Phil Collinson will join the cast to recount personal anecdotes, examine the influences on Coronation Street, show clips of the panel's favourite moments and discuss how Corrie has changed over the last half a decade.
Introducing the original episodes, which first aired in 1960, Tony will tell the story of the show's origins and run-up to the first live transmission - a milestone in television history.
The panel line-up will be confirmed and updated at www.bfi.org.uk.
We bet William must have a hard time picking his favourite moment after all Ken's got up to in 50 years...
Chloe O'brien
30-09-2010, 23:10
Oh I remember Ena Sharples with her hairnet and half pint of milk stout sitting in the snug with Minnie Caldwell, looking disgusted at Bet Lynch and Elsie Tanner. Happy days.
CORONATION Street is looking for a "psycho" to become the next Tricky Dicky.
Scriptwriters want a new evil character to inject terror and bloodshed into the ITV soap.
The move is aimed at keeping ratings high once the show's 50th anniversary celebrations are over.
The new character will be in the mould of serial killer Richard "Tricky Dicky" Hillman whose murder spree hauled in up to 19million viewers a show between 2001 and 2003.
Last night a Corrie source said the latest maniac will "lurk quietly in the background before causing carnage for everyone."
They already have John Stape, don't need another one :D
They already have John Stape, don't need another one :D
John Stape isn't a serial killer. In fact he hasn't actually murdered anyone
YET
I thought they might be building Owen up to be a psycho - he's obviously got a dark side.
You are right, I can see him become a serial killer
Coronation Street stars have been ordered to avoid making drastic changes to their appearance by show bosses.
According to the News of the World, producers issued the warning after growing tired of actors ruining continuity on the soap and forcing drastic rewrites through their new looks.
A source elaborated: "The memo landed through every cast member's door. They have been told they cannot change their appearance or body shape before asking permission. So they can't diet or have a haircut - and definitely no tattoo unless they get the green light."
The insider claims that producers took particular exception with Kym Marsh (Michelle Connor) and her £4,000 breast enhancement, the decision by Helen Flanagan (Rosie Webster) to get a tattoo of her lover's name and Bev Callard's desire to receive Botox injections and lose weight ahead of her wedding.
The insider added: "When scriptwriters hear something like that they go into a complete panic. How are they going to explain Liz [McDonald]'s weight loss or the change in her face?"
Coronation Street star Alan Halsall has become the victim of Facebook fraudster who stole his identity.
The actor, who plays Tyrone Dobbs in the soap, contacted the social networking site to alert them to a fake profile set up in his name by an unknown individual.
According to The Mirror, the trickster had been posting messages about the star's private life and spoiling future plot lines to the 550 friends they had so far notched up.
Halsall's wife Lucy Jo Hudson, who starred as Katy Harris in Coronation Street between 2002 and 2005, later took to Twitter to decry the impostor's actions.
She wrote: "What freak would do this? Clearly he has no life. All Al's old schoolmates think they're talking to him. He's just been making stuff up. It's quite disturbing."
Coronation Street actress Debbie Rush has revealed that she dropped three dress sizes in two months after a photograph left her in tears.
Rush, who plays Anna Windass in the ITV soap, showed off her new look at the Inside Soap Awards last week. She told Closer magazine that she has worked "really hard" to drop from a size 16 to a size 10.
"I was in tears when I saw pictures of how fat I was," she said. "But I thought I could either cry, or actually do something about it.
"Now I have a personal trainer who comes to my house three times a week. We do a mix of cardio and body weight exercises, like the plank and press-ups."
She continued: "I used to have no breakfast, a massive lunch at the Corrie canteen - like chips with curry sauce and a dessert - and something similar for dinner. Then I'd sit in front of the TV and have chocolate or popcorn.
"Now I make my own lunch and snack on veggie crudités or olives, I've cut down on carbs, sugar and fat, and I'm eating smaller portions, too," she added.
Rush revealed that she has set herself a target weight for Coronation Street's 50th anniversary celebrations, which will include a live episode.
"My goal is to be a size 8 for Corrie's 50th anniversary at Christmas," she said. "So I'm waiting till then to weigh myself.
'I feel so sexy now and my husband Andrew certainly has a different glint in his eye!"
She added: "I feel I'm getting the real me back!"
Kim Cattrall has revealed that she thinks a role in Coronation Street would be "fun".
The Sex And The City star told Radio City 96.7 that she could follow in Sir Ian McKellen's footsteps by appearing in the ITV soap.
"Coronation Street is the soap that I am most familiar with," she said. "It would be fun."
She continued: "I know that Ian McKellen did one for a while. He was really chuffed about it and I thought that sounds like fun!
"I know they're coming up to a big anniversary too."
Jane Danson (Leanne Battersby) recently said that she "would love" Cattrall to join the soap as her on-screen mother.
"Maybe when Leanne was little she was a bit down in the dumps and I think she could come back really glamorous and give Leanne a good telling off for messing about with Nick," she said.
Michael Le Vell got off to a bumpy start at Coronation Street, after denting co-star Bill Tarmey's car on his first day, it has been revealed.
The soap star has gone on to play Kevin Webster for 23 years in the show, but Bill Tarmey - who has just retired as Corrie's Jack Duckworth, revealed in his autobiography that Mike's first day at Granada Studios in Manchester didn't go too well.
Bill recalled: "Mike, who came in as Bill Webster's son Kevin, didn't make the best of impressions on his first day - I was walking out of the car park when Mike asked me where he should put his car."
He went on: "I told him to park it next to my blue Volvo. As he swung it by the side of mine, he put a dent in the door. Mike was full of apologies. He must have been a bag of nerves anyway, as he was an 18-year-old lad from stage school, about to appear in Coronation Street. Now he'd dented a cast colleague's car on his first day at work. I told him not to worry because I was selling it anyway.
"As it happens, the dealer who was buying it off me wasn't bothered. Mike and I soon became good friends."
And Bill, 69, is full of compliments for Sally Dynevor, who plays Kevin's wife Sally.
He revealed: "When she first joined the show I used a Manchester building site expression to give her a compliment. I said she'd got a bum like a shirt button.
"From time to time over the years she'd give me a wiggle and say: 'What do you think, Bill? Still like a shirt button?'."
Coronation Street star Bill Roache has said that he thinks his character Ken Barlow has evolved during his time in Weatherfield.
The actor, who has starred in the show since the very first episode, insisted that he doesn't feel like he's played the same character for 50 years because of Ken's varied life.
He told the Sunday Mercury: "When people ask me why I've played the same role for 50 years, I try to explain that I haven't.
"Because like all human beings, and thanks to clever scriptwriters, Ken has evolved. He's been married three times, had 24 girlfriends and is head of a totally dysfunctional family.
"He has a son who is an alcoholic bigamist and a daughter who is a convicted murderer. How many actors get the chance to perform scenes with meaty content like that?"
Roache recently revealed that he was nearly axed from Coronation Street after just three years.
CORRIE'S Helen Flanagan has revealed she lives in fear of being ATTACKED - as her brat character Rosie Webster is so hated.
Helen now refuses to go out without Swansea City star boyfriend, Scott Sinclair.
She said: "I've had girls say, 'You're such a bitch'. Girls are more bitchy than men but it can be quite dangerous sometimes.
"It's easier to go out when there's security and you're altogether."
But Helen, 20, insists she is nothing like Rosie. She said: "People say nasty things. I think it's because Rosie's so promiscuous but I'm a proper geek.
"I just think, 'Why are they mean?' But Scott's not bothered."
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/3175342/My-fears-as-hated-TV-Rosie.html#ixzz127O6ac00
CORRIE gets racy as Rosie Webster is tied to a bed wearing just her black lingerie in a forthcoming DVD special of the soap.
An underwear-clad Rosie, played by Helen Flanagan, ends up in the kinky position in new comedy Coronation Street: A Knight's Tale.
The fantasy jape, which is set away from the cobbles of Weatherfield in a medieval-themed stately home, features a host of the soap's characters getting up to crazy antics.
Things start to get sexy when new Corrie lovers Rosie Webster and Jason Grimshaw (Ryan Thomas) end up in a love triangle with a plastic surgeon called Uri, played by former Holby City star Jeremy Edwards.
The comedy caper also sees the return of Corrie favourites Curly Watts (Kevin Kennedy) and Reg Holdsworth (Ken Morley).
http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01143/Corrie_Helen_253_1143169a.jpg
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/3178130/Racy-Rosie-Webster-is-all-tied-up.html#ixzz12FhJfNzD
Brian Capron has claimed that his murderous Coronation Street alter ego Richard Hillman is more popular than ever.
The actor, who played the serial killer between 2001 and 2003, also revealed that he is "very proud" of the role.
He told What's On TV: "I'm very proud of Richard Hillman. Looking back on it, he seems to get more iconic as time goes on... It's extraordinary."
However, the 63-year-old insisted that he has succeeded in playing different roles to avoid being typecast.
The star added: "The thing is, it was seven and a half years ago and, really, for the last seven years I haven't done anything similar. I've kept away from anything to do with psychopathic characters!"
Since Corrie, Capron has starred in Where The Heart Is and appeared on the fifth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2007.
Coronation Street stars Bev Callard and Sue Nicholls have launched an attack on the acting industry for being "ageist".
Speaking to Stage, the veteran pair called for an increase in roles for older women on television.
Callard, 53, stated: "The business is very ageist towards women - much more than it is to men. I think it's wrong but unfortunately that's the way it is. It's a shame because we have got some of the best actresses in the world."
Meanwhile, 66-year-old Nicholls commented: "It's because we are in the 'look-ist' age and that is why so many people go and have work done. I don't know how you get over it, really.
"Older people feel they have got to start looking better and I think that is sad, because I don't think they should."
Actors' union Equity recently asked broadcasters to consider more female parts.
Samia Smith has said that she thinks her Coronation Street alter ego Maria was happiest when going out with Tyrone (Alan Halsall).
Speaking to What's On TV, the actress claimed that the fictional pair "really loved each other" when they were a couple five years ago.
She said: "[The only right man for Maria is] Tyrone. She had a peaceful life with him. They really loved each other and he made her laugh - although he did cheat on her with Fiz (Jennie McAlpine)."
Smith added: "But as an actress it's much more interesting if Maria's relationships fail. At least they've all been different and none of them have been boring."
What a load of garbage, I thought Liam was the love of her life! Guess she will be featuring more in storylines again, don't like her much :(
CORRIE legend Bill Roache will be honoured at a Guinness World Records ceremony next month when he officially becomes the longest-serving actor in a TV soap.
Bill, who has played Ken Barlow for nearly 50 years since the Street's first episode, is due to set the record on November 22.
The 78-year old will travel to New York, where he will meet Don Hastings from US soap As The World Turns, the man who will be giving up the title.
Viewers saw Bill appear with screen dad Frank Barlow, played by Frank Pemberton, in the first episode on December 9, 1960.
Only Don, who portrayed Bob Hughes in his CBS show since October 1960 without a break, has played the same character longer.
Bill is set to pass the 76-year-old because As The World Turns set in the fictional town of Oakdale, Illinois, ended in September after 13,858 episodes.
The proud Corrie star said: "Guinness World Records have been in touch and want to fly me over to New York for some sort of ceremony with Don Hastings." And Bill insisted he had NO plans to retire. He said: "I always say that, while I can still do it and while they still want me, retiring isn't an option.
"I've met the Queen on numerous occasions, I've been to Buckingham Palace, Downing Street and Chequers. I've played golf with top professionals and I've written two books. Those things have enriched my life.
He enjoyed another show highlight this year when his son Linus Roache joined the cast as Ken's long-lost son Lawrence. Bill said: "The show is character-based and if the characters are good, you can't go wrong."
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/3184045/Ken-Barlows-world-record.html#ixzz12gQXILYh
Coronation Street star Beverley Callard has revealed that she would love Anthony Hopkins to film a guest stint on the soap.
The actress, who plays Weatherfield favourite Liz McDonald, admitted that she dreams of one day filming scenes with the acclaimed actor on the cobbles.
Hopkins has already confirmed that he is an avid watcher of the ITV1 show, as he once said in an interview that "life isn't worth living if I miss an episode".
Speaking to Inside Soap's Coronation Street Special, Callard commented: "I know the actor Anthony Hopkins is a massive fan, so I'd love him to be in it for a while - he'd have to be involved with Liz somehow."
She added: "Can you imagine that? It'd be fantastic!"
Meanwhile, asked to name her favourite Corrie character, the star replied: "My all-time favourite is Betty - she's the queen of the street in my opinion. [Actress] Betty Driver is a real phenomenon. She has fabulous skin and is word-perfect on set.
"I know there's been talk in the papers about Betty's hot pot being taken off the menu at the Rovers, but Betty wouldn't be happy about it and neither would Liz - she's not much of a cook herself!"
Malcolm Hebden has revealed that his Coronation Street character Norris Cole has a huge following among children.
Speaking to Inside Soap's Coronation Street Special, the actor admitted that he is baffled by the number of letters he receives from young people who seem to love watching the Weatherfield busybody.
Hebden explained: "For some unknown reason, Norris is immensely popular with children, though I never understand why. Is he the granddad they've always wanted to poke fun at?
"He's always wrong, but most of my letters are from young people, which is lovely. I think they feel safe with him because he's a loser!"
Meanwhile, asked to name his own favourite character, the star replied: "At the moment, I'd have to say it's Mary Taylor. Working with Patti Clare, who plays her, is an absolute joy. We're very good friends now."
Hebden recently confessed that he is unsure of his future at Corrie due to the devastating tram crash which will claim lives on the cobbles in December.
Former Coronation Street star Tina O'Brien has predicted that her character Sarah Platt would have stood by mum Gail throughout her prison ordeal.
Gail - played by Helen Worth - was jailed for several weeks earlier this year as she awaited trial over the suspected murder of her husband Joe McIntyre.
Although not everyone on the Street believed Gail's protestations of innocence, she was ultimately found not guilty back in June.
Speaking to Inside Soap, O'Brien commented: "I can't believe Gail's been in jail! If Sarah had been there, she'd have fought for her.
"They love each other to bits, even though they've always had a stormy relationship. She'd always be on her mum's side."
Reflecting on her Weatherfield stint, she added: "I loved every minute of being in Corrie. It brought me a different lifestyle and I met so many new people - which is what it's all about for me, really. But leaving was the hardest decision I ever made."
O'Brien made her final appearance as Sarah in December 2007 and is currently competing in Strictly Come Dancing.
Yet again another has been who wants to hear the sound of her own voice. The rubbish thats printed in Inside Soap to fill up a few column inches.
Chloe O'brien
22-10-2010, 02:21
Well she'll be needing a job when Scritly and panto season is finished.
Kym Marsh has revealed that she would like to play a "psychotic" character after Coronation Street.
The actress, who plays Michelle Connor in the ITV1 soap, admitted that she wants to take on a completely different role just like former co-star Rob James-Collier, who now stars in Downton Abbey.
According to STV, she said: "It's good seeing my old co-star Rob James-Collier in one of the starring roles. He plays a gay footman, which is obviously a far cry from his Corrie character Liam Connor. He's even shared a screen kiss with a guy!
"If I ever left Corrie, I'd want to play someone completely different, too - maybe someone a bit psychotic, or a part where I had to gain or lose weight. It would be great fun!"
Speaking of her new storyline with Alison King (Carla Connor), she said: "As Corrie fans will know, Carla Connor has been hitting the bottle recently and is effectively running the factory by herself - but not very well! So, this week, she turns to my character, Michelle, for help. In the past we've had lots of on-screen screaming matches but, for once, we're being quite civil - for now!
"Ali King, who plays Carla, is just lovely, and as we haven't had many scenes together over the past six months, we're really enjoying working together. We've been having a right old giggle in between takes in Underworld!"
More ramblinss from Ms Marsh. She really does spout some nonsense. She seems to be labouring under the misapprehension that she is a great actress
Chloe O'brien
24-10-2010, 03:25
God loves a tryer but hates a pest Alan. and she is just begging for any role she can.
CORRIE star Jack P Shepherd has called in cops after receiving a series of disturbing letters and photographs from a weirdo claiming to be his real father.
The mystery man, who claims he is a priest, is thought to have been attracted by Jacks bad boy character David Platt, currently suspected of attempted murder in the ITV1 soap.
All the letters have been handed to Manchester detectives.
Jack, 22, told The People: Its scary. This man says hes a priest and is adamant he was my real dad. He keeps saying how proud he is of me and how he wants to get back in contact. In the end I asked Corrie to call in the police.
Jack fears the man might turn up at the studios or approach him when he was out with his daughter, Nyla, 20 months. He said: This man is really odd. Hes been sending old pictures of a young couple, saying its him and my real mum when I was born. He seems obsessed, absolutely convinced hes my father. He said he had to give me up because he was a priest.
Im a dad, so I started to worry. You dont know what these kind of people will do. You don't want someone like that out there.
A show source said: This guy gave everyone the chills. Jacks a laid-back guy but even he was spooked out.
A police source said they had given Jack a number to call if he sees anybody suspicious. A Coronation Street spokesman added: We take it very seriously. We have police officers who liaise with us. Well get to the bottom of it.
The bizarre letters have also upset Jacks parents Peter, 55, and Janet, 54, in West Yorkshire and his partner Lauren Shippey, 22.
On screen, David is under suspicion after mowing down Graeme Proctor. But viewers will see that epilepsy may have made him pass out at the wheel.
The stalker scare comes at a difficult time for Jack. He has had a gruelling fortnight of night shoots for the 50th anniversary tram crash show, shown in December and has had to fight a claim by promotions girl Sammy Milewski, 25, that he fathered her baby.
Jack is not the first Corrie star to get weird mail. Tina OBrien, 27, was sent inappropriate letters and three ex-cast members, including Tracy Shaw, won a restraining order against a man who loitered outside the Granada studios and bombarded them with letters.
Coronation Street star Samia Smith has revealed that becoming a mother has left her feeling healthier than ever.
The actress welcomed the arrival of her first child Freya last October, and viewers have since seen her return to screens in the role of Weatherfield's Maria Connor.
In an interview with The People, Smith explained: "I actually recommend having a baby because I feel in better shape since Freya was born.
"I'm back to a size 6 or 8 and my arms are much more toned from carrying Freya around a lot and from the exercises I did."
She continued: "Last month I did a midnight charity walk and in May I did a 10km run without any training, so it seems my stamina has increased since having a baby as well."
Smith has previously admitted that her baby weight "dropped off" after she followed a workout DVD which featured various aerobic exercises.
Coronation Street star Michelle Keegan has revealed that she sometimes pays visits to the supermarket in her pyjamas.
Speaking to Celebs On Sunday, the actress confessed that she has failed to ditch the habit since her role as Tina McIntyre made her a household name.
Keegan explained: "I've been to the 24-hour Tesco in my pyjamas a few times, and I still do it now I'm in Corrie. I'll just throw on a hoodie and go.
"I can feel people staring, but I don't stop. I think they do that because I'm in pyjamas, not because they recognise me!"
Meanwhile, asked to name one of her worst traits, the 23-year-old replied: "I eat off my friends' plates, because their food always seems to look better than mine. I can't seem to stop!"
Keegan recently confessed that she is feeling nervous over the fact that Tina is to become a new barmaid at the Rovers Return.
Kerry Katona has revealed that she would love to land a cameo role in Coronation Street.
The former I'm A Celebrity... winner told the Daily Star that she is a massive fan of the Weatherfield show and dreams of one day walking on the cobbles.
Speaking about her acting ambition, the 30-year-old explained: "I do love Corrie. I'm a Northern girl so it's always been my favourite soap.
"I never miss an episode and it would be amazing to get a cameo if they wanted me."
Katona was tipped for a Corrie role back in September 2009, when reports linked her to a possible "loud, brash, screeching and wicked" character. However, the show's bosses later insisted that they had "no idea" where the rumour had come from.
The reality star is thought to currently be in training for the next series of ITV1's Dancing On Ice.
Kym Marsh has announced that she and fiancé Jamie Lomas are expecting a baby.
The Coronation Street actress confirmed the news after having her 12-week scan today, The Sun reports.
The couple, who have been together for over three years, lost their prematurely-born son Archie in February 2009.
A spokeswoman for the ITV soap said: "Kym Marsh and Jamie Lomas are delighted to announce they are expecting a baby together.
"They are very appreciative of the love and support that has come their way in the last 12 months, but they won't be saying anything further about Kym's pregnancy for the moment.
"They have confirmed this news now as both Kym and Jamie feel they'd like to be able to share their happiness with family, friends and colleagues."
A friend told the paper: "Kym's delighted to be pregnant again and Jamie is absoultely thrilled with the news. They've had a tough time since losing Archie but their relationship is stronger than ever now.
"Obviously she was anxious about it considering what happened last year but she's seen doctors today and they've reassured her that everything is fine."
Marsh, who last year was crowned 'Celebrity Mum of the Year', has two children from a previous relationship, while Lomas had a son with ex-girlfriend Hayley Lever.
It was recently announced that Lomas is to make a shock return to Hollyoaks.
CORRIE legend Betty Driver has told of her fear of spending the rest of her life in darkness after she nearly went blind.
The actress, 90 - Rovers Return barmaid Betty Williams - was diagnosed with Age-Related Macular Degeneration in her right eye.
And Betty, who first appeared on the ITV1 soap in 1969, was told she faced losing her vision completely as she already saw little through her left eye.
But a private specialist saved her sight by injecting her with Avastin - a drug normally used to treat cancer and not yet licensed on the NHS to treat so-called wet AMD.
Betty said: "When I discovered I had this problem I was terrified. I thought, 'Oh my God, I'm going to finish my life like this, not being able to see pretty flowers or anything'. I was petrified."
She added: "I went to see this wonderful consultant. He put me on injections of Avastin.
"God it's wonderful. My vision is clear in my right eye, my left is not much use at all.
"I'm so thrilled. I can see the birds on the tree, I can even tell you what birds they are. It's a wonderful treatment and it should be there for everyone."
Wet AMD, the top cause for blindness in over-50s, is triggered by blood vessel growth around the eye.
The only drug approved to treat it is Lucentis, although Avastin is cheaper and claimed to be more effective.
It means only private patients can be treated with it.
But following growing pressure on health chiefs, drug licensing body NICE is reviewing Avastin.
Betty, famed for her Rovers' hot pots, is showing no signs of retiring.
Asked why she worked on, she said: "Because I love it so much
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/3203621/Corries-Betty-My-blind-terror.html#ixzz13nTxHcdN
Sean Bean has revealed that he still wants to appear in an episode of Coronation Street.
In 2006, the actor declared that he would like a cameo in the ITV1 soap but has admitted that the producers have failed to get in touch with him to organise it.
He told the Daily Express: "Yes, I would really like to appear in Coronation Street. it's my favourite soap. Maybe not for a long run but I would still love to be in it. But they haven't contacted me or my agent about it, so it's over to them."
Speaking at the time of his original request, a spokesperson said: "Sean is a fantastic actor but also a busy and prolific actor. If we found a suitable character for him and he could do it, then who knows?"
Other famous faces to have had cameos on the show include Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Norman Wisdom and Stephanie Beacham.
Chloe O'brien
30-10-2010, 22:09
He could be a bad guy fella for Julie.
Coronation Street's Shobna Gulati poses as a topless Katy Perry
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1325348/Coronation-Streets-Shobna-Gulati-poses-topless-Katy-Perry-steamy-photo-shoot.html#ixzz1415MmTY0
Coronation Street actress Shobna Gulati has said that she does not feel confident about her figure.
The 44-year-old, who portrays Sunita Alahan in the Weatherfield-based soap, undressed for a photoshoot with Now, but admitted that she is uncomfortable with her body.
Gulati said: "If ten is the happiest I've ever been about my body, then I think that would've been when I was a baby. Now it's less than five.
"I'd change my stomach completely - my tummy texture. There's no exercise that can get rid of that."
However, Gulati added that she feels that men often put undue pressure on women to maintain a perfect shape.
She said: "Some men are very unkind to women. I had an ex-partner who said that my body was damaged because I'd had a baby.
"Or he'd point at my tummy and go, 'I can see your gut', and
I said, 'Oh can you? I think you should leave my house'."
Snoop Dogg has announced plans to pay tribute to Coronation Street by opening up a replica version of the Rovers Return pub in Los Angeles.
Speaking to The Mirror, the rapper vowed that he will even have Betty Williams's famous hotpot on the menu when he launches his new business.
"I have watched Coronation Street for a lot of years and I'm in talks to do a cameo on the show, but until then a little bit of Corrie can come to me," the star explained.
"People are mad for themed pubs over here, so I am doing this properly. Nothing will stop me serving Betty's hotpot in my pub, man. If it didn't serve hotpot it wouldn't be a proper Rovers Return."
He added: "Coronation Street is where it's at. I've sent messages to the cast, they know I'm a fan."
Snoop - real name Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr - has often spoken of how much he enjoys watching Corrie. Back in August, he also declared that he would like an affair with Deirdre Barlow (Anne Kirkbride) if he ever made a cameo appearance on the show.
Coronation Street stalwarts Barbara Knox and Eileen Derbyshire praised the enduring appeal of the popular soap as they were made MBEs by the Queen.
The actresses have notched up almost 100 years of combined service on the Street playing characters that have endeared themselves to millions of viewers since they first joined the cast in the 1960s.
Barbara, 77, is best known to viewers as flame-haired stalwart of The Kabin, Rita Sullivan, while co-star Eileen, 79, has played one of TV's most enduring figures, having first appeared as Emily Bishop nearly half a century ago.
Speaking after the Buckingham Palace investiture ceremony, the Barbara said: "It's very overwhelming quite honestly because it's something I've done all my life and loved and suddenly I've got an honour.
"I suppose we do give a service, so many millions love the programme, so there you are - it's still very surprising."
Asked whether the Queen is a fan of the soap, Barbara replied: "I'm rather led to believe she does watch when she has time and she has visited the Street so she does know about it."
Both actresses praised fellow cast members and the work of those behind the scenes from the director and writers to make-up artists for making the long-running series a success.
Barbara said: "They are a great team of actors and they are portraying marvellous people with great humour. We have marvellous storylines, very strong ones, and we have hit a nerve with the nation for almost 50 years and that's pretty special for a programme to do that.
"Australia, New Zealand, Canada, all these places adore the Street so we must be doing something right."
:clap: :thumbsup: :D
http://holysoapcdn.five.tv/assets/images/18054/20101103T133558_Five_Soaps_News_1-1_1288791368_large.jpg?1288792807
Rita and Emily at the Palace
Chloe O'brien
04-11-2010, 09:46
Way to long overdue. Congratulations to Eileen and Barbara.
Barbara Knox has revealed that she instructed the Queen to watch Coronation Street's 50th anniversary episode.
The veteran actress, who was recently honoured with an MBE alongside fellow star Eileen Derbyshire, admitted that she was shocked by her own words.
She recalled on Paul O'Grady Live: "It was so nerve-wracking. She was wonderful, and you try and think of something that is interesting and of course, you can't top anything.
"So she said, 'Well, you're very busy'. And I said, 'If you've got a minute on December 9, the Street is 50, try to watch it.
"I couldn't believe I said it to her, how could you say that to Her Majesty? I thought, she's not going to give me the medal now!"
Chloe O'brien
07-11-2010, 03:18
How lovely was Barbara on Paul O'Grady show a true star. She should have had Eileen with her as well. A true lady not a prima donna diva like some of the soap stars who like to call themselves actresses we have to suffer today.
CORRIE creator Tony Warren says fans have begged him for another scene with Kym Marsh in the buff.
Last year her character Michelle Connor accidentally dropped her towel in front of builder Jake Harman.
And Tony, who works with producer Phil Collinson, says viewers have been clamouring for more.
He adds: "Once, I paid for a taxi and didn't have enough change for a tip and the cabbie said, 'Don't worry - just give us another scene of Kym Marsh in a bath tub.'"
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/3221671/Corrie-fans-beg-for-more-nude-Kym-Marsh.html#ixzz14vhcF1Jx
Heaven help us when the ubiquitous Ms Marsh reads this. We can expect more pointless drivel from her over on DS
Chloe O'brien
11-11-2010, 11:59
Your making this up Alan. Ms Marsh has been begging for more scene's herself not the public.
The woman is a legend
In her own mind
As Corrie's Craig Harris, Richard Fleeshman always looked a bit like the walking dead in his goth gear.
Now the former soap star and singer is about to play a much hunkier kind of ghost.
Richard is set to reprise the role of Sam from Ghost - made famous by Patrick Swayze in the hugely popular, Oscar-winning 1990 film - in Ghost: The Musical.
Sam is killed but appears as a ghost to medium Oda Mae Brown, played by Whoopi Goldberg in the film, to speak to girlfriend Molly, who was played by Demi Moore.
The new musical version will receive its premiere at the Manchester Opera House on March 28 2011 for a seven-week run before opening in London's West End at the Piccadilly Theatre on June 22.
Richard and Caissie Levy, who will play Molly, will recreate the famous love scene in the film when artist Molly tries to teach Sam to use her potters wheel, but things end up getting steamy to the sound of The Righteous Brothers' Unchained Melody.
Tickets are available at www.ghostthemusical.com.
If you want to see Richard topless and covered in clay, get ordering.
Channel 4 has announced that a Coronation Street-themed episode of Come Dine With Me will air next month to mark the soap's 50th anniversary.
Former cast members Julie Goodyear (Bet Lynch), Ken Morley (Reg Holdsworth), Tupele Dorgu (Kelly Crabtree) and Philip Middlemiss (Des Barnes) will all feature in the special edition of the popular culinary contest.
Following the usual Celebrity Come Dine format, the foursome must compete to host the best dinner party in a bid to win a cash prize for charity.
It is thought that the one-off episode will see tension develop between the competitors after Morley's bawdy sense of humour fails to impress Dorgu.
On the second night of the competition, things get worse when Morley arrives in character as an annoying American preacher - earning him a telling-off from the actress.
Meanwhile, when it is Goodyear's turn to play hostess, she orders the male contestants to arrive in drag and causes a stir by having a scantily-clad slave named Dave serving her guests.
Come Dine With Me's Corrie special airs on December 5 on Channel 4.
Former Coronation Street actor Johnny Briggs has claimed that the soap has survived because no one person has been allowed to become the star.
The Weatherfield drama will celebrate its 50th anniversary next month and Briggs - who played Mike Baldwin for 30 years - told Hello magazine that there is only one true star.
"The true strength of the Street is that there isn't a star," he said. "The star of the show is The Rovers.
"People come and go, and the show still carries on."
Briggs was reunited with five other cast members for a shoot for the magazine, including William Roache (Ken Barlow), Bill Tarmey (Jack Duckworth), Barbara Knox (Rita Sullivan), Betty Driver (Betty Williams) and Julie Goodyear (Bet Lynch). The six have clocked up an impressive 215 years on the ITV soap between them.
More ravings from Kym Marsh
Kym Marsh has revealed that she would like her fiancé Jamie Lomas to appear in Coronation Street.
Last month, it was confirmed that Lomas would make a shock return to Hollyoaks - eighteen months after his character Warren Fox appeared to have been killed off. However Marsh told Hello magazine that Lomas could take on another bad guy role in the ITV serial.
"Being in Coronation Street has changed my life," she said. "I'd love Jamie to be in it too.
"He'd be a great Corrie baddie."
Dream On
Coronation Street star Michelle Keegan has spoken of how she was bullied for a prolonged period of time as a teenager.
The actress, who plays shop worker Tina McIntyre on the ITV1 soap, told The Mirror that she regularly received abuse from a group of fellow youngsters while walking home from school each afternoon.
In an interview with the newspaper, Keegan explained: "I was only about 13 at the time so I was really scared. People are always braver in numbers and when they see someone on their own they tend to single them out.
"I had to change schools when my mum married my stepdad, so I had to go home on the bus to our new house and then walk for a bit alone. We didn't live far from the bus stop but I had to walk past groups of kids from the local school.
"There was no reason for them to pick on me other than the fact I was wearing a different school uniform and went to another school. It was ridiculous. They felt I didn't fit in. They would snigger every time I walked past and make nasty comments about what I was wearing."
Keegan - who is supporting the work of children's charity Beatbullying - added that her experience went on for two years before stopping when she confronted her tormentors.
She said: "I just snapped - I'd had enough. I stuck up for myself. From that day on they left me alone, they were stunned into silence and didn't say anything again."
The 23-year-old also called on the Government to do more to tackle the issue of bullying and encouraged victims to speak out rather than suffer in silence.
ASTON MERRYGOLD has set his sights on newly single Corrie star MICHELLE KEEGAN.
The JLS lothario has been poring over last week's bikini pictures of Michelle, who plays gobby Rovers barmaid Tina McIntyre.
He got hold of her BlackBerry Messenger pin and is now plucking up courage, and the right words, to ask Michelle out.
A source said: "He thinks she's gorgeous.
"He got really excited when he found out she had split up with her boyfriend.
"He's trying to figure out the best way to ask her out."
Aston's not being coy about his affections, either.
He's been mentioning Michelle - who recently broke up with her model boyfriend BRADLEY HOWARD - in interviews.
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It's a textbook celebrity-pulling technique.
In a chat this week with Look magazine, he admitted with a glint in his eye: "I don't know if there is an ideal woman for me - then again, there's Michelle Keegan.
"She's gorgeous and now she's single again."
And which man would blame Aston?
Michelle's character Tina is easily the fittest girl in Weatherfield - since purple-rinsed Phyllis Pearce left the soap.
Former Coronation Street star John Savident has revealed that he was inspired by quirks of real-life people when filming scenes as fan favourite Fred Elliott.
The actor explained that a neighbour from his childhood was among the people who influenced his performances as the Weatherfield butcher, who died on screen in October 2006.
Speaking on This Morning in an interview to mark Corrie's 50th anniversary, Savident said of Fred's mannerisms: "I based them on people I knew. We had a gentleman who lived down the road from us, and I don't think he liked children.
"Suddenly, the door would open and he'd say, 'I saw that, I say, I saw that!' or 'Get off them roses, I say, get off them roses!' Of course, we were nowhere near them! It used to mystify me, but of course later on it came in handy."
The 72-year-old also paid tribute to his former screen son Steven Arnold (Ashley Peacock), saying that working with him was "wonderful".
Discussing the twist which saw Fred revealed as Ashley's father and not his uncle as originally thought, he said: "The relationship between uncle and nephew was so strong. I could be totally wrong, but I have a feeling that it gave them the idea to make Ashley Fred's son. I was absolutely delighted. The relationship between the two was so much fun to do."
Savident played the role of Fred for 12 years.
If it's done right, a soap theme tune can stick in your head for yonks (whether you want it to or not).
So if you're short of shower-humming material, try tuning into Radio 2 Salutes the Soaps on December 3.
A special concert celebrating all our favourite shows will be broadcast from the Mermaid Theatre in London.
Composer Tony Hatch, who is responsible for the themes for Neighbours, Crossroads and Emmerdale, will conduct a special segment devoted to his work.
The BBC Concert Orchestra will play themes from the likes of Corrie, EastEnders, Dynasty and Dallas.
And Wendi Peters, who played Weatherfield's Cilla Battersby-Brown, will show she can sing as well as act by performing a selection of songs of her choice. Richard Shelton, who played Dr Adam Forsythe in Emmerdale, will also flex his vocal muscles. Bonus!
Producer Bridget Apps told The Stage: "With it being a big year for Coronation Street, we thought this would be a good idea to jog a few memories of some old soaps and some current-day soaps."
You may want not to watch your fave soaps that night after all that lot...
Former Coronation Street actors Bill Tarmey and John Thomson have both become involved in a special auction to raise money for the Cats Protection charity.
The pair - who played Weatherfield's Jack Duckworth and Jesse Chadwick respectively - donated their very own 'paw prints' to support the cause after being asked to draw around one of their hands, sign the picture and style it in their own unique way.
Tarmey and Thomson's prints will be put up for auction on eBay on December 1 and will remain open to bids from fans until December 11. Both images are already framed and ready to be hung up at home.
This is the fourth year that the Celebrity Paws campaign has taken place. 2009's project raised around £2,500 for Cats Protection, which helps over 215,000 cats and kittens annually.
Other celebrities who have donated paw prints this year include Strictly Come Dancing judge Alesha Dixon, actor John Barrowman and stars from Gavin and Stacey.
Kate Bunting, PR Manager for Cats Protection, commented: "We are incredibly grateful to all our celebrity supporters who have been very creative with their works of art this year. Each drawing is totally unique and completely authentic so we hope bidders will be keen to bag a bargain while helping to raise money for the thousands of unwanted cats and kittens in our care."
Images of Tarmey and Thomson's prints appear below:
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A member of staff received an electric shock while working on the set of Coronation Street, it has been revealed.
According to the Sunday Mirror, art director Leesa Mae was decorating the set with Christmas lights when the incident happened.
She was taken to a nearby hospital in Manchester after being flung from her ladder by the force of the shock.
She told the paper: "I'm shook up - the doctor said I was lucky."
Filming of the ITV1 soap was recently paused after a fault was noticed with the tram crash set.
Coronation Street picked up two prizes at the Royal Television Society North West Awards on Saturday night.
The ITV soap was named 'Best Continuing Drama' at the Manchester event - beating off competition from Hollyoaks and Shameless - and also secured top honours by receiving the prestigious Judges' Award.
According to the Manchester Evening News, a short film celebrating the show's 50th anniversary was shown at the ceremony, before Corrie's creator Tony Warren and longest-serving actor Bill Roache came on stage to collect the Judges' prize.
As he received the gong, Warren said: "This means more to me than any award I've ever stood here with. It's not just because it's been 50 years, it's because it has the words 'North West' on it. I've always liked Manchester and Salford and I hope that's been shown throughout the years."
Meanwhile, Roache added: "It's wonderful on our 50th anniversary to receive this - it shows we're still up there."
Corrie missed out on a third triumph as cast member Helen Worth (Gail McIntyre) lost out to Shameless actor Ciaran Griffiths (Mickey Maguire) in the 'Best Performance In A Continuing Drama' category. Hollyoaks stars Glen Wallace (Malachy Fisher) and Jorgie Porter (Theresa McQueen) had also been nominated for the award.
Bill Tarmey has revealed that he does not know whether he will be able to keep his Tenerife holiday home because he struggles to breathe during the flight there.
The Coronation Street icon, who recently left the show as Jack Duckworth, may not be able to enjoy the Canary Island resort any longer.
When asked if he would be spending more time in Puerto Colon, he told The Mirror: "I'm sorry but it's not looking that way - I just can't face the flight anymore after all these years. The four-hour trip is a nightmare for me."
Friends of the star said that he and his wife Ali plan to spend Christmas there next month for the first time but that this could be their final trip.
A source explained: "Bill's always been busy in the past due to work commitments so this year will be his first when he's free at Christmas. But it could be his last trip. He and Ali love the place. It's like a second home to them."
Residents at the Las Carabelas complex described the actor as "one of the lads" and "one of the nicest blokes you could meet".
At The Old Lodge pub and restaurant, where Bill and Ali like to visit, co-owner Geraldine Taylor said: "Even if Bill's munching away and someone comes up and says, 'Hey, aren't you Jack from Corrie?' he obliges and chats to them. He's a smashing guy."
CORRIE bad girl Helen Flanagan turns golden girl for a James Bond-themed photo shoot - and boasts that she is happy to strip naked.
The 5ft 3ins size eight actress, who plays Rosie Webster, tells Closer magazine: "I've lost a bit of weight and I'm really, really happy with my body now. I'm happy stripping off. I feel like a Bond girl, which is brilliant!"
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Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/3241079/The-street-is-paved-with-gold.html#ixzz163zF64n5
Andrew Flintoff has revealed that he would love to take charge at the Rovers Return pub if he ever secured a role on Coronation Street.
The former England cricketer is a vocal supporter of the ITV1 soap and is one of a number of celebrity fans who are currently appearing in special adverts to mark the show's 50th anniversary.
According to the Daily Star, Flintoff has since said: "Being asked to do the Corrie advert is the highlight of my career. My dream job would be landlord of The Rovers - any chance, ITV?
"I could be the child of Alec Gilroy and Bet Lynch and buy back the family pub and wipe the smug grin off Steve McDonald."
The sportsman - nicknamed Freddie - added: "Corrie has to be the best programme ever made. My favourite character was Fred Elliot, I say Fred Elliot."
A Coronation Street spokeswoman commented: "We are pleased to hear Freddie is a huge fan of the show. I am sure Street residents would be bowled over to find him behind the bar of The Rovers."
Rapper Snoop Dogg recently announced plans to open up a replica version of The Rovers in Los Angeles.
Jane Danson has revealed that she is happier than ever with her career at Coronation Street.
The actress has been with the soap on and off since 1997 and her character Leanne Battersby is currently involved in an ongoing love square storyline alongside Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne), Nick Tilsley (Ben Price) and Carla Connor (Alison King).
Speaking to All About Soap about her favourite Leanne plotlines from over the years, Danson explained: "Gosh, there are so many - Leanne has been at the centre of some really poignant moments in Corrie history.
"Nick and Leanne running off to Gretna Green really sticks in my mind, because it was my first big storyline. I've had some extremely challenging stuff to do over the years, but I'd say I'm the happiest I've ever been on the show right now. I love working with Alex Bain and Chris Gascoyne."
The star also said that she wants Leanne to have an easier time in 2011 following the rocky period she has endured this year.
She commented: "I'm hoping [for] a little bit of happiness, because she's had a rather eventful 2010! I'm soon going to be the only Battersby left on the street, which is sad but exciting at the same time. There's so much great stuff to look forward to - just when I think Leanne's done everything she could do, she shocks me by doing something else!"
Vicky Entwistle's husband has been found guilty of assault.
Andrew Chapman, whose wife plays Janice Battersby in Coronation Street, reportedly punched fan Michael McWhirter in the face when he asked for a photograph with the actress.
According to the BBC, 48-year-old Chapman claimed that McWhirter had looked "menacing" and that Entwistle was left feeling "intimidated and vulnerable" after he approached them.
The judge told Chapman: "You have been convicted of an unpleasant attack on this person. This young man was simply trying to take a photo. You became far more protective of your wife than you needed to be and lost your temper."
These pictures might look familiar.
Not only are they of some Coronation Street greats, but they are also created in the style of some famous album covers.
Manchester-based designers Central Station - the team behind the colourful image of Shaun Ryder on the Happy Mondays album sleeve for Bummed - have whipped up vibrant images of Bet Lynch, Ken Barlow, Hilda Ogden and Elsie Tanner as a Corrie 50th anniversary treat.
The works will be displayed at an exhibition at the Richard Goodall Gallery in the Northern Quarter of Manchester from 2 December to 15 January.
ITV licensing manager Denise Penn said: "Central Station first approached us with their idea in June 2009 - the appeal was immediate and ITV relished the chance to celebrate Coronation Street's heritage with the team's incredible contemporary art."
A spokesman for Central Station added: "It has been brilliant to put our stamp on the national treasure that is Corrie and be a part of celebrating what Tony Warren started 50 years ago." Rock on.
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Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan has described her "frustration" when being compared to her character Rosie Webster.
Speaking to The Sun, Flanagan said: "People think I'm like Rosie, which I'm not. It's frustrating."
The actress explained that members of the public have made her life difficult, adding: "Girls my age assume I'm up my own a**e and that I love myself. I got hassled when I was out and people called me names. And I'm sensitive, so it's upsetting.
"Now I don’t go out as much. I’m either at work, or at home with my family, my boyfriend, or friends I trust".
Flanagan currently lives at home with her parents in Bolton.
Chloe O'brien
27-11-2010, 22:28
You know I like Rosie, she's a fun loving girl who's hearts in the right place but her brain's not. She proved that with the Sophie/Sian storyline. I feel for Helen in having to deal with some people nasty attidude. She is a young girl doing a job she doesn't deserve to be treated like that.
Daniel O'Donnell has been invited for a pint at the Rovers Return - after telling Beverley Callard that his "greatest wish" is to appear on Coronation Street. Skip related content
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O'Donnell wants to appear in Corrie
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The Irish singing superstar said he would be willing to take any role just to be in the soap, which is about to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Appearing on lunchtime chat show Loose Women alongside Beverley, who plays Rovers Return landlady Liz McDonald, he said: "I might as well say it out in public. It's my greatest wish to walk on Coronation Street and the Rovers Return.
"I'd sweep the floor just to be on Corrie."
Beverley clasped his hand and told the singer: "Listen, I'm gonna take you for a pint. When I go back there in a few weeks, I'll take you."
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/multimedia/dynamic/00427/Irish_News_10-1_jpg_427181t.jpg
Daniel O'Donnell has said his 'greatest wish' is to appear on Coronation Street
Julie Walters has once again spoken of her ambition to appear in Coronation Street.
The BAFTA-winning actress previously revealed that she would like a role in the ITV soap, of which she is a fan.
"I would love to be in Corrie one day," she told What's On TV. "Although not at the moment because I am enjoying a staying-at-home period.
"But one day, it would be lovely to do a short spell on it. I already know Helen Worth, who plays Gail, and I’ve met a few other cast members at the BAFTAs.
She added: "Although whenever I meet Corrie stars I get terribly excited and act like an idiot!"
Coronation Street will mark its 50th birthday with a live episode next Thursday.
DaVeyWaVey
02-12-2010, 12:48
I could imagine Julie Walters on the Street. She'd fit in pretty well.
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CORONATION STREET star Simon Gregson has launched a campaign to stop drivers speeding outside his home - despite losing his own licence FIVE times.
The 36-year-old actor - who plays cabbie Steve McDonald - labelled the motorists as "idiots".
But road safety campaigners said dad-of-two Gregson should "practise what he preaches".
He has been banned twice for drink-driving and three times for speeding.
Gregson launched the campaign after a motorist ploughed into two cars near his home in Wilmslow, Cheshire.
He said: "I know I've speeded but driving at 70mph in a residential street with children around is different. I respect speed limits now and think other people should do the same."
Joel Hickman, of road safety group Brake, said last night: "For the sake of credibility, individuals spearheading campaigns should practise what they preach."
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EX-Corrie star Ken Morley belched, passed wind and SPAT during an outrageous episode of Come Dine With Me.
Ken, 67, who played BettaBuys boss Reg Holdsworth, insulted fellow Corrie guests, accusing Tupele Dorgu of dressing like a hooker.
Should have held his tongue ... rude Ken Morley
He covered her with spit and dribble in one meal and was in DRAG at another.
Ken, Tupele, Julie Goodyear and Phil Middlemiss entertained each other for a special version of the Channel 4 show to be screened on December 6 to mark Coronation Street's 50th anniversary.
Ken told Tupele, 32, who played Kelly Crabtree in the ITV1 soap: "We thought you were from the escort agency!"
Tupele fumed: "He's dribbled, I've been spat at and he's f**ted. I never thought anybody could be so rude, offensive, insulting or inappropriate as Ken."
Ken described his behaviour as "quite normal". However, a source said: "There's been all sorts of behaviour on Come Dine With Me, but this beats the lot."
Phil, 47, who also wore drag, revealed later told how Ken once performed a dodgy party piece by disguising his manhood as a hot dog while working at Corrie.
He added: "A lot of people would be offended by Ken, but does he care? Not really."
Samia Smith has launched an anti-smoking campaign in Manchester.
The Coronation Street actress launched 'Quit For Quids', which will aim to highlight how much money smokers can save if they quit before Christmas.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Smith - who plays Maria Connor in the ITV soap - wanted to get involved in the campaign following the death of her father from cancer last month. Her mother Patsy, who has smoked for over 20 years, has also vowed to quit.
"I've been really concerned about my mum smoking for years," Smith said. "So I'm really pleased she has decided that it’s time for her to try to stop.
"I am so proud of her and I will be encouraging her and supporting her every step of the way."
She added: "I've grown up seeing the effects of smoking on my dad's health and I know what it's like to lose a family member to a smoking-related disease."
Coronation Street star Michelle Keegan has reportedly been spotted in a Manchester hotel with The Wanted's Max George.
The actress, who plays Tina McIntyre in the ITV1 soap, was apparently seen waiting for a taxi with the singer following a night out in the city, before returning to the Radisson hotel where the band were staying.
They allegedly talked at the lift for around 15 minutes. An onlooker told the News of the World: "They were giggling and she touched his coat a lot and gently pushed him across the floor with her hands on his back.
"It was like they were trying to make up their minds up over something. I kept expecting her to give him a kiss and go home but all of a sudden they had a quick look at who was about, hit the call button and jumped in the lift."
A friend insisted that they didn't spend the night together, saying: "They are very good friends and very comfortable in each other's company."
Coronation Street star Michelle Keegan has admitted that she will always feel privileged to be part of the soap's cast.
The actress made her first appearance in the role of Tina McIntyre in early 2008, and her character is currently among those involved in the show's dramatic 50th anniversary storyline.
On Monday night, an average of 13.74m viewers tuned in as The Joinery bar exploded and caused a tram to crash on the cobbles.
Speaking to the Daily Star about her part in the programme, Keegan commented: "I grew up watching Corrie and I can't believe I now work on the show. That feeling of being overwhelmed every time you step out on the cobbles never goes away.
"So many people can relate to it. There's something warm and comforting about it. After 50 years, it's been through generations now and everyone has a memory of it. Hopefully I'll still be around in 50 years. That would be amazing."
Coronation Street's disaster storyline will run all this week. As the show officially turns 50 tomorrow, an hour-long edition of the soap will be broadcast live from 8pm.
i was reading the weatherfield gazette which was free with the MEN this morning, some interesting articles.
Former Coronation Street star Mark Eden has revealed that fans still travel to visit the spot in Blackpool where his character was killed by a tram in 1989.
The actor played villain Alan Bradley in the ITV1 soap, who chased wife Rita Sullivan to the seaside resort only to get caught in the path of an oncoming tram.
He told the Blackpool Gazette: "I think the tram company were a little bit worried about the storyline. The trams had an unblemished safety record and they were worried about someone getting knocked over and killed.
"But they thought the publicity would be far better than the chance of putting a stain on the character of their trams. When the scenes were filmed, there were hundreds of people watching, and it was terribly difficult.
"Apparently people still come to the Strand Hotel - where they have unveiled a plaque - from as far afield as Canada, just to see where it all started, and to stand by the spot where I was hit and have photos taken."
Coronation Street's executive producer Kieran Roberts has admitted that the next year is crucial for the soap as they lay the foundations for the next 50 years.
Roberts told the Daily Star Sunday that he is always looking for innovative ways to keep the ITV1 show fresh and hopes to continue to build Coronation Street as a brand.
He said: "The first 50 years is already behind us. Tomorrow is the 51st - a very crucial year for us - and we are in great health. Over the last ten years we have seen a decline in ratings. The main drivers for that have been multi-channel competition and the digital switch-over but I think things are settling down.
"We are constantly looking to diversify and increase revenue streams and we are already doing that. We will continue with sponsorship and we have branched out online. Gary's Army Diaries, about what happens to the character outside the Street, has received over 600,000 hits.
"Coronation Street content on itv.com has had two million hits this week alone, while five minutes into the live episode we became the number one subject on Twitter. What is important for me is the expansion of the brand. We are already doing that with the game, the stage show, the DVD and CD of music inspired by the show, and the film we made for BBC Four."
The Museum Of Science And Industry in Manchester is reportedly interested in preserving the current Coronation Street set once the soap relocates to MediaCityUK near Salford Quays.
According to the Manchester Evening News, MOSI is in talks to acquire the lot and open it to the public. It apparently hopes that it will provide new streams of revenue after mass cuts.
Museum director Tony Hill said: "We have always said that we'd be interested in talking to Granada about Coronation Street and we'd welcome the opportunity to continue that dialogue. They are next door to us and the sites were originally linked, so there's a natural means of linking them back together again.
"As the pre-eminent visitor attraction in the city centre there's an absolute logic that the set of the pre-eminent media attraction becomes a part of MOSI. We need to look at new commercial options and this wouldn’t require an awful lot of work or additional resource to run."
Speaking of Coronation Street's decision to stay in Greater Manchester, creator Tony Warren added: "The Manchester Ship Canal is one of the great glories of the North of England, and Coronation Street is another. I'm delighted to think the future of Coronation Street will be safe for the next 50 years on the banks of the canal."
He may be a control freak and a womaniser, having flirted with Eileen Grimshaw and Liz McDonald, but Owen Armstrong is not a baddie, says Ian Puleston-Davies.
Ian even claims that his Coronation Street alter-ego is nowhere in the same league as infamous Weatherfield villains Richard Hillman or Jez Quigley.
"He's not an evil man with an axe, or a hammer! Everything he does has reasoning behind it," he told Inside Soap.
"He's got morals - but they're his own morals. Don't write Owen off - he's not an out-and-out bad guy... honest!" he added.
Ian, who is married and has a daughter in real life, said his other half doesn't mind his on-screen villainy.
"She's used to me playing bad guys. I've cornered the market in vigilante sociopaths!" he quipped.
The Mirror states that Craig Gazey has signed a new deal to stay at Coronation Street with bigger storylines, good news :D
tammyy2j
04-01-2011, 10:32
The Mirror states that Craig Gazey has signed a new deal to stay at Coronation Street with bigger storylines, good news :D
Craig Gazey has signed a new deal to stay at Coronation Street, according to The Mirror.
The actor - who plays butcher Graeme Proctor - had been rumoured to quit the soap when his current contract ran out in the spring, with a possible move to theatre.
However, Gazey has reportedly changed his mind following an offer of a pay rise and a promise of bigger storylines.
A source said: "Craig is a highly valued member of the team, but it was touch and go as to whether he stayed. Craig's desire to leave was genuine. He wanted to branch out and do more theatre, especially Shakespeare, to broaden his range of acting experience.
"But Corrie were determined to keep him. They consider him one of their shining stars and they can be very persuasive.
"They said his character Graeme would become one of the main players and *promised some bumper stories. Craig admired their enthusiasm and vision and quickly signed on the dotted line. Everyone is thrilled he's committed to the show."
Gazey's wage is rumoured to have increased from £90,000 to £150,000 a year.
Gazey's wage is rumoured to have increased from £90,000 to £150,000 a year.
:eek: No wonder he's decided to stay. I don't like him that much personally and wouldn't mind if he left.
Samia Smith, who plays Maria Connor, and husband Matthew have announced they are separating.
The couple, who tied the knot in September 2005, have a one-year-old daughter, Freya.
They appealed for privacy today, insisting their split was mutual and there was no one else involved.
A statement issued on their behalf read: "Coronation Street actress Samia Smith and her husband Matthew have today announced that they have decided to separate after five years of marriage.
"This is a mutual decision and there is no one else involved. Samia and Matthew ask that their privacy be respected at this time for the sake of their daughter Freya."
Craig Gazey has signed a new deal to stay at Coronation Street, according to The Mirror.
The actor - who plays butcher Graeme Proctor - had been rumoured to quit the soap when his current contract ran out in the spring, with a possible move to theatre.
However, Gazey has reportedly changed his mind following an offer of a pay rise and a promise of bigger storylines.
A source said: "Craig is a highly valued member of the team, but it was touch and go as to whether he stayed. Craig's desire to leave was genuine. He wanted to branch out and do more theatre, especially Shakespeare, to broaden his range of acting experience.
"But Corrie were determined to keep him. They consider him one of their shining stars and they can be very persuasive.
"They said his character Graeme would become one of the main players and *promised some bumper stories. Craig admired their enthusiasm and vision and quickly signed on the dotted line. Everyone is thrilled he's committed to the show."
Gazey's wage is rumoured to have increased from £90,000 to £150,000 a year.
Craig Gazey has announced that he is leaving Coronation Street.
The actor, who has played Graeme Proctor since April 2008, will bow out from the ITV soap in May but will appear on-screen until July, the serial's official website confirmed. It had recently been claimed that the actor had signed a new deal to remain with the show.
"When I first joined the cast I had no idea just how much I would enjoy being part of such an amazing team," Gazey said. "But I became an actor for the diversity of work and the opportunity to play different roles, I also really miss working in theatre. I feel this is the right time for me to leave after two and a half fantastic years playing a unique and brilliantly written character.
He continued: "I don't know what the future holds but I hope I will be given the opportunity to show my versatility as an actor and work on different projects."
Producer Phil Collinson commended the actor, adding: "Craig very quickly created a brilliant and memorable character and we are very sad to see him go. But we wish him well and all hope this isn’t the last we see of Graeme."
Introduced as a friend of David Platt's from a young offender's institution, Graeme - currently dating Tina McIntyre - went on to develop a close relationship with Ashley Peacock during his time working in the butchers.
Gazey was named 'Best Newcomer' at the 2010 National Television Awards.
DS
tammyy2j
07-01-2011, 10:56
Samia Smith is being comforted by her Coronation Street co-star Will Thorp following her marriage split, it has been claimed.
The actress, who plays Maria Connor in the ITV soap, announced her separation from husband of five years Matthew earlier this week.
Samia, 28, is believed to have formed a strong bond with Thorp, who portrays her new love interest Chris Gray in the Weatherfield serial.
An insider told The Sun that the actor has been "a tower of strength and support" for Samia.
Thorp's wife and two kids are reportedly based 200 miles from the programme's Manchester set in Somerset.
Samia and Matthew have a 15-month-old daughter, Freya.
Chloe O'brien
08-01-2011, 00:21
Talk about the media stirring things up. If you were Thorp's wife and you read the last post what would you think? This could be totally innocent and I'm sure Samia is getting support from all of the cast members, but how must Wil wife be feeling.
tammyy2j
13-01-2011, 15:25
Television nutritionist Gillian McKeith is hoping for a role in Coronation Street as a juice bar owner.
McKeith - who appeared in last year's I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! - thinks she put on such a good performance in the rainforest while demonstrating her many phobias that she should be awarded a role in the ITV1 soap.
She told BANG Showbiz: "I think I deserve a role in a movie or TV show. I would love to open a juice bar in 'Coronation Street'."
Despite admitting she had no idea what she was letting herself in for when she agreed to take part in the ITV1 show, Gillian would still be open to taking part in another reality series.
She said: "I never have any regrets. I didn't really know what I was getting myself into with 'I'm A Celeb...' but I'm not the kind of person who will say, 'Oh I should have never done that' because all the fun and good then comes out of everything.
"I would be open to reality TV again, depending on what it is. I can skate, I'm a good skater actually but I like dancing on the floor, it's less dangerous."
Corrie writer and Vicky Binns in new play
Coronation Street writer Simon Crowther has penned a new play called The Ushers.
The play's on at The Tron Theatre in Glasgow and stars Vicky Binns, better know as Corrie's Molly Dobbs, last seen squashed under the rubble from the tram crash.
Chloe O'brien
14-01-2011, 23:59
Gillian could be a long lost relative of scary Mary. They're both bonkers.
Corrie's Betty on Desert Island Discs
Coronation Street actress Betty Driver will appear on Radio 4's Desert Island Discs next Sunday with presenter Kirsty Young.
As with other castaways, she will choose eight pieces of music while talking about her life, later narrowing that down to one, plus a book, to take to the imaginary island.
http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/908.$plit/C_71_article_1405945_image_list_image_list_item_0_ image.jpg?20%2F01%2F2011%2019%3A27%3A40%3A853
Sally Dynevor, Pannone Managing Partner, Emma Holt and Pannone Partner and Family Law expert, Louise Halford
Coronation Street has had an exciting few months, celebrating its 50th anniversary and pulling in millions of viewers with a spectacular tram crash and a live episode.
And now it has won an award for its plot-lines.
The Weatherfield soap has won a Law Society Excellent Award for ‘responsible reporting and presentation of legal issues in the media’.
The gong, won jointly with the BBC’s Panorama news magazine show, was a nod to Corrie story-lines such as the custody of seven-year-old Simon Barlow.
The soap received legal advice from Manchester law firm Pannone on that story and another ‘dynamite’ sub-plot which has yet to be aired.
Emma Holt, managing partner at Pannone, who collected the award on Corrie’s behalf, said: “We are delighted to assist ITV and, Coronation Street in particular, with legal advice. It is extremely important that television gets legal matters right and that the law and the legal profession are portrayed properly.”
Anne Reid has admitted that she left Coronation Street because her role as Valerie Barlow did not "suit" her.
The actress had a ten-year stint in Weatherfield until 1971, when Valerie was killed by an electric shock while using a hairdryer.
Speaking in an interview with the Radio Times, Reid explained that she was eager to try comedy when she brought her time on the cobbles to an end.
She commented: "Darling, I was a basket case when I left! I'd already had too much of it. That kind of work suits some people, but it didn't suit me.
"It was my decision to leave and I was desperate, really desperate, to go. Because I knew I was good at comedy and there was no way that Valerie Barlow was ever going to be funny."
Reid recently appeared in the BBC's three-part Upstairs, Downstairs revival and will soon be seen in ITV1's Marchlands, which begins on February 3.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ieqsyxnYlNo/TUF0wvfgY7I/AAAAAAAAMb4/qbNYrF5FEck/s200/helene.jpg http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ieqsyxnYlNo/TUF0-3F_CjI/AAAAAAAAMb8/8HNxILEvmME/s1600/images.jpg
Actress Helene Palmer who played Coronation Street's Ida Clough for 10 years, died early last Wednesday morning in Scarborough Hospital after a short illness. She was 82 years old.
Helene had lived quietly with her husband Alex for the past 20 years, after a career which began as an entertainer on the clubs circuit in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
In 1978 she became a household name as Ida Clough, the militant machinist at Baldwin’s Casuals in Coronation Street. She stayed there for 10 years until 1988, when she was sacked by Mike Baldwin after reporting him for drink driving.
She had worked alongside big characters such as Ivy Tilsley, Vera Duckworth, and Elsie Tanner. Ida returned to the street for Ivy’s funeral in 1995 and was taken back on at the factory, this time with Janice Battersby and Sally Webster, making her last appearance in 1998.
Her son David Palmer, 49, who lives in Buckton, said he never really knew how his mother came to be in The Street. He said: “During her time working the clubs she was with people like Les Dawson, and Freddie Star, also Pat Phoenix (Elsie Tanner), Liz Dawn (Vera Duckworth) and Lynne Perrie (Ivy Tilsley). They were all good friends and she was with them when they all joined Coronation Street around the same time.”
But his mother also had many other acting achievements, among them was appearing in Spend, Spend, Spend – the story of Castleford pools winner Viv Nicholson. She was also in the film Yanks, which starred Richard Gere. The last thing she did was to play the wife of Eric Sykes in an eight part comedy series, Stan The Man.
On 27th January 1961, Eileen Derbyshire first appeared as 'Ms. Nugent' - a shy helper at Glad Tidings Mission Hall. Who knew that 50 years later she'd be such a backbone to the street? Ms. Nugent did also appear in episode four, though she was played by a different actress.
Happy 50th Anniversary Eileen Derbyshire
Chloe O'brien
28-01-2011, 12:32
Happy 50th Anniversary Eileen
CORRIE star Helen Flanagan fled in terror hours after last weeks National Television Awards amid fears an intruder was hiding under her bed in a top hotel, The People can reveal.
The actress, known to millions as seductress Rosie Webster, screamed as she dashed barefoot from her room on the sixth floor of a Radisson Edwardian hotel in London.
Helen, 20, rushed into a lift and emerged at the ground-floor lobby in tears, blurting out: There's a man under my bed! There's a man under my bed!
The distraught beauty, who has previously spoken of her fear of being attacked, was comforted by co-star Katherine Kelly as she told hotel bosses about her shock.
One witness told The People: Helen was absolutely hysterical.
It was about 12.30pm on Thursday afternoon when there a really loud scream in the hotel from the upper floors.
All of a sudden the lift doors opened and out stepped Helen. She was on her own but all of us looked up when she mentioned twice that there was this man under her bed.
She was holding her hands to her face clutching a tissue. It was like Helen had just seen a ghost.
Her hair was a mess and she was wearing her bed scruffs a striped rugby top, loose-fitting trousers and nothing on her feet.
Everyone at reception or in the foyer looked at her then at each other. A girl receptionist rushed to help, as did a male member of staff.
Helen then repeated, There's a man under my bed! She was gasping for breath. It was a real scene. She was then taken away from the public gaze and was sat down in an area behind reception.
She was there for about 10 minutes before the duty manager turned up who suggested they go into the managers office.
Helen sat down for a while talking though what had happened again for about another 15 minutes.
Co-star Katherine, 30, who plays Weatherfield's Becky McDonald, was waiting at the hotel for co-star Antony Cotton (barman Sean Tully) when she heard what had happened.
The witness added: She went straight into the office and comforted Helen. The hotel staff then started ushering members of the public away.
Security staff were immediately sent to Helen's room but it is believed the mystery intruder was not found.
A source at the four-star Radisson in Canary Wharf said yesterday: There was an incident that left Helen Flanagan upset. We immediately searched her room but couldn't find anyone inside.
Later that night the Corrie stars were invited back to a free-bar after-show party on the first floor of the Radisson which carried on until the early hours of Thursday.
Revellers included Craig Charles, 46 (Lloyd Mullaney), Helen Worth, 60 (Gail McIntyre), Alan Halsall, 28 (Tyrone Dobbs), Brooke Vincent, 18 (Sophie Webster) and Jack P Shepherd, 23 (David Platt).
Helen and her co-stars tried to cheer each other up after losing out to EastEnders for the hotly-contested Best Serial Drama prize. A source said: They didn't have much to celebrate at the awards, but the party still went on into the early hours. By about 3am it was only really the blokes still hanging around in the bar, though.
The girls all seemed to have retired to their rooms on the 5th and 6th floors.
Horrible
From the way the night ended you would not have guessed that there'd be all the drama involving Helen a few hours later. It was a horrible end to things.
Helen has spoken out in the past of the downside of her fame on the ITV1 soap. She said recently: It can be quite dangerous sometimes. Its easier to go out when there's security and you're all together. She also told how Corrie fans assume shes the same as her man-hungry character Rosie.
They've called me bitch or a slag, she revealed. Rosie is a seductress while I'm really sensitive. I don't really go out in Manchester any more as I can't have a good night out.
Helen has been dating Championship league footballer Scott Sinclair since December 2009, but still lives with her parents in Bolton, Lancs. She has Swansea winger Scotts name tattooed on top of her thigh. Yesterday the Coronation Street press office confirmed there had been an incident involving Helen.
A spokeswoman said: Helen was checking under her bed and for a split second she thought she had seen someone. She is very upset and doesn't want to discuss it.
(c) The People
Just a few weeks after Samia Smith announced her marriage split, it appears she has moved on with her Coronation Street co-star Will Thorp.
The actors, whose characters Maria Connor and Chris Gray have recently started dating, have grown close to each other since splitting from their respective spouses.
On Friday, they were both photographed shopping together at Kendals department store in central Manchester.
And a week ago, they were seen talking in between takes as they filmed scenes for Peter and Leanne Barlow's wedding blessing at a Manchester church.
Mother-of-one Samia, 28, revealed on January 4 that she had separated from property developer husband Matthew Smith, 34, after five years of marriage.
Former Casualty actor Thorp, 33, also ended his seven year marriage to wife Samantha - mother of his two children - before Christmas.
Although Samia and Will insist they were single before their relationship began, their romance is an open secret on the Corrie set.
Samia is currently living with her mother Patsy in Wilmslow, Cheshire, and is sharing custody of her 15-month-old daughter Freya with Matthew, who resides in their former family home in nearby Alderly Edge.
A source told The News Of The World: 'They are in love and feel they will be together forever.
'If it lasts fair play to them. But they have only known each other for a short while. Now they are spending all their spare time together.'
Thorp joined the cast of Corrie last July as violent builder Chris, who has clashed with taxi firm owner Lloyd Mullaney (Craig Charles), who is dating his estranged wife Cheryl (Holly Quin-Ankrah).
Samia rejoined the cast the same month when she returned from maternity leave and the couple's rocky on-screen romance first began in October.
When the Smiths announced their marriage split a few weeks ago, they insisted it was a mutual decision.
A statement issued on their behalf read: 'Coronation Street actress Samia Smith and her husband Matthew have today announced that they have decided to separate after five years of marriage.
'This is a mutual decision and there is no one else involved. Samia and Matthew ask that their privacy be respected at this time for the sake of their daughter Freya.'
Samia first joined the Weatherfield soap in 2000 under her maiden name Samia Ghadie.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1351842/Coronation-Street-star-Samia-Smith-falls-star-Will-Thorp-weeks-marriage-split.html#ixzz1CWIedbtP
inkyskin
30-01-2011, 21:34
seems to be a lot of co-stars falling for each other on corrie
seems to be a lot of co-stars falling for each other on corrie
Most romances start in the workplace
tammyy2j
31-01-2011, 11:05
Surely this could go in the Coronation Street General News Thread is there a need for a separate thread for it
CORRIE favourite Helen Worth has gone back to school to find romance - she's dating a TEACHER.
Pals say the actress - unlucky-in-love Gail McIntyre in the ITV1 soap - is "on cloud nine" with Trevor Dawson, 53.
Helen, 60, fell for the former church organist after being initially attracted by their shared a love of music.
One friend revealed: "She's found someone and is on cloud nine.
"He's a teacher and connected to the local church. Helen spends much of the week in Manchester filming Corrie, but she has a house in London and is down most weekends to be with him."
Trevor let slip news of his famous girlfriend to pupils at St Dunstan's School in Cheam, Surrey.
Helen has not had an easy love life. Her actor ex, Michael Angelis, had an affair in 1995. Helen forgave him but they divorced in 2001.
But if anyone needs lessons in love it's her Corrie character.
Gail's been wed four times - once to serial killer Richard Hillman - and widowed three times.
And she's set for more heartache, as pal Sally Webster starts dating a hunk SHE fancies.
The Sun
A Coronation Street extra has been fired for calling some of the stars of the soap "rubbish" in a radio interview.
Spencer May's contract was terminated after he called in to Jeremy Vine’s Radio 2 show hours before the live anniversary episode in December and said that some of the actors had been "rubbish" during rehearsal.
"I was on my way to appear in the live episode to play a tram crash survivor," he told the Manchester Evening News. "I heard Coronation Street was being discussed on Jeremy Vine. I just picked up the phone and got straight through. It was a bit stupid really.
"But when you are on the phone with millions of people listening, you feel the pressure to say something interesting. I just blurted out that some of the actors were quite good but others were rubbish.
"I realise now it was a bit cheeky. I just got carried away. However, it is true to say that some of the cast members are more popular than others. People like William Roache are proper gentlemen and treat extras and crew equally, whereas others aren’t quite as good."
A Granada TV spokesman said: "Mr May was in breach of contract. It is an unfortunate situation."
DS
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ieqsyxnYlNo/TVGTHBuIncI/AAAAAAAAMfE/s_N0ftccH2s/s200/pieman.jpgMark Rooney is one very lucky Corrie fan . He won the chance to be an extra in an upcoming episode of Coronation Street.
The ‘BE A VIP on Coronation Street’ competition was run by Holland’s Pies to celebrate Holland’s range of limited edition 50th anniversary Coronation Street pies.
Mark spent an entire day on set along with his son Declan. They received a guided tour of the set, watched filming take place, hung out with the cast and crew and even took part in one of the scenes.
Mark, said: “Taking part in the filming was fantastic. Along with another extra, we walked arm-in-arm down the famous cobbled street outside of the Rovers as a scene was being filmed. It was a great moment to think that I could be staring in my favourite programme; I really hope that it makes the final cut and is aired so that I can be the envy of my friends. One of the highlights of the day was meeting Shobna Gulati, who plays Sunita, she has been my favourite character since she first entered the street ten years ago. I was a little bit star struck when I met her but I told her how much I enjoyed watching her on screen character and we had a photograph together.” Mark's pictured here with Julie Hesmondhalgh, who plays Hayley Cropper.http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ieqsyxnYlNo/TVGTjoRYWkI/AAAAAAAAMfI/6xVbTToJeoc/s200/pieman2.jpg
Coronation Street star Brooke Vincent is dating the younger *brother of her soap co-star Ryan Thomas.
And Brooke’s romance with club *promoter Scott Thomas was revealed by Ryan... when he posted a Twitter video of the smitten pair cuddling up on a sofa.
Cheeky Ryan, 26, captured the loved-up couple lying next to each other on the sofa with Scott tenderly stroking the arm of Brooke, who plays lesbian Sophie Webster in the soap.
Under the video Ryan, who plays Street romeo Jason Grimshaw, added: “Why can’t @tweedypie_b (Brooke) & @scottyspecial (his brother, Scott) just admit there a couple.....watch scotts hand on brookes arm in this video.”
Rumours of the romance between Brooke, 18, and Scott, 22, have been circulating around the set of the Street for weeks, although they have tried to keep it quiet.
But friends say they are relieved their *romance has now come out into the open.
A Street source said: “Scott’s involved in the party scene in Manchester and Brooke bumped into him on a night out. It was obvious they *fancied each other and they soon got together.
“And as Ryan is older than Scott he thinks it’s only natural that he gives his younger brother a bit of stick about it.
“They were a little bit annoyed when Ryan first posted the video on Twitter, but at least now there’s no point in them trying to hide things and they can start going out *together openly as couple.”
The pair were also pictured leaving *Manchester’s swanky Rosso restaurant together... and Ryan also posted that on his Twitter page.
Brooke has been in the soap for nearly seven years but her lesbian relationship with the Street’s Sian Powers (Sacha *Parkinson) has turned her into a teenagers’ pin-up.
Scott, whose twin *brother Adam Thomas plays Adam Barton in Emmerdale, is *renowned as a ladies’ man.
But friends think Brooke and Scott are a perfect match for each other. One said: “It’s early days at the moment but it’s obvious they really like each other.”
Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/2011/02/13/coronation-street-star-brooke-vincent-dates-ryan-thomas-s-bro-115875-22918210/#ixzz1Dpn8NrR4
TV bosses are reportedly planning to launch Coronation Street branded beauty products.
Executives have apparently trademarked a line of 'Corrie' cosmetics and are planning to sign licensing deals with companies wanting to produce various products.
According to the Sunday Mirror, marketing experts are currently working on possible names and the first items to be launched will be beauty goods.
The trademark, registered with the Intellectual *Property Office, also covers perfumes, cosmetics, hair lotions, eaux de cologne, shampoos and toiletries.
A source said: "Corrie is known around the world and it would be *madness not to patent the name and look into *bringing out some products for its millions of fans."
DS
Coronation Street star Brooke Vincent is dating the younger *brother of her soap co-star Ryan Thomas.
And Brooke’s romance with club *promoter Scott Thomas was revealed by Ryan... when he posted a Twitter video of the smitten pair cuddling up on a sofa.
Cheeky Ryan, 26, captured the loved-up couple lying next to each other on the sofa with Scott tenderly stroking the arm of Brooke, who plays lesbian Sophie Webster in the soap.
Under the video Ryan, who plays Street romeo Jason Grimshaw, added: “Why can’t @tweedypie_b (Brooke) & @scottyspecial (his brother, Scott) just admit there a couple.....watch scotts hand on brookes arm in this video.”
Rumours of the romance between Brooke, 18, and Scott, 22, have been circulating around the set of the Street for weeks, although they have tried to keep it quiet.
But friends say they are relieved their *romance has now come out into the open.
A Street source said: “Scott’s involved in the party scene in Manchester and Brooke bumped into him on a night out. It was obvious they *fancied each other and they soon got together.
“And as Ryan is older than Scott he thinks it’s only natural that he gives his younger brother a bit of stick about it.
“They were a little bit annoyed when Ryan first posted the video on Twitter, but at least now there’s no point in them trying to hide things and they can start going out *together openly as couple.”
The pair were also pictured leaving *Manchester’s swanky Rosso restaurant together... and Ryan also posted that on his Twitter page.
Brooke has been in the soap for nearly seven years but her lesbian relationship with the Street’s Sian Powers (Sacha *Parkinson) has turned her into a teenagers’ pin-up.
Scott, whose twin *brother Adam Thomas plays Adam Barton in Emmerdale, is *renowned as a ladies’ man.
But friends think Brooke and Scott are a perfect match for each other. One said: “It’s early days at the moment but it’s obvious they really like each other.”
Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/2011/02/13/coronation-street-star-brooke-vincent-dates-ryan-thomas-s-bro-115875-22918210/#ixzz1Dpn8NrR4
Coronation Street star Brooke Vincent has responded to various reports in the Sunday papers regarding her love life.
The actress, who plays Sophie Webster in the ITV1 soap, was linked to co-star Ryan Thomas's brother Scott in the Sunday Mirror after Ryan posted a video of the pair on Twitter. Meanwhile, the News of the World reports that she is in a relationship with footballer Jack Wilshere.
Writing on Twitter, Vincent said: "Why Do Papers Chat So Much Shizzzleee!!!!! (sic). #sundaymirror Running Another Stupid Story About Me & [Scott] THAT'S NOT TRUE ..... Its Called Avin Banter! Get OVER IT!!!!! Fools. I'm nt dating scott!!!!!!!!!! And as for jack..."
She then retweeted a fans message which read: "If the rumours about @jack_wilshere and @BrookeLVincent dating are true then I'm happy for them both they would make a cute couple."
Vincent added: "All People Need To Know Is The Sunday Mirror Is Chatting Rubbish... I'm Not Going Out With Scott Thomas Its All Jst Banter With Ryan [Thomas]! WOW."
Coronation Street's explosive 50th anniversary celebrations have been immortalised in a special DVD set, which will be released on February 21.
All six dramatic episodes, which aired last December, including the devastating tram crash shown in the historic live episode and its aftermath will be on the double-disc box set.
There are also extra features on the second disc, which includes a look behind the scenes of the anniversary week, the making of the tram crash and the filming of the live episode on December 9.
A 'Farewell Ashley' tribute, a feature on Ken Barlow (played by William Roache) on his life on the Street and a look at the 50 years of stunts on the ITV soap by Craig Charles (who plays taxicab driver Lloyd Mullaney) are added bonuses.
The tram crash saw the deaths of Weatherfield residents Molly Dobbs (Vicky Binns) and Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold).
There was also an emergency marriage between Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) and Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) and Molly's shock revelation to Sally Webster (Sally Dynevor) that husband Kevin (Michael Le Vell) is the father of her baby son Jack.
PA
Look out for lucky Derek on Corrie tonight
Derek Dunn is a very lucky Coronation Street fan. He won a walk-on part in Corrie which will be screened tonight.
Derek beat thousands of entrants in a J W Lees brewery competition to make a guest appearance on the cobbles. Derek’s big moment will be broadcast tonight at 7.30pm.
He said: “I’ll remember my trip to the Street for a long time to come. I’m a huge fan of the show. We weren’t quite sure what to expect, but my wife and I had a terrific day. The cast were wonderful, and during a busy filming session, took time to talk to us and make us feel welcome
Coronation Street star Alan Halsall was spoken to by police last weekend after he and his friends became involved in a pub bust-up.
Halsall, who plays Tyrone Dobbs in the ITV1 soap, apparently sprayed a can of deodorant at a fellow drinker, causing a "huge row".
Staff at the Boundary Stone pub in Worsley, Greater Manchester called police to the scene and closed the bar early.
A witness told the News of the World: "Alan kept playing jokes on this lad but eventually it backfired. First he took a can of deodorant or aftershave and started spraying it about.
"Then he found a can of cider and was shaking it as if he were going to spray it. There was a huge row. Three or four police cars turned up and I saw officers talking to Alan."
The witness added: "There's always decent banter in there and Alan goes along with it. He's normally pretty quiet although he can be full of himself at times."
Sherrie Hewson has said that she was attacked by one of her male Coronation Street co-stars during her time working on the soap in the 1990s.
The actress, who played Maureen Holdsworth from 1993 to 1997, told The Mirror that the man in question was a well-known member of the cast who targeted her in a frightening incident which took place in the show's canteen.
Speaking to the newspaper, Hewson explained: "This man suddenly jumped up and lunged at me. He started shouting - ranting at me that I had been spreading lies about him. I managed to stutter, 'I haven't, I haven't' - but then he grabbed me round the throat. Before I knew what was happening he had me up against the wall, almost throttling me, and getting hysterical.
"I was terrified. I couldn't move and couldn't have screamed because his hand was round my neck. His face was right up against mine and his eyes were full of hatred. I was starting to panic but at that moment someone else came into the room.
"He heard their footsteps, loosened his grip and then leaned in and kissed me. He made it look as if we were in a lovers' clinch."
Hewson added that the man in question had previously made a move on her at work and always seemed "angry and unpredictable" after she rejected him.
However, discussing the aftermath of the canteen incident, she explained: "After he attacked me, he cooled towards me. I think he realised he'd gone too far but I was still scared if he was anywhere near me. I never said a thing to anyone about it. It might sound strange but it was a different era. I was being harassed behind-the-scenes in the world's most famous soap but I did nothing.
"I know if I'd ever reported it to my bosses at Coronation Street, they would have immediately taken action, but I never said a word. My self-esteem was very low and I thought I'd brought it all on myself. I'm sure they'll be horrified to read about it now because they would never have condoned it."
Hewson is currently promoting her new autobiography Sherrie: Behind The Laughter, which is released on March 3. The book sees her recall other memories from her time at Corrie and speak fondly about working with screen husband Ken Morley, who played Reg.
Sherrie Hewson has said that she was attacked by one of her male Coronation Street co-stars during her time working on the soap in the 1990s.
Scary...I wonder who it was who attacked her?
Scary...I wonder who it was who attacked her?
No doubt when she needs a bit more publicity for her book we will be told
CORRIE star Bill Roache has been Ken Barlow for 50 years - but he only recently went upstairs in the character's house.
Bill, 78, finally saw Ken's bedroom when a replica of the terrace he shares with wife Deirdre was built for a new exhibition.
The actor, who first set foot on the cobbles in 1960, said: "We spend time in the kitchen, sitting room and hall but I'd never been to the bedroom."
The replica will go on display next to a green version complete with solar panels at the Ideal Home Show, which opens in London on March 11.
Bill added: "Maybe it's time Ken became more eco-friendly."
The Sun
Sherrie Hewson has opened up about her whirlwind romance with Robert Lindsay.
The former Coronation Street star's autobiography is being serialised by The Mirror. In it, the actress admitted that she had fallen "instantly in love" with the My Family actor when they met at drama school.
"In my first year at Rada I went to see the second years in Romeo and Juliet - starring a young Robert Lindsay," she said. "Watching his passionate portrayal I fell instantly in love.
"We met at a party later and talked and laughed all night. He asked me on a date and within weeks we were in love and decided to move in together… in a very shabby flat."
She continued: "We'd been in our little love nest for a year when we decided to get married. I was 20 and Bob was 21 but we thought it was real love and we’d be together for ever. We chose a date and despite her reservations Mum bought me a beautiful wedding dress and outfits for my bridesmaids and pageboy. We chose the venue and guests and I arranged for our banns to be read.
However, Hewson admitted that her happiness was short-lived as she realised Lindsay was not happy.
"I was ecstatic. Bob seemed just as happy but a few weeks before our wedding it all changed," she said. "Bob had graduated from Rada and was beginning his career in a play in Exeter. I went down to visit but started to feel uneasy. A couple of girls he worked with were giving him looks I couldn't mistake and he was very distant towards me.
I became convinced he was playing around. I went home to Mum’s house in Nottingham. I didn't hear from him. As the days passed I realised he wasn't going to get in touch. Mum picked up the signals and then quietly cancelled everything.
"Looking back, Bob was fiercely ambitious," she explained. "He used to say: 'I'll have my name in lights before you do'. So perhaps he felt we'd be competing. Of course I felt sad but deep down I knew we'd just got carried away."
Describing her first encounter with Lindsay after the breakdown of their relationship, she recalled: "I headed back to Rada and didn't see or speak to Bob until 12 years later when I walked into the BBC for a radio play. We said a polite 'hello' but I couldn't resist a little dig. 'By the way,' I called out over my shoulder, 'I sold the dress!' Quite rightly, he lowered his head."
DS
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qnOovwAZzcc/TWeMJSD7jkI/AAAAAAAAMio/Qe0ibNdNc4w/s640/1.JPG
The cast of Coronation Street are lending their support to ‘Join the Girls’ – Cancer Research UK’s first ever mini-musical, which toured the UK this week stopping off at the UK’s most famous cobbles. The musical, to launch Race for Life – the UK’s largest women-only fundraising event - features a full West-End cast, celebrities and women from all over the country who have been touched by cancer, and will be reprised at Race For Life’s flagship Battersea event in May.
Sally Dynevor, Corrie’s Sally Webster, will shortly be shunning her wig in favour of her own natural hair – following a successful series of treatment for breast cancer – and is pictured here with the cast of ‘Join The Girls’ on the famous Weatherfield cobbles. Find out more at www.raceforlife.org
Shobna Gulati has revealed that she is enjoying the chance to show new sides of her Coronation Street character Sunita Alahan.
The actress told The People that she believes Sunita had grown as a person when she returned to the show in 2009.
Sunita spent three years off screen from 2006 after discovering that husband Dev (Jimmi Harkishin) had been unfaithful, prompting her to file for a divorce.
Discussing her time away from the cobbles, Gulati commented: "Leaving was a huge decision but I just wanted to see what else was out there. I was really worried I would never get another job but I had to take that risk."
She continued: "Leaving gave me a massive confidence boost. It proved to me that I could do other things, which made me more confident as an actress. I'm enjoying myself far more.
"The experiences have made me a better actress. I feel I have more sides I can give Sunita. The old Sunita was a bit daft - the new Sunita is much stronger and that's down to me feeling the same."
Gulati landed a number of theatre roles during her time away from Corrie, as well as parts in Where the Heart Is and New Street Law.
Katherine Kelly has revealed that she would love to swap Coronation Street for Neighbours.
The 31-year-old actress, who plays Becky McDonald in the British soap, said that she wants to "transfer" to the Australian show because she doesn't like the "cold" weather in England.
Kelly told The Daily Star: "I'd love to put in for a transfer, but the [producers are] not having any of it."
Upon returning from a holiday in the Whitsundays in January, the star wrote on her Twitter page: "Hand warmers, foot warmers and three layers of thermals - I'm not good with the cold!"
Coronations Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh and her husband, Shameless writer Ian Kershaw, are launching a creative writing competition in memory of Sophie Lancaster, the young woman who was attacked and killed in a park in 2007 because she was dressed as a goth.
The theme is Difference and the competition is open to state secondary schools in Greater Manchester, East Lancs and Blackburn With Darwen in two age categories: 11 to 13 and 14 to 16-years-old.
Julie, who plays transexual Hayley Cropper in Corrie, said: "Part of my work on Coronation Street has always been sort of championing those issues around us all being the same under the skin, despite whatever we've been in through in our lives or are going through and so that's really important to me."
She revealed that she and her husband had been talking about setting up a competition to give something back to young people in their community when they met Sylvia Lancaster, Sophie's mother, who has set up the Sophie Lancaster Foundation in her daughter's memory, which is backing the competition.
There will be £100 for the winner in each category and £1,000 for each winning school, plus a star-studded reading of the short-listed entries at the Contact Theatre in Manchester in October.
Coronation Street's Rosie Webster, played by Helen Flanagan, became a goth in the soap a few years ago.
Julie revealed: "Sylvia, was really taken by how much Helen looked like Sophie when she was being a goth in the Street and specifically asked me to ask Helen if she'll be one of the readers on the night of the competition finale. It really struck a chord with her."
The competition launches on March 15 and the judges will include stars and writers of Shameless and Coronation Street, plus This Is England's Vicky McClure and poets Simon Armitage and Mike Garry.
PA
Emmerdale's Mark Charnock has confessed that he has not picked up any skills in the kitchen - despite years spent playing chef Marlon Dingle.
The soap star may appear to be a culinary professional in the show, but he revealed to TV Times he's had his share of kitchen nightmares.
Mark said: "I've had several on set as Marlon - Once I had to crack an egg with one hand and it took at least 15 takes; it was ridiculous."
But the actor claims he can sometimes cook up a storm just as impressive as his chef character, with a little help.
He revealed: "I'm good at following recipes - one of my signature dishes is Delia Smith's garlicky fish soup, which is just fantastic.
"I made it for Zoe Henry and Jeff Hordley, who play Rhona and Cain, and it seemed to go down well."
PA
Jack P Shepherd is the father of a child conceived after a one night stand, a DNA test has proved.
The actor, who plays David Platt in Coronation Street, reportedly slept with promotions girl Sammy Milewski last year after meeting her in a club.
She became pregnant and Shepherd requested a DNA test when 7lb 3oz Greyson was born in January. The People reports that he wants nothing to do with his new son.
The positive result is said to have been a "massive comfort" to Milewski, who hopes that the soap star will contribute to the boy's upbringing.
A friend said: "Sammy agreed to the DNA test at Jack's insistence but she has always known for certain who the father is."
He already has a daughter with childhood sweetheart Lauren Shippey, 2-year-old Nyla.
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Coronation Street star Shobna Gulati has reportedly taken up palmistry as a new hobby.
The Mirror reports that Gulati - Sunita Alahan in the ITV soap - tried out her new skill on Lip Service actress Heather Peace.
"She predicted Heather would have to choose a mainstream TV role or one in a new show – and the next week she got offered parts in Corrie and lesbian drama Lip Service," a source told the paper.
"She also said Heather would travel the country 'on a stage' and then she was offered a UK tour."
The mother of Jack P Shepherd's baby has revealed that he is refusing to acknowledge his son despite a DNA test proving that he is the father.
Sammy Milewski gave birth to Greyson two months ago following a one-night stand with the Coronation Street star last April, but he is yet to provide any financial support for his child.
She told The People: "I honestly thought that once Jack had proof that Greyson was his son he would do the decent thing. I really hoped he would accept responsibility. But obviously not. We got the results more than a week ago and he still hasn't been in touch. You'd think he would phone or even send a text.
"But instead, on the day that the results came through, I saw on Twitter that he was showing off a fancy new car. That was a real smack in the face. That car cost thousands and yet I've not had a single penny from him. It's not about the money but he hasn't even bought him a baby grow.
"The way he is behaving is pathetic and stupid. I wish we could just be friends for Greyson's sake. I didn't plan this. I certainly never thought I would end up as a single mother. I always dreamed of being married and settled before I had a baby. I wanted any child of mine to have a father I loved."
Milewski added that she is still hoping to reach a compromise via solicitors rather than involving the Child Support Agency.
Shepherd already has a daughter with childhood sweetheart Lauren Shippey.
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TV's most famous butcher - Coronation Street's Fred Elliott - is to have his own range of fresh meat after a groundbreaking licensing deal was struck between ITV and meat supplier Aurora Food Marketing.
The character, killed off by a heart attack before his wedding in 2006, will front Elliott's Prime Cuts, an 11-strong range of traditional fresh pork, chicken and beef lines.
Packs will show a picture of Elliott and the Rovers Return, and feature Elliott sayings such as "By 'eck, that's cheap" and "Aahh Saaay".
They would fill a gap in the market for branded meat, said Steve Allen, managing director of Aurora Food Marketing, which has secured the licence to use the Corrie brand from ITV Studios. "We wanted a compelling, memorable, likeable character to front the range."
The sausages Elliott's Prime Porkers will go into Nisa-Today's stores from 25 March and Aurora has contacted all the major multiples in the hope of further listings.
With 85% meat content and an rsp of £2 for 454g, the sausages will be positioned as a cheaper alternative to other premium-tier sausages such as Debbie & Andrew's and The Black Farmer, sold in 400g packs and retailing at about £2.60.
Two of the pork products the T-bone chop and rump steak had deliberately been given the names of cuts more usually associated with beef, said Allen. "We're using beef terminology for pork because basically it adds value."
The new range will be the first Corrie food range. Coronation Street beer is sold on draught through JW Lees pub estate and Punch Taverns.
ITV was considering rolling the brand into chilled and frozen ready meals and possibly pies, added Denise Penn, senior licencing manager at ITV Studios.
The other cuts in the meat range are Drycure best back bacon, loin joint with crackling, lean diced beef, lean steak mince, sirloin steak, steak quarter pounders, chicken breast joint, chicken leg, and skin-on chicken breast fillet
ITV are looking for Coronation Street fans for a new primetime comedy panel show - see details below.
Is there something that you and your partner simply can’t agree on? Is your love for Corrie not up their Street? Why not let our celebrity panel decide which one of you is right? No issue is too small or ridiculous for us!
Email us now at
[email protected] for an application form or give us a call on our hotline on 0333 577 7772 (Don’t forget to leave your full name and number) Please note all 03 numbers are charged at the same rate as 01 or 02 numbers. All pay as you go mobiles will be charged at the local rate. Please also note we will use your data for the purposes of selection for the show, but we can not guarantee that you will be contacted
Coronation Street star Chris Gascoyne has revealed that he has had issues with alcohol in the past.
The actor, who plays alcoholic Peter Barlow in the ITV1 soap, insisted that he was never addicted to drinking but often used it to deal with problems in his life.
"I can definitely relate to my character," he told the News of the World. "I'm not saying that I was ever an alcoholic but I've overcome problems with drink. I think there are low times in everybody's life, mostly the time when we're overcoming problems.
"There have been lots of low points in my life and that's where you learn and get your strength to get through it and come back to the good place. But anybody who drinks to excess should know it will cause you problems."
Gascoyne was banned from driving for a year and fined £500 in 2008 after being caught drink driving in Llandudno, Wales.
He added: "I think the storyline was a bit of a dig. I suppose it was their way of giving me a little bit of a slap on the wrists for what happened."
The soap star recently confessed that he would like to see Peter and wife Leanne (Jane Danson) settle down for good.
"Because I've just had a huge storyline, they have given me and Jane a break," he said. "So maybe next time it will be babies. I think a girl would be great, it would bring out a different side of him."
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Chloe O'brien
27-03-2011, 23:53
Aw yeah can you just imagine Simon as a big brother. :D
Rula Lenska, who plays Coronation Street's Claudia, has spoken out about her battle with hearing loss as she opened a nationwide search for hard of hearing high achievers. In launching the Sound Barrier Star Awards, the Coronation Street actress has admitted for the first time she suffers from higher frequency hearing loss and wears hearing aids in both her ears.
Mrs Lenska is talking about her hearing problems for the first time as she launches the 2011 Specsavers Sound Barrier Star Awards, which recognise achievement or courage in people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Run by Specsavers hearing centres in support of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, the awards were fronted in 2010 by fellow Coronation Street star William Roache MBE. One in seven people in the UK have hearing problems.
Anyone can nominate themselves, a friend or family member to enter the Sound Barrier Star Awards by visiting one of over 400 Specsavers hearing centres nationwide and picking up a nomination form, or downloading a form online at www.specsavers.co.uk/hearing. Entrants will be asked to explain why they deserve to win
Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine has confessed that she likes being "ordinary looking".
The actress, whose character Fiz Stape is currently involved in a cash deception storyline, told the Sunday Mirror that it is important for female viewers to have positive and realistic role models in the soap world.
"The show is set in an ordinary street in Manchester and I like being an *ordinary looking person," she said. "I'm not perfect and I like that. I *probably look like most of the young girls who watch Corrie and I think that's important."
However, the initial response to Fiz from fans wasn't always positive, as McAlpine recalls: "They'd say, 'You're horrible' or 'Leave Roy and Hayley alone'. Fiz was loud and boisterous and people thought she was rude. But I think after a while they could see that she was a bit of a troubled soul and had had a terrible upbringing."
She added: "I could definitely see myself here in ten years. It's not for everyone, but I never get bored or restless. It's like a second home, to be *honest, and I spend more time with my on-screen family than I do my own family. It's weird, but it means you do become close to people."
McAlpine recently described her on-screen husband John as one of the best soap villains ever.
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© WENN
Coronation Street star Simon Gregson has been granted a week off work after falling ill, reports have revealed.
The actor, who plays Weatherfield favourite Steve McDonald, has reportedly been struck down by painful stomach problems.
According to The Mirror, Gregson felt unwell while filming with co-star Kate Ford (Tracy Barlow) last Friday but continued to appear in scenes as planned. However, he apparently called in sick at the beginning of this week.
It is thought that Corrie filming schedules have been altered while the 36-year-old recuperates.
Steve is currently at the centre of key storylines on the cobbles as the McDonalds have been dealing with Tracy's blackmail and other complicated personal problems.
In 2006, Gregson revealed that he had suffered from acid reflux intermittently since 1998. The condition causes stomach acid to come up into the oesophagus.
Gregson previously took a fortnight off work in 2008 due to illness.
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Coronation Street star Jack P Shepherd has got engaged to his long-term girlfriend, it has been reported.
The actor, who plays David Platt in the ITV1 soap, proposed to Lauren Shippey with a £3,000 diamond ring and the pair - who have a two-year-old daughter - are planning a wedding for next year.
Sammy Milewski recently gave birth to Shepherd's son following a one-night stand with him last year.
A friend told the News of the World: "Jack and Lauren are both delighted. It has been a very difficult time for them with Sammy having the baby. Lauren's been mature and understands Jack made a terrible mistake. Now he has made the ultimate statement that he wants to be with her for the rest of his life.
"Jack's personal life mirrors fiction half the time with him having a one-night stand and now fiction is mirroring his personal life with David getting married and Jack planning his nuptials too.
"He's splashed out on a stunning ring for Lauren. They both see this as a turning point and feel it is time to move on."
Shepherd is reportedly refusing to acknowledge his newborn son.
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A stand-up comedy gig featuring former Coronation Street star Bruce Jones had to be cancelled after just five tickets were sold for the event. :eek:
The actor, who played Les Battersby in the ITV1 soap, was due to perform at a hotel on the Costa del Sol. Tickets were £22 and included a Corrie-themed menu of chicken in a basket and Lancashire hotpot.
However, Jones, who opened a comedy club in Sunderland last year, failed to attract enough customers to cover the cost of hosting the event.
A source told The People: "Poor Bruce must be mortified. He was watched by millions on Corrie, now he can't even fill a hotel bar."
A club spokeswoman added: "We had to call it off as five customers would barely have filled one table and we needed to have at least 25 to make a profit. We may reschedule the event next year."
Jones was sacked from a pantomime at Christmas over an alleged drinking problem.
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Chloe O'brien
10-04-2011, 17:35
His popularity has really gone downhill since he left Corrie.
to be honest was he that popular when he was in corrie!
the mans an eejit! used to live near me...drunk in the same pubs! i was there the night he had his racist rant...he was jus like les!
to be honest was he that popular when he was in corrie!
the mans an eejit! used to live near me...drunk in the same pubs! i was there the night he had his racist rant...he was jus like les!
And he's supposed to be a born again Christian
Chloe O'brien
10-04-2011, 23:46
to be honest was he that popular when he was in corrie!
the mans an eejit! used to live near me...drunk in the same pubs! i was there the night he had his racist rant...he was jus like les!
When he was in Corrie most of the public thought he was acting like a drunken eejit. It wasn't until he left that we all realised that he wasn't acting at all. Now everyone knows what he's like no-one will employ him.
Steve Huison, who plays Coronation Street's Eddie Windass, revealed on Twitter this morning that he is finally getting those trademark flowing locks shorn off.
'One week of hair then it's all coming off live on This Morning Thurs. 21st. What a relief! Inaction Man dolls will be available,' tweeted Steve.
Someone from posh crimpers Toni & Guy will be doing the lopping, so Steve should get a decent 'do, and he's hoping to raise money from the chop for mental health charity Soteria.
From spoilers it looks like Eddie's forthcoming exit will involve evil uncle Len in some way. I'm not sure if Len (Conor Ryan) actually makes an appearance, but I really hope he does, and ideally I'd like him to be wearing that dreadful sheepskin car-coat.
We've still got a week or two before Eddie finally leaves the cobbles though, and you can keep up with what Steve Huison is doing post-Corrie on Twitter and on his website.
Chloe O'brien
13-04-2011, 11:09
Yeah let's buy a Eddie doll :D
The Road to Coronation Street received a top prize at the New York Festivals International Television and Film Awards last night.
BBC Four's acclaimed drama secured a Gold World Medal at the annual event, which showcases and rewards content from 65 countries. The ceremony was held in Las Vegas this year.
Marking Corrie's 50th anniversary, The Road to Coronation Street aired last September, telling the story of how Tony Warren battled to get ITV's flagship soap on the air after coming up with the idea for the programme in 1960.
David Dawson, Jessie Wallace, James Roache and Lynda Baron were among the stars of the show, taking on the roles of Warren, Pat Phoenix, Bill Roache and Violet Carson respectively.
A collaboration between the BBC and ITV Studios, the drama was written by soap scriptwriter Daran Little and directed by Charles Sturridge.
The Road to Coronation Street also recently won the 'Best Single Drama' prize at this year's Royal Television Society Programme Awards.
Coronation Street star Brooke Vincent has been linked to The Wanted singer Nathan Sykes.
According to The Sun, the Sophie Webster actress could become the second of the ITV1 soap's cast to begin dating a member of the boyband. Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntyre) is currently dating the group's Max George.
"I have been to see them a few times," Vincent is quoted as saying. "I'm good friends with the youngest one, Nathan. We get on and have a good laugh."
She added: "They are dead-friendly and very humble. If he's in a boyband or a binman it doesn't bother me."
The paper claims that similarities between Vincent and the 17-year-old include a love of Manchester United and that Sykes is also a trained actor.
Vincent was previously linked to footballer Jack Wilshere, but allegedly dumped him when she discovered that his ex-girlfriend Lauren Neal is pregnant with his child.
"It was never anything," the 18-year-old added.
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Coronation Street star Oliver Mellor has broken his leg in a motorbike crash on a charity trip to South Africa.
The actor, who plays Dr Matt Carter, told The People yesterday how he has been left with a metal plate inserted in the limb.
But Oliver, 30, said: “I was really lucky because it was a clean break.
“If there had been fragments of bone, the surgery would have been a lot more complicated.”
He and co-star Shobna Gulati, actress Jill Halfpenny, TV host Gethin Jones and cricketer Darren Gough were spending a week showing how motorcycles can quickly deliver aid to remote villages and schools.
But nine days ago his machine skidded on a main road in Lesotho.
He said: “Something – probably a patch of water – sent my wheel flying and the bike started to fall, crushing my right leg underneath it.
“It all happened so quickly. One moment I was riding the bike and the next it had skidded and I was on the road. At first I didn’t feel any pain, and for a few seconds I thought I was OK. But then I felt my leg and *realised something was badly wrong.
“We were with a team of *paramedics who immediately gave me *morphine, so I wasn’t in too much discomfort. My leg just felt very detached.
“It wasn’t until much later, while having X-rays at the hospital, that the pain began to kick in. That evening the surgeons operated on my leg and put a metal plate in to secure it.”
Oliver was forced to stay in hospital while the others continued their trip. And he had to stay on for a few days recovering after they flew home.
He returned last Wednesday and said: “It was so frustrating having to go to hospital while they carried on, especially because up until that point the trip had been fantastic.”
Oliver is due back on the Street set this Tuesday. He said: “Corrie have been really *understanding, and said they can work around my cast.
People
Coronation Street star Oliver Mellor has broken his leg in a motorbike crash on a charity trip to South Africa.
Would hardly call him a ''star''
Coronation Street bosses have planned a dramatic week of episodes to coincide with the forthcoming Britain's Got Talent live shows, Digital Spy can confirm.
As ITV1's hit talent contest broadcasts its nightly semi-final stages at the end of May and early June, high drama will also hit the cobbles in a special week for the Weatherfield soap.
Katherine Kelly, who plays fan favourite Becky McDonald, revealed the first details of the upcoming instalments during an interview on BBC Radio 1Xtra, confirming that the show's cast is currently busy filming the episodes.
Discussing life at Corrie, Kelly told show host Gemma Cairney: "Every day apart from Saturday the cameras are going - and moreso at the moment, because we're filming this week where it's going to be a bit racier. It's the end of May - it's the same week as Britain's Got Talent."
The actress said that some of the episodes are expected to air at 9pm, adding: "So we get to say words that are a bit racier! We're super busy at the moment filming that week."
A Coronation Street spokesperson said that scheduling details cannot yet be confirmed, but insisted that the episodes will not contain adult content.
They explained: "We're always aware that we have a family audience and the compliance procedure for each episode reflects this, regardless of the timeslot."
However, show sources told DS that the episodes in question will be "very dramatic", focusing on new twists in John Stape (Graeme Hawley)'s dark storyline and another meltdown for Becky.
An insider said: "Everyone knows there's some big twists on the way for John as his storyline enters its final act, while Becky will be at the centre of drama for the remainder of her time in Weatherfield. This week of episodes will be significant for both characters."
Last year, Corrie producers arranged the show's 'Siege Week' episodes to tie in with the Britain's Got Talent live rounds. However, the episodes were later rescheduled at the last minute out of respect for those who died as a result of the shooting tragedy in Cumbria.
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An MP in New Zealand has claimed that Coronation Street is no longer suitable for pre-watershed viewing, branding the soap "too raunchy" for children.
Addressing a parliamentary committee, Labour politician Lianne Dalziel called for the country's Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) to move the watershed forward an hour from 8.30pm to 7.30pm, reflecting the 'adult content' of early evening shows like Corrie and Shortland Street.
According to the New Zealand Herald, Dalziel spoke of how much Coronation Street's themes have changed over the years, explaining that she used to watch in the days of Ena Sharples.
"I would have to say its content at that stage was unremarkable," she said. "The most raunchy part of it was Elsie Tanner having a divorce. But there was no question around parents being able to be sure about what their children were watching."
Dalziel added that she was "shocked" when she tuned in for recent episodes, noting that Corrie now focuses on "incredibly complex issues, serious issues, that challenge some of the values parents would want to instil in their children".
She continued: "All of the challenges that parents have today, in terms of the values they try to raise their children by, I just wonder if they realise what their children are watching."
The BSA's chief executive Dominic Sheehan promised to raise the MP's suggestion with broadcasters but remarked that "they might have a slight issue with it".
Coronation Street is screened by TVNZ in New Zealand, with the episodes running around 16 months behind those in the UK.
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Wayne Rooney has revealed that he is a big fan of Coronation Street character David Platt.
The footballer, who joined Twitter last month, revealed the news on the social networking site, adding that Max Branning is his favourite EastEnders character.
He wrote: "Waiting for Coronation Street and EastEnders to come on. Chilling with [wife] Coleen.
"Favourite character on Corrie. David Platt. Steve McDonald and Becky make me laugh. But Platty is still the man. Favourite character on EastEnders. Easy. Max."
Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher (Andy Sugden) replied to the couple, joking: "Never mind Corrie and EastEnders what about Emmerdale!!!" Coleen tweeted back: "Just watched it ha x."
Speaking of her favourite Coronation Street character, she added: "I like Becky McDonald."
Other famous fans of the ITV1 soap include Snoop Dogg, who has long campaigned for a cameo in the show.
DS
Was suprised to see Wayne Rooney being a fan of coronation street.
Coronation Street's Chris Gascoyne has praised co-star Jane Danson ahead of the British Soap Awards.
The actor, who portrays Peter Barlow in the Weatherfield-based soap, told TV Times magazine that Danson's portrayal of Peter's wife Leanne has raised the bar for her fellow 'Best Dramatic Performance' nominees.
Gascoyne and Danson have been at the centre of a number of dramatic storylines this year, including being caught up in the devastation of the show's 50th anniversary tram crash.
Danson was later voted by her fellow cast mates as the best actress in the live episode.
"Jane upped the game this year, massively. I can honestly say, she's possibly the best actress that I've ever worked with," Gascoyne said.
He continued: "I love to come into work and do scenes with her because we never know what's going to happen. She always gets left out of everything, but this year she isn't, and I think people recognise how good she is."
Danson was similarly supportive of Gascoyne, who is up for the 'Best Actor' honour at this week's awards.
"I think Chris is one of the best actors in soap, period, whether he's got good stuff to do or he's just going to the shop for a pint of milk," she explained.
The British Soaps Awards ceremony will take place in Manchester on May 14.
Joanna Lumley has revealed that she would "love" to return to Coronation Street.
The actress had a brief stint in the ITV1 soap in 1973 as Elaine Perkins, who was pursued by Ken Barlow (William Roache).
Lumley hinted that she nearly returned for her character to have an affair with Ken, but was too busy at the time. Stephanie Beacham was eventually cast as Ken's mistress.
"I'd love to [return]," she told Holy Soap. "I nearly did a couple of years ago, but I was filming. They had to do the story they were going to do with someone coming in and stealing Ken Barlow's heart and them having a wild affair.
"I thought 'Make it me! Make it be the girl he once proposed to!', but I couldn't do it."
She added: "I loved doing that show. I was there at the time with all the great, great people - Elsie Tanner, Ena Sharples, Annie Walker."
Rock band Status Quo have also stated their desire to return to the show, following their 2005 cameo.
Lumley recently announced that she will film new episodes of Absolutely Fabulous later this year.
FORMER Corrie star Ian Mercer has been convicted of benefit fraud - just weeks after appearing in the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie.
The actor, 50, who played Gary Mallett in the soap, falsely claimed £2,300 for council tax.
He was shopped by a tip-off which revealed he was still claiming despite getting acting work.
Mercer said it was an oversight caused by the on-off nature of his job.
But he also failed to reveal selling a £200,000 house, magistrates in Bedlington, Northumberland, heard. Mercer claimed the benefit on a rented house in Pegswood.
The married dad of two - who has repaid the cash - said: "I'm in and out of work." He was fined £165.
Mercer plays a henchman in the Pirates film and went to its world premiere in California three weeks ago
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3604026/Ex-Corrie-star-cons-2300-in-benefits.html#ixzz1NWhB5M3C
Brooke Vincent reportedly had to break up a row outside a Manchester club after a night out turned sour.
Coronation Street's Vincent, who plays Sophie Webster in the soap, was celebrating her 19th birthday with close friends including co-stars Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntyre) and Jack P Shepherd (David Platt) when the incident occurred.
The Mirror reports that at around 1.50am this morning Vincent had to break up a fight outside Sakura Bar, after they had previously dined at Rio Ferdinand's restaurant Rosso.
Sacha Parkinson, who plays Vincent's on-screen girlfriend Sian Powers was reportedly not in attendance. Parkinson announced that she was quitting Coronation Street last week.
Brooke Vincent had previously tweeted: "Thanks for all my birthday night out messages. No doubt I'll be very drunk later so I'm apologising in advance."
Vincent signed a new 12-month deal with the soap in May. She also revealed that she is "straight and single".
JacquelineLeonard has revealed that she very nearly landed the role of Stella Price in Coronation Street.
The former EastEnders actress, who played Lorraine Wicks in the soap, and has since appeared in Doctors and River City, told Inside Soap that she was just pipped by Michelle Collins for the role.
She said: "I auditioned recently for the new part of Stella Price. I actually got down to the last few for the role, but as we now know, it went to Michelle Collins."
Leonard added that the role would have been perfect as she lives in Manchester with her husband Alex and their eight-year-old daughter Aleisha.
She added: "That part would have been great to do because the Street set is right on my doorstep - but that's life, isn't it?
"It's quite ironic really, what with Michelle being a southerner having to come up north to film her scenes!"
Leonard is returning to work after suffering a cracked pelvis in an ice-skating accident. She explained that she is reprising an old role, but declined to reveal more details.
She added: "I'm going back to film that for a few weeks, but after it's done, I'm not really sure what's coming up next."
Coronation Street star Samia Smith has reportedly filed for divorce from her husband Matt.
The actress, who plays Maria Connor in the ITV1 soap, split from the property developer in January after five years of marriage.
She has cited his "unreasonable behaviour" as grounds for ending the marriage, the Sunday Mirror reports.
She has since begun dating her Coronation Street co-star Will Thorp (Chris Gray), while Matt has been spotted with model Hayley Goodhead.
Speaking in January of Samia's new relationship, Matt said: "They have to live with what they've done. She's my wife. I love her and we've got a child. I'm just trying to get on with my life."
The former couple have a 19-month-old daughter together named Freya.
Jennie McAlpine has spoken of her desire to cameo in Benidorm as her Coronation Street character Fiz Stape.
The 27-year-old admitted to being a fan of the ITV comedy and suggested that the Costa del Sol would be the perfect place for her character to retreat after the discovery of husband John's (Graeme Hawley) murderous streak.
"I would jump at the chance of a cameo in Benidorm," she told The Sun's Buzz Magazine. "Maybe I could do it as Fiz?
"She could go on holiday to Spain with baby Hope to recover from the trauma with John. Or perhaps he's on the run and hiding out on the Costa del Sol. The possibilities are endless."
McAlpine recently said that she is glad to represent "ordinary looking" people in her role as Fiz on Coronation Street.
"I'm not perfect and I like that. I *probably look like most of the young girls who watch Corrie and I think that's important," she said.
Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine has spoken of her pride after her dad was awarded an OBE in the Queen's birthday honours list.
Thomas was given the award for his contribution to mental healthcare. He runs Mood Swings, a Manchester-based charity helping people recover from mood problems.
Jennie, who plays Fiz Stape in Coronation Street, wrote on Twitter: "Proud daughter this morning. My Dad has been honoured with the OBE for his contribution to Mental Health Services."
She has previously spoken of her own work with the charity, saying that she prefers it to acting.
"If I hadn't been an actress I'd have done something like this full-time," she said. "It's loads more satisfying than being in Corrie. I love playing Fiz, but I get more out of charity work. I go to the office on my days off and answer the helpline or make cups of tea."
The soap star recently confessed that she wants a cameo in Benidorm as Fiz.
Coronation Street star Michelle Keegan has reportedly become engaged to The Wanted's Max George.
The boyband singer is said to have "wooed" the soap star with a £10,000 diamond engagement ring and a pet chihuahua while on the set of the ITV1 show, just before her 24th birthday last week.
The pair have been dating since December, when they were spotted together at a Manchester hotel.
"They might have only been dating a few months but they want to spend the rest of their lives together," a source told the News of the World. "They're committed and the wedding promises to be stunning."
The couple won't marry for a while though, as they are both busy with their respective careers.
Keegan recently admitted that she is "in love" with George.
CORRIE'S ten-year-old star Ellie-Louise Leach is exhausted - after being kept on set for eight hours at a time.
She has been left bored and miserable by the schedule - which tops guidelines recommending two hours a day for child stars.
And Ellie, who plays troubled Faye Butler, told her followers on Twitter that she dreads being asked to stay late as show chiefs battle to get five episodes out a week.
Sleep
Her Twitter account is littered with posts to her 2,560 fans about her workload.
One reads: "Morning tweeps! On ma way to work. Hope I don't do over time, I'm so tired it's too bright!!"
Eight hours later Ellie wrote: "Finished work and so tired OMG feel like I could sleep for a million days."
When asked by one Corrie fan if she'd had a good day she replied: "No not really." In another Tweet, the child star, who joined the ITV1 show in January, wrote: "Been at work eight hours. Really tired."
And in a frustrated message sent from the studio, she moans: "At work, supposed to be finished in 15 minutes and not even gone on set once yet! Bored.com."
Ellie, who is the real-life cousin of Sophie Webster actress Brooke Vincent, even posted a picture of herself appearing completely worn out.
Her character has had some big storylines in the short time she has been in the soap.
Faye was adopted by the Windass family - who then split up over her.
And she was constantly in trouble for stealing and lying.
Faye also revealed teenage neighbour Katie's secret pregnancy - and her mum died of a heroin overdose.
But despite Ellie's apparent cries for help over her schedule, Corrie bosses insist they are doing nothing wrong.
Labour laws for child actors state children can work a maximum 12 hours a week during term time, including two hours on school days and Sundays.
They also specify a "maximum of five hours on Saturdays for 13 to 14-year-olds".
Producers for the Weatherfield soap insist they negotiate Ellie's work hours with her Local Education Authority.
Legal
Coronation Street spokeswoman Janice Troup added: "ITV follows the legal guidelines in a scrupulous fashion.
"Ellie filmed on Bank Holiday Monday for two hours and six hours when on school holiday last Wednesday.
"She is also due to work this coming Monday which is the sum total of her filming during a period of two weeks.
"Coronation Street takes its obligations to child actors seriously and Ellie is well within the terms of her contract. She never works overtime."
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/3633116/Ellie-Louise-Leach-10-is-left-exhausted-by-Coronation-Street-filming.html#ixzz1P7uIFqEH
Coronation Street bosses have insisted that the soap complies with child employment laws 'scrupulously' following reports surrounding the working hours of 10-year-old cast member Ellie-Louise Leach.
Leach, who plays troubled youngster Faye Butler on the show, sparked scrutiny over her schedule by admitting to feeling "so tired" in a series of Twitter posts, The Sun reports.
One tweet on her account reads: "Morning tweeps! On ma way to work. Hope I don't do over time, I'm so tired it's too bright!!"
Another says: "Been at work eight hours. Really tired."
However, in a statement, Coronation Street chiefs clarified that the "eight hours" of filming in question spanned two separate days.
A spokesperson commented: "ITV follows the legal guidelines in a scrupulous fashion. Ellie filmed on Bank Holiday Monday for two hours and six hours when on school holiday last Wednesday. She is also due to work this coming Monday which is the sum total of her filming during a period of two weeks.
"Coronation Street takes its obligations to child actors seriously and Ellie is well within the terms of her contract. She never works overtime."
Leach, who joined Coronation Street in January, is the real-life cousin of established cast member Brooke Vincent - better known as Sophie Webster on the show.
Writing on her own Twitter account this morning, Vincent insisted that her relative's online posts had been taken out of context.
Responding to the reports, she explained: "She is 10 years old stop making something out of nothing, yet again you only print the bits that you want when there was much more tweets involved. Not only was she on school holidays when she wrote this, but it was also 7.30am!!!! Get a frikkin life what 10-year-old is not going to be tired at this time!"
Faye was fostered by Anna and Eddie Windass a few months ago, but Anna is now her only guardian after Eddie decided to leave Weatherfield for a new job abroad.
She might just have to leave the cobbles
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Jennie McAlpine, who plays Fiz in Coronation Street, met the teenagers and staff from the Teenage Cancer Trust unit at the Christie Hospital in Manchester. Jennie was joined by Nichols plc, the company behind Vimto. The visit marked the start of an exciting new partnership between Nichols and Teenage Cancer Trust.
Teenage Cancer Trust supporter Jennie McAlpine said: “It has been fantastic to meet all the kids at the Christie and see the incredible work the Teenage Cancer Trust are doing every day. It is great to hear that the teenagers get a chance to have fun even during difficult times and that the support from Nichols will help this to continue.”
Coronation Street boss Phil Collinson has revealed he would "love" Julie Walters to appear in the soap.
Speaking to Matt Johnson for This Morning, Collinson also named his favourite characters and storylines from rival soaps.
When asked for which "dream" cast member from the past he would bring back, he replied: "I'm a massive fan of Hilda Ogden. You loved it when she was in an episode. I'd love it if Jean Alexander decided to come back."
On which "fantasy" actor he would like to recruit for the soap, Collinson said: "Julie Walters keeps saying she'd like to be in the show.
"I have phoned her agent and I have asked. It's not ever come off, but I'd love it if she would, and be Audrey's sister. They'd be a great double act."
On choosing a character from another soap to switch to Coronation Street, he said: "I'd love to see Dot [Cotton, from EastEnders, played by June Brown] in the Rovers Return. That would be brilliant.
"Probably having a chat with Rita and Betty."
Collinson chose the recent 'right to die' storyline from Emmerdale as his favourite plot from another soap. He said: "It was so carefully and beautifully handled. It was very strong and a great moral dilemma, and something that genuinely got the nation talking."
Julie Walters has previously spoken of her ambition to appear in Coronation Street on a number of occasions.
Coronation Street actress Michelle Keegan has spoken of her excitement at becoming engaged to boyfriend Max George.
The Wanted star proposed to Keegan on the set of the ITV1 soap earlier this month, just before she celebrated her 24th birthday.
Keegan wrote in her Love It! magazine column: "Bleedin' heck! I can't believe I'm engaged to Max.
"It's dead exciting because I really didn't see it coming and I seriously can't wait to spend my future with him."
However, Keegan - who plays Tina McIntyre in the Weatherfield serial - confirmed that the couple, who have been dating for seven months, will not rush to tie the knot this year.
"The ring's gorgeous, but we won't be marrying this year - we've got so much going on with our careers," she said. "And I've got my hands full with my cute seven-week-old chihuahua Pip. Max bought me her as an engagement pressie - she's gorgeous!"
Keegan previously revealed the moment the couple declared their love for each other, adding: "It just felt so natural."
Congratulations to them
http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01332/keeganmain_1332895a.jpg
MICHELLE Keegan flashed her engagement ring for the first time today - after gushing about how she couldn't wait to marry Max George.
The gorgeous Corrie star looked ecstatic as she was snapped smooching her fiancé after trip to a supermarket in Manchester.
And Michelle, who plays Weatherfield's feisty Tina McIntyre, revealed her £10,000 sparkler during the outing to Tesco.
http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01332/keegan3_1332908a.jpg
She told this week how Max - who is in boy band The Wanted - popped the question before her 24th birthday by presenting her with a ring and a puppy.
Michelle had only been dating The Wanted star for seven months before he proposed to her.
http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01332/keegan2_1332900a.jpg
She wrote in her Love It! magazine column: "Bleedin' heck! I can't believe I'm engaged to Max!
"It's dead exciting because I really didn't see it coming and I seriously can't wait to spend my future with him.
"The ring's gorgeous, but we won't be marrying this year - we've got so much going on with our careers.
"And I've got my hands full with my cute seven-week-old chihuahua Pip.
"Max bought me her as an engagement pressie - she's gorgeous!"
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/3654940/Loved-up-Michelle-Keegan-flashes-sparkler.html#ixzz1Q98kosQz
A hard-hitting Coronation Street scene that was axed amid controversy in 1963 is to finally be broadcast, a report has claimed.
Forthcoming documentary The Corrie Years will feature the moment that factory worker Sheila Birtles attempted to commit suicide while suffering from depression, according to The Mirror.
Sheila, played by actress Eileen Mayers, was to be seen swallowing a number of tablets before vomiting into a bin and being rescued by her neighbours in the episode in question.
However, ITV received complaints when details of the storyline leaked to the press, prompting a last-minute rewrite and reshoot as the scene was deemed too harrowing.
The Corrie Years is expected to examine some of the most memorable moments from Coronation Street's history and will take a look back at the Sheila controversy when it airs later this year.
A source told the newspaper: "At the time it was deemed too controversial. But compared to what goes on in soaps these days, I don't think the scene will very shocking."
Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital charity and St Ann’s Hospice are inviting adventurous fundraisers to saddle up and take to the streets for ‘Moon Ride’, Manchester’s first night time 100k cycling event, raising money for these two major charities.
Coronation Street actor Antony Cotton, who plays Sean Tully, launched the event outside Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
Moon Ride is set to take place on Saturday 10th September at 11pm, and promises participants spectacular night time views of the city. A dedicated support team will be on hand for all taking part in the ride throughout the night, ensuring participants have all the assistance needed to take part in and complete the ride, how to make the most from this fabulous fundraising opportunity, and most importantly how to enjoy the experience.
Registration costs £25 and participants will be asked to pledge to raise minimum sponsorship of £150. Sponsorship will be divided equally between Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital charity, which helps to provide additional resources that support excellence in treatment, care and research improving the lives of patients at the largest children’s hospital in the UK and St Ann’s Hospice, which cares for thousands of patients with life-threatening illnesses every year, while supporting their families and carers in Greater Manchester.
For more information regarding Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital charity please call 0161 276 4522 or visit http://www.rmchcharity.org.uk/
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Beverley Callard, who played Liz McDonald on Corrie, will be turning up in panto this year as the Wicked Queen. Boo, hiss, oh yes she will, etc. Bev will be taking to the stage at the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre in Sleeping Beauty.
parkerman
25-06-2011, 10:27
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Beverley Callard, who played Liz McDonald on Corrie, will be turning up in panto this year as the Wicked Queen. Boo, hiss, oh yes she will, etc. Bev will be taking to the stage at the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre in Sleeping Beauty.
Oh no she won't!
Oh no she won't!
Look out she's behind you
AAARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!
Actor Steve Huison might have left Coronation Street as Eddie Windass but we'll see him back on TV soon on a new CBBC show called The 4 O'Clock Club. Steve plays the role of Mr Byron the headtacher, so keep your eye out for him appearing on that show very soon.
Simon Gregson has described the effect high-profile actors on Coronation Street had on him when he joined the show.
Gregson, who has played Steve McDonald since 1989, said that he was "in awe" of William Roache (Ken Barlow) and Johnny Briggs (Mike Baldwin).
"I was in awe of people like William Roache and Johnny Briggs when I started.You knew you were joining something big with those types of actors," he told Inside Soap.
The 36-year-old highlighted the now-retired Bill Tarmey as a particular inspiration for his characterisation of his hapless alter ego.
"Bill Tarmey often gave me advice. He did that with a lot of the younger cast members. He'd advise me how to think differently about a scene, or see something I'd done and praise me by saying, 'keep that up'," the star added.
Earlier this week, Gregson also outlined his hope that Steve would stay celibate following his messy break-up with wife Becky.
Simon Gregson has described the effect high-profile actors on Coronation Street had on him when he joined the show.
Gregson, who has played Steve McDonald since 1989, said that he was \"in awe\" of William Roache (Ken Barlow) and Johnny Briggs (Mike Baldwin).
\"I was in awe of people like William Roache and Johnny Briggs when I started.You knew you were joining something big with those types of actors,\" he told Inside Soap.
The 36-year-old highlighted the now-retired Bill Tarmey as a particular inspiration for his characterisation of his hapless alter ego.
\"Bill Tarmey often gave me advice. He did that with a lot of the younger cast members. He'd advise me how to think differently about a scene, or see something I'd done and praise me by saying, 'keep that up',\" the star added.
Earlier this week, Gregson also outlined his hope that Steve would stay celibate following his messy break-up with wife Becky.
Already posted http://www.soapboards.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?116875-Becky-to-quit-Corrie&p=750894#post750894
Coronation Street bosses are reportedly planning to offer Michelle Keegan a huge pay rise to keep her at the soap.
Producer Phil Collinson is said to be worried that she will quit when her contract ends in August to join fiancé Max George in London.
The actress, who plays Tina McIntyre, will apparently be offered a £130,000-a-year deal, matching co-stars Kym Marsh and Samia Smith. She is currently earning £90,000.
"Michelle's been a huge hit with Corrie fans since she joined the show," a source told the Daily Star Sunday. "But now she's engaged she's obviously got to look at her situation.
"With Max living in London, we're worried she may want to head down there to be with him. We're determined to keep hold of her and have been told we're fine to get out the cheque book."
A friend added that deciding to stay could be "really tricky" as the couple only see each other at weekends.
Keegan recently described her engagement as "dead exciting".
Ben Riachrds has admitted that he would consider taking a role in a soap.
The actor, whose previous credits include The Bill and Footballers' Wives, revealed that he had missed out on a role in Coronation Street due to his "shocking" Northern accent. :D
"I remember conversations with the casting agent and I literally did a tour of England and ended up in Pakistan which is quite interesting," he told RTÉ Ten. "She said, 'Ben, if ever you are in this show, we'll have to make it a London family coming in!' I read for a character who's not in it anymore, I can't remember and the lad that got it had a good, nice, strong Northern accent.
Asked if he would consider a role in EastEnders, Richards commented that he would make a decision based on the character.
"We'll see, the most important thing - and I know a lot of actors say this - but it's the character. Is that going to inspire me, is that going to push me as an actor? And if not, then I'm not really interested.
"I probably would have earned a lot more money if I was more interested in money, but it's the characters that interest me. We'll see, if there's something in a soap and they want me and it's an interesting role, then who knows, maybe."
Richards, who is currently rehearsing for his role as Captain Hook in a stage production of Peter Pan, revealed that he hopes to expand his career in America.
"I've started developing relations now in America with an agent and a manager out there, so again I'm trying to diversify and add that to the mix to see if we can build a career that is bouncing over the Atlantic," he said. "That would be my ideal, to be doing theatre and television here as well as theatre and television in America."
FORMER Corrie star Iain de Caestecker has been cast as the young James Herriot in a new BBC drama about the vet's early life.
Iain, 23, who played the young Adam Barlow in Coronation Street, will take on the role of the Yorkshire Dales' vet during his time as a student at the Glasgow Veterinary College in the 1930s.
Glaswegian Iain will be joined in the drama - to air in the autumn - by Amy Manson, who was in Outcasts, and Tony Curran, whose credits include The Pillars Of The Earth.
Christopher Timothy played Herriot in the popular long-running TV series All Creatures Great and Small.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/3672994/Former-Corrie-star-Iain-de-Caestecker-to-play-young-James-Herriot-in-BBC-drama.html#ixzz1Qv9lMZZj
Snoop Doggm has revealed that he would consider setting up a home in the UK at some point in the future.
The American rapper said that he could definitely see himself moving if the right situation ever presented itself.
"Would I live in the UK? I wouldn't mind living here," Snoop Dogg told Q magazine recently. "I think I could really enjoy myself here.
"You know what, I'm going to say this and I mean it. If all else fails and I've got to shake, rattle 'n' roll and get on the woo-wop, this is going to be my heeyah zone," he continued.
The 'Drop It Like It's Hot' rapper also commented on long-running rumours that he may film a cameo in UK soap Coronation Street.
"I've still got to see if they're going to have me on Coronation Street," Snoop Dogg added. "I'd love to be on there. What are you waiting on? It's Snoop Dogg, I'm here again."
Snoop Dogg also took a shot at rival soap EastEnders, by saying that he wouldn't be interested in a cameo on the BBC programme.
The rapper previously admitted that he has been a fan of Coronation Street for the past 12 years, and claims to have been in talks about a guest appearance for some time.
Snoop Doggm has revealed that he would consider setting up a home in the UK at some point in the future.
The American rapper said that he could definitely see himself moving if the right situation ever presented itself.
\"Would I live in the UK? I wouldn't mind living here,\" Snoop Dogg told Q magazine recently. \"I think I could really enjoy myself here.
\"You know what, I'm going to say this and I mean it. If all else fails and I've got to shake, rattle 'n' roll and get on the woo-wop, this is going to be my heeyah zone,\" he continued.
The 'Drop It Like It's Hot' rapper also commented on long-running rumours that he may film a cameo in UK soap Coronation Street.
\"I've still got to see if they're going to have me on Coronation Street,\" Snoop Dogg added. \"I'd love to be on there. What are you waiting on? It's Snoop Dogg, I'm here again.\"
Snoop Dogg also took a shot at rival soap EastEnders, by saying that he wouldn't be interested in a cameo on the BBC programme.
The rapper previously admitted that he has been a fan of Coronation Street for the past 12 years, and claims to have been in talks about a guest appearance for some time.
Already posted in your existing thread about Snoop Dogg http://www.soapboards.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?105586-Rapper-s-Return&p=751009#post751009
could not find it in search :(
Coronation Street’s Todd Grimshaw is pulling pints... but he’s not doing it in the Rovers Return.
This is actor Bruno Langley working behind a bar – for real.
Bruno, 28, is now a barman at The Cellars, a trendy boozer in Newington Green, North London, as he struggles to find full-time acting work. Dad-of-one Bruno said: “Things have been a bit difficult but I like it here.”
A regular said: “He fits right in, is friendly and popular. It’s hardly The Rovers, but you wouldn’t think he was a soap star from the way he just gets on with things.”
Bruno built up a huge fanbase when he played Corrie’s first openly gay character from 2001 to 2004. Todd’s kiss with Nick Tilsley (Adam Rickitt) in 2003 caused a sensation and paved the way for further gay storylines.
Bruno has since taken on roles in Doctor Who and appeared on stage in Romeo and Juliet and Sleeping Beauty.
He returned to Corrie for a one-off Easter special this year. Talking of life after the soap, Bruno has said: “I’m glad I left... I’ve experienced different things. I’ve learned a lot.”
Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2011/07/03/coronation-street-star-bruno-langley-takes-on-new-role-playing-barman-in-a-london-pub-115875-23242634/#ixzz1R1bca4vd
Coronation Street star Brooke Vincent has confirmed that she is dating footballer Josh McEachran.
The actress, who plays Sophie Webster in the ITV1 show, was introduced to the Chelsea star at a Manchester City game six weeks ago - but Vincent has insisted that she isn't a WAG.
"Yes, he's my boyfriend but it's early days and I want to keep it quiet so he can get to know me for me and not for my job," she told The People. "We get on really well and have a laugh and I enjoy being with him, so we'll see how it goes.
"I've been called worse things than a WAG but it's not right people label me just because my boyfriend happens to be a footballer. I have been in Coronation Street for eight years and I have worked for everything I've got *without Josh."
The soap star also brushed off claims that she was dating footballer Jack Wilshere, saying that she has lots of male friends.
"Jack is just a friend," she said. "There really wasn't anything going on. I have loads of friends who are boys because I'm a lads' kind of girl - I play FIFA football video games and I'm quite a tomboy."
Vincent has signed a new 12-month contract to stay at Coronation Street.
Kerry Katona has revealed that she would like to land a role in Coronation Street.
The 30-year-old TV personality, who has recently spoken about her desire to move into acting, left her management company last month, prompting tabloid speculation as to the reasons behind her exit.
"I'm really good," Katona told Star magazine of her current situation. "Even though I keep seeing stories saying, 'Kerry's gone off the rails again!'"
On leaving Can Associates, she admitted to feeling "freer", commenting: "It was a big decision to take, but it was for the best. I think the reason I cried was more due to whoever spread the 'Kerry is back on drugs and she's been dropped because she went on a six-hour drinking binge' story.
"That's a load of b*llocks. I left because it's just time to move on. I wanted to do more acting and Claire's not an acting agent. For goodness' sake, if that was really the case, I've been on longer drinking sessions with Claire herself!
> Peter Andre, Amy Childs won't comment on Kerry Katona management exit
> Kerry Katona not evicted yesterday, says Max Clifford
"The only thing that has got me down is people thinking that I'm back on drugs. I feel that stigma is always going to stick with me and that's something I have to live with."
Katona added: "Claire's a manager, she's not a celebrity, and it should not be this big a deal about changing your management team. It's like getting a new boss at work."
Discussing her acting ambitions, Katona explained that she would love a "comical" role: "For me, acting is just dead easy. You're somebody else and you leave your world behind. I'd love to be in Waterloo Road or a psycho in Coronation Street!"
Hitting back at claims that drug use had prompted her exit from Claire Powell's company, Katona told the magazine: "I've not touched drugs in 18 months and I never will again. God, I'm 30. I'm not a p*sshead - I wish I was but I can't afford it! I don't even have alcohol in my house.
"As for my drinking, I'm not going to apologise for going to Marbella and having a drink on a girlie holiday. I work my **** off. I play mum and dad to four little babies. I go out and earn a living, I get no maintenance - I'm entitled to go on holiday and let my hair down. I got pissed and enjoyed every minute of it! I woke up with some stonking hangovers, but I loved it. Next year I'm going to Ibiza!"
THere were some photos of this sla**er but I didnt want to make you throw up your Brekkie
Coronation Street bosses have warned Brooke Vincent to stop plugging products on Twitter, according to a report.
The actress, who plays Sophie Webster in the ITV1 serial, has over 76,000 followers on the micro-blogging website. According to The Mirror, a show producer reminded Vincent of the strict guidelines cast must adhere too when using the social-networking forums.
Vincent had allegedly named a number of products while also posting photographs plugging brands including McDonalds, Domino's Pizza and Nando's. However, the paper adds that it is unclear if the 19-year-old received free items in return.
"Brooke is keen on Twitter but there are strict *guidelines about what actors and actresses can post online," a source said. "Brooke's recent tweets have crossed the line by endorsing so many products. A producer gave her a serious ticking-off. Other cast members may be dragged in for a few stern words too."
An ITV spokesperson commented: "Cast are advised to consider tweets carefully."
Responding to the tabloid report this morning, Vincent tweeted: "There Has GOT2Be A Point That A Journalist Comes To Wen They Realise That There's A lot More IMPORTANT Things Going On In The World Than ME (sic).
"Write About Things That Matter!!! No Ones Arsed Wow!!!!"
The BBC yesterday denied that it was banning staff, talent and writers from using social-networking websites, insisting that it had "clear guidelines in place for both the personal and professional use" of such facilities.
Chloe O'brien
05-07-2011, 10:38
"As for my drinking, I'm not going to apologise for going to Marbella and having a drink on a girlie holiday. I work my **** off. I play mum and dad to four little babies. I go out and earn a living, I get no maintenance - I'm entitled to go on holiday and let my hair down. I got pissed and enjoyed every minute of it! I woke up with some stonking hangovers, but I loved it. Next year I'm going to Ibiza!"
Poor Kerry she's the only single parent who's had a hard life. yeah right. She will never get a role on Corrie or any other drama, She can beg as many times as she wants. Until she sorts herself out no-one will enterain her.
CORONATION Street has been blasted for being too gay.
Telly critics say the show *has abandoned “homely, *traditional values” to cash in on controversial storylines.
The ITV1 soap currently has a raft of gay characters including lesbians Sophie *Webster and Sian Powers (Brooke *Vincent and Sacha Parkinson, both 19) and homosexual barman Sean Tully (Antony Cotton, 35) who is set to marry his boyfriend Marcus Dent (Charlie *Condou, 38).
And factory worker Hayley Cropper (Julie Hesmondhalgh, 41) was the first transsexual in a British soap when she *appeared on the Street in 1998.
But bisexual media commentator Brian Sewell said: “There’s too much. Not only of gay men – who are estimated to make up just 6% of the population but who dominate storylines – but also of lesbians, *bisexuals, the trans-gender community, cross-dressers and everyone else with some sexual quirk or fetish.
“TV is far too politically correct. It fosters all minorities and gives them a disproportionate amount of air time.”
Recently Corrie fans have been introduced to cross-dresser Marc Selby (Andrew Hall, 57), who has been leading a double life as Marcia.
There have also been a number of *minor gay characters, including Gail Platt’s dad Ted, Ken Barlow’s long-lost grandson James (James Roache, 25) and clean-cut Todd Grimshaw (Bruno Langley, 28).
Sewell, 70, claims the PC show bosses have ruined the working-class image the soap has always portrayed. But last night Antony Cotton hit back on Twitter: “Who gives a flying ******* what he thinks?
“Some people are gay, get over it. Young people couldn’t care less.”
And pointing to Sewell’s own attraction to men as well as women, he added: “The irony of him talking about LGBT people in Coronation Street. This coming from the biggest, spineless Mary Ellen in town.
“Enough with the naff, ridiculous, archaic, bigoted anger toward a community that forms such an important and essential part of society.”
Daily Star
Coronation Street actor Andrew Lancel has reportedly agreed that there are too many gay characters in the soap.
Daily Mail critic Brian Sewell slammed the ITV serial for having too many male cast members earlier this week, saying that they are "showered, prinked and perfumed".
Charlie Condou, who plays Marcus Dent, later hit back at the "barely-veiled homophobia".
"I wouldn't have thought four characters out of a cast of about 65 regulars was excessive," the actor said. "Sewell seems to suggest there's something morally reprehensible in being gay, and that there's some kind of promotion of a gay agenda at work (led by a sinister-sounding 'mafia')."
However, Condou's co-star Lancel - who portrays Underworld boss Frank Foster - is said to have branded the number of gay characters in the show "disproportional", during a speech at Stonyhurst College in Lancashire.
"I believe there are too many gay people on Coronation Street," the 40-year-old actor is quoted as saying by the Daily Star. "If you walked down any street in Manchester you wouldn't see so many. It is disproportional."
Coronation Street boss Phil Collinson reportedly called an emergency meeting with scriptwriters last month to demand new storylines for 15 characters.
The producer is said to have made a list of characters he thinks are "urgently in need of attention" to avoid viewers forgetting about them.
Newcomer Stella Price (Michelle Collins), husband Karl (John Michie) and their *daughter Eva (Catherine Tyldesley) are top of the list. They need a big storyline so that they're "*accepted" by the audience, The People reports.
Chesney Battersby-Brown (Sam Aston) and his *pregnant girlfriend Katy Armstrong (Georgia May Foote) were also *highlighted as being in need of attention. Collinson apparently insisted that the pair can't simply disappear until Katy's baby is due around Christmas time.
Gail McIntyre (Helen Worth) and son Nick Tilsley (Ben Price) - who beds Becky McDonald (Katherine Kelly) later this year - will get new storylines. "Nick is a character that definitely needs work. We need a big story for him that will take him in a different direction," Collinson told scriptwriters.
"Previous ideas put forward for the character are not really appropriate. And where are we going with Gail? Does anyone have a story idea that will see her take centre stage?"
Meanwhile, Sean Tully (Antony Cotton) and Marcus Dent (Charlie Condou) will see their relationship under threat in the coming months when Dylan returns home to mum Violet Wilson.
Collinson also requested "fresh" plots for Norris Cole (Malcolm Hebden), Mary Taylor (Patti Clare), and Roy (David Neilson) and Hayley Cropper (Julie Hesmondhalgh).
The producer also suggested a change in direction for Gary Windass (Mikey North) and girlfriend Izzy Armstrong (Cherylee Houston), who is mugged in the coming weeks.
"Collinson really didn't pull any punches," a source said. "The team of scriptwriters was told in no uncertain terms that they *needed to do much more."
Beyoncé has reportedly become a fan of EastEnders and Coronation Street following her recent visits to the UK.
The singer shunned a night out in London this week in favour of catching up with the soaps, The Sun reports.
The 'Best Thing I Never Had' star wanted to thank her crew for their recent hard work on her upcoming ITV music special.
However, instead of taking them out to dinner, she hosted a party in Simon Cowell's luxury X Factor dressing room, where she has apparently been watching the British shows between takes. Her personal chef cooked food for the group.
A source said: "Beyonce finds the accents on EastEnders really funny. She spends half the time mimicking what they're saying in her fake British accent."
CORONATION Street star Charlie Condou is to be a dad again.
It will be a second child for the 38-year-old gay actor, who plays male nurse Marcus Dent, and his best friend, actress Catherine Kanter.
Corrie castmate Kym Marsh said in her New! column: "I'm delighted for him!"
Condou brings up two-year-old Georgia Mae with Catherine and his partner Cameron Laux. In Corrie, Marcus is set for his own same-sex parenting plotline.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/3702083/Charlie-Condou-second-baby.html#ixzz1SWTsMjuD
Coronation Street manager Phil Collinson has admitted that there have been too many criminals on the soap.
The producer of the ITV1 programme, which has recently been criticised over some of its storylines, said that they are going to cut down on crime in the future.
In an interview with OK magazine, he defended actress Michelle Collins who, as Rovers Return landlady Stella Price, has been attacked over her northern accent.
He also responded to criticism over a supposed influx of gay storylines, saying: "I haven't introduced any gay characters."
However, Collinson admitted that there is some room for improvement on the long-running show.
Asked whether there were too many criminals in Coronation Street, Collinson replied: "Maybe I can take that one on the chin. I agree… we have been at the police station and the court room a little bit too much.
"As we move ahead, we will shift away from serial killers and crime storylines."
Recent killers have included psychopath John Stape and murderer Tony Gordon.
Former castmember Johnny Briggs recently said that the soap has become "boring and humourless".
Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh has dismissed rumours of a ratings crisis at the soap, describing recent press reports as "incorrect".
Kim Marsh does love getting her opinion heard!!
Kim Marsh does love getting her opinion heard!!
The woman is a legend
in her own mind
ITV is to charge viewers for internet episodes of popular soaps such as Coronation Street.
From January, users of the online ITV Player will pay if they want to see certain programming such as archive material.
Among the first shows which may be subject to the new charges are web-only episodes, or ‘webisodes’, of series such as Coronation Street and ITV2 hit show The Only Way Is Essex.
Sources at ITV stressed that normal episodes of its shows would remain free if viewed online.
But archive material – including hit series such as Cold Feet, Inspector Morse and Cracker – could be the subject of charges.
A series of web episodes of Coronation Street following character Rosie Webster’s journey to London have already been made for ITV’s online service.
Last year the broadcaster also put online an alternative ending to the final ever episode of A Touch Of Frost, which saw the character killed off instead.
In 2010, Coronation Street fans had the chance to view both possible endings to Gail McIntyre’s murder trial on itv.com before the real one was screened.
Last year ITV chief executive Adam Crozier made it one of his priorities to make more money by exploiting ITV’s content across different platforms.
Channel 4’s ‘On Demand’ service offers a comprehensive archive, which it does not charge for.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2019566/Pay-soap-revolution-ITV-wants-charge-webisodes-Corrie.html#ixzz1TNCwdZfV
Coronation Street star Antony Cotton has revealed that he has signed a new contract with the soap.
The actor, who has played the role of barman and factory worker Sean Tully since 2003, announced the news on Twitter last night while watching ITV1's The Corrie Years.
Cotton told his online followers: "Sat watching The Corrie Years and I'm not ashamed to say that I am shedding a tear watching Hayley and Roy's story. And I have to say how proud I am to be in a show that has not only supported but celebrated characters like Hayley and Sean.
"I have just signed my 9th contract with the show and I couldn't be prouder to be in the show. Thank you Coronation Street, you are amazing!"
Sean's current storyline sees him raising his son Dylan with partner Marcus Dent as the child's mother Violet is currently recovering from an accident.
However, Coronation Street insiders recently suggested that Sean and Marcus's relationship will come under threat when Dylan returns home to Violet later in the year.
Samia Smith also recently confirmed that she had landed a new deal to stay on as Weatherfield's Maria Connor.
Love the character :cheer:
Coronation Street star Helen *Flanagan has apparently been warned by bosses to stop promoting products on Twitter.
The actress, who plays Rosie Webster in the ITV1 soap, has mentioned various brands over the past fortnight, including a luxury hotel and spa, a cosmetic surgery clinic and a dry cleaning chain
She also recommended a Manchester *hairdresser to her 19,888 followers. Brooke Vincent, who plays on-screen sister Sophie, had already been warned over endorsing products on Twitter.
"People start to wonder if she has a vested interest if she starts naming the place." a source told The Mirror
A Coronation Street spokesman said: "All cast members are given *guidelines to assist them with Twitter."
Flanagan, who was recently told by producers to go back to her old hairstyle, has now stopped naming brands on her Twitter account, recently praising a white chocolate yoghurt but adding: "I can't say the brand coz it's advertising."
Coronation Street star Helen *Flanagan has apparently been warned by bosses to stop promoting products on Twitter.
The actress, who plays Rosie Webster in the ITV1 soap, has mentioned various brands over the past fortnight, including a luxury hotel and spa, a cosmetic surgery clinic and a dry cleaning chain
She also recommended a Manchester *hairdresser to her 19,888 followers. Brooke Vincent, who plays on-screen sister Sophie, had already been warned over endorsing products on Twitter.
"People start to wonder if she has a vested interest if she starts naming the place." a source told The Mirror
A Coronation Street spokesman said: "All cast members are given *guidelines to assist them with Twitter."
Flanagan, who was recently told by producers to go back to her old hairstyle, has now stopped naming brands on her Twitter account, recently praising a white chocolate yoghurt but adding: "I can't say the brand coz it's advertising."
She should try promoting Harveys the furniture people. Im sure ITV wouldnt have a problem with that!!!!
Its a bit rich for a commercial station prventing their employees from a bit of promotion
Katherine Kelly, who plays Coronation Street's Becky McDonald, attended the Royal Wedding of Zara Phillips, the Queen's grand-daughter, and Mike Tindall, the England rugby captain.
Katherine is a friend of the royal couple.
The wedding was held at Edinburgh's Canongate Kirk
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LbRebIRI5d4/TjRwdtpZUKI/AAAAAAAANIE/-TLDCj30OMU/s320/kelly.bmp
Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas has revealed that he loves being a dad.
The actor, who plays Jason Grimshaw in the ITV1 soap, welcomed daughter Scarlett in 2008 with his former co-star and now ex-girlfriend Tina O'Brien.
"Scarlett's the best thing that's ever happened to me," he told The People. "I'd always wanted kids but I never thought I'd be a dad so young and I was terrified when I first found out I was going to become one. I remember thinking to myself, 'Ryan, this is it, you've got some serious growing up to do'.
"I'm far more conscientious than I used to be because when you've got a little 'un you have to constantly keep an eye on them. She's only coming up to three but she's wise beyond her years in some of the things she says. She's like a little old woman.
"I spent a week with her on holiday in Spain earlier this year which was really special. It was great being able to have that time together to bond. We had a little villa near Marbella and, to be honest, we barely left it. We just sat and played and enjoyed the sunshine, it was really special."
Thomas added that he isn't looking for a girlfriend at the minute because his daughter is his number one responsibility.
CORRIE'S Chris Gascoyne has plunged filming schedules into chaos after being signed off sick for a week.
The star, who plays boozy bookie Peter Barlow, is currently embroiled in the soap's controversial rape plot.
Filming was due to begin last Wednesday but 43-year-old Chris was sent home by the show doctor shortly after arriving at the studio.
A source said: "It means all the schedules must be changed. Other actors due to film with him will have their shifts rearranged.
"Obviously it can't be helped and everyone wants Chris to get better but it's a worry when someone is signed off for a week and nobody is sure when they will be back.
"Working on the soap can be very long hours and very high-pressured. Everyone hopes it's not serious."
Soaps are filmed six weeks in advance but run on notoriously tight schedules.
The major storyline - which bosses still hope will be screened in September - sees Barlow arrested for affray after Carla Connor (Alison King) is attacked by her sex beast fiancé Frank Foster (Andrew Lancel).
Under current plans, he will then rescue Carla after she takes an overdose of prescription sleeping pills.
Chris's character is a reformed alcoholic and earlier this year - after being pictured staggering around at the Broadcast Awards - the actor admitted he has had "problems with drink" in real life too.
But he denied ever being addicted to boozing, and added: "There are low times in everybody's life, mostly when we're overcoming problems."
Last night Street bosses were quick to insist that Chris's absence was a private matter and had nothing to do with alcohol abuse.
A spokeswoman said: "Chris has been signed off for a week."
Coronation Street star Chris Fountain passed out naked outside a holiday villa, according to his girlfriend.
The actor, who plays Tommy Duckworth in the soap, was found naked against a wall while other holidaymakers passed by.
Fountain's girlfriend Jessica Derrick tweeted that she woke up alone after the pair partied in the Maldives while on holiday.
"Nearly everybody has seen his willy-wonka, including our holiday rep," she wrote. :eek:
"I was horrified to wake up without him only to find him naked, still drunk and asleep outside the villa for all to see. We got a lot of funny looks later around the pool."
Fountain could have been fined or jailed if he was found by police.
A friend of the actor's added: "Chris is mortified. Knowing so many people in the resort have seen his todger is punishment enough."
Chris Fountain recently revealed that he is nothing like his alter ego Tommy Duckworth in real life.
Lisa Maxwell has revealed that she very nearly took the role of Stella Price on Coronation Street.
The Loose Women star was rumoured to have auditioned for the role back in April, before it was announced that Michelle Collins had won the part.
Maxwell told The People that the offer to appear behind the bar at the Rovers Return was too good to resist.
"I have turned down other things but the chance of being on Corrie was too good an opportunity to miss. When I first started acting my grandparents said to me, 'You know you've made it when you're landlady of the Rovers'. So I couldn't really not go for it! I had to do it for them.
"I had an audition and a screen test, I even filmed scenes behind the bar of the Rovers. The decision was made by several different people and I know some of them wanted me and some wanted Michelle Collins.
"It just wasn't meant to be me. Michelle is great and I'm really pleased for her after she got it. I wanted it but leaving my family would have been hard, I know."
However, the actress added that she was more than happy with her place on the Loose Women panel, as it suits her lifestyle.
"Loose Women really is perfect. I love it. Its great. If I'm feeling a bit low or fed up there's always someone there to make me feel better.
"I've turned down a lot of other TV roles because I wouldn't want to give it up. I went from working 14 hour days, six days a week on The Bill to this. It couldn't be better.
"It's live and we finish at 1.30pm so I can be home in time to pick up my daughter Beau from school without her noticing I've been gone. What other job could be that good?"
Lisa Maxwell and her Loose Women colleagues recently threatened a mutiny on the show after Kate Thornton and Zoe Tyler were axed.
Coronation Street star Chris Fountain passed out naked outside a holiday villa, according to his girlfriend.
The actor, who plays Tommy Duckworth in the soap, was found naked against a wall while other holidaymakers passed by.
Chris Fountain recently revealed that he is nothing like his alter ego Tommy Duckworth in real life.
Looks like he is very like his Alter ego to me
Michelle Keegan has agreed a lucrative golden handcuffs deal with Coronation Street for another year.
ITV is finalising a deal with the actress, who plays barmaid Tina McIntyre in the soap, that will see her £90,000 salary increased to six figures.
A source at the soap told the Sunday Mirror: "Michelle is *over the moon. She was always *confident of being offered a new deal but actors' jobs are never secure.
"She says that life just can't get any better at the moment and so far this year has been the best of her life."
Keegan was rumoured to have been offered a £130,000-a-year deal by ITV earlier this year. The actress became engaged to The Wanted's Max George in June.
CORRIE'S Simon Gregson looks pretty in pink - after having his brown locks dyed.
Simon, 36, who plays Steve McDonald, was helping hairdresser Stephen Peel raise cash for The Christie cancer fund.
The crimper, 60, said: "I asked Ricky Hatton, the boxer. He said he'd donate boxing gloves but he wasn't having his hair dyed pink!
"I asked Simon and he said, 'Yeah why not?'."
Stephen, who runs the William Jon salon in Ashton under Lyne, Greater Manchester, washed the dye straight out of Simon's hair to avoid him turning up in the Rovers with a pink barnet.
http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01356/SNN08TV3SM-2801_1356164a.jpg
Coronation Street's Michelle Collins and Bill Roache have been announced as part of the lineup for two Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? soap star specials.
The pair, who play Weatherfield's Stella Price and Ken Barlow, will team up together in a live broadcast on August 20, while their co-star Kym Marsh (Michelle Connor) will appear with fiancé Jamie Lomas, better known as Hollyoaks' Warren Fox, the following evening.
Emmerdale's Mark Charnock and Dominic Brunt (Marlon Dingle and Paddy Kirk) will also play the game together, as will on-screen mother and son Lucy Pargeter and Danny Miller (Chas Dingle and Aaron Livesy).
Hollyoaks' McQueen duo Gemma Merna and Jennifer Metcalfe - Carmel and Mercedes in the Channel 4 show - are also taking part.
Each pair will be raising money for charity and a viewer at home.
Danny Miller said of the challenge: "I've grown up watching Chris Tarrant on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? so getting into the hotseat is going to be very daunting."
Meanwhile, Mark Charnock said: "It's such an iconic show and I've always wanted to do it, but I can imagine Dominic and I will be clinging to each other, panicking, going red and sweating!"
Further soap star pairings are expected to be announced later this month.
Filming on Coronation Street finished early yesterday due to the rioting in parts of Manchester.
The soap's staff were sent home to avoid getting caught up in the escalating violence and because police helicopters and sirens were causing too much disruption on set.
A Coronation Street spokesperson told WENN: "We did actually just close a couple of filming units a little bit early due to the disruption in Manchester."
Michael Le Vell, who plays Kevin Webster in the soap, tweeted last night: "Just been sent home from work! Stay away from Manchester please!"
Brooke Vincent, who portrays Sophie Webster, tweeted: "As if everyone's been sent home from work!! This is stupid now! I can't believe that 10 mins down the road is getting destroyed yet nobody can do anything and stay inside!!! I feel so worthless, it's not cool."
Meanwhile, Antony Cotton, who stars in the soap as Sean Tully, added: "Devastated for my city and my fellow Mancunians. I LOVE Manchester - the GREATEST city in the world."
The rioting began in Tottenham over the weekend, before spilling over to Croydon, Clapham Junction, Peckham, Woolwich and other areas of London on Monday. Violence and looting have since been reported in Birmingham, Liverpool, Bristol, Leicester, Manchester and Nottingham.
Journalists and cameramen from Sky News, ITN and the BBC were attacked on Monday evening when London erupted into mass looting and violence.
Coronation Street's Michelle Collins and Bill Roache have been announced as part of the lineup for two Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? soap star specials.
.
Call me a cynic but this strikes me as yet another attempt by ITV to force us to like this woman in Corrie. They are pushing her to the front of most of the major storylines in Corrie as well as these promoting her at every opportunity. FFS the woman has only been on Corrie a few weeks
Here's some pictures of Sacha Parkinson (Sian Powers), Brooke Vincent (Sophie Webster) and Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald) all planking at work on Coronation Street. Pics all tweeted by @SachaLParkinson
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nbfHwD9uBc4/TkVaRm2slrI/AAAAAAAANNQ/uZpCs7YyUd8/s320/1.bmp
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T3JIq1cD7Ns/TkVaXR02sVI/AAAAAAAANNU/dB0h0vmPVC4/s320/2.bmp
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EygGEn4qgLg/TkVadk6lpFI/AAAAAAAANNY/U-K05vn3yT8/s320/3.bmp
And here is one of Kate Ford Planking
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sGStURw5ja8/Tbb1_lwmBoI/AAAAAAAAMwc/d8PhTRjL2-s/s1600/tracy+barlow+taunting.jpg
and Michelle Collins
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sEU6-LXkWlY/Teyw5T-VXEI/AAAAAAAADGs/8_f3vawY9xw/s1600/MichelleCollinsBar1.jpg
Coronation Street bosses have announced that the soap will be supporting the Manchester Pride parade for the second consecutive year.
Cast, crew and producers at the show are currently working on an ITV float for the event, which is the highlight of a ten-day festival celebrating gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender culture in the city.
Coronation Street won the 'Best Float' prize for its efforts in 2010, which marked the programme's 50th anniversary and contributed towards the parade's 'Through The Decades' theme.
The theme for this year's parade, which takes place on August 27, is 'Best of British'.
"For the second year running, Coronation Street and ITV are supporting Manchester Pride," a spokesperson told the Manchester Evening News. "It is a privilege to be the lead float in the parade again this year and it is a symbol of how we at ITV wholeheartedly and proudly support diversity not only in the workplace but everywhere."
Manchester Pride's festival director Jackie Crozier added: "The parade is one of the most 'Loud and Proud' and public parts of our festival so to have Coronation Street and ITV demonstrate such strong support as a part of this means a lot."
Brooke Vincent, who plays lesbian character Sophie Webster, is among the Coronation Street cast members supporting the project.
Vincent commented: "I had an absolute ball last year and think it's a great chance to come together in an awesome city like Manchester and celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life.
"It's fantastic that Coronation Street is supporting Pride yet again and I'm very proud to be portraying a lesbian character on screen. Hopefully it will go some way towards making people realise there is nothing in any way wrong with being gay. You're born who you are!"
FAMILY Fortunes star Vernon Kay says he is fed up being asked to front new gameshows - and wants to move into ACTING.
The former T4 presenter, 37, says he has turned down countless offers to host other quizzes because he doesn't want to be pigeon-holed as a light entertainment frontman.
And he would like nothing better than to be in Coronation Street.
Vern declared: "I'd love to be a shop assistant in Dev's shop or a barman, or the cleaner in the pub."
The proud Boltonian - who also has a show on Radio 1 - even pulled out of ITV1's recent Saturday night show Sing If You Can.
Now Vernon says he wants to try new things like factual shows and acting.
He said: "I get offered loads of gameshows, but I host Family Fortunes - why would I want to do another one? Is there a gameshow out there that is better than ITV's Family Fortunes? I think not.
"I want to go out there and spread my wings. I just want to do more stuff that is not in the genre of light entertainment gameshows.
"I'd like to do stuff where I go out and meet people, talk about an issue, or something like that. Or maybe just be a captain on a panel show.
"I just want to put more stuff on my CV that isn't light entertainment.
"I love doing Family Fortunes and Radio 1, but there's nothing to say I can't go out and produce more or do a bit of acting. I would definitely be up for doing some acting, as long as the role was right.
"I did speak to a guy on Coronation Street a couple of years ago and he had this character lined up. Nothing came out of that, but I would be up for doing it now.
"Corrie has a real subtle undertone of comedy and that is what I have been brought up around."
He recently ended his exclusive deal with ITV so he could work on other channels - and potentially with his wife Tess Daly on Strictly Come Dancing when Bruce Forsyth retires. But he said he wouldn't want to step directly into Brucie's shoes - and would prefer Tess's job.
Vern said: "I would much prefer the backstage role on Strictly because Tess gets to ask questions off the top of her head and have a bit of banter.
"To me that is more satisfying than saying, 'here's what's next'."
The new series of Family Fortunes, which launches this weekend, will see episodes extended to an hour long - and it will again get the prime pre-X Factor slot.
It also means Vern will go head-to-head with Tess when Strictly returns next month.
Despite the mainstream image, he says he is proud of hosting such an iconic show - and All Star Family Fortunes on which Corrie actor Simon Gregson has appeared.
Vern recently fronted several shows in the US, including Dancing on Ice-style series Skating with the Stars, but says he has no major ambitions Stateside.
He said he wished fellow former T4 host Steve Jones well on the US X Factor - and wasn't jealous of him being on such a huge show.
Vern added: "I want to do a show that enables me to get the best out of myself.
"Often on the big shows, all you do is read an autocue. I like to do more than that."
Coronation Street's Charlie Condou has revealed that he used to babysit for Lily Allen.
The 38-year-old actor, who plays midwife and gay dad Marcus Dent in the Weatherfield serial, still keeps in touch with the 'Smile' singer, PA reports.
Condou told Inside Soap: "I suppose Lily Allen's pretty famous! I babysat for her when she was 10!"
Referring to his daughter Georgia, Condou said: "Georgia is fantastic, and she's now getting to that age where she's really starting to interact with me and being absolutely hilarious.
"I think the 'terrible twos' could very well be on the way, though. She's beginning to get some opinions of her own - and she's also just learnt to say 'no'!"
Fellow Corrie cast member Kym Marsh recently announced that Condou will soon be a father for the second time.
Coronation Street stars Samia Smith and Alison King were forced to stop filming scenes on Tuesday when a real-life fight broke out on location.
The pair watched as a group of builders pulled up at a nearby semi-detached house and dug up the driveway in a dispute over a bill. Five police cars quickly arrived on the scene in Monton, Salford.
An onlooker said: "It could have been a scene from Corrie itself. The builders and the owner were kicking off. It looked like it could get pretty nasty.
"The Corrie girls had to stop and just sat on the pavement with their scripts, watching the action unfold.
"I don't think they were too pleased to be honest. It was a while before they could start filming again."
Officers calmed the situation down and advised both sides to settle the matter in a civil court.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: "This was a civil dispute between the home owner and the builders and not a police matter."
Coronation Street crewmembers are reportedly unhappy with their working hours.
The backstage staff who work on the ITV1 soap have held meetings with bosses, where the Daily Star claims that they expressed their unhappiness with long hours.
"It got *really heated because everyone working backstage is at the end of their tether," an alleged insider told the paper. "We've been working our arses off and it's just getting worse. There is so much demand on us, it's like we're just being used and abused."
The source added: "The cast are doing long days too but we don't get paid anywhere near what they do."
Following the meeting, production controller Gail Kennett is said to have told staff in a memo that they could apply for a strict 40-hour week or flexible hours.
An ITV spokesperson commented: "We routinely hold meetings with the Corrie crew. There has been no discussion of strike action."
Chloe O'brien
01-09-2011, 22:01
I'm surprised something like this has not happened on previous soaps. There are too many episodes of soaps on our screens. Crew members must live at the studios with all the hours they have to put in.
FOOTIE-mad Corrie babes Brooke Vincent and Michelle Keegan have kicked off the War of Weatherfield with a secret bet on which Manchester team will win the league.
United fan Brooke, who plays Sophie Webster, thinks the title's a cert after her side smashed Arsenal 8-2.
The 19-year-old, whose boyfriend is Chelsea star Josh McEachran, said: "I know Josh will say I'm a traitor. So I suppose I'd best say if it isn't United it will be Chelsea."
But City supporter Michelle, 24 – voted sexiest female soap star as Tina McIntyre – reckons her team's 5-1 win at Spurs makes them favourites.
Corrie legend Bill Roache, 79, who plays Ken Barlow, just wants to make sure one local club wins the Premier League.
He said: "They're both up there. It's brilliant."
Coronation Street star Anthony Cotton is said to have developed an "incredible fondess" for the four-year-old twins who play the love child of his character Sean Tully.
The Weatherfield favourite has become "best friends" with Connor and Liam McCheyne since they joined the ITV soap earlier this year and said that he is looking forward to working with them again for a Christmas storyline.
The McCheyne twins even helped celebrate Cotton's 36th birthday last month, after which he told friends: "I've had a lovely day, particularly the bit I spent with Liam and Connor McCheyne. They made me beautiful cards, which I will keep forever."
Commenting on the boys' special relationship with their "telly dad", a source told the Daily Star Sunday: "Antony makes no secret of his fondness for the two boys - he has bonded with them in an incredible way since they joined Corrie earlier in the year.
"They have just finished some scenes which will see them going back to London to stay with their mum Violet (Jenny Platt), who has recovered from back injuries she suffered in a car crash, but are expected back for another stint around Christmas time."
Cotton signed a new Coronation Street contract back in July.
Coronation Street actress Brooke Vincent has clarified a report that said she was working in a Greater Manchester wine bar following a spending spree.
The 19-year-old, who plays Sophie Webster in the Weatherfield soap, had been helping out at the White Room in Whitefield and was reportedly paid £6.08 an hour for a seven-hour shift at the family-run bar and restaurant over the weekend.
A source was quoted as telling The Mirror that Vincent claimed she was "glad of the extra cash", but the actress quickly clarified the report on her official Twitter page.
Vincent spoke out about a number of claims made in the piece, writing: "1. My mate was ill so I covered for her!. 2.I didn't used to work there at all I help out every now&then and 3. My mum aint 41! (sic)"
Criticising the report for suggesting that she led a "WAG lifestyle" because she dates Premiership footballer Josh McEachran, she also reminded her followers: "Unless I've told you, shown you or informed you of any sort don't think you know anything!"
Vincent concluded: "I aint arsed wot people write or say but I will always correct them!!! My job brings me so much happiness but papers making up storys about people they don't even know is just a down fall...
"You need to realise I'm a teenager that is lucky enough to have the job I have and still get the chance to work behind a family friends bar and get away with it!!!"
A Coronation Street spokesperson told the paper that Vincent had been paid for her work but said that she was "helping out a friend", adding: "I can't say that she won't help them out again.
"That's the kind of girl she is - she always looks out for her friends."
The daughter of Johnny Briggs, who played Coronation Street's Mike Baldwin, has been given a prison sentence for stealing collection money from a church, says The Mirror.
Karen Briggs, 46, is behind bars for nine months after admitting burglary and theft at two churches in Cobham, Surrey. And Johnny’s granddaughter Emma Beach, 23, who also pleaded guilty to the charges, has been ordered to carry out community service.
Briggs and her daughter Beach, who live together, have both battled drug addiction and have a string of previous convictions. Four years ago, they were caught stealing Poppy Appeal collection boxes. Beach took two boxes as her mum distracted collectors. In June, they stole pensioner Margaret Roberts’ handbag during a service at the Methodist Church in Cobham.
Michael McCabe, defending, said Beach had been hooked on heroin since the age of 14 after being introduced to the drug by her mother.
Coronation Street star Paula Lane will take part in a charity run in Belfast, it has been revealed.
The actress, who plays Kylie Platt in the ITV1 soap, will participate in RunHer at Stormont on October 9, a female-only running event involving 5k and 10k races.
The race is in aid of the Cash for Kids charity, which helps underprivileged children in local communities.
"I'm a keen runner and I take private ballet lessons, as it's something I missed out on," Lane told the Belfast Telegraph.
"I love Ireland. Somewhere along the line, I've got some Irish blood in me - a sixth of a quarter, but it counts!"
Revealing her own charity interests, Lane added: "I am an ambassador for Henshaw's charity, which supports blind children."
Lane recently admitted that she'd like more Coronation Street scenes with Kylie's sister Becky (Katherine Kelly).
Coronation Street star Paula Lane will take part in a charity run in Belfast, it has been revealed.
The actress, who plays Kylie Platt in the ITV1 soap, will participate in RunHer at Stormont on October 9, a female-only running event involving 5k and 10k races.
The race is in aid of the Cash for Kids charity, which helps underprivileged children in local communities.
\"I'm a keen runner and I take private ballet lessons, as it's something I missed out on,\" Lane told the Belfast Telegraph.
\"I love Ireland. Somewhere along the line, I've got some Irish blood in me - a sixth of a quarter, but it counts!\"
Revealing her own charity interests, Lane added: \"I am an ambassador for Henshaw's charity, which supports blind children.\"
Lane recently admitted that she'd like more Coronation Street scenes with Kylie's sister Becky (Katherine Kelly).
Already posted http://www.soapboards.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?124766-Kylie-from-Corrie-DS-Interview&p=756133#post756133
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