View Full Version : Coronation Street General News Thread
A news thread for all general peices of news regarding the show and the cast. I.e Digitial Spy news reports etc.
For big news stories, please feel free to set up a thread of it's own.
Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden has expressed an interest in a Coronation Street role.
The 38-year-old, who returns to screens on Saturday as part of the new series of the nationwide talent search, previously appeared in BBC soap EastEnders for five episodes back in 1994 as a minor character called Carmen.
"I have to say I find EastEnders brilliant at the moment, but I wouldn't go into it at the moment, no," she told PA.
However, the former Wild at Heart and Cutting It actress has said that she would love a stint in the Weatherfield soap.
"What I'd like to do is go into Coronation Street. I love Corrie and that's kind of more iconic. I'd go into that for a bit," she continued.
She added: "I'd love to go into it as some kind of snooty southern bitch. Maybe go and buy The Kabin from under Rita's nose and turn it into a beauty salon or something horrendous that they hate, so they oust me and I go back to London."
Holden recently spoke of her desire to launch a career in the US, similar to that of fellow panelist Piers Morgan.
Britain's Got Talent returns for its third run on Saturday at 7.45pm on ITV1.
Former EastEnders actor Shaun Williamson has revealed that he doesn't miss working on the BBC soap.
The 43-year-old played Barry Evans for nine years until his character was killed off onscreen in 2004. He then went on to appear as himself in hit BBC comedy Extras alongside Ricky Gervais.
Speaking to the Daily Record, he said: "I don't miss EastEnders at all - I haven't since the day I left. When Barry played an evil s**t it was great, but I wouldn't go back to playing a loser again, otherwise I might as well have stayed."
"I got gobbled up by EastEnders and spent nine years there, which wasn't planned. You just keep re-signing the contracts. I spent a long time on TV and when I left EastEnders in 2003, I couldn't wait to get back to doing comedy on stage."
Despite his reluctance to return to the Walford soap, Williamson admitted that he would "jump at the chance" to play a villain in ITV1's rival soap Coronation Street, saying: "Just to do something really evil like kill someone would be fantastic."
Williamson is currently playing the role of Ron Freeman in the Take That musical Never Forget.
Another one wanting to join Corrie. :cheer: Perhaps Carla can hire him to bump off Tony :lol:
CORRIE legend Julie Goodyear was in tears yesterday after being mistakenly accused of shoplifting nicotine gum.
The chain-smoking actress, who played Rovers Return barmaid Bet Gilroy for more than 25 years, was stopped at her local supermarket.
Store detectives claimed they saw Julie’s fourth hubby Scott Brand, 40, putting a packet of gum into her pocket.
When the 60-a-day star — who famously puffed on Cartier cigs in the ITV soap — got to the till, they accused the couple of nicking the £15 item and called police.
Julie, 67, was reduced to tears as she pleaded: “It’s all a mistake — I’ve done nothing wrong.”
Scott went to see the general manager at Morrisons near their farmhouse in Heywood, Lancs, to explain it was an innocent mix-up.
Cops arrived about an hour later — but the couple were spared a grilling because staff accepted their explanation.
Julie refused to comment last night on the astonishing drama.
But a source said: “It all seemed a bit bizarre because she shops there twice a week — Julie looked really upset.”
Shopper Marjorie Cutler, 52, who saw the star in tears, said: “I couldn’t believe it when I saw her coming out of the manager’s office.
“I think she’d been crying as her eyes looked red. She was shaking her head and she looked really upset — but she just put her head down and walked out.”
A spokesman for Morrisons said: “The police were called to our Heywood store to investigate a suspected shoplifting.”
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that no further action had been taken.
A spokesman added: “Before officers arrived, the person paid for the item and no offences had occurred.”
Former Coronation Street star Tina O'Brien has admitted that she was "naive" over her controversial teen pregnancy plot.
The actress's character Sarah Platt was just 13 when she fell pregnant to her classmate Neil Fearns on the ITV1 soap.
Sarah eventually decided to take on the responsibility of motherhood and welcomed her daughter Bethany months later.
"It was really big at the time," O'Brien told PA. "At the time I didn't realise it because I was very new to it all and naive, so I didn't realise what a big sort of splash it made really, but yeah, I did get a lot of people writing in to me, even young girls saying: 'I'm in a similar situation'."
Naming the 2000 plot as her most memorable, she added: "It's because it was the first biggy as well. For me, that really stuck in my head."
O'Brien left Coronation Street in 2007, but recently announced that she would be willing to return in the future.
I remember that storyline since I was like 9 at the time. I know teenage pregancies have been done loads now, but she was 13 and thats the one that stands out to me
Coronation Street star Michael Le Vell has claimed that the show's cast are living in fear for their jobs.
The actor, who has played Kevin Webster for 26 years, revealed that even long-established Weatherfield stars are concerned about their future following recent job cuts at ITV.
"We are scared that we face getting axed with what's going on," Le Vell told The People. "But we all have the attitude we will just carry on doing what we are doing to the best we can.
"What will happen will happen, but in the meantime we want to continue working hard as a team and hopefully we will reign supreme at what is a difficult time for ITV."
In February, reports suggested that the Manchester-based soap could be sold off to an independent production company due to the current financial climate.
Meanwhile, The People also claims that paranoia over the show's future has led to a widespread "mole hunt" in recent weeks.
Following recent storyline leaks to the media, executive producer Kim Crowther reportedly ordered staff to hand over their phone records - and also recruited an expert to sweep conference rooms for bugging devices.
A source revealed: "Staff couldn't believe what they were hearing. They deal with top-secret storylines and internal matters week in, week out so found it astonishing that the finger of suspicion should be pointed at them.
"Most were happy to do it because they knew if they didn't, questions would be asked. As for the bug sweep, it shows how paranoid the bosses have become. The atmosphere is really bad now because everyone is worried about their jobs in this difficult climate."
A ITV spokesperson this afternoon told DS: "We are very vigilant when it comes to protecting storyline leaks on both Coronation Street and Emmerdale as we don't want to spoil plots for our viewers."
Coronation Street star Samia Smith has admitted that she feels "drained" following her recent depressing plotlines.
The actress's alter-ego Maria Connor gave birth to a lifeless baby boy after six months of pregnancy in early 2008. Later in the year, she faced further heartbreak when her husband Liam (Rob James-Collier) was killed.
Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, Smith revealed: "It's been a good 18 months of solid misery. It's quite draining really, having to think really depressing thoughts for 12 hours a day, all week.
"I can't muck about in the green room like I used to, I don't have the energy to. I've found that it's better to just sit in my dressing room and read a book and be quiet for a while. I've become a bit of a hermit."
Discussing the impact on her social life, she added: "I'm doing this all the time, and at weekends I'm really tired. Luckily I've got good friends, who understand. I have to try to smile a lot in my real life. I put lots of loud music on in the car on the way home and then pour myself a big glass of wine."
Smith has previously insisted that she was pleased to adopt a "grim" new look for the storylines.
EX-CORRIE star Kevin Kennedy, who played nerdy Curly Watts, wants to return.
Kevin, 47, who quit in 2003, said: “Curly moved to Newcastle and there’s more mileage in him. I’d like to return as he still has a story to tell.”
But times and characters have changed since he was last on the cobbles.
He added: “I just want to walk into the Rovers and say, ‘Who are you? Who’s that?’ as I don’t know some of the newer characters!
“I adored my time on Corrie, especially the Curly and Raquel romance.
“I still watch it now and again although I’m often on stage when it’s on the telly.”
Chris_2k11
14-04-2009, 18:58
I think Curly is best left in the past! as for Raquel lets not go there!
Aww I liked Curly! Although I cant remember much of him :o
Chris_2k11
14-04-2009, 19:17
He's very much a 90's character though and most from then wouldn't work in the show nowadays. I did love that storyline with him and that crazy Ann woman though haha.
Chloe O'brien
15-04-2009, 00:39
There has to be a decent storyline for him to be brought back otherwise it will just be rubbish, the only ones who really know him are The Websters, Barlows,McDonalds, Rita, Jack and Emily.
ITV and Ofcom have reportedly received a number of complaints over remarks about Christianity made by Ken Barlow during Coronation Street's Easter Sunday episode.
The Sunday evening edition of the soap, which attracted an audience of 5.4m, contained scenes in which Ken - portrayed by William Roache - played down the role of the church and Christianity in front of his family, including his grandson Simon (Alex Bain).
In the script, written by Mark Wadlow, Ken was seen telling his son Peter (Chris Gascoyne) that his attendance at church was "pure tokenism", which prompted Blanche (Maggie Jones) to interject, claiming that Simon needed some "spiritual sustenance" following the his recent ordeals.
Ken, however, responded that Simon should seek such strength "in his fellow man rather than recourse to a supernatural being", to which Blanche accused her son-in-law of being a "heathen".
As the Barlows readied themselves for the Easter service, Ken questioned why his son was "joining in with the charade", before challenging Peter as to why he was allowing his son to be "indoctrinated".
Despite Peter suggesting that Simon would be able to make his mind up when he was older, Ken held the belief that "it might be too late by then".
The episode in question did, however, feature scenes within an animal-filled church, in which worshippers - including the Webster family - sang the hymn 'Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven'.
On the Barlows' return home in the second half of the episode, Ken went on to criticise Simon's school for teaching him creationism, before justifying his standpoint, claiming that his grandson "should have another viewpoint to balance the teachings from the church".
However, while talking to Simon about The Big Bang Theory, the ex-school teacher was silenced when Simon questioned whether his late mother Lucy was actually in heaven.
Towards the end of the episode, Ken appeared in The Rovers with Gail's (Helen Worth) father Ted Page (Michael Byrne), where he spoke of Peter "spouting religious clichés about angels and harps" and insisted that "even children should be told the truth".
During the scene, Ken questioned whether Ted was "one of them", meaning a Christian, spurring his intellectual friend to clarify that he found the church "comforting" after the loss of his partner. Ken, however, closed the conversation by saying: "Well of course it's comforting - that's how they get their hooks into you when you're feeling vulnerable."
A Weatherfield spokesman this evening told DS: "Coronation Street is a soap opera set in modern society and therefore represents views from all side of the religious spectrum.
"At the moment, we have a very positive story involving Sophie Webster and her new-found interest in religion, while Emily Bishop has also always been seen as a very positive representation of Christianity."
They added: "Likewise Ken Barlow's different views on religion have always been a strong aspect of his character."
Ironically, during the discussion about creationism in the first half of Sunday's episode, Blanche made a snide, off-the-cuff remark to Ken, asking whether he would prefer Simon to be taught lesbianism as opposed to creationism.
The remark follows last week's report that churchgoing student Sophie Webster (Brooke Vincent) is to embark on a lesbian relationship with best friend Sian Powers (Sacha Parkinson).
In January, Coronation Street execs came under fire after a vicar accused the soap of covering up a brass cross at his church's altar during filming for Molly (Vicky Binns) and Tyrone's (Alan Halsall) wedding for 'fear of causing offence'.
ITV later issued a statement denying that the cross was intentionally obstructed, instead claiming that the religious symbol was moved "so that it was not hidden".
FFS, do some people only watch tv so they can pick on the scripts? What about free speech? Ken was having a private conversation with his family and then Ted, surely he is allowed to air his views, even if viewers disagree with his statement?
CORRIE beauty Samia Smith was devastated last night after her dad died following a battle with cancer.
The 26-year-old actress, who plays downtrodden crimper Maria Connor, has taken time off the ITV1 soap to grieve.
A show insider said: “Samia was close to her dad Joseph and is upset.”
It is the latest tragedy to hit the Corrie cast.
The wife of Ken Barlow star Bill Roache died suddenly in February and Kym Marsh (Michelle Connor) suffered the loss of her new-born premature baby.
Producers have had to juggle filming schedules for Samia because a major storyline has pregnant Maria unwittingly getting closer to husband Liam’s killer Tony Gordon.
Samia said recently she felt drained by her depressing storylines, adding: “It’s been 18 months of solid misery.”
Her real-life mum Patsy, a one-time cabaret star, met French-Lebanese hubby Joseph, an ex-diver, while touring the Middle East.
They ran an off-licence in Salford before separating.
How sad for her
Coronation Street actor Mikey North suffered a broken jaw and required emergency surgery after being attacked during the Easter break.
According to The Mirror, the 22-year-old - who plays Weatherfield's cocky Gary Windass - was assaulted by two attackers as he returned home from a club with his girlfriend and a group of friends in his hometown of Scarborough, North Yorkshire.
Reports suggest that the two thugs provoked North about his Corrie role, before leaving him in a heap on the pavement, covered in blood.
Following the attack, North attended A&E at the local hospital for treatment.
A Coronation Street spokesman said: "There was an incident at the weekend which resulted in Mikey North sustaining facial injuries.
They added: "He was treated in hospital and the matter is now in the hands of the police."
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police commented: "A 19-year-old male has been arrested in connection with the incident. He has been released on bail while police enquiries continue."
:eek: Hope he gets better soon.
HUNKY Rupert Hill is set to shock his army of female fans – by playing a paedophile.
His role as a sick barrister is a world away from Street heart-throb Jamie Baldwin.
Rupert, 30, plays a lawyer called Peter who accidentally sends an email to everyone in his address book – with a child porn picture attached.
The stage play Future Me, showing at Only Connect in London’s King’s Cross until April 26, follows Peter as he becomes close to a girl of 12.
Rupert said: “It is a difficult subject and a lot of people have problems with it.”
He took the part to get rid of the “Jamie Baldwin” tag.
“I would like to be known for other things,” he said.
A female Coronation Street director was injured on set earlier today when a car collided with her.
At around 12.30pm, preparations were underway for filming a scene, which involved a small amount of non-essential background car movement.
However, filming was halted when an action car collided with the unnamed female member of the production team. No cast or other crew members were involved.
She was subsequently taken to Manchester Royal Hospital to be checked by doctors.
A Weatherfield spokeswoman this afternoon said: "We can confirm an accident occurred on the set of Coronation Street today during filming. The accident occurred as the crew were setting up for a scene which involved a small amount of vehicle movement.
"Contrary to press speculation, this accident did not occur during the filming of a stunt. The female director has been injured as a consequence and been taken to hospital. No other member of the crew or cast has been injured."
Producers have since called in ITV's health and safety advisors to investigate the incident.
The spokeswoman added: "ITV's health and safety team on-site in Manchester are currently conducting an investigation into how this accident occurred and are liaising with the Health and Safety Executive."
I read that in the evening news. Ivwonder how it happened. That article even stated it occuredvoutside jack duckworths house. They have as much drama off screen than they do on at the minute corrie.
CORONATION Street stars watched in horror as a runaway car mowed down the director on set yesterday.
Kay Patrick was hit as she set up a scene on the cobbles near the Rovers Return when the car’s accelerator jammed.
Vicky Binns, 26, who plays Molly Compton, fled in tears while Michael Le Vell, 44 — mechanic Kevin Webster — was shaken.
Kay, 68, was last night being treated at Manchester Royal Infirmary for a suspected fractured hip.
Another production staff member was hit and slightly hurt.
The driver was treated at the scene for shock.
Filming on the ITV1 soap was halted for the day at Granada Studios, Manchester.
One fan waiting for autographs outside said: “I heard a really loud bang then screaming.
"Then I saw crew and cast members running across the set. Some were crying. They all looked pretty shocked.”
A Corrie insider said: “The cast and crew are absolutely horrified.
“The car was being driven around when the accelerator pedal jammed. It lurched forward, knocking down Kay. She was in agony and everyone feared the worst. Thankfully she just injured her hip.”
Veteran soap director Kay’s credits include EastEnders, Holby City, Emmerdale, Brookside and Crossroads.
She started out as an actress on classics like Dr Who and Z Cars in the 60s.
Former Coronation Street star Samuel Robertson has joined the cast of Scottish soap River City, it has been announced.
The 23-year-old actor, who played Weatherfield's Adam Barlow from 2004 to 2007, has signed up for the role of art history student Innes Maitland on the BBC One show.
Robertson's character will immediately attract romantic attention from Amber Murdoch (Lorna Anderson) when he hits screens later this year.
Discussing his new role, he revealed: "I'm having an amazing time filming River City. Innes is a very cool, confident character and he's a lot of fun to play."
Meanwhile, TV newcomers Ryan Smith and Lorna Craig have been cast as siblings Charlie and Jennifer Bowie, who share a flat with their fellow student Innes.
River City's executive producer Gaynor Holmes said: "It's wonderfully exciting to welcome a mix of established actors and fresh new talent to River City.
"The arrival of the students will bring a lot of fun to the drama. Samuel will already be recognisable to many of our viewers, and it's a pleasure to also introduce talented newcomers Ryan Smith and Lorna Craig."
The trio will make their first appearances on the programme in June.
CORRIE chiefs have ordered a safety crackdown after an on-set car accident — but staff condemned the new rules as BONKERS.
Cast and crew were horrified when director Kay Patrick was accidentally mowed down on the cobbles near the Rovers — as we revealed on Saturday.
But one insider said of the new ultra-cautious regime: “There will be more health and safety people on set than anyone else.”
Gray O’Brien, 40, today films a scene where factory boss Tony Gordon burns his hand on a kitchen grill. TWO electricians will stand by to ensure the oven is OFF.
Vicky Binns, 26, and Michael Le Vell, 44, will be on location for scenes where their characters Molly Crompton and Kevin Webster run in a race. The stars, who witnessed last Friday’s car drama, have been banned from exercising for more than 30 SECONDS.
Tomorrow other members of the ITV1 soap’s cast will be filmed working out in a gym — with every move supervised by a qualified instructor. And when Molly slaps Kevin on Friday it will be overseen by a professional “fight arranger”.
Under the crackdown all staff and crew are banned from going within 20ft of unsupervised props. One worker at the Manchester studios said: “Some of these rules seem a bit bonkers. You don’t need an electrician to tell you an oven is not hot.” Director Kay, 68, had hospital treatment after the car lurched into her on set.
From The Sun
CORRIE stars fear the show has been cursed by a ghost.
The female spirit is being blamed for a nightmare run of bad luck and accidents.
In the most recent mishap, producer Kay Patrick, 58, was badly hurt on the set when she was hit by a car after its accelerator jammed.
The Manchester studios where the ITV1 soap is made were built on a former cemetery where 22,000 people are buried.
In the past few months, cast members claim to have spotted the woman ghost with long brown hair at several locations on the set. She wore a dark jacket.
It follows previous reported sightings of the ghost of Pat Phoenix, who played Corrie legend Elsie Tanner. She died of lung cancer in 1986 aged 62.
Actress Sue Cleaver, who plays Eileen Grimshaw, said of the new woman ghost: “So many people have seen and felt the same things that there has to be something in it.”
A show insider added: “The curse of Corrie is no joke among everyone involved with the soap. Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald) and Betty Driver (Betty Williams) have recently had to take time off with mystery illnesses.”
Other cast members have been hit by personal tragedies.
The insider added: “Terrible things have happened — and then there’s this sighting of the ghost. It sounds silly, but everyone who’s seen it has given the same description of her. The cast and crew no longer joke about the ghostly rumours.
“They are being treated deadly seriously. It just seems to be one thing after another, so much so that a lot of us are convinced there’s more to it than just bad luck.
“It has to be a curse.”
Para-psychologist Dr Ciaran O’Keefe has investigated the sightings. He reckons the ghost could have risen from the spirits under the set.
Apart from the personal tragedies, there have been other accidents among those working on the show.
The insider said: “So much bad luck just can’t be explained away logically. There are a lot of people convinced that there’s something really spooky going on.
“It’s making everyone think twice about being alone in the studios, especially at night. No one wants to be the last person left in the building.”
The giant cemetery was demolished 30 years before the Granada studios were built on the site.
Even the Street’s creator Tony Warren is convinced that spirits haunt the set. He believes he has seen the ghost of Pat Phoenix.
There was also a further reported sighting of her in 1990 during celebrations to mark the show’s 30th anniversary.
:eek:
I heard that this monring i had no idea that they were built on a cemetary! thats really weird. They arent having much luck recently, off screen anyway.
CORRIE star Kym Marsh has told how she spent the Soap Awards in agony — after having a boob job just days earlier.
Kym, who plays barmaid Michelle Connor, was supposed to rest for a fortnight after going from a 32B to a 32D. But instead she went to Saturday’s London bash to support her Hollyoaks star fiancé Jamie Lomas, who was up for three awards.
A pal said: “Kym was complaining that her boobs were really sore. She was knocking back painkillers to stop the agony.
“They must have been giving her grief because she had to lie on her back in her hotel room with bags of ice on her chest.
Mum-of-two Kym, 32, and Jamie, 29, tragically lost baby Archie in February after the tot was born 18 weeks premature. Friends said she wanted the £4,000 boob op to boost her confidence.
Kym said: “It was something I wanted to have done.
“I’m delighted with the results.”
Coronation Street star Nikki Patel took part in a series of stunts to promote the work of her local fire service this week.
The Bradford-born actress, who plays Amber Kalirai on the ITV1 soap, helped to put out a blaze before being "rescued" from a car wreckage in the staged incidents.
Patel's action-packed day was designed to display the range of skills required by firefighters ahead of the forthcoming West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Awards.
Speaking afterwards, Patel told The Huddersfield Daily Examiner: "The experience was fun and also a real eye opener as it made me realise that firefighters do a lot more than the job title suggests.
"I think the kind of incidents they have to deal with and the training they go through is greatly underestimated."
Yesterday, it was announced that Patel's Weatherfield role will be reduced. The 18-year-old will no longer have an ongoing contract but she is expected to continue making regular appearances on an episodic basis.
Coronation Street star Samia Smith has admitted that she feared telling the show's producers about her pregnancy.
The actress, who plays Maria Connor on the ITV1 soap, confirmed in April that she is expecting her first child with husband Matthew. She was the tenth cast member to announce baby news in the past 18 months.
Smith has now revealed that she feared her bosses would be annoyed about the disruption her personal life would cause to her character's current storyline with killer Tony Gordon (Gray O'Brien).
"I was really scared about telling work because of all the people that have been on maternity leave this past year," Smith told the Daily Star Sunday. "But they were completely fine. We had to speed things up a little with the Maria and Tony story, but the ending's still the same."
The star also revealed that she has developed a craving for doughnuts, commenting: "I can't stop eating them. I'm going to turn into one at this rate."
Smith's happy announcement came just a week after her father Joseph passed away following a battle with cancer.
CORONATION Street stars are fuming after a boss brought in £200 on-the-spot fines for “bad” behaviour.
The cast are said to feel “like factory workers” over a memo of rules from new executive producer Kim Crowther.
They include a studio smoking ban extending to dressing rooms, hitting smokers such as Anne Kirkbride, who plays Deirdre Barlow.
Late stars will be fined, no matter the excuse, while visits from pals and relatives require permission and must last under 30 minutes. Pets have also been banned.
A “silence please” sign has been put in the green room where the cast socialise — while music has been banned.
And new mums such as Jane Danson (Leanne Battersby) have been told to limit bringing in tots.
An insider at the ITV1 soap said: “The cast feel they are being treated like naughty children.
“Some are talking about considering some sort of industrial action that would see them working to rule.”
From The Sun
Ruffed_lemur
18-05-2009, 18:45
How ridiculous. No wonder the cast feel like naughty children!
Chloe O'brien
18-05-2009, 20:00
The producer has got a right grump. I can understand the smoking ban they shouldn't be smoking indoors but baning music and having freinds and family visit that's out of order.
All to do with Health and Safety and claims for compensation - everybody is too scared to be taken to court beause some people have kicked the ar$e out of things to make a quick buck
Happy Birthday today to Betty Driver, who is 89 years young today and one of the best oldies in Corrie. Long may her hotpot cooking last :D
Former Coronation Street star Denise Welch has announced that she is planning to release a tell-all autobiography.
The actress is expected to write candidly about her past battles with alcohol and drugs, which plagued her three-year stint as Natalie Barnes on the ITV1 soap.
Speaking to the News Of The World, Welch confirmed: "I was out of control during Corrie."
A source added: "There will be some Corrie stars quaking in their boots. She took drugs and went on massive binge drinking sessions for years. Some people will be wondering exactly what she is set to reveal."
It is believed that the star will also lift the lid on her past relationships and long-running struggle with clinical depression.
Welch appeared in Coronation Street from 1997 to 2000. She currently stars as French teacher Steph Haydock in BBC drama Waterloo Road and is a regular panellist on ITV1's Loose Women.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2009/05/24/corrie-s-newly-reds-115875-21384302/
Congratulations to Tupele and Mark on their wedding.
Coronation Street star Malcolm Hebden has admitted that he is surprised by the popularity of his alter-ego Norris Cole.
The 69-year-old actor made his debut in the role in 1994 - and the busybody shopkeeper has since become one of Weatherfield's most recognisable characters.
On how he copes with fame, Hebden told the Blackpool Citizen: "I am a private person. I live alone and I quite like it like that. I don't hide away though, and I've been filmed shopping in Sainsbury's on someone's mobile phone once - it was on YouTube.
"You do have to be careful though. I don't go out clubbing at night. For one thing I'm too old, but I don't anyway because when people have had a few drinks their attitude can be slightly different."
He added: "Norris is a very popular character in general though, and he's also very popular with children, which surprises me. I would have thought he'd get on our nerves, but he doesn't."
Norris's current plot sees him constantly clashing with his estranged half-brother Ramsay Clegg (Andrew Sachs), who arrived on the street earlier this month.
"The storyline is starting very slowly and at the moment I'm just being very vile to him, and I remain so until much later on when the true story comes out," Hebden confirmed.
Liz Dawn has revealed that she will be jealous if Bill Tarmey kisses his new Coronation Street love interest.
The 69-year-old actress filmed her final scenes as Vera Duckworth on the ITV1 soap in December 2007 after deciding to quit due to ill health.
Vera's death left Tarmey's alter-ego Jack a widower - but he has recently formed a close bond with fellow pigeon lover Connie Rathbone, played by Rita May.
Speaking on This Morning, Dawn admitted: "Do you know, Jack and Vera never kissed - not once. And when I found out Jack had got another woman, I rang him up and said: 'I hope you don't kiss her'.
"I really miss Bill, but I still feel as if I'm in it because the public talk to me as if I'm in it - but I couldn't go on, the last year I was so unhappy."
Dawn was diagnosed with the lung disease emphysema seven years ago. In an interview earlier this year, she claimed that quitting Weatherfield had saved her life.
On her current projects, the star confirmed: "I am still doing charity work, one is called Breathe Fresh Air and it's about making people aware that they can get something to make them feel better. I'm also an ambassador for The Lung Foundation and for people who are smoking or have chest problems - the obvious thing to say is not to smoke."
Dawn will return to screens tonight with an appearance on ITV1 gameshow All Star Mr and Mrs alongside her partner Don.
Aww, I suppose after working with him, she probably feels she is his wife :lol: Understandable.
Chloe O'brien
30-05-2009, 22:48
I love Norris him and Roy are the two best characters in Corrie.
Coronation Street actress Brooke Vincent has revealed that she has been banned from answering calls at her Saturday job because her voice is "too common".
The 16-year-old, who celebrates her birthday tomorrow, plays church-going student Sophie Webster in the Weatherfield soap but continues to work part-time at the weekend for her local hair salon Scizzor Sisters in Denton, Manchester.
However, her strong Mancunian accent apparently "puts off clients".
Speaking to The Mirror, Vincent said: "My boss says I'm not really allowed to answer the phone because my voice is too common. If I do have to answer it though, I put on a posh accent."
She said of the job: "It's good to have something different to do where I can just be normal."
:eek: Don't know the area but this sounds quite snobbish if she has to put an act on just to answer the phone :(
My nicknames sophie Webster because of my accent, i know the area and it surpruises me as its not that much of a snobby area.
CORRIE icon Bill Roache has vowed he will NEVER retire from the show that made him a star.
The 77-year-old actor has played unlikely ladies’ man Ken Barlow in the ITV soap from the very first episode on December 9, 1960.
And he plans still to be on the cobbles when the cast and crew celebrate the show’s 50th anniversary next year.
In the second part of an exclusive interview with The Sun, Bill says he could never be persuaded to quit The Street, even following the recent death of his beloved wife Sara.
He says: “I never ever considered retiring. While I can do it, while they want me, I’ll be there. They’ll have to carry me out!
“I love The Street, I’m proud of it — and I love everyone dearly.”
Speaking about Sara’s sudden passing in February, he says one of the saddest things is that she was starting to get work as an actress again. She even played the judge in Tracy Barlow’s murder trial.
Bill adds: “Sara and I both knew that I would never retire — but Sara was just getting her career back.
Cheat
“She had auditioned for a summer season at Southwold in Suffolk. We were pretty sure she was going to get that part, so we were going to get a place there for the summer and the kids could come down. But it was not meant to be.”
Sara rested from acting when the couple got married in 1978.
Since her death, Bill has thrown himself into work with barely any time off — and millions have seen Ken cheat on wife Deirdre with the ever-glamorous Stephanie Beacham as Martha Fraser.
So far, lothario Ken has had 24 girlfriends and three wives. Bill says: “It must be coming to an end.
“I’m 77 and Ken’s 67, so I would have thought that Martha was his last fling.”
Ken has even tied the knot with Deirdre, his soulmate played by Anne Kirkbride, twice.
Bill adds: “It was interesting when Ken had this fling. I was told that Deirdre was never going to know. I was glad about that because I didn’t want another one of those blazing rows — although we thoroughly enjoy them. Then I found out she WAS going to know.
“But it just shows that Ken and Deirdre are getting that bit older, because Deirdre simply said, ‘He’s always doing things like that’ — as if it’s just his fantasy world.
“They’ve both been around the block, so I thought that was a good trick of the writers. Ken likes to keep the peace but he always gets it wrong — especially with women.
“Deirdre’s obviously a bit hurt, and Ken gets a bit of earache for a while. But whatever happens, I could never see them splitting up. They’re welded together by their infidelities. They always get back together eventually.”
Anne, 54, recently hinted that she was ready to leave Corrie, saying: “I’m happy to stay in The Street but as I get older I hope to slow down to pursue different interests. I am loath to grow old in Coronation Street.
“I don’t want to grow old working as hard as I am now — out on the cold cobbles for hours on a Monday morning in the middle of winter.”
Bill, who is an MBE, admits he could not imagine Ken without Deirdre, saying: “Anne and I play it so well together. We love it when we argue and I often see a glint in her eye.”
Speaking about their famous on-screen partnership, Bill says: “We get on very well and have always acted well together. Ken and Deirdre just work.
“Because Coronation Street’s on five times a week you can’t maintain a high dramatic standard all the time. Life isn’t like that.
“But at the moment we’re on the crest of a wave. The show needs a producer who loves The Street and realises it’s more than a show.”
When I joke that Ken’s daughter Tracy must be about due for parole over the murder of Charlie Stubbs because of our weak justice system, Bill opens up about his support for the Conservatives.
And he reveals that he would back Tory leader David Cameron to be Prime Minister if there was a General Election tomorrow.
He says: “I am horrified that people who bang someone over the head can be out of prison in 12 months — but you can get 15 years for financial crimes.
“I’m all for reform but the only people who should be in prison are those who commit physical violence. No one else should be there. They should be out making amends.”
Former EastEnders star Brooke Kinsella, 25, has called for national service to be reinstated following the murder of her 16-year-old brother Ben.
And Bill, a former Army captain, says: “It’s a great idea but it’s too expensive, although I’m sure something similar could be found.
“I think instead of putting our kids into detention centres we should bring back very strong discipline in schools.”
The actor has met David Cameron a few times and says: “I look at what I consider to be the best party to govern. The Conservatives believe in less government and more personal freedom.
“Now there’s a huge pack of people employed by the Government, so we have to pay huge taxes in order to pay them. There should be an Election immediately.
“I know Cameron and he’s one of the most beautiful politicians I have ever met, and I mean that in every sense of the word. He doesn’t do things to court popularity, which is happening right now in the Government.
“He’s a family man and he is very intelligent. He understands what ordinary people need and he has that ability to go out and impose that on the country.
“When Obama was sworn in I think we all felt a sense of collective relief. You knew he was a good man — a family man who cares. It’s the same for Cameron.”
Bill and David Cameron have both had to face the tragic death of a young child. Bill and Sara lost their daughter Edwina at 18 months in 1984, while David and Samantha Cameron’s son Ivan — who had epilepsy and cerebral palsy — lost his fight for life in February at the age of six.
Bill has not written a note of sympathy to the Camerons yet.
He says: “I’ve still got letters that people wrote to me about Sara. They came from all over. I knew the Camerons would have them too. I will wait to offer my condolences when I see him.
“People try to say Cameron’s just a toff from Eton — but that doesn’t stop you feeling.”
It sounds like Bill would do a great job in the Cabinet.
The Sun
Former Coronation Street star Samuel Robertson has revealed that the soap's producers scrapped a planned bisexuality plotline for his character.
The 23-year-old actor, who played Weatherfield's Adam Barlow from 2004 to 2007, claimed that the story was abandoned because it was seen as too similar to Todd Grimshaw's (Bruno Langley) long-running sexuality struggles.
Robertson told the Daily Record: "At one point they were going to make Adam bisexual, and I was bang up for that. Playing a guy who was proper bisexual, into guys and girls and as cool as a cucumber with it.
"It would have been great, I was excited about it at the time. But I think they decided it came too soon after Bruno Langley's gay storyline."
The star recently joined the cast of the BBC's Scottish soap River City, playing the role of art history student Innes Maitland.
"I assumed River City had the same impact in Glasgow as Corrie does in Manchester, but then I thought that was a bit presumptuous because Corrie really is massive and River City is comparatively quite small," he explained.
"So I have no idea what it's going to be like. I don't think it's going to be anything like Corrie."
Robertson will make his first appearance in River City next week.
Amanda Holden has revealed that she is still hoping to secure a role in Coronation Street.
The 38-year-old actress first expressed an interest in joining the ITV1 soap in April, admitting that she was keen to stir up trouble for long-running character Rita Sullivan (Barbara Knox).
Speaking at the time, she explained: "I'd love to go into it as some kind of snooty southern bitch. Maybe go and buy The Kabin from under Rita's nose and turn it into a beauty salon or something horrendous that they hate, so they oust me and I go back to London."
Holden has now come up with a second storyline which would see her arriving in Weatherfield as a face from Tony Gordon's (Gray O'Brien) past.
She told the Daily Star Sunday: "I have suggested I become an ex of Tony Gordon. I would have to play someone classy of course, but it's my all-time favourite show."
The Britain's Got Talent judge played a minor character called Carmen on EastEnders in 1994. She later landed long-term roles in Wild At Heart and Cutting It.
I loved her in cutting it
But after seeing her being a judge it would be werid seein ger on corrie
Chris_2k11
08-06-2009, 16:50
Who is she to decide what storyline she gets haha ?
I hope she doesn't join.
Former Coronation Street actress Denise Black has revealed that she'll forever be indebted to the show.
The 51-year-old, who played Weatherfield haidresser Denise Osbourne for four years between 1992 and 1996, admitted that the ITV1 soap launched her career and hopes one day that she will make another return.
Speaking on This Morning, she said: "As far as I'm concerned - I've always said - I was schlepping around in theatre for 10 years before I got Corrie and I'm forever grateful. It gave me a career and I love them to bits.
She briefly reprised her role in May 2007, shortly after Tracy Barlow's trial, for a storyline which saw her character allow old flame Ken Barlow (William Roache) the opportunity to bond with his estranged son, Daniel.
Of a potential comeback, she joked: "The door is still open...and Antony [Cotton] and Craig [Kelly] are in it at the moment, so I've got to go haven't I?!"
Black appeared as Hazel Tyler in Channel 4 drama Queer As Folk alongside current Corrie actors Craig Kelly - who played her screen son Vince Tyler - and Antony Cotton (Alexander Perry).
Coronation Street star Katherine Kelly has split from her boyfriend Oliver Williams.
Kelly, who plays barmaid Becky Granger, ended the relationship after Oliver received acting offers in the Far East and America.
"They were spending too much time apart and it took its toll," a source told The Mirror. "But they both tried very hard to save their relationship.
"It was hard. There were plenty of tears as the weeks went by. Oliver recently got his green card so he can work in America and, coupled with his work in the Far East, they both decided that it was going to be too big a distance.
"They decided to go their separate ways and focus on their careers."
Oliver's film roles include thriller The Thread and upcoming Ving Rhames movie Unshakable.
Kelly met the 29-year-old at the Royal Shakespeare Company five years ago and moved up to Manchester with him after landing the Coronation Street job. He reportedly worked at a pub near Granada Studios when he couldn't find any acting work in Manchester.
Coronation Street's Katy Cavanagh has graduated from the Open University with a 2.1 degree in humanities studies.
The 35-year-old, who stars as Weatherfield knicker stitcher Julie Carp, began her studies eight years ago and finally graduated at a ceremony held at Manchester's Bridgewater Hall on Friday.
Due to family and work commitments, Cavanagh took a leave of absence for two years, before completing the course earlier this year.
Of her graduation, she told DS: "I'm absolutely over the moon. I never thought I'd finish it. It's been a long, long journey with lots of ups and downs. But I got there in the end. I'd like to thank everybody involved and I would recommend the Open University to anybody."
Speaking of her daughter's achievement, Cavanagh's mum Anne Collins said: "She has done very well, having got into RADA and with her TV work, but I am most proud of this because of her focus and concentration."
The actress currently commutes between Corrie's Granada Studios in Manchester and her London home, where she lives with her husband and son.
Hannelene
10-06-2009, 09:18
Amanda Holden has revealed that she is still hoping to secure a role in Coronation Street.
The 38-year-old actress first expressed an interest in joining the ITV1 soap in April, admitting that she was keen to stir up trouble for long-running character Rita Sullivan (Barbara Knox).
Speaking at the time, she explained: "I'd love to go into it as some kind of snooty southern bitch. Maybe go and buy The Kabin from under Rita's nose and turn it into a beauty salon or something horrendous that they hate, so they oust me and I go back to London."
Holden has now come up with a second storyline which would see her arriving in Weatherfield as a face from Tony Gordon's (Gray O'Brien) past.
She told the Daily Star Sunday: "I have suggested I become an ex of Tony Gordon. I would have to play someone classy of course, but it's my all-time favourite show."
The Britain's Got Talent judge played a minor character called Carmen on EastEnders in 1994. She later landed long-term roles in Wild At Heart and Cutting It.
Please don't worry me I love Coronation Street because it has a good calibre of actors - she is not in their league!
Lucy-Jo Hudson has admitted that she feels embarrassed when she watches back her Coronation Street scenes.
The actress, who played Katy Harris from 2002 to 2005, revealed that her high-profile 'Killer Katy' plot - which saw her alter-ego killing dad Tommy (Thomas Craig) in a rage - leaves her particularly red-faced.
Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, she explained: "I die, I absolutely cringe. I was quite poorly when I was doing that storyline, because it was quite heavy and I was living every moment of it, so I looked a state."
She added: "I struggled in Corrie. I loved it, but not the attention. I couldn't leave the house without a cap and shades on. I don't know how to deal with the attention, I get embarrassed. I feel like I've got a bit of my life back now."
Hudson recently tied the knot with her former co-star Alan Halsall (Tyrone Dobbs) in a Cheshire ceremony.
Congratulations to them :cheer: :love:
Hannelene
14-06-2009, 14:55
Congrats to her :) I remember her Martin's teenage girlfriend
tammyy2j
16-06-2009, 13:43
Corrie star Kym Marsh has suddenly got loads more curve appeal - after a £4,000 boob job.
Kym, 33, who plays Weatherfield bookie shop worker Michelle Connor, thought her own front runners were a bad bet after having two children.
Her saggy 34B bust made her feel self-conscious in bikinis and sexy underwear, so she decided to perk up her confidence by going up to a D-cup.
And while she was at it, she also had some fat sucked out of her stomach.
"It's something I always wanted to have done," says Kym, whose natural curves disappeared after having David, 14, and 11-year-old Emily.
"I've been very self-conscious about my breasts for a long, long time. Since having my kids, there was nothing there. After having Emily they disappeared. As my gran would say, I ended up with just the skins they were in!" But it was only after her divorce from ex-EastEnder Jack Ryder and finding love with Hollyoaks hunk Jamie Lomas that she decided to go under the knife.
Kym adds: "I wasn't very confident when I was on holiday, and wearing a bikini was always an issue for me.
And I never felt sexy in bras. Of course, Jamie wasn't bothered, but I wanted to do it for myself. But Jamie loves them."
Kym, who had the op six weeks ago, decided a D-cup was right for her.
"I didn't want to look stupid or like I was trying to be a glamour model," she tells Reveal magazine, out today.
"I just wanted back what I'd lost.
They are still a bit sore but in a few weeks, when they settle down, they'll move like a normal breast should."
As for the liposuction, Kym says: "I was paranoid about the belly I was left with after having my children. I could literally grab my stomach.
"So I thought I might as well get it done and have a completely new body! It really has changed my life. It's made me much more confident."
Kym has had a tough year. In February her son Archie Jay died moments after he was born prematurely. But the tragedy has drawn her and Jamie even closer together.
All she will say of their romance is: "Jamie and I are obviously very, very happy together but we don't want to be rushing into anything.
"We've had a pretty full-on first year together, with one thing and another, so we're trying to take our time now."
Hannelene
16-06-2009, 22:30
What happened to her ex Jack Ryder? she sunk her claws into him when he looked like having a decent careeer and then he disappeared from our screens
FORMER Corrie star Matthew Marsden has told of his transformation from a Weatherfield mechanic to a Hollywood action star — and swapping Sally Webster for Megan Fox.
The 36-year-old played Chris Collins in the ITV1 soap 11 years ago but has now broken Hollywood and landed a starring role in summer blockbuster Transformers 2.
In Corrie, Matthew’s character had an affair with seamstress Sally — played by Sally Whittaker.
And in his latest role his soldier character Graham rescues of one of the world’s sexiest women, Megan, 23.
But Chris insists Weatherfield will always be in his heart — and he’d be happy to return to the cobbled street. Matthew said: “Megan is a really sweet girl and incredibly beautiful. But don’t knock Sally Webster.
“I’m lucky enough to have worked with lots of beautiful women — and Sally Whittaker and Megan Fox are two of them. Sally is a lovely, lovely woman.
In an exclusive interview, Matthew told The Sun about working with Sylvester Stallone, going to church with Arnold Schwarzenegger and playing card game Uno with his pal Robbie Williams.
He said: “Robbie and I didn’t go out partying at all — I think we went out twice. We would play Uno at his house. He loves playing Uno for some reason.
“It’s very difficult for him because he’s a target everywhere he goes. He has to be sceptical of people but he’s a great guy. He’s just a dude from Stoke. If I was in his situation I’d never go out.
“I worked with Sly on Rambo. He was amazing. We got on really well. People don’t realise he is a super-intelligent guy. He works you like a dog. He will push you so far and you don’t say no to Sly.
“And I met Arnie at the church I used to go to in Santa Monica. I went at Easter and it was like a rock concert because everyone turns up.
Dream
“I’m here with Stallone and Arnie and I’m from a council estate in West Brom. It’s incredible.”
Matthew has added one of the year’s biggest movies Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen — which opened in cinemas this weekend — to a growing CV.
It already includes Black Hawk Down, Rambo and Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blue Orchid.
But he has not ruled out a Corrie return. He said: “It was 11 years ago but I’ll always be remembered for it. If there was a good storyline and I could fit it in I would go back for a stint.
Matthew — who dated Dannii Minogue in the 1990s — spends his spare time with wife Nadine and three-year-old son Finn at his LA home. But his first days in Hollywood were different.
He said: “I came here in 2000 and within two weeks I’d got Black Hawk Down. I was going to all these parties.
“At one there were girls in tiny bikinis offering chocolate-dipped strawberries. I was single and was like, ‘This is brilliant’. But I’m a family man now.
“I didn’t enjoy the fame side of being in a soap. People would grab you in bars and pull you away from your friends. It was kind of like a car crash where you don’t really know what is going on.
“But there are so many more recognisable actors here. You’ll go to Starbucks and Tom Hanks will be there. To be in Hollywood is a dream come true.
Hannelene
20-06-2009, 06:41
I don't remember him :(
He was very easy on the eye
Hannelene
20-06-2009, 07:15
:heart:
They don't have good looking men like that anymore on the street?
I don't know about that, even Jack Duckworth got himself a millionaire girlfriend and Norris had Mary swooning all over him and now Molly likes Kevin too much for a newly wed woman :lol:
Hannelene
21-06-2009, 08:37
Kevin looks ok for his age but at the moment Tony Gordon and Luke are the only 'heart throbs' who aren't drawing their pensions just yet!
02ablake
22-06-2009, 13:40
As the latest member of the Corrie baby boom brigade, mum-to-be Samia Smith will not be short of advice.
With many of the cast having recently become parents, the 26-year-old actress has a ready-made one-stop shop for all her pregnancy queries.
However, Samia, whose baby is due in October following 12 months of newborns for the ITV soap now dubbed Conception Street, admits it's not always helpful...
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, she says: "I went to see Jane Danson (Leanne Battersby) the other day and she was telling me all about her birth. She's just had her second little boy.
"And Ali King (Carla Connor) has told me all about little baby Daisy's arrival.
So I've got all the horror stories - which is nice isn't it? I've also been watching a lot of birthing videos which have only managed to scare me. But they do tell me it will all be worth it."
Samia and property developer husband of four years Matt are both ecstatic at the prospect of parenthood.
Yet Samia's pregnancy joy is tinged with grief after her dad Joseph Ghadie lost his battle with cancer in April at the age of just 59.
Although devastated by the loss of her father, Samia says she's at least thankful that she and husband Matt had the chance to let him know he was going to be a grandad before he passed away.
She says: "We did get to tell my dad about the baby before he died. So that was a comfort, knowing that he knew."
Naturally petite, it's only in the last week that her baby bump has started to emerge with a vengeance. She says: "Up until a couple of days ago you couldn't really tell I was pregnant. I just looked like I'd eaten a huge bowl of pasta!
But almost overnight it's got really big and you can definitely tell I'm pregnant. It's a real baby bump now.
"I'm really excited. I love coming home and spending time with my husband. Normally I'd pour myself a glass of wine in the evening, but I'm on the non-alcoholic stuff for now."
Samia can not only count on fellow cast members for advice on childbirth, she will also shortly be seen acting it out on screen.
Over the last few months viewers have watched pregnant Maria struggle to cope with the double bombshell of her husband's death followed by the revelation that he was cheating on her with her sister-in-law Carla.
She has been leaning on Carla's killer husband Tony for support and the two of them have fallen in love, without even realising it, despite the fact Maria was accusing him of Liam's murder at Christmas.
Samia says: "When I first found out what the writers had planned for us it was a huge shock.
"Maria absolutely despised him so I had no idea how they were to get the two of them to go from that level of hatred to actually falling in love. It's been no mean feat but it's been a slow burner and I think people can see how it's happened.
"Maria is preparing for life as a single mum, a position she never dreamed she'd find herself in. Tony has been this strong male figure in her life.
"They've both had their hearts broken because of what happened between Carla and Liam and that has given them a common bond.
"I think it's been a natural progression ever since Maria stopped believing that Tony was behind the hit and run. They're falling in love but neither of them wants to admit it."
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The plot reaches a crescendo when Maria goes into labour unexpectedly on the beach and Tony has to deliver the baby.
Luckily she was able to call on her personal reallife midwife for some guidance on set.
She says: "It was all a bit mad. I had my own midwife Gemma there which was nice for me. I thought it might as well be her and, to be honest, I feel a bit more prepared now than I was before!
"It's been weird wearing the fake bump for so long, finally taking it off and all of a sudden my real bump has sprung out."
Some of the scenes have been very emotional but her playful friendship with Gray O'Brien, who plays Tony, has made filming less intense. "He's just as evil off screen as well!" she says.
"No, I'm only joking. He's a loony and we get on very well. He's such a fantastic character to have in the show.
"He can switch that look on in an instant. We were lining up the other day to do some cast photos and one minute he was laughing and joking and the next he was doing the death stare.
Maternity "I actually asked him if he was about to kill me." Samia goes on maternity leave in September but will be on screens until November, bowing out with a secret storyline which is, she says, "all very cloak and dagger".
However, Maria will be back. After nine years on the famous cobbles, Samia's not ready to turn her back on her second home just yet.
She says: "I've been there all my adult life and it's been brilliant. I look back on old photos from that time and it feels like another person.
"In a way I suppose it is. I've grown up with Maria and it feels lovely seeing the character through her teens and turning into a woman.
"I've got some great friends on the Street and Tina O'Brien (Sarah Platt) pops in with her baby Scarlett now and again so she's still around."
Samia might soon have her hands full with the new baby, but in between feeding and changing, she will make sure she keeps up to date with the goings-on in Weatherfield.
She says: "At the moment I love watching Craig Gazey who plays Graeme Proctor. I think he's been a breath of fresh air for the show, a great addition and absolutely hilarious.
"And Blanche is a huge favourite of mine. Corrie is loved for its comedy just as much as its drama and Blanche has some classic lines."
Maternity leave could prove to be a welcome break from the gruelling hours on the Corrie set.
She says: "It's exhausting and I go home tired every day. It's 12 hours a day and Maria's cried a lot of tears recently which is draining.
"But I wouldn't change it. I don't play a horrible, nasty character and so the majority of people who come up to me in the street are lovely."
And the dream future for Maria? Samia knows exactly what she'd like to see happen. "I think it would be lovely if she got back together with Tyrone," she says.
"And who knows, once he finds out what Molly's been up to with Kevin, it could happen. Maybe."
http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2009/06/22/exclusive-coronation-street-s-samia-smith-on-her-baby-joy-and-sadness-on-losing-her-father-115875-21461137/
CORRIE star Michael Le Vell yesterday told how he cheated death in the horror car crash on the soap set.
Speaking for the first time since the accident, the actor said he feared for his life as a TV car hurtled towards him and the show’s director Kay Patrick.
The star, 44, who plays grease monkey Kevin Webster, said: “Someone could have been killed that day. It just clipped my hip and threw me out the way. But Kay had her back to the car and was directing people. putting them in position.
Real drama ... ambulance on set after smash
Real drama ... ambulance on set after smash
“The throttle was stuck on. It hit her full pelt. She went across the bonnet and then it went across the street and into water on the set.
“I swear, we all thought she was dead.”
He added: “It was like ‘This can’t happen. We are on Coronation Street — we are supposed to be wrapped in cotton wool’. Kay later sent me a message, saying another minute later and I would have had my back to the car.”
In the crash last month, a Ford Mondeo being used in a scene roared out of control after the accelerator stuck and hurtled towards Michael and Kay, 58.
It threw Kay over the bonnet, but doctors have told her she should make a full recovery.
Michael said: “Fortunately she is OK now. She has had a plate put in her shoulder, her leg is still bad and she is going to be off work for a long, long time.”
ITV bosses are probing the freak crash.
Former Coronation Street star Suranne Jones has split from long-term partner Lorenzo Giove.
The actress, who played Karen McDonald in the Weatherfield soap, said that she was "very sad and upset" following the break-up.
She told the Sunday Mirror: "There is no-one else involved, but unfortunately the relationship has just run its course. It just wasn't meant to be. Deciding to end a relationship is never easy but we both felt this was for the best."
Jones is now living by herself after plumber Giove moved out of their Manchester home. The couple started dating in 2006 and were reportedly planning to wed.
She quit the soap in 2004, and currently stars in ITV1's Unforgiven.
And Coronation Street actress Vicky Binns has broken up with her boyfriend, reports say.
The couple split following a 10-month relationship after meeting at the birthday party of Binns's co-star Kim Ryder. Her ex-partner was known only as Chris.
"Vicky really thought he was one. She kept him under wraps and only brought him out a few times on nights out with the cast. They were always holding hands and gazing into each other's eyes," a source told the News Of The World.
Binns recently revealed her excitement over her character Molly Dobbs's upcoming affair storyline, which begins tomorrow night on the ITV1 soap.
Seems they are not very lucky in love, as Corrie characters and in real life :(
CORRIE fave Michael Le Vell is feeling the pressure - to bring back his character's moustache.
He sported a bushy 'tache when he joined the ITV soap as Kevin Webster 26 years ago.
But fans keep pestering him to grow the Webster whiskers once again.
He said: "I might give it a go for a few episodes, maybe for next year's 50th anniversary."
It suited him then, but now? I am not so sure, would have to see it first. :lol:
Hannelene
04-07-2009, 12:04
No please!I am just trying to get my head around him and Molly!
From: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a163446/haworth-corrie-is-my-second-home.html
Julia Haworth has revealed that she regards Coronation Street as her "second home".
The 29-year-old actress, who plays Claire Peacock, insisted that she does not expect the novelty of being part of the iconic soap to ever wear off.
Haworth told Metro: "It was very strange walking down the cobbles, but very quickly you don't take it for granted - I still walk into the Rovers and smile even to this day."
She added: "It does become your second home really. You walk down the street as if it's a real street.
"When you have the privilege to take people round - you know, people that have bidded in charity auctions for it whatever - there's a real feeling of pride when you take people round and you can explain to them why the street's so small."
Haworth joined Coronation Street in 2003 and her alter-ego has since featured in a number of dramatic plotlines, including post-natal depression and child kidnapping stories.
She commented: "I was 23 when I started, and I'd been watching it on the television for 20-odd years. It's a brilliant place to work, and I think if you asked anyone here they'd say exactly the same."
Looking forward to her having a big storyline again :)
Hannelene
04-07-2009, 19:17
I am not looking forward to it all
Why must she always go off the deep end?
Can't she have happiness for once!
She does have happiness afterwards :)
Hannelene
04-07-2009, 21:16
I hope so as her nutty antics are becoming run of mill like something out of Eastenders where the characters revert to their past behaviour they need to move things on a little
From The Sun
CORRIE actor Simon Gregson rushed to hospital yesterday after his fiancee went into labour eight weeks early.
Corrie bosses wrote him out of scenes so he could stay with Emma Gleaves.
Hope everything will be ok for them.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/2522774/Corries-Simon-in-baby-fear.html
NOSY-PARKER Norris Cole's dreams come true in a new Corrie ad - which sees him spy on all his neighbours.
The busybody is armed with all manner of James Bond-style gadgets to poke his nose into what the Street's residents are getting up to.
The clip - which promotes ITV's Coronation Street website - shows Norris taking delight in catching David hassling Tina and Maria getting friendly with Tony.
Steve, Becky, Eileen and Lloyd are among the snoop's other victims.
The trailer hits screens on July 15
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/2524283/Norris-becomes-James-Bond-in-Coronation-Street.html
:lol:
Hannelene
11-07-2009, 12:21
Only Norris could do this!
Coronation Street actor Simon Gregson became a father for the second time at the weekend.
The 34-year-old's fiancée Emma Gleave gave birth to a baby boy around two months early in the late stages of Sunday afternoon.
Last week, it was reported that Gregson rushed to hospital to be by his partner's side as she unexpectedly went into premature labour.
The pair already have a 22-month old son called Alfie.
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/a165133/corries-simon-gregson-becomes-father-again.html
Congratulations to them :cheer:
Ex-Coronation Street actor Matthew Crompton is to make a guest appearance on Doctors.
The 37-year-old, who played bookie Dan Mason for almost a year before being axed, will take on the role of an infertile husband called Leo Richards.
Acting strangely around her husband, Brigit (Jane Slavin) slopes off to work, claiming that she has to be in early for retraining. After leaving work early, she heads to The Mill, where Zara (Elisabeth Dermot Walsh) confirms that she is eight weeks pregnant.
When Leo later discovers Brigit's news, he races to The Mill and demands to know who the father is as he is infertile.
As the truth about Brigit's one-night stand in Milan is revealed, the couple are faced with a tough choice over whether to have a termination or have the baby together.
Crompton's episode, titled 'In the Cold Hard Light of Day', will air on Friday, August 21 at 1.45pm on BBC One.
Last week, it was announced that former Coronation Street actor Ian Reddington (Vernon Tomlin) is to make a guest appearance at the beginning of October.
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a165354/another-ex-corrie-actor-for-doctors-role.html
Coronation Street star Anne Kirkbride has been caught up in a bushfire incident in southern Spain.
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/a167263/veteran-corrie-actress-flees-bushfires.html
That is not too far from where I have my apartment, hope it does not spread further :(
Coronation Street star Kym Marsh has put her home on the market because she wants to be nearer to the show's set, according to a report.
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a167357/kym-marsh-quits-home-for-corrie.html
Coronation Street actor Craig Gazey has revealed that he is being stalked by an obsessive female fan.
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a167373/corrie-star-gazey-im-being-stalked.html
FORMER Corrie star Suranne Jones is turning detective for a new BBC1 police drama.
Suranne was feisty wife Karen McDonald in the Street for four years until she left in 2004.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/2562213/Coronation-Streets-Karen-is-a-fair-cop.html
Former EastEnders actress Michelle Collins has admitted that she would not rule out another stint in soap.
The 46-year-old, who starred as Cindy Beale on and off for ten years between 1988 and 1998, joked that she could return to the Walford soap from beyond the grave or would quite happily appear on rival ITV soap Coronation Street.
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a168319/michelle-collins-would-do-soap-again.html
Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan has dumped her boyfriend following rows over her soap plots, according to a report.
The actress lost patience with lover Danny Scott after he expressed frustration over the saucy antics of her Weatherfield character Rosie Webster, the News Of The World claims.
Flanagan was spotted celebrating her 19th birthday with a female friend in Manchester on Friday in the aftermath of the break-up.
A source revealed: "Danny wasn't happy about Helen posing in her knickers and there were a few rows.
"She wanted to go out more and loves the attention, but he liked cosy nights in and wanted to settle down. There was too much pressure on them. Helen's a young girl and wants to party."
A Coronation Street spokesman confirmed: "They have split but remain friends."
Flanagan started dating Scott in 2008 and later credited (http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/a131319/corrie-star-credits-new-man-for-confidence.html) him for boosting her confidence. Less than two months ago, she revealed (http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/a159921/flanagan-opens-up-over-crazy-romance.html) that she had shocked her mother by moving in with the 22-year-old builder.
Hannelene
09-08-2009, 23:17
I read this and I couldn't believe it I guess thats young love gone wrong
Coronation Street star Samia Smith has been questioned by police after discovering a dead body.
The pregnant actress was visiting family in Sale, Greater Manchester with her husband Matthew yesterday when she found a man's corpse in the back of a van, The Sun reports.
It is believed that the vehicle caught the 27-year-old's attention when she heard a dog barking inside. She then made the gruesome discovery after staring through its back window.
Smith, known for her role as Maria Connor on the ITV1 soap, immediately phoned police, who closed the road and sealed off the van after arriving on the scene. Vets later arrived to deal with a Staffordshire bull terrier dog which was also found inside.
One neighbour commented: "[The van] has been parked here since Friday and the dog's barking was very loud and went on for quite a while. We have never seen the van before and don't know who owns it but it is very sad."
A Coronation Street spokesperson confirmed that Smith had reported the discovery of a body and was later questioned as part of routine procedure.
Meanwhile, police announced that they are following "several lines of inquiry" as they investigate the death of a 26-year-old man, believed to be from the Northern Moor area of nearby Wythenshawe.
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/a176152/corrie-actress-discovers-body-in-street.html
:eek:
CORRIE'S Malcolm Hebden said the storyline involving his long-lost brother was one of his toughest yet - because it mirrors his real life.
The actor, 69, who plays Norris Cole, also has a half-brother who he fell out with.
He said: "There are close parallels in my own life.
"I do have a half-brother in Australia.
"We fell out years ago over my mother.
"But once she died, he wrote to me and we put it back together."
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/2617834/Norris-Coles-brother-story-like-real-life.html
I am glad that in real life he made up with his half-brother :thumbsup:
ONE thousand elderly Coronation Street viewers are dying each WEEK, startling figures have revealed.
Around a third of Corrie's ten million-strong audience - 31.5 percent - are over 65, with many of them in their 70s and 80s.
Telly number crunchers used these figures together with Government death data to work out how many viewers the ITV soap loses to the Grim Reaper each week.
New numbers from the National Office of Statistics reveal that last year the over-65s were up to 160 times more likely to die than anyone else.
Using a complex calculation, researchers have revealed that this would see at least 50,000 of Corrie's OAP audience dying each year.
It is believed the series has the oldest viewership of any soap on air.
A telly insider said: "Corrie is a massive hit among Britain's older generation, many of whom have watched it since it began nearly 50 years ago.
"Interestingly, the figures also show half of its viewers are over 55 as well, so it just goes to show how old the audience is.
"It's a credit to Corrie that it can keep on entertaining people right up until their dying days.
"How many shows can say they do that?"
Corrie is certainly one of the most OAP-friendly soaps on-screen, with several popular characters of advanced years.
Bill Roache, who plays Ken Barlow, is 77 - and has been on the Weatherfield drama since the very first episode aired in December 1960.
Meanwhile Maggie Jones - who plays Blanche Hunt - is 75 and Bill Tarmey, the cobbles' Jack Duckworth, is 68.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/2643065/1000-old-Coronation-Street-fans-die-each-week.html
:eek:
tammyy2j
24-09-2009, 11:51
Former Coronation Street stars Rupert Hill and Jenny Platt have announced that they are expecting a baby together.
Hill, who played Jamie Baldwin on the ITV1 soap, used his Twitter page to share the happy news with fans, The Sun reports.
The 31-year-old posted a hospital scan of the unborn child on the social networking website. He then commented: "Looks like I'm to be a dad."
After receiving messages of congratulations, Hill added: "Thanks for well wishes buddies."
The actor met 29-year-old Platt (Violet Wilson) on the set of the Weatherfield-based drama in 2004. Their characters were last seen on the Street in March 2008 as they decided to elope with Sean Tully's baby in the climax to a surrogacy plot.
Coronation Street star Kym Marsh has admitted that her character's recent bath scene impressed her son's friends.
The actress's alter ego Michelle Connor got the shock of her life last month as builder Jake Harman (Kenny Doughty) interrupted her bathtime by falling through a window at her home.
Marsh, who is mother to 14-year-old David and 11-year-old Emily, told PA: "It's quite funny - my son does get quite a few boys going up to him at school saying things like, 'I saw your mum the other night in the bath'."
After confirming that she wore a stick-on bra and flesh-coloured knickers for the scene, the 33-year-old added: "[My kids] thought it was really funny. They knew how I'd filmed it, I'd explained it properly to them.
"My son rang me and said, 'That's really funny mum'. They really get it and appreciate it. To them, I'm just their mum so it's no biggie. But people go up to them at school and say, 'Your mum's fit'."
Marsh recently announced that she had rekindled her romance with ex-Hollyoaks star Jamie Lomas.
Craig Gazey has signed a year's contract with Corrie which will see him on the street until March 2011.
Craig, who plays likeable but eccentric window cleaner Graeme Proctor, is a particular favourite at the moment among viewers, and Corrieblog readers, so the fact that he's stucking around for a little while longer is welcome news indeed.
He's also rumoured to be finiding love in his life at last - though I don't think that will be Rosie Webster somehow. Sorry Graeme.
Alan, already posted :)
http://www.soapboards.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?104959-Craig-Gazey-extends-Corrie-contract
I never though of it being posted as a spoiler. After all its only a bit of news and more suited to this thread.
Coronation Street's Les Battersby back on TV
He left Coronation Street in splendidly dramatic fashion after his drunken off screen antics, including allegedly racist comments and verbal attacks on his co-stars.
But now Bruce Jones, who played the larger than life ne'er do well Les Battersby is back on the small screen.
Sadly not on Coronation Street (I doubt they'd have him back). But in a comedy spoof of The X Factor called That Band. In it, he plays manager of boyband Ovedrive, trying to keep them on the straight and narrow and steering them clear of bad behaviour. How ironic!
It will be Bruce's first appearance on TV since leaving Coronation Street in 2007. Overdrive, which has been described as a cross between Phoenix Nights and Skins, is expected to air on either E4 or Sky soon.
CORRIE babe Helen Flanagan said she gets really hurt when people shout abuse at her in the street, assuming she's like her feisty character.
The brunette, who plays tearaway Rosie Webster in the ITV1 soap, moaned that members of the public have no idea that she is very sensitive off screen.
She told a newspaper: "People can say really nasty things to me when I'm out and call me really nasty names.
"If somebody said something mean to Rosie, she would snap back with a really good answer, but I'm not like that. I just think, 'Why are they being mean to me?'"
And the star - known for her glam and racy outfits when out on the town in Manchester - said she is not a big party animal.
She complained: "It might look like I go out clubbing all the time, but I don't.
"I am not trying to say I am an angel, because I am not. But I do like to be nice to people and I have morals."
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/2869048/Helen-Flanagan-moans-she-gets-abuse.html#ixzz0gb6m3nxL
Katherine Kelly has revealed that her new short hairstyle will fit in with her Coronation Street character's forthcoming adoption storyline.
The actress, who plays Weatherfield hellraiser Becky McDonald, got rid of her long locks last month and recently showed off her new look at the Royal Television Society awards.
Speaking to Holy Soap about her image change, Kelly explained: "It was kind of a decision that was forced upon us. My hair is naturally almost black - I'm typical Irish colouring, with green eyes, almost black hair and pale skin.
"I was blonde for a job for two years before I got Corrie and have been here for four years so that's six years of bleaching my hair.
"It was slowly getting thinner and thinner so we packed it out with extensions to keep it thick, but my hairdresser said I couldn't keep putting in extensions indefinitely."
To explain the change, viewers will soon see Becky visiting Audrey's salon as part of an image overhaul she plots after deciding that she wants to adopt a child.
Kelly confirmed: "With the adoption storyline, she borrows Claire Peacock's clothes for a while because she wants to look good for the social worker coming round. We thought it was a good opportunity for her to have a slight image change.
"I love Becky with long hair and if it could have been possible I'd have kept her with long blonde hair forever but sometimes nature and practicalities take over!"
Coronation Street star Vicky Entwistle has revealed that she would like Janice Battersby to rediscover some of her troublesome old ways.
The actress admitted that she relished scenes which depicted her character as a "nightmare" to be around when the Battersby clan first joined Weatherfield in 1997.
She told Inside Soap: "We assaulted other characters during our first week on set - it was fabulous. I'd love to be the nightmare neighbour again."
Entwistle added that she would also love to see the return of Les (Bruce Jones) and Toyah (Georgia Taylor) Battersby if screen daughter Leanne marries Peter Barlow as reported last month.
She explained: "If rumours in the press about a possible wedding for Peter and Leanne are to be believed, I'd love Bruce to come back so Les can give her away.
"Georgia's doing so well in Casualty, so I'm not sure she'd be able to commit to Corrie long-term. But it would be great for the Battersbys to be reunited for one episode."
Chloe O'brien
03-04-2010, 02:29
Georgia would be mad to turn her back on casualty to save Janices bacon. Bruce (Les) on the other hand would jump at the chance to return as Les Battersby but the public don't want him.
I would not mind Les Battersby to come back :)
FURIOUS Corrie stars demanded a meeting with bosses over rumours that Jordan's hubby Alex Reid was to join the cast.
An internet article saying the cage-fighter would soon be on the cobbles was pinned to a notice board at the ITV studios.
Senior actors were horrified, saying he would devalue the soap's tradition. But they calmed down when they were told it was just a prank. An insider said: "They all went potty, but everyone saw the funny side in the end."
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/2931108/Tracy-Barlow-is-beaten-up-in-jail-for-framing-Gail-McIntyre.html#ixzz0l2OYRa5c
CURLY Watts fans had hopes of his Weatherfield return raised yesterday when actor Kevin Kennedy was spotted on set.
Kevin, 48, who played popular Curly until 2003, has been rumoured to be taking part in the soap's 50th birthday episodes this year.
Sadly, insiders said he was simply at the Manchester studios to pick up tickets from a pal.
ITV bosses say there are no plans for Curly to make a comeback. But it's thought Kevin may speak on a tribute show.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/2931180/Curly-Watts-actor-Kevin-Kennedy-spotted-on-Coronation-Street-set.html#ixzz0l3akpwdx
Coronation Street cleared over arson plot
Alex Diaz - Manchester Evening News
APRIL 14, 2010
Coronation Street has been cleared of inciting crime after an arson plot sparked a flurry of complaints.
Television watchdog Ofcom found the ITV soap not in breach of broadcasting regulations after an episode depicted loan shark Rick Neelan (Greg Wood) setting fire to Tina MacIntyre's flat.
The contentious episode featured bad boy Neelan attacking Tina (Michelle Keegan) and then-boyfriend Jason Grimshaw (Ryan Thomas) over an outstanding debt.
In the on-screen drama, Rick set fire to a newspaper and put it through Tina's letterbox.
Ofcom received 32 complaints after the episode was broadcast.
Of these, 31 claimed that Corrie had incited and encouraged crime, while one complained about its portrayal of dangerous behaviour.
By finding the programme not in breach of regulations, Ofcom deemed that the episode was 'not likely to encourage or incite the commission of crime or lead to disorder'.
It is not the first time that the long-running soap has faced complaints over violent scenes in recent years.
In September 2008 some fans were upset by a scene showing girl-on-girl gang violence, involving undercover police officers Mel Morton (Emma Edmondson) and Abi Sharpe (Rachael Elizabeth).
Ofcom also rejected 77 complaints about a debate on GMTV about breastfeeding older children, aired on January 28.
How Pathetic!
FGS, Tina and Jason did not come to any harm and a loan shark would use those tactics to get his money, that is not inticing anybody, surely :confused: And police officers do sometimes get hurt in fights, also true to life, the same as is breast feeding
as one guy commented under the article, if these people dont like seeing violence then they mustnt watch the news. thats exactly what i thought, when i read the headline i culdnt think to what storyline it was referring to.
Coronation Street star Brooke Vincent has exchanged phone numbers with Manchester City footballer Adam Johnson, according to a report.
The actress, who plays Weatherfield teen Sophie Webster, was apparently impressed by Johnson when she met him at Fashion Kicks 2010 on Tuesday night.
Johnson and a group of his team-mates modelled clothes at the Manchester charity event, while Vincent watched on from the audience.
A source told The Sun: "Brooke was impressed with the midfielder's cheeky stint on the catwalk."
The insider added: "Brooke got chatting with Adam afterwards and they swapped numbers. He charmed the pants off her. There are definitely legs in this."
Vincent's Weatherfield co-stars Sacha Parkinson (Sian Powers), Kym Marsh (Michelle Connor) and Craig Gazey (Graeme Proctor) were also in attendance at the show.
Coronation Street star Bill Roache has revealed that he would like Ken Barlow to get more girlfriends in future storylines.
In an interview with The Mirror, the actor confirmed that he wants producers to continue spicing up his alter ego's love life rather than having him stay faithful to wife Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride).
Last year, Ken cheated on Deirdre by beginning a secret relationship with fellow arts enthusiast Martha Fraser, who was played by Stephanie Beacham.
Discussing his hopes for Ken's future, Roache admitted: "A few more gorgeous girlfriends would be lovely."
He continued: "I thought it was great last year having a girlfriend, especially at my age. A few more would be great. I've lost count of romances I've had in the show, not to mention the four weddings.
"The lovely Joanna Lumley being one of my girlfriends was a particular highlight. Not a bad life, is it?"
Ken Barlow is the only remaining character from Coronation Street's launch in 1960, meaning that Roache celebrates five decades in the role later this year.
Coronation Street star Beverley Callard has revealed that she has suffered memory loss due to the electro-convulsive therapy she underwent last year.
The actress, who plays Weatherfield favourite Liz McDonald, used ECT as a "last resort" as she battled depression and now credits the sessions for 'saving' her.
Callard spoke about the treatment on GMTV this morning following recent media attention surrounding her experience.
Asked if she had suffered memory loss, she replied: "Yes I have, I still have a little bit. I can't read a novel yet but I can learn my lines, which is weird really."
She continued: "I'm beginning to listen to myself a bit more. I've got to try and be kinder to myself and that's quite hard. But I'm getting there. I'm not 100% better but I'm getting there. I'm on the climb back up again now."
Callard's new autobiography Unbroken sees her discuss the full extent of her personal problems.
Of her decision to speak out, she said: "I did think maybe I won't ever talk about this. It evolved because I started going to therapy sessions. I never thought things like that would help me but it did. The book came out of that really."
My respect for Beverly Callard has gone right up because she's being so open about her mental health problems.
Liz Dawn is returning to TV after leaving her role as Vera Duckworth on Coronation Street, who she played for 34 years.
According to The Mirror, the former soap star is to be making an appearance in a £10m campaign for Ambrosia Custard and its parent company Premier Foods.
Oxo mum Lynda Bellingham is also coming out of retirement to back the stock cubes and the two are joined by sports presenter Kirsty Gallacher to promote Loyd Grossman sauces.
The signings are part of Premier’s Great Little Ideas series to encourage people to cook at home.
Alrady posted :) http://www.soapboards.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?108591-Corrie-stars-ordered-to-behave
Coronation Street star Alan Halsall has admitted that he does not receive much attention from the soap's female viewers.
The 27-year-old, who plays Weatherfield mechanic Tyrone Dobbs, revealed that most of his fans are older women with maternal instincts.
Speaking to The Mirror, Halsall confirmed: "I don't really get chatted up. Instead, I get old grandmas who just want to mother me and take me home. And because Tyrone is always eating, they all say, 'Come to my house, I'll cook for you'."
The actor added that he is sometimes approached by girls on nights out, but only because they want to meet his co-star Ryan Thomas, who plays builder Jason Grimshaw.
He explained: "Girls generally come up and say, 'Is Jason coming?' I think most girls would like to have Tyrone as a friend rather than a husband or boyfriend. But I'm happy with that."
While Tyrone has love cheat Molly Dobbs (Vicky Binns) as his wife, Halsall is happily married to his former show colleague Lucy-Jo Hudson, who portrayed killer Katy Harris.
"I was ecstatic to be involved in a Corrie wedding, but absolutely nothing compares to the day I got married for real," he said. "It was by far the best day of my life and I can't imagine what else would beat it."
Coronation Street actor Jack P. Shepherd has admitted that he finds parenthood easy.
The 22-year-old, who plays Weatherfield bad boy David Platt, welcomed his first child Nyla Rae with girlfriend Lauren Shippey in February 2009.
Discussing his experiences as a father in an interview with The People, Shepherd commented: "I love being a dad and I can't imagine life without Nyla. She recognises me on TV now, which is nice. We show her Coronation Street every now and then and say, 'Look, it's Daddy,' and she smiles and laughs.
"I love her to pieces, although I don't think fatherhood has changed me. Okay, I was young having her at 21 and she wasn't planned, but I've been in an adult environment since I was 10 and had to grow up fast.
"And to be honest I've found it an absolute doddle. She's such an easy and smiley baby. She goes to sleep when we say, gets up when we say and eats all her dinner."
He continued: "Ideally I'd like two more children, but I don't think I'd want to get married until I've finished my family. It's the way I was brought up - I was at my parents' wedding when I was five and remember telling my dad it was the best day of my life. So I've always felt I'd like all my children to be at my wedding."
Shepherd recently confirmed that he is hoping for a long future with Coronation Street.
Coronation Street star Shobna Gulati has revealed that she would like the soap to start airing live episodes again.
The actress, who plays Weatherfield's Sunita Alahan, learned to cope with the pressure of live performances when she appeared in a number of theatre productions after leaving the show in 2005.
Gulati has now returned to the cobbles and is keen to put her new skills to good use.
Speaking on Loose Women, she explained: "The one thing I wish Coronation Street was is that I want it to be live. I would enjoy it a whole heap more, I think."
Many of Coronation Street's early episodes were broadcast live and the serial also celebrated its 40th anniversary by transmitting direct from its Manchester studios in 2000.
Earlier this month, show veteran Bill Roache (Ken Barlow) ruled out a live episode for Corrie's 50th birthday.
Bev Callard has claimed that her Coronation Street alter ego Liz McDonald will always go for younger men.
The 53-year-old actress also revealed that the Rovers barmaid will find romance later in the year.
She told PA: "I don't think Liz would ever go for a much older man. Ever. No, I think Liz is rapidly on the way to becoming a cougar!
"I have been told that she has a new relationship, but I think it takes quite a while to work out. I believe it's really quite dramatic, because it's going to get to its peak in December, for Coronation Street's birthday - the 50th. Half a century, my God!"
Callard added: "I only found out the name of Liz's new man about four days ago. Apparently he's called Owen, but we haven't even worked together yet."
"I hope it's going to be good. But I also hope they bring Charlie Lawson back as well, Liz and Jim have got that great... they've been married twice - to each other."
ITV soap Coronation Street will next month receive a special BAFTA award honouring the hard work of the serial's crew.
The show's production team will pick up the prize at the British Academy Television Craft Awards on May 23, Broadcast reports.
The gong will mark the Weatherfield drama's 50th anniversary, recognising the contributions made by every person who has worked as part of the programme's behind-the-scenes team over the past five decades.
Speaking of the accolade, the soap's executive producer Kieran Roberts commented: "The wonderful actors in the early episodes of Coronation Street rightly became celebrated, but behind the cameras there were many other stars in the birth of British television's most successful drama serial - creator Tony Warren, of course, and the writers who followed him.
"50 years on, Coronation Street is still brought to life and to screen by a huge team of dedicated and highly talented people behind the camera.
"We're delighted that the special award at this year's British Academy Television Craft Awards recognises the extraordinary contribution to British television made by the entire Coronation Street team, not just this year but in every single year across five decades."
The British Academy Television Craft Awards will be held in London and are to be presented by The One Show's Christine Bleakley.
Kate Ford has revealed that she decided to go back to Coronation Street in order to reunite with co-star Shobna Gulati.
The 32-year-old actress, who plays the murderous Tracy Barlow, said that working with her former best friend had been a big influence on her decision to return.
Gulati - who played Dev Alahan's wife Sunita until 2006 - also reprised her role in the serial last year.
Ford told TV Times: "Part of the pull of my going back was to be with Shobna. She used to pop in to see me when she was in London with her son, but we hadn't seen each other for a while."
She added: "Because I was there for so long and formed such strong bonds, it's like being reunited with good friends - you don't see them for a while but when you meet them again you just slip back into it."
SNAP http://www.soapboards.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?106842-Tracey-frames-Gail-for-murder&p=715203#post715203
Great minds think alike?????? :lol:
LalaGaga
27-04-2010, 20:17
Is it just me or is there a episode on this Sunday again?
Why are there episodes on Sundays now?
Yeah, they started to show an episode on Sundays again, I forget a lot, not used to it anymore. Don't really know why :searchme:
Coronation Street writer Jonathan Harvey has revealed that his new play Canary was inspired by criticism of the soap's first ever gay storyline.
Harvey developed the Weatherfield drama's memorable 2003 plot which saw Todd Grimshaw (Bruno Langley) slowly coming to the realisation that he was gay. He also went on to devise storylines for the show's other main homosexual character, Sean Tully (Antony Cotton).
Coronation Street provoked a mixed response when Todd was seen kissing his girlfriend's brother Nick Tilsley seven years ago. Although the drama was praised by some for tackling homosexual issues for the first time, Ulrika Jonsson was among those who slammed the move, arguing that the kiss should not have been broadcast before the watershed.
Reflecting on the response to the plotline, Harvey told The Guardian: "It proved that we are still some way short of full acceptance, which made me think it was about time I tried to write a new play."
Canary, which is currently running at the Liverpool Playhouse theatre, encompasses 50 years of gay history in Britain as it follows the lives of characters Tom and Billy.
Harvey, who is openly homosexual, said: "It's my first full-length stage piece for almost nine years. I wanted to come back with a bang."
Vicky Entwistle's husband has reportedly been charged with assaulting a fan.
Andrew Chapman, 47, allegedly hit a man who asked to take the Coronation Street star's photograph while on a train in Salford.
The couple were travelling together when the alleged incident took place, reports The Manchester Evening News. Both Entwistle, who plays Weatherfield's Janice Battersby, and her husband are said to be "devastated".
A source claimed the man sustained a cut lip and bruising to the noise during the altercation, while a spokesman for the British Transport Police stated: "Following an incident at Salford Crescent Station Andrew Chapman has been charged with assault."
Mr Chapman, who lives in Clitheroe, will appear at Salford Magistrates' Court later this month. A Coronation Street spokesperson declined to comment.
Sacha Parkinson has reportedly been bombarded with female attention following her lesbian scenes on Coronation Street.
The 18-year-old, who plays Sian Powers, was seen sharing the ITV1 soap's first lesbian kiss with co-star Brooke Vincent (Sophie Webster) earlier this month.
The Sun reports that she has since had numerous come-ons from women and has cut back on her nights out for fear of being ambushed by adoring female fans.
A source said: "She has been bombarded with Facebook requests from girls begging for a date. Even when she's out with her boyfriend, girls openly try to get her attention. Sacha is a bit overwhelmed by it all."
Parkinson earlier revealed that some fans believe she is dating Vincent in real life.
That's a bit of an awkward situation for Sacha, especially when she's out with her boyfriend. Soap fans who can't tell the difference between fact and fiction constantly amaze me.
Ryan Thomas has split from model girlfriend Liz Clough, according to a report.
The actor, well-known for his portrayal of Jason Grimshaw in Coronation Street, apparently did not want to commit to a serious relationship with the 22-year-old.
"She's taken it really well. They've known each other for years but decided to give a relationship a whirl," a source told the Daily Star Sunday.
"It hasn't worked out and Ryan told Liz they were best leaving their physical relationship aside for the sake of their friendship and she was fine with it," the insider continued.
"He is just not ready to have another long-term thing going so soon after the split from [former Coronation Street co-star] Tina [O'Brien]. They have a daughter together so there are a lot of things still playing heavily on his mind," the source added.
EASTENDERS and Coronation Street stars will battle it out in a quiz today for This Morning's Soap Week.
Albert Square's team includes Marc Elliott, Cheryl Fergison, and John Partridge.
Corrie has Keith Duffy, Kym Marsh, Jack Shepherd and Anthony Cotton.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/2957801/Shobna-Gulati-and-Coronation-Street-stars-in-charity-variety-show.html#ixzz0mujkrZLc
Coronation Street veteran Bill Roache has spoken of how his hearing problems have had a big impact on his lifestyle.
The 78-year-old recently announced that he is partially deaf and requires special cues to prompt him during his soap scenes as Ken Barlow. He had his hearing damaged at the age of 21 when a bomb exploded at close range as he was training with the Army.
In an interview with the Daily Express, the star explained: "Looking back it has influenced my lifestyle because I've always avoided pubs and places where there's background noise. If I have a dinner party I tend to invite just two or three people so I can hear them properly.
"It's so hard to pick up conversation especially if someone is softly spoken. It gets very tiring trying to keep up and I sometimes find myself just nodding and grinning which can be very embarrassing if I've been asked a question. I'm sure people think I'm daft. I also struggle with high frequencies and song lyrics."
Roache recently started using digital hearing aids but does not wear them full time. He said: "They do make a big difference when I'm at social functions, giving me a lot more confidence. My children are always telling me to put the hearing aids in when they come to dinner."
Earlier this year, the actor agreed to front the 2010 Sound Barrier Star Awards, which reward the achievements of people who are hard of hearing.
Former Coronation Street star Sally Lindsay has announced that she is pregnant with twins.
The actress, who played Weatherfield's troubled Shelley Unwin between 2001 and 2006, revealed the news yesterday during an appearance on Sky1's Angela and Friends.
According to The Sun, Lindsay joked that she does not do "anything by halves" as she discussed motherhood with the programme's host Angela Griffin.
Lindsay has been in a relationship with musician Steve White for six years. White currently has two children from a previous romance.
The couple had already been making plans to marry later this year.
ITV has apologised after the Yorkshire village of Haworth was misspelled in an episode of Coronation Street.
In Sunday's episode of the Weatherfield soap, viewers saw a direction sign which displayed the way to "Hawarth".
The shot was featured when regular character Norris Cole (Malcolm Hebden) made a bid for freedom after growing disturbed by the behaviour of friend Mary Taylor (Patti Clare) as they shared a holiday in Brontë Country.
An ITV spokesman told Keighley News: "We can only apologise for the error but we would hope the fact that the area was depicted and talked about in such a positive light would more than make up for this small mistake."
The representative also confirmed that, although possible filming locations in Brontë Country had been considered, the scenes were ultimately shot closer to the serial's Manchester base.
Matt Stroh, chairman of tourism marketing body Brontë Country Partnership, commented: "It is sad that Haworth was misspelt but we can't be anything but grateful for the coverage the area has received. The filming location decision is interesting because one of the issues we have is convincing people that we are not that far from Manchester."
Former Coronation Street star Rupert Hill has admitted that he took a big risk when he decided to quit the show.
The actor, who is currently appearing in a touring production of When Harry Met Sally, bowed out as Weatherfield's Jamie Baldwin in 2007 after four years in the role.
Reflecting on his soap stint, Hill told the Birmingham Post: "I got paid incredibly well, and starring in Coronation Street was a very enjoyable job, and I made really good friends. But I've always wanted to be an actor. And part of what attracted me to the profession was the diversity of roles you can get.
"In the end I accepted that I was going to have to take a pay cut and face up to the possibility that I might never work again. It didn't matter, though. I had to take a risk and leave Corrie in 2007 because I didn't want to play Jamie Baldwin for the next 25 years."
The new dad added that he admires former co-stars like Bill Roache, who will soon celebrate his 50th anniversary in the part of Ken Barlow.
He said: "Someone like Bill, he takes it very, very seriously. He still does vocal warm-ups before a scene. He's very much part of the old school, and he loves doing it. All those guys who have been in Corrie for years and years absolutely adore it.
"Part of me wishes I could be that person. But I'm too excitable. I'm constantly thinking what else is around the next corner. Even now, with a few months left of this play I'm in now, I'm wondering what I'm going to be doing next."
SAMIA Smith showed off her enviable figure - just months after giving birth.
The Corrie star, who had daughter Freya in October, looked stunning in a pair of shorts which showed off her slim pins as she visited the Corrie cast for a reunion.
She is due back on screens as Maria Connor in June - and her appearance will tie-in with evil killer Tony Gordon's escape from jail.
Her ex is set to track her down in the gripping storyline, convinced that she has feelings for him.
She'll appear for a week before heading back on maternity leave and returning to screens in July.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/2964071/New-mum-Samia-Smiths-a-treat.html#ixzz0nGByTJoE
Bev Callard has revealed that her real life partner used to struggle watching her kissing other men on screen.
The Coronation Street star, who plays man-eater Liz McDonald, said Jon McEwan has now become accustomed to her character's romantic habits.
Callard, 53, told What's On TV: "I think when we first got together he found it a bit like, 'Woah, this is a bit disturbing, watching your woman snogging another guy on the telly."
Callard's character has dated her son Steve's best friend Lloyd and was attracted to barman Ciaran - played by Boyzone's Keith Duffy. She is now set for a new romance with Owen, played by Ian Puleston-Davies.
"They told me who was playing him. I didn't know who he was, but apparently he's got a great CV and is fantastic," she said.
NOW tatt's the way to draw attention to a grrrreat cause...
Kate Ford - who plays jailed Corrie killer Tracy Barlow - bares almost all in a bid to save Canada's bears, which are killed to make the caps worn by the Queen's guards.
And the sexy soap star sizzles as she sports arm art with the slogan "Bare Skin Not Bearskin" for the advert, launched yesterday by animal welfare campaigners PETA.
Kate, 32, recently returned to the ITV1 soap as baddie Tracy, who is serving life for killing boyfriend Charlie Stubbs.
At least it looks like she's doing some good work on the outside.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/2967805/Kate-Ford-Corrie-killer-Tracy-Barlow-sports-tattoo-to-save-Canadas-bears.html#ixzz0neEAJyQS
Coronation Street producers have confirmed that the show's opening titles will be overhauled for the first time in eight years ready for the switch to high definition later this month.
Details as to the nature of the new title sequence have yet to be released but programme makers Granada this afternoon announced that the new look will showcase from May 31.
A spokesperson for the soap told DS: "Coronation Street will be having new opening titles shot in HD, further details of which will be announced soon."
In September, EastEnders revamped its titles for the first time in a decade, introducing a HD-compatible 3D map, complete with Thames boat and moving clouds.
Coronation Street star Jack P. Shepherd has claimed that the soap's fans are enjoying seeing David Platt's softer side.
In recent weeks, the actor's character has ditched his wicked ways in order to concentrate on helping mum Gail (Helen Worth) as she awaits trial for murder.
Speaking to Inside Soap, Shepherd revealed that he has noticed a change in his interactions with viewers since the plotline began.
The 22-year-old explained: "I've received some really nice feedback from viewers recently. They haven't been shouting obscenities or anything, which is good!"
Despite getting an easier time on the street, Shepherd confirmed that he does not want David to stay a reformed character forever.
He explained: "I'll be glad when this is all over and I can get back to being evil again! Don't get me wrong, it's been really nice to play a different side to David, and that's the great thing about this character. He's not bad all the time.
"I think viewers have really enjoyed watching him take a step back from being mischievous. He seems to be helping out in the community wherever he can now, and has even made friends with his enemy Gary. I think it's just weird, personally!"
Keith Duffy has reportedly revealed that plans for his Boyzone bandmate Shane Lynch to appear on Coronation Street have been axed.
Duffy, who plays barman Ciaran McCarthy, told Inside Soap that the idea for Lynch's cameo came after he visited the set of the ITV1 show last year.
"Corrie is my thing, my little baby," he said. "Shane visited the set just before Christmas and we were going to sit him in the corner of the Rovers with a pint. In the end, we decided it might be a little bit confusing for the viewers."
Duffy returned as Weatherfield's womaniser in February after a break of nearly five years.
Coronation Street star Jack P. Shepherd has claimed that the soap's fans are enjoying seeing David Platt's softer side.
It has made a nice change to see David supporting Gail, but I'm also looking forward to seeing his evil side again.
Kate Ford has said that she used magnets to slim after her pregnancy.
Speaking to the News of the World, the Coronation Street actress - who gave birth to Otis in June 2008 - revealed that she lost half her baby weight while using the unusual method.
She said: "I put on four stone while pregnant with Otis. After the birth, I used Magnaslim, a magnet worn on my wrist's acupuncture point, which stopped me anxiety eating, curbed cravings and helped me drop two stone in a few months."
Ford, who recently returned to playing Tracy Barlow in the ITV1 soap, previously said that her incarcerated character is now "angrier than ever" and is "stuck in a trap of her own making".
THE writing was on the wall last night for Britain's most famous stone cladding - two decades after Jack and Vera Duckworth stuck it up.
The gaudy beige and blue facade on the Coronation Street terraced home they later flogged is to be scraped off.
The bombshell comes 21 years after the Duckworths - played by Bill Tarmey and Liz Dawn, mistakenly thought the cladding would make them the envy of the street. They grandly named their two-up two-down The Old Rectory and lived in the house until Vera died of heart failure in 2008.
It is thought the decision to remove the notorious cladding - which even graces the ITV1 soap's opening credits - would have house-proud Vera spinning in her grave.
New residents Molly and Tyrone Dobbs wanted to rip the cladding off when they bought the house two years ago, but decided it was too expensive to remove.
However, Eileen Grimshaw will buy the property later this year, insisting on a discount off the price so she can do away with it.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/2984176/Corries-famous-cladding-axed.html#ixzz0oot70Bes
I wonder why Eileen is going to buy the house :hmm:
Maybe Eileen rents the house she is living in, and decides to buy a house just as Molly and Tyrone's comes on the market (I'm assuming when Molly leaves).
ITV's Coronation Street has been named as Ireland's 'Favourite Soap' at the TV Now awards in Dublin.
The Weatherfield serial secured the gong after beating off competition from EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks, as well as local dramas Fair City and Ros na Rún.
In a strong showing for the long-running programme, Coronation Street also picked up two further prizes as Katherine Kelly (Becky McDonald) walked home with the 'Favourite Female Soap Star' award and Bill Roache (Ken Barlow) was given the 'Soap Legend' title.
Meanwhile, Emmerdale's Dingle clan won the 'Favourite Soap Family' prize and Fair City's Tony Tormey (Paul Brennan) took the 'Favourite Male Soap Star' trophy.
Along with Kelly and Roache, stars in attendance included Kym Marsh, Michelle Keegan, Beverley Callard, Louis Walsh and Michelle Heaton.
The TV Now awards are screened tonight at 8pm on TV3.
Former EastEnders star Todd Carty has revealed that he would consider accepting a part in rival soap Coronation Street.
Along with roles in Grange Hill and The Bill, the actor is best known for playing Walford's Mark Fowler between 1990 and 2003.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News about the possibility of a Weatherfield stint, Carty commented: "You never say never in this business."
Musing over who he could play, the 46-year-old continued: "Maybe some young cockney wide boy who comes up, you've had a few of them in the past - maybe a new generation of London lad that comes in. Anyway, give them my number just in case!"
Carty recently signed up for a role in a touring production of the stage musical Spamalot.
Of the dancing required for his new part, he said: "Well, I'm no twinkle toes but I've done enough musical theatre and enough panto to get by."
Carty was a contestant on ITV1's Dancing On Ice last year, becoming a hit with fans thanks to his comedy routines.
For Gods sake nOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!1 He was crap on the Bill.
Samia Smith has said that it feels like she never left Coronation Street after taking some time off for maternity leave.
The actress, who returns as Maria Sutherland on the show next week, told Heat that she is happy to be back on the programme.
Smith said: "It's lovely. After ten minutes it didn't feel like I'd had a break at all. In a good way."
When asked what she missed during her break, she added: "Seeing everyone so regularly. I've seen lots of my friends from work since I had [baby daughter] Freya, but it's the general buzz of the place.
"Loads of the girls have got babies, so they were all giving me advice. And I texted a picture of her to everyone, all of our friends."
Former EastEnders star Todd Carty has revealed that he would consider accepting a part in rival soap Coronation Street.
Along with roles in Grange Hill and The Bill, the actor is best known for playing Walford's Mark Fowler between 1990 and 2003.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News about the possibility of a Weatherfield stint, Carty commented: "You never say never in this business."
Musing over who he could play, the 46-year-old continued: "Maybe some young cockney wide boy who comes up, you've had a few of them in the past - maybe a new generation of London lad that comes in. Anyway, give them my number just in case!"
Carty recently signed up for a role in a touring production of the stage musical Spamalot.
Of the dancing required for his new part, he said: "Well, I'm no twinkle toes but I've done enough musical theatre and enough panto to get by."
Carty was a contestant on ITV1's Dancing On Ice last year, becoming a hit with fans thanks to his comedy routines.
BBC soap EastEnders will broadcast in high definition for the first time in the autumn, it has been announced.
The Walford serial's switch to HD ties in with the BBC's plans to simulcast "the majority" of BBC One programming before the end of the year.
Other programmes scheduled to make the transition include Holby City, Waterloo Road and Casualty.
Last year, former executive producer Diederick Santer revealed that some parts of the Albert Square set didn't "pass muster" in the high quality filming format.
He said: "Until we've either completely refurbed the exterior set or moved the programme somewhere else and built it from scratch, then we're not going to be going HD."
Preparations are currently afoot at the soap's home at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Herts, ahead of its move to HD production within the next few months.
In September, EastEnders revamped its title sequence, replacing the old blue, green and grey map with a three-dimensional version, for HD broadcast.
Hollyoaks became the first of the Big Four UK soaps to air in HD in June 2008.
On Monday, Coronation Street makes it debut on ITV HD with its stripped week of 9pm editions featuring Tony Gordon's prison break and factory siege.
CORRIE stars party with military heroes outside the Rovers Return - to kick-off Armed Forces Day.
The cast enjoyed butties, buns and beer then saluted the RAF, Army and Navy.
And they urged us all to do the same on June 26 - the second Armed Forces Day.
Beverley Callard, 53 - Rovers Return landlady Liz McDonald - did a conga with soldiers.
Call to arms ... Bill Roache hugs RAF girl Mandy
Paul Cousans
She said: "Communities need to celebrate our boys and girls. Landlords and landladies can get parties running. I know Liz would."
Pick me up ... Navy lads give Staci a lift
Neil Jones
Page 3 Girls Sam, 23, and Chloe, 22, served drinks while Staci, 21, enjoyed a lift from Navy heroes.
Meanwhile Ken Barlow star Bill Roache, 78, who served in the Army after National Service, had a hug with RAF Senior Aircraftwoman Mandy Mortley, 34.
He said: "Soldiers are dying for their country. They need our support. I'm glad to do my bit."
Weatherfield's Kym Marsh (Michelle), Samia Smith (Maria), Jennie McAlpine (Fiz), Andrew Whyment (Kirk), Sue Cleaver (Eileen) and Debbie Rush (Anna) toasted the forces visitors and showed them the Manchester set.
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Helen Worth, the Street's Gail, said: "It's a chance to show our appreciation."
Mikey North, who plays squaddie Gary, said: "I've learnt from speaking to soldiers they're like brothers and sisters.
"They're willing to die for you and that's the biggest gift of all."
Moved RAF Sergeant Andy Dipple, 43, said: "It's great to know celebrities care so passionately."
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/campaigns/our_boys/2992086/Corrie-stars-party-with-military-heroes-outside-Rovers-Return.html#ixzz0pH7BiKEV
Coronation Street's Samia Smith has admitted that reports suggesting she had been axed were "upsetting".
The actress, who plays hairdresser Maria Connor, took maternity leave from the show last year and will return for Siege Week.
She told the Daily Star: "If anyone read that they were going to be axed they'd find it upsetting. Being off on maternity leave made it even worse, as I was completely out of the loop.
"I put a call in to work and asked what was going on and they reassured me that the rumours were not true.
"Whenever a new producer [Phil Collinson] comes in, my name always seems to be on the list of possible characters that is going to be axed. It’s really quite upsetting."
The star continued: "I was gearing myself up to return for the special episodes and suddenly it was like my whole world was collapsing.
"It really stressed me out. I was always going to return after having Freya and had organised for Matthew’s mum to look after her while I worked. Fortunately, the rumours about me weren’t true."
Coronation Street's Samia Smith wants to see a "stronger" Maria Connor upon her return to Weatherfield.
The actress revealed that, despite her woes, she hoped to see Maria as a more tenacious character. Her prolonged trip to Dublin coincided with Smith's maternity leave.
She told the Daily Star: "Maria's been in Dublin for so long it would be nice to see a new Maria. I'd like to see her come back a lot stronger.
"I'm surprised she's not topped herself with everything that's happened. So it'll be nice to get back in the salon with Audrey."
Coronation Street's head of production Claire Winnick has admitted that the soap's team faced many challenges as they prepared for the switch to high definition filming.
The Weatherfield serial was last night broadcast on ITV1 HD for the first time, coinciding with the launch of the programme's dramatic Siege Week.
The development required a number of improvements to be made to the show's exterior sets to bring them up to high definition standard. Among other changes, chimney stacks on the characters' houses have been rebuilt and new walls have been erected in their back yards.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Winnick explained: "With traditional television, the picture on the screen wouldn't have been clear enough to show that some parts of the set weren't quite what they seemed. HD changes that - the pictures are so much clearer that we have to take care that viewers will still be convinced by what we see on screen."
Discussing what the cast look like in HD, she continued: "In some cases we discovered that [they] actually needed less make-up. We now also have to far more conscious of things like a little bit of dandruff, which would show up on screen.
"Many of our characters are quite 'bling' and we've had to be careful that the clothes and jewellery they wear aren't too distracting. The point is that people should be able to concentrate on what the character is saying and the emotions that they are portraying."
Last night's episodes of Coronation Street also saw the launch of a new title sequence and revamped theme tune.
Coronation Street actress Patti Clare has described her character Mary as "oddly uninhibited".
Speaking to the Radio Times, the actress also praised Malcolm Hebden - who plays Norris Cole - for his "comic" ability.
She said: "She gets things wrong. She finds it difficult to express emotion, she's socially awkward and desperately lonely. She really does love Norris, though.
"There's a lot of passive aggression there - perhaps from looking after what I imagine was a domineering mother. I don't think she'd harm anyone, but you never know."
Clare added: "Working with Malcolm brought Mary's comedy to the fore because he's such an accomplished comic actor.
"In her heart of hearts, I think she knows he will never love her. But she sails on anyway, unwilling to give up on romance. For someone who's so contained, she's oddly uninhibited."
RYAN THOMAS has been given a megabucks deal to keep him on the Street.
But he’s been warned by new prod*ucer Phil Collinson to stay out of trouble.
Ryan, 25, who plays builder Jason Grimshaw, signed a £160,000 year-long deal with ITV before heading off on holiday.
A show source said: “Phil’s decided that Ryan is part of his long-term plan for the Street.
“He’s going to get some dynamic story-lines over the coming months that will have viewers glued to their seats.
“Obviously Ryan’s over the moon bec*ause he loves working on Corrie and is excited that Phil has some big story-lines in the pipeline for him.”
But Collinson, who started in his new role as executive producer last month, has warned Thomas to keep his nose clean after a string of incidents.
In April he was fined £2,020 at Manchester Magistrates’ Court after he owned up to leaving the scene of a car crash and failing to report the incident to police.
The actor was at the wheel of his Chrysler when he crashed into barriers near Manchester city centre.
In 2006 Ryan hit the headlines over rep*orts that he smashed up a hotel in Shropshire. He’s also been caught up in a couple of pub brawls.
Our insider added: “Phil’s told him he needs to keep out of trouble. No slip-ups will be tolerated.”
Coronation Street star Ben Price has revealed that he is keen to explore Nick Tilsley's emotional side in the coming months.
The 38-year-old was cast in the role of Gail Platt's eldest son late last year, and viewers have seen an 'edgier' version of the character since he made his debut in the part.
Speaking to Inside Soap, Price confessed that he would now like producers to delve deeper into the businessman's past and give him more scenes with ex-wife Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson).
He explained: "It's about time we saw a bit of a softer side to Nick. So far, he's been hard and ruthless. I want to explore the pain he feels about his broken family and his failed marriage to Leanne."
A future storyline for the Weatherfield soap will see Leanne - who now dates Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) - helping Nick to rescue his business career. However, whether the former couple grow closer due to the arrangement remains to be seen.
Price said: "In my opinion, it'd be mad not to mine the history between Nick and Leanne. It'd bring more conflict to the Tilsley-Platts and Barlows and send ripples across the Street. It'd be great fun."
BUXOM Rovers landlady Liz McDonald has had her cleavage BARRED - because it's too eye-popping on screen in HD.
Corrie bosses have realised her tarty low-cut tops look even more revealing in the super- sharp high-definition shots.
Now they're urgently toning down the outfits so Liz - played by Bev Callard, 53 - doesn't flash the flesh too much. A source said: "Her cleavage was bursting out of the screen in HD. Viewers would have felt like her boobs were virtually in the living room with them."
Liz's chest isn't the only thing to be tweaked since the Street went HD live on Monday.
Stars with a few flakes of DANDRUFF look like they've been caught in a blizzard on screen. Plastic GRUB has been binned because viewers can now tell it's fake - so Roy's cafe will have real bacon and eggs and Dev's corner shop will stock fresh fruit and veg. The source added: "It stood out like a sore thumb that all the food wasn't real."
Even the iconic CHIMNEY POTS have been replaced with fibreglass ones and the BRIDGE at the end of the street will be changed because it's obvious now that it's just painted wood. Bosses have also produced the Street's own gossip mag, Chit Chat, because viewers would be able to spot old dates on prop papers and mags.
Clare Winnick, head of production, said: "The pictures are much clearer in HD so we have to take care that viewers will still be convinced by what's on screen."
DRINKING in The Rovers Return while SNOOP DOGG was on the telly wishing Coronation Street a happy 50th sounds like a dream had after eating cheese.
But on Saturday night y that surreal showbiz event took place on the famous Weatherfield cobbles.
Adidas Originals threw a street party with the cast of Corrie - including ANTONY COTTON and CRAIG CHARLES - to mark the milestone anniversary.
NEW ORDER and JOY DIVISION legend BERNARD SUMNER played a gig with his new band BAD LIEUTENANT on a stage at the end of the most famous street in soapland.
His set list included hits Ceremony, Bizarre Love Triangle and Love Will Tear Us Apart.
And all that just opposite Roy's Rolls. Class.
ZUTONS and LAST SHADOW PUPPETS star MILES KANE joined me at the bar for the night.
Oh, and DARTH VADER and his Star Wars stormtroopers were there as part of the sport giant's new World Cup advert.
Snoop flashed up on a giant screen to greet the 150 lucky punters who blagged the top ticket in town.
The Corrie cast are more used to Betty's hotpot than hip-hop. But his speech left even Janice Battersby speechless.
The rapper, who had a US No 1 with Drop It Like It's Hot, said: "What up dog. It's your boy big Snoop Dogg saying happy 50th anniversary to Coronation Street and all my peoples in Manchester UK gettin' in there doin' it big.
"You know how we do it - Adidas, big Snoop Dogg, we're coming together. Wish I could be there with y'all but you know I gotta bounce ball and get in there real quick like, so I just wanna congratulate y'all for all the success of the many years of doin' what y'all do.
"Snoop Dogg is on the Adidas team. Coronation Street, happy 50th anniversary, big Snoop Dogg live and direct."
He added: "Be on the lookout when I come to Glastonbury when I come to rock the roof cause I'm gonna tear the roof off."
Snoop, there's no roof at Glastonbury, but I see your point.
STONE ROSES legend IAN BROWN also filmed a video tribute because he's on tour.
He was seen wandering into the Rovers and telling the barman that Manchester started the party years ago, and to keep the tear-up going.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/3002159/Snoop-Dogg-wishes-Coronation-Street-a-happy-50th-birthday.html#comment-rig#ixzz0q7azeMiC
Coronation Street star Bill Roache has claimed that ITV made the right choice when it pulled the soap from last week's schedules.
Episodes of the Weatherfield serial were not aired as planned last Wednesday, Thursday and Friday after the show's siege storyline was deemed unsuitable for broadcast following the Cumbrian shooting massacre.
Speaking at last night's BAFTA TV Awards, Roache - who plays veteran character Ken Barlow - confirmed that he was in favour of the decision to postpone the dramatic instalments.
He told BBC News: "It was a very sensitive and appropriate thing to do and when you see the episodes you'll understand why."
The show's shock plotline sees crazed Tony Gordon (Gray O'Brien) taking hostages at Underworld as he attempts to exact his revenge on those he believes have wronged him.
Coronation Street will return to ITV1's schedules tonight with a double bill of episodes airing at 7.30pm and 8.30pm. Screenings will then continue on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Tina O'Brien has revealed that her on-screen lesbian kiss in a recent BBC period drama felt normal.
The 26-year-old actress, best known for playing Sarah Platt on Coronation Street, also spoke of her forthcoming TV projects.
"It was fine. Maxine Peake (O'Brien's co-star) is an amazing actress, and to be honest, it was absolutely no different from kissing a guy. It didn't even feel weird," she told Metro.
O'Brien said that she was "absolutely happy" to be in the show, adding that "it was just a dream come true".
The star, who is soon to begin filming Jimmy McGovern's The Accused, added: "I'm really excited to be a part of it as he's literally the best writer when it comes to drama."
TINA O'Brien has blasted ex Ryan Thomas for moaning she wasn't sexy enough - months after she gave birth to their daughter.
The 26-year-old, who met the Corrie star while playing Sarah-Louise Platt, split from Ryan last autumn.
Talking about the break-up, which came a week before daughter Scarlett's first birthday, Tina explained: "He said I didn't do it for him any more. I was absolutely devastated."
The Waterloo Road actress, who is pictured above leaving Sunday's Bafta awards, also said he warned her off rejoining the soap - claiming it could drive them apart.
Tina believes having a baby put too much pressure on "laddy" Ryan, 25.
She told this week's new! magazine: "He'd do stupid things like hire a Lamborghini - he was rebelling."
But she insisted he was a "brilliant" dad to Scarlett.
Tina is now dating a Waterloo Road production worker who she has known since she was a teenager. She said: "He makes me feel secure and happy."
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/3003628/Former-Corrie-babe-Tinas-rant-at-ex-months-after-she-gave-birth-to-their-daughter.html#ixzz0qDYAPEv0
ULIE Walters has just won a Bafta and has now set her sights even higher - with, erm, a role on Corrie.
The star, 60, who scooped the Best Actress gong for playing politician Mo Mowlam in a Channel 4 drama, admits she is a big soap fan.
And when asked if she would like to join Corrie, she gasped: "I was once on the set of EastEnders and I could hardly speak! It depends on the part but I'd love a little something in Corrie.
"Someone once asked if it was true I was going to play Audrey's sister and I thought, 'What a good idea' but nothing came of that."
Julie added: "I'm a big soap fan. I'm addicted - I had to give up for lent."
She told how she once drove pals mad by singing the EastEnders theme tune.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/3003609/Julie-Walters-I-want-to-be-on-Coronation-Street.html#ixzz0qDdD1jQt
Coronation Street star Shobna Gulati has admitted that she is feeling down about her love life following a number of disastrous dates.
The actress, who plays Weatherfield's Sunita Alahan, confessed that she is struggling to find a man without an ulterior motive as she searches for romance.
Speaking to Closer, the 43-year-old explained: "I'm so disillusioned, I don't know what to do. I've been on a few dates with a handful of men recently, but they only seem to care about the fact I'm on the telly."
She continued: "Some guys just want to sell stories on me afterwards so they can say, 'I shagged that bird off Corrie'. I've even had someone ask me if I'd taken drugs, so they can sell the scandal. It makes you feel very vulnerable. I'd love to try internet dating, but then everyone would recognise my face and probably just write to me to beg for a job!"
The mother-of-one already has a failed marriage after splitting from husband Anshu Srivastava in 1994. Meanwhile, her last major relationship ended two years ago after just six months.
Gulati said: "My romances are usually that brief because at the end of the six months I realise I'm with a broken man who I can't fix, no matter how hard I try. I always ignore the warning signs and pick the wrong men."
Kym Marsh has revealed that she and fiancé Jamie Lomas have scrapped plans to tie the knot this year.
The couple had been due to marry in December, but have now postponed the ceremony in order to concentrate on their respective work commitments.
Speaking to OK magazine, Marsh explained: "The wedding was going to be taking place during Coronation Street's 50th birthday celebrations, which would have meant I'd be very busy. I didn't want to be distracted from either the preparations for the big day or from work related to Corrie's 50th."
She continued: "Jamie has got the chance to fly out to LA in January for pilot season. It's a great opportunity for him but it would have meant if we'd married in December we wouldn't have the chance for a honeymoon."
The 33-year-old added that she does not know when the wedding will take place but is still eager to become Lomas's wife.
Marsh said: "We'll make a decision about the final wedding date when Jamie comes back from America. He might even land a job out there, so the final date is still up in the air. All we know is that we're very much in love and looking forward to the day when we finally get married."
ITV soap Coronation Street has announced that it is to lead this year's Manchester Pride parade.
Cast and crew from the Weatherfield serial will appear on a special float at the event on August 28, leading the way through the city centre as more than 100 other entries follow.
Manchester Pride - an annual Gay Pride celebration which attracts thousands of spectators - has a 'Through The Decades' theme this year, coinciding with Coronation Street's 50th year in the North West.
Speaking of the show's involvement in the event, Coronation Street's executive producer Kieran Roberts commented: "This is going to be one of the best weekends of the year in the city, and we're honoured that Manchester Pride has allowed us to head up the country's most glamorous parade. Prepare for Corrie like you've never seen it before."
Manchester Pride's festival director Jackie Crozier added: "Coronation Street is a Mancunian institution with a global following and we're delighted they're teaming up with Manchester Pride in this, their 50th anniversary year.
"Through characters like Sean Tully, Hayley Cropper, Todd Grimshaw and, most recently, Sophie Webster, they have helped to raise awareness of the issues facing the LGBT community to millions of loyal viewers.
"The parade is always a highlight of the festival and I look forward to seeing the cast of Corrie take to the streets of the city centre in aid of Manchester Pride and all of the good causes that we support."
Katherine Kelly has claimed that the cast of Coronation Street will be visually affected by the results of the World Cup.
The 30-year-old actress, who plays Becky McDonald on the serial, predicts that England's progress will be written on the faces of her fellow castmates.
She told TV Times: "We film about six weeks ahead. So when you see the episodes that we're making during the tournament, the happiness or sadness from the England games is bound to affect us. Look out for it.
"It'll be party season - a great atmosphere. Everyone will be passing messages to us when we're filming, so the matches will be the talk of the set. I think it's great when the nation gets together like this."
Chloe O'brien
12-06-2010, 00:58
Coronation Street favourites Eileen Derbyshire, Barbara Knox are to become MBE in the Queen's birthday honors list. Knox - Rita Sullivan in the soap - said it was a "wonderful honour", while Derbyshire, the Street's Emily Bishop, said she was "astounded".
Barbara Knox has said that she is "shocked and delighted" to be recognised with an MBE for her services to acting.
The 76-year-old, who is part of the Queen's birthday honours list, has appeared as Rita Sullivan in episodes dating back to 1964.
Eileen Derbyshire, 78, has also been honoured for her tenure in Coronation Street, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
Meanwhile, Anne Reid - who played Ken Barlow's wife Valerie on the thrice weekly serial - will also receive an award.
Reid, who has more recently starred in Victoria Wood's Dinnerladies, said: "I have always tried to do my job as best I can but I never dreamt in a million years I would be honoured in this way."
CORRIE layabout Eddie Windass has brushed away his super-slob image - by becoming a talented ARTIST.
Actor Steve Huison, who plays the workshy cabbie, is the toast of Weatherfield with his oil and watercolour paintings.
His co-stars are so impressed with his work that they've asked him to paint portraits of them.
His first piece of Street art - of Alan Halsall, who plays Tyrone Dobbs - was unveiled at the Granada studios in Manchester.
Modest Steve, 47, said on Twitter: "My painting of Alan in his seat is hanging above said seat in the green room at work."
A show insider said: "Steve's character may be a slob but Steve is a very skilful artist.
"The stars have been so intrigued by his work, and the Alan Halsall portrait is absolutely fantastic."
Full Monty star Steve also loves painting nudes - let's just hope Ken Barlow isn't on his list.
Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine has revealed that she wouldn't have married her on-screen husband John Stape (Graeme Hawley) in real life.
The actress, who plays Fiz Stape on the soap, admitted that she would not have supported a prison wedding.
She told the Daily Record: "Every time you get a script and see what he's going to do next, it looks like he's for the chop.
"I would possibly have bailed out before now. I don't know if I would have gone through with the prison wedding. But you never know what love can do to a girl. I've always been able to believe in Fiz. She stands by him because, ultimately, she loves him. He makes her happy.
"And the more it goes on, the more believable it is to my mind. The fact that she went out with him against all the odds, against everyone's advice, including her little brother, Chesney, all her close friends and all her workmates. It's become a pride thing. There's a bit of determination on her part to make it work. I can understand that."
WENNCoronation Street star Antony Cotton has signed a new 12-month contract with the soap, according to a report.
The 34-year-old, who has played factory worker Sean Tully since 2003, finalised his deal late last week, The Mirror claims.
It is thought that the actor decided to stick with the serial amid speculation that he was quitting to join ITV1 comedy Benidorm. The rumour is said to have spread through Coronation Street's green room last Friday, but has now been quashed.
A source said: "Antony was off on Friday and out of the blue everyone was talking about him quitting to join Benidorm."
Cotton has previously made no secret of his desire for a long future in Coronation Street. In an interview last year, he admitted that he would be unlikely to leave the programme of his own accord.
Helen Flanagan (Rosie Webster), Sue Cleaver (Eileen Grimshaw), Katherine Kelly (Becky McDonald), Kym Marsh (Michelle Connor) and Ryan Thomas (Jason Grimshaw) are also thought to have landed new Corrie contracts in recent weeks.
Is he going to get any storylines then? He hasn't had a decent one for ages.
Is he going to get any storylines then? He hasn't had a decent one for ages.
He is trying to get into contact with his son soon, would have thought that Violet and maybe even Jamie come back to Corrie as Dylan's mum and dad
Oh yeah, I forgot he's started searching for Dylan.
WENNCoronation Street star Michelle Keegan has revealed that she is still keen for Tina McIntyre and David Platt to reunite in a future storyline.
In early 2008, Tina's first ever plotline saw her starting a romance with the Weatherfield bad boy, but the pair later broke up.
Although Tina's newest love interest is show favourite Graeme Proctor (Craig Gazey), Keegan confessed that she still wants her character's partnership with David (Jack P. Shepherd) to be revisited at some point.
The 23-year-old told Hot TV: "I know this sounds mad but I would really love to see her back with David. I think they suited each other really well. They had a fiery relationship and that was great to film.
"It would be different to see what David's like a few years on and see if he's learnt from his mistakes - see if he can actually be the man that Tina wants."
It is not the first time that Keegan had pondered a possible reunion for the couple. Earlier this year, she claimed that David "still really loves" his ex-girlfriend.
CORRIE'S Peter Barlow is heading for a string of bloody bust-ups - just like his dad Ken.
Peter will scrap with Nick Tilsley, mainly over women - mimicking the legendary rivalry between Ken and Mike Baldwin.
Their first fight comes as Peter (Chris Gascoyne) sees fiancée Leanne Battersby talking to Nick (Ben Price) in the Rovers Return.
Peter is furious and thinks that the pair - who used to be married - are having a fling.
The bookie drags Nick from the pub, followed by several of the locals and Rovers barman and would-be peacemaker Ciaran McCarthy (Keith Duffy).
When Nick refuses to back down, former alcoholic Peter punches him in the face and launches himself at him.
The pair are pulled apart by Ciaran, but their feud won't be buried for long.
New producer Phil Collinson is planning a series of bust-ups between the pair. He wants to recreate relationships that have kept Corrie at the top of the viewing charts for the last 50 years.
And Peter isn't the only Barlow involved in fisticuffs - as Deirdre Barlow (Anne Kirkbride) has a catfight with Nick's mum Gail.
The fight breaks out after Gail discovers that Deirdre has been carrying on with her mum Audrey's lover Lewis Archer.
Gail attacks her and the pair have to be dragged off the floor by Deirdre's husband Ken.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/3015735/Peter-Barlow-is-a-Corrie-scrapper-just-like-his-dad-Ken.html#ixzz0qyAdhu1Q
Coronation Street star Antony Cotton yesterday attended a Gay Pride reception hosted by David Cameron at 10 Downing Street.
The actor, best known for his role as Sean Tully on the Weatherfield soap, was among a number of gay celebrities who were present at the drinks party as Cameron pledged his support for "equal rights and equal treatment".
Cameron's event coincided with the launch of a new "Action Plan" created by his Coalition Government which aims to tackle discrimination against those in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.
Cotton attended as a representative for The Albert Kennedy Trust, a voluntary organisation which provides assistance to homeless gay teenagers.
He told the Daily Mail: "It was set up after a young boy died in Manchester. He was homeless and was being chased by what you would now call homophobic bullies and he was chased to the top of a car park and jumped off. The trust helps young people all over the country who are homeless after coming out."
The 34-year-old was joined at the event by his former screen lover Charlie Condou (Marcus Dent) and ex-Weatherfield actress Amanda Barrie (Alma Baldwin).
Other celebrities in attendance included Blue singer Duncan James and BBC newsreader Jane Hill.
Kym Marsh has laughed off claims that she is being groomed as Coronation Street's new flagship star.
Last month, a tabloid report suggested that Marsh's alter ego Michelle Connor would soon become the most prominent character in the show after producer Phil Collinson handed the actress a new two-year deal.
However, speaking to RTE, Marsh insisted: "I did read that and I just laughed. The show is so much bigger than one person and that can't possibly be true.
"Maybe [Phil] has some ideas for my character, I don't know, but he certainly won't be thinking, 'How can I make Kym the biggest star of the show?' I wish he was!"
Since Collinson took the helm of the Weatherfield soap earlier this year, a number of cast departures have been announced, including the forthcoming exits of Julia Haworth and Steven Arnold (Claire and Ashley Peacock).
Reflecting on the shake-up, Marsh commented: "We're obviously sad at seeing Steven and Julia go, but I think that was very much a joint decision. I don't think anyone was particularly surprised. But the show won't be the same without Ashley!"
Kym Marsh has laughed off claims that she is being groomed as Coronation Street's new flagship star.
Last month, a tabloid report suggested that Marsh's alter ego Michelle Connor would soon become the most prominent character in the show after producer Phil Collinson handed the actress a new two-year deal.
However, speaking to RTE, Marsh insisted: "I did read that and I just laughed. The show is so much bigger than one person and that can't possibly be true.
"Maybe [Phil] has some ideas for my character, I don't know, but he certainly won't be thinking, 'How can I make Kym the biggest star of the show?' I wish he was!"
Since Collinson took the helm of the Weatherfield soap earlier this year, a number of cast departures have been announced, including the forthcoming exits of Julia Haworth and Steven Arnold (Claire and Ashley Peacock).
Reflecting on the shake-up, Marsh commented: "We're obviously sad at seeing Steven and Julia go, but I think that was very much a joint decision. I don't think anyone was particularly surprised. But the show won't be the same without Ashley!"
Thank God for that. She is a talentless bimbo. She cant act and wasnt much of a singer either
Coronation Street star Keith Duffy has revealed that he is keen to tackle challenging storylines on the soap.
The actor confessed that he is eager to prove his versatility and wants his womanising character Ciaran McCarthy to show a more "serious" side in the future.
Duffy returned to play Ciaran last December following a four-year break from the role. During his time away from Corrie, he portrayed the part of Ringo Leyden on Irish soap Fair City.
Speaking to Inside Soap, the 35-year-old explained: "I feel like I deserve to be here this time - and I can do the job much better! I'd like to show viewers a side to Ciaran they haven't seen before. I want him to get serious.
"I know the character so well that the scenes I'm doing at the moment don't take me long to learn. There's more to me as an actor and I'd love to show the producers what I can do. I've done some other roles that I'm very proud of, and I'd really like to bring some of that to the Street."
Duffy currently balances his Coronation Street job with his commitments as a member of Boyzone.
Kym Marsh has revealed that her Coronation Street character Michelle Connor will feature more in future storylines.
The 34-year-old, who has refuted suggestions that new producer Phil Collinson was making her the soap's flagship star, insisted that her alter ego's plots will "heat up again" following a "quiet period".
She told RTE: "I think you just go through periods when you're not working so much and the producers are concentrating on other characters.
"We're a cast of about 50 and sometimes you have to be off to give other people a chance. So I've been going through a quiet period but things are going to heat up again."
:( Just can't take to the character and actress
Kym Marsh has revealed that her Coronation Street character Michelle Connor will feature more in future storylines.
:( Just can't take to the character and actress
I agree with you there, Perdita - Michelle does nothing for me, either. I'm not looking forward to her featuring more in future storylines.
Coronation Street star Alan Halsall reportedly head-butted an opponent during a recent charity football match.
The actor, who plays Tyrone Dobbs in the ITV1 soap, was playing as part of a celebrity team to raise money for the Fire Fighters’ Charity when he reportedly attacked fire fighter Kevin France.
A spectator told the Sunday Mirror: "Everyone had turned up looking forward to seeing famous faces. But the atmosphere changed into something you’d expect outside a nightclub on a Friday night.
"Alan lost it when he was making a run towards goal and Kevin ran across to tackle him. He missed the ball and the referee gave a penalty to the All Stars.
"But after the tackle Alan jumped up in a rage and lunged at the player and head-butted him. Kevin went down like a pack of cards.
"He was crumpled in a heap and had blood all over his face. Alan had blood from a huge cut to his forehead and had to be dragged away. Nobody could believe what they were seeing."
A source from Coronation Street added: "Alan was mortified about what he’d done. But the pair of them shook hands after the game and went for a pint together. There were no hard feelings and both have agreed to play again next year."
:eek:
Coronation Street star Steve Huison has announced that he is to lead a 12-mile sponsored bed-push in aid of mental health charity The Soteria Network.
The actor, who plays Eddie Windass in the long-running soap, will join forces with a team of volunteers to push a bed from St James Hospital, Leeds to Bradford Playhouse next month.
The Soteria Network is currently aiming to open a special care house in Bradford which would provide a safe, social setting for young people with mental heath issues to recover.
Speaking of his support for the organisation, Huison commented: "The Soteria Network is one of the most exciting movements happening in mental health care in Bradford or even the UK at present. It's an honour to be asked to be part of this pioneering group.
"I only hope more people can contribute to making it happen. Come and help push the bed with me and the others on the 3rd."
Huison has previously organised a series of auctions to raise funds for the Network.
Coronation Street star Kate Anthony has continued her support for Greater Manchester hospice St Ann's by opening the centre's annual summer fair.
The actress, who plays Molly Dobbs's aunt Pam Hobsworth on the Weatherfield soap, appeared as a celebrity guest at the event in Heald Green, Stockport on Saturday afternoon.
Anthony attended the fair as part of her ongoing commitment as a charity ambassador for the specialist care centre.
Speaking about the role, she commented: "When I was asked to support St Ann's and subsequently invited to become their ambassador, I didn't hesitate. It's a wonderful cause and I was astonished to learn that it costs £9m to keep the hospice open each year and the majority of this funding comes from voluntary contributions.
"Only 35% is received from government funding so it's vitally important that St Ann's Hospice gets continuous funding and that's why I and so many other amazing people continue to show their support. I'm delighted to have played a small part in helping the hospice."
This year's St Ann's fair featured a bouncy castle, balloon artists, competitions and various stall activities.
Antony Cotton has rubbished rumours that he and co-star Katherine Kelly do not get along.
The Coronation Street actor denied the claims in a series of messages on his Twitter account this evening.
"My lovely friend @katherine_kelly and I have heard a very stupid rumour that we are not friends. Funny, what with her visiting my mum and dad (sic)," he wrote.
"And if whoever is flogging this crap then come to the Lamproom in Barnsley in July where Katherine and I will be doing An Evening With."
Cotton, who plays Sean Tully in the ITV1 soap, posted a picture of himself and Kelly pointing at a trash can and wrote: "Here's what we think of the story!"
He is reported to have recently signed a new 12-month contract to remain with the show.
Coronation Street star Anne Kirkbride collapsed in tears this week after taking part in a photoshoot, a report has claimed.
The actress, best known for her role as Weatherfield's Deirdre Barlow, suddenly required medical attention following a shoot for the soap's 50th anniversary celebrations, according to The Mirror.
It is thought that Kirkbride was brought round after staff placed a pillow under her head and dabbed her face with water. She is then said to have been taken away in a wheelchair for further treatment.
A show source commented: "It was a bit of a shock to see her in that way."
A Coronation Street spokeswoman explained that the 56-year-old's collapse was caused by heat.
Antony Cotton has rubbished rumours that he and co-star Katherine Kelly do not get along.
Is Antony Cotton protesting too much?
Coronation Street star Kym Marsh has claimed that the soap's cast are not enjoying filming in high definition.
The Weatherfield drama joined ITV1 HD last month following a multi-million pound investment at the show's Manchester base, which allowed it to meet the demands of the higher quality filming.
Discussing the switch, Marsh wrote in her New column: "We've started filming in high definition, which we all hate because you can see every line, wrinkle and spot.
"It's not very flattering, but we've got to move with the times and produce the quality you'd expect from a top soap."
The 34-year-old added that she is feeling more positive about her character Michelle Connor's recent style choices.
She said: "I've been lucky lately, as Michelle has had a wardrobe overhaul and has got lots of nice new clothes."
She said: "I've been lucky lately, as Michelle has had a wardrobe overhaul and has got lots of nice new clothes."
Where does Michelle get the money for all her nice clothes? She's a singe mum barmaid.
She might mean the wardrobe department have splashed out on her, not the character going on a spending spree :)
She might mean the wardrobe department have splashed out on her, not the character going on a spending spree :)
But if the wardrobe department have bought her a load of new clothes, it means the character has bought those clothes too. I think they should dress according to their income, not how glamorous Corrie wants its stars to be.
Coronation Street star Craig Gazey has revealed that he would consider appearing on the celebrity version of Come Dine With Me.
The 28-year-old, who plays Weatherfield's Graeme Proctor, named the Channel 4 culinary show as the only TV competition he would be willing to participate in.
STV quotes him as saying: "I wouldn't want to do a reality show, although I love cooking so I'd consider Celebrity Come Dine With Me."
Quizzed about his viewing habits, Gazey also admitted that he is not watching the final series of Big Brother because he fears getting hooked on the show.
He commented: "I've banned myself from watching Big Brother - it's too addictive. You lose your summer and it's not worth it. Nowadays the housemates have a media plan before they even get in the house."
Gazey's Coronation Street character has recently embarked on a new romance with Tina McIntyre (Michelle Keegan).
Steve Huison has confessed that he draws inspiration from real-life acquaintances when filming his Coronation Street scenes.
Speaking on This Morning today, the actor revealed that he lives close to at least three people who share similar personality traits to his Weatherfield character Eddie Windass.
In a further coincidence, Huison said that one of the men is in a relationship with a woman who bears a striking resemblance to his screen partner Debbie Rush (Anna).
He explained: "I observe regularly in my locale about three different people. One of them is actually partnered up with a woman who looks just like Anna! I'd love to take a photograph of them but it'd be too obtrusive in the street!"
Asked whether any of the men know that they have inspired his performances, Huison replied: "Oh no! How could you ever tell them?"
Huison has been part of the Coronation Street cast since 2008.
Huison has been part of the Coronation Street cast since 2008.
Have the Windasses really been in the Street for 2 years already?! :eek:
Coronation Street star Sue Nicholls has revealed that fans of the soap often call her "Deirdre".
The actress, who plays Audrey Roberts on the ITV1 show, told Inside Soap that viewers have been known to get mixed up when they spot her in the street.
Asked whether she has had any amusing encounters with the public, Nicholls replied: "Mainly people seem to think I'm Deirdre Barlow! They shriek at me, 'Deirdre! Deirdre!'.
"I think the public get confused because the names Audrey and Deirdre sound quite similar."
The 66-year-old was also asked if the younger Coronation Street cast members ever seek her advice on the soap's set.
She replied: "If anything, I'm the one who goes to them for worldly advice - they know far more than me! One of the younger girls did ask me about going to drama school the other day, as she wanted to improve her technique. I didn't really know what to say, as I don't think you can get any better training than actually doing the job."
Ben Price has confessed that he has no idea whether he will play a significant part in Coronation Street's 50th anniversary episodes.
Speaking to Inside Soap, the actor insisted that he is happy to stay in the dark over what could be in store for his character Nick Tilsley in the special instalments.
Price explained: "I genuinely don't know how much I'll be involved in the 50th birthday episodes, though I imagine I will be in some capacity.
"I actually think it's better not to know the details until it all comes out in the scripts. The small things leading up to it are just as important as the big event itself."
In the meantime, Nick's love life will take a new twist later this month when he tells ex-wife Leanne (Jane Danson) that he still has feelings for her, despite his current romance with hairdresser Natasha Blakeman (Rachel Leskovac).
Discussing the plot, Price commented: "I think that Nick believes he threw away the best relationship of his life. He hasn't felt that way for anyone else and just wants to explain to Leanne how he feels, and tell her that he's sorry for the way he treated her."
TOUGH guy producer Phil Collinson is slowly turning Weatherfield into Coronation Strict.
For the new boss is cracking down on his stars by FINING them if they're late on set.
Punctuality problems with the Street actors is costing the soap's chiefs tens of thousands of pounds a month in extra filming fees.
Craig Charles (who plays Lloyd Mullaney) fell ASLEEP in his dressing room recently so a scene was scrapped when he didn't show up on set.
Now anyone arriving more than half an hour late will be stung for 15 per cent of their episode fee of £500 to £1,000. A source said: "Many of the stars are often very late for their call times. There were a few moans when Phil introduced the fines system."
Craig Charles has reportedly agreed to stay on Coronation Street for another year.
The 45-year-old actor, who plays the unlucky-in-love Lloyd Mullaney, signed a £155,000 deal with producer Phil Collinson last week, says the Daily Star.
"Craig's over the moon. A lot of other big names are only getting six-month contracts, so it shows how much Phil values Craig," an insider revealed.
"He has taken a bit of a back seat in terms of storylines in the last year or so. But Phil wants him to have a major impact while he's at the helm. Craig is a ratings winner. He's a popular character and a great actor and ITV want to make the most of that," the source added.
It is thought that the deal will make Charles a flagship star on the show behind the likes of Barbara Knox (Rita Sullivan), Kym Marsh (Michelle Connor) and Bill Roache (Ken Barlow).
Good news, I like him and Steve together, very well suited :)
It is thought that the deal will make Charles a flagship star on the show behind the likes of Barbara Knox (Rita Sullivan), Kym Marsh (Michelle Connor) and Bill Roache (Ken Barlow).
]
How could anyone compare the talentless Kym Marsh along with such greats as Barbara Knox and Bill Roache
How could anyone compare the talentless Kym Marsh along with such greats as Barbara Knox and Bill Roache
Lol, that's what I thought when I read it too. If Corrie bosses want to promote a young, female star, Becky is far better than Michelle.
Coronation Street star Ben Price has revealed that he is keen to secure a long-term future with the Weatherfield soap.
The actor took over the role of Nick Tilsley last October and is currently confirmed to remain on screen until at least the end of the year after extending his contract in January.
Speaking to the Daily Record about his experiences on the programme, Price explained: "I get to do great stories which people watch. It's been going for 50 years. That's big. There's nothing like Corrie. So that's why I want to be in it.
"It's the most-watched TV show there is. If you don't want to do that as an actor, then what do you want? I will be in it for as long as they'll have me."
Praising his current storylines, he commented: "A lot of people seem to want to hit Nick. It always makes it interesting if you can change an audience's opinion of yourself a few times.
"You see him being nasty to Peter and you think he's not very nice, then you see him with Leanne or his mum and he's trying his best. What's great for me is you are always keeping it alive, giving the audience something to like and dislike. I find it more interesting rather than a straight-down-the-line businessman."
Coronation Street star Kate Anthony led over 3,000 participants in the 2010 Manchester Midnight Walk on Friday night.
The actress, who plays Molly Dobbs's aunt Pam Hobsworth on the ITV1 soap, took part in the charity event to raise money for Cheshire's St Ann's Hospice, for which she works as a celebrity ambassador.
Anthony and her fellow walkers gathered for a celebration at Manchester Central at 8pm on the night, before setting off for a 10km trek through the streets of the city once the clock turned 12am.
In a statement, the soap star said that she is "so proud" to be an ambassador for the hospice and described its fundraising efforts as a "great cause".
Catherine Williams, the director of fundraising and communications for St Ann's, added: "We never cease to be astonished with the number of participants who joined Kate on the starting line and who were all willing to give their evening up to help such a worthy cause.
"The help and support from everyone will mean the hospice can continue to offer a superb standard of care - not only to patients, but to their families and carers as well."
Coronation Street star Antony Cotton has reportedly hit back at John Partridge after the EastEnders actor branded his Weatherfield character a "stereotype" of a homosexual man.
In a magazine interview earlier this year, Partridge admitted that he did not want his Walford alter ego Christian Clarke to be anything like Cotton's character Sean Tully, explaining that it was important to represent other members of the gay community.
Speaking at the time, Partridge remarked: "What I didn't want as a stereotype was what I call a teatime gay. The Sean Tully type of character is the reason my character is here.
"I've worked in theatre for 20 years and there are lots of queens in the West End that look and act like that."
According to the Daily Star, Cotton has now responded to Partridge's comments by saying: "This is from a man who on the same day goes on Elaine Paige's show and reveals how he hoovers dressed in a catsuit."
Partridge's character Christian is currently involved in a high-profile gay storyline with practising Muslim Syed Masood (Marc Elliott).
Coronation Street star Kym Marsh has revealed that she is planning to release an autobiography.
The actress, who plays barmaid Michelle Connor on the soap, confirmed that she plans to share the highs and lows of her career and personal life in the forthcoming memoir.
Writing in her New magazine column, Marsh explained: "I'm going to start writing my autobiography this week. I'm very excited - and a bit scared - by the prospect!
"It'll start from when I was a kid because people seem to be very interested by my life before I was in the limelight and how different it is now. I've certainly had my ups and downs!"
The 34-year-old added that the book will be "both funny and sad at the same time".
News of Marsh's book deal first emerged in The People newspaper last month. Speaking at the time, a source said: "Kym's not only one of Britain's most popular actresses but also has a real story to tell. She will talk of her experiences honestly."
FFS shes only 34. Hopefully she has another 40 yrs of life. Its a tad early to be writing an autobiography
Ruffed_lemur
06-07-2010, 16:42
Oh no, not another book!
You don't have to read it lol :)
Ruffed_lemur
06-07-2010, 23:09
You don't have to read it lol :)
I won't! :)
CORRIE star Antony Cotton has revealed he has received a death threat from a fan. The actor, who plays gay factory worker Sean Tully, spoke out after someone posted a message on the web calling for him to be gunned down.
Antony, 34, says he’s alarmed at the threat but is trying to laugh it off rather than worry about it.
He wrote on his Twitter page: “What you think of me is none of my business.
“But when a friend alerts me to a post requesting someone to shoot me I am naturally alarmed.”
The star has continued to work as normal at the soap’s studios in Manchester and his bosses have been notified.
The revelation comes just weeks after Antony signed a new contract with the soap that will keep his character on the cobbles for another year.
Antony said: “I have no intention of leaving Coronation Street.
“I am very happy to be there, and as long as they are happy to have me then I don’t see any reason why I would want to leave.
“We are in very uncharted waters at the moment in all areas of business. Now would not be the time to walk away from a very successful television show, nor do I have any want or need to at the moment.”
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 revealed that he wants David Beckham to appear alongside him in Coronation Street.
The rapper, who had previously revealed that he wanted a guest role in the ITV soap, admitted that he would like to appear alongside Ashley Peacock (Steve Arnold) in the butchers, reports The Sun.
"They should definitely put some Snoop Dogg in there," he said. "The butcher's will be the cool spot.
"I'd have my man David Beckham in there working with me. He's my guy."
The 38-year-old claims to be a huge fan of the Weatherfield soap.
Oh purleeeeze...I hope this is a wind-up.
Chris_2k11
12-07-2010, 11:47
Snoop Dogg :rotfl:
Rio Ferdinand has denied reports that he wants a role in Coronation Street.
Reports yesterday claimed that the Manchester United defender was keen to guest-star in the ITV1 soap so that he could help sort out "naughty" David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd).
On Twitter the 31-year-old wrote: "For your information I won't be going into Corrie contrary to reports today!! (sic)"
Rapper Snoop Dogg has also expressed an interest in appearing in the Weatherfield soap.
Keith Duffy has admitted that he would love to be offered a judging role on the Australian X Factor in the future.
The Coronation Street actor confirmed that he would be interested in following in the footsteps of his Boyzone bandmate Ronan Keating, who landed a position on the show's panel earlier this year.
Speaking to RTE, Duffy explained: "Listen, if anybody ever wanted to pay me a lump of money to go to Australia I'd be there. Of course I'd be interested. It's a great gig he's after getting out there.
"It's a huge show, it's the biggest production that's ever been put together for a show in Australia. It's going be massive.
"People must remember that Ro's been in the music business since '93. We all had six or seven years out, but Ro went off and did other things in the music business. A change is as good as a rest they say, so I think he will really enjoy it."
The Australian X Factor will launch on the Seven Network later this year....
Sue Nicholls has revealed that she intends to stay on Coronation Street for as long as possible.
Speaking to TV Times, the veteran actress - who turns 70 next week - admitted that her life away from Weatherfield is more stressful.
Nicholls, who plays Audrey Roberts, explained: "When I come through the gates of the studio, it's like coming into a different world. I think I'm a bit happier in my Weatherfield world, because I've only got to worry about Audrey.
"In the real world, when I have a free week, oh, I find it terribly exhausting and I can't cope! Ringing the accountant, having a row with BT; you have to do all that.
"I would like to get in the car while I can still drive, and travel through France and Spain - places where I went to in my youth - but that can wait. I'm a bit of a romantic but, in reality, it's trips to Sainsbury's and Marks and Spencer for me."
The cremated remains of a cat who featured in Coronation Street's title sequence for over ten years are being put up for auction.
Frisky the cat, who died in 2000 aged 14, could be seen crouching on the roof of Jack Duckworth's pigeon loft in the ITV soap's titles, the listing on Dominic Winter Auctioneers states.
"Frisky was not only a much-loved family pet, but also captured the heart of the nation and made thousands of pounds for charities," former owner John Rimington told the Wilt and Gloucestershire Standard.
"We were very proud to be his owners and we are keen to keep his memory alive".
Frisky was chosen by the soap from a selection of 5,000 cats and was seen on-screen until 2001.
The auction listing adds: "Frisky got to meet the actors on the show and until his death in 2000 at the age of 14 he earned thousands of pounds for charities by making personal appearances".
Chris Albury, from the Dominic Winter Auctioneers, said that it is the quirkiest item they have had up for auction this year.
"Frisky was synonymous with one of the nation’s favourite soaps," he said. "At this stage we're not expecting an auction room dogfight but this lot will add some light relief into the day's proceedings."
The ashes are contained in a sealed wooden casket with small brass plaque, along with a group of nine colour publicity postcards.
The lot, which is expected to sell for up to £150, goes under auction on July 22.
Sue Nicholls has claimed that her alter ego Audrey Roberts has become friendlier in the last year.
The 69-year-old actress, who has played the salon owner since 1979, admitted that she has portrayed her "wrong" on occasions.
She told TV Times: "I think I'm nicer now, certainly since my time as Lady Mayoress, when she was a bit of a snob. I love Hyacinth Bouquet from [BBC sitcom] Keeping up Appearances, but I don't think Audrey is that type, and I think I played it wrong.
"But I think she's got over that, although someone will probably read this and think she's the biggest snob out there, and that will kill me!"
Heartbeat star Tricia Penrose has revealed her ambition to join Coronation Street.
The 40-year-old actress, who plays barmaid Gina in the long-running '60s drama, admitted that the main reason why she is keen to be on the serial is the location of its studios.
She told What's On TV: "Home life and family comes first, which is why I’d love to be in Coronation Street as it’s right on my doorstep. I’ll be on the cobbles in a flash if they call!"
WE haven't seen much of ex-Coronation Street star Adam Rickitt for a while - but now he's making up for it by showing us more than we ever wanted.
The beefy actor, who starred as Nick Tilsley until 2004, stripped off to front testicular cancer awareness campaign Checkum.
Adam, 32, posed in the buff for the cause with just the word Embarrassed? protecting his modesty.
He should play Ken BARE-low.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/3054670/Ex-Corrie-star-Adam-Rickitt-poses-nude-for-tesitcular-cancer-campaign-Checkum.html#ixzz0tlpQ7By2
Coronation Street star Sue Cleaver has revealed that she wants on-screen son Todd (Bruno Langley) to return in time for the soap's 50th anniversary celebrations.
Cleaver, who plays Eileen Grimshaw in the ITV1 serial, also said that she has always wanted to appear alongside one of the show's veteran characters.
According to Inside Soap, she said: "I’d love to see Todd back, but it’s out of my power, sadly!
“When I last spoke to Bruno, he was enjoying being a daddy."
When asked who she would ideally have return for the soap's milestone year, Cleaver added: "Sadly, Violet Carson is dead, but I’d want Ena Sharples back.
“I’d love to do a scene with Eileen and Ena in the old snug of the Rovers - that would be perfect.”
Coronation Street's stars have allegedly been banned from using social networking sites like Twitter and threatened with disciplinary action.
Bosses at the ITV1 soap are said to have blamed posts on the website for recent storyline leaks. Shobna Gulati (Sunita Alahan) and Antony Cotton (Sean Tully) are among some of the actors who regularly tweet.
According to the Sunday Mirror, a letter sent to the cast said: "Please consider the set a mobile and tweet-free zone.
"We realise that many of you use social media and networking sites and may wish to comment on your working lives - but we would prefer it if you didn't. Remember that any images can be accessed by the public.
"Disciplinary action may be taken against anyone who posts inappropriate pictures of yourself or any other members of the cast or anything that would portray The Street in a bad light."
A source said: "Anyone who is caught out tweeting anything embarrassing from now on is going to find themselves in very hot water."
Another Corrie star who tweets regularly is Craig Gazey, who plays butcher Graeme Proctor.
Last month he boasted on the site that his celebrity status may have led to a hotel room upgrade on holiday - but then moaned about the staff.
Coronation Street star Graeme Hawley was attacked in a bar by a soap fan angry at his character's on-screen affair with a schoolgirl, it was reported.
Hawley, 36, was accosted in a Manchester pub by a man ranting about his character teacher John Stape's fling with Street temptress Rosie Webster, played by 19-year-old Helen Flanagan, the Daily Mirror reported.
The man managed to get the actor in a headlock before he was dragged off by other pub-goers and fled.
Hawley said some fans are unable to separate real life from soap story lines, adding: "It's a constant issue, people giving their opinions on your character. It comes with the job.
"You become a target in bars. I stayed away from pubs during the World Cup. I thought if England lose it would become my fault."
A spokesman for Greater Manchester police said the force was not made aware of the incident.
Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/offbeat/corrie-star-attacked-over-storyline-14880116.html##ixzz0u6coNENn
Coronation Street star Graeme Hawley has denied claims that he was attacked by an angry soap fan.
A report today said that the actor, who plays teacher John Stape, had been confronted by the fan over a storyline which saw him kidnap Rosie Webster (Helen Flanagan).
However, Hawley dismissed the article in a statement on the Weatherfield soap's official website, saying: "I suddenly started getting calls this morning from friends and family asking if I was OK - I had no idea what they were talking about until someone pointed out the story.
“I have never been grabbed in a headlock by anyone. Occasionally people will make jokey comments about John - particularly throughout the Rosie storyline - but it is always in good humour and I have never felt threatened."
He added: "It is true that I tend to avoid crowded bars but that is as much to do with the fact that I am 36 and a dad as the fact that I am a famous face! I am happy to say that I have never found myself in a situation where I felt threatened.
"The fans are passionate about the show but that is what makes working on Corrie so great."
Sally Dynevor has revealed the reasons behind her recent name change.
The 47-year-old actress, who plays Sally Webster in Coronation Street, previously kept her maiden name of Whittaker.
However, she explained to OK magazine: "I'd kept Whittaker because everyone knew me as that but it suddenly didn't seem very important whether people knew my acting name or not.
"That was one of the first things I felt. I just wanted to be Mrs Dynevor and not Sally Whittaker. [My husband] Tim was really pleased. I just wanted to have the same name as my family."
Coronation Street actress Sue Nicholls has said that she would love to appear in her own spin-off.
Nicholls teased her current plot which sees salon-owner Audrey Roberts decide to retire to Greece with boyfriend Lewis Archer (Nigel Havers) and hinted that they have filmed two different endings to keep viewers guessing.
The 66-year-old told RTE: "Well it's only the audience that know he's having doubts and acting quite shifty. But she does say to him 'Lewis we've got to do this totally, or not at all' and he says 'Fine'.
"Obviously alarm bells are going off in his head and he's thinking about what he's got himself into."
She added: "But you'll have to wait and see what happens. You never know, we may have filmed two endings to keep everyone guessing.
However, Nicholls revealed that she would be happy to see Audrey and Lewis leave together.
"I would love to see them with a happy ending where they jet off to Greece, it leaves it open for a spin-off show," she said. "Nigel and I and the crew would just love that. In fact we've talked about it quite a lot and at one point I even said I would finance it, but I think it might have been after a few drinks!"
Sue Nicholls has described working with Rula Lenska as a "dream".
Lenska made her Coronation Street debut as Claudia, a glamorous friend of salon-owner Audrey Roberts (Nicholls), late last year.
Speaking to RTE, Nicholls revealed that Claudia will appear again at Audrey's birthday party and reveal more about Lewis (Nigel Havers) to her daughter Gail (Helen Worth).
"Yes, she's a little bit like the wicked witch, isn't she? It's great fun," she said.
"In my head Claudia is that friend you know is always going to be a pain. She's the one who says the wrong thing, is always trying to out do you and has a habit of saying really horrid things even though she thinks they're a joke.
"But I think in a funny way they really do get on. She gets quite drunk at the party and when Audrey makes her announcement she has no qualms about filling Gail in on Lewis's past."
Nicholls, who previously told DS that she wanted Lenka to return to the ITV soap, added: "It's been a dream - [Rula is] absolutely lovely and charming.
"The funny thing is in the past people have told me I look like Rula, I think it is because we are both tall and slim. And then when she came to set she told me that people told her that she looks like me! I think it's our good hair."
Adam Rickitt has admitted that he turned down the chance to return to Coronation Street.
The 32-year-old quit the role of Nick Tilsley in the ITV soap in 1999 but made brief comebacks in 2002 and 2003.
Shortly after ITV announced that the part was being recast, Footballers' Wives star Ben Price was confirmed as Rickitt's replacement.
Rickitt told Celebritain: "I was checked out at the time as to whether it's something I would be keen to do, and to be honest however much I loved doing the show and working with the people at that time I find the excitement of finding new and inspiring projects to work on too much of a drug to turn away from now.
"I do get lots of people comparing how we both play the role which is weird as it was eight years ago for me, and now I am back I shall be sure to tune in and see the new... new reincarnation!"
Rickitt, who has just returned from a four-year stint on New Zealand soap Shortland Street, is currently preparing to relaunch his music career with the release of what he described as an "awesome summer dance song".
THANK GOD HE DIDNT COME BACK
Chris_2k11
22-07-2010, 13:26
THANK GOD HE DIDNT COME BACK
Ben Price is no better
Adam is far better looking (imo) and Ben Price can't act either, so I would have preferred Adam any time
The cremated remains of Frisky the cat sold for more than £700 at an auction today.
The cat appeared in Coronation Street's title sequence for more than ten years before his death in 2000.
The 14-year-old cat's ashes, which were sealed in a wooden casket with a brass plaque, had been expected to fetch up to £150.
A spokesman for Dominic Winter Auctioneers in Gloucester****e confirmed that the remains had been sold to a private bidder for £700. With the buyer's premium added, the final price paid was £844.
At the height of his fame, Frisky had a fanclub with more than 1,500 members.
John Rimington, who put the ashes up for auction, plans to give the money to the Cat Protection League.
:cheer:
John Rimington, who put the ashes up for auction, plans to give the money to the Cat Protection League.
That's good of him :)
Coronation Street actor Ian Puleston-Davies has revealed that he suffers from a form of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).
Speaking to The Mirror, the actor - who only recently joined the cast of the Weatherfield serial - admitted that the problem affects him when filming scenes as Owen.
He explained: "I worry I'm going to cut my lip or chip my teeth on the glass so that damn pint glass in the Rovers is always going to leave me susceptible to an OCD attack.
"I have to check the lip of the glass with my finger first to make sure that it's not chipped and then practice taking a sip and a swallow before we even rehearse.
Puleston-Davies continued: "If I waited until we began filming, my OCD - my little evil voice in my head - would say 'it's stained' or 'you've just chipped your teeth'.
"There are little minefields everywhere - there could easily be 20 in a scene. But I have a quick, well-rehearsed mental tick-list where I scan a scene beforehand and know the potential pitfalls.
Leigh Francis reportedly wants a role in Coronation Street.
The comedian, better known as his alter ego Keith Lemon, has asked his friend Samia Smith (Maria Connor) to organise a cameo, according to Inside Soap.
She said: "My friend Leigh Francis keeps saying to me 'Get me in the salon!'
"We'd love to have him in. He's mental, he just makes thing up as he goes along and you have to roll with it - I'd probably end up in a huge fit of giggles."
Smith also revealed that she would like to have Kiefer Sutherland on the ITV1 soap.
"I'm obsessed with 24 and Kiefer Sutherland, who played Jack Bauer. Apparently he's a Corrie fan as well - I'd love to get him in as a guest star," she said.
Cricket star Freddie Flintoff has revealed his secret ambition to appear in Coronation Street.
England all-rounder Freddie, 32, is bowled over by the hit ITV1 soap.
He said: "Corries got everything. I could easily fit it in and Id love to have a go. I could be in The Kabin, marking up the papers with Norris and Rita. I heard Snoop Dogg is also interested in making an appearance. If hes a fan I'm in good company."
The Lancs-born dad-of-three catches up with episodes from his home in Dubai. But he said: They're a few weeks behind, so at the moment Tina is still in her flat and not coming out! Starstruck Freddie added: I know all the characters. I think Anne Kirkbride and Eileen Derbyshire, who play Deirdre and Emily, are two of the best on TV.
But bumbling Norris (Malcolm Hebden) is his favourite. He said: "He's a nosy parker. Every scene hes in makes me laugh. Freddie, an ambassador for Shell FuelSave, also revealed he'd turned down the chance of a cameo in BBC1s Waterloo Road, set in a Rochdale comprehensive. He said: "I didn't want to go back to school!"
Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan has reportedly had her boyfriend's name tattooed on her thigh.
The actress, who plays Rosie Webster in the ITV1 soap, has been dating footballer Scott Sinclair for seven months and got his name inked inside a love heart, according to the News of the World.
A source said: "The trouble is they've only been together since December.
"She kept the tattoo hidden for a few weeks but now wants everyone to know how much she loves Scott and doesn't care who sees it. It'll take drastic laser surgery to get rid of it if she changes her mind.
"I bet Scott's over the moon. He's had designs on her for some time!"
Cricketer Andrew Flintoff has expressed his desire to make a guest appearance on Coronation Street.
According to The People, Flintoff also revealed that his favourite characters on the ITV1 serial are Norris Cole (Malcolm Hebden), Deirdre Barlow and Emily Bishop.
He explained: "Corrie's got everything. I could easily fit it in and I'd love to have a go. I could be in The Kabin, marking up the papers with Norris and Rita.
"I heard Snoop Dogg is also interested in making an appearance. If he's a fan I'm in good company."
Meanwhile, the 32-year-old admitted that - due to living in Dubai - he watches the show on delay: "They're a few weeks behind, so at the moment Tina is still in her flat and not coming out!"
Flintoff said of his favourite characters: "I know all the characters. I think Anne Kirkbride and Eileen Derbyshire, who play Deirdre and Emily, are two of the best on TV."
Speaking about his affection for shop owner Norris, he added: "He's a nosy parker. Every scene he's in makes me laugh."
CORRIE'S Gail McIntyre and step-daughter Tina lay flowers at Joe's grave together.
The pair made up after widow Gail (Helen Worth) was cleared of her hubby's murder.
Star Michelle Keegan wore a headscarf after filming in the rain.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/3071793/Corries-Gail-McIntyre-and-step-daughter-Tina-lay-flowers-at-Joes-grave.html#ixzz0v1U4QkKm
Big Brother housemate Ben Duncan has revealed that he would love to appear on Coronation Street.
Duncan, who became the sixth housemate to be evicted on Friday, was often seen talking about the ITV1 show while in the house and has admitted that he would like to be offered a role, according to Holy Soap.
Asked whether he would accept a part, he said: "Is the Pope Catholic?
"I think the humour is fantastic and if I ever had the option of going in, not so much as Ken but as Ben, I'd jump at the chance, of course. Maybe I could be Stephanie Beacham's adopted son or something. I would love that, undoubtedly."
Duncan added that he and fellow housemate Corin would love to visit the set of the soap, saying: "The first thing we're going to do is a tour of the Granada studios. We want a drink in the Rovers."
Coronation Street star Michelle Keegan has pulled in more votes than Cheryl Cole in Zoo magazine's annual 'Hot List' of celebrity females.
The 23-year-old actress secured second place in the popularity poll, while X Factor judge Cole took fourth spot.
Keegan - best known for her role as Tina McIntyre - is the only soap star to feature in this year's top ten. However, Hollyoaks cast members Gemma Merna (Carmel Valentine) and Jennifer Metcalfe (Mercedes Fisher) came in at 12th and 20th respectively, while Keegan's Weatherfield colleague Helen Flanagan (Rosie Webster) took 23rd place.
Glamour girl Sammy Braddy topped the poll. The top ten also features Real Hustle star Jessica-Jane Clement and models Melissa D and Alice Goodwin.
Zoo's list was determined by over 10,000 votes from the magazine's readers.
The top ten in full:
1. Sammy Braddy
2. Michelle Keegan
3. Jessica Jane Clement
4. Cheryl Cole
5. Melissa D
6. Alice Goodwin
7. Tulisa Contostavlos
8. Pixie Lott
9. Una Healy
10. Frankie Sandford
TELLY legend Geoffrey Hughes - Corrie's Eddie Yeats - was gravely ill battling cancer last night.
His wife Sue was keeping a bedside vigil in hospital as he underwent intense radiotherapy.
Early days ... Geoffrey as Eddie Yeats
Rex
The actor, 66, who played binman Eddie in the 1970s and 1980s, thought he had beaten prostate cancer a year ago, but he collapsed with back pains at home on the Isle of Wight last Friday.
Doctors at Portsmouth's Queen Alexandra Hospital gave him the shock news that the disease was back.
A source said: "Geoffrey is not in a very good way. He is undergoing heavy radiotherapy and is in terrible discomfort.
"He thought he was over the worst after his treatment last year so it was a massive shock to find out it had returned.
"He's a fighter and he is doing his damnedest to try to beat it again. Sue is showering him with love but it is an awful situation."
Wirral-born Geoffrey first appeared in 1960s classics such as Z-Cars and The Saint.
After landing his Corrie role he starred in top shows including Keeping Up Appearances, Heartbeat and teen drama Skins.
One of his most fondly-remembered roles was as Twiggy, Jim Royle's slob mate in The Royle Family.
Geoffrey has never spoken about his cancer fight but has publicly supported cancer charities.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/3080927/Geoffrey-Hughes-Corries-Eddie-Yeats-is-gravely-ill-with-cancer.html#ixzz0vanuPO95
Coronation Street star Bill Tarmey's son Carl Piddington has been stabbed in an attack outside his pub in Ashton under Lyne.
The incident happened last Sunday at 1.30am outside the March Hare pub which he runs. Piddington was taken to nearby Tameside Hospital where he was treated for stab wounds to both arms. He was later discharged, according to the Daily Star Sunday.
Tarmey, who plays Jack Duckworth in the ITV1 soap, was said to be “very upset” about the attack. A source said: "It’s hit him hard, as it has everyone round here.
"Carl’s a lovely fella who does a great job running his pub with his wife and sons. Thank God the attack didn’t end up any worse than it was and he’s still with us."
Piddington reportedly spent this week recovering on holiday with his wife Sandra.
tammyy2j
09-08-2010, 15:46
Brian Capron, who formerly starred as 'Coronation Street' baddie Richard Hillman, is due to come back to the soap later this year, reports The Sun.
Capron will allegedly play Richard's brother in a Christmas DVD spin-off of the ITV1 show. He will be joined by other soap legends to celebrate 'Coronation Street's 50th anniversary.
Viewers last saw the actor in the soap back in 2003 when Richard – also known as Tricky Dicky – drove to his death in a Weatherfield canal, as he failed to kill the Platt family.
A source told The Sun: "Capron back from the dead will shock millions of fans.
"He's back playing his brother and, with his distinctive looks, he must be a twin.
They added: "The plot lines are absolutely top secret and only a handful of people know about the project."
CORRIE bosses have splashed out on a float for a gay pride march - featuring a dozen men camping it up as Hilda Ogden.
The performers will appear in their best drag outfits with rollers in their hair to play Jean Alexander's famous character.
And a host of the soap's stars - including Antony Cotton, who plays gay Sean Tully - will also be on the float for Manchester Pride during the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Sacha Parkinson and Brooke Vincent, who play Street lesbians Sian Powers and Sophie Webster, will also support the event.
Bosses have spent thousands of pounds on the float, which has the theme "Corrie past and present".
A show insider said last night: "Hilda was a massive gay icon - so it's a tribute to her enduring appeal that 'she' will be centre stage on the float.
And of course, having a dozen Hildas just adds to the camp feel of it all.
The idea is to celebrate the show with its gay audience at Britain's leading gay event."
Hilda, who was last on screens in 1987, became an unlikely gay icon in the 80s and was credited with starting a fashion movement for 1960s-style working-class clobber.
Gay singer Freddie Mercury was a Hilda fan and her look inspired Queen's video to I Want to Break Free, with guitarist Brian May playing her role.
Coronation Street also has a gay pedigree.
Its creator Tony Warren is gay and once joked that he used to give Elsie Tanner script lines he picked up in Manchester's gay village back in the early 1960s - when being gay was still illegal.
Jackie Crozier, festival director of Manchester Pride, praised Corrie for helping to raise awareness of issues facing the gay community.
She added: "We're delighted they're teaming up with Manchester Pride in this, their 50th anniversary year.
"Through characters like Sean Tully, Hayley Cropper, Todd Grimshaw and, most recently, Sophie Webster, they have helped to raise awareness of the issues facing the LGBT community to millions of loyal viewers."
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/3088384/Corrie-float-at-gay-pride-march-has-men-camping-it-up-as-Hilda-Ogden.html#ixzz0w9mYLWa5
Coronation Street writer Jonathan Harvey has revealed details of the scriptwriting process on the show.
The 42-year-old playwright, who has also penned upcoming anniversary theatre production Corrie!, told Metro that different writers on the ITV soap have different favourite characters.
Harvey said: "There are 18 writers and we meet every three weeks for two days. Together, we plan 15 episodes of the show. We each write an episode each.
"People tend to pitch ideas for their favourite characters. I liked Blanche, who died earlier this year, which was a real loss to the show, and I like Norris and Mary. They're fantastic."
Quizzed about which stories he came up with, he replied: "I joined in 2004 and I co-created the character of Tony Gordon, who came in to run the factory, then started killing people.
"I've done lots of incidental camp comedy storylines along the way, such as Jason Grimshaw winning Mr Gay Weatherfield. It's been six years and you have to come up with stories every three weeks so I'm hard-pushed to remember what's mine."
Asked how new characters are conceived, Harvey said: "With Tony Gordon, it was because Carla's husband had died and it was a question of doing something with her. I suggested giving her a new man who turns out to be a psychopath, which led to bigger stories."
CORONATION Street fans will not have to pay to watch their favourite soap, ITV's boss pledged yesterday.
Chief executive Adam Crozier said that while the company was "developing a pay strategy" - including charging for high-definition versions of ITV2, 3 and 4 - it was likely that ITV1 would remain free.
He added: "I can't envisage a situation where ITV1 is behind a pay wall."
The former Royal Mail and Football Association boss joined ITV in January, vowing to make it "fit for purpose".
He added: "We are developing a pay strategy. We made our first move on to pay by launching HD versions for ITV2, 3 and 4 which will launch during the autumn on Sky.
"We need to start competing in these new markets."
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/3095378/Coronation-Street-will-stay-free-to-air-ITV-boss-pledges.html#ixzz0wX5P1HRx
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He's back in Coronation Street for a special 50th anniversary DVD, but if that's not enough to satisfy fans of Corrie legend Kevin Kennedy, then this musical should do the trick.
The actor, who played loveable loser Curly Watts on the cobbles, will take on the role of hippy-ish librarian Pop in the Queen-themed stage show We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre in London's West End.
He will be in it from September, having played the same part when the production toured around the UK.
Kevin will be joined by X Factor's Brenda Edwards, Ricardo Afonso as Galileo, Rachel John as Meat and Sarah French as Scaramouche. Rockin'...
Coronation Street's longest-serving cast member Bill Roache has revealed that he nearly quit the soap.
The Mirror quotes him as saying that he was unhappy with his alter ego Ken Barlow's storylines during the early 1980s.
However, due to the popularity of Mike Baldwin's affair with Ken's wife Deirdre, Roache decided to stay on the serial.
He explained: "I wondered if Ken wasn't being written for properly and I toyed with leaving. Then the Ken, Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride) and Mike (Johnny Briggs) story came along and it was massive."
Ken, Deirdre and Mike's love triangle attracted the show's highest ever viewing figures of over 27 million.
CORRIE legend Johnny Briggs has warned its current stars not to demand a pay rise - unless they want to die in the Christmas tram crash.
The 74-year-old, who played Mike Baldwin, said: "They'll get rid of anyone who asks!
"You can't predict who will go - it could be anyone. They seem to get rid of people right left and centre."
New producer Phil Collinson has been dubbed the axeman after binning characters Claire and Ashley Peacock, Ryan Connor, Natasha Blakeman and Molly Dobbs since taking over this year.
And he has warned more will go in the forthcoming tram disaster.
Johnny, speaking at the Press launch for the new 50th anniversary play Corrie!, insisted the soap must always give viewers what they want.
He told TV Biz: "I've always said, you've got to listen to the fans.
"Give them a bit of what they want, but leave them wanting a bit more.
"But sadly TV doesn't work like that. Producers give fans what they want them to have, so I don't know if everyone will be happy at Christmas.
When I worked there you got paid per episode so older cast members on more money might get used less!"
Johnny - who said he was blown away by actor Matthew Wait's stage show portrayal of his swaggering Cockney factory boss character - believes the Corrie plots are now spread too thinly.
The veteran star, who left the soap in 2006, blamed dwindling advertising revenues for putting too many demands on the show.
He said: "In my day you'd only be doing three episodes a week.
"They spread it very thinly these days because of the advertising. It's all about money.
"The number of episodes is needed to fit in as many adverts as they can sell around it."
However, Johnny admitted he really missed the show, especially his on screen wife Alma - played by Carry On Cleo actress Amanda Barrie.
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He said: "I really miss the family of Corrie.
"It was great fun and it's still a great show. It's an institution.
"If I could have another day on set with anyone it would be Amanda.
"She was an amazing woman - and the perfect actress."
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/3100502/Corrie-legend-Johnny-Briggs-warns-soaps-stars-not-to-ask-for-a-pay-rise.html#ixzz0wufp60YQ
Corrie publican Steve McDonald may be used to the odd punch-up in the Rovers, but now Simon Gregson who plays him has found himself on the wrong end of a fight in a nightclub.
The actor got into a row with Reece Barnes, 18, at the Wheelhouse Club in Bowness, Cumbria, South Lakeland Magistrates' Court heard.
Barnes, from Windermere, told Simon he was saving the seat for a friend when the star sat down.
A row erupted and Barnes threw the first punch, bursting the actor's nose, the court in Kendal was told.
Witness statements reported the pair had to be separated and Barnes was thrown out of the venue.
Simon, who was not in court, went to the toilets to clean up and suffered bruising to his face.
On Tuesday, Barnes pleaded guilty to common assault on May 29 and was sentenced to a 12-month conditional discharge by JPs.
He was ordered to pay £85 costs, £100 in compensation and given a six-month banning order from entering the nightclub.
Coronation Street actor Craig Gazey has admitted that he would like to share more screen time with co-star Katherine Kelly in the future.
The 28-year-old revealed that he admires Kelly's performances as Becky McDonald and is eager to see his alter ego Graeme Proctor become more closely acquainted with the character.
Speaking to Inside Soap about colleagues he would like to work with more, Gazey commented: "Someone I've never really filmed with before - and regrettably so, because she's brilliant - is Katherine Kelly.
"When I came in for my original eight episodes in the prison, and the rumour was going round that they wanted to bring me back, Kate was pushing for Graeme to come in as Becky's half-brother, which would have been great.
"But at the time they had a lot of big storylines planned for her with all the Steve stuff, so it never happened. We get on really well, though, and she's an amazing actress."
Graeme's most recent storyline has seen him find love with Tina McIntyre (Michelle Keegan), leaving the shop worker's ex-boyfriend David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd) furious.
Discussing the plot's future, Gazey said: "All I can say is that it will be getting a little bit dark - David's certainly not going to make it easy for them. But I think the writers are happy for Tina and Graeme to stay together for a while."
KYM Marsh has escaped the Corrie axe - and her character will be revamped as a sexy businesswoman.
New producer Phil Collinson has thrown Kym a lifeline after her recent struggle to get a big storyline.
Next month her character Michelle Connor's son Ryan exits the show to go to uni.
It leaves the barmaid - whose two brothers have been killed off - with no close family in Weatherfield, and fewer plot prospects.
But ex-Hear'say singer Kym, 34, has been told Michelle will stay - and land a job with sister-in-law Carla Connor. It follows Michelle's ingenious idea for a T-shirt with changeable slogans.
Carla poaches her from the Rovers to work at knicker factory Underworld, trebling her salary. It isn't the only role offered to her.
Nick Tilsley will invite her to work at his new bar.
An insider said: "Michelle wants to get out of the Rovers and Carla needs new blood. Michelle really enjoys turning Nick down.
"She says he can't afford her and she's not swapping one lot of drunks for another."
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/3106536/Kym-Marsh-keeps-her-role-on-Coronation-Street.html#ixzz0xNnTREJB
What a pity. I had hoped the tram would put paid to this talentless bimbo
Chloe O'brien
23-08-2010, 11:07
You and me both Alan.
Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh has praised Channel 4's Hollyoaks for tackling the issue of gender identity disorder.
The actress, who plays transsexual character Hayley Cropper, revealed that she was pleased when she first heard what the teen soap's producers had in store for new arrival Jasmine Costello.
Jasmine, who is portrayed by 23-year-old Victoria Atkin, made her first appearance on screen earlier this month and viewers have since seen her secretly dressing up like a boy as part of a desperate desire to be a member of the opposite sex.
Speaking to Holy Soap about the storyline, Hesmondhalgh commented: "I saw that in the paper. I think it's absolutely brilliant. I think they will handle it really well and will do it beautifully.
"They've got a reputation for being fluff, but when they deal with stuff, they do it properly. And the girl looked very convincing as well."
Hesmondhalgh also spoke about how Hayley's transgender status will be brought back to the forefront on Corrie in the coming days as her wedding draws closer.
She said: "It's not the first thing [people] mention anymore. What I like about this storyline is it has brought that to the fore again. The wedding episode is beautifully written and there's a lot of reference to that. But of course there's more to her than that."
William Roache can probably play Ken Barlow in his sleep these days. After all, he's been in Corrie for a whopping half a century.
But the Weatherfield legend has admitted he still gets stage fright ahead of shooting, and reckons that's a good thing.
Soon he'll appear on screen with his two sons, Linus and James, when they join him for a special storyline.
Although he was delighted to work alongside his children, the three set up their own "actors' workshop" at home so they could go through their scenes and iron out the nerves before filming.
William said: "Of course we were apprehensive. I was. We know each other very well but have never worked together before. Linus did play Peter Barlow as a nine-year-old, but that doesn't really count.
"I always get nervous. You always do. The day you don't feel nervous is probably the day you should think about moving on. The fact we worked the scenes together at home really broke the ice for when we came."
The BBC missed the chance to show Coronation Street when it turned down the original script by the soap's founder.
Tony Warren said he sent an early version of the long-running show, then called Our Street, to the BBC when he was 19.
He said: "I'm still waiting to hear from them."
And he accused the BBC of copying his idea for EastEnders, saying: "I thought it should say also based on an original idea by Tony Warren."
"Basically it's a translation. Journalists always asked me what I thought and I had to keep my mouth shut but now I can say its very easy when you've been shown how."
Mr Warren told an audience at the Edinburgh International Television Festival that he climbed on top of a filing cabinet at Granada Studios and refused to get down until they let him make the show.
He said: "I told them I'm not coming down until you let me write what I know about."
Warren said he could never pick a favourite character from the history of the show, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and revealed he does not watch other soaps.
He said: "I love reality television because it came along and said something new.
"I'm watching reality programmes these days."
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