News

Everyone at Coronation Street is saddened to confirm that actor Roy Barraclough, best known for his iconic role as Alec Gilroy, has died aged 81.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

Coronation Street Executive producer Kieran Roberts today payed tribute to Roy. He said:

"Roy was a delightful person as well as a wonderful actor and will be greatly missed by all of us connected with the programme.

"The fact that the character of Alec Gilroy was at the heart of the show for so many years and was held in such affection by so many fans is a tribute to Roy's genius, for drama as well as comedy.

"Tonight's episode of Coronation Street will be dedicated to his memory."

Julie Goodyear MBE added:

"My dearest friend Roy Barraclough has passed away at 6am this morning. I have no words to describe how devastated I feel. We kept in close touch and spoke to each other at least 2 or 3 times every week. I will treasure all the happy times we had working and laughing together. We were just like a married couple, crazy, I know, but true.

"Rest in peace Roy. I will always love you."

Beverly Callard said:

"I will be forever indebted to Roy he was one of the people who trained me in the all the skills required for working in a long running series like this. Along with Julie Goodyear, Bill Tarmey and Betty Driver he taught me everything about this job.

"He almost got me sacked many times because he made me laugh so much, It was a joy to be in his company, he was one of the funniest people I knew and he had the biggest heart. I feel honoured to have known and worked with him. He will be sadly missed."

"Roy's passing has come as a huge and sad shock." added Simon Gregson. "He was a lovely man and amazingly funny. I learnt so much from Roy and was very proud to call him a friend. He was always lovely to me and I will miss him very much.

"My best wishes go to his family and friends. He gave so much to entertaining people and will be very much missed. Good night and god bless Roy xx"

In memory of our friend Martyn Hett and all the victims of the Manchester bombing on Monday night we will be dedicating a bench on the Coronation Street set to remember everyone affected by the atrocity.

The dedication will be planned in the coming weeks following an outpouring of affection for 29-year-old Corrie superfan Martyn and all those who lost their lives and have been injured following the Manchester Arena bombing.

The bench will be positioned in the new extension to the Coronation Street which is in the early stages of construction at the programme's Trafford site and the transcription will be as follows:

For Martyn and all those who lost their lives on 22nd May 2017. We Stand Together.

Tonight’s episode of Coronation Street will carry a tribute to the victims of Monday’s terrorist attack.

A photograph with the words ‘We Stand Together’ will be shown in place of the usual sponsorship bumper at the end of the show at 8pm.

The programme’s social media accounts will also carry the same image as a mark of respect to the 22 people who lost their lives and those who were injured in the atrocity at the Manchester Arena.

A spokesperson for the show said: "Manchester is the home of Coronation Street and we felt it was important to show our support for the victims of the bombing and the people of this great city."

We are delighted to confirm the casting of actor Jim Moir, best known as comic Vic Reeves.

Coronation Street actress Claire King is to leave the soap after three years playing feisty Erica Holroyd.

Ladies and Gentleman, the biggest night in the awards calendar is here!

So polish your shoes and get your glad rags on as The British Soap Awards 2017 shortlist nominations have been announced!

Corrie needs you! This year the awards that rely on the public votes are hotter than ever with Coronation Street in the running for Best British Soap, Best Actor and Best Actress!

So what are you waiting for? See who's nominated below and get clicking for Corrie!

THANK YOU - VOTE NOW!

We are delighted to announce plans to record a new version of the show’s iconic theme tune - with cast members singing specially written lyrics.

In the exclusive video above Producer Kate Oates reveals that for the first time the opening titles will no longer be purely instrumental.

Executive producer Kieran Roberts also explains that the decision was partly driven by the abundance of great singers in the cast.

Behind the scenes footage shows Faye Brookes, Cath Tyldesley and Shayne Ward recording the new theme tune and talking about how thrilled they are to be part of such an historic moment in the programme’s 56 year history.

The lyrics have been written to reflect the show’s unique DNA and include the lines:

It’s Coronation Street
Northern friends you’d like to meet
Hotpot, cobbles, murder and vice…
Sometimes not nice (but there’s comedy too…)

Everything is coming up Rosie on the cobbles as we can today confirmed that Helen Flanagan has had her contract extended to December.

Rosie returned to Weatherfield on Monday night and immediately found herself at the centre of the drama when she and Sophie discovered they had been used as drugs mules.

Helen was originally contracted for three months but ITV have now announced that Rosie will be staying in Weatherfield with her family.

Viewers can expect lots of comedy and some romance for Rosie, she will also find a new unlikely career on the cobbles.

Producer Kate Oates said:

"We are thrilled to have Helen back and delighted that she is now going to become a more permanent fixture in Weatherfield.

"Rosie is a classic Coronation Street comedy character and we are looking forward to seeing more of her antics in the future."

Helen said:

"I am having so much fun being back here playing Rosie again. The writing is hilarious and I am delighted to be staying around. I can’t wait to see what Rosie is going to get up to.”