News

The early life and career of Tony Warren, creator of Coronation Street, the world’s longest-running continuing drama, will be remembered in an exhibition at Salford Museum and Art Gallery, which is operated by Salford Community Leisure.

The exhibition runs from Saturday 21 October 2017 to Tuesday 3 July 2018

It is with very great sadness that Coronation Street confirms that Peter Whalley has passed away.

Peter was at the heart of the Coronation Street writing team for thirty five years and wrote 600 episodes, more than any other writer in the programme's history.

Peter was given a Lifetime Achievement award at the 2009 British Soap Awards before retiring in 2013.

Coronation Street Executive Producer Kieran Roberts today paid tribute to Peter. He said:

"Peter was not just a prolific and brilliant writer, he was also an invaluable source of great ideas and equally great wisdom in our story conferences.

Everyone who knew Peter will also remember the lovely man behind the great writing talent."

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Peter's children and his wife Jan at this time.

Coronation Street have today confirmed that Debbie Rush is to leave her role as Anna Windass at the end of the year.

Debbie joined the cast as long suffering Anna in 2008 and has been at the centre of some of the show’s biggest storylines during her 9 years in the show.

A spokesperson for the show said: “Debbie will leave Coronation Street at the end of the year, Anna Windass will be on screen until early 2018 with plenty more drama and twists in the tale before she leaves Weatherfield. We wish Debbie every success for the future.”

Producer Kate Oates commented:

“It's always sad when a huge talent like Debbie Rush decides to move to pastures new...but Debbie's decision to pursue other roles will allow us to play an exciting exit story for Anna, which will see her fighting for her family and tackling old enemies head-on.”

Debbie Rush said:

“I've have had an amazing 9 years on Coronation Street and the decision to leave was not made lightly. I love playing Anna and will miss working with the fantastic cast and crew. I don’t know what the future holds but I am excited to explore what other acting opportunities are out there. I am very grateful for all the brilliant storylines I have been given during my time on Coronation Street and am very much looking forward to what is in store for Anna in the run up to my departure next year.”

We're delighted to announce that Louiza Patikas is joining the cast of Coronation Street.

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.