News

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.”

Go behind the scenes with the Coronation Street cast at the National Television Awards!

We have confirmed reports that Ben Price is to leave show later this year after seven years playing Nick Tilsley.

Details of his exit are being kept under wraps for the storyline to unfold on screen for viewers.

Ben Price said:

"Coronation Street has been the most significant part of my career and I have had a fantastic seven years here. The decision to leave is purely personal - I want to be able to spend more time with my family.

"I have been supported by a terrific cast and crew and have had the most glorious storylines and for that I am most grateful."

Coronation Street Executive Producer Kieran Roberts said:

"We fully respect Ben's decision to leave Coronation Street. As Nick he has been at the centre of some of the biggest plots of the last 7 years.

"He is valued member of cast who will be greatly missed but we still have many months of great storylines with him leading to his dramatic exit later this year."

We invited our new neighbours will.i.am, Jennifer Hudson, Sir Tom Jones and Gavin Rossdale from The Voice UK over for a cheeky hotpot in the Rovers with Beverley Callard!

Beverley Callard said:

“It was such an honour showing the coaches round the Rovers, my late mum was the biggest Tom Jones fan of all time and my Grandchildren are huge fans of Will.

"My mum would have been so thrilled to know he was behind the bar with me and I was a very cool grandma when I took home my photos of me showing Will how to pull a pint," continued Beverley.

"Will even said he’d like to film a pop video in our pub!"

"Gavin told me he grew up in a pub so he was a natural when it came to how everything worked. And can you imagine Karaoke nights in the Rovers if these guys worked for Liz!”

Don't miss The Voice UK, Saturday 8pm on ITV and keep an eye out on Coronation Street's socials over the weekend for more from the Coaches' surprise visit!

The votes are in, the viewers have spoken and Britain’s best-loved programmes and performers are lined up on the shortlist for the 22nd National Television Awards!

Coronation Street is nominated in the Serial Drama category, watch the montage above to remind yourself of all the great moments!

VOTE CORRIE

But that's not Coronation Street's only nomination...

Jack P Shepherd has been nominated for his portrayal of David Platt - VOTE NOW

New kid on the block, Faye Brookes has been nominated for her turn as Kate Connor - VOTE NOW

All new votes will be added to those cast in the first round and the results will be revealed, live, at the NTA ceremony on 25th January 2017 on ITV.

Coronation Street is to tackle the difficult subject of late miscarriage when Michelle Connor loses her baby at 23 weeks.

Actress Kym Marsh has taken the brave decision to be involved in the storyline just a few years after she lost her son Archie at a similar stage of pregnancy.

Kym and producer Kate Oates discussed the storyline early in 2016 and Kym felt, that as it was a subject so close to her heart, she wanted to help raise awareness of the issues surrounding late miscarriage.

The programme has worked closely with Stillbirth and Neonatal death charity Sands on the episode which will air on ITV week beginning January 9th 2017.

In the coming weeks viewers will see Michelle and Steve struggle to come to terms with the loss of their beloved baby boy Ruairi (pronounced Rory) after she goes into early labour.

The heartbreaking scenes explore how the death affects both the mother and father and also the extended family.

Kym Marsh said:

“I thought long and hard before agreeing to take on the challenge of this storyline. It is obviously a cause very close to my heart having lost my beautiful Archie at 21 weeks and 5 days. I discussed it with my family and friends, all of who were very supportive.

“In the end I felt it was an important story to tell in order to raise awareness of something which affects thousands of women every year.

“I have had to go to some very dark places in my mind whilst filming these heartbreaking scenes but my family, friends and colleagues have been incredible. Losing a child is something that never leaves you so to revisit those feelings as Michelle has been challenging.

“Coronation Street ensured that I had a counsellor on set at all times to go to after filming the scenes but for me the best tonic after a hugely emotional day was to go home to my kids and be reminded of how lucky I am to have them.

“I am very proud of what we have done with this storyline and I hope it helps raise awareness and helps people to talk about their own experiences.”

Coronation Street producer Kate Oates said:

”The subject of miscarriage will always be sensitive; but telling this story with Simon and Kym at the centre would always have an extra poignancy. Through careful writing and research, we hope we are able to encourage discussion, understanding and compassion for those viewers affected by the loss of a baby.

"The cast were in safe hands with our amazing and empathetic director Tony Prescott, and it has been humbling to see all the actors involved being so selfless and generous in their performances.”