Coronation Street was honoured at the Observer Ethical Awards last night, as the first recipient of the inaugural Film and Television Industry category.
The ITV soap was recognised for its eco-credentials both on screen and behind the scenes.
Facing competition from Springwatch and Film London's Terminally Happy, Coronation Street was recognised for having the "lowest possible environmental impact".
Picking up the award at the V&A Museum in London, executive producer Kieran Roberts hailed Beth and Kirk's recycled wedding and Roy growing vegetables at the allotment as examples of storylines about sustainability.
He said: "Coronation Street has strived to improve the sustainability of every element of the production from how we power our site, to how we encourage electronic working for scripts and paperwork, to how we minimise waste and recycle wherever possible, to how we produce food, source costumes, and create sets.
"Without preaching, we also haven't been afraid...
The ITV soap was recognised for its eco-credentials both on screen and behind the scenes.
Facing competition from Springwatch and Film London's Terminally Happy, Coronation Street was recognised for having the "lowest possible environmental impact".
Picking up the award at the V&A Museum in London, executive producer Kieran Roberts hailed Beth and Kirk's recycled wedding and Roy growing vegetables at the allotment as examples of storylines about sustainability.
He said: "Coronation Street has strived to improve the sustainability of every element of the production from how we power our site, to how we encourage electronic working for scripts and paperwork, to how we minimise waste and recycle wherever possible, to how we produce food, source costumes, and create sets.
"Without preaching, we also haven't been afraid...
- 7/3/2015
- Digital Spy
David Threlfall and Anna Maxwell-Martin have been confirmed to star in ITV's Midwinter of the Spirit.
The pair will lead the three-part supernatural crime drama, which begins production in Herefordshire this month.
The series follows country vicar Merrily Watkins (Maxwell-Martin), who is one of the few women priests working as an exorcist in the UK. When a grisly murder takes place in her local area, the police come calling for her assistance.
Threlfall, who previously starred in Shameless, will play Rev Huw Owen, Watkins's mentor.
The series will air on ITV Encore and is based on the books by novelist Phil Rickman. Stephen Volk (The Awakening) will write the screenplay for the adaptation.
Also confirmed to star in the drama are Siobhan Finneran (Happy Valley, Downton Abbey), Ben Bailey Smith (Law and Order: UK), Leila Mimmack (Home Fires), Kate Dickie (Game of Thrones), Simon Trinder (Dalziel and Pascoe), Oengus MacNamara...
The pair will lead the three-part supernatural crime drama, which begins production in Herefordshire this month.
The series follows country vicar Merrily Watkins (Maxwell-Martin), who is one of the few women priests working as an exorcist in the UK. When a grisly murder takes place in her local area, the police come calling for her assistance.
Threlfall, who previously starred in Shameless, will play Rev Huw Owen, Watkins's mentor.
The series will air on ITV Encore and is based on the books by novelist Phil Rickman. Stephen Volk (The Awakening) will write the screenplay for the adaptation.
Also confirmed to star in the drama are Siobhan Finneran (Happy Valley, Downton Abbey), Ben Bailey Smith (Law and Order: UK), Leila Mimmack (Home Fires), Kate Dickie (Game of Thrones), Simon Trinder (Dalziel and Pascoe), Oengus MacNamara...
- 4/7/2015
- Digital Spy
'Coronation Street' will say farewell to the late Anne Kirkbride's character Deirdre Barlow on-screen later this year. The ITV soap's executive producer Kieran Roberts has revealed they are working on a tribute to the actress - who lost her battle with cancer earlier this year - which will explain her character Deirdre's departure from the show. He shared: ''She was a wonderful woman, a wonderful actress. We all miss her terribly. ''At the moment, we're respecting her memory. We're talking to her family and respecting the family's wishes, but what I can tell fans of the show is that we will be saying...
- 3/14/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Coronation Street's Anne Kirkbride has died aged 60 after a short illness. The actress, who joined the ITV soap in 1972 and played the part of Deirdre Barlow, passed away peacefully in a Manchester hospital, the broadcaster has confirmed. David Beckett, her husband, and the cast and crew of the show were said to be ''heartbroken and deeply saddened'' by the news. Kieran Roberts, the executive producer of 'Coronation Street', said: ''We feel blessed and honoured to have known her. ''There are no words to describe the sense of grief we feel at Anne's passing. We know only too acutely how much Anne meant...
- 1/17/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
U.K. broadcaster ITV has revealed plans for a special live episode of long-running soap opera Coronation Street, which will be filmed in 2015 at its new facilities in Manchester. The episode, announced on Wednesday, will air in September next year to celebrate the channel’s 60 years on the air. "We’re delighted to be marking ITV’s 60th anniversary with a live episode from Coronation Street’s brilliant new studios and set,” said executive producer Kieran Roberts. Read more ITV Predicts Strongest Full-Year Ad Revenue Growth in Years "We’re immensely proud of our new home, and it’s been the
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- 11/19/2014
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
ITV has ordered a new supernatural crime drama.
Midwinter of the Spirit has been commissioned for three episodes, with production set to begin in Herefordshire in April 2015.
The series will air on ITV Encore and is based on the books by novelist Phil Rickman. Stephen Volk (The Awakening) will lead the adaptation.
The series follows country vicar Merrily Watkins, who is one of the few women priests working as an exorcist in the UK. When a grisly murder takes place in her local area, the police come calling for her assistance.
As Merrily assists Dci Annie Howe and DS Franny Bliss in their investigation, she leads them into a dark and dangerous world.
ITV's Director of Drama Commissioning, Steve November, said: "Midwinter of the Spirit is a contemporary and edgy drama which draws upon dark, pagan forces which are intriguing and spiritually frightening.
"We're delighted to commission three episodes of...
Midwinter of the Spirit has been commissioned for three episodes, with production set to begin in Herefordshire in April 2015.
The series will air on ITV Encore and is based on the books by novelist Phil Rickman. Stephen Volk (The Awakening) will lead the adaptation.
The series follows country vicar Merrily Watkins, who is one of the few women priests working as an exorcist in the UK. When a grisly murder takes place in her local area, the police come calling for her assistance.
As Merrily assists Dci Annie Howe and DS Franny Bliss in their investigation, she leads them into a dark and dangerous world.
ITV's Director of Drama Commissioning, Steve November, said: "Midwinter of the Spirit is a contemporary and edgy drama which draws upon dark, pagan forces which are intriguing and spiritually frightening.
"We're delighted to commission three episodes of...
- 11/14/2014
- Digital Spy
ITV has commissioned a new drama titled The Trials of Jimmy Rose.
The three-part series will centre around Jimmy Roberts, a former gangster and ex-con who is attempting to regain the love and trust of his family.
It is written and created by Alan Whiting, who has previously worked on Strike Back and Kingdom.
Adrian Shergold, whose previous projects include Lucan and Mad Dogs, directs.
ITV's Kieran Roberts confirmed that the show will begin filming this autumn.
"The Trials of Jimmy Rose is a warm, funny and compelling drama about a family man with a criminal past who has to prove it's never too late to start over," Roberts explained.
ITV's Steve November added: "Alan Whiting has created an instantly memorable character, a man with too much to regret and not enough time to make amends.
"He's been a successful criminal but can he now become a successful husband and father?...
The three-part series will centre around Jimmy Roberts, a former gangster and ex-con who is attempting to regain the love and trust of his family.
It is written and created by Alan Whiting, who has previously worked on Strike Back and Kingdom.
Adrian Shergold, whose previous projects include Lucan and Mad Dogs, directs.
ITV's Kieran Roberts confirmed that the show will begin filming this autumn.
"The Trials of Jimmy Rose is a warm, funny and compelling drama about a family man with a criminal past who has to prove it's never too late to start over," Roberts explained.
ITV's Steve November added: "Alan Whiting has created an instantly memorable character, a man with too much to regret and not enough time to make amends.
"He's been a successful criminal but can he now become a successful husband and father?...
- 8/12/2014
- Digital Spy
Stuart Blackburn has been appointed as the new producer of Coronation Street, succeeding current boss Phil Collinson in the role. Blackburn, who has been working as Emmerdale's series producer since early 2011, will take up the position in January.
[Left: Stuart Blackburn / Right: Phil Collinson] Collinson, meanwhile, will remain at ITV in a new role working with Kieran Roberts to develop new drama from ITV's base in Manchester. Speaking of his new post, Blackburn commented: "I'm in the very privileged position of producing Emmerdale's hour-long live episode to celebrate the programme's 40th birthday, and I get to produce Coronation Street too. Life just couldn't get any better. "Emmerdale is a very special programme to me, as I was born and brought up in West Yorkshire. (more)...
[Left: Stuart Blackburn / Right: Phil Collinson] Collinson, meanwhile, will remain at ITV in a new role working with Kieran Roberts to develop new drama from ITV's base in Manchester. Speaking of his new post, Blackburn commented: "I'm in the very privileged position of producing Emmerdale's hour-long live episode to celebrate the programme's 40th birthday, and I get to produce Coronation Street too. Life just couldn't get any better. "Emmerdale is a very special programme to me, as I was born and brought up in West Yorkshire. (more)...
- 10/8/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
'Coronation Street' bosses are to stockpile an extra five weeks' worth of episodes for when the show moves location. The ITV1 soap is leaving the central Manchester studios where it has been filmed for 51 years to join the BBC at the new Salford MediaCityUK development and to avoid falling behind schedule, cast - including the likes of show veteran Bill Roache - and crew are working extra hard to get ahead in filming. Executive producer Kieran Roberts said: 'Over the course of the next year we're going to get a little bit further ahead of ourselves than we normally do.' 'Coronation Street' is already filmed several weeks in advance and the new schedule could see them get up to...
- 2/13/2012
- Monsters and Critics
'Coronation Street' bosses are to stockpile an extra five weeks' worth of episodes for when the show moves location. The ITV1 soap is leaving the central Manchester studios where it has been filmed for 51 years to join the BBC at the new Salford MediaCityUK development and to avoid falling behind schedule, cast - including the likes of show veteran Bill Roache - and crew are working extra hard to get ahead in filming. Executive producer Kieran Roberts said: "Over the course of the next year we're going to get a little bit further ahead of ourselves than we normally do." 'Coronation Street'...
- 2/13/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
Coronation Street executive producer Kieran Roberts has revealed that characters from the show's past will return for the funeral of Betty Williams. Betty Driver, who had played the part since 1969, passed away in October at the age of 91. She is yet to be written out on screen. According to the Manchester Evening News, Roberts said that old faces from Betty's 42-year stay in Weatherfield will reappear for her April send-off. Roberts teased: "I think we've come up with a fitting exit for her. It'll be shown in the spring. It's important we get that right because she was so loved by the fans and by all of us who work on Coronation Street. "But it will mainly be about her and saying goodbye to her with the right amount of respect and the right tone." There (more)...
- 1/27/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
ITV has commissioned a new drama about the wives and girlfriends of soldiers serving in Afghanistan. The show - with the working title 'Swags' (Service Wives And Girlfriends) - will focus on four women living in Army quarters in the garrison town of Leysham, whose partners are currently based in the war-torn nation. Executive producer Kieran Roberts said: "'Swags' is an emotional and heart-wrenching drama about the women who fight their own battles on the home front while thousands of miles away their loved ones are risking their lives every day. "Seeing how these remarkable women cope with survival,...
- 1/27/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
ITV has picked up a new drama about the wives and girlfriends of soldiers. The six-part series, which is currently called Swags, will focus on the lives of four women living in Army quarters in Leysham while their partners serve in Afghanistan. Debbie's husband Howard has left the army but she is worried about her two sons in Helmand, while her daughter-in-law Gemma is feeling positive about the future. Army nurse Louise met her husband in Afghanistan but did not return to the frontline after maternity leave, while Claire met her partner after signing up to a dating website. The show is expected to focus on the women's everyday struggles and problems, but is also said to be "upbeat" and have an "ever present streetwise sense of humour". The programme's executive producer Kieran Roberts described Swags as an "emotional and heart-wrenching (more)...
- 1/26/2012
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
ITV has commissioned a new drama about the wives and girlfriends of soldiers serving in Afghanistan. The show - with the working title 'Swags' (Service Wives And Girlfriends) - will focus on four women living in Army quarters in the garrison town of Leysham, whose partners are currently based in the war-torn nation. Executive producer Kieran Roberts said: "'Swags' is an emotional and heart-wrenching drama about the women who fight their own battles on the home front while thousands of miles away their loved ones are risking their lives every day. "Seeing how these remarkable women cope with survival,...
- 1/25/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
Former Coronation Street star Ken Morley has said that he would like to return to the soap. The actor, who played supermarket manager Reg Holdsworth between 1989 and 1995, also joined a number of former stars who believe that the ITV1 soap lacks the humour of past years. Morley told The Sun: "They need characters like Reg again. A Holdsworth in the Rovers Return would get people tuning in. There is nothing he couldn't do - a character like that could save Corrie single-handedly by ranting about real issues in the Rovers. "The executive producer Kieran Roberts asked me: 'Would you ever consider coming back?' I told him I'd come back as a scourge questioning the morals, the views and the thinking of younger people. They really need to get to grips with Corrie or the nation is going to lose a beloved institution." > 'Coronation (more)...
- 7/15/2011
- by By Kate Goodacre
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street executive producer Kieran Roberts has hit back at claims that the ITV soap has lost viewers due to a "plethora" of gay characters. The final edition of the News of the World carried a report which said that the Manchester serial had lost over a quarter of its viewers in just one month. Michelle Collins's northern accent in her new role as Stella Price has received criticism, while it was also suggested that producer Phil Collinson will exit his position next year. Roberts told Radio 5 Live's Breakfast show: "I think it's a storm in a teacup at the moment. There are a few newspapers who seem to have latched on to some notion that the programme has fundamentally changed and that ratings are on the slide. "That's just not true. We are very in touch with the soul of Coronation Street. (more)...
- 7/12/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's Rosie Webster was recently tipped to star in her own online spinoff, and it seems that the rumours could be true! Back in March, a report in the Daily Star Sunday revealed that the Weatherfield glamour girl would have her own internet series focusing on her quest for fame as a model. Insiders said that the show would see Rosie follow her dreams in London. At the time, the rumours were unconfirmed but in an interview with this week's Radio Times, Corrie's executive producer Kieran Roberts said: "We're developing a new multiplatform piece that will involve Rosie." While there's no more details than that just yet, Rosie getting her own internet series is looking increasingly likely... Corrie has enjoyed some great successes online recently so it's no surprise (more)...
- 5/11/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's executive producer Kieran Roberts has reassured viewers that the confirmed move to a new studio will not affect the soap's output. It was announced yesterday that the Weatherfield drama will relocate to a purpose-built 7.7acre set-up at the MediaCityUK complex in Salford Quays. "Of course there will be a degree of sadness about leaving Quay Street and we'll be sad to say goodbye," Roberts told the Manchester Evening News. "But we have to look forward. If we just wallow in nostalgia, then we're not doing the right thing by the show and the right thing for our viewers." The new set will look identical to the current one based at Granada Studios - however, the buildings on the street will now be constructed to scale. Roberts continued: "Obviously we won't move over there until the new site is not (more)...
- 12/17/2010
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
The Queen has sent a congratulatory message to the cast of Coronation Street for their 50th anniversary. According to the Daily Star Sunday, a letter from Her Majesty was read out by executive producer Kieran Roberts at Manchester's Hilton Hotel where the birthday celebrations took place on Friday. Video messages were also played from Snoop Dogg, Prime Minister David Cameron, Steven Gerrard, Julie Walters and Ant and Dec, while Bill Roache (Ken Barlow) received a special letter from Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who is apparently a huge fan of the show. A source said: "There was a lot of back-patting going on, congratulating each other. (more)...
- 12/12/2010
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's executive producer Kieran Roberts has admitted that the next year is crucial for the soap as they lay the foundations for the next 50 years. Roberts told the Daily Star Sunday that he is always looking for innovative ways to keep the ITV1 show fresh and hopes to continue to build Coronation Street as a brand. He said: "The first 50 years is already behind us. Tomorrow is the 51st - a very crucial year for us - and we are in great health. Over the last ten years we have seen a decline in ratings. The main drivers for that have been multi-channel competition and the digital switch-over but I think things are settling down. "We (more)...
- 12/12/2010
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's executive producer Kieran Roberts has promised that the soap's tram crash stunt will be a catalyst for "powerful drama" rather than "gimmick". As the show's special week of 50th anniversary episodes begins tonight, an explosion at Nick and Leanne's Joinery bar will cause a tram to fall from the viaduct above and onto the cobbles, causing death and devastation. Despite the spectacular scenes in store, programme bosses have always insisted that the characters will remain at the heart of the anniversary storyline and its aftermath. Speaking in a new interview with The Guardian, Roberts commented: "We have to be careful that we don't do gimmickry. Character always comes first. Going right back to Tony Warren's first episodes, (more)...
- 12/6/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
British soap opera Coronation Street celebrates its 50th anniversary in December, and to celebrate, the makers of the show have launched a special charity appeal.
“During 50 years of storylines, Coronation Street has covered an enormous range of social issues,” says the show’s executive producer Kieran Roberts. "As part of our 50th anniversary activities, the cast and crew felt it was important to give something back in the form of an official appeal.
“The three charities nominated carry out extraordinary work and we want to support them as much as possible over our anniversary months. It would be fantastic to see our viewers join in wherever they can – so that our anniversary is not just a wonderful celebration, but also makes a difference”.
Read more...
“During 50 years of storylines, Coronation Street has covered an enormous range of social issues,” says the show’s executive producer Kieran Roberts. "As part of our 50th anniversary activities, the cast and crew felt it was important to give something back in the form of an official appeal.
“The three charities nominated carry out extraordinary work and we want to support them as much as possible over our anniversary months. It would be fantastic to see our viewers join in wherever they can – so that our anniversary is not just a wonderful celebration, but also makes a difference”.
Read more...
- 10/15/2010
- Look to the Stars
ITV soap Coronation Street has launched an official charity appeal to mark its 50th anniversary. With the show's much-anticipated milestone now just weeks away, the programme has today announced details of the Coronation Street 50th Anniversary Appeal, which will benefit Cancer Research UK, the Nspcc and The Christie cancer centre in Manchester. Over the next few months, the drama's cast will be taking part in fundraising activities both on and off air, while also calling for donations to be made via an official website for the appeal.
Pictured: Cast members Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntyre), Debbie Rush (Anna Windass) and Antony Cotton (Sean Tully) promote the appeal. Speaking of the charity project, Coronation Street's executive producer Kieran Roberts commented: "During 50 years of storylines, Coronation Street has covered (more)...
Pictured: Cast members Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntyre), Debbie Rush (Anna Windass) and Antony Cotton (Sean Tully) promote the appeal. Speaking of the charity project, Coronation Street's executive producer Kieran Roberts commented: "During 50 years of storylines, Coronation Street has covered (more)...
- 10/14/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street has achieved two entries in the Guinness World Records book. The soap, which celebrates its 50th year in December, has been confirmed as the longest-running TV soap opera. In addition, William Roache, who has played Street stalwart Ken Barlow since the soap's debut in 1960, has been listed as the longest-serving soap actor. The awards were presented yesterday during a special on-set street party, which launched the countdown to the show's anniversary on December 9. Executive Producer Kieran Roberts said: "These days it’s (more)...
- 9/25/2010
- by By Naomi Rainey
- Digital Spy
'Coronation Street' has won two Guinness World Records. The ITV1 show - which first aired in 1960 - is now officially the longest-running television soap opera in the world. Additionally, actor Bill Roache, who plays former teacher Ken Barlow, has been named as the world's longest-serving soap actor, after making his first appearance on the show's debut episode on December 9, 1960. Kieran Roberts, executive producer of the soap, said: ''These days it's rare for any drama to run for more than a few years. In fact, back in 1960, 'Coronation Street' was originally commissioned for just 13 episodes. ''Therefore, it truly is an ..
- 9/24/2010
- Virgin Media - TV
'Coronation Street' will lead the Manchester Pride parade on August 28. A carnival float full of cast and crew will lead celebrations of the gay pride parade - which will have a 'Through the Decades' theme - as they travel through the packed city centre and party with onlookers as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations. The 'Coronation Street' vehicle will head up the route followed by over 100 other travelling groups. Kieran Roberts, executive producer for the ITV1 soap, said: ''This is going to be one of the best weekends of the year in the city, and we're honoured that Manchester Pride has ..
- 6/9/2010
- Virgin Media - TV
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 (more)...
- 6/9/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
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 (more)...
- 4/26/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street veteran Bill Tarmey is to leave the soap after three decades years playing Jack Duckworth, it has been confirmed. The 69-year-old expressed his intention to leave and to spend more time with his family last year, but his wife Ally and the then-producer Kim Crowther and convinced him to stay for the soap's golden anniversary in December. Storyliners are currently working alongside the show's new chief Phil Collinson and executive producer Kieran Roberts to pen a "fitting" departure storyline for the character. Speaking of his decision to quit, Tarmey said: "People often ask me if I like Jack Duckworth and I always reply 'Like him, I bloody love him!' I have had the most amazing 30 years playing Jack. Because of him I have made some fantastic friends and travelled all over the world and I will be sorry to say goodbye to (more)...
- 4/9/2010
- by By Kris Green
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street has announced that the soap will be supporting four different charities to mark its 50th anniversary year. The good causes, which will benefit from "a variety of activity" over the coming months, were chosen by the ITV1 serial's cast members in a democratic ballot. Cancer Research UK and the Nspcc were two national charities picked in the vote, while local choices were Oldham cancer centre The Christie and mental health organisation Mood Swings, which was set up by the father of Weatherfield actress Jennie McAlpine (Fiz Stape). Speaking of the Corrie team's plans, executive producer Kieran Roberts commented: "We're delighted that support (more)...
- 3/30/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
A new drama telling the story behind Coronation Street's screen debut is to air on BBC Four, it has been announced. The one-off programme, which is being produced to mark the soap's 50th anniversary year, will show how Tony Warren had to battle to get Corrie on the air after coming up with the idea for the serial. Warren, now 73, was working as a contract writer at Granada Television in Manchester when he was inspired to create Coronation Street. However, his bosses initially provided fierce opposition to his desire to secure an ITV slot for the soap. BBC Four's drama has been titled Florizel Street, which was Warren's original name for his creation. It will be penned by former Corrie writer Daran Little and have the show's current boss Kieran Roberts as its executive producer. Meanwhile, Warren (more)...
- 3/25/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Katherine Kelly will apparently take a temporary break from Coronation Street to star in a musical extravaganza celebrating the soap's 50th year. Insiders claim that the actress, who plays barmaid Becky MacDonald, will lead the all-singing, all-dancing spectacle, which will open in Manchester in December, before moving to the West End. The News Of The World reports that ITV bosses have backed the multi-million pound production, Corrie: The Musical, which would bring to life the show's biggest storylines from the past five decades. Earlier this month, the Weatherfield serial's executive producer Kieran Roberts announced that an unrelated (more)...
- 3/21/2010
- by By Sarah Rollo
- Digital Spy
'Coronation Street' will be turned into a stage show in celebration of the soap's 50th anniversary. The long-running ITV1 programme will be transformed into a two-hour theatre performance at Salford's Lowry Theatre in August before touring the country as part of its landmark birthday plans. Although it will not contain any past or present members of cast, the show will take fans through the major storylines of the past 7,000 episodes. Executive producer Kieran Roberts has promised fans of the show will not be disappointed with the dramatic plotline - which he insists will also be filled with ''lots of laughter''. He told the BBC: ..
- 3/4/2010
- Virgin Media - TV
A stage production celebrating 50 years of ITV soap Coronation Street is to go on tour across the UK, it has been announced. Coronation Street: Abridged Live! - penned by the soap's long-term script writer Jonathan Harvey - will condense the programme's history of births, deaths, marriages and other dramatic events into one show running for just under two hours. The Weatherfield drama's executive producer Kieran Roberts is to be the play's chief producer, teaming up with Phil McIntyre Entertainment Limited. Speaking of the project, Roberts commented: "The very heart of British television has been beating with the pulse of Coronation Street for 50 years. That's a (more)...
- 3/4/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Keith Duffy has revealed that he "always" planned to return to his role as Coronation Street's Ciaran McCarthy. The actor and Boyzone star signed up to reprise his part on the ITV1 soap late last year. He had previously quit Weatherfield in February 2005 to spend more time with his family. In a new interview with Digital Spy, Duffy has now explained: "Well when I left back in 2005, it was always the plan at some stage to try and get back on the Street after spending a bit of time at home and whatever." The singer confirmed that the first major step to his comeback occurred last year when he invited Corrie's executive producer Kieran Roberts and other former Weatherfield colleagues to see Boyzone on tour. Duffy said: "On that night we were chatting and I was saying I'd (more)...
- 1/30/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street is to receive another royal visit at the beginning of next month to tie in with the show's 50th anniversary celebrations. The Duchess of Cornwall will call in at Manchester's Granada Studios on Thursday, February 4, where she will be accompanied by members of the Corrie hierarchy, including executive producer Kieran Roberts and producer Kim Crowther. After walking down the cobbles, she will be presented to the soap's creator Tony Warren and key members of the cast and production teams - notably show veteran William Roache (Ken Barlow) - outside The Rover's Return. Following a look around (more)...
- 1/21/2010
- by By Kris Green
- Digital Spy
Welcome to an all new edition of Gays Of Our Lives. In Gool Theater, it’s Thanksgiving in Llanview and Oakdale, and we’ve got some great clips as As The World Turns’ Luke and Noah and One Life To Live’s Kyle and Oliver celebrate the holidays. In European soaps there’s a shocking secret revealed on the Dutch version of Good Ties, Bad Times and Roman and Deniz realize All That Matters as they deal with a tragic death.
In Gool Scoops And Spoilers, Noah’s anger over his blindness rages out of control, and Luke struggles to find a way to help his boyfriend on As The World Turns. On One Life To Live, Nick Chavez is back, kicking off a new story arc for Kyle, Nick and Oliver. Will Nick's return interfere with Kyle and Oliver’s chance at a real first date? Also, it’s...
In Gool Scoops And Spoilers, Noah’s anger over his blindness rages out of control, and Luke struggles to find a way to help his boyfriend on As The World Turns. On One Life To Live, Nick Chavez is back, kicking off a new story arc for Kyle, Nick and Oliver. Will Nick's return interfere with Kyle and Oliver’s chance at a real first date? Also, it’s...
- 12/1/2009
- by Anthony D. Langford
- The Backlot
The executive producer of Coronation Street has defended the show's affair storyline. Kieran Roberts claimed that the relationship between Molly Dobbs (Vicky Binns) and Kevin Webster (Michael Le Vell) is a plausible plot. Answering viewers' questions in the Radio Times, he denied allegations that the affair was out of character for Dobbs. "In Molly's eyes Tyrone is a lovely lad, but also (more)...
- 11/8/2009
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's executive producer Kieran Roberts has defended the soap's use of smoking scenes. The show's boss told Radio Times that life in Weatherfield would appear unrealistic if he bowed to calls for cigarettes to be banned on screen. He commented: "While we have a duty not to glamorise the habit, it wouldn't be realistic to see nobody smoking - but only a few regulars do." Roberts added that Street smokers like Deirdre Barlow (Anne (more)...
- 11/4/2009
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
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