Coronation Street Cast News

Plus Paul O’Grady fired from Street of Dreams over ad-libbing row

Brooke Vincent has reportedly signed a new contract to stay with Coronation Street and her role as lesbian teen Sophie Webster for at least another year.

Brooke has played the role of Sophie since she was 12, and it seems that as the show’s writers have some big storylines for the Webster family lined up this year, ITV execs were keen to ensure Brooke didn’t leave the soap.

A Corrie insider told the Daily Star, “They’ve got some huge storylines planned, including a new love interest, and there’s lots more coming up for the Webster family.

“Brooke is one of the hottest young soap actresses out there and Phil knows that keeping such talent on the show is key to its success in the future.”

Rumour has it that Sophie is due to become addicted to crack cocaine later this year when Ryan Connor – who is Michelle Connor’s son – returns to Weatherfield.

Meanwhile, Catherine Tyldesley has revealed that she’s hoping her contract will also be renewed this year, because she’s loving playing the part of feisty Eva Price… Continue reading »

And voting now open for Corrie in All About Soap Awards 2012

Coming up on Corrie, poor harassed new mum Katy Armstrong is about to run off and leave her boyfriend Chesney quite literally holding the baby when she becomes overwhelmed by everything that’s going on.

And when her family find out that she’s been leaving baby Joseph alone while she runs errands, she can’t face their horror at the fact that she’s been putting the baby’s life at risk.

Speaking to Soaplife about the drama, Sam Aston, who of course plays Ches, said that his character doesn’t realize that Katy’s struggling to cope with the baby.

He said, “I don’t think he realises how much it’s getting to her because he’s not there most of the time, so he doesn’t see how hard it is for her.

“He’s not being mean, but he’s doing all the hours he can at the market trying to provide for them.”

Sam went on to reveal that Ches discovers that Katy left baby Joseph with Faye Armstrong – who is only a child herself – and there was a fire at the house…

He explained, “Faye put on some toast then went out to throw away a nappy and the door locked shut, then the toast caught fire.

“Owen and Anna broke in to save Joseph. Ches gets back from work and finds everyone at the house, Owen, Anna, Faye, Fiz, Katy…he’s shocked.”

And when Katy then lets it slip that she’s left Joseph alone at other times, Sam said, “Ches really starts to worry whether she can cope.

“Ches and Katy have never asked for help, which might not have been the right thing to do because sometimes they need help.

“Ches wanted to prove he can look after his own child so when Owen takes Joseph he’s really angry.

“He won’t have someone taking his son and he chases after Owen.

“Anna calms the situation and takes Joseph back to hers while everyone cools off. Chesney and Owen go back to the house because they’re worried about Katy, but they can’t find her.

“She’s left a note saying she can’t cope any more and she’s gone.”

When asked if Katy’s gone for good, Sam said, “In the letter it sounds to Chesney as if Katy is not coming back. He starts to crumble.

“He wants a full family unit as he came from a broken home and wants so much to stay together with Katy and Joseph.

“Chesney realises now how hard things have been for Katy and that they can and should ask for help if they need it.”

We’ll see that drama unfold next week.

In other news, former Corrie star Tina O’Brien has revealed that playing teen mum Sarah Platt on the show has helped her with her new role in Call the Midwife, in which she plays an expectant mum.

Speaking to Inside Soap, Tina said, “When Sara had baby Bethany in Corrie, everyone made sure I was well prepped – I was given a lot of videos to watch!

“But it’s very different doing birthing scenes when you’ve actually been through it in real life.

“We had a real midwife advising us during filming on Call The Midwife, and she could tell I’d had a baby of my own.”

And when asked if she’d ever go back to Corrie, Tina said, “It would be tempting if I was asked to go back, but it would depend on the situation at the time.

“I’d be incredibly flattered if they did ask, though, because I really enjoyed my time on Corrie.”

Finally today, the Weatherfield Gazette – which is of course an offshoot of the show’s website – has revealed the categories that the show is nominated in for the All About Soap Awards 2012.

They are as follows…

Best actress

Alison King

Best actor

Chris Gascoyne

Best episode

Steve & Tracy’s wedding

Best villain

Frank Foster

Best dressed soap star

Michelle Keegan

Best comeback

John Stape

Best couple

Peter & Carla

You can place your vote now at www.allaboutsoap.co.uk

Voting closes on the 27th of February and winners will be announced in All About Soap next month.

More Corrie news soon!

Plus Salford or Weatherfield? Where for art thou Corrie!

Andrew Lancel, who plays evil Frank Foster, has revealed that he knew from the outset that his character was to be murdered.

Andrew joined the cast of the show a year ago, and during an interview on breakfast TV show Daybreak, he explained that he wouldn’t have taken the role if it had been a long-term one.

Of the role, and of leaving it, Andrew said, “It’s sad to leave the job, but it’s not sad to leave Frank.

“He should get his comeuppance, and I’ve always known what’s going to happen.”

He also told Lorraine Kelly that his co-star Bill Roache said some kind words about him and his portrayal of Frank on Andrew’s last day of filming.

He said, “I finished last Friday, and there was so much love in that place. I’m going to miss Ali [King] and Gwen [Taylor] so much – we worked so intimately together.

“[On the last day], I was alright, I was very calm and got lots of lovely presents. Bill Roache took me aside and said some lovely things.

“He’s been in that show for 50 years, and you don’t get away with 50 years. He’s there because he’s brilliant, and he sees the good in everyone.

“He’s an inspiration as a man and as an actor. I was alright until he said nice things!

“[But] it doesn’t feel like leaving, because I was never staying. It was always book-ended and finite.

“I’m very sad to leave those cobbles and very sad to leave those people, because it has been a joy – every single day.”

Andrew added that several possible outcomes for Frank’s murder have been filmed, just as two outcomes for the rape trial were.

He said, “We genuinely did film two different outcomes [for the trial], and now there’s different outcomes for what happens next – with what happens to Frank.

“People are guessing already about what’s going to happen to him.”

Images to follow due to slight technical hitch!

In other news, Natalie Gumede, who plays nut case Kirsty Soames, had told the Loose Women panel that her character’s issues over jealousy may be because she’s insecure and has low self-esteem.

Of Kirsty, Natalie said, “It’s so fantastic to play. I think these roles are really rare, especially for women. To get a role like that is really a gift.

”She’s obviously damaged, and there’s a whiff of rabbit stew in the air! But there’s definitely something in her past which has made her very jealous and possessive.

“I don’t think she likes herself very much. I don’t think she thinks she’s deserving of love.”

Well, Tyrone certainly does, and next week, he’s going to propose to her! Bless him.

Finally, fans of the show may have noticed that last night, two of the show’s characters made reference to Salford duing dialogue.

Roy Cropper told Milton that his café was in a “backstreet of Salford” and Jason Grimshaw told Rosie, “I’ve always been a Salford lad.”

Soon after the episodes aired, fans took to Twitter to question the references, since we’ve always believed that the show is set in the fictional town of Weatherfield.

One twitter user wrote, “Why is everyone on Corrie suddenly mentioning that they live in Salford?? I thought Weatherfield was meant to *be* Salford??”

In response, Jonathan Harvey, one of the show’s writers, tweeted, “Weatherfield has always been a district or suburb of Salford and not Manchester. I was being loyal to the original episodes.”

He later added, “For those of you convinced by references to Salford tonight in Corrie. Weatherfield is and always has been a district of Salford, not manc”

I found it all a bit odd I must say! Did you?

More Corrie news soon.

Plus, see the list of suspects for Manchester’s biggest whodunit, and other Corrie news

There’s a juicy storyline coming up in Corrie when Frank Foster is murdered, but there’s a big twist on its way as his killer must murder two more people who know who he or she is!

But will the killer get away with first killing Frank, then attempting to murder two more people?

Well, time will tell, but for now, what we do know, thanks to the Daily Star, is who the top six suspects in the case will be.

They are, Sally Webster, Kevin Webster, Carla Connor, Peter Barlow, Frank’s mum Anne, and finally, Michelle Connor.

Sally is top of the list because not only will Frank threaten to attack her, just as he did Carla, she’ll also discover that he’s been having an affair while sleeping with her. And as her former husband Kevin did the same – having an affair that is – will Frank’s betrayal be the straw that breaks Sally’s back?

Kevin becomes a suspect when the police discover that the brakes on Frank’s car were tampered with, and Carla is of course a major suspect, given how horrendously Frank’s treated her.

And in a shock twist, Peter Barlow, believing that Carla murdered Frank – because she goes AWOL and nobody knows where she is, so Peter believes she’s gone into hiding – goes to the police and confesses to being Frank’s killer!

Then there’s Anne Foster, who overhears Frank taunting Carla about how he’s going to destroy her life. She then realizes that Carla was telling the truth all along, and she secretly vows to punish her son.

As to Michelle, well, it seems that her motivation is to stop Frank from taking over at the factory, and to avenge her friend and former sister-in-law, Carla.

A Corrie source told the paper, “They all have a motive, but who has the guts to do it?

“This will be one of Corrie’s biggest whodunnits ever. Fans will be shocked when they watch it unfold.”

We’ll see Frank’s murder within the next month, but of course, we won’t know who killed him until the big reveal, the timing of which has yet to be announced. I can’t wait!

In other news, former Corrie star Katherine Kelly has told This Morning viewers that she’s overjoyed at how well her role in stage play She Stoops to Conquer has been received by audiences and critics.

She said, “The reviews have been amazing. It’s lovely being in a hit.

“The audience don’t stop laughing. I had friends in last night. They can’t believe it was written in 1773.”

And our last snippet of Weatherfield news today is that Catherine Tyldesley, who plays Eva Price, has confessed that her co-star, Ben Price, is a great kisser!

Ben of course plays the role of Eva’s boyfriend, Nick Tilsley, and of working with him, Catherine said, “Ben is an absolute joy to work with. I am very comfortable around him and he never fails to make me smile.

“So kissing scenes don’t feel awkward – which makes the job so much easier.”

And of how Eva and Nick’s mum Gail tend to clash, Catherine told ITV, “What interests me is that this time, Gail has met her match.

“Eva is determined to stick this one out and has genuinely fallen for the Street’s best catch.”

I can’t see Gail letting Nick ‘settle’ for Eva can you? I’m sure she has bigger ambitions for her son’s love life!

More Corrie news soon, but don’t forget to let us know your theories about who is going to murder Frank!

Plus, famous Corrie cobbles could become Place of Historic Interest

It’s been reported today that when Corrie villain Terry Duckworth arrives back in Weatherfield, he’s going to upset the Street’s residents by opening a lap dancing club! Which could explain his odd stance in the above picture…

But of course, that won’t go down well in the residential area, who’s most racy venue currently is Roy’s Rolls.

Terry, who’s played by Nigel Pivaro, will arrive back on the Street in April, and of his opening the club, a Corrie insider told the Daily Mirror, “Can you imagine the impact the place will have on the more elderly characters in the street?”

The show’s executive producer, Phil Collinson, recently hinted at the storyline, saying that when Terry returns, “He’ll not only be blighting the life of his son Tommy, but the lives of every resident of Coronation Street with a typically audacious scheme.”

Another resident of the Street who’s most definitely blighted lives is Frank Foster, but as he is about to be murdered, Andrew Lancel, who plays the villain, is moving on to pastures new, and it seems he quite fancies becoming a singer!

He told the Sun, “I’m really looking forward to getting back to singing. I’ve done it on and off for years.

“I’m going back on the road and will get back into acting later in the year.”

I wonder what type of singing Andrew does?? If you know, please tell us!

Finally today, it’s been reported that the former set of Corrie, which is at Granada Studios, may become listed by English Heritage as a Place of Historical Interest.

Of the plan, an English Heritage spokesperson told the Daily Mirror, “There’s a really good chance it will be granted listed status in April.

“It’s a truly iconic place that millions have grown up with, and a lot of historic TV moments have happened there.

“It would be perfect sense to turn it into a tourist attraction.”

However, if the listing goes ahead, that would mean that ITV can’t sell the site to developers, which had been originally planned when the show’s base moved to Salford.

Of that, an ITV spokesperson said, “We are aware of the listing application.”

Here’s a look at the very first time the cobbles appeared on the show in its debut episode in December 1960…

More Corrie news soon!

Plus Robert Vaughn talks playing Milton

As fans of Corrie will know, Betty Driver – who played Rovers’ chef and barmaid Betty Williams – sadly passed away in October of last year, and since then, the show’s executives have been planning a suitable tribute to her which of course includes writing Betty out of the show.

It has been speculated that a number of the show’s former stars – such as Julie Goodyear who played Betty’s friend Bet Lynch – would return to Betty’s funeral episode, however, it seems that only Bill Kenwright is headed back to the cobbles to reprise the role of Betty’s son, Gordon.

This Morning’s soaps reporter Sharon Marshall announced Bill’s return, saying, “We’ve got a little announcement to make about Betty and the funeral plans.

“Betty’s funeral will be screened in April. There’s been so many rumours in the press, but there’s only one person who they’ve actually asked to come back – and that’s Bill Kenwright, who played her on-screen son.”

He was last seen on the show back in 1995, but the infrequent role of Gordon has also been played by Geoffrey Leesley who appeared in 2002 and 2004.

Corrie’s executive producer, Phil Collinson, recently said of Betty’s funeral episode, “We will be paying tribute to Betty, but behind the scenes will be the revelation of a secret she has kept hidden.

“I cannot tell you what it is, but it’s a secret that Betty has taken to the grave with her and I can promise you that fans will be surprised.

“There is no love child or anything like that. The secret has something to do with the show’s history but I am saying no more.”

It’s also been reported today that viewers won’t see Betty’s funeral, but rather the special episode will concentrate on the Street’s residents celebrating Betty’s life in the Rovers after the ceremony.

It’s sure to be a tearjerker of an episode, as of course was Betty Driver’s funeral. Here’s a clip of the event, and the singing you’ll hear is in fact Betty herself, whose first venture into showbusiness was as a singer and actress in films…

In other news, US star Robert Vaughn – who has of course joined the cast as American millionaire Milton, and who reportedly was the first person to use Betty Driver’s dressing room after her death – has been talking to TV Choice magazine about how he landed the role, and how he’s finding being on the show.

When asked how the role of Milton had “come about”, Robert said, “The producers didn’t show me a script, they just told me the story.

“Milton’s a wealthy guy who meets Sylvia on a cruise and they become enamoured of each other.

“He follows her to Coronation Street where he spends some time with her and they find that their feelings for each other have strengthened.

“Ultimately, Sylvia has to decide whether to go back with him to Palm Springs, California, or stay with her son Roy in Coronation Street.

“It’s a sweet story and I don’t get to play nice guys that often.”

And of what Milton thinks of Weatherfield, Robert said, “He’s quite charmed by it. He likes pubs, as I do personally, and he’s also charmed by the people. He’s fascinated by Roy because he’s such an individual.

“Milton tries to persuade him to expand his business and open a chain of railway-themed diners called Beef Encounter, which Milton thinks will be bigger than McDonald’s!”

And finally, when asked if he’d ever consider reprising the role of Milton, since he’s only in the show for a short time presently, he said, “I’d be delighted to. Everyone has been so kind and sweet.”

I really hope Sylvia (Stephanie Cole) doesn’t go with Milton back to the US! She’s comedy gold and I’d really miss her. Would you?

More Corrie news soon!

Plus, Simon Gregson on Steve Vs. Tracy, This Time, Itsa Personal, and Twitter cast war?

We’ll start today’s look at Corrie news with Alison King – who of course plays rape victim Carla Connor – who has revealed an astonishing rise in the victims of sexual assault coming forward since the show aired the scenes in which Carla was raped by her fiancé, Frank Foster.

Frank, who’s played by Andrew Lancel, goes on trial for the rape in forthcoming episodes, but it’s not known if he’ll walk free after being found not guilty, or go to jail if found guilty.

However, whatever the outcome, Alison told the Sun, “The reaction from fans has been immense.

“I have had a lot of letters from women who have come forward since that episode.

“There was an 800 per cent increase in the number of people reporting rapes after we did the story, mainly those who had been raped by someone they knew.

“It shows how hard it is to go and report rape to somebody because people are so scared of their whole life being ripped apart publicly on the stand.

“And they know the conviction rates are low.”

And Andrew Lancel added, “The storyline has been integral in raising awareness of rape.

“And if you can achieve something like that from playing a role, that is something to be proud of.”

Don’t miss that drama this week.

In other Corrie news, Simon Gregson, who plays the luckless Steve McDonald, has revealed that his character is about to go to war with Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) and for once, he’s not going to back down for the sake of an easy life!

Speaking to ITV, Simon said, “Steve isn’t very good at all at the moment. His true love has flown, quite literally. And he’s living with the witch in Number 13, and all is not well.

“He’s completely stuck with Tracy, she won’t move out of the house, he doesn’t know what to do, but he comes up with [this] marvellous plan.”

The “plan” is that Steve gets builder Owen Armstrong (Ian Puleston Davies) to divide No13 right down the middle with partition boards, which of course, infuriates Tracy!

Simon added, “Tracy gets home, she sees the wall and goes mental. But he knows exactly where he’s coming from now – he’s not going to get tripped up again, he’s got her in his sights and he’s aiming for the kill.

“She threatens to become the neighbour from hell, but she’s pushed Steve so far, that now Steve is the devious monkey.

“Let’s see who wins this battle.”

Ooo I’m so on Team Steve! Are you?

Finally, it’s been reported that Antony Cotton has been exchanging cross words with his co-stars Ryan Thomas and Jack P Shepherd via Twitter.

According to the Sun, it all began when Jack and Ryan – who play David Platt and Jason Grimshaw respectively – had called Antony “a cringe” after he alleged name dropped stars such as Kylie Minogue and Emma Bunton.

Antony’s response was to brand Jack, “a little irritant” who “needs the money more than me”.

An angry Jack tweeted back, “That’s not banter, it’s an insult.”

A Corrie source said: “Some of the remarks looked nasty and it may have consequences at work.

“Antony is a tough old boot and he certainly looks as if he tried to put the young lads in their place.”

It’s going to be interesting to see if they can kiss and make up before Antony’s back on set!

More Corrie news soon!

Helen Flanagan, who has played the role of Rosie Webster since 2000 when she was 10 years old, has filmed her final scenes as the character, which we’ll see on-screen next month.

As fans of Corrie will know, Helen made the decision to leave the show last year, after having suffered a string of panic attacks. However, she said that her main reason for leaving was so she could move in with her footballer boyfriend, Scott Sinclair (pictured above). He lives in Swansea, as he plays for the city’s football team.

During an interview with the Daily Star, Helen revealed that Rosie’s exit storyline is that she’s landed a modeling job in London, but of course, it means leaving her boyfriend Jason Grimshaw (Ryan Thomas) behind in Weatherfield.

Of her leaving the show, and what lies ahead, Helen said, “I finally moved in with Scott on Thursday after nearly two years commuting, so I’m really looking forward to what the future holds.

“Getting engaged would be the natural next step but at the moment we’re going to enjoy living together.

“I’m taking some time out before I decide what to do next and I can’t wait to have a go at cooking up some nice dinners for Scott. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to do his washing – he can do that himself.

“It hasn’t quite hit me that I’ve actually left Corrie – it feels a little like I’m on a break – but I’m sure it will when I watch my final scenes go out. I’m planning to do that at home with Scott.

“My last day on set I didn’t cry but it was really, really emotional. Somehow I managed to hold it together.

“It was a very special day for me and one I will never forget. They presented me with a beautiful necklace, which is just stunning. It’s something that I’ll cherish forever.”

And of Rosie moving to London, Helen said, “Rosie represents a generation of young girls who just want to be famous, so it’s a dream come true for her.

“It’s always something she’s wanted to do and even though she loves Jason it’s a no-brainer for her.

“I thought it was the perfect exit for Rosie. Her family are thrilled, as they know it’s what she’s always wanted.

“The only person who realises what a huge decision she’s making is her sister Sophie [Brooke Vincent]. So watch out for some emotional scenes between those two.

“And then there’s Jason. She’s going to have to tell him it’s over as she needs to be single to take part in the show.

She does truly love him but she can’t turn down the opportunity of becoming famous.

“They definitely got her exit right and, as everyone will see, it’s all been written so perfectly for her.”

Helen added: “Everyone knows me for playing Rosie so it’s going to take a little while for me to leave her behind.

“I am an actress and I love acting but I’m not going to jump into something straightaway, as that wouldn’t be right. I’m going to take some time out to just be me.

“I haven’t had a proper night out with Scott since October as we have both been so busy. Obviously he has to train and keep his eye on his next big match.

“He’s a lot more chilled than I am and would rather stay in having cosy nights.

“I know I made the right decision leaving as it means I can now grow as a person. And with the Websters being such a big part of the Street there’s always the opportunity Rosie could return to cause more trouble.

“I’d never say never to going back but at the moment I want to concentrate on what other opportunities are out there for me as an actress.”

We’ll see Rosie heading off to London early next month.

Meanwhile, on the Street, Stella Price (Michelle Collins) is about to give Nick Tilsley (Ben Price) a piece of her mind as she doesn’t approve of him dating her daughter Eva (Catherine Tyldesley) given that he had an affair with her other daughter, Leanne Barlow (Jane Danson).

But, when she decides to speak frankly to Nick, his mum and gran overhear every word, and aren’t best pleased!

A Coronation Street insider said, “Stella doesn’t hold back when it comes to giving Nick what for.

“Nick knew she’d be tough but even he doesn’t expect the tongue-lashing he gets, especially as it’s in front of Gail and Audrey.

“They find it all quite amusing at first but neither will let Stella overstep the mark when it comes to their beloved son and grandson.

“It’s going to be a very interesting time for both families as Nick and Eva’s relationship is finally out in the open.”

You can see the big showdown a week on Thursday.

More Corrie news soon!

We’ll start today’s soapy news with EastEnders, where it’s been reported that Jessie Wallace has temporarily been written out of the show in order to allow her to get some much needed rest.

Jessie, who of course plays Kat Moon, suffered the trauma of the breakdown of her relationship with Vince Morse last year, and as you may remember, she called of their wedding just hours before the ceremony was due to take place.

She then returned to work immediately, and has had a solid schedule of filming ever since.

A friend of Jessie’s told the Sun, “She’s had a stressful six months…

“She’s been given three months off and no one can blame her for taking a break.

“Jessie’s worked solidly since her wedding nightmare and had already come back early from what would have been her honeymoon.

“It was a very easy decision to make for the show. She is a great actress and extremely popular on set. She’ll come back stronger than ever.”

The character of Kat has gone to look after her dad Charlie Slater, who, as we heard in last week’s episodes, has had a stroke.

Over to Emmerdale now, where Tom Lister, who plays Carl King, has revealed that there are exciting times ahead for the King brothers this year.

Speaking to Inside Soap, he said, “The Kings have got an exciting year in store.

“I do think Carl and Jimmy will begin building up their business into a position of power, so they can start throwing themselves around a bit again.

“I’m really hoping that the Kings are going to get back on top in the village.”

However, Carl has the hurdle of his setting up Rodney Blackstock to face the music over a hit-and-run accident to handle yet, and next week, we’ll see Rodders demanding £10k in cash to keep quiet over who really hit the cyclist!

But will Carl pay up? Find out next week.

Finally, over to Corrie, where Simon Gregson, who plays Steve McDonald, has revealed that even though he “hates theatre” he’s going to go and watch Katherine Kelly – who played his on-screen wife Becky McDonald – in her new play, She Stoops to Conquer.

Speaking to What’s On TV, Simon said, “I guess I’ll see it. I’m not a big fan of the theatre.

“One of the Corrie directors called me an anti-thespian and I think he’s probably right.

“I’ll go down and support my friends. I don’t know if I’ll be able to sit through the whole thing though. I just don’t like being in theatres.

“She’s a proper actress through and through, whereas I’m the complete opposite. I’ll be like, ‘I saw the beginning, now I’m off to the pub…’ But no I’ll go and support her.”

More soapy news soon!

Plus Alison King on Carla’s horror as her affair is revealed, and Kat Kelly says filming schedules are “insane”

We’ll start today’s look at Corrie news with Michelle Keegan, who’s told Heat magazine that she thinks Tommy Duckworth is “the one” for her character, Tina McIntyre.

And of course, it’s a romance that Corrie viewers have been hoping to see for months, and next week, it gets underway as the couple share their first kiss.

Michelle said, “I think Tommy is the one for her. I’m glad the writers have done it in the way that they have and had Tommy in the show a year before he gets together with Tina.

“I think the audience have been able to make up their own minds about them and want them to be together.”

And of Tommy and Tina’s first kiss, Michelle said, “Tina has practically been through the whole cast now!

“And it’s so not proper kissing. Not in the sense that it isn’t a proper kiss, which it is, but in the sense that there are 30 people watching you and you’re thinking about the way it’s going to look on camera.

“It’s a bit like, ‘Ooh, just get on with it… When’s dinner?’”

On now to Alison King, who’s revealed that her character, Carla Connor, will be horrified when, during Frank’s trial for raping her, his mum Anne produces evidence of Carla’s affair with Peter Barlow.

Speaking to Soaplife about the dramatic scenes, which air next week, Alison said, “The affair’s making her feel guilty, even though it wasn’t true that she was cheating with Peter at the time Frank raped her, they are lovers now.”

She went on to say that Carla has no idea that Frank hired a PI to get evidence of her affair with Peter.

She said, “She thinks they’re being careful. She has no idea he has a private investigator following them.

“She’d be shocked, but not surprised he’s stooped so low. I think she’s naive not to suspect it.”

And of the decision that Peter must make – whether to stay with Leanne or start a new life with Carla – Alison said, “Carla believes Peter really loves her. In fact, he keeps saying he can’t wait for them to be together.”

Finally, when asked how Carla will feel if Frank is found not guilty, Alison said, “She’ll be devastated and humiliated. To think that a jury could believe she could make up a story that she’d been raped and lie about such an awful thing would leave her feeling hollow and empty.”

Finally, the now former Corrie star Kat Kelly has said that one thing she won’t miss about the show, and her role as Becky McDonald, is the hectic filming schedules.

Speaking to Metro, Kat said, “Everybody’s up against it, trying to make that much TV, on that budget, in that space.

“It’s jam-packed, it’s outgrown the studios and the schedule’s insane. It gets made because people all do more than their job description. Everyone helps each other.”

And of the possibility of a return one day, Kat said, “I’d hate to think I couldn’t go back because I had such a lovely five years there.

“I see no reason why I couldn’t go back – but it depends if they ask.”

More Corrie news soon!