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News, Rumors & Scoop

1. Corrie's Blanche to make final put-down
   Coronation Street legend Blanche Hunt is to make one final put-down before she passes away off screen, it has been revealed. The Weatherfield battleaxe, who is currently enjoying a Portuguese break on the show, writes a note to daughter Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride) and son-in-law Ken (Bill Roache) after hearing that they plan to host an anniversary party at the Rovers Return. The Mirror reports that Blanche's letter will read: "I considered surprising you by flying back for your party. But then I remembered some of your previous anniversary parties and couldn't imagine it'd be worth the bother. Besides, it's 83°F here and we have a pool." Last month, show producers confirmed that Blanche will get an on-screen funeral later this year. The occasion will be a final send-off for the popular character. In real life, Maggie Jones - who played the acid-tongued Weatherfield resident from 1974 - passed away in December following a period of ill health.

2. Tina O'Brien: 'I'm getting on with Ryan'
   Tina O'Brien has revealed that she is now getting on well with former partner Ryan Thomas for the sake of their daughter. The pair, who first met on the set of Coronation Street, broke up last November after six years together. A month later, police were called to Thomas's home in Cheadle Heath, Greater Manchester following an alleged row between the ex-couple. Thomas, who plays Weatherfield's Jason Grimshaw, was arrested at the time but later released without charge. Asked if she is now getting along with Thomas in an interview with Manchester radio station Key 103 today, O'Brien replied: "[Things are] really good. We've got a little girl together, Scarlett, and she's nearly 16 months old now. Obviously we're not together anymore but we've got to get on with things. "We're getting on as well as can be expected. That sounds worse than it is! It's all good now." O'Brien also confirmed that she is currently single and enjoying balancing motherhood with her new role on BBC One's Waterloo Road.

3. Corrie boss: 'Tony's return is dramatic'
   Coronation Street's leading producer Kim Crowther has revealed that viewers can expect another "dramatic" Tony Gordon storyline when he returns to screens later this year. The villainous businessman, played by 41-year-old Gray O'Brien, has been behind bars since November, when he confessed to his role in the death of Liam Connor (Rob James-Collier). However, Tony's storyline is not yet over as O'Brien extended his Weatherfield contract last May, securing him for a further brief stint which is expected to bring closure to the character's journey. Speaking to DS about Tony's return, Crowther explained: "It'll be in the spring, around May. We'll see that while he's been locked up he's gone through quite a lot psychologically. "Has he had a breakdown in the period since we last saw him? He's certainly got a plan again. He doesn't settle for things when he's not in control of them so you put Tony Gordon in a corner and he comes out with a plan." Meanwhile, asked whether viewers will see a trial for the former Underworld boss, she replied: "Hmm, you might say we are put in a position where we are able to make a judgement on his actions finally. It'll be as dramatic as anything we've done with him so far." Crowther also hinted that the storyline is likely to tie in with the return of Tony's former lover Maria Connor (Samia Smith).

4. Adoption storyline for Corrie favourites
   Coronation Street couple Steve and Becky McDonald will decide to adopt a child in a forthcoming storyline, it has been revealed. The pair, played by Simon Gregson and Katherine Kelly, agree to the idea after Becky is told that she will never be able to carry a baby to full term. Becky receives the devastating news after suffering two miscarriages. In recent weeks, viewers have seen the Weatherfield favourites celebrating Becky's first pregnancy ahead of their future heartbreak. It is thought that Steve first suggests adoption but receives a sceptical response from his wife, who asks: "Just who do you think I am? I'll tell you who I'm not and that's Angelina Jolie or Madonna. We can't just run around willy-nilly adopting kids like some demented super-celebrity. And besides, I'm not having other people's cast-offs." However, Becky later grows to accept the idea following advice from her friend Hayley Cropper (Julie Hesmondhalgh). A show source told the Daily Star: "Our outgoing producer Kim Crowther has been determined to have an adoption storyline in the show for ages. Last year it was on the cards that a broody Liz McDonald would adopt a child but Bev Callard, who plays Liz, had to take several months off."

5. Corrie boss promises 'realistic' Tracy plot
   Coronation Street's series producer Kim Crowther has promised that Tracy Barlow's release from prison will be handled in a realistic manner. Speaking in an interview with DS, Crowther explained that the soap's team have conducted research to come up with a "perfectly legitimate" way to create the plot twist. Tracy, played by actress Kate Ford, will return to screens later this year as she becomes embroiled in another character's jail storyline. She will go on to make a full-time Weatherfield comeback towards the end of 2010. Crowther revealed: "It's interesting - you have to get round these logistical things sometimes in shows like ours and I don't really mind it, I have to say. I don't mind the odd contrivance if you're on the edge of your seat going, 'How audacious! Look at that!' If it excites you, I don't really mind. "We have a story to get her out and we've researched it so it's perfectly legitimate but I wouldn't really care if it wasn't particularly, because I just think it's so exciting anyway! As a viewer I wouldn't care." Tracy is currently serving a 15-year jail sentence after being found guilty of murdering her partner Charlie Stubbs (Bill Ward).

6. Keegan dressing down for Corrie plot
   Michelle Keegan has admitted that she is currently dressing down at work for her new emotional Coronation Street storyline. The actress's character Tina McIntyre is about to suffer the loss of her dad Joe (Reece Dinsdale) when an insurance scam he is planning goes tragically wrong. Recent reports claimed that Keegan had been ordered to tone down her tan for the plot, and she has now confirmed that viewers will see a less fashion-conscious Tina in the weeks ahead. She told The Sun: "When you're wearing a lot of black and have no make-up on you get into that role more." The star also spoke about the challenge of filming the sad scenes, explaining: "I've done nothing but cry over the past few weeks, or get depressed. Tina is just in shock and can't believe what's happening. She'll have a void in her life now. "I had a friend whose parents both passed away. I knew how hurt she was and for Tina this is the worst thing in the world."

7. Duffy: 'I'll be better on Corrie now'
   Keith Duffy has revealed that he feels more confident about appearing on Coronation Street now. The Boyzone star, who left the soap in 2005, recently returned to reprise his role as Ciaran McCarthy. Duffy, who has now also starred in Irish soap Fair City, explained that he has more experience than he did when he first joined the show. "Seven years ago I was coming out of a job I had been in since I was a kid," he told the Daily Record. "I was travelling round the world with four other guys and had a great sense of security. "Going out on my own and doing a job like Coronation Street which is in so many people's living rooms four nights a week - especially my own family's - was daunting. This time round, there's no comparison. There's a massive difference in experience, ability and understanding of the trade. I thought I could give the job a better crack this time." However, Duffy revealed that he consulted his Boyzone bandmates on whether he should take up the role after the death of Stephen Gately. "The decision to come into Coronation Street wasn't a decision I took on my own," he explained. "I sat down with the lads and told them what I wanted to do and they gave me their blessing. We've lost a member of the band and I don't think we could go any further if the four of us weren't all in agreement. "I love being in the band but I love being on Corrie. I need this. This is the individual, independent part of my life and we all need that."

8. Corrie stars Young, Sanderson reunite?
   Danny Young and Nikki Sanderson have reportedly started dating again. The couple met on the set of Coronation Street but ended their relationship last year because of "work commitments". However, the News of the World reports that the pair reunited after Sanderson came to watch Young perform in Dancing On Ice. "She loved what she saw out there," a source said. "Danny is a man now. They will end up getting married one day - it's genuinely true love. But they were so young when they met and fame got in the way of things. They needed time apart. Now they've realised how much they miss each other. "Danny and Nikki get on so well. They have remembered what they had together." Young was in the Dancing On Ice skate-off last weekend but survived over Tana Ramsay. The show continues tonight at 6.25pm on ITV1.

9. Gail to be "a big part" of Corrie's 50th
   Coronation Street star Helen Worth has revealed that her character Gail McIntyre will play a major part in the soap's 50th anniversary episodes. Unlucky-in-love Gail is about to be seen in a new high-profile storyline stemming from the death of husband Joe, played by Reece Dinsdale. When Joe disappears during a holiday to the Lake District in next week's episodes, Gail assumes that he has gone through with a planned insurance scam and starts to cover for his disappearance in the hope that he will return. However, unbeknown to her, Joe has drowned after being knocked overboard on a boat. Speaking to DS about the long-term impact of the plot, Worth explained: "The whole aftermath of my storyline is a big part of the anniversary. The one thing I can't believe is the amount of storylines I get. I keep thinking I'm going to be put out to grass and then they get Gail going again! It's all storylines for my screen family, though - they're a strong bunch." Meanwhile, asked where things are heading for Gail's immediate future, she replied: "Downhill! I don't know everything yet, but it's becoming pretty clear where it's going. There's a lot more to come! There are so many interesting twists and turns and the way it's all revealed is great."

10. Corrie producer offers 2010 story insights
    When does the lesbian storyline between Sophie and Sian begin? "Well, the story of Sophie's sexuality is a big and ongoing story which starts properly in April but will develop over the rest of the year. This is not something we deal with lightly and I just want to add that she remains a Christian throughout, too.

    "It is a love story that has all the complexities of any teenage relationship, which would be complicated enough at the best of times. It will add another dimension to everything else that's going on in the Webster household. It's one layer in that family of stories but it's a big secret for quite a while. All the confusion of how Sophie feels and how Sian feels - we've played that all out truthfully, I hope."

    Are we going to start seeing more of Carla soon? "Yes - she gets a new love interest... Trev, Janice's lodger - the binman! It's a very unlikely triangle."

    But he doesn't seem Carla's type... "Steve Jackson is a lovely actor. It took me a long time to find him - I did over three screen tests and I'm so glad we did because we found him in the last screen test and he's exactly what we were looking for. Liam was very relaxed and laid-back. He wasn't a showy, pushy controlled businessman like Tony who pursued Carla for ages before she was interested. And Trev's very laid-back. He's got no airs or graces. He's not looking for status and that's what she finds attractive about him. He sees through to the real Carla, as Liam did and that's why she likes him."

    How does Nick get involved in the factory? "He worked in the factory years ago under Mike and learned the ropes and he's been working in that trade while he's been away, too. When he comes back, he thinks, 'I'd quite like to be a partner back in there'. He has to do a bit of wheeling and dealing, going through a few machinations before he manages to become part of it again but yes, he sets his sights on it."

    Craig Gazey says he's signed until 2011 - what are the long-term plans for him? "He's going to find some roots back within the Platt family and the Platt household. Also, he becomes a very good ally to one of our female characters who ends up in crisis. An unexpected friendship or partnership develops. We get to a deeper level with the character where we see that he kind of saves somebody who's drowning, in a way. He becomes their saviour."

    Lewis apparently has a dark secret... "I don't know if it's so much a dark secret but further down the line he does upset people and let people down. I'll tell you what, it's great this story, I absolutely love it! It's another one that's going to develop over the spring where Rita gets involved in the Audrey/Lewis friendship and you can imagine we just have great fun with that!"

    Eileen seems to have slipped off the radar - are we going to see more of her this year? "It's not that people slip into nowhere but when you've got 60-plus cast they can't all be in stories on screen all the time, otherwise you'd end up with very bitty episodes. When a story closes down a bit you sometimes look away and look at other characters whose stories are building. It's a natural ebb and flow of the show and that's always been the way, really. It's not that she's disappeared, it's just that her story comes to a point where we look away a bit but we will continue to see her in the cab office and the pub and through the Joe/Gail/Grimshaws/Platts story as well. We've also just talked about a great new story for her but it probably won't get properly started until late spring. I love her in the cab office best, though."

11. Prince Charles' wife Camilla pulls a pint in TV pub
    Prince Charles's wife Camilla pulled a pint in one of the most famous pubs in Britain Friday, winning praise for her skills while touring the set of long-running soap opera "Coronation Street." The Duchess of Cornwall -- who married Charles, the heir to the British throne, in 2005 -- stepped behind the bar of the Rover's Return pub during a visit to mark the 50th anniversary of the television programme. "I hope I'm not going to spill it. Who is going to drink this afterwards? Any takers?" Camilla said after accepting an invitation to try out the beer tap on the set in Manchester, northwest England. One of the soap's actors, Ryan Thomas, offered his services and afterwards, said it was "the best pint I've had" in ten years on the show.

12. Corrie star Flanagan dating footballer
    Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan has started dating Chelsea footballer Scott Sinclair. According to The Mirror, Flanagan began dating Sinclair, who is currently on loan at Wigan Athletic, before Christmas. The 20-year-old actress, who plays Rosie Webster in the ITV1 soap, attended Wigan's FA Cup match with Notts County on Tuesday. "It is early days but they seem to really like each other," said a source. "They are both young and are just having fun at the moment, but they do get on very well together." Flanagan split from long-term partner Danny Scott last August.

13. Worth: 'David gets Gail's acceptance'
    Coronation Street star Helen Worth has revealed that viewers can expect to see an "interesting" new dynamic between Gail and David Platt in the coming weeks. Worth's alter ego Gail will soon turn to her troubled son for support after her latest husband Joe (Reece Dinsdale) disappears during a holiday in the Lake District. While viewers will be aware that Joe has drowned after falling overboard on a boat, Gail will fear that he has gone through with a planned insurance scam and decides to cover for his absence. Speaking to DS about how Gail and David (Jack P. Shepherd) subsequently work together as a united front, Worth commented: "Yes, that's a very interesting one - David helping his mom... Nick's used to being the favorite child and suddenly it's David who's by his mother's side through all this. "It's David that knows that their lie about Joe's whereabouts is wrong. David actually tries to stop her but Gail won't give up on the fact that Joe's a good man and they love each other - she's just living in a dream world, hoping all will be well. She must know deep down, though, that he's not coming back." She added: "I think David's just pleased that his mother needs him. It's that acceptance after all these years. It's a delight to play scenes with Jack because he's just wonderful. I love working with him."

14. Corrie's pub set spruced up for Camilla
    Coronation Street star Michelle Keegan has revealed that the soap's Rovers Return set has been smartened up ahead of today's visit from Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. Camilla will call in at Granada Studios in Manchester today to tie in with the Weatherfield show's 50th anniversary celebrations. The 62-year-old is expected to meet members of the programme's cast and crew before watching a scene being filmed on the Rovers set. Keegan, who plays Tina McIntyre on the drama, told the Daily Star: "We were filming in The Rovers a couple of days ago and the place was a tip. As soon as we'd finished there was a lot of panic and realisation that the Duchess of Cornwall's visit was only a couple of days away. Well, I've never seen the place so tidy now. Everyone is really excited about her visit." She added: "I've never met royalty before and I know I'm going to be completely star-struck. Just as long as I don't say something stupid and make a complete fool of myself, then I'll be happy. She's a huge fan so I'm sure there are lots of things she'll want to know." Last year, it was reported that the Queen was expected to feature in an episode of Coronation Street for the soap's anniversary.

15. Tribute night planned for Corrie's Roache
    Coronation Street legend Bill Roache is to be honoured at a special tribute night in Bolton later this year, it has been announced. The event is being organised by the Bolton branch of the Variety Club of Great Britain and will take place at the Reebok Stadium's premiere suite on September 24. A number of TV stars and other celebrities are expected to be in attendance for the celebration. As well as marking Roache's 50th year in the role of Weatherfield's Ken Barlow, the occasion will help to raise money for disadvantaged children. Organiser Paul Wild told The Bolton News: "This event provides a unique opportunity to honour a much-loved actor who has made his character such an important part of British life. "It will be a very exciting night, and not just for fans of Coronation Street. There will be plenty of surprises - William Roache counts people like Cliff Richard, Cilla Black and Prince Charles among his friends and acquaintances and many people want to pay tribute to both his longevity and his talent." Meanwhile, Roache commented: "I am really looking forward to it - it's a wonderful honour and I am very grateful to the Variety Club for arranging it."

16. Lindsay: 'Corrie attention was strange'
    Sally Lindsay has admitted that she found it "strange" when her size came under scrutiny after she joined Coronation Street. The actress was cast in the role of troubled Shelley Unwin on the ITV1 soap in 2001 and stuck with the part until 2006, when she left to pursue other projects. Speaking to Take 5 magazine, Lindsay explained: "The attention I got was about stuff that had never crossed my mind before, like the fact I was a size 14. I'd been that size since school and it was just really strange. "If I'd let it upset me I would have shrunk to a size one. I was 27 when I started in Corrie and was quite happy in my own skin. I feel sorry for young girls who feel the pressure to be thin." Meanwhile, discussing the response that she now receives from the public, the star commented: "People will always associate me with Shelley Unwin - but I'm used to it and it's tantamount to the success of the character. Even if I won an Oscar, I'd still be 'that bird from Corrie'!" Lindsay recently said that she is currently too busy to consider a return to Coronation Street.

17. Duffy credits career for marriage success
    Keith Duffy has claimed that his busy career helps to keep his marriage going strong. The Coronation Street actor tied the knot with partner Lisa Smith in 1998 and the couple have a son and daughter together - Jordan, 13, and Mia, 10. Reflecting on his successful home life, Duffy commented: "The secret to my relationship lasting so long is that I'm always away. Lisa doesn't get fed up with me because when I'm with her, it's a novelty as I'm away so much. "Of course I miss my family when I'm filming and I know they miss me, but my career and my married life have always been like this." The star, who recently returned to his role as Weatherfield's Ciaran McCarthy, also spoke of how his family coped after Mia was diagnosed with autism at 18 months. He is quoted by BANG Showbiz as saying: "It's a challenge and we've had difficult and worrying times, because we didn't know how the future was going to pan out, but in the end it's been a positive experience."

18. Helen Worth: 'Gail won't marry again'
    Coronation Street star Helen Worth has revealed that she does not expect her character Gail McIntyre to tie the knot for a sixth time. Gail's latest romance takes a fatal twist next week as her husband Joe (Reece Dinsdale) drowns after being knocked overboard in a boating accident at the Lake District. The new plotline comes just one month after Gail and Joe's wedding ceremony and will leave the long-suffering character mourning a lost love once again. In an interview with DS, Worth expressed surprise after being told that many viewers would like to see Gail find happiness in the future. She replied: "Really? I think viewers like to see drama and it's almost expected with Gail now - here comes the next man! I have to say, though, I can't see that there can be any more men in her life. You can only have so many husbands in your life!" Asked whether she keeps a collection of Gail's wedding rings, Worth said: "I think they might be mounting up in my make-up box!" Gail had two screen weddings with first husband Brian Tilsley in her early years on the ITV1 soap. As well as latest lover Joe, she has since tied the knot with Martin Platt and Richard Hillman.

19. Marsh: 'I'd miss opera training for Corrie'
    Kym Marsh has admitted that she would always put her Coronation Street commitments before rehearsals for Popstar To Operastar. The actress, who is best known for her role as Weatherfield's Michelle Connor, is one of five celebrity contestants still left competing in ITV1's new reality series. Saturdays star Vanessa White reportedly annoyed show mentor Rolando Villazón last month by skipping a rehearsal for the programme. She has since been voted off. Writing in her New magazine column, Marsh commented: "I know Rolando Villazón was angry when Vanessa White missed a practice session because she had commitments with The Saturdays, but there might be times I can't make it too as my Corrie schedule is about to get really hectic. At the end of the day, Coronation Street is my priority." Marsh said that she appreciated all of the support she has received from Operastar viewers so far. She added: "On a different note, have you noticed just how rude judge Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen is to me? I think he's flirting!"

20. Kym Marsh: 'NTA row was sour grapes'
    Kym Marsh has claimed that BBC insiders were making "excuses" when they accused National Television Awards bosses of being biased towards Coronation Street. The Weatherfield soap won the 'Most Popular Serial Drama' prize at last month's ceremony, beating off competition from rivals EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks. BBC sources later attempted to call the result into question by suggesting that viewers may have been influenced by a three-minute Coronation Street showcase which aired on the NTA programme while vote lines were still open. However, the ceremony's independent adjudicator PromoVeritas later dismissed the claims by confirming that the ITV1 drama had been ahead at all stages of the voting. Writing under the headline "Sour grapes" in her New magazine column, Marsh said: "They always have an excuse when we win! But it was just our year. You don't get to 50 [years] without making good TV. So 'in your face' is all I can say!" The star, who plays Weatherfield's Michelle Connor, added: "There was also some nonsense about the cast of Emmerdale being angry we won. They were cheering like mad - they were so happy ITV won for the first time since 2004!" Marsh has previously admitted that she was "delighted" over Coronation Street's triumph.

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