‘Coronation Street’ fans rejoice - the soap’s bosses have announced plans for an extra episode a week.
From late 2017, there will be a sixth weekly episode of ‘Corrie’, ITV’s director of television Kevin Lygo has said.
In an official statement, he explains: "I am a life-long fan of ‘Coronation Street’ and one of the first things I wanted to explore when I became Director of Television was taking the production to six episodes a week.
“The soaps are the cornerstone of the ITV schedule, and ‘Coronation Street’ continues to produce some of the finest drama and comedy on television. It is a hugely important part of what has defined ITV throughout its history, and I want it to continue to be right at the heart of what ITV defines in years to come.
“As a viewer I have watched the soap as it has continued to evolve, entertain, and grip the nation with fantastic storylines and this move will be the next exciting chapter in Corrie's story."
To accommodate the extra filming that will take place, the current studio, which is an impressive 7.7. Acre site, is set to be extended.
This is the second major change for ‘Corrie’ this year, following the appointment of Kate Oates, who replaced Stuart Blackburn as executive producer earlier this year.
John Whiston, ITV Studios’ managing director of continuing drama and head of ITV in the North, oversees ‘Emmerdale’ and ‘Corrie’, and he adds: “From a creative perspective this is an extremely exciting development for the production team, writers, cast and crew who work on our globally renowned soap drama.”
“Coronation Street’s new producer Kate Oates, modern filming and editing facilities at the programme’s Production Centre and our fantastic, peerless drama teams will help turn this great idea into reality.”
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