‘Coronation Street’ producer Stuart Blackburn has opened up about his plans for the soap, admitting that it’s been a tough year for everyone behind the scenes on’t cobbles.
However, with ITV’s 60th anniversary coming up, there’s no time to dwell and the cast and crew are currently gearing up for an exciting few months, during which they’ll welcome two celebrity guest stars.
Stuart Blackburn
Stuart has opened up about the show’s recent troubles during a chat with The Sun, telling the paper: “People are tired. We’ve had so many sicknesses and then started the year losing Annie [Anne Kirkbride]. Everyone is exhausted.
“We’ve had a really punishing schedule, so yeah, people get grumpy. But it’s all fine. The cast and the crew are looking after each other.”
As well as preparing to say an on-screen farewell to Anne and her character Deirdre Barlow, bosses are currently plotting some light-hearted scenes and storylines.
“There’s going to be one massive story and behind that a real sense of fun and humour,” Stuart continues. “We’ve got a brilliant story for Paddy [McGuinness] and he has proved worth his weight in gold. ‘Phoenix Nights’ was one of my favourite things.
“He’s an established comedy actor and he’s going to be great.”
Paddy McGuinness
Former Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding will also be stopping off in Weatherfield, and Stuart’s hoping he can persuade her to stay for longer.
“Sarah is in for just four episodes but I’d like to remind people that Kym Marsh came in for three episodes and she’s still here,” he states. “So she’s doing four episodes… but let’s see what happens.”
Sarah Harding
This month’s ‘Corrie’ is set to be as dramatic as ever, as Tracy Barlow exacts her revenge on rival Carla King.
May’s episodes will end with dramatic fire scenes at the flats, and bosses are remaining tight-lipped on who’s behind the blaze.
Will it be just an accident? We’re not so sure…