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‘Coronation Street’ Writer Jonathan Harvey Calls For More Diversity In Weatherfield

'It could certainly do with having a better racial mix.'
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Jonathan Harvey, who has penned over 250 episodes of ‘Coronation Street’, has called for bosses to try make Weatherfield a more diverse place.

The screenwriter has pointed out that the majority of the street’s residents are white, which he says is something which needs to be addressed.

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'Coronation Street'
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Speaking to the Daily Star, he says: “It could certainly do with having a better racial mix.

“It’s supposed to represent the world and life.

“There’s lots of things you try – you don’t always get them right but you should always be striving.”

Jimmi Harkishin, who plays Dev Alahan, is the soap’s current longest-serving non-white actor, and has been appearing in the show since 1999.

Weatherfield is also home to the Nazir family, who were introduced after Kal’s arrival in 2013.

Soap fans are currently preparing for this year’s Christmas specials, and there’s plenty going on in ‘Corrie’ over the festive period.

We’ve also had a sneak peek at the storylines for early 2017, and characters including Bethany Platt and the returning Rosie Webster will be in the spotlight.

TV's Longest Serving Soap Stars
Bill Roache(01 of15)
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Played: Ken Barlow (1960 - Present, 'Coronation Street')

William, or Bill as he's known, was one of the original stars in Tony Warren's series. In the decades since, we've seen his character marry four different women, though Deirdre Barlow will always be his soulmate. (credit:ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Adam Woodyatt(02 of15)
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Played: Ian Beale (1985 - Present, 'EastEnders')

Not only is Ian the longest-serving 'EastEnders' character, but he's also the most married, following five ceremonies - though he did marry Jane twice. (credit:REX/Shutterstock)
Chrisopher Chittell(03 of15)
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Played: Eric Pollard (1986 - Present, 'Emmerdale')

Pollard has been at the centre of many big storylines, but none were more touching than his - often hilarious -relationship with Val. (credit:ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Eileen Derbyshire(04 of15)
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Played: Emily Bishop (1960 - Present, 'Coronation Street')

Emily is the longest-standing female character in 'Corrie', and though she's taken a handful of breaks from the soap, actress Eileen has always returned to t'cobbles. (credit:ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Pam St Clement(05 of15)
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Played: Pat Butcher (1986 - 2012, 2016, 'EastEnders')

We thought we'd seen the last of Pat in 2012, when she was killed off in emotional scenes. Little did we know, she'd be back for Peggy Mitchell's farewell. (credit:News (UK) Ltd/REX/Shutterstock)
Barbara Knox(06 of15)
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Played: Rita Tanner (1964, 1972 - Present, 'Coronation Street')

After making a brief appearance in 1964, Barbara returned to the soap just under a decade later. (credit:Ben Curtis/PA Archive)
Richard Thorp(07 of15)
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Played: Alan Turner (1982 - 2013, 'Emmerdale')

Richard made his last appearance in the soap in July 2013, and his character was killed off, off-screen, three months later. Sadly, the actor then died in late October. (credit:ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Betty Driver(08 of15)
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Played: Betty Williams (1969 - 2011, 'Coronation Street')

Hotpot, anyone? (credit:ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Wendy Richard(09 of15)
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Played: Pauline Fowler (1985 - 2006, 'EastEnders')

The formidable Pauline was one of Walford's most-loved matriarchs. (credit:REX/Shutterstock)
Stan Richards(10 of15)
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Played: Seth Armstrong (1978 - 2003, 2004, 'Emmerdale')

The role was at first a bit part but due to Stan's popularity, he stayed in the Dales. And it simply wouldn't have been the same without him. (credit:ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Steve McFadden(11 of15)
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Played: Phil Mitchell (1990 - 2003, 2005 - Present)

Steve was honoured for his work on the soap at the 2016 British Soap Awards, where he received the Outstanding Achievement Award. (credit:Nils Jorgensen/REX/Shutterstock)
Sheila Mercier(12 of15)
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Played: Annie Sugden (1972 - 1994, 1995, 1996, 2009, 'Emmerdale')

What would Annie make of what her grandsons Robert and Andy are getting up to at the moment? (credit:ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Helen Worth(13 of15)
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Played: Gail Platt (1974, 1975 - Present, 'Coronation Street')

Over the years, Gail has had to deal with many unexpected moments, and Tina O'Brien's (pictured) teen pregnancy was just one of many that hit headlines. (credit:WHAT'S ON TV/REX/Shutterstock)
Clive Horby(14 of15)
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Played: Jack Sugden (1980 - 2008, 'Emmerdale')

Between 1972 and 1976, the role was played by actor Andrew Burt, but Clive made it his own when he arrived in the Dales. (credit:ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
June Brown(15 of15)
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Played: Dot Cotton (1985 - 1993, 1997 - 2012, 2013 - Present)

Words cannot even express how grateful we are to have Dot in the Square. (credit:BBC)
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