Coronation Street Blog

Twitter and Facebook campaign helped Corrie win big at the NTAs

2012-01-27T16:00:00.004Z

The Manchester Evening News has a great article on how cast and crew used social networking sites to help them win at the NTAs.

Executive Producer, Kerian Roberts explains they made a conscious effort to connect with fans even more over the past year. He explains that this relationship with fans makes it easier to try and get Corrie fans to do the voting.

I have to say, out of all the UK television shows, Corrie has really embraced the online world the best, rather than just sticking to updating to the websites, they've taken to social networking sites, and rather than doing DVD spin-offs, they've started doing free online spin-offs for everyone to watch. It's great to see.

Keiran also mentions how producers realised how fans became dissatisfied last summer, and admitted that some storylines didn't work out as well as they looked on paper. He mentions how Corrie plans to build up momentum over the next year and discusses Betty Williams funeral and reveals that old faces will in fact return. It's a great read.

Coronation Street episode review, Thursday January 26 2012

2012-01-27T13:24:00.004Z

Hello, I'm Kathryn Spencer, a new Coronation Street episode reviewer on this site, pleased to "meet" you!

Following award-winning Katherine Kelly's fairytale but somewhat unbelievable farewell - as the avenged and triumphant Becky flew first class to Barbados, swigging champagne with Mr Nice but Boring - the Street picked up the pieces following lying Tracy's long awaited and deserved comeuppance at the altar. Unrepentant the morning after, a furious-looking Tracy was in fine eye-swivelling form, claiming she had framed Becky "to save my family", demanding "booze, lots of it, to render me unconconscious" from her family and charmingly telling innocent passerby Dev: "What you looking at? Want a fat lip?"

Meanwhile her hopes of making up with Steve looked unlikely following the latter's withering put down: "You are an insane, lying, deceitful manipulative cow ... I was an idiot to think you had a human heart in that ribcage of yours." We get the message, Steve.Then he announced he was getting an annulment. Time to put that meringue wedding gown on ebBay, Tracy!

Elsewhere, a nice bit of comedy relief as Norris' amazing keyboard playing skills were unmasked as a sham - he has an automatic machine - by a suspicious Rita. "He's good - too good," and Dennis. And a shellshocked Steve and Ken Barlow - furious after he had been lied to by both his wife Deirdre and daughter Tracy over the latter's miscarriage - took solace in a shared bottle of whisky in a darkly humorous scene as they bemoaned their mutually chequered love life. "I lost a woman I loved - more than oncesh," Ken slurred, misty-eyed, comparing himself, somewhat dubiously, to King Henry VIII. "Good things enter your life and shine like a bright star and then you do something wrong and they fly back and you're right back to where you started." Thinking of a certain actress who lived on a barge and force fed you homemade soup in your kimono, Ken?

Meanwhile Peter and Carla's adulterous web of lies came one step closer to unravelling as sharp-suited rapist Frank clocked her meeting Peter on one of their clandestine dates.

And Jason, never the sharpest tool in the workbox, finally realised the truth about his mother Eileen who had enjoyed a illicit night of passion under the family roof with fireman Paul while his Alzheimer's wife had conveniently gone into care. "As soon as his wife is in a home, he's straight in your bed," he noted. "That's wrong and you know it." Eileen, clutching her bouquet from soppy Paul, looked too lust-sated to care.

A good episode, this one, with light and dark and the emphasis on some of the older characters, rather than the tedious teenage Hollyoaks style dramas which are never the Street's finest moments.

Follow the Coronation Street Blog on Twitter and Facebook

Fab Photo Friday - January 27th 2012

2012-01-27T11:14:00.001Z

It's Friday again so it's time for this week's fab Coronation Street photo. I know we featured Blanche last week but I think she'd have had a lot to say about the goings on with her granddaughter this week. She may even have resorted to violence again.

Follow the Coronation Street Blog on Twitter and Facebook

Sneak preview of tonight's double Corrie - Friday 27 January 2012

2012-01-27T08:12:00.000Z

Friday 27th January at 7.30pm

PETER AND CARLA’S LIES LEAVE THEM WIDE OPEN. As Peter and Carla plan a secret rendez vous at a hotel in Chester he feeds Leanne a pack of lies about how he enjoyed his night at the dogs so much that he's going to Sunderland for the night to look into buying a greyhound. Back on the case Frank's private investigator Trish overhears this and reports back to Frank who instructs her to follow Peter. Will she get the dirt Frank so badly wants?

KEN TURNS HIS BACK ON TRACY . As Tracy tries to explain what's going on to Amy, Ken walks in and absorbs her upset. Revealing he can't forgive Tracy for what she's done he tells her he wants her out of no.1.

EILEEN AND PAUL FIND THEMSELVES THE FOCUS OF GOSSIP. When Eileen announces that she and Paul are now an item it's obvious her friends don't approve. Feeling uncomfortable how will Paul react?

Elsewhere Kylie sends Max to school with a healthy packed lunch but when he returns with it untouched will she keep up with his nutritious eating plan? Gail's tearful as Nick moves into his Victoria Court flat. Sylvia's upset as she hasn't heard from Milton for a few days but as her music contest with Norris begins she's overjoyed as Milton appears beside her!

Coronation Street, Friday 27th January at 8.30pm

FRANK’S NET CLOSES AROUND PETER AND CARLA. When Stella finds out that both Peter and Carla are away for the night she's immediately suspicious. But when she gently probes Leanne she's insists she trusts him. Trish meets with an equally suspicious Frank, Anne and Sally, has she got the proof they desire? Meanwhile in their hotel room an oblivious Peter and Carla plan their life together after the trial.

TRACY LANDS HERSELF ON STEVE. Deirdre's caught in the middle as Ken and Tracy continue to row. In danger of losing Ken will she continue to side with her daughter or is it time to make a stand?

SYLVIA’S ALL KEYED-UP WHEN ROY MEETS MILTON . Sylvia proudly introduces Milton to the assembled crowd as Norris tries to duck out of the contest. Sylvia's having none of it, will Mary come to his aid?

Elsewhere Eileen's upset with Paul for doing a runner when Julie was having a go about their relationship. Apologising, he promises they'll stick together in future.

Follow the Coronation Street Blog on Twitter and Facebook

Spot the Corrie prop - January 27th 2012

2012-01-27T08:09:00.002Z

Everyone seemed to think that the shell ornament featured last week ended up in the back of Eileen's telly after Lesley threw it across the room. It would have to have travelled quite along way as the shell bowl can normally found sitting on Sally Webster's sideboard.

For this week's prop poser we want to know where on Coronation Street you would find this lamp.

Follow the Coronation Street Blog on Twitter and Facebook

Watch Katherine Kelly live on stage - at a cinema near you

2012-01-27T07:51:00.000Z

Katherine Kelly fans can watch the ex-Coronation Street actress as she stars on stage in the National Theatre, London, in She Stoops to Conquer. "But how?" I hear you cry. "Well, read on!" say I.

The play will be beamed live from the National Theatre in London to cinemas in the UK on March 29th and on varying dates to cinemas worldwide.

For a full list of all the cinemas showing the play live from London, have a look here.

She Stoops to Conquer is about Hardcastle, a man of substance, who looks forward to acquainting his daughter with his old pal’s son with a view to marriage. But thanks to playboy Lumpkin, he’s mistaken by his prospective son-in-law Marlow for an innkeeper, his daughter for the local barmaid. The good news is, while Marlow can barely speak to a woman of quality he’s a charmer with those of a different stamp. And so, as Hardcastle’s indignation intensifies, Miss
Hardcastle’s appreciation for her misguided suitor soars. Misdemeanours multiply, love blossoms, mayhem ensues.

One of the great, generous-hearted and ingenious comedies of the English language, Goldsmith’s She Stoops to Conquer offers a celebration of chaos, courtship and the dysfunctional family.

Follow the Coronation Street Blog on Twitter and Facebook

Coronation Street spoiler: Betty's funeral to reveal Corrie secret

2012-01-26T09:16:00.001Z

There's a Coronation Street spoiler in today's Daily Star as Corrie producer Phil Collinson says that there'll be a huge secret revealed at Betty Williams' funeral.

Phil tells the Daily Star: “Betty Turpin’s funeral will be shown in April and the scenes will be a treat for fans as they will be a celebration of what the Street does best. 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 is 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.”

I wonder what it can be? Any guesses?

Follow the Coronation Street Blog on Twitter and Facebook

Pics from Corrie's win at National Television Awards

2012-01-26T09:02:00.001Z

Here's all the news from Coronation Street's double win at last night's National Television Awards.

And here's some lovely pictures. Click on each picture to enlarge them.

Here's pictures from the red carpet as the Corrie cast made their way into the awards ceremony.

Follow the Coronation Street Blog on Twitter and Facebook

Sneak preview of tonight's Corrie - Thursday 26 January at 8.30pm

2012-01-26T08:18:00.004Z

Coronation Street, Thursday 26th January at 8.30pm

PASSIONS THREATEN TO OVERWHELM PETER AND CARLA. Peter lies to Leanne that he's meeting some mates at the dog track and heads off to a restaurant to meet Carla. But when she bumps into an old factory client, who says he's meeting Frank there, she makes her excuses and rushes off. Outside she finds Peter parking his car and quickly jumps in, explaining their near miss. But have they got away with it?

TRACY’S HURT WHEN STEVE WANTS OUT. As Tracy wallows in self pity Deirdre regrets getting dragged into her web of deceit which has disgusted Ken. Tracy begs Steve to give her another chance, claiming she loves him she insists they can work through this. Will Steve relent?

KYLIE CLASHES WITH BRIAN OVER MAX. At parents evening Brian lectures Kylie and David about the importance of a healthy diet for Max. Leaving in a huff will they take his words on board?

Elsewhere Rita and Dennis discover Norris' sham piano playing. Jason's softening to Paul but how will he react when he discovers he stayed the night with Eileen? As Anne snipes at Sally, Frank tells his mum it's time she moved out.

Follow the Coronation Street Blog on Twitter and Facebook

Steve McDonald gurn of the week - January 26 2012

2012-01-26T08:10:00.002Z

It's Thursday and that means only one thing... time for the Steve McDonald gurn of the week. Thanks go Coronation Street fan David McGowan for this week's fab Stevie McGurn. If you've captured a good Corrie Steve gurn and want to share it via the blog, do email it in.

To see more gurnage from Stevie McGurn, have a look here, there's loads. Some good, some bad and some really very funny.

National Television Awards: Coronation Street wins Serial Drama Award

2012-01-25T21:55:00.003Z

Woohoo!

Coronation Street has beaten its soap rivals to win the Serial Drama Award at the National Television Awards 2012.

The awards were held on Wednesday 25 January 2012 and beamed live to ITV1 from the 02 arena in London.

Last year, Corrie lost out on the National Television Award for Best Serial Drama to BBC1 soap EastEnders. This year
was clearly Corrie's turn to win.

Producer Phil Collinson collected the award and handed it to Sally Dynevor (Sally Webster) who looked fantastic in a blue frock. She thanked everyone in the cast, the writers, crew who work behind the scenes. Holding the award aloft, Sally said: "And this one is for Betty Driver!"

Phil Collinson dedicated the award to Corrie creator Tony Warren. A nice touch.

Katherine Kelly also won the award for Best Serial Drama Performance for her role as Becky McDonald. Read more on that here.

View red carpet pics of the cast arriving here.

Well done, Corrie!

Follow the Coronation Street Blog on Twitter and Facebook

National Television Awards: Katherine Kelly wins Serial Drama Performance award

2012-01-25T20:40:00.005Z

Coronation Street actress Katherine Kelly has won the National Television Award for Best Drama Performance.

The awards were held on Wednesday 25 January and shown live on ITV1, direct from the 02 arena in London. Katherine's award was in recognition for her role as Becky McDonald in Corrie, a role she's had for six years.

Katherine has now left Coronation Street and will be starring on stage in She Stoops to Conquer at the National Theatre in London.

Katherine wasn't able to collect the award in person and so it was left to Ryan Thomas (Jason Grimshaw) and Paula Lane (Kylie Platt) to collect the award for her. Paula read out a few words from Katherine. "Becky gets Barbados and I get an NTA, woohoo!"

Coronation Street also won the award for Best Serial Drama. Read more on that here and see pics from the red carpet arrivals here.

Follow the Coronation Street Blog on Twitter and Facebook

Pics: Corrie cast arriving at National Television Awards

2012-01-25T20:02:00.005Z

Coronation Street cast members turned out in their best bib and tucker for tonight's National Television Awards. Here are some of them, snapped by the paparazzi as they made their way into the 02 arena for tonight's awards.

Coronation Street wins Best Serial Drama award.

Katherine Kelly wins Best Serial Drama Performance award.

All images copyright getty images.

Follow the Coronation Street Blog on Twitter and Facebook

Wanted: Blogger to write Corrie episode reviews

2012-01-25T08:11:00.002Z

If you know how to use Blogger and are as passionate about Coronation Street as you are about writing, would you like to join our team here at the Coronation Street Blog?

We're looking for a Corrie fan to write short and sweet Corrie episode reviews. All we're after are just a couple of paragaphs rounding up what's gone on each episode in Corrie, nothing too lengthy or wordy while keeping it fun and funky too.

Interested? Please email me at glenda.young@btinternet.com with a link or two to work you've already done online, if possible.

While we can't pay you, your work will be read, enjoyed and shared by over 300,000 Corrie fans worldwide each month.

Follow the Coronation Street Blog on Twitter and Facebook

National Television Awards - voting closes at 12 noon today

2012-01-25T07:47:00.000Z

Voting closes in the National Television Awards today, Wednesday 25 January at 12 noon.

Vote here.

The awards are on ITV1 live from the 02 arena in London, tonight, presented by Ant and Dec.

The categories where you can vote for Corrie are:

1) Serial Drama;

2) Serial Drama Performance - Alison King as Carla Connor and Katherine Kelly as Becky McDonald;

3) Newcomer Award - Chris Fountain as Tommy Duckworth.

Follow the Coronation Street Blog on Twitter and Facebook

Coronation Street spoiler: Guess who's pregnant?

2012-01-25T07:43:00.001Z

There's a Coronation Street spoiler in today's Daily Star that says Julie Carp will fall pregnant.

However, while Julie's over the moon to find out she's going to be a mum, Brian's convinved Julie has been playing away as he had a vasectomy three years ago.

So as Julie is thrilled with her baby news, Brian confides in Ken that he can't be the dad as he's already had the snip. But these things can go wrong, can't they? Or has Julie really being having a fling with another fella?

Rumours have also appeared in the tabloid press that say Julie and Brian open a grocery shop in the old Elliott's butcher shop.

Follow the Coronation Street Blog on Twitter and Facebook

Peter's Girls

2012-01-24T23:28:00.004Z

Now amongst everything that was going on with Becky during Monday’s double-bill, there were several other stories happening during the main action. One of those stories featured was the continuing Carla and Peter ‘saga’ which I’m going to admit right now – I’m getting tired of.

Strangely enough for a long time I had championed Peter and Carla’s relationship and I always wanted to see them getting together. But since their affair started I’ve realised just how right Leanne is for Peter and how much I value their relationship. It’s not often that we are treated to a family such as Peter, Leanne and Simon on the cobbles, who aside from being a great family unit continue to engage the audience with interesting storylines and those fun breakfast scenes in the flat are always episode hilights for me.

For example, although I liked Lloyd, Cheryl and Russ as a family they were incredibly dull to watch. The same can be said for Ashley, Claire and the boys. They were a nice family to have on the show but as far as being interesting the most excitement we had out of them during their last couple of years on the show was Claire's rooftop panic and then her exit.

That’s something that can’t be said for the Barlow’s. Peter and Leanne make a great team and Simon adds a bucket load of comic relief. But most importantly they are usually always supported by a decent storyline with Peter’s alcoholism being the standout. And while it’s not a boring storyline by any means, the current Carla and Peter affair is not playing out in the fashion that I’d imagined all those months ago when Carla confessed to loving Peter.

Maybe I just don’t like affair storylines or maybe I just don’t want to see one of my favourite Corrie families being split up. I don’t know, but what I do know is that Peter and Carla do not make a good couple. They’ve both got their own issues and in a way those issues are what have brought them together but I don’t see Carla as the love of Peter’s life. And I’m really not happy seeing the Barlow’s going though another affair storyline. I'd love for this affair to be quitely swept away under the carpet as soon as possible, but somehow I don't think that's going to happen - especially after reading next week's spoilers. And it's a shame that they are going down this route with the Barlow's because I'd much rather see Peter and Leanne trying to have a baby and bringining their fmaily closer togehter and not tearing it appart by another affiar.

What does everyone else think? I know a lot of people like Peter and Carla together but the Barlow’s have become one of the most beloved family units on the street so I can imagine that there’s a fair few people who feel the same.

Follow the Coronation Street Blog on Twitter and Facebook

One more farewell to Becky from me

2012-01-24T22:23:00.000Z

Yes, this is one more tribute to Becky and Katherine Kelly. Most of us at Blog Towers have been on Team Becky most of the time she's been on Coronation Street. Me? I've had a lifetime membership.

I've done a character study and a bit of Becky's history on the show over here. I like to look at a character and how they've evolved over their time on the Street. I'm very glad Becky was able to leave with her head held high instead of dejected, with tail between her legs.

I know she's not been a favourite character for everyone, but nearly always has for me, especially once they put her under Roy and Hayley's wing. Pure gold and there was, for me, strength after strength as Becky overcame one kick back after another.

The party girl is still there, but she's going to be Billy's mum and Danny's girl. Yes, she'll probably mess up sometimes, but I think Becky's going to make something special of her life from here on in.

Follow the Coronation Street Blog on Twitter and Facebook

Kylie and how she is stepping out of the shadow of Becky

2012-01-24T19:39:00.003Z

I never liked Kylie. I couldn't see the point of her, and I hated all the stuff with Max because it didn't show Steve or Becky or Kylie at their best. When David turned up with Kylie in tow, I inwardly groaned, because I can't stand David and did not relish the idea of them shacking up together.

However, recently I've been changing my mind about her. I love how she's stood up to Gail but in a respectful way, and I am really glad that she fought for Max to return to her and David, but also that she was understandably unsure about it. I really like the way she and David are together, and I like that having a grandchild around again seems to have softened Gail, so all in all I've been happy about the Platt household.

But I didn't like it when Becky and Kylie argued. They were awful to each other, and I think Kylie always came off as a brat. (I'm not saying Becky was perfect either). Since they buried their differences I have liked Kylie a lot more, and never more than in the past month or so.

Last week (Thursday's ep I think) there was a lovely moment when Kylie and Becks were dressed really similar, their hair high up on the backs of their heads, matching huge hoop earrings, little jackets that were completely ineffective against the Manchester winter. They'd never been more like sisters and it was reflected in their working together to get Becky's revenge.

To begin with Kylie was only around because of Becky, so it was a great idea to set her up with a new family before Becky left, to avoid her flailing around with no anchor. (I like people to have families - whether blood or friendship - can you tell?) She is a person in her own right now and I see a great future for her on the street, out of the shadow of her big sister. I'm so happy that she and Becky parted on great terms, and that Kylie has her son back.

Paula Lane is an amazing actress, I can't imagine anyone else in the part. I like Kylie - and I never thought I'd say that.

Follow the Coronation Street Blog on Twitter and Facebook

Coronation Street Weekly Update, January 23 2012

2012-01-24T19:38:00.001Z

Greetings and welcome to the Coronation Street Weekly Update. And so without any further ado, here we go with this week's Coronation Street update. Find out why these weekly updates have been written for t'internet since 1995 - and you can sign up to receive them by email at: http://www.corrieweeklyupdates.btinternet.co.uk/

This was the week when I fell back in love with Coronation Street. It’s had some top-class writing, warmth and humour and the smile firmly wiped off Tracy Barlow’s big fat face.

And so it’s to a wedding we go as Tracy and Steve march up the aisle to their McBarlow wedding. The vicar asks if anyone knows of any just impediment to why these two should not be married in holy matrimony and Becky stands up, clears her throat, and sits down again. She’s got a bombshell to drop but she’s not ready to drop it yet.

Back on the Street, Rita and Norris leave the wedding and return to work at the Kabin. Emily comes in later and agrees with Rita that the wedding went well. “Oh, but only if the same could be said about the reception!” coos Aunty Em. “Why? What’s to do?” asks Rita. What’s to do, indeed.

But let’s backtrack a little. Becky had only gone and broken into the medical centre computer system, armed with Gail’s password after Gail joined forces with Becky when she found out that she was planning to bring down Tracy B. With Kylie feigning a faint on the waiting room floor of the medical centre, all attention switched to her lying there. Doctor Carter’s attention was distracted just long enough for Becky to get into his office, log in, download and print off Tracy’s records, proving that she’d miscarried the twins the day before she claimed Becky murdered them, pushing Tracy down the stairs.

And so, with cold, hard proof in her hand, Becky interrupted Steve’s wedding speech in the Rovers and presented him with the truth about his new bride. “Revenge is all the more sweeter now he’s chained to the cow,” Becky told sister Kylie before legging it to the airport with new bloke Danny and his little boy.

But before she left the cobbles, Becky hugged the Croppers and cried, then took a taxi to the airport to fly away to Barbados with Danny. Steve ran after her, of course, and tried to beg her back but she held her head high and walked through the gate to get on the plane. It was first class. Not only her seat on the plane, but the whole storyline and send-off for Becky. Who will call Roy ‘Royston’ now?

Elsewhere this week. Anna dumps Owen when she finds out he’s hit Faye. And there was a great scene with Owen and his daughters in Roy’s Rolls when he asks Izzy and Katy if he was such a bad dad. Their silence says it all before they give him a few home truths about his parenting skills.

Over at No. 11, Eileen’s desperate to keep Paul and offers herself up to be a carer for his wife Lesley when he’s left with no one to look after his wife. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is a specialist task and one that Eileen has no experience of. She does her best but Lesley smashes Eileen’s telly and it’s clear that she needs more care than Eileen is capable of, professional care. There was a slightly, I thought, disturbing scene when Eileen hugged Lesley to comfort her, and all the time you’re watching this thinking, Eileen’s only doing this ‘cos she’s desperate for a bloke. It’s an excellent storyline though. And the actress who’s playing Lesley should be commended for her portrayal of a dementia patient.

And that's just about that for this week. Remember, you can sign up to get these Corrie weekly updates by email at http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/corrieweeks

This week's writers were Jonathan Harvey, Chris Fewtrell, Jayne Hollinson and Debbie Oates. Find out more about the Coronation Street writing team at http://coronationstreetupdates.blogspot.com/2008/11/exclusive-all-current-corrie-writers.html

Glenda Young
--
Blogging away merrily at http://flamingnora.blogspot.com/

Follow the Coronation Street Blog on Twitter and Facebook

Coronation Street: Becky leaves in style

2012-01-24T18:56:00.000Z

Reposted with permission fom fab TV Blog PauseLiveAction

The traditional ways to leave Weatherfield (apart from being murdered by Tony Gordon or John Stape) are by taxi or Weatherfield Hopper, that curious little bus that only appears when someone needs it and has a driver who is happy to wait as long as you want while you have an argument or tearful goodbye with a loved one.

I doubt whether anyone ever in the history of Coronation Street has uttered their final lines on the show while drinking champagne in the first class section of a flight to Barbados. But that’s exactly the way Becky McDonald (Katherine Kelly) left the show last night, and it was brilliant.

Since her early appearances as a chain smoking, back stabbing petty criminal in 2006, Becky has morphed into one of the most loved characters in the show. I’ve not always been a fan of her tendency to go over the top (eg the drunken hysteria of her wedding to “Stevie” and the way she used to convey passion for the poor lad by applying herself to the front of him like the alien creature sticking itself to John Hurt’s face in Alien), but she’s always been quirky, vulnerable, feisty, loveable and infuriating in equal measure. Her relationship with the Croppers, no strangers to quirkiness themselves, has formed one of the most touching and convincing “families” ever seen on a soap, and I had a huge lump in my throat when she kissed them goodbye in last night’s episode.

Becky’s been through a lot in her time on the Street, and she hasn’t always come out of it well. Looting the Alahan’s safe in the aftermath of the tram crash to get the money to buy her nephew from her sister didn’t exactly cover her in glory, though we never doubted her motives sprang from a genuine need to love a child and give it the kind of support in life that she’d never known until she met Roy and Hayley.

The writers gave her an absolutely epic exit. Having been accused of pushing Tracy Barlow down the stairs and causing her to miscarry the twins she was expecting, Becky had finally got her hands on the proof that she was innocent. It wasn’t about revenge on Tracy or getting back at Steve, it was about proving to the world that Becky wasn’t the person some people would always think of her as. People thought, as she put it, that “You can take the girl out of the gutter but you can’t take the gutter out of the girl.” Would she stand up and make a huge scene during Tracy’s wedding to Becky’s beloved Steve? Norris was hoping so. But she didn’t, because she really has changed. She waited for the reception (at the Rovers, naturally) to hand Steve Tracy’s medical records, showing the miscarriage had already happened days before she fell down the stairs. Norris missed that one, as he’d already gone back to the Kabin, but it was a magnificent moment. For once, Becky was understated and restrained. She let the evidence do the talking and, the bomb having been dropped, left Steve to deal with the aftermath.
Then, after an emotional goodbye to sister Kylie and the Croppers, she was off to meet new man Danny and his little boy for a new life in Barbados. All Becky ever wanted was someone to love her and a child she could love – but a swimming pool and a tan has got to be a bonus.

Follow the Coronation Street Blog on Twitter and Facebook

Behind the scenes at Steve and Tracy's wedding

2012-01-24T18:51:00.001Z

We've had a few emails today asking for the location used for Steve and Tracy's wedding on Coronation Street.

With thanks to the lovely people who work in the Corrie crew, we can reveal that the wedding was shot at Arley Hall chapel. It's in Northwich, Cheshire. You'll notice if you look at their website that the chapel was also used for the wedding of Maria and Liam Connor. Clearly a doomed venue for matrimony!

Also, the scrummy cupcakes on the bar of the Rovers Return for the wedding reception were made by The Frostery.

And we've already blogged about where to buy Tracy Barlow's wedding frock.

For the full video from behind the scenes of the wedding, you can see it at the official ITV Corrie website here.

Follow the Coronation Street Blog on Twitter and Facebook

Sneak preview of next week's Corrie, Jan 30 - Feb 3, 2012

2012-01-24T08:08:00.000Z

Without any piffle, here's the storyline for the week ahead on Coronation Street, all wrapped up nicely in 50 words or less.

Monday 30 January to Friday 3 February 2012

Frank’s in court and the verdict is delivered; Leanne discovers truth about Peter and Carla; Leanne tells Stella it was Carla who ran her over, not Frank; Steve converts No. 13 into two flats and Roy’s not chuffed with Milton’s cafe plans.

The full weekly preview, with loads of pictures is right here on Corrie.net

Missed last week's Corrie?
Catch up with the Coronation Street weekly updates

Follow the Coronation Street Blog on Twitter and Facebook

Bid to win Coronation Street wedding dress

2012-01-24T08:05:00.001Z

We've featured Gail's wedding dress on the Coronation Street Blog before when it came up for auction in aid of The Prince's Trust.

I've been contacted again this week by them to see if we can give it another push. Looking at the Sellebrity website, it says "reserve not met". Can't think why!

Anyway, if you'd like to own the dress worn by Helen Worth as Gail when she married Joe McIntyre, it's online and available here.

Follow the Coronation Street Blog on Twitter and Facebook

Phil Collinson on Becky's exit: "The tears were real"

2012-01-24T07:53:00.000Z

There's a wonderful article about Becky McDonald's exit from Coronation Street online at Ian Wylie's website The Life of Wylie.

Ian was at the early screening of the wedding and Becky's exit epidodes and describes in detail about being a life-long Corrie fan and what these two episodes in particular meant to him.

He interviewed Corrie producer Phil Collinson who revealed that when Becky hugged Roy and Hayley goodbye in her leaving scenes on the Street, the tears were all real.

Phil said: “They were real tears for all of us. It’s such a close team making Coronation Street. You have to be when you’re making that much television – working together that closely for that number of hours under that intense scrutiny and pressure. We’re all close. And it’s hard to lose somebody so integral to your team.”

Read the full article here, it's well worth a read.

Follow the Coronation Street Blog on Twitter and Facebook