Mutiny behind scenes of Coronation Street as stressed stars and crew struggle to create six shows a week
CORONATION Street has had its fair share of epic car crash storylines – seeing key cast members killed off. But the soap’s backstage “car crash” hasn’t been dreamt up by writers. I can reveal there is mutiny growing behind the scenes of the ITV soap as disgruntled staff desperately try to squeeze out six episodes […]
CORONATION Street has had its fair share of epic car crash storylines – seeing key cast members killed off.
But the soap’s backstage “car crash” hasn’t been dreamt up by writers.
I can reveal there is mutiny growing behind the scenes of the ITV soap as disgruntled staff desperately try to squeeze out six episodes a week under stressful conditions.
Bosses may even bring in an outside consultant to fix the problems the extra show has caused on thecobbles.
An insider said: “It’s chaos backstage as the filming schedules to keep up with six episodes a week have been putting everyone under huge pressure. Lots of people are stressed and very unhappy.
“The crew are even referring to Corrie as the Titanic as they fear they are all going down with the ship.
“Different departments have been called in individually to ask how the system can be improved and people are relieved they are finally being listened to.”
In 2017, the soap announced its decision to go from five to six episodes a week. It was met with uproar from the cast and crew.
They complained the show would be too short-staffed to cope and actors would be worked “to the bone” to meet the demand for the extra 30-minute weekly episode.
The Sun revealed at the time bosses were planning to bring back characters Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor), Brian Packham (Peter Gunn) and Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard) to help fill the extra air time.
Two years on, cast and crew are still unhappy. At least, the bosses finally seem to be listening.
READ MORE FROM ANDY HALLS’ BIZARRE TV COLUMN
Ramin ready for rounds at Holby
PULSES are sure to be racing when Holby City’s latest recruit starts making his rounds.
I revealed in January that Ramin Karimloo would be joining the long- running BBC1 medical drama.
And it looks like the West End and Broadway actor, above, scrubs up well, ahead of his debut on Tuesday, April 23.
Essie (Kaye Wragg) and Jac (Rosie Marcel) have mixed feelings when charismatic consultant Kian Mandani (Ramin) arrives, a whirlwind of transatlantic charm and aftershave.
Despite winning over most of Darwin Ward, Kian has his work cut out to impress Jac – the pair have history dating back to their medical school days.
FRED TRIP — THAT'S AMORE
SINGLE celebs are being offered the chance to find love abroad in a charity special.
Stand Up To Cancer is joining forces with First Dates Hotel and jetting lonely stars out to Naples, Italy.
Matchmakers from TV production company Twenty Twenty will set them up with potential admirers at a luxury five-star resort.
Fred Sirieix, First Dates’ suave maitre d’, will help to make everyone feel relaxed.
The celebs won’t be paid for the charity project but will be offered hair, make-up and glam squads for their dates.
FIlming will take place over the next few months, with the show due to air in October.
A telly source said: “Casting agents are keen to have some real love matches.
“They’ve hired a top team of psychologists to hold in-depth interviews with the celebs to understand exactly what it is they’re looking for.”
It would be worth it just for a jolly to sunny Italy alone.
Must watch
WHAT? Not Going Out, BBC1, 9pm.
WHY? Return of the sitcom starring Lee Mack, Sally Bretton and Hugh Dennis sees Toby arrange a charity parachute jump to raise money for a children’s hospital ward.
Em’s the PM
THE creator of edgy new BBC drama Years And Years has revealed Emma Thompson will play the British Prime Minister in the series.
The Oscar-winner plays Vivienne Rook, a plain-speaking political outsider who decides to become an MP heading her own party just as the world is plunged into turmoil.
At a special screening at the BFI and Radio Times TV Festival in London, writer Russell T Davies also revealed the much-anticipated show – which also stars Rory Kinnear and Russell Tovey – will air on BBC1 on May 14.
Biz Bit
STEVE PEMBERTON is set to star as Emperor Claudius in the upcoming series of Britannia. The funnyman-turned-actor, who played Tubbs in A League of Gentlemen, will appear opposite David Morrissey in the show which returns to Sky Atlantic and NOW TV this autumn.
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SOAPBOX
HARRIET is becoming increasingly terrified by the sinister prank calls she is receiving, in EMMERDALE.
When Bob hears Dawn on the phone in The Woolpack corridor, he starts to suspect she may be behind it.
He later heads to Woodbine to share his theory with Harriet and a furious Dawn, who says she is moving out.
In EASTENDERS, Ben struggles to get Lola back on side. He also faces another problem when Phil reveals that Keanu will be working with them on their latest plan.
Jay suggests to Lola that they should become a couple again, but they are interrupted when Ben arrives and drops a bombshell.
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