Coronation Street will film oldest and most iconic stars from home to feature in 60th anniversary celebrations

CORONATION Street’s return to filming next month will be bittersweet, as Covid-19 means the soap’s veteran performers will rarely feature.

ITV bosses are determined they will not disappear completely and are considering shooting some scenes from the older actors’ homes, where they are shielding from the virus.

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Coronation Street are considering shooting some scenes from the older actors’ homes, including Bill Roache who plays Ken Barlow[/caption]

Crucially, that will ensure the likes of Bill Roache, who has played Ken Barlow since the show’s 1960 debut, and Barbara Knox, who plays Rita Sullivan, can take part in episodes marking Corrie’s 60th anniversary later this year.

A TV insider said: “The celebrations would have felt a little empty if the stars who have helped make the soap such a hit for six decades weren’t involved.

“So there are no lengths they will not consider to make this happen – though their number-one priority, of course, is the safety of the soap’s family of legends.”

Coronation Street first aired on Granada Television on December 9, 1960, but has never faced such disruption in its distinguished history.

The Sun exclusively revealed how the soap was returning to filming in June, alongside Emmerdale.

Insiders revealed how strict social distancing guidelines had been issued to ensure the safety of the cast and crews.

A source added: The safety of the cast and crew on both soaps is paramount but ITV are sure they’ve come up with a solution to keep everyone safe.

“Production is starting up again in June. Emmerdale is being used as the benchmark for safety guidelines as they have a lot of space and it’s the perfect location to put the social distancing measures into practice.

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The soap is returning to filming in June with strict social distancing guidelines to ensure the safety of the cast and crew[/caption]

“Everyone will be adhering to social distancing and scenes will be filmed with smaller groups.

“The teams working on these shows are the best in the business and will be able to film the episodes in certain ways which will minimise the distancing.

“The scripting teams are working on creating storylines with fewer characters too, which will also stop any distractions on screen.”

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