Coronation Street legend Barbara Knox took centre stage on a break from filming as she led fellow cast members in celebrating the opening of a new visitor experience on the ITV studios set. The new 'Coronation Street Experience' opens to visitors from today at the Corrie set in Manchester.
Barbara, 89, kicked off the festivities with an unforgettable moment on the set - wielding a knife to slice into a jaw-dropping 40-kilogram replica sponge cake of the iconic Rovers and Kabin. The stunning creation, handcrafted over a staggering 50 hours, symbolised the grand opening of the brand-new visitor experience at the home of the show at MediaCity.
The recently transformed visitor centre aims to be "the ultimate destination for every Corrie fan", say bosses. It offers access to replica Rovers and Roy’s Rolls sets, iconic costumes, historic props and a dedicated Corrie shop.
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It will also now be open seven days a week for the first time since the move to the Trafford Wharf Road studios from the soap's original home at Granada. Fans can expect to see original Corrie memorabilia at the centre, as well as explore and pose up in the replica sets.
The award-winning 90-minute tour first launched at the ITV set in 2014, attracting fans not just from the UK but from all over the world. The new exhibition floor will complement the tour, alongside a cinema, café and retail space.
“We’re thrilled to be able to offer fans of Coronation Street an even more immersive experience with the launch of the Coronation Street Experience and can’t wait for our first guests to arrive this weekend,” said Neil Currie, Guest Experience Manager.
Corrie legend Barbara has played Weatherfield icon Rita Sullivan since her first appearance way back in 1964, before becoming a full time cast member in 1972. Since then she's bene part of the soap's most dramatic scenes, including tram crashes, poisonings and love triangles.
She was joined by a host of cast-mates for the launch this week as they all gathered around the giant cake. That included Barbara's fellow soap stalwart Michael Le Vell who has played Kevin Webster since 1981, and her on-screen foster daughter Jenny, played by Sally Ann Matthews, who made her first appearance back in 1986.
How to get tickets
Tickets for the Coronation Street Experience are available now, and visitors are encouraged to book online ahead of their visit to avoid disappointment. Visitors can choose to visit the exhibition only from £7.50 per person, or add the 90-minute tour for the full experience from £35 per person.
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