Coronation Street and EastEnders had some big news to announce to their fans today - but it ended up being a big April Fools joke.
The rival soaps both played a practical joke on their social media followers today when they announced their plans for the coming months, with Corrie sharing their brand new Virtual Assistant.
EastEnders also announced a special one-off musical episode later this year, but it all ended up being a huge April Fools joke, leaving their fans at home very disappointed as they begged for it to be true.
Corrie were the first to post their new product launch at just gone midnight.
"Introducing Cobble, your new Virtual Assistant. With high tech audio hardware and enhanced smart home connectivity, it is a must have accessory for any modern family. Coming this Autumn. #Corrie @ITV @WeAreSTV1 #HeyCobble #Cobble," they wrote.
They also shared a video of the cast getting to grips with the 'new' Cobble device. "What time does the Rovers open today?", "What's the weather like in Manchester?" and "What's your favourite soap?" were some of the questions the device was asked by the soap stars, with much-loved soap legend Sally Dynevor (who plays Sally Metcalfe) providing the voice for the 'new device'.
Fans admitted they were fooled by the funny gag - whilst others called it out as a joke straight away.
"You got me! I was very confused," one penned, as another added: "Oooh I like the sound of this." A third penned on Instagram : "I was generally so confused and then realised," as another called it the "funniest thing they'd ever seen".
Later on in the day, Corrie bosses confirmed it was all a big joke.
"Ok, you guessed it, April Fools! We won’t be selling any high tech, virtual, Cobble assistants…yet," they wrote online, "Fun fact: We used a real cobble! (And it weighed a lot more than we were expecting)."
Elsewhere, EastEnders also played a practical joke on their social media followers - announcing a musical episode.
" #EastEnders is set to be the first British Soap to broadcast an hour-long musical episode, later this year," they penned.
"EastEnders producer, Alf Roolip has said: 'We’re thrilled to be able to showcase the musical talents of our cast, and also to weave some brilliant songs into our characters’ stories.'"
Whilst it was all a big April Fools' joke, some fans were desperate for it to be real.
"Please actually do this tho!!!" one shared, as another added: "In all seriousness, bring back the Children in Need musical numbers!" A third penned: "Very good but I feel we actually want this!" as another wrote online: "I know it's April fools but it would still be cool."
When they confirmed it was all a joke, fans admitted it would have made a good idea in the end.
"I did realise it was a joke..... But wish it was true... Some of the actors have fabulous voices, Max and Shona in particular," one person shared on Instagram, as another added: "Omggg I actually believed this and I’m slightly sad."
A third wrote on social media: "Please make it happen I would absolutely love this."
