It was another soapy night in Manchester as the stars of both Coronation Street and Emmerdale hit the red carpet for a magical night in the city.
And we say magical because the actors and actresses best known for appearing in the two ITV soaps were heading to see Disney's classic Beauty and the Beast. The musical, based on Disney's hit 1991 animated movie, started its nine-week run at Manchester's Palace Theatre on March 31.
But on Thursday night (April 6) the stars headed out for its official glitzy premiere where they were handed roses on arrival and posed for snaps in front of a rose-filled wall before sitting down to witness that tale as old as time come to life in front of their very eyes.
The stunning Olivier Award-winning production has been re-imagined and re-designed for its latest UK run - which will be at the Manchester theatre until June 4, 2022 - and boasts the best-loved songs from the film like Be Our Guest, Gaston and of course the title track Beauty and the Beast.
Among the Corrie stars hitting the red carpet were the soap's crop of young stars, Millie Gibson, who plays Kelly Neelan, Asha Alahan actress Tanisha Gorey, and Harriet Bibby, who plays Summer Spellman. All the girls posed separately for the awaiting photographers, smiling with their complimentary rose and show programme.
Also in attendance was Charlie Wrenshall, who plays the son of Maria Windass, Liam Connor. It was another rare appearance for the young actor, who brought his family along, after he joined his fellow soap stars last month at the big press night for Disney’s classic movie Bedknobs and Broomsticks at The Lowry in Salford.
Corrie's recent returnee Kimberley Hart-Simpson, who plays Nicky Wheatly, also appeared, bringing back a 90s trend thanks to her double denim outfit and bucket hat combo. She was joined by her former on-screen love interest Rob Mallard, aka Daniel Osbourne, and Jack James Ryan who also made a recent return to Weatherfield as Jacob Hay.
Elle Leach also hit the red carpet while her latest dramatic scenes were playing out in the soap where she plays Faye Windass and former Corrie star Victoria Ekanoye, known for playing Angie Appleton, also came out for the event. Meanwhile, Tyrone Dobbs star Alan Halsall made it a family affair and brought girlfriend Tisha Merry, who starred in Corrie as Steph Britton, along with his daughter Sienna.
Taking time away from the Dales was Mackenzie Boyd actor Lawrence Robb who looked completely different to his character with his hair pulled forward to create a fringe look while donning a camel-coloured roll neck jumper and cream jacket paired with a pair of black skinny jeans.
Joining him from Emmerdale was Jessie Elland, who joined the ITV soap last year as Chloe Harris, who stunned in an all-black ensemble. Bringing a pop of colour to the big night was The Apprentice star Amy Anzel who rocked a smark red dress.
Reality TV star and singer Jsky also joined the star-studded guest list after celebrating his dream coming true after landing his own radio show on BBC Radio Manchester.
