Coronation Street Live (2010 episode)

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Episode 7487
Coronation Street episode
Episode no.Episode 7487
Directed byTony Prescott
Written byJan McVerry
Original air date9 December 2010 (2010-12-09)
Running time60 minutes (including adverts)
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Coronation StreetLive is a live episode of the British soap opera Coronation Street , which was first broadcast on Thursday 9 December 2010 on ITV. The special live edition was to celebrate fifty years of the programme being on air. The sixty-minute episode was directed by Tony Prescott, who had directed the soap's 40th anniversary live episode in December 2000. The episode, the 7487th in the series, was written by Jan McVerry and produced by Phil Collinson for ITV Studios. It was filmed at the Granada Studios complex in Manchester.

Contents

To celebrate the show's 50th anniversary, episodes were broadcast every day during the week 6–10 December 2010 under the advertisement banner "Four Funerals and a Wedding". An episode broadcast the preceding Monday showed a gas explosion in local bar The Joinery, causing a tram to crash from the viaduct into the Corner Shop and The Kabin opposite. The live episode continued to depict the aftermath of the accident, such as the rescue attempts and deaths of the characters Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold) and Molly Dobbs (Vicky Binns), an emergency marriage between Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) and Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) on Peter's hospital bed, Fiz Stape (Jennie McAlpine) giving birth prematurely to her daughter Hope, and Molly's revelation to Sally Webster (Sally Dynevor) that her husband Kevin (Michael Le Vell) fathered Molly's recently born baby Jack.

The episode attracted an average of 14 million viewers, peaking at 14.9 million, the show's highest audience for seven years. [1] Critical reception was mainly positive. According to Daniel Kilkelly of the Digital Spy website, the opening of the episode featured the first computer-generated imagery in live television.[ dubious discuss ] Jennie McAlpine (who plays Fiz Stape) also became the first actress ever to act out a birth live on a soap opera.

Plot summary

The special anniversary was marked with a storyline in which the residents had to deal with a tragic accident and its aftermath. In the storyline, Nick Tilsley (Ben Price) and Leanne Battersby's (Jane Danson) bar – The Joinery – explodes during Peter Barlow's (Chris Gascoyne) stag party. As a result, the viaduct running above the restaurant is destroyed, sending a tram careering onto the street, destroying D&S Alahan's Corner Shop and The Kabin . Two characters, Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold) and Molly Dobbs (Vicky Binns), and an unnamed taxi driver perished as a result of the disaster. Rita Sullivan (Barbara Knox) survives despite being trapped under the rubble of her destroyed shop. At the same time Fiz Stape (Jennie McAlpine) prematurely gives birth to a baby girl, Hope, after her husband John (Graeme Hawley) strikes his stalker Charlotte Hoyle (Becky Hindley) with a hammer to silence her. He later poses as Colin Fishwick (David Crellin), Charlotte's supposed partner, attempting to turn off her life support. Peter marries Leanne in an emergency hospital ceremony shortly before going into cardiac arrest, although he later rallies and makes a slow recovery.

Production

Origins

Early episodes of Coronation Street were broadcast live. A live episode was produced in December 2000 to celebrate the programme's 40th anniversary. As the show's 50th anniversary approached, speculation began to grow as to whether another live edition would be broadcast, particularly after rival soap EastEnders aired its own live edition to celebrate its 25th anniversary on air in February 2010. In April 2010, William Roache, who has portrayed Ken Barlow since the show's first episode, said that ITV would not be airing another live edition of Coronation Street, saying, "We're not going to do a live episode, we did that in the Millennium year [the show's 40th anniversary], we don't want to do that again." [2] Reflecting upon the 2000 episode in November 2010, Roache said that he was glad when it was over and that "they won't do that again". He joked, "anyone who said that they enjoyed the live episode are either not telling the truth or they're masochists." [3] However, on 29 August, actor Keith Duffy said that Coronation Street would air a live episode to celebrate its 50th anniversary, [4] something which was confirmed on 1 September by ITV. [5] It was later confirmed that the episode would be aired as part of a week-long celebration of the soap's 50th birthday. Phil Collinson, who had only recently taken over as producer, explained:

I thought we wouldn't go live, but quickly realised we should. I think we can deliver the most spectacular piece of live television people have ever seen. Coronation Street has such a heritage – the first episodes were filmed that way, and we did it ten years ago. My ambition is for the episode to be like a disaster movie with stunts. It'll be action-packed. I want people to sit at home and think, 'There's no way they did that live, not in a million years!' [6]

The anniversary was celebrated with a storyline involving an explosion in The Joinery, causing a tram to crash from the viaduct into the Kabin and Corner Shop. According to producer Phil Collinson, the storyline was a sign that TV shows now have to strive harder to make an impact. "Television has changed. Programmes like Coronation Street have to stand up against massive pieces of event television like Strictly Come Dancing and The X Factor . So we had to do something extraordinary. When drama pushes the boat out, it has to push it out really far. I think the days are over when television drama can sit back and leave it to your imagination. We have to compete against those great big juggernauts." [7] The tram crashed during an episode broadcast on Monday 6 December, with episodes later that week, including the live episode, depicting the rescues and aftermath.

Filming

The Coronation Street exterior set surrounded by the Granada Studios complex and Manchester city centre (photographed in Oct 2007). Coronation Street set October 2007.jpg
The Coronation Street exterior set surrounded by the Granada Studios complex and Manchester city centre (photographed in Oct 2007).

The live show involved 65 actors and a 300-strong crew. [7] The episode opened with a wide shot of other streets in the fictional Weatherfield, reported by Digital Spy's Daniel Kilkelly to have been the first computer-generated imagery to be produced live. [8] In reality, the Coronation Street set is surrounded by the Granada Television complex in Manchester city centre. The special effect was produced by The Mill, the post-production company that had worked on the tram crash. Collinson had worked with The Mill during his tenure as producer of Doctor Who .

The episode was directed by Tony Prescott, who had directed the 40th anniversary live episode in December 2000. Prescott also directed the two episodes surrounding this live episode to gain continuity. [9]

The live episode provided some challenges for dressing the set. The other episodes during the 50th anniversary week, including the tram crash, were filmed in October. As episodes are usually filmed weeks in advance, the tram had to be removed from sight for the filming of the Christmas and New Year episodes and then put back in place over the weekend 4–5 December, in time for rehearsals and transmission. [9] Also, the cast and crew had to deal with extreme cold on the outdoor set during the days of rehearsals and broadcast as the UK was plunged into record levels of cold weather for the time of year. [10]

The producers reportedly banned the actors from drinking alcohol for 24 hours before the transmission to reduce the chances of accidents. Producers also banned the sweepstake that some cast members were running to bet on who would "fluff" their lines first. [11]

The Sun false story

On the day of transmission, tabloid newspaper The Sun claimed that police were "throwing a ring of steel" around the filming. Greater Manchester Police issued a statement saying that they "have categorically not been made aware of any threat from Al-Qaeda or any other proscribed organisation." [12] The statement said that Granada had approached the police to assist a private security firm to help ensure that the "live programme went ahead without outside interference", but "to reiterate there is no specific intelligence threat to Coronation Street or any such event" [12] The Sun published a correction on 28 December. The Guardian pointed out that the apology had been negotiated by the Press Complaints Commission. [13]

Characters and cast

Reception

The hour-long episode averaged 14.03 million viewers (52.1%), peaking at 14.9 million. It was the series' most-watched episode in seven years, and drew an additional 2.04 million viewers (14.1%) when repeated at 10.35 pm. Viewing figures did not surpass those of "EastEnders Live", a live episode of the BBC soap opera EastEnders watched by 16.6 million viewers in February 2010. Following the live broadcast, the second part of a two-part documentary, Coronation Street: 50 Years, 50 Moments, averaged 6.81 million viewers (27.2%). [14]

Live episodes are prone to mishaps and actors fluffing their lines. [15] This episode was commended for how smoothly it seemed to have gone. Critic Mark Lawson commented that "the producers were clever in setting every scene among characters under stress or grief, so any flapping might have been taken as acting." [15] The only mistake the press pointed out was the character Sally Webster being allowed into the wreckage of Dev's shop without a safety helmet. [16]

EastEnders, the Street's biggest rival, supported the anniversary by having its character Dot Branning reveal that she is a massive Corrie fan, although another character, Kat Moon complained that she'd "rather watch a lot of dirty laundry going round". [15]

The Live episode along with all the 50th Anniversary episodes and also included special features. which included: • The Making of Anniversary week,• The Filming of the tram crash,• The filming of the Live episode,• Tram Crash News Flash (dramatised ITV News),• Farewell Ashley,• Richard Arnold Blog ' What's Next for the Websters',• Ken Barlow – A Life on the Street,• 50 Years of Corrie Stunts hosted by Craig Charles. were released on DVD by ITV Home Entertainment as a two-disc set on 21 February 2011. [17]

The 50th Live episode was repeated on 11 December 2020 on ITV3; this will also be the first classic episode to be produced and re-transmitted in 1080i High Definition, as part of the 60th Anniversary celebrations of Coronation Street. [18]

Footnotes

  1. Arnold makes an uncredited voiceover as Ashley.

Related Research Articles

<i>Coronation Street</i> British TV soap opera (1960–)

Coronation Street is a British television soap opera created by Granada Television and shown on ITV since 9 December 1960. The programme centres on a cobbled, terraced street in the fictional town of Weatherfield in Greater Manchester. The location was itself based on Salford, the hometown of the show's first screenwriter and creator.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fiz Brown</span> Fictional character from Coronation Street

Fiz Dobbs is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street. Portrayed by Jennie McAlpine, the character first appeared on screen on 20 April 2001. Initially appearing for five episodes, McAlpine's contract was soon extended and Fiz became a regular character. In May 2014, it was announced that McAlpine was expecting her first child and Fiz temporarily departed on 14 November 2014, returning on 19 June 2015. In November 2017, McAlpine took a break from filming to take part in the 17th series of the ITV reality show I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! and her exit aired on 18 December 2017, she returned on 2 March 2018. In April 2018, McAlpine announced that she is expecting her second child; she took maternity leave from the show on 5 December 2018 and returned on 30 August 2019. McAlpine took maternity leave a third time in 2023 and returned in March 2024.

Peter Barlow (<i>Coronation Street</i>) Fictional character from Coronation Street

Peter Barlow is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, played by Chris Gascoyne from 2000 to 2023. The character of Peter was born on screen during an episode broadcast on 5 April 1965, he was born along with his twin sister Susan to parents Ken and Valerie Barlow. Gascoyne made his first appearance in the role during the 40th anniversary live episode airing on 8 December 2000. Gascoyne left the role in 2003 and returned in 2007 for a brief stint before returning full-time in 2008. In January 2014 it was confirmed that Gascoyne would be leaving once again. His final scenes aired on 14 November 2014. In April 2015, it was announced that Gascoyne would reprise the role for two episodes for the funeral of Deirdre Barlow and Peter returned on 15 July 2015 and left once again the following day. In July 2016, it was announced that Peter would be returning as a regular character, with his return airing on 17 October 2016. Peter departed the series again on 26 December 2023. Peter made a voice appearance on 24 January 2024. Peter's storylines have included a number of affairs, alcoholism and a custody battle involving his son Simon Barlow. Peter became involved in a bigamy storyline when he married Rovers barmaid Shelley Unwin and florist Lucy Richards. Having been discovered, Peter was left alone and fled Weatherfield. He returned briefly in 2007 when his adoptive sister Tracy Barlow was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Charlie Stubbs. He returned for good in 2008 with five-year-old Simon, whom he had by Lucy; who had since died from breast cancer. Peter began a relationship with Leanne Battersby and they married during the 50th anniversary episode; however, they divorced in 2012 after Peter's affair with Carla Connor was discovered. Peter later went on to marry Carla, and then had an affair with much younger Tina McIntyre. Peter was framed for Tina's murder by Rob Donovan and upon his release from prison, his marriage to Carla broke down and he left Weatherfield.

<i>Coronation Street</i> sets

The sets of the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street have undergone four major and several less significant changes since the first broadcast in December 1960. Originally entirely indoors, in 1968 the original wooden set was moved outside, and shortly afterwards reconstructed in brick. In 1982 the set was entirely rebuilt in a new location. The current set, brought into use in 2013, is based at the ITV Trafford Wharf Studios backlot, MediaCityUK in Trafford.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Stape</span> Soap opera character

John Stape is a fictional character from the ITV soap opera Coronation Street, played by actor Graeme Hawley. He made his first on-screen appearance during the episode airing on 6 May 2007. The character departed on 3 June 2011 after four years on the show. Hawley made a short return to Coronation Street from 21 October 2011 until 28 October 2011 when he was killed off.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Molly Dobbs</span> Fictional character

Molly Dobbs is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street. Portrayed by Vicky Binns, she debuted on 5 September 2005. Introduced as the daughter of a local baker, she is the love interest and later wife of Tyrone Dobbs.

"Episode 1", the first episode of the British television soap opera Coronation Street, was broadcast live on ITV on 9 December 1960, and was broadcast in black-and-white. Episode 2 was video taped shortly after the airing.

Coronation StreetLive is a live episode of the British soap opera Coronation Street which was broadcast on Friday 8 December 2000 as part of the show's 40th anniversary celebrations. The episode was an hour long and aired at 8:00pm. It aired one hour after a repeat of the first episode, and included an introduction by actor William Roache from the soap's outdoor set, where last-minute preparations for the live episode were under way. The episode was number 4945 in the series and was the first live edition to be broadcast since Episode 17, which aired on 3 February 1961. It was seen by 17 million viewers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charlotte Hoyle</span> Soap opera character

Charlotte Hoyle is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, played by Becky Hindley. The character first appeared on-screen during the episode airing on 9 April 2010 and departed on 10 December 2010 after being murdered by John Stape.

Matt Carter (<i>Coronation Street</i>) Fictional character from British soap opera Coronation Street

Dr Matt Carter is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, played by Oliver Mellor. He made his first on screen appearance on 20 August 2010. On 30 June 2013, Mellor revealed that he had quit the show and Matt would not appear again.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chesney Brown</span> Fictional character from Coronation Street

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kirsty Soames</span> Soap opera character

Kirsty Soames is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, played by Natalie Gumede. She made her first on-screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 7 September 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beth Tinker</span> Fictional character from Coronation Street

Beth Sutherland is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, played by Lisa George. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 5 August 2011. In 2023, it was announced that George had quit the role and would be departing in 2024 making her final appearance on 30 August.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rob Donovan</span> Soap opera character

Rob Donovan is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, portrayed by Marc Baylis. Introduced as the brother of Carla Connor, he made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 9 July 2012. It was announced in June 2014 that Baylis would be leaving the role after two years following his involvement in a storyline where Rob was responsible for murdering Tina McIntyre. Rob departed on 5 November 2014. It was reported in August 2015 that Baylis would be reprising the role as Rob, and he returned to filming in October for a short storyline. His return aired on 4 December 2015 and he departed a month later, on 4 January 2016. He returned again on 19 April 2017 and departed on 8 May 2017.

Tim Metcalfe (<i>Coronation Street</i>) Fictional character from Coronation Street

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Siege Week</span> Episode of Coronation Street

"Siege Week" is a week-long special of the British soap opera Coronation Street, which was broadcast from 31 May 2010 to 9 June 2010 on ITV. The special edition was the first time in the history of the programme being on air that it was filmed in high definition. The six 30-minute episodes were directed by Ian Bevitt and David Kester, and were the most expensive Coronation Street had ever produced, costing £1 million. The episodes, ranging from the 7352nd to the 7356th in the series, were written by Martin Allen, Mark Wadlow, Stephen Russell, Chris Fewtrell and Joe Turner, and produced by Kim Crowther for ITV Studios. It was filmed at the Granada Studios complex in Manchester.

References

  1. Plunkett, John (10 December 2010). "Coronation Street live show draws show's biggest audience for seven years". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 24 June 2017.
  2. Millar, Paul (5 April 2010). "Bill Roache rules out live Corrie special". Digital Spy. Retrieved 23 December 2010.
  3. Richard Bacon (17 November 2010). "Daily Bacon: Coronation Street". bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00pstlg (Podcast). BBC Radio 5Live. Archived from the original on 3 March 2012. Retrieved 6 January 2011.
  4. Daniels, Colin (29 August 2010). "Duffy: 'Corrie will go live for 50th'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 23 December 2010.
  5. Love, Ryan (1 September 2010). "'Coronation Street' confirms live episode". Digital Spy. Retrieved 23 December 2010.
  6. Kilkelly, Daniel (19 October 2010). "Corrie producer reveals live ep plans". Digital Spy.
  7. 1 2 "Live drama marks Coronation Street's 50th anniversary". BBC News. 9 December 2010. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
  8. Kilkelly, Daniel (9 December 2010). "Phil Collinson (Producer, Corrie)". Digital Spy. Retrieved 6 January 2011.
  9. 1 2 Coronation Street: The Live. itv.com. 2010. Archived from the original (Flash) on 13 December 2010. Retrieved 6 January 2011.
  10. "Climate summaries". Met Office. Archived from the original on 5 April 2011. Retrieved 18 April 2015.
  11. "Coronation Street stars get alcohol ban before tram crash live episode". Metro. 8 December 2010. Retrieved 6 January 2011.
  12. 1 2 "Police dismiss report of Al Qaeda threat to Coronation Street". This is Lancashire. 9 December 2010. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
  13. Greenslade, Roy (29 December 2010). "The Sun admits publishing false story". The Guardian. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
  14. Plunkett, John (10 December 2010). "Coronation Street live show draws show's biggest audience for seven years". The Guardian . Retrieved 10 December 2010.
  15. 1 2 3 Lawson, Mark (10 December 2010). "Coronation Street live episode – review". The Guardian. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
  16. "Coronation Street live: practically perfect apart from Sally slip-up?". STV.tv. 9 December 2010. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
  17. "Coronation Street: Tram Crash [DVD][2011]". Amazon. 21 February 2011. Retrieved 15 September 2013.
  18. "ITV3 TV listings 7 December 2020 – 11 December 2020". TVGuide.co.uk . 2 December 2020. Retrieved 2 December 2020.