Cast members have joined with the Royal Philharmonic orchestra to make an album to celebrate Coronation Street's 50th anniversary. The record, Coronation Street - Rogues, Angels, Heroes & Fools, is made up of brand new, specially composed songs written by critically-acclaimed musical writer Trisha Ward. It will draw on 50 years of Coronation Street history, bringing the eccentric characters and dramatic plot-lines including Tony Warren's iconic 'Opening Episode' and Hilda and Stan's famous second honeymoon in 'Woman Stanley Woman' to life through music. Recorded at Abbey Road, the album has been created under the direction of 2010 Classical Brit Award winner, Rupert Christie. Coronation Street's executive producer Kieran Roberts said: "When I first heard that award-winning composer Trisha Ward wanted to celebrate 50 years of Coronation Street in music, I was intrigued. "Two years down the line I'm thrilled the music project has come to fruition in such a wonderful album of original songs - it is without doubt a unique and fitting way to celebrate 50 years of Coronation Street." The album features the musical talents of Kym Marsh (Michelle Connor) paying tribute to the iconic Elsie Tanner. Rachel Leskovac (Natasha Blakeman) in homage to the Street's most famous barmaid Bet Lynch and Brian Capron (reprising his role as Richard Hillman). Kevin Kennedy reprises his role as Curly Watts, alongside William Roache (Ken Barlow) and Betty Driver (Betty Williams). All are joined by David Neilson (Roy Cropper) and Julie Hesmondhalgh (Hayley Cropper) and a host of other current Coronation Street stars. Katherine Kelly, who plays Coronation Street barmaid Becky McDonald, will also be releasing If It’s Too Late as a single on December 6th.
