The new producer has also promised the festive episodes will be ‘very Christmassy!’
It's always an unsettling time when a new boss takes over the reins of your favourite soap. Will viewers like the changes that they make? Will there be a dramatic cast cull? Or will things stay just the way we like them in Coronation Street?
The wait is finally over and new Coronation Street producer Iain MacLeod has revealed his plans for the soap as his episodes hit our screens just in time for the festive season. And from the sounds of it, he has planned a Weatherfield Christmas to rival all others!
We caught up with Iain at a press launch this week to find out exactly what we can expect alongside our turkey and trimmings…
“I wanted it to be a Christmassy Christmas,” he laughs. “I know there is a history in soap where you try to do the Den and Angie divorce papers, but that’s not my preference as you sit down to digest your stuffing balls and sprouts!
“I think you need to be warm and light-hearted in places and for it to reek of Christmas!”
So if there aren’t any divorces on the cards for Weatherfield couples this festive season, what can we expect to see unfold on screen?
“This year we will have some heartbreaking storylines and within that there will be a big shock at the end.”
Iain also hinted that the fall out from what happens in the big autumn episodes that are on screen from the 8th October will still be felt at Christmas…
He hinted, “There will be a big pay off from some of the scenes that hit screens over the next few weeks. In those episodes the seeds for the biggest Christmas storylines have been planted… I don't want to give too much away though, so I can’t be any more specific!”
Iain also joked that despite the fact previous Corrie producer Kate Oates’ episodes will appear on screen until December, the former chief doesn’t have any idea what is happening on screen on Christmas Day…
“Her credits finish on screen three weeks before Christmas,” he reveals. “And although I took over some existing storyline threads when I started that have already got a pre-decided direction, beyond that Kate would have to guess what’s coming up on Corrie at Christmas. There’s no sneaky insider information that she can use to her advantage at EastEnders!
“Mind you, now I’m thinking about it I’m getting worried,” he joked. “I might have to go and change some things!”
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV.
Main pic: PA Archive/PA Images
