Coronation Street to JUMP FORWARD in time from next week - here’s why

Coronation Street
(Image credit: ITV)

Things are going to be a little different in Weatherfield...

Next week's Coronation Street will see the first complete episodes filmed after lockdown shown on our screens.

Eagle-eyed Coronation Street fans have noticed that episodes have been a mix of scenes filmed before social distancing measures were put in place at the ITV studios thanks to coronavirus, and some that had been filmed using the new 2 metre distancing rules.

Steve Leanne Coronation Street

There are some episodes that have been aired recently that were filmed pre-lockdown (Picture: ITV)

The half and half episodes have resulted in some unavoidable continuity errors where characters look different from one scene to the next.

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Fans have spotted various characters sporting longer hair just seconds after looking smart, or on other scenes facial hair has mysteriously grown in record time, or characters have developed a suntan.

Coronation Street gets a new look

However, these funny errors will soon be a thing of the past because from Friday 24th July Coronation Street will air the full post lockdown episode.

But not only will the whole episode show actors social distancing, coronavirus will also be referenced for the first time since the pandemic hit.

Imran Habeeb Coronation Street

Fans have noticed that some of the characters have been sporting a new look since returning to filming from lockdown (Picture: ITV)

Until now there has been no mention of the virus, but from next week there will be subtle mentions  on screen as Weatherfield jumps from a time pre coronavirus to seeing Coronation Street residents emerging from lockdown.

Brian's taken government advice 

Next week's storylines see Brian and Gary having a conversation in the Kabin about Roman coins being found in Beacon Woods.

Gary is worried about Brian digging around where Rick Neelan is buried... terrified he is going to unearth his killer secret.

Brian and Gary Coronation Street

Gary is worried that his killer secret is about to be exposed next week (Picture: ITV) (Image credit: ITV)

But around the shop fans will be able to see social distancing markers and one way arrows, bringing our new way of life onto our screens.

But social distancing is the last thing on Gary's mind when he tries to convince Brian not to go to the woods to dig up coins.

However, later on Brian spots Gary putting a shovel into the boot of his car and is convinced he is going after the coins himself.

Brian and Gary

Brian has kitted the Kabin out with social distancing markers (Picture: ITV) (Image credit: ITV)

Little does he know Gary is more concerned about moving Rick's body to a better hiding place.

Feeling angry that he has been duped, Brian and Bernie follow Gary into the woods.

But will they unearth his killer secret?

Coronation Street will temporarily air a reduced schedule of three episodes a week.

Watch on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm on ITV. 

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 


After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off


She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 


As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.