Coronation Street ‘will film scenes of oldest stars from home for 60th anniversary’

Coronation Street producers are reportedly considering to film scenes of the soap’s oldest stars from home as they avoid returning to set amid the coronavirus crisis.

Sources have claimed bosses are keen to include the show’s most iconic faces, featuring the likes of Ken Barlow actor Bill Roache, 88, and Rita Sullivan’s Barbara Knox, 86, in its 60th anniversary celebrations, set to take place later this year.

Filming for Corrie is expected to resume in a matter of weeks after the COVID-19 pandemic forced its suspension back in March.

Insiders told The Sun: ‘The celebrations would have felt a little empty if the stars who have helped make the soap such a hit for six decades weren’t involved.

‘So there are no lengths they will not consider to make this happen – though their number-one priority, of course, is the safety of the soap’s family of legends.’

MailOnline has contacted an ITV representative for further comment. 

As Brits over 70 fall within the at risk category of those more vulnerable to the deadly virus, older cast members have been told to stay home.

Iconic thespian Bill recently revealed he won’t be returning to the soap ‘for some time’.

Speaking to Radio Derby earlier this month, the soap star shared his disappointment as he said: ‘Senior members of the cast will not be called back for some time, sadly. I’d like to get back.’ 

Bill has appeared on the soap since it began in 1960, and his character has moved into a retirement home but will be temporarily written out in favour of younger cast members.

Of how things are set to change on set, he continued: ‘They’ve said it’s going to be very, very different. Scenes will be about lockdown.

‘Scenes will be shot more simply with less people. Cameras will be placed where there’s required distance, so it will be very, very different when we get back.’

Production for Coronation Street was halted in March in the midst of coronavirus, and despite attempts to ration pre-filmed episodes, ITV have already confirmed the soap could go off the air by the end of June.

Sources have confirmed bosses have put together a plan for the cast to return to set next month and film with the use of clever camera angles to ensure stars are adhering to social distancing. 

It’s thought some of the cast will return to production in smaller groups, with scenes filmed with the use of clever camera angles to ensure stars keep at least two metres apart.