Coronation Street’s finest are gearing up for camp old time on the cobbles of Canal Street.
The small Mancunian thoroughfare has been the heart of the city’s gay community since the 1950s, and houses a number of LGBTQ+ venues.
As well as hosting the annual Pride celebrations each August, the area is also a well-known TV and film location, being projected into millions of living rooms around the world in the late 90s during Russell T Davies’ drama Queer as Folk.
The writer also used it as a setting for his subsequent series Bob and Rose and Cucumber.
Corrie is also no stranger to the street, with the residents taking a number of trips there throughout the 2000s.
The last time they visited the village was in 2013, though ITV continued to drive a float through the Pride parade each year for the next decade.
A spokesperson confirmed last year that cost cutting meant they could no longer take part. Despite that, the iconic Barbara Knox, better known as Rita Tanner, put in a personal appearance on the Alan Turing Stage, belting out show tunes.
She also accepted a ‘Your Manchester Icon’ award from drag queen Belinda Scandal and Deputy Lieutenant Mark Llewellin, partner of the late Roy Barraclough who played Alec Gilroy.
Now, cast and crew have made a rare trip to film new scenes on location.
New pictures show a number of favourites strolling down the road in fits of laughter, before making their way into nightclub Bar Pop, which has been cleverly disguised as a fictional boozer.
Coronation Street’s first gay characters Sean Tully (Antony Cotton) and Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) can be seen with their mate Mary Taylor (Patti Clare).
They’re joined by newbies James Cartwright and Jason Callender, who play Theo Silverton and James Bailey.
Somewhat of a love triangle has emerged between Todd, Theo and James in recent weeks – could it intensify on their night out?
Completing the group are Jodie Prenger and returnee Amy Robbins, better known as Rovers landlady Glenda Shuttleworth and villainous Christina Boyd.
Exactly what brings the Weatherfield gang to Canal Street remains to be seen, but they all seem in high spirits.
Mary can be seen wiping away the tears as Glenda tries on a cowboy hat.
A number of supporting artists draperd in bright colours and rainbow accessories can also be seen in the background. With the serial drama filming roughly six to eight weeks in advance, it’s likely that these scenes will coincide with Manchester Pride.
In other snaps, the show’s security can be seen ensuring that their set isn’t invaded by fans, while another member of behind-the-scenes staff snaps continuity pictures on a tablet.
Coronation Street continues Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
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