Two in and One out for Coronation Street

Actor Andrew Hall is leaving the ITV saga while Gwen Taylor and Paul Clayton join the Manchester production.

 

Andrew who plays cross-dresser Marc Selby will leave Coronation Street at the end of August when his storyline comes to its natural conclusion. In the storyline Marc is wooing long running character Audrey Roberts, played by soap survivor Sue Nicholls. The story, while popular with Sue – she’s described it as one of her most enjoyable in recent years – hasn’t been met so warmly with Corrie viewers who note that the former mayoress of Weathefield wouldn’t really entertain a bloke in a frock as its rather out of character for the salon owning widow of Alf.

Despite the story being a miss rather than a hit with viewers ITV Granada executives have dismissed any suggestion that the character was axed. The story was only due to run six months and its reached a natural climax with the end being a blackmail plot which sees one resident threaten to expose Marc’s alter ego of Marcia to all of Weatherfield.

Meanwhile yesterday the soap revealed underwear-factory boss Frank Foster, played by Andrew Lancel, is to introduce his parents Anne and Johnny to his romantic interest and business partner, Carla Gordon.

A Coronation Street spokesperson said: “Johnny and Anne are pretty full on characters, like Frank. No sooner have they arrived than they’re talking grandchildren which instantly freaks Carla out and tensions soon rise.”

The forthcoming storyline, to air in early September, sees the couple arrive for Frank and Carla’s engagement party.

“Anne will be played by Gwen Taylor, fondly remembered from appearing in the classic ITV comedy Duty Free, and more recently as dishonest Peggy Armstrong in Heartbeat” [pictured right]. ITV Granada say, adding “Joining her as Johnny is Paul Clayton – who previously appeared in Corrie as Mal Quillan in 2005. Paul is well known for a number of television roles and, as Mr Bartle, met a nasty end at the hands of the Ood in Doctor Who.”