Jonathan Harvey: Last News

Coronation Street icon has decided to bid farewell to the ITV soap after an impressive two-decade tenure.

The press release also stated that "Everyone in the show sends love and best wishes to Mel and her family".A replacement has not been announced yet, with the former Great British Bake Off host previously set to play the main role, but ATG productions have confirmed the role is being re-cast.Written by Coronation Street's Jonathan Harvey and directed by Cal McCrystal, the show tells the story of Mother Goose and her husband Vic, who run an animal sanctuary and live in an abandoned Debenhams store.However, the couple's lives are turned upside down when they are met with the unexpected arrival of a goose.The production is due to open at the Theatre Royal Brighton from 3 to 11 December before a West End run at the Duke of York's Theatre between 15 December and 29 January.The show will also star Oscar Conlon-Morrey as Jack, Simbi Akande as Jill, Sharon Ballard as Evil Fairy Malignia and Karen Mavundukure as Good Fairy Encanta.Sir Ian spoke about the upcoming panto at the launch show, a mere two weeks ago.He admitted: "It is a serious story told comically. It is about good and bad, and of course, good always triumphs in a pantomime."It uses every device the theatre can offer.There is singing, there is dancing, there is rhyme, there are jokes, there is sentiment, there is audience participation, there is a man dressed as a woman, a woman dressed as a goose."Everything has gone haywire and it is all for the audience to have a good time.That is the only reason you do it.""But what intrigues me is that it has come out of this country.

K.J. Yossman Ian McKellen, two-time Oscar nominee, Tony award-winner and recipient of a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II, is set to appear in a pantomime production of “Mother Goose” this winter. McKellen announced the news on Monday morning in central London by emerging from a giant gold egg alongside comedian John Bishop, who will also be starring in the production. Former “Great British Baking Show” host Mel Giedroyc (pictured above, holding McKellen’s hand) will also appear. McKellen will play the title role of Mother Goose (also known as “Ma”) while Bishop will play Mother Goose’s husband Vic (“Pa”). As the show opens, the avian couple are running an animal sanctuary inside an abandoned department store.

Viewers of Coronation Street will be seeing double this week as Bernie opens her front door and finds herself face to face with her ‘twin’, Fern. Actress Jane Hazlegrove, 54 who stars as Bernie Winter, had the idea for the storyline herself after years of being mistaken for her friend and fellow actress, Gabrielle Glaister, 62.

Coronation Street star Tina O'Brien has shared a hilarious on-screen blunder with her co-star Rebecca Ryan.The actress, 38, who plays Sarah Barlow on the cobbles, appeared on Friday's This Morning to talk all things about the ITV soap. During the chat with hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary, Tina spoke about her current storyline where Sarah's on-screen husband Adam Barlow has been targeted by his ex Lydia Chambers, played by actress Rebecca.

Coronation Street star Elle Mulvaney embraced the sunshine in a bold colour as she posed for a photo on Instagram.