Coronation Street star Andy Whyment has landed a new role on Weatherfield’s famous cobbles.
The actor who played Kirk Sutherland, after joining Corrie in 2000, will take on a new role in connection with the ITV soap. He will now be meeting fans at the show’s famous studios at the weekends.
Guests who have purchased the VIP Star Tours tickets priced at £45 per person have been pleasantly surprised to have Andy showing them around the set and speaking about what goes on behind the scenes to bring the UK’s best loved soap to life.
Coronation Street fans are now being given another chance to meet members of the TV soap’s cast during special events this summer.
Coronation Street Experience / ITV
The Coronation Street Experience at MediaCity in Salford, Greater Manchester, has relaunched its Star Tours.
The tour page reads: “All in a day’s Kirk — Andy Whyment is the first Corrie legend to host our brand new Star Tours.
“Brother of Maria Jane Connor (née Sutherland), Kirk was initially cast for a supporting role of only seven episodes, but look at him now! He’s become an integral part of the Coronation Street family, capturing our hearts with his endearing charm and comedic timing.
“Andy’s infectious energy and genuine connection with the audience left everyone starry-eyed and craving more. The laughter was contagious, and the memories made will be cherished forever.”
Coronation Street Experience / ITV
Salford-born Andy, 42, trained at the Laine Johnson acting school in Manchester. As well as a successful actor, Andy is a musician and spent three years as a busker in Manchester while at drama college.
His first credited part was in Cracker in 1993 with minor roles in The Cops, Heartbeat and Where the Heart Is from 1999 to 2000.
The new studios in Salford’s MediaCityUK opened up in 2018 for tours after the old set on Quay street, Manchester, closed.
Visitors can step foot on the cobbled street and see landmarks including the Rover Return Inn, The Kabin and Roy’s Rolls, and the recent Victoria Street expansion, including new shops, a police station, and the Weatherfield North tram station — with ‘Kirk from Corrie’ as their tour guide.
Coronation Street Experience / ITV
Tours last for 90 minutes and after meeting the cast member and having a picture taken with them, visitors will head inside to explore replica sets.
Star Tours are limited and only run from 1.45pm to 4.15pm on August 5th and 6th, and on September 2nd and 3rd, 2023. There are also standard tour and exhibition tickets available.
Previous tours have featured past and present names including Chris Gascoyne who plays Peter Barlow, Alan Halsall who currently stars as Tyrone Dobbs as well as Dolly-Rose Campbell who portrays Gemma Winter.
Star Tours cost £45 for adults and £42.50 for under-16s. Visit the website by clicking HERE to find out more.
Comedian Paul O’Grady has won a National Television Award after passing away six months ago.
The late star was given the posthumous award at the ceremony, held on September 5th, for his popular show For the Love of Dogs.
The beloved TV personality, who was famous for his alter-ego Lily Savage, won over Clarkson’s Farm, Sort Your Life Out and The Martin Lewis Money Show Live, in the factual entertainment category.
@paulogrady / Instagram
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home representatives accepted the award on O’Grady’s behalf.
They were accompanied by a rescue dog, who even gave its own hilarious tribute to the star as it began barking during the acceptance speech from Shaun Opperman, Veterinary Director at Battersea.
Mr Opperman said: “I would like to thank Paul, of course, and the ITV team… for shining a light on the care that we’re able to provide for the 100 or more dogs and cats that come to Battersea every week.
@paulogrady / Instagram & ITV
“I know that Paul cared deeply for each and every one of those animals. I think that something about their plight and their vulnerability really struck a chord with Paul. He often referred to Battersea as his second home.”
In a post on O’Grady’s Instagram page, a representative for the late star from Birkenhead wrote: “We wanted to take a moment to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted for ‘Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs’ at the NTAs.
“Your support means the world to us, and it’s a true testament to the incredible work @paulogrady has done for dogs and all animals.
“We couldn’t have done it without your unwavering support. It’s a moment of celebration not only for us but for all those furry friends who benefit from Paul’s dedication and passion.
“So, here’s to @paulogrady and his tireless efforts in making the world a better place for our beloved animals. We raise a glass in his honor and look forward to continuing our mission to help those in need.
“Thank you once again for your votes and for being a part of our journey.”
Everyone’s favourite duo Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, aka Ant and Dec, won the best TV presenter accolade for the 22nd consecutive time.
The pair said they are the ‘luckiest two men on telly’ in their acceptance speech, with McPartlin adding that they will continue to present together for ‘as long as you want us to’.
Hit BBC series Happy Valley, written by Sally Wainwright, was among the other big winners on the night. The hit three-part series bagged the returning drama prize.
BBC
Star of the show, actress Sarah Lancashire, also won best drama performance for her portrayal of Sergeant Catherine Cawood, ahead of her co-star James Norton, as well as Queen Charlotte’s India Amarteifio, Vera’s Brenda Blethyn and Call The Midwife’s Judy Parfitt.
Speaking to the audience, Lancashire said she ‘adored every scene’ of Happy Valley and ‘will never forget it’.
The new series of Married At First Sight is returning to TV screens this month.
Fans of the E4 reality show can have their fill of the popular dating show which is set to return to screens sooner rather than later, on September 18th.
Fourteen brides and grooms will head to the altar in the hope of meeting their perfect match.
Channel 4
The new group of singles agree to marry a partner chosen for them by a team of relationship experts, Charlene Douglas, Paul C Brunson and Mel Schilling.
Set to be the longest running series yet, there will be an added six shows for fans to indulge in all the drama for a bit longer.
And if that’s not enough, this year will see a star from Geordie Shore as well as the first transgender contestant taking part in the search for marital bliss.
Channel 4
From Geordie Shore to MAFS UK, Nathaniel Valentino, 36, an events marketing manager with a jet-set lifestyle, is always on the move.
Perhaps a difficult one for the experts to match, Nathaniel says: “I don’t trust anyone but myself, but I hope they’ve done a good job that’s all I can say.”
Ella Ding will make history for the show being its first transgender bride.
Channel 4
Ella, 29, who lives with her nan, says they make the dynamic duo everyone needs.
Hopeful in meeting ‘the one’, Ella said: “This experiment is so much more than just me getting married. I see this as a big deal for someone who has transitioned.”
After the ceremony and celebrations are over, true love is well and truly put to the test, as the newlyweds will embark on a luxurious honeymoon, before moving in with each other AND their fellow couples.
A new docuseries is coming to Netflix covering the horrifying true events which inspired The Conjuring 3.
Spooky season is almost here and horror and true crime lovers are in for a fright, as a new docuseries is set to land on Netflix next month.
The Devil on Trial – which is based on the story of The Conjuring 3 movie, The Devil Made Me Do It – will delight fans of the Conjuring saga.
Directed by Christopher Holt, The Devil on Trial ‘explores the first — and only — time demonic possession has officially been used as a defence in a US murder trial’.
Netflix
This must-see true crime tale includes ‘firsthand accounts of alleged devil possession and a shocking murder – forcing us to reflect on our fear of the unknown’.
Those of you who have been brave enough to see The Conjuring 3 will already have a good idea of what it’s about, but for those who haven’t seen it, here’s a synopsis of the story…
In 1981, Arne Cheyenne Johnson claimed he had been possessed by a demonic supernatural entity that caused him to murder his landlord Alan Bono during a party.
Johnson denied personal responsibility for the crime.
Warner Bros Pictures
The unusual and, let’s face it, wild claim, was officially put before the court, with the case going to trial – which became known as the ‘Devil Made Me Do It’ case.
An expert ghost hunting team were enlisted as part of the defence to prove Johnson’s innocence.
Ed and Lorraine Warren visited the family prior to the murder while trying to rid 11-year-old David Glatzel of a demon.
While having a formal exorcism performed on David, according to those present, a demon fled the child’s body and took up residence within Johnson.
Warner Bros Pictures
Just a few months later, Johnson killed his landlord with his defence lawyer arguing he was possessed by an evil being.
But the judge ruled that such a defence could never be proven and was therefore infeasible in a court of law. Johnson was subsequently convicted, though he served only five years of a 10 to 20-year sentence.
The chilling tale attracted widespread media attention and has been adapted for screen and books, including The Conjuring 3.
The Devil on Trial is set to land on Netflix on October 17th.