Members of Coronation Street are spilling all the secrets of the cobbles to live audiences with a brand new series of Q&A sessions across the country, including right here in its hometown of Manchester, of course.
Although Weatherfield may only be up the road (hypothetically), it’s not every day you’re face to face with TV soap royalty, but this newly announced live show makes the impossible, possible.
Soap lovers will be able to find out all the tales, trials and tribulations cast members have had on set and swap the comfort of their own homes for a front-row seat at the theatre.
This night is perfect for Corrie lovers, whether you’ve been following the show since its humble beginnings in 1960 or tagged on later when it became a face of British TV culture, everyone is welcome.
The event is titled, simply, ‘An Audience with Coronation Street‘ and will feature five cast members as well as one surprise ‘Corrie legend’ who will all vary depending on each show.
So far eight names have been released and this includes some of the soap’s many famous faces, Jack P. Shepherd (David Platt), Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald) and Samia Longchambon (Maria Connor).
There’s room for fresher talent too as Jodie Prenger is attending after only joining the cobbles in 2022 as Glenda Shuttleworth.
Be it the long-standing favourites or the new faces you want to know more about, there’s something for everyone in what is a first for ITV’s long-standing and multi-award-winning continuing drama.
Jack P. Shepherd (David Platt)Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald)Samia Longchambon (Maria Connor)Credit: Publicity Pictures (via Supplied)
Other stars you might also get to see at your show are Patti Clare (Mary Taylor), Jimmi Harkishin (Dev Alahan), Andrew Whyment (Kirk Sutherland) and Rob Mallard (Daniel Osbourne).
The all-new Coronation Street shows, interview and Q&A series are kicking off in London with shows set for Sheffield, Glasgow and obviously here in 0161.
Of course, keeping these Coronation Street stars in check will be no easy feat and that’s why these shows will be hosted by the self-proclaimed ‘Soap Queen of This Morning‘, Sharon Marshall.
Honorary Manc Ariana Grande announces huge world tour – but skips Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Ariana Grande has announced details of a huge world tour, but the honorary Mancunian will be skipping Manchester again.
The 32-year-old, Grammy Award-winning star has instead booked five nights at The O2 in London for her only UK stop on the tour.
Ariana Grande was made an honorary Mancunian back in 2017, in recognition of her work following the Manchester Arena terror attack.
She is the first person to have ever received this honour.
Since the atrocity in the city, which took the lives of 22 people, Ariana has only performed here twice more – once at the One Love concert she organised as a fundraiser for the victims and their families, and once as a headliner of Manchester Pride.
It’s been six years since her last tour, but Ariana Grande is now back, sharing details of her hotly-anticipated The Eternal Sunshine Tour next summer.
As well as her five-night residency in London, she’ll play four nights in LA and Brooklyn, as well as cities right across North America.
Ariana Grande has announced The Eternal Sunshine Tour
Her London dates will be her only European shows on The Eternal Sunshine Tour.
Eternal Sunshine was released in 2024 and was her seventh studio album, spawning singles ‘Yes, And?’, ‘We Can’t Be Friends’, and ‘The Boy Is Mine’.
Ariana Grande is now also an Academy Award and Golden Globe-nominated actress thanks to her starring role in Wicked as Glinda the Good Witch.
Tickets for her tour will go on sale from Tuesday 16 September with an artist presale as well as an O2 Priority Presale. Remaining tickets will be available during the general ons-ale beginning Thursday 18 September at 10am.
Ariana Grande – The Eternal Sunshine Tour Dates 2026
BBC needs outspoken Mancs to share their hottest TV takes in brand-new show
Emily Sergeant
Outspoken Mancs are being urged to apply to take part in a new BBC show where they share their hottest TV takes.
We all have opinions when it comes to television, right? Whether it be which show had the best and worst ending, which characters deserved better arcs, or which shows are the most underrated – you name it, someone will have an opinion on it.
Some people, however, like to broadcast or shout about their options a little louder than others do… and it’s these people the BBC is looking to speak to.
The broadcaster is currently in the process of casting for a new digital pilot called People Watching that will give people from across the UK a chance to share their hottest TV takes, straight from the comfort of their own sofa, and is looking for outspoken people from across Greater Manchester to talk the talk and take part.
The BBC needs outspoken Mancs to share their hottest TV takes in a brand-new show / Credit: CoWomen (via Pexels)
A casting call for the new show on the BBC website reads: “Subtitles on or off? What would your winning strategy be on The Traitors? And what is the most overrated show ever made?
“If you have a big personality, an interesting living room, or are part of a household group who love a binge watch – we want to hear from you.”
People Watching is being produced for the BBC by BBC Socials, which likely means it’ll be a show primarily made for online audiences.
To apply to feature on the show, you’ll need to be 18 years old or over, and you must be willing to allow the BBC to film in your home.
Applicants will need to send casting directors a short ‘expression of interest’ in the form of a paragraph or video link, telling them a bit about yourself, your favourite BBC show, and most importantly, your most controversial TV opinion.
The closing date for applications is 1 October 2025, and you can apply by sending an email to [email protected]
Thomas Melia -
10th March 2025 
