A series of “nostalgia filled” soap specials are to air on ITV this summer, alongside new episodes of Emmerdale and Coronation Street.
Filming on the shows had been put on hold during the Covid-19 pandemic, although production has recently restarted under restrictions.
“Not only will new episodes of the soaps continue in the schedules, we now have these new specials to join them and entertain viewers. Both soaps have a rich history and we’ve delved into the archives with these new programmes to celebrate that,” stated Katie Rawcliffe, ITV’s Head of Entertainment Commissioning.
Coronation Street will air two archive-based series, the first Coronation Street Memorable Moments (working title) is an 8 x 30 minute clip-based series narrated by Jason Manford. Looking back over the last 60 years, each episode will follow a theme, such as Weddings, Villains, Scandals and Stories That Gripped the nation.
The second is Coronation Street Icons, a 4 x 30 minute series, which will be narrated by Sally Lindsay. Each episode will concentrate on a key cast member: Ken Barlow (William Roache), Sally Metcalfe (Sally Dynevor), Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard) and Roy Cropper (David Neilson). It will feature archive footage and new interviews with cast.
The Emmerdale special is a 4 x 30 minute series, Emmerdale Family Trees. Narrated by Gaynor Faye it will focus on different generations of The Tates, The Sugdens and The Dingles.
“It has been a joy and a privilege to delve into the archives of the nation’s favourite soaps. The characters and storylines are as gripping today as they were then and it is the perfect opportunity to celebrate them,” said Tom McLennan, Director of ITV Studios Entertainment North.
All three specials are an ITV Studios Entertainment Production for ITV. Simon Marsh is the Exec Producer.
