John Stape's baby

Just when Coronation Street had more than enough of its cast on maternity leave or due to go off to have babies, the Manchester Evening News reports that the actor who played John Stape is going to be a dad too.

Graeme Hawley and his actress wife Elianne have announced they're expecting their first child this summer. This makes Graeme the ninth Coronation Street star to announce baby news over the past year, part of an unprecedented baby boom on the cobbles.

What are they putting in the beer in the Rovers Return? Blanche Hunt had better be careful.