I'm really pleased to see this news article in the Birmingham Mail today. It says that Chris Gascoyne will be returning to Coronation Street for a couple of episodes in June so that Peter Barlow can attend Deirdre's funeral.
So often we don't see characters return for funerals when in all likelihood, they *would* be there. The problem is usually the non-availability of the actor but in this case, Chris was pleased to be asked and was able and eager to do it.
He says “It is only right that Peter would be there, and if I can I will always
want to keep that continuity. The show has been very good to me."
He reckons the on screen funeral will be emotional for all involved as they will be thinking of their beloved coworker, Anne Kirkbride who died in January, having played Deirdre for 40 years.
Gascoyne is currently about to star in a production of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice at the Birmingham Rep from May 15 - 30 if you get the chance to see it. It also stars former Corrie actor Vicki Entwistle.
See also the following as we get ready to say goodbye to Deirdre Barlow:
Interview with Kate Ford (Tracy Barlow) on saying goodbye to her on-screen mum
Interview with William Roache (Ken Barlow) on saying goodbye to his on-screen wife
Interview with Corrie scriptwriter Damon Rochefort on writing out a legend from the show
Deirdre to die on her 60th birthday, July 8 2015.
Bev Unwin returning.
Coronation Street build their own graveyard to film Deirdre's funeral
Tracy's ex-husband Robert Preston returns.
The funeral has been written by scriptwriter Damon Rochefort
Deirdre's death has been explained here.
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I hope this happens. It is absolutely the case that Peter Barlow would be at Deirdre's funeral and good on Chris Gascoyne for doing it!
ReplyDeleteI agree, it's right and proper that Peter would be there to pay his respects and support his family. If Deirdre has been staying with Bev, I wonder if Susie Blake will be coming back. I wouldn't be surprised as tptb have said that several past characters will be at the funeral.
ReplyDeleteI would like Roy Hudd as Undertaker Archie Shuttleworth to come back for it
ReplyDeleteI don't know that he necessarily would want to come back so soon after leaving so I wonder if this is Chris's way of paying tribute to Anne? It fits with the character and speaks volumes about Chris's respect for Anne as well.
ReplyDeleteA fitting tribute to Anne, that's great.... I will be sure to have a box of Kleenex for those episodes.....
ReplyDeleteIt would make a lot of sense for Bev (Susie Blake) to be there. I hope they ask her and she's available...
ReplyDeleteIt would be a great way to have Bev back - I enjoyed her when she was on the show. Bring back Shelly too :)
ReplyDeleteGreat idea for Peter to return for Dierdre's funeral. When are we to be broken the news about the character's death? Will be a sad time for all even crusty old Frosty.
ReplyDeletePlease lets not have Simon launch himself at his dad in his usual way. Let the boy do a bit of growing up or better still return to Portsmouth with him.
Great idea Tee! Shelley could bring mini Charlie with her! That would upset Tracy!
ReplyDeleteNow that is good news. Some logical scripting for a change.
ReplyDeleteThere was a mention of June for the funeral so i expect we'll hear by the end of May at the latest. I wish ITV would make the effort to invite more actors back for funerals. I'm sure many of them would make the time if they could but i suppose it's more fitting all around when it's a case like this where the actor also has passed away.
ReplyDelete