Do we always have it in for the Corrie producer?

We always get loads of interesting comments posted on this blog. It's really wonderful when something you blog about is well received or generates discussion. One theme seems to run through a lot of discussions though - disliking the Corrie producer.

I don't know if this is a recent phenomenon. We revere producers from the good old days like H.V Kershaw or the legendary BIll Podmore, however more recent incumbents of this role have faired less well. Maybe it's because the entire medium of television and the media has changed during Corrie's long run, who knows? Certainly Corrie producers are much more visible these days.

The current producer, Stuart Blackburn, receives his fair share of criticism from across the board. I've seen plenty of comments warning us that Mr Blackburn will do the same to our favourite show as he did to Emmerdale. As I've never watched Emmerdale, I don't really know what that means.

Stuart Blackburn isn't alone though. His predecessor Phil Collinson was frequently targeted as the villain of the piece with claims that he didn't understand the essence of Coronation Street and was merely interested in filling the show full of his mates. Before Phil came Kim Crowther and she too faced criticism for the storylines she introduced and the castings she made. 

Going back further, I remember the late Jane MacNaught coming in for serious complaints when she introduced more issue-led storylines in the early 2000s. I certainly remember the outrage that came with Toyah's rape storyline and Alma's death due to cervical cancer. Perhaps one of the most controversial Corrie producers of all time was Brian Park, dubbed the "axe man" for killing off Derek Wilton and sacking many favourite, longstanding actors. 


So why do fans always seem to have it in for the Corrie producer? Is it because we think we could do the job better? It's clear to me that whoever does sit in the producer's chair these days needs a thick skin to survive!


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Blanche Hunt to get on-screen send off

Coronation Street producer Kim Crowther was on This Morning this afternoon (oh the joys of daytime TV) and revealed that Blanche Hunt will be receiving a proper farewell from Coronation Street with an on-screen funeral. She also revealed, as we suspected, that her grand-daughter Tracy will be there.

In further news, Tracy will will be unnerved by Becky's relationship with Amy and will start plotting her interference in Becky and Steve's marriage, which is already a little rocky. It appears however, that they'll be getting over their current problems as they start to look into the possibility of adoption.

Tracy will also be involved, while still behind bars, with another regular character. Could this be Gail who will be accused of Joe's murder? We'll have to wait and see.

Finally, Tony Gordon will be returning in the spring for 'a very explosive week'.

You can watch the full video online at the official Corrie site.

Coronation Street to get a new Producer

It's been announced on the ITV official Corrie site that Kim Crowther is to step down as Corrie producer during 2010. Kim will be replaced by ex-Doctor Who Producer Phil Collinson.

Kim Crowther has made the decision to step down from the role after two and half years. She said: “Coronation Street is very special to me. It’s been a huge privilege to work with such a wonderful cast, production and writing team. But after a couple of great years, I’m looking forward to reintroducing myself to my children. I’m delighted to be passing the baton to Phil, and wish him all the best for what should be a spectacular fiftieth year for the show.”

Speaking of his new role, Phil Collinson said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining Corrie, the nation’s favourite street and a show I’ve been a huge fan of all my life. It goes without saying that it’s a tremendous honour to be entrusted with building on Coronation Street’s success and creating the must-see storylines for 2010 and beyond. Kim will be a tough act to follow but I will be working with one of the best teams in the business and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

I like what Kim Crowther's done with Corrie in the time she's been in charge - do you?

Chat to Corrie producer online tonight

The first ever online live chat with a Coronation Street producer takes place tonight after Corrie ends at 9pm.

To join in the online chat with Kim Crowther, Corrie's producer, visit the official Corrie site and follow the instructions. The chat starts at 8.30pm and Kim will be online from 9pm. Sounds good to me and I'll be there for sure!

Find out more information here on how to join in the live chat.

Corrie producer talks to fans online

Coronation Street producer Kim Crowther will be taking part in a live online chat on Thursday 19th November at the official ITV Corrie site.

The live chat starts at 8.30pm as Corrie's episode starts and Kim will join in after the show ends at 9pm.

Find out more here about this very rare chance for Corrie fans to put their questions to the lady at the top.

ITV to screen online Corrie webisodes

Three short webisodes will be to shown online at the official Corrie site from Monday next week. ITV Studios' Digital Productions branch will produce the webisodes and they'll be hosted only on itv.com from Monday to tie in with the dramatic climax of Tony's storyline.

Using one script, each three-minute video is performed and interpreted in a different way, revealing the complexity of Tony’s character.

You'll be able to see the videos from 9pm on Monday, 9th Nov.

The official Corrie site will also be hosting a live chat with Corrie producer Kim Crowther after Thursday 19 November's 8.30pm episode. The chat will start just before the episode at 8.30pm and Kim will join in to answer your questions just after the episode finishes at 9pm. If you've got a burning Corrie question, this is your chance to get some answers.

Find out more here.

Interview with Kim Crowther, Corrie producer

There's an excellent interview with Coronation Street producer, Kim Crowther on Digital Spy today. Lots of spoilers, lots of inside gossip, great stuff and highly recommended.

Read it here.

Corrie: New Producer's blasts from the past

Ever since Corrie producer Kim Crowther came on board earlier this year, she's been making regular reference to Coronation Street's past. I'm not the only Corrie fan to notice and Corrie fan Matthew has emailed me with his observations.

For instance, so far we've seen the return of Sunny Jim and Jackie Dobbs but there have been more subtle hints too such as old photos on display in addition to the one of Uncle Albert in Ken and Deirdre's living room. We've now also seen Emily and Ernie's wedding photo, and Jed Stone's pictures of Minnie Caldwell.

But wait, there's more.

Rita recently made a comment about a mug which Mavis bought for her birthday, we've had Audrey reminiscing about Alfeh and Claire Peacock finding Irma Ogden's old paintings in the attic. Has anyone spotted any more recent references to Corrie's blasts from the past?