GMG Radio's Smooth and Real brands are broadcasting a special documentary this month to mark the 50th anniversary of Coronation Street.
Next week the longest-running soap in British TV reaches its golden anniversary, with the Manchester-headquartered radio group joining in the celebrations.
The hour-long 'Coronation Street at 50' has been produced in-house by Real Radio North West Head of Presentation Kyle Evans and will air across the UK on Sunday 12 December on Smooth Radio at 1pm and the Real Radio network at 7pm.
It's been narrated by Mancunian John Thomson – famous for roles in The Fast Show and Cold Feet – and producers have been given unrivalled radio access to audio from the show's original footage as well as actors, creators and writers who talk about their time on the world’s longest running soap opera.
Among the Corrie stars who've been interviewed for the documentary are William Roache, Annie Kirkbride, Johnny Briggs, Bill Tarmey, Kevin Kennedy, Sue Nicholls, Brian Capron and Tina O'Brien. The soap's creator Tony Warren also features.
A GMG Radio spokesman said: "With the addition of clips from the show to highlight the depth of drama, heartbreak, fun this will be one of, if not the, most informative and insightful documentaries to be broadcast on British radio on the 50th anniversary of Coronation Street."