Coronation Street to air 10,000th episode with a trip down memory lane

The very first episode of Coronation Street was broadcast back in December 1960. Despite not being a critical success to begin with, within six months of the show’s first broadcast it had become the most-watched programme on British television.

And this February, Coronation Street will be airing its 10,000th episode.

Corrie fans will be taken on a trip down memory lane next week in a special episode to mark the 10,000th installment of the world’s longest running serial drama.

Episode 10,000 will air on Friday 7th February as the residents of the famous street head for Blackpool on a very special mission.

Rita is shocked when a parcel arrives containing the ashes of her estranged husband Dennis Tanner, along with a note requesting she scatter them in Blackpool. Taking in the sad news of Dennis’ death she confides in Ken who agrees to go with her.

Deciding a day trip is something everyone would enjoy, Jenny books a coach and invites a group residents to join them. Amy, Audrey, Carla, Eileen, Emma, Evelyn, Gail, Jenny, Ken, Mary, Nina, Sean, Tracy, Sally, Yasmeen and Rita, clutching Dennis’s urn, set off for Blackpool.

The day out is a comedy of errors from the start with the coach turning out to be a blacked-out party bus driven by grumpy driver Des, played by renowned comedy actor John Henshaw.

Memories are shared, secrets aired and tensions rise as it starts to look as though they won’t make it to Blackpool before nightfall, if at all. 

By the end of the trip, lives will have changed – and one resident realises the time has come to leave the cobbles for pastures new.

“10,000 episodes! Not bad for a programme which one newspaper said in 1960 was ‘doomed from the outset’,” said producer Iain MacLeod.

“I am first and foremost a massive fan of the show and I watched this landmark episode with absolute glee. It is uniquely Corrie: funny, poignant and characterful – and a glorious homage to the comedic charabanc trips of times past, packed with strong female characters and sparkling dialogue.

“It’s a really great exhibition of Coronation Street’s classic qualities as we start a new decade on the cobbles.”

Episode 10,000 of Coronation Street will air on Friday 7th February 2020 on ITV.