Reg Holdsworth joins cast of Corrie!

As the Eagles once sang in Hotel California, "you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave" - and so it is for actor Ken Morley, who has been announced as the narrator in the Liverpool run of Corrie! coming to the Empire in February. The show, by Coronation Street writer Jonathan Harvey, is an affectionate and comic look at some of the biggest plots and best known characters in the soap's 50 year history.

 Although the show is not performed by Corrie actors (obviously), the role of narrator will be given over to a revolving door of the show's former stars throughout the forthcoming tour. Liverpool will get Morley, a real hall-of-famer for his role as Reg Holdsworth, who has been high profile of late - he recently returned to the Street for its 50th anniversary DVD spin off, before mortifying the nation with his dubious antics on a Street-themed Come Dine With Me. So by no means a surprise, although I was hoping for someone at least a bit more unexpected. But he should be a good 'un - as well as being camp as Christmas, Morley has plenty of previous experience in this kind of role as an old hand narrating the Rocky Horror Show. He says: “As we all know Coronation Street is 50 years old, which is the same age as myself! A vintage year. So join me to celebrate, as this stunning production takes to the road. You will love it. I did, that’s why I’m in it.” Corrie! comes to the Empire from February 21 to 26, and you can read my interview with writer Jonathan Harvey here. Pictured is cast member Josie Walker as Elsie Tanner.