Picture Special: McKellen joins Corrie
Published Monday, Apr 25 2005, 12:48 BST | By Neil Wilkes
Sir Ian McKellen will make his first Coronation Street appearance this Sunday (May 1st), it has been confirmed.
The actor will play an author called Mel Hutchwright in a ten-episode storyline, to air over two months. Mel arrives at a Weatherfield Book Club meeting after receiving a letter from his biggest fan - Emily Bishop - and before too long he is invited to move in with her.
"The script is hilarious," said McKellen, "and well up to the Street's current high standards as the UK's most popular television programme." Appearing on the soap will be his last remaining ambition.
Corrie producer Tony Wood added: "We are delighted that an actor of Ian McKellen's calibre has agreed to appear in the show. It is a testament to the direction we have been taking the show over the last 12 months."





The actor will play an author called Mel Hutchwright in a ten-episode storyline, to air over two months. Mel arrives at a Weatherfield Book Club meeting after receiving a letter from his biggest fan - Emily Bishop - and before too long he is invited to move in with her.
"The script is hilarious," said McKellen, "and well up to the Street's current high standards as the UK's most popular television programme." Appearing on the soap will be his last remaining ambition.
Corrie producer Tony Wood added: "We are delighted that an actor of Ian McKellen's calibre has agreed to appear in the show. It is a testament to the direction we have been taking the show over the last 12 months."





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