Soap chiefs explain smoking ban plots

Coronation Street, Emmerdale and EastEnders producers have explained the decision to create new storylines which focus on the forthcoming smoking ban.

Corrie chiefs have explained that the ban, which comes into force across England and Wales from Sunday, is such a contentious issue that it could not be ignored by the soap's characters. Viewers will see Liz McDonald (Bev Callard) attempting to give up smoking, while her son Steve (Simon Gregson) struggles not to light up while working at the cab office.

A Corrie spokesperson told The Sun: "We have been planning these storylines for several months. We couldn't ignore the issue of the smoking ban as everyone will be talking about it in the coming weeks.

"Characters will still be seen smoking in their own homes. We can continue to shoot smoking scenes on the set in Manchester, as there is a special dispensation for film studios."

Meanwhile, Emmerdale viewers will see Diane Sugden (Elizabeth Estensen) stopping Rodney (Patrick Mower) from smoking at The Woolpack in an upcoming episode.

An Emmerdale spokeswoman said: "It's a big talking point."

And an EastEnders spokeswoman commented: "Dot sees the smoking ban as the end of an era as she can’t smoke in her place of work the launderette anymore. She says ‘The day of reckoning has arrived. I should be in mourning as the right to a quick fag at work has gone.’"

They added: "Peggy will be enforcing the ban strictly as the Queen Vic is having a revamp but Pat is trying to get round it with a sneaky plan."