Screen funeral planned for Corrie's Blanche

Coronation Street legend Blanche Hunt is to get an on-screen send-off after the much-loved character passes away, it has been announced.

Producers' plans for Blanche had remained uncertain after actress Maggie Jones, who played the Weatherfield battleaxe from 1974, died last month following a period of ill health.

Speaking on This Morning today, the soap's leading producer Kim Crowther confirmed that Blanche will get an on-screen funeral later this year. The occasion will see the comeback of Kate Ford in the role of Blanche's twisted granddaughter Tracy Barlow.

Crowther explained: "Blanche's death seemed the perfect opportunity to introduce [Tracy] back to the show, as she is released from prison especially to attend the funeral and allowed say goodbye to her grandmother. This won't be the last we see of Tracy though - she is set to share a cell with a well-known character - who could it be?"

Blanche's absence from screens has so far been explained by an extended break in Portugal with a friend.

Jones's funeral took place at a church in London on December 15.