Corrie boss promises "hard-hitting" plots

Coronation Street's leading producer Kim Crowther has revealed that viewers can expect a number of "hard-hitting" storylines to air this year.

In an interview with This Morning, Crowther promised that fans would not be disappointed with what is in store for the soap's 50th year on screen.

She explained: "As usual, Corrie will feature some core characters at the centre of the show with some hard-hitting storylines. Lots of the storylines will intertwine, which is something Corrie is very good at. The viewers are in for a treat on our special 50th anniversary year."

Crowther went on to name Peter Barlow, played by Chris Gascoyne, as one character who will face turmoil in 2010, leading to a custody battle for his son Simon (Alex Bain).

"Peter has a lot of demons to fight this year," she confirmed. "He will continue struggling with his alcoholism, but I can reveal that Simon will be taken away from Peter and be placed in the care of grandfather, George. The big question is, will Peter ever get Simon back?"

Last year, Crowther announced that she was to step down from her position on the Weatherfield drama. She will bow out in the second half of the year and be replaced by former Doctor Who series producer Phil Collinson.