Corrie's Gary to go AWOL in Army twist

Coronation Street bad boy Gary Windass is to flee his Army barracks in a forthcoming storyline.

The squaddie, played by 23-year-old Mikey North, goes AWOL after seeing another soldier who has lost both legs and an arm while serving in Afghanistan.

Gary decides immediately that he cannot cope with the harsh realities of battle and returns home to Weatherfield before he is due to be flown out to the troubled country.

In subsequent scenes, the Windasses are shocked by Gary's return and slowly come to the realisation that something is amiss. However, by the time they do, Gary goes on the run again.

It is thought that Coronation Street producers consulted Ministry of Defence officials while devising the topical storyline.

A Weatherfield source told the News of the World: "A lot of planning went into this plot as we like to feel we never shirk sensitive issues. We are conscious that barely a week goes by without some terrible news breaking that a soldier has lost his life or has been horrifically injured."

Gary's new plotline is expected to begin next month and continue until May.

> Location Pics: Corrie's Gary Windass goes AWOL