Corrie bosses launch baby casting search

Coronation Street bosses have launched a hunt for a new baby who will join the soap later this year.

Producers have placed adverts in hospitals around Greater Manchester, which ask parents whether their child could be "the next Coronation Street star".

The casting call reveals that the ITV1 drama is searching for a white baby boy due to be born next month who will be available for filming from July. The serial's team is most keen to find identical twins who can alternate in the role - a standard practice due to employment restrictions for child actors.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, a Coronation Street spokesperson confirmed: "The posters are one of the ways we would look to cast a new baby. We don't want to reveal who we are casting for because we could give away future storylines."

One possible explanation is that the baby will take on the role of Molly Dobbs's (Vicky Binns) first child as the cheating shop assistant is currently pregnant.

Applications for the part are currently being accepted via Bolton-based talent agent Orr Management.