Corrie gay pride float details revealed?

Coronation Street's float for Manchester's gay pride march will pay tribute to Hilda Ogden, a report claims.

The Sun says that the float will feature a dozen drag artists appearing as Jean Alexander's classic character, who last appeared in the soap in 1987.

"Hilda was a massive gay icon - so it's a tribute to her enduring appeal that 'she' will be centre stage on the float," said a show insider.

"And of course, having a dozen Hildas just adds to the camp feel of it all. The idea is to celebrate the show with its gay audience at Britain's leading gay event."

Cast members including Antony Cotton (Sean Tully), Brooke Vincent (Sophie Webster) and Sacha Parkinson (Sian Powers) will also appear on the float, which is expected to have a 'Corrie past and present' theme. Plans for the show to lead the Manchester Pride parade were first announced in June.

Jackie Crozier, the director of Manchester Pride, praised the ITV soap for continuing to raise awareness of issues faced by the gay community.

"We're delighted they're teaming up with Manchester Pride in this, their 50th anniversary year," she said.

"Through characters like Sean Tully, Hayley Cropper, Todd Grimshaw and, most recently, Sophie Webster, they have helped to raise awareness of the issues facing the LGBT community to millions of loyal viewers."