Charles Lawson: 'Corrie! play is wonderful'

Former Coronation Street star Charles Lawson has praised the quality of the soap's 50th anniversary stage production.

The actor, best known for his role as Jim McDonald on the Weatherfield drama, is appearing as the narrator in Corrie!, a special play which packs five decades of storylines into one show.

Speaking on GMTV about the project, Lawson commented: "It does work extremely well - the actors are incredible. I just stand there and read because I'm the narrator - it's easy for me! But the guys and girls are extraordinary.

"If you're a Corrie fan, get your rear ends down because it's absolutely wonderful."

The 50-year-old added that Corrie! has the backing of the show's veteran actor William Roache (Ken Barlow) and creator Tony Warren.

He explained: "William and Tony were very nervous about the whole thing - the idea of doing it. But William came along the other night and came to see me, and he thoroughly enjoyed it, he loved it. And Tony Warren created the damn thing, and he loved it."

Corrie! runs at The Lowry theatre in Salford until August 25.

> Charles Lawson announces Corrie return