Updated: New Year refit for Rovers Return

Coronation Street's Rovers Return pub is to undergo a makeover for the first time in years - but is not to close down.

The world-famous boozer will have a minor facelift when landlady Liz Tomlin's (Bev Callard) new husband Vernon (Ian Reddington) drafts in friends to brighten up the 105-year-old watering hole.

A spokesperson for the soap has expressly denied reports in one of today's tabloids which suggests that the pub is to close due to financial problems or turn into a gastro-pub.

They said: "To suggest that the pub will close or change radically is total nonsense. Vernon has a few ideas for new flooring and upholstery that Liz nips in the bud before they even get off the ground.

"A couple of his mates then come in and give the place a lick of paint. It will look a bit brighter and fresher but that is all - and the pub won’t even close for redecorating.

"The bar will stay in the same place, the booths will remain, as will the coloured glass. The biggest change will be a smoking area in the back yard to save punters having to stand out on the Street.

"As for the pub having financial problems that is also rubbish. The Rovers is at the heart of the Street and is a thriving business and will remain that way.

They added: "It is frustrating for us when false stories like this appear and it does cause concern for our viewers but we would like to reassure them that there is no truth in this story at all."

The last notable occasion the Rovers was renovated and refurbished was in the aftermath of the 1986 fire storyline. The establishment was nearly demolished as a result.