Wheelchair user Cherylee Houston is to play Coronation Street's first regular disabled character when she meets Kirk through an internet dating website. But it is far from love at first sight as dopey Kirk experences Izzy's fiery personality.

She will make her screen debut on April 16 . She said: '"I'm really excited and well chuffed to be joining the show. I grew up with Coronation Street and I can't wait to get started."

Cherylee Houston, 35, began filming scenes yesterday. Originally from Morecambe, she moved to Manchester in 1994 to pursue her dream of becoming an actress. She made her TV debut in daytime soap Doctors before appearing in shows like I'm With Stupid, Little Britain and Holby City.

She's not 90 in real life until May, but actress Betty Driver - who plays Betty Williams - celebrates the landmark birthday in Coronation Street tonight.

The Manchester Evening News has a great interview with her where we learn loads of interesting things about Betty's life including the fact that the Hot Pot queen is actually a vegetarian (what a great advert for vegetarianism - she looks fantastic for her age) and that she initially auditioned for the part of Hilda Ogden.

As she celebrates her birthday in The Rovers, Betty has to deal with a gatecrasher - 91 year old Enid Crump - who is mad at claims in the paper that Betty is the oldest barmaid in Weatherfield. Betty's big birthday coincides with a Royal visit to the Street from Corrie fan Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, who can be seen pulling pints here.

From the official Corrie site: Becky McDonald throws in a show-stopper when she makes up with hubby Steve. When the pair finally sit down to talk about their marital problems, she shocks him with some unexpected news. She announces that she's pregnant.

The pair have been arguing for weeks about starting a family. Katherine Kelly, who plays Becky, said: "Becky doesn't want kids. So the trouble begins."

Watch the full interview with Katherine and Simon Gregson who plays Steve

You can read an interview with Katherine Kelly who plays feisty Becky in The Sun today. And don't forget to vote for the two of them for Wednesday's National Television Awards.

Craig Gazey has signed a year's contract with Corrie which will see him on the street until March 2011.

Craig, who plays likeable but eccentric window cleaner Graeme Proctor, is a particular favourite at the moment among viewers, and Corrieblog readers, so the fact that he's stucking around for a little while longer is welcome news indeed.

He's also rumoured to be finiding love in his life at last - though I don't think that will be Rosie Webster somehow. Sorry Graeme.

Well you can't blame ITV for cashing in on Helen Flanagan's good looks I guess. Flanagan, who plays saucy minx Rosie Webster of course, has a new career as a glamour model on the Street.

But first she tries her hand as a roller-skating promotions girl for a cherry vodka brand - as you do. Sounds a bit tacky, but perfect for Rosie. Flanagan, 19, told The Daily Mirror she was delighted with the new storyline:

"This is the perfect career for Rosie, she is like so many girls who read celeb mags and want to be like Katie Price."

"She is exploited by the photographer, but is not put off. She sees it as a way to make money quick without having to do much hard work," she added.

You can check out the video of Helen Flanagan learning to rollerskate and also view a gallery of her 'glamour' shots over at the official Corrie website, www.itv.com/corrie.

Fellas I'm warning you though you might need a lie down after viewing these saucy pics, especially the one where she's wearing a top that says 'Pop My Cherry'. Tasteful

Coronation Street's Kym Marsh has hinted there could be a love triangle on the cards involving her character and Carla Connor, according to a story from The Press Association.

The actress and Celebrity Mum of the Year said she and Carla (Alison King) may become love rivals after the return of Ciaran McCarthy (Keith Duffy) to the soap.

Kym said: "There's a rivalry between them both, and there'll be some fella involved somewhere down the line, probably Keith Duffy or Chris Gascoyne (Peter Barlow)."

Asked whether Carla's going to have her eye on Irish charmer Ciaran, Kym said: "She may do, but I think he's going to have his eye on Carla more likely."

Following the sad news of Maggie Jones' death, here's a YouTube tribute to the actress who played the late, great Blanche Hunt. Maggie first entered Coronation Street in 1974 and in the first clip (she looks very different from how she looked in much later episodes) you can see her slapping Deirdre's then husband Ray Langton. Starting as she meant to go on then!!

Coronation Street star Conor Ryan, who plays wrong 'un Len Windass, has announced he plans to take a break from the soap to try and crack Hollywood.

Ryan's castmate from BBC drama Flesh and Blood Stephen Graham has become a big name in Los Angeles. And Corrie's former director Julian Farino has found fame helming HBO series Entourage. So maybe Conor is feeling a bit peeved.

He told Whats On TV: "As the chief trouble-causer and all-round ducker and diver in the notorious Windass family, Len Windass has played a pivotal role in helping to turn the Windasses into a classic Corrie family."

Personally I wish Conor all the best but I wonder whether his peculiarly British 'charm' will make it over there. Certainly he doesn't look like a Hollywood heart throb but there's never any shortage of English baddies to play in Hollywood movies it seems!

Via Digital Spy

He may be best known for his hard man roles in programmes like Callan and Colditz but this time it seems that the floor got the better of him. Apparently, 70 year old Anthony Valentine, who plays George Wilson, the grandad of Peter Baldwin's son Simon, slipped on the floor and hit his head as he walked off set.

Production crew ran to help but fortunately he was not badly hurt, just shaken. There have been several injuries on Corrie's set this year. Robert Beck, who plays killer Jimmy Dockerson, injured his hand and a producer was hit by a car. Meanwhile, Maggie Jones who plays battleaxe Blanche Hunt is making a 'slow and steady recovery' according to Corrie's now ex producer Kim Crowther.

It's a rumour that has been doing the rounds for a year or so, ever since he told The Daily Star "why they've never asked me to be in it is really one of the scandals of our age." But now Noel Gallagher, who is known to be a huge fan of the soap, is looking set to appear in Corrie as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations next year.

Producer Kim Crowther told NME.com that she would love to bring the ex-Oasis star into the show alongside some older characters: "I would love to bring Hilda back and Mavis. Noel Gallagher would be great."

If Gallagher does make a cameo on the series he won't be the first rock/pop star to appear. Slade's Noddy Holder, also a hero of Gallagher's, appeared as Stan Potter in a live episode in 2000 to mark Corrie's 40th Anniversary. And of course Status Quo's Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt appeared as themselves in 2005, drinking in The Rovers and playing at Les and Cilla's wedding.

pic: PicApp
Tina O'Brien and Ryan Thomas, Corrie's Sarah Platt and Jason Grimshaw have ended their six year relationship following a series of bust ups. Apparently the final straw came after Ryan, 25, was questioned by police following a 4am car crash in Manchester City Centre which saw Ryan's Chrysler plough into a lamp post (though it turns out Ryan wasn't driving).

Tina has already changed her Facebook status to 'single' after prevoulsy having claimed to be in a relationship with Ryan Thomas and moved out of the family home in Cheadle, Cheshire with the couple's 13 month old daughter Scarlett. She is set to return to the Street next year to celebrate its 50th anniversary following a two year break.

The one thing you can say about Corrie is that it has attracted some darned fine actors who simply want to appear in the soap because they love it so much. December sees the debut of two well established actors: Nigel Havers and Rula Lenska (pictured here courtesy of ITV.com).

BAFTA-nominated actor Nigel will play a character called Lewis, a charming gentleman escort - that'll be a gigolo then - who accompanies wealthy ladies to social functions. He will appear on-screen from December. And Rula Lenska (Celebrity Big Brother) takes the part of Claudia who meets up with her old friend Audrey Roberts at a hairdressing convention. But who are your favourite Corrie Cameos. Here we pick just some of ours.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO START THE GALLERY

Personally I don't like it all when new characters come back as completely different actors and often I don't warm to them at all. Take Sophie Webster, played by Brooke Vincent. I'm sure she's lovely person, but I just see her as an interloper - pretending to be the Webster's younger daughter, they just haven't realised it yet.

Of course, there are some exceptions, perhaps most notably Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) who really brought a fairly dull character to life in my opinion. But on the whole they haven't been so successful. Which brings us to Nick Tilsley. Played by Adam Rickitt, an actor so wooden he would have been better off in Corrie's Timber Yard, I was actually really pleased to see him go in 2004 despite his good looks (I'm only jealous).

But now Nick is back, only this time played by actor Ben Price which can only be a good thing. Best known as bisexual love rat Conrad Gates in Footballers' Wives, Ben makes his Street debut on December 21st in time for Gail marrying Joe (nevermind that he's around eight years older in real life than the 29 year old character). I only hope he plays a good part.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE SOME PICTURES OF BEN PRICE

Earlier we wrote about Corrie's Tina being transformed into the Mona Lisa for a Leonardo Da Vinci exhibition in Manchester. Here you can see just how it was done.

Here's Corrie's Tina McIntyre (actress Michelle Keegan) as you've never seen her before - posing as the Mona Lisa.

Recently voted Britain's sexiest soap star, the actress was transformed into the subject of the 500-year-old portrait to promote a travelling exhibition about the Italian artist, Da Vinci - The Genius which opens next month at the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) in the soap's home town of Manchester.

The exhibition's promoters picked Keegan, 22, for the promotional photograph because her Mediterranean complexion and long, dark hair provided a good base for transformation. They sourced period dress from Manchester's Royal Exchange theatre, perfected the hair and make-up, and tried to get the lighting just right so the shadows matched those in the original.

It seems everyone is making a comeback. First Peter Barlow, Then Leanne Battersby. Now as reported elsewhere Keith Duffy is set to make a return in the New Year as womanising barman Ciaran McCarthy.

After the tragic death of former Boyzone bandmate Stephen Gately, the 35 year old Irish actor is due to start filming in Manchester in December with his first episodes going out in February. But who are the stars of the street you would like to see make a comeback.

Here we pick our Top 10 favourite Corrie Comeback Candidates. And no Bet Lynch (Julie Goodyear) who made a disastrous comeback in 2002 after she first left the street in the 1990s - definitely doesn't make the cut.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO START THE GALLERY

This week we finally see Claire and Ashley Peacock come back to the forefront of Corrie. Having been predominately minor characters since Julia Haworth (Claire)'s maternity leave last year, they are now stepping up in a demanding new storyline that begins with Claire collapsing from a clot in her lung. Julia and Steven Arnold (Ashley) discuss their characters and the story on this week's ITV ITV behind-the scenes video.

"Things have been a bit quiet for the Peacocks," says Steven. "There's a lot coming up for them which I'm glad to say!"

Julia explains: "Claire develops a blood clot on her lung, which leads to a miscarriage, so it's quite tragic really but it brings a lot of questions to the Peacocks and their whole family."

Steven adds: "The doctors tell Ashley she was pregnant and he didn't have a clue about it, so it's a pretty demanding storyline in that respect."

Julia also discusses her appreciation of the Corrie writers for not letting the past issue of Claire's post-natal depression be forgotten, and Steven discusses Claire's demand that Ashley have a vasectomy! A great little video again from ITV.com, well worth a look if you can.

ITV.com's weekly behind-the-scenes video this week talks through the events leading up to the birth of Baby Connor with Samia Smith (Maria) and Gray O'Brien (Tony).

Maria and Tony head off for a walk on a deserted beach in the hope of bringing on the baby faster - only for Maria to go into labour right there and then!

"Maria's absolutely petrified when she realises she's in labour on the beach," says Samia. "But thank god she's got Tony there."

Gray adds: "I think it's Tony's true colours coming through. He really cares for Maria and he's obviously completely guilt-ridden about Liam's death, and he's trying to do everything he can to make amends."

Gray also discusses his shirtless role in the birth, and Samia adds how she hopes her birth will be different from Maria's!

* The ITV's Coronation Street website has had a major overhaul, and now looks fantastic! Well worth a look, there are great new character profiles in the process of being uploaded, with the each cast member doing a video description about their character, and much easier navigation around the site. Overall, much more modern and professional looking, hats off to ITV!

Corrieblog reader Tracyluv has been in touch, and had this to say about Rosie Webster's recent windfall - receiving £150,000 as 'compensation' from John Stape:

"We were hoping that John would rescind it and she would have to pay the money back but I suppose that's too much to hope for. I cannot believe his solicitor did not try and talk him out of this, as his mind is not balanced at present."

So what do we think of this development? Is Miss Webster going to go from bad to worse with this big payout? Or will it ground her and help towards setting her up for the future? Comment us below, or drop an email to Corrieblog HQ!

He may have only joined the show in February of this year, but it was today announced Luke Strong, aka actor Craig Kelly, is bowing out of Coronation Street.

Brought in by Carla to take care of her share of Underworld, Luke has certainly ruffled some feathers on the cobbles, most notably Tony Gordon's, and the two have had a rocky relationship at best. After buying out Carla, Luke has now got himself into financial difficulties at the factory, but this looks to be shortly resolved - in the form of a certain Miss Rosie Webster.

His love life has also flourished and floundered on the Street, with a whirlwind romance with Michelle Connor that ended in an unlikely love triangle with Peter Barlow, and poor Luke was left out in the cold. Again, Miss Webster looks to be stepping in to resolve Luke's relationship difficulties too.

Samia Smith was nervous about telling Corrie bosses about her pregnancy, and now has a craving for doughnuts.

Becky's one-night stands are coming back to haunt her, according to Katherine Kelly.

Footballer Dean Windass has been meeting his Corrie namesakes but admits that "Eddie Yeats was my all time favourite character."

Shobna Gulati says she can't bear to look at herself in a full-length mirror. And she's definitely coming back to Corrie, according to ITV.com.

Ryan Connor is about to have a spot of bother involving a "teen sex scenario."

Julia Haworth would love to appear on Strictly Come Dancing.

ITV.com has photos of filming of the beach scenes where Maria gives birth.

Ghost of Pat Phoenix stalks the Coronation Street set, says the Sun. "So many people have seen and felt the same things that there has to be something in it," says Sue Cleaver.

They try to make Peter Barlow go to rehab, but he says "no, no, no," according to the Star.

There's an excellent interview with Corrie producer Kim Crowther over at Digital Spy.

Over on ITV.com, there's a video of Jennie McAlpine, Katy Cavanagh and Craig Charles when they appeared on This Morning. They also have the nominations for ther British Soap Awards, and one of them is pocket-sized genius Alex Bain (Simon). Hurrah!

Poppy (Sophiya Haque) and Mary (Patti Clare) will be leaving Coronation Street soon after the characters "failed to make an impact," according to reports. The same report also says that Paula Carp (Sharon Duce) will be leaving, but she was never intended to be a permanent characteranyway and was just part of the storyline about Colin. ITV have denied that the characters are leaving due to cost cuts.

Andrew Sachs says he's having trouble remembering the names of the huge Coronation Street cast, what with having to remember their real names and their character names. Here's a hint: he needn't bother learning Patti Clare's or Sophiya Haque's.

Craig Kelly (Luke Strong) is supporting a local theatre in the north west, where he grew up.

Corrie director Kay Patrick, who was recently injured in an accident on the set, apparently faces a long recovery following damage to her shoulder and knee.

Finally, I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't let you know about this: Sean Wilson (Martin Platt) will be judging a cheese show in Nantwich in July. It sounds like something Victoria Wood could have written, but it's absolutely true.

Received wisdom says that murderers always get their comeuppance in soaps. Therefore it follows that Tony Gordon can't get away with murder forever - or can he? Kathy R thinks that, in Tony's case, justice could be postponed indefinitely.

Here is my best guess on what will unfold regarding Tony being the mastermind behind Liam's murder. Tony's henchman will either disappear or refuse to implicate Tony in the murder. Which will leave Tony free to continue to enjoy his freedom, go back to being co-boss of Underworld, and have a torrid affair with Maria. Even if his involvement is suspected, it will be impossible to prove. Gray O'Brien just had his contract extended, ITV loves him to bits, and they have big plans for him, according to the Corrie scuttlebutt. When you develop a character as popular and interesting as Tony has become, you don't send him down. So Liam's murder isn't going to get officially solved for some time. Probably not until or if Gray wants to leave Corrie. Just my opinion of course. What say you all? [Kathy R]

Sandie M is lamenting the departure of the character I'll always think of as "Cousin Tom."

Have I missed something, or was Tom taking Kelly Crabtree up the alley (giggle) his last scene, and he's really gone? If so, I think that's really disappointing. But in fact, the thing I'm most disappointed about, and think is most important concerning Tom leaving, is that he won't be around for the Tony reveal. Tom played such a big part in Liam's final months and, besides Carla and Maria, was the main character he interracted with. Who is going to care about what Tony did to Liam now other than Carla? Maria will be more concerned about how she fell in love with her husband's killer and feeling sorry for herself - right before she's whisked off screen when Samia has maternity leave. Me-Shell, who acts like she never even had two brothers die young, will care for all of five minutes before getting back to her love life (please PLEASE writers, do not put her with Luke Strong!). And Ryan, well, it's like he and Tom were never related anyway. So after a year of this story slow-burning we'll have Tony himself, who I assume will be leaving after the story is over anyway (sadly) and Carla reacting from this story. I'm sure that'll be well worth it though as Gray and Alison never disappoint.

It just would have been better if Tom was around for it too. Despite his recent mopings, he was a well-written character. The way he never got over Liam dying like the rest of the Connor's (bar Carla) was nice to see, judging by how fast the grieving process takes place in soaps. The whole outcome of him leaving at this point reminds me of Maxine's mother, Doreen a few years back, and how she berrated Audrey for accusing Richard Hillman of her daughter's murder, but by the time the reveal in that story happened, Doreen had already moved on and never apologised to Audrey for the way she'd been with her.

I know Tom's last two months haven't been great character wise (we weren't even told where he was living, and his main story time involved him walking Ozzy), and his popularity dropped but he was a character that started off so well, and probably won't ever be seen on the cobbles again, as from reading his Twitter page I assume P McG has moved to London. Anyway I wish him the best in his career and hope it isn't the last we see of him on TV. There is clearly something about him from seeing the interest he's had on here. [Sandie M]