As fans of Corrie will know, in amongst the dour drama, there are often moments of comic genius on-screen, and according to Alison King, who of course plays Carla Connor, her co-star Anne Kirkbride is the comedy go-to gal behind the scenes.

Alison has told the PA that Anne, who of course plays long suffering – and long necked – Deirdre Barlow, provides “the funniest tales and anecdotes.”

She said, “During filming and waiting for filming it’s pretty much madness.

“It’s Annie Kirkbride, she’s absolutely mad and when she’s in, it’s brilliant because you just hear the funniest tales and anecdotes.”

And of course, given that Carla is a recidivist widow and generally has a mostly hellish time with men, Alison could do with a laugh to lighten her working day.

Here’s a clip of Deirdre and Carla in light-hearted mood…

But perhaps a Corrie newbie could provide even more comedy…

Keith Lemon – who is of course the alter ego of comic Leigh Francis – has revealed that he’d love a part in Coronation Street.

He said, “I suppose my favourite soap would be Coronation Street because I know more people in Corrie than I know in any other soaps.

“I’m like, ‘Hey how’s it going Michelle Keegan’, ‘Are you alright, Samia Ghadie?’ that sort of thing.

“I’m always telling Samia Ghadie [I want a cameo] because she seems to be my gateway into Coronation Street and she always introduces me to the producers and writers at showbiz events.

“She says, ‘I’m going to get you in’ but all I want to do is be in the hairdressers and go, ‘You’ve cut it too short, I’m never coming here again’. That’s all I want to do.”

Bless. Would you like to see Keith on the cobbles?