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From far-flung Canada to Corrie

17/ 9/2008

HOW far would you go for your favourite television show?

A group of Canadians have gone the distance to prove their love for Coronation Street by travelling halfway around the world to see the places where the soap is filmed.

Organised by Mark Llewellin, the trip — now in its 19th year — gives fans a true taste of Weatherfield, visiting local landmarks such as Portland Basin where Richard Hillman drove into the canal and Ashton Town Hall where Alf Roberts was mayor.

The 10-day tour will also take in Cotswolds country, because — as even Mark says — "you can have too much of a good thing!"

"Corrie is even bigger in Canada than it is in the UK, they absolutely love it," he said. "I used to go over to a thing they have called the British Isle show and a cast member always went. It was like Tom Cruise strolling round Ashton, it brought the entire place to a standstill! Because so many Canadians have British heritage I think they view it as the old country."

Surprise guests also pop up throughout the trip including Corrie veteran Roy Barraclough — the Street’s Alec Gilroy —who, together with Mayor Jack Davis, welcomed the visitors to Ashton Town Hall on Tuesday.

"Some have been coming for years and it’s always a joy to see them," said Roy. "It’s amazing how popular Coronation Street is over there. Years ago I went on a cruise to New Zealand and when we stopped in Auckland I couldn’t believe it, it was like the Beatles had landed!"

Marilyn Kilby, 71, from British Columbia, has been watching the ITV soap for 32 years.

"It’s fabulous, so true to life," she said.

Nancy Milligan, 54, from Ontario, added: "We’re nine months behind. Because it’s so big at home we can’t get over how the actors here can walk about so freely. At home it would be like Posh Spice walking into your local shop!"