Coronation Street has opened its doors to its 100,000th visitor after just two months of launching the tour of the nation’s favourite cobbled street.
Debbie Lee, from Derby, arrived to take part in the 2:10pm guided tour unaware that she was in fact in line to receive more than just a backstage pass.
As Debbie and daughter Danielle Payne stepped into Nick’s Bistro and opened the double doors to be led onto the street, they were welcomed by the cheers of the Coronation Street Tour team who brandished a large congratulatory banner saying “Congratulations! 100,000th Visitor.”
WHO ME? Debbie (l) and daughter Danielle can’t believe their luck
People have travelled from as far as Canada and New Zealand to be guided around the set since the tour opened in April, so it was little wonder Debbie was in a state of excitement and shock.
“I thought that when we opened the doors that this was something someone did on every tour, but then when everyone was outside we didn’t know what was happening,” she said.
Debbie was also presented with a bottle of bubbly and goody bags filled with souvenirs, including a photo of her pulling a pint behind the bar of the Rovers Return as a reminder of the experience.
“It was a big surprise, it’s amazing to be the 100,000th visitor,” she added.
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Following Coronation Street’s big move to MediaCityUK last December, the tour of the Quay Street studios was announced in March and has received an incredible reception from soap lovers around the world.
Tour general manager Andy Begg said: “People have travelled from as far as Canada and New Zealand, which goes to show what a strong following Corrie has with the public.
“Most pleasing of all is that everyone coming on the tour is really enjoying their time with us, from visiting the dressing rooms to having their photo taken behind the bar in the Rovers, to exploring the dark secrets of the “Ginnel”.
“I love seeing the visitors’ faces as they step out onto the street for the first time to the “dah dah dah dah dah dah” theme tune.
“Kids sprint down the cobbles, parents seek out their favourite landmarks and many visitors even record themselves on their phones recreating their favourite Corrie scenes.”
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Until October 4 the tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes of the much-loved soap, seeing dressing rooms, selected interior sets and even stopping for a photo in the Rovers Return.
Upon stepping out onto the hallowed cobbles, guests can spend as long as they would like exploring the street, gardens and even the ginnel.
Tickets can be booked online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk/coronationstreet.
