The cast and crew of Coronation Street have every reason to be feeling a little bit pleased with themselves at the moment…
The ITV soap received a very special award today (Thursday 4 October) for ‘Services to Humanity’.
Read more: Corrie fans heartbroken as Jack Webster makes a confession
The Queen’s Representative and High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Dr Robina Shah, presented the long-running serial drama with the prestigious award – a Certificate of Commendation in recognition of services to humanity.
The award honoured Corrie’s portrayal of “ordinary people living extraordinary lives”, most notably highlighting issues of mental health.
Read more: Claire King criticises Corrie saying her storyline “was a joke”
And it’s well deserved, we say!
In a statement, Dr Shah said: “As the High Sheriff of this wonderful county, I have chosen to commend Coronation Street for this award.
“For almost 60 years, Coronation Street has served us well by creating and producing innovative storylines that powerfully reflect profound and often unspoken real life social issues that influence the dynamics of the society in which we live.”
She went on to say: “Through the lens of Coronation Street cameras, viewers have learnt about the impact on individuals and on families experiencing personal trauma, social exclusion, domestic violence, drug addiction, sexual, physical and emotional abuse, the list goes on.”
Dr Shah went on the explain how many vulnerable people face these challenges alone in real life, and that “national treasure” Corrie helps to bring these issues into the light.
Receiving the award on behalf of cast and crew, new producer Iain McLeod said: “It is a genuine honour and privilege to receive this commendation on behalf of everybody who works on the programme.”
He went on to describe how TV dramas can “both alter and save lives”.
This is the first time the award has ever been awarded to a television programme.
Last night, Corrie fans praised the soap for highlighting the contentious issue of lowering the age for cervical smear tests.
Do you think Corrie deserved this award? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!