Coronation Street fans loved the idea behind the ITV soap’s April Fools’ Day prank so much they want to see it come into being.
The show’s social media bods had a bit of a giggle with their 1.8million Twitter followers earlier today when they shared a clip of black and white footage of children and mill workers filling cobbled streets.
An accompanying statement claimed a spin-off show examining Corrie’s origins from over a century ago was set to be made.
But even though many fans immediately realised they were being wound up, dozens still expressed a wish for the Weatherfield prequel to go into production.
ITV are delighted to reveal the commission of Coronation Street: 1902.
A single film narrating the intrigue and romance that saw the beginnings of the Nation’s most famous Street.
Find out more: https://t.co/hCU2SvxKyN #Corrie #Corrie #Exclusive @itv @wearestv pic.twitter.com/1xrhlEIBO2
— Coronation Street (@itvcorrie) April 1, 2019
Read more: Holly Willoughby in tears over Phillip Schofield’s hilarious April Fool’s Day prank
According to ITV.com, the made-up film was set to follow the plight of a grieving mistress as terraced houses were constructed for local mill workers.
ITV’s bogus sneak preview also promised the Edwardian special would air in the autumn.
It read: “Mabel Grimshaw is mourning the loss of her lover, Sir Humphrey Swinton whilst doggedly attempting to get his vision of a new Weatherfield constructed in time.”
The trailer also contained dramatic titles that convinced some viewers the offshoot programme was legit.
Read more: Corrie’s Daniel Brocklebank hits back at same-sex kiss criticism
“Every generation has a legend… Every journey has a first step… Every saga has a beginning… Before the Barlows… Before the Rovers… Before the cobbles – Coronation Street: 1902,” the preview teased.
As is traditional, Corrie’s Twitter account admitted they were only joking after midday.
They tweeted: “Of course you all knew it’s the 1st of April.
“We’d actually rather like to watch Coronation Street: 1902 though – it sounds right up our street! #AprilFools #Corrie.”
But there were several calls from hopeful fans who were very keen to see the 1902 instalment.
“I would have loved if this were real!” enthused one fan.
“Wouldn’t it be great if it could be true though?” tweeted another.
A third added: “Aww, make it! They did a wartime EastEnders!”
And a fourth insisted: “This should be a thing!”
Another fan concluded: “Aw, I’d love this to become a reality. To find out where Ken, Ena, Minnie, Rita, Uncle Albert, Elsie, etc, etc all came from. Wish someone would take this on.”
However, there were a couple of grumpy Twitter users who seemed cheesed off with the gag. Were they caught out by it?
Of course you all knew it’s the 1st of April 😂
We’d actually rather like to watch Coronation Street: 1902 though – it sounds right up our street! #AprilFools #Corrie pic.twitter.com/ibLyfgNqg2
— Coronation Street (@itvcorrie) April 1, 2019
“Not a very original joke see as how Emmerdale done the same thing,” insisted one, referring to the other ITV soaps’ similarly historical approach to their Fools’ Day offering.
Another harrumphed: “Odd. Neither funny nor in the spirit of April Fools.”
FIRST LOOK: Love and life in a post-war world. Watch as our Villagers’ lives change forever in #Emmerdale1920.
Coming soon. #Emmerdale pic.twitter.com/DMHHNUPh0W
— Emmerdale (@emmerdale) March 31, 2019
– Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV
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