New Metrolink tram will feature in Corrie

William Roache (right) who plays Ken Barlow in ITV's Coronation Street, and Cllr Keith Whitmore, Chair of GMITA (left) with a new M5000 Metrolink tram featuring a commemorative Coronation Street plaque

One of Metrolink’s new yellow and silver M5000 trams is set to make its prime-time television debut when the new opening credits for iconic soap opera Coronation Street air at 7pm on Monday 31 May.

A Manchester Metrolink tram passing over the viaduct has been a feature of Coronation Street’s title sequence, which opens every episode, since January 2002.

Now, in line with the series moving to HD, a new opening credits sequence – featuring one of Metrolink’s new M5000 trams – will air on Monday 31 May.

And, to mark Coronation Street’s 50th anniversary later this year, a special tram featuring a commemorative Coronation Street plaque was today launched on the Metrolink network by Councillor Keith Whitmore, Chair of Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority, and Coronation Street star William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow.
Councillor Whitmore said: “I am delighted we have been able to mark the 50th anniversary of one of TV's most enduring and iconic shows by commemorating it with another enduring Manchester icon - Metrolink.

“One of Manchester’s trams running over the viaduct has been part of Coronation Street’s opening credits for eight years and it is great that the tradition will continue in the new credits with one of the new M5000 trams, which are now becoming a regular feature on the Metrolink network.”

Wiliam Roache, renowned for his role as Ken Barlow, is the longest-serving Coronation Street actor and appeared in the first episode on 9 December 1960.

Mr Roache said: “The Metrolink has fast become an iconic part of the Manchester landscape, and it’s great to see it not only in our titles, but bearing our name on the city‘s streets.”

Viewers wishing to catch a glimpse of the Metrolink M5000 tram in the new opening credits for Coronation Street should tune into ITV at 7pm on Monday 31 May.