Corrie airs on-screen tribute to terror attack victims

From Digital Spy

Coronation Street has aired an on-screen tribute to victims of the Manchester terror attack at an Ariana Grande gig, which killed 22 and left around 120 injured.

Tonight's show (May 24) saw the soap's usual sponsorship bumper replaced with a photograph with the word 'We Stand Together' at around 8pm.

The Manchester-based soap also changed its social media accounts to the same image, to pay tribute to those who died at the Manchester Arena.

A spokesperson for the ITV show said: "Manchester is the home of Coronation Street, and we felt it was important to show our support for the victims of the bombing and the people of this great city."

Meanwhile Dolly Rose Campbell who plays Gemma Winter in Coronation Street has joined those paying tribute to Corrie superfan Martyn Hett, a Come Dine With Me and Tattoo Fixers contestant who sadly died in the attack.

She said: "I first met Martyn at Manchester Pride two years ago. He was a lovely man full of spirit, and a massive fan of Coronation Street.

"It was a pleasure to spend time with Martyn, he was funny, smart and someone that spread joy everywhere he went.

"He had met many of the cast members and the crew, everyone here is in shock at the terrible news of his tragic death and are sending love to his family and friends and those of all the other victims involved.

"On behalf of everyone at Coronation Street we send love to the whole of Manchester at this this terrible time."

Emmerdale actress Isabel Hodgins who plays Victoria Sugden, was actually at the concert, which was targeted by a suicide bomber who police have since named as 22-year-old Salman Abedi.

Taking to Twitter to share her condolences, she wrote: "Still can't get over last night. My heart breaks for the victims and their families. Such a horrendous thing."

Meanwhile Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan came under fire for his interview with Corrie stars Connie Hyde (Gina Seddon) and Sally Dynevor (Sally Webster) in which he insisted there should be more effort from the Muslim community to help identify extremists.

Stars from both Emmerdale and Corrie have postponed interviews on ITV this week that were due to take place ahead of the British Soap Awards on Saturday, June 3.

Various other celebrities have also paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the horrific attack, while TV schedules were rearranged to make way for rolling news coverage.

Ariana Grande, who was performing at the concert that was targeted, said she was "broken" and had "no words".

An emergency number has been set up for those who are concerned about loved ones or anyone who may have been in the area of the Manchester terror attack – 0800 096 0095.

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