ITV are planning a series of special Coronation Street episodes looking back at some of its most iconic characters.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the long-running soap is expected to drop off air in June once all episodes recorded before the lockdown have been broadcast.

According to The Mirror, ITV are planning to help fill the void with a four-part series profiling four of the most iconic Corrie characters, including Bet Lynch (Julie Goodyear) and Ken Barlow (Bill Roache).

A source told the newspaper: "During these difficult times, ITV bosses thought, 'What better to lift the spirits than some of the most memorable moments in Corrie history?'

"It also gives them the chance to ­celebrate their many stars, including Ken Barlow – the longest-running soap star in the world.

"With filming suspended, this is a way of getting around the current restrictions as a lot can be pulled from archives and interviews at home."

Last week a senior producer on the show revealed that the story team are using the coronavirus lockdown to plot out new storylines and produce more scripts.