Coronation Street praised for moving tribute to Manchester Arena victims five years on

Coronation Street have been praised for an emotional scene that left fans in tears on Friday, where they paid tribute to the Manchester Arena victims.

An emotional exchange between Gail Platt and Eileen Grimshaw saw the pair stand by a mosaic bench dedicated to those who lost their lives in the Manchester Arena bombing on 22 May 2017.

As the pair, who are usually sworn enemies, stood clutching bouquets of flowers Gail told Eileen: “It's a lovely bench, isn't it?”

To which Eileen said: “It is. It's just a crying shame it even has to be here,” and Gail replied: “Five years on Sunday.”

The pair were holding a bouquet of flowers each during the exchange in front of the bench dedicated “for Martyn and all those who lost their lives on the 22nd of May 2017. We stand together.”


The inscription are in memory of bomb victim and Coronation Street super fanMartyn Hettwho was one of 22 people killed at the Ariana Grande concert.

As the exchange continued Gail said: “They went out for a concert and they never came back,” while Eileen referred to the pair’s usually troubled relationship: “Look at us two being civil to each other.”

To which Gail said: “Yeah, well, some things are bigger than you and me Eileen.”

The pair then laid their bouquets on the bench together in a mark of solidarity.

The soap’s cast were among the hundreds who turned out to see super fan Martyn laid to rest after he died following the tragic bombing.


Martyn was a massive fan of the soap and even had a Deirdre Barlow tattoo.

The service was said to be "theatrical" due to the PR manager’s "larger-than-life personality" and his desire for people to wear black but with "something fabulous".

Pictures show Martyn had a Corrie-themed coffin which featured an image of a Siamese cat – the coffin arrived at the church in a horse-drawn cart, as he had requested.

Taking to Twitter, fans of the hit soap shared their emotional thoughts after the episode aired.

One wrote: “This is a special moment. Not only paying respect's to those who sadly lost their lives, but showing us still living ours that life is far to short, and unpredictable, to fall out and hold onto hatred against someone. I know their characters, but still. Well done Corrie.”

While another added: “How incredibly moving. Having it with Gail and Eileen as well, given their acrimonious past, is such a poignant touch. And Martyn would be beside himself with joy at that bench. Well done, Corrie!”

Many fans shared their joy at Martyn being mentioned in the show: “Martyn In a corrie episode. He would have loved that.”

“Oh Corrie, wow what a beautiful tribute to all who lost their lives and especially gorgeous Martyn who loved Corrie more than anyone! This is just beautiful,” another penned.

For all the latest cast updates and Coronation Street spoilers, sign up to our daily OK! Newsletter.

Source: Read Full Article