Coronation Street is preparing to mark its 65th anniversary with a storyline that promises to shake Weatherfield to its core. Executive producer Iain MacLeod has teased that the milestone episodes will deliver high drama, unexpected twists, and a devastating turn that no one will see coming.

Looking Back at Past Anniversaries

The soap has a long tradition of delivering explosive episodes whenever a milestone arrives. The 60th anniversary, which aired during the Covid-19 pandemic, still managed to grip audiences with a whodunnit involving Adam Barlow’s shocking attack and the dramatic downfall of villain Geoff Metcalfe, who plummeted from a rooftop into a chicken coop.

Even further back, the 50th anniversary provided viewers with one of Corrie’s most unforgettable stunts, a live episode featuring a devastating tram crash. That storyline claimed the lives of Ashley Peacock and Molly Dobbs, while allowing John Stape to cover up Charlotte Hoyle’s murder for a time. These anniversary episodes set the bar sky-high, with each event cementing itself in the show’s history. Reflecting on the tradition, executive producer Iain MacLeod said that moments like these require a bold approach.

The Big Reveal: A Shock Death

This year’s anniversary will not hold back. MacLeod confirmed that the 65th celebrations will feature the brutal death of a major character, describing the upcoming episodes as “shocking” and packed with trauma, drama, and twists. He emphasised that the most powerful exits often involve characters the audience cares deeply about, suggesting that the loss will cut close to home for fans. Behind the scenes, the decision did not come easily.

MacLeod revealed that the production team spent a great deal of time deliberating which character should face this grisly fate. He admitted that story conferences often turn fiery, with heated arguments about balancing viewer impact against the long-term storytelling landscape of the show. Despite the darkness of the storyline, MacLeod also teased that audiences can look forward to some joy.

What Lies Ahead in Coronation Street

The death storyline is not the only major change on the horizon. Starting in January, both Coronation Street and Emmerdale will introduce a new broadcast schedule based on recent audience research. Episodes will run for 30 minutes each, with Emmerdale airing at 8pm and Corrie following at 8:30pm, creating what ITV has dubbed a “soap power hour.” This adjustment will see both soaps cut one episode per week.

MacLeod promised that everything leading up to this crossover, including the high-stakes 65th anniversary episodes will build towards a bigger and bigger payoff, with drama peaking in a spectacular way. Speculation is already rife among fans about which beloved character could be on the chopping block.

As Sally Ann Matthews and Daniel Brocklebank has already announced their forthcoming exits, viewers are wondering if either could meet their end during the anniversary. However, soaps are no stranger to surprises, and MacLeod’s comments leave open the possibility that the victim could be someone completely unexpected. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for all the latest Coronation Street spoilers and updates.