“ROVERS Return To Be Axed.”
That was the crazy front page headline in today’s Daily Star.
It went on to outline a “soap shocker” with Corrie bosses set to call time on Britain’s best loved boozer.
At the heart of this daft story was a claim that the pub is to close its doors in April for a refit “and may never be the same again”.
It went on: “Sources claim it could be shut permanently or be re-opened as a trendy gastro-pub or even a wine bar.”
A “Corrie insider” was then “quoted” as saying: “This news will have Annie Walker, Albert Tatlock and Ena Sharples spinning in their graves.”
The Rovers was also said to be facing a “massive financial crisis” in 2008 which could result in the Weatherfield local “closing its doors for ever”.

As you may already have guessed, the story is total nonsense.
This is what Coronation Street had to say on the matter this morning:
“Coronation Street bosses have reacted angrily to a story in the Daily Star claiming that the Rovers Return is facing closure.
“The story falsely claims that the pub could be shut permanently or be turned into a gastro-pub or even a wine bar.
“There is no truth in this story at all. Liz simply decides that the pub needs a bit of a spruce up because the décor is looking a little shabby.
“She gives the job to Vernon as a project to keep him out of mischief but viewers can relax safe in the knowledge that the changes will not be at all radical.
“The biggest change will be a smoking area in the back yard to save the punters having to stand out in the street.
“The only changes to the interior of the pub will be a lick of paint and new wallpaper. The bar will stay in the same place, the booths will remain, as will the coloured glass.
“The story also wrongly claims that the pub faces financial problems as regulars go elsewhere as a protest against the new décor.
“A spokesperson said: ‘To suggest that the pub will close or change radically is total nonsense. Vernon has a few ideas for new flooring and upholstery that Liz nips in the bud before they even get off the ground.
“A couple of his mates then come in and give the place a lick of paint, it will look a bit brighter and fresher but that is all, and the pub won’t even close for the re-decorating.
“As for the pub having financial problems that is also rubbish. The Rovers is at the heart of the street and is a thriving business and will remain that way.
“It is frustrating for us when false stories like this appear and it does cause concern for our viewers but we would like to reassure them that there is no truth in this story at all.’”