Coronation Street very nearly predicted the future last year, as two writers envisioned a pandemic storyline that was ultimately scrapped.
Series producer Iain MacLeod revealed this during a chat with Digital Spy and other media, ahead of the soap's 60th anniversary.
Related: Coronation Street explains why characters are breaking mask rules in episodes
"About a year ago, when we were talking about what we would do for our 60th anniversary, two of our writers pitched a story for a global pandemic, would you believe!" he said.
"It originated in Tyrone's pigeon loft. He'd taken up racing pigeons in homage to Jack, and it came in as a form of bird flu and spread round the street."
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Further recalling this dramatic concept, MacLeod added: "The consensus round the writing room was: 'No, it's just far too far-fetched. No-one's going to buy it'.
"Fast forward to now and it all looks horribly prescient."
Looks like Tyrone got away with one there...
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights on ITV at 7.30pm and 8.30pm, with Fridays sometimes featuring an hour-long episode from 7.30pm instead.
The information in this story is accurate as of the publication date. While we are attempting to keep our content as up-to-date as possible, the situation surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to develop rapidly, so it's possible that some information and recommendations may have changed since publishing. For any concerns and latest advice, visit the World Health Organisation. If you're in the UK, the National Health Service can also provide useful information and support, while US users can contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
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