Coronation Street Goes Gay For Manchester Pride

Eastenders may have been winning more awards that Coronation Street of late, but if there was an award for the drama serial most supportive of the gay community then Coronation would win hands down following the announcement they’ll be leading out the parade at Manchester Gay Pride for the second year running. Scooping the best float of the parade last year, the Corrie guys and gals have stated that they’re fully committed to ensuring they ”win again” and are working with TV bosses to make sure their float , which must meet the theme of  ”Best of British”, is the best one out there.

Brooke Vincent, who plays lesbian Sophie Webster , has given her support to both Pride and what it stands for  saying:

“I had an absolute ball last year and think it’s a great chance to come together in an awesome city like Manchester and celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life. It’s fantastic that Coronation Street is supporting Pride yet again and I’m very proud to be portraying a lesbian character on screen. Hopefully it will go some way towards making people realise there is nothing in any way wrong with being gay. You’re born who you are!”

Other Corrie stars lending their support to the event include Ian Puleston-Davies (Owen Armstrong), Will Thorp (Chris Gray), Samia Smith (Maria Conor), Alison King (Carla Connor) and Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntyre).

Speaking about event and Corrie’s commitment to Pride, Jackie Crozier, festival director of Manchester Pride, said:

“We are thrilled to welcome back the Corrie cast and even more excited that they are a part of ITV’s first ever float in the Pride parade. The parade is one of the most ‘Loud and Proud’ and public parts of our festival so to have Coronation Street and ITV demonstrate such strong support as a part of this means a lot.”

Manchester Pride 2010 runs from Friday 19 – Monday 29 August with tickets available now from the official Manchester Pride site. Artists performing over the long weekend include Angie Brown, Pixie Lott, Alexandra Burke, Sugababes, Heather Peace and Horse.