Coronation Street fans have called for an animated special after ITV’s April Fool’s joke stirred up some excitement.
Corrie’s social media yesterday announced they would be airing a special animated series, and plenty of fans fell hook, line and sinker for the gag.
To be fair, it would make sense since actors are all stuck at home and can’t film scenes from set – and since we’re all living through a coronavirus-induced blur, you’d be forgiven for forgetting yesterday’s date.
Sadly, today Corrie posted that the announcement had been a joke – but fans weren’t having it, with many insisting the series should be made anyway.
“You caught us... Coronation Street: The Animated Series was an April Fools - it would be pretty fun though! 😘😂,” they wrote alongside a separate post.
“Which of our characters would you like to have seen as a cartoon?”
CHECK OUT: Corrie spoilers Monday 6 - Friday 10 April
Corrie spoilers Monday 6 - Friday 10 April slider
Closer-corrie-spoilers
When Geoff threatens suicide to stop Yasmeen from leaving him, Yasmeen goes to the police and is horrified to learn the extent of his criminal past.
Closer-corrie-spoilers
After Gemma tells Bernie she doesn't need her help anymore, Bernie reluctantly prepares to leave the street and asks Chesney to keep and eye on Gemma.
Closer-corrie-spoilers
Later that week, Gemma boards a bus with the quads but is soon overcome with anxiety and has to get off the bus - leaving the babies on board.
Closer-corrie-spoilers
Luckily Chesney has seen the whole thing and manages to save the quads, and Gemma finally breaks down and admits she's struggling to cope.
Closer-corrie-spoilers
But soon Gemma is clamming up again and when Bernie and Chesney try to talk to her about the bus incident she clams up and storms out.
Closer-corrie-spoilers
Rita finds a distressed Gemma in Victoria gardens and marches her home to try and find a solution. When Gemma admits she no longer feels in control, Chesney makes an appointment at the medical centre.
Closer-corrie-spoilers
Meanwhile, Emma is feeling insecure and gets the wrong end of the stick when she spots Seb helping Alina to carry coffees into Underworld.
Closer-corrie-spoilers
Inside, Alina is conducting interviews for the new telemarketer role. A nervous Michael sits down for interview and begins babbling about his daughter, but Alina warms to him.
Closer-corrie-spoilers
Later on, Emma brings Eccles to the vet and is devastated to learn he has a deadly tumour. When the rest of the family arrive they're horrified to learn that Eccles is dead.
Closer-corrie-spoilers
A devastated Emma returns to the flat and declares that she's moving back in and so Seb will have to move out.
Closer-corrie-spoilers
When Seb refuses, Emma gets even more upset and begins throwing his belongings out of the window, much to his horror.
Closer-corrie-spoilers
Steve sees the commotion and hurries across the street to calm Emma down but when he returns home he's in for a shock of his own.
Closer-corrie-spoilers
Nina has sparked a new passion for environmental issues in Mary and Evelyn and the three of them head off to join a zero-carbon protest at the town hall.
Closer-corrie-spoilers
But Mary and Evelyn get a bit too into the spirit and soon Roy has to call Imran to get them out of trouble after they get arrested at the protest.
Closer-corrie-spoilers
Elsewhere, Rick's daughter Kelly has just transferred to Weatherfield High and approaches Asha and Summer to try and make friends.
Closer-corrie-spoilers
When Gary clocks Kelly in her school uniform, he vows to find out why she's left her old school and rings in a few favours to find out.
WATCH: Mike and Priscilla on how they broke a number one rule | Love Island Secrets
One fan said, “It will be good while actors can’t actually be together”, and another agreed, “I fell for it... but a great idea!”
“I’m gutted ... I thought it was a brill idea!! X” said another, while one more wrote, “This is a NEED during COVID-19”.
The original post said, “EXCLUSIVE: Coronation Street: The Animated Series.
READ MORE soap news and spoilers
Corrie fans spot clue that Geoff Metcalfe is POISONING Yasmeen Nazir
EastEnders spoilers: Phil Mitchell's in jail and prepares to confess all
Hollyoaks spoilers: Felix Westwood blackmails Walter Deveraux
“Experience all the drama, comedy and romance you've come to expect from Corrie, but in a way you've never seen before!”
And though some clever fans did call out the joke, plenty of others were convinced, with one writing, “Will the normal version be out after corona?” and another asking, “Is this for when they run out of episodes?”
Coronation Street, like many other soaps, having currently reduced their regular programming, to stretch out their pre-recorded material for as long as possible while filming is cancelled due to coronavirus.
Even Corrie cast member Colson Smith, who plays Craig Tinker, got involved, writing, “Love it, can’t wait to see animated Craig!”