The Coronation Street set was hit by real thieves while filming a dramatic armed robbery.
Corrie stars, including Simon Gregson, were filming the explosive scenes on location in Bolton when the alleged raid took place.
The thieves targeted a nearby storage unit base just before midday before making off with a generator.
An ITV spokeswoman told the Mirror: "We can confirm a small domestic generator was stolen during a low-level opportunistic theft from the unit base of filming today for Coronation Street whilst the crew were on location in Bolton.
"The programme's cast and crew weren't at the unit base at the time. The incident was reported to the police and filming wasn't affected."
Five police cars were seen racing to the scene, near Bolton Rugby Union Club.
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A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: “Greater Manchester Police were yesterday called to reports of a suspected armed robbery at around 11.30am."
In the outside broadcast, Simon Gregson, who plays taxi driver Steve McDonald, unwittingly acts as a getaway driver for a balaclava-clad thief.
Simon, who plays Steve, was a short walk away from the crew's 'unit base' where the incident occurred.
The storyline will develop to see Steve questioned by police over his involvement in the theft.
His character Steve is horrified when a customer holds a garage up at knifepoint in a balaclava.
Steve unwittingly becomes a getaway driver for the gang of thugs.
The cab driver is in for a bumpy ride when he picks up a troublesome passenger in his taxi.
Steve picks up customer Dave, who seems friendly but is hiding a dark secret.
Dave shows his true colours when they stop outside a garage during the journey.
While Steve waits outside, it's all kicking off inside the garage as Dave threatens a worker with a knife.
Dave robs the store and shocks Steve when he jumps back in the cab and orders him to drive.
Steve manages to escape unharmed but there's another bad twist.
The former Rovers landlord is accused of helping Dave with the raid and interviewed by police.
Viewers will discover what happens on May 17.
*Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on ITV at 7.30pm and 8.30pm
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