Coronation Street star Simon Gregson has officially relaunched the newly refurbished Rovers Return set at Madame Tussauds Blackpool.
The actor, who plays the famous pub’s landlord Steve McDonald in the UK’s longest running soap, was the first person to step behind the bar where he unveiled a plague dedicated to his character.
He was joined by wax figures of co-stars past and present, including legends Ken and Deirdre Barlow, Jack and Vera Duckworth, Bet Lynch and Hilda Ogden.
Simon, who has walked the cobbles of Weatherfield for 25 years, said: “The Rovers is my home away from home and the set at Madame Tussauds Blackpool is just like the real thing. The wax figures here are so lifelike, it is easy to get carried away chatting to them.
“It is great to be by the seaside, Blackpool and Coronation Street are both British institutions. I just have to watch out for the trams.”
The replica Rovers seats 86 people and boasts a fully licensed bar. Visitors can hire the location for functions, parties and even weddings.
Matthew Titherington, manager of the attraction, said: “Everyone knows the Rovers Return and the people who drink in it. This is our testament to over 54 years of a national treasure.
“We can’t imagine life without Coronation Street and I can’t imagine Madame Tussauds Blackpool without the Rovers Return set.”
