CORRIE’S SCHEMING OF A BRIGHT XMAS

CORRIE fans can forget the doom and gloom and look forward to a happy Yuletide on the cobbles.

New boss Iain MacLeod said the soap’s festive episodes will “reek of Christmas”.

It comes after Corrie was criticised for its dark storylines, two of which involved a serial killer and sex grooming. Former Emmerdale boss MacLeod, right, who took over as producer in July, said: “We’re going to have a Christmassy Christmas this year.

“There will be some big heartbreaking stories within that, a huge shock at the end and hopefully a surprising pay-off. When you sit down to digest your stuffing balls and sprouts you need it to be warm and light-hearted in places.”

TV watchdog Ofcom got 541 complaints about Pat Phelan’s murder rampage and 122 over an episode in which David Platt was raped.

Ex-producer Kate Oates’ decision to make the soap grittier led to a boycott and outrage from celeb fans.

Paul O’Grady said: “It was about working-class life in a little street.

“Now it’s like Syria. There used to be wonderful vignettes in the Rovers – a conversation over nothing.’’

Veteran broadcaster Sir Michael Parkinson, 83, said the once “gentle and funny” soap was now more like a “horror film than a family show”.

When appointed, MacLeod pledged to bring back the laughter, saying: “The show is at its best when it’s got comedy in it.’’

The Star Says: Page 6