Memorial for bomb victims on soap set

THE 22 victims of the Manchester Arena bombing including four people from the North East have been remembered with a permanent memorial on the new Coronation Street set.

The ITV soap’s new-look set features a mosaic-covered memorial bench taking pride of place in an urban garden in memory of those who died, with a special mention for Corrie superfan Martyn Hett.

Mr Hett, who was such a big fan of the show he had a tattoo of Weatherfield stalwart Deirdre Barlow on his leg, was among those killed when suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated a device as crowds left an Ariana Grande concert in May.

His family were among the first people to see the new set last week before it was officially unveiled yesterday in the presence of Corrie stars.

The plaque on the bench reads: “For Martyn and all those who lost their lives on the 22nd of May 2017. We stand together.”

Among those also killed in the attack were Liam Curry, 19, and Chloe Rutherford, 17, both from South Shields – pictured below – as well as Philip Tron, 32, and Courtney Boyle, 19, both from Gateshead.

Corrie star Lucy Fallon, who plays Bethany Platt, told the Press Association: “I think that, especially because Martyn was a massive fan of the show, it’s important for his family to have that tribute to him and all of the other victims and the survivors and everybody that was involved.

“And just for Manchester in general.”

Sarah Platt actress Tina O’Brien said it is the first time the programme has made “an actual conscious effort to go, ‘this happened in Manchester’.”

“We are showing that we support the people that were involved in this, so I think it’s lovely,” she added.

“I was saying it would be really nice if the survivors could be allowed to come and have a look around, visit and see it as well.”