Coronation Street fans have been robbed of a truly great soap spin-off.
Telly bosses had plans to use Sally and Kevin Webster to launch an early-evening soap spin-off down south – but chickened out at the last minute.
Writer Russell T Davies has revealed that 12 scripts were written for the 90s spin-off before bosses pulled the plug.
Called Mario’s, the two characters were given fake names as the scripts were developed so nothing leaked.
But alas it was not to be.
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He revealed on Instagram: “For six months, Patrea Smallacombe (who worked on Cell Block H when she was 18 and has such stories to tell) and I were locked in an office to develop and write MARIO’S, a spin-off soap for Sally & Kevin Webster @sallydynevor.
“Planned for 5 days a week, ITV at 5.30. They’d inherit some money, so Kevin opened a garage down south.
“They had neighbours like a boozy housewife in her negligee (sorry, it was the 90s), a Mrs Mangel-type woman and, on the corner, a pizzeria, Mario’s, with a boisterous Italian family.
Coronation Street spin-off for Sally and Kevin
“12 scripts or so were written. I think Kevin & Sally were called Paul & Linda so no one knew our secret. But ITV said no. Hey ho.
“We marched onwards! Next!”
Corrie star Jane Danson commented: “This is brilliant! Made me laugh out loud.”
Another fan added: “Absolutely loving this bonkers wander down memory lane.”
And award-winning screenwriter Jonathan Harvey revealed he too was developing a spin-off at the same time.
He commented: “And while you were developing your Kevin and Sally soap I was doing my Big Smoke one, to which ITV also said no.
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“The inhabitants of a west London tower block. We even shot a pilot with Ashley Walters and Jane Hazelgrove!”
Jonathan also revealed what replaced the two shows – a revival of Crossroads.
He added: “Crossroads beat us all!”
Would you have liked a Coronation Street spin-off with Kevin and Sally? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know!