Coronation Street - stars forced to diet

16 January 2008 - Coronation Street stars have been put on a diet after piling on the pounds over Christmas.

Bosses on the hit ITV1 soap have told the show's caterers to stop serving stodgy food and replace it with low-calorie, healthy alternatives.

A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "If there's an early morning shoot, a fry-up followed by a hearty lunch is a regular occurrence. They are going to introduce some low-calorie food as a subtle alternative."

Stars who have gained weight in recent months include Simon Gregson, who plays Steve McDonald and Craig Charles, the show's Lloyd Mullaney.

The actor's figures will now be under scrutiny and if producers feel they are getting too big, they will have a discreet word.

However, some stars have lost weight in recent months including Jennie McAlpine, who plays Fizz Brown, and Vicky Binns, the Street's Molly Compton.

(C) BANG Media International