Simon Gregson Re-launches the Rovers Return

Coronation Street star Simon Gregson has officially relaunched the newly refurbished Rovers Return set at Madame Tussauds Blackpool.

The actor, who plays Steve McDonald in the UK’s longest-running soap, helped celebrate the occasion by being the first person to step foot behind the newly refurbished Rovers Return and unveiling a plaque dedicated to the current pub landlord.

He was joined by many existing and former co-star’s wax figures in the Rovers Return set, including legends Ken and Deirdre Barlow, Jack and Vera Duckworth, Bet Lynch and Hilda Ogden.

For the past 25 years, Simon has walked the cobbles as one of the soap’s favourite characters. He is no stranger to The Rovers Return, currently residing there as the pub landlord alongside mum, Liz McDonald. Simon sees it as an honour to reopen the set at Madame Tussauds Blackpool. He 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.” 

New for 2015, Madame Tussauds Blackpool has the ultimate Coronation Street fan experience. The newly refurbished Rovers Return seats 86 people and boasts a fully licensed bar. Visitors can hire the iconic location for functions, parties, or even their wedding, tying the knot next to sweethearts Jack and Vera Duckworth.

Matthew Titherington, General Manager at Madame Tussauds Blackpool 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.”

“It is a venue with a difference; visitors can book for all types of functions alongside their favourite characters.”