War of Rovers

Time may be called on the exclusive status of Coronation Street's Rovers Return.

11:16 09 June 2004

Time may be called on the exclusive status of Coronation Street's Rovers Return.

Leaks from the set of the Weatherfield soap say that Irish barman Ciaran McCarthy is to set up his own bar in competition with his former bosses.

And the charming Irishman, played by ex-Boyzone singer Keith Duffy, will attempt to draw the younger punters from the iconic pub.

But all will not ruin smoothly for the bar lothario.

Penny King - who lends Ciaran the money for the venture - wants rather a lot for her money, according to the Daily Star today.

"It's a massive storyline for Keith's character Ciaran . . . but he might be expected to return Penny's favours in bed," a Street source told The Star.

"There will be a bratpack in Corrie who will flock to the new bar. It will be a place to unwind, make merry, and, more importantly, go on the pull," he added.