[Smithy]

ITV soap Coronation Street is to air daily at 9pm from May 31 to June 4 for its most expensive episodes to date, the network has announced.

The scheduling shake-up comes as a dramatic siege plot involving Weatherfield villain Tony Gordon (Gray O'Brien) coincides with the Britain's Got Talent live semi-final rounds.

In total, six episodes of the Manchester-based serial will air over the week rather than the usual five instalments. The first will air at 7pm on May 31, with five further editions stripped across the week from 9pm to 9.30pm.

Wrapped around the long-running drama will be the live Britain's Got Talent performance and results shows, airing each night from 7.30pm to 9pm and 9.30pm to 10pm respectively.

Additionally, both Coronation Street and Britain's Got Talent will simulcast on ITV1 HD as Corrie is joining the channel from May 31.

Speaking of the special schedule, ITV's director of television Peter Fincham said: "With the live drama of Britain's Got Talent and the explosive return of one of Coronation Street's most notorious villains, it's a huge week for ITV1 and our viewers. I'm particularly delighted that both shows will be available in high definition for the first time on ITV1 HD."

Coronation Street's shock siege week will feature the most expensive episodes filmed in the serial's history. The plotline will see Tony escaping from prison before holding a number of Weatherfield favourites hostage at Underworld.