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Coronation Street is sensationally plotting to bring back its most famous character Hilda Ogden for blockbuster 50th anniversary live episodes.

In a move that could blow EastEnders' huge 25th birthday show last Friday out of the water, a galaxy of Street legends is set to return.

They could also include Mavis Wilton, Curly Watts and Tracy Barlow, as well as a guest appearance by Oasis star Noel Gallagher.

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Show chiefs have been hatching plans for dramatic shows featuring movie-style stunts for Corrie's birthday in December.

And they were encouraged when the EastEnders anniversary episode drew a huge 16.6million viewers to see Bradley Branning fall to his death off and Stacey Slater confess she killed Archie Mitchell. The outcome had been one of the Square's best kept secrets. Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey, only learned she was the murderer 20 minutes before the live broadcast.

But ITV are confident Corrie's 50th anniversary will be even bigger and better. Producer Kim Crowther said: "We are planning lots. It will be must-see television. I'd love to see Hilda back."

Insiders revealed that Corrie is hoping to show at least two live birthday episodes - with a sizzling storyline that will put the Archie Mitchell whodunnit in the shade.

A mole said: "EastEnders was brilliant but Corrie is twice as old and is planning to be twice as jaw-dropping, like nothing seen before. Corrie is cooking up ways to really blow fans' minds. The fact they want Hilda back, shows they want it to be the stuff of soap legend."

Live episodes of Corrie were transmitted weekly in its early days and a live show for its 40th anniversary in 2000 drew 17.5million viewers.

Hilda, played by 83-year-old Jean Alexander, was last seen on the Street in 1987, when her final scenes attracted 27million viewers.

In an online chat, producer Kim suggested they may also talk to Kate Ford, 32, who played Tracy Barlow. She said: "There may well be some exciting returning cast. It would be fab to see Tracy Barlow back, wouldn't it? "Noel Gallagher would be great as well. There are also plans for some new faces in the factory."

Our mole added: "This year is the ultimate war of the soaps. EastEnders set the bar high on Friday but Corrie will want to smash it. Whatever happens, they will make it go with a bang."

The People