[Smithy]

Coronation Street bad boy Gary Windass is to flee his Army barracks in a forthcoming storyline.

The squaddie, played by 23-year-old Mikey North, goes AWOL after seeing another soldier who has lost both legs and an arm while serving in Afghanistan.

Gary decides immediately that he cannot cope with the harsh realities of battle and returns home to Weatherfield before he is due to be flown out to the troubled country.

In subsequent scenes, the Windasses are shocked by Gary's return and slowly come to the realisation that something is amiss. However, by the time they do, Gary goes on the run again.

It is thought that Coronation Street producers consulted Ministry of Defence officials while devising the topical storyline.

A Weatherfield source told the News of the World: "A lot of planning went into this plot as we like to feel we never shirk sensitive issues. We are conscious that barely a week goes by without some terrible news breaking that a soldier has lost his life or has been horrifically injured."

Gary's new plotline is expected to begin next month and continue until May.

AN

Coronation Street couple Roy and Hayley Cropper are to tie the knot later this year, it has been revealed.

The Weatherfield favourites, played by David Neilson and Julie Hesmondhalgh, will finally make their partnership official in one of the soap's 50th anniversary storylines, according to reports today.

Roy and Hayley previously had their relationship blessed in 1999, but were not able to marry officially due to legal restrictions. Hayley was born as a man named Harold and could not wed in her new gender after falling in love with Roy.

However, the law was changed in 2004 and the Croppers are now expected to take advantage of the opportunity in December.

It is thought that the pair's wedding plans will initially cause friction as Roy only wants a low-budget ceremony at a registry office, while Hayley wants to splash out for the occasion.

A source told The Sun: "Thankfully, Roy relents after Hayley puts the pressure on and it's a day for all the street's residents to celebrate."

Reports suggest that Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) and Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) will also marry as part of Coronation Street's 50th anniversary celebrations