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Coronation Street producer Phil Collinson has insisted that Claudia Colby will not be taking over the reins of the Rovers Return.

Claudia - played by Rula Lenska - was tipped to become the new landlady of the iconic pub late last year following the announcement that Liz McDonald is leaving the cobbles for good.

However, speaking to Inside Soap about The Rovers' future, Collinson explained: "Steve still owns the pub and that's not going to change in the foreseeable future. He and Becky are definitely at the heart of it and they're not going anywhere.

"We will get a new licensee, as that was Liz. It won't be Claudia, though - that was just a silly rumour. I think Rula Lenska is wonderful, but she won't be taking over."

Collinson also dismissed claims that Sean Tully will tie the knot with ex-lover Marcus Dent on the same day that Prince William and Kate Middleton marry. Antony Cotton - who plays Sean - has also previously denied the rumours.

Collinson said: "Don't believe everything you read - there'll be no gay wedding on that night. But the residents of the street will definitely be celebrating the wedding of Wills and Kate. It would be a bit odd if you tuned in that day and it wasn't mentioned!"

Digital Spy