[Scarlett.]

Corrie is set to introduce 'story associates' (also Emmerdale too), this will bring it in line with soaps like EastEnders and Hollyoaks - Story associates are small teams of creative minds who come up with new storylines and monitor them

Coronation Street producers are looking to recruit a new breed of writers and soap fanatics to help them create fresh plot-lines for the popular ITV stalwart. It is understood to be the first time ‘story associates’ will be used on the show.

How-Do is awaiting information from ITV on the exact of the size of the group and how it will function, but has already been informed that the broadcaster is hoping to attract a broad mix of writers and soap fans to reflect and build on the show’s diverse audience groups.

It marks, as was imparted to How-Do, a “completely new way” of influencing and moulding the show.

Story associates are not a new concept in the creation and evolution of storylines, but this is a first for Coronation Street.

It is expected that a similar talent pool will also be called in to work on Emmerdale at a later date.

Those that succeed in gaining a berth on the initiative will work alongside Coronation Street’s story editor, series editor and producer.