Russell T Davies talks Coronation Street's scrapped spin-off

Russell T Davies has revealed more about the Coronation Street spin-off that *almost* happened.

The Queer as Folk creator, who worked on the ITV soap in the '90s, spilled the beans on Mario's, a Corrie spin-off focused on Sally Webster, the character played by Sally Dynevor, and her on-screen husband at the time, Kevin (Michael Le Vell).

In an Instagram post, Davies explained the spin-off was planned to air for five days a week on ITV.

embargo 21 02 sally confronts kevin in coronation street

ITV

As for Sally and Kevin, "They'd inherit some money, so Kevin opened a garage down south."

The two leads would have been surrounded by some interesting secondary characters.

"They had neighbours like a boozy housewife in her negligee (sorry, it was the '90s), a Mrs Mangel-type woman and, on the corner, a pizzeria, Mario's, with a boisterous Italian family," Davies wrote.

He added that they had written "12 scripts or so" for the soap, with a twist.

"I think Kevin & Sally were called Paul & Linda so no one knew our secret," Davies said.

"But ITV said no. Hey ho. We marched onwards! Next!"

View full post on Instagram

Dynevor and Le Vell are among the longest-serving soap stars, having first appeared on the cobbles in 1986 and 1983 respectively.

Ever since that first appearance that set her up for an on-again, off-again romance with Kevin, Sally has come a long way.

Now married to Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine), Sally has begun a political career on the local council and later progresses to become the Mayor.

In an upcoming storyline, Sally is set to infuriate Maria Connor (Samia Longchambon) as both of them had previously expressed interest in becoming representatives for Weatherfield's council.

Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7.30pm on ITV.