Coronation Street is primed for a ratings and ad revenue boom tonight as the soap goes live to mark its 50th anniversary.

Monday's explosive episode showing a tram crashing into the street was watched by 14 million viewers, with similar numbers expected to tune in to see the aftermath of the devastation tonight.

The audience spike means ITV can expect to make £4m from the ads sold around this evening's live special, with each slot priced in the region of £100,000 according to Media Week.

Producers will, however, be hoping that the broadcast goes ahead and isn't derailed like Monday's tram.

According to The Sun, Manchester police have erected a "ring of steel" around the Street's set after being "tipped off" that the broadcast could be hit by a terror strike.