The Manchester Studios
Encyclopedia
The Manchester Studios (or Granada Studios) is a television studio on Quay Street
in Manchester
with the facility to broadcast live and film drama programmes. The studios have been home to Granada Television
since its inception in 1954. The Granada Studios were the first, and remain the oldest operating television studios in the United Kingdom and is arguably the most famous studio alongside BBC Television Centre
.
Until 2010, the studios had a red neon Granada TV sign on roof of the building which was a landmark for rail passengers travelling from the west into Manchester city centre
. A decorative broadcasting tower was erected at the behest of Sidney Bernstein to give the studios an embellished and professional appearance. Currently three main studios, which each cover over 4500 square feet (418.1 m²), are still operating.
The studios are owned by ITV Granada and BBC Manchester
through a joint venture company, 3SixtyMedia
. After a dip in production during the 2000s, the studios have undergone a revival since 2009. Production continues nearly 60 years after construction with Coronation Street
, University Challenge
and The Jeremy Kyle Show
produced at the studios. Countdown
moved to Manchester when the Leeds Studios closed in 2009. New programmes such as John Bishop's Britain
, The Chase
, Divided
, Take Me Out
and High Stakes are produced and the studios hosted the first ever General Election debate in April 2010.
Granada Studios will close by 2013 when Granada moves to MediaCityUK. The Quay Street site will be sold for redevelopment while the original Coronation Street set could be maintained by MOSI. Granada House is not a listed building and will most likely be demolished despite being the first and oldest operating television studios in the United Kingdom.
, Associated Rediffusion, ATV
and ABC
(Granada's weekend counterparts) converted film studios for television use. The difficulty was that equipment for film was incompatible and new areas were required for playout and transmission facilities. Granada bypassed these problems by creating new studios.
Sidney Bernstein chose its base for northern operations from Leeds
, Liverpool
and Manchester. Granada executive, Victor Peers, believed Manchester was the preferred choice even before Granada executives, Peers, Denis Forman
, Reg Hammans and Sidney Bernstein, toured possible locations. One site was identified by Hammans in Leeds and three were found in Manchester which convinced Bernstein to explore further. Two sites were deemed expensive, and another in Salford Quays
was rejected by Bernstein as inadequate. A site on Quay Street
in Manchester city centre
owned by Manchester City Council
was bought for £82,000. The land was previously a cemetery
containing pauper's graves, where 22,000 people were buried.
, but Sidney Bernstein was instrumental in influencing designs and giving regular plan briefings. Bernstein was believed to have some architectural ability despite no experience or formal training. In his memoirs, Forman noted that, "Anyone who witnessed Sidney at work in one of these sessions had to acknowledge his practical genius as an architect" as Bernstein lectured and demonstrated his plans for the studios to colleagues. Forman wrote that Tubbs looked "sometimes enthusiastic, sometimes disconsolate" during Bernstein's lecture briefings.
The logo which adorned the building was in a period font and remained in position from 1961 until 2010. Bernstein, keen to save money, had the studios built in a modular, sequential cycle - so new facilities were built unless was there demand. This led to a jumbled appearance as the company expanded and renovated the site which encompassed a bonded warehouse built in the Victorian era
.
The original studios were in a two-storey building on Quay Street. Bernstein stipulated in 1956 the company needed the bare minumum of studio space and was unwilling to invest in facilities that would rarely be used. This was the reason construction took from 1954 to 1962 and the save money at all costs mantra was reflective Sidney Bernstein's business plan. Facilities expanded and a tower block was built next and studios expanded over time.
, a joint venture between Granada Television and BBC Manchester
. Granada produced many programmes for the BBC such as University Challenge, The Royle Family and What The Papers Say and the link allowed the BBC use of the three large studios compared with one atNew Broadcasting House
.
In 2002, the studio's reception area was moved from the eastern end of the tower block off Atherton Street, to the western end inside the compound so visitors passed through a secure area before accessing the non-public reception. The old reception area is now unused. Granada unveiled plans to move into the bonded warehouse adjacent to Granada House in 2003. One of the four studios would be decommissioned as part of the move, but this plan was postponed as plans for the BBC to move production to Manchester emerged.
Asbestos was found at the studios in October 2002, but not removed until the spring 2006 costing of thousands of pounds. The renovation meant programmes such as Mastermind
and An Audience with Coronation Street
were moved to The Leeds Studios
and The London Studios
respectively. In 2006, the 21 acre studio facility employed approximately 1,200 people.
After the BBC selected MediaCityUK as its new Manchester operating base, Granada progressed its £18m move to the bonded warehouse. About 800 office employees moved to the renovated warehouse, leaving 400 employees in the Granada building which houses three studios.
The iconic "Granada TV" sign on Manchester skyline, remained in place on the roof and sides of the buildings until September 2010 despite rebranding and the merger between Granada and Carlton. A safety check revealed the signs, that had been in place since the 1950s, were severely corroded and unsafe. They were removed from the penthouse suite in October 2010. Other signs remain on the side of the tower and on either side of the small building on Quay Street. A large ITV logo by the entrance has been placed next to the gate. By the entrance to the studio tour, the signs have been removed and replaced with the ITV logo, and the Granada name painted over.
The merger between Granada plc and Carlton Communications
to form ITV plc
created speculation that the Quay Street complex would be sold. In 2004, a plan for the production centre to be sold for development and the regional news centre and staff moved into the bonded warehouse in the complex. Production would move to Yorkshire Television
's Leeds Studios
, and other centres including independent facilities.
The company negotiated with Peel Holdings with a view to relocating to Trafford Wharf, next to Imperial War Museum North
and the MediaCityUK development. The proposal meant the outdoor Coronation Street set would need to be relocated, and plans to create a Media hub at Quay Street abandoned. The discussions continued for many years but in March 2009, Granada reported that due to the poor financial climate, it would remain at Quay Street "for the forseeable future". Talks resumed in January 2010 after a change of management at ITV plc and Granada announced on 16 December 2010 that it would move production and ancillary staff to the Orange Building in the MediaCityUK complex to produce Granada Reports and production of Coronation Street would take place at a facility across the Manchester Ship Canal
in Trafford Park on Trafford Wharf. The new facility will have studios with production units, set storage, dressing rooms, studio space for interior sets and a new outdoor set which is expected to open in 2012.
The Granada Studios Tour
operated from 1989 to 1999 and gave the public the opportunity to visit the Coronation Street set and explore other Granada productions. The idea was ambitious and unprecedented. John Williams
, head of studio operations at Granada, promoted the project to provide a new revenue stream for Granada, the only television company to embark on such a venture. The park featured a replica of No. 10 Downing Street, and visitors were shown how television is produced, had the opportunity to present a weather forecast and learned about special effects. The main feature of the tour was the set of Coronation Street
, which allowed visitors access to the street.
In 1997, Granada built Skytrak, a "flying roller-coaster" which tilted riders forward as the ride progressed. Skytrak, an uncomfortable ride, was considered a failure and was plagued by mechanical unreliability. Nevertheless, it was the first roller-coaster of its type in the world.
The tour was initially popular, attracting 5.5 million visits between 1988 and 1999, but the attraction fell into disrepair as Granada concentrated on other priorities such as the launch of OnDigital (ITV Digital
)in the late 1990s. Visitor numbers waned and the tour closed in 1999. The entrance to the park remains, but the Granada Studios Tour sign has been removed and replaced with an ITV
logo.
In addition to the original studios, there are other studios located around the complex. The Garden Studio is located in the garden, south of the tower, and is 477m² and used for interview based programmes or press shoots.
The Starlight Theatre was part of the Granada Studios Tour changed into two studios of 700m² and 424m². It was used for drama productions and late-night ITV Play
programming. It is located in the southwest corner of the site. The Blue Shed which measures 1577m² is not available for public hire.
Post production facilities are located in the tower block as are green rooms and other guest facilities. The site contains the set of Coronation Street
on the south of the site, and the bonded warehouse on south west.
Quay Street
Quay Street is a street in the city centre of Manchester, England. The street continues Peter Street westwards towards Salford. Spinningfields, Manchester's new business district, is to the north and Castlefield, the historical area of the city to the south...
in Manchester
Manchester
Manchester is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England. According to the Office for National Statistics, the 2010 mid-year population estimate for Manchester was 498,800. Manchester lies within one of the UK's largest metropolitan areas, the metropolitan county of Greater...
with the facility to broadcast live and film drama programmes. The studios have been home to Granada Television
Granada Television
Granada Television is the ITV contractor for North West England. Based in Manchester since its inception, it is the only surviving original ITA franchisee from 1954 and is ITV's most successful....
since its inception in 1954. The Granada Studios were the first, and remain the oldest operating television studios in the United Kingdom and is arguably the most famous studio alongside BBC Television Centre
BBC Television Centre
BBC Television Centre at White City in West London is the headquarters of BBC Television. Officially opened on 29 June 1960, it remains one of the largest to this day; having featured over the years as backdrop to many BBC programmes, it is one of the most readily recognisable such facilities...
.
Until 2010, the studios had a red neon Granada TV sign on roof of the building which was a landmark for rail passengers travelling from the west into Manchester city centre
Manchester City Centre
Manchester city centre is the central business district of Manchester, England. It lies within the Manchester Inner Ring Road, next to the River Irwell...
. A decorative broadcasting tower was erected at the behest of Sidney Bernstein to give the studios an embellished and professional appearance. Currently three main studios, which each cover over 4500 square feet (418.1 m²), are still operating.
The studios are owned by ITV Granada and BBC Manchester
BBC Manchester
BBC Manchester is the British Broadcasting Corporation regional headquarters for the North West, the largest BBC region in the UK. BBC Manchester also forms a key part of BBC North....
through a joint venture company, 3SixtyMedia
3SixtyMedia
3sixtymedia is a joint venture production facilities company, based in Manchester and co-owned by Granada Television and BBC Manchester...
. After a dip in production during the 2000s, the studios have undergone a revival since 2009. Production continues nearly 60 years after construction with Coronation Street
Coronation Street
Coronation Street is a British soap opera set in Weatherfield, a fictional town in Greater Manchester based on Salford. Created by Tony Warren, Coronation Street was first broadcast on 9 December 1960...
, University Challenge
University Challenge
University Challenge is a British quiz programme that has aired since 1962. The format is based on the American show College Bowl, which ran on NBC radio from 1953 to 1957, and on NBC television from 1959 to 1970....
and The Jeremy Kyle Show
The Jeremy Kyle Show
The Jeremy Kyle Show is an award-winning British daytime television tabloid talk show presented by Jeremy Kyle that has been broadcast on ITV since 4 July 2005. The show is recorded and produced by Granada Television at the Granada Studios on Quay Street in Manchester city centre and broadcast each...
produced at the studios. Countdown
Countdown (game show)
Countdown is a British game show involving word and number puzzles. It is produced by ITV Studios and broadcast on Channel 4. It is presented by Jeff Stelling, assisted by Rachel Riley, with regular lexicographer Susie Dent. It was the first programme to be aired on Channel 4, and over sixty-five...
moved to Manchester when the Leeds Studios closed in 2009. New programmes such as John Bishop's Britain
John Bishop's Britain
John Bishop's Britain is a British television programme presented by comedian John Bishop, each program has a theme e.g. food. It features stand-up, sketches and real-life stories from celebrity guests and members of the public on that particular topic. There have been two series filmed to date....
, The Chase
The Chase (game show)
The Chase is a British game show, broadcast on ITV . It is hosted by Bradley Walsh. The chasers are Mark Labbett, Shaun Wallace, both of whom have been Chasers since Series 1, Anne Hegerty, who joined them in Series 2, and Paul Sinha, who debuted in Series 4.-Format:A team of 4 contestants attempt...
, Divided
Divided (game show)
Divided was a British game show, first broadcast on 18 May 2009. The programme was hosted by Andrew Castle with Charlotte Hudson as the Question Master for Series 1, and Rachel Pierman as the Question Master for Series 2....
, Take Me Out
Take Me Out (game show)
Take Me Out is a television dating game show, hosted by Paddy McGuinness, that started airing on ITV1 in the United Kingdom and TV3 Ireland on 2 January 2010. It is based on the Original Australian TV show Taken Out. In September 2010, Irish broadcaster TV3 started broadcating an Irish version of...
and High Stakes are produced and the studios hosted the first ever General Election debate in April 2010.
Granada Studios will close by 2013 when Granada moves to MediaCityUK. The Quay Street site will be sold for redevelopment while the original Coronation Street set could be maintained by MOSI. Granada House is not a listed building and will most likely be demolished despite being the first and oldest operating television studios in the United Kingdom.
History
After Granada secured the contract for broadcasting to the North of England on weekdays, the company built a television studio complex while the BBCBBC One
BBC One is the flagship television channel of the British Broadcasting Corporation in the United Kingdom. It was launched on 2 November 1936 as the BBC Television Service, and was the world's first regular television service with a high level of image resolution...
, Associated Rediffusion, ATV
Associated TeleVision
Associated Television, often referred to as ATV, was a British television company, holder of various licences to broadcast on the ITV network from 24 September 1955 until 00:34 on 1 January 1982...
and ABC
Associated British Corporation
Associated British Corporation was one of a number of commercial television companies established in the United Kingdom during the 1950s by cinema chain companies in an attempt to safeguard their business by becoming involved with television which was taking away their cinema audiences.In this...
(Granada's weekend counterparts) converted film studios for television use. The difficulty was that equipment for film was incompatible and new areas were required for playout and transmission facilities. Granada bypassed these problems by creating new studios.
Sidney Bernstein chose its base for northern operations from Leeds
Leeds
Leeds is a city and metropolitan borough in West Yorkshire, England. In 2001 Leeds' main urban subdivision had a population of 443,247, while the entire city has a population of 798,800 , making it the 30th-most populous city in the European Union.Leeds is the cultural, financial and commercial...
, Liverpool
Liverpool
Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough of Merseyside, England, along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. It was founded as a borough in 1207 and was granted city status in 1880...
and Manchester. Granada executive, Victor Peers, believed Manchester was the preferred choice even before Granada executives, Peers, Denis Forman
Denis Forman
Sir Denis Forman is a former executive in the British film and television industry.-Career:Forman was born in 1917 at Cragielands in Dumfries and educated at Pembroke College, Cambridge. Forman had a distinguished military career during the Second World War and was wounded at Monte Cassino. After...
, Reg Hammans and Sidney Bernstein, toured possible locations. One site was identified by Hammans in Leeds and three were found in Manchester which convinced Bernstein to explore further. Two sites were deemed expensive, and another in Salford Quays
Salford Quays
Salford Quays is an area of Salford in Greater Manchester, England, near the end of the Manchester Ship Canal. Previously the site of Manchester Docks, it became one of the first and largest urban regeneration projects in the United Kingdom following the closure of the dockyards in...
was rejected by Bernstein as inadequate. A site on Quay Street
Quay Street
Quay Street is a street in the city centre of Manchester, England. The street continues Peter Street westwards towards Salford. Spinningfields, Manchester's new business district, is to the north and Castlefield, the historical area of the city to the south...
in Manchester city centre
Manchester City Centre
Manchester city centre is the central business district of Manchester, England. It lies within the Manchester Inner Ring Road, next to the River Irwell...
owned by Manchester City Council
Manchester City Council
Manchester City Council is the local government authority for Manchester, a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England. It is composed of 96 councillors, three for each of the 32 electoral wards of Manchester. Currently the council is controlled by the Labour Party and is led by...
was bought for £82,000. The land was previously a cemetery
Cemetery
A cemetery is a place in which dead bodies and cremated remains are buried. The term "cemetery" implies that the land is specifically designated as a burying ground. Cemeteries in the Western world are where the final ceremonies of death are observed...
containing pauper's graves, where 22,000 people were buried.
Architecture
The studios were designed by Ralph TubbsRalph Tubbs
Ralph Tubbs, OBE, FRIBA was a British architect. Well known amongst the buildings he designed was the Dome of Discovery at the successful Festival of Britain on the South Bank in London in 1951....
, but Sidney Bernstein was instrumental in influencing designs and giving regular plan briefings. Bernstein was believed to have some architectural ability despite no experience or formal training. In his memoirs, Forman noted that, "Anyone who witnessed Sidney at work in one of these sessions had to acknowledge his practical genius as an architect" as Bernstein lectured and demonstrated his plans for the studios to colleagues. Forman wrote that Tubbs looked "sometimes enthusiastic, sometimes disconsolate" during Bernstein's lecture briefings.
The logo which adorned the building was in a period font and remained in position from 1961 until 2010. Bernstein, keen to save money, had the studios built in a modular, sequential cycle - so new facilities were built unless was there demand. This led to a jumbled appearance as the company expanded and renovated the site which encompassed a bonded warehouse built in the Victorian era
Victorian era
The Victorian era of British history was the period of Queen Victoria's reign from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. It was a long period of peace, prosperity, refined sensibilities and national self-confidence...
.
The original studios were in a two-storey building on Quay Street. Bernstein stipulated in 1956 the company needed the bare minumum of studio space and was unwilling to invest in facilities that would rarely be used. This was the reason construction took from 1954 to 1962 and the save money at all costs mantra was reflective Sidney Bernstein's business plan. Facilities expanded and a tower block was built next and studios expanded over time.
Renovation
In 2000, the Granada Studios were taken over by 3SixtyMedia3SixtyMedia
3sixtymedia is a joint venture production facilities company, based in Manchester and co-owned by Granada Television and BBC Manchester...
, a joint venture between Granada Television and BBC Manchester
BBC Manchester
BBC Manchester is the British Broadcasting Corporation regional headquarters for the North West, the largest BBC region in the UK. BBC Manchester also forms a key part of BBC North....
. Granada produced many programmes for the BBC such as University Challenge, The Royle Family and What The Papers Say and the link allowed the BBC use of the three large studios compared with one atNew Broadcasting House
New Broadcasting House
New Broadcasting House is the home of the BBC on Oxford Road in Manchester city centre. The studios house BBC Manchester, BBC North, BBC North West, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC Religion and Ethics department...
.
In 2002, the studio's reception area was moved from the eastern end of the tower block off Atherton Street, to the western end inside the compound so visitors passed through a secure area before accessing the non-public reception. The old reception area is now unused. Granada unveiled plans to move into the bonded warehouse adjacent to Granada House in 2003. One of the four studios would be decommissioned as part of the move, but this plan was postponed as plans for the BBC to move production to Manchester emerged.
Asbestos was found at the studios in October 2002, but not removed until the spring 2006 costing of thousands of pounds. The renovation meant programmes such as Mastermind
Mastermind (TV series)
Mastermind is a British quiz show, well known for its challenging questions, intimidating setting and air of seriousness.Devised by Bill Wright, the basic format of Mastermind has never changed — four and in later contests five contestants face two rounds, one on a specialised subject of the...
and An Audience with Coronation Street
An Audience with...
An Audience with... is a British entertainment television show produced by ITV Studios, in which a host, usually a singer or comedian, performs for an invited audience of celebrity guests, interspersed with questions from the audience, in a light hearted revue/tribute style.The show began as An...
were moved to The Leeds Studios
The Leeds Studios
The Leeds Studios also known as the Yorkshire Television Studios or YTV Studios is a television production complex on Kirkstall Road in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England...
and The London Studios
The London Studios
The London Studios is a television studio complex which is owned by London Weekend Television and has been home to the London Weekend ITV provider since 1972...
respectively. In 2006, the 21 acre studio facility employed approximately 1,200 people.
After the BBC selected MediaCityUK as its new Manchester operating base, Granada progressed its £18m move to the bonded warehouse. About 800 office employees moved to the renovated warehouse, leaving 400 employees in the Granada building which houses three studios.
The iconic "Granada TV" sign on Manchester skyline, remained in place on the roof and sides of the buildings until September 2010 despite rebranding and the merger between Granada and Carlton. A safety check revealed the signs, that had been in place since the 1950s, were severely corroded and unsafe. They were removed from the penthouse suite in October 2010. Other signs remain on the side of the tower and on either side of the small building on Quay Street. A large ITV logo by the entrance has been placed next to the gate. By the entrance to the studio tour, the signs have been removed and replaced with the ITV logo, and the Granada name painted over.
Relocation
Granada Studios, the first purpose built and oldest television studios in UK, became outdated in an era of high definition television. Despite its iconic status, Granada House has been described as a "1960's nightmare" by staff.The merger between Granada plc and Carlton Communications
Carlton Communications
Carlton Communications was a British media company. It was led by Michael Green and listed on the London Stock Exchange from 1983 until 2 February 2004, when it taken over by Granada plc to form ITV plc with Carlton gaining 32% of the new company....
to form ITV plc
ITV plc
ITV plc is a British media company that operates 12 of the 15 regional television broadcasters that make up the ITV Network, the oldest and largest commercial terrestrial television network in the United Kingdom...
created speculation that the Quay Street complex would be sold. In 2004, a plan for the production centre to be sold for development and the regional news centre and staff moved into the bonded warehouse in the complex. Production would move to Yorkshire Television
Yorkshire Television
Yorkshire Television, now officially known as ITV Yorkshire and sometimes unofficially abbreviated to YTV, is a British television broadcaster and the contractor for the Yorkshire franchise area on the ITV network...
's Leeds Studios
The Leeds Studios
The Leeds Studios also known as the Yorkshire Television Studios or YTV Studios is a television production complex on Kirkstall Road in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England...
, and other centres including independent facilities.
The company negotiated with Peel Holdings with a view to relocating to Trafford Wharf, next to Imperial War Museum North
Imperial War Museum North
Imperial War Museum North is a museum in the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford in Greater Manchester, England. One of the five branches of the Imperial War Museum, the museum explores the impact of modern conflicts on people and society. It is the first branch of the Imperial War Museum to be...
and the MediaCityUK development. The proposal meant the outdoor Coronation Street set would need to be relocated, and plans to create a Media hub at Quay Street abandoned. The discussions continued for many years but in March 2009, Granada reported that due to the poor financial climate, it would remain at Quay Street "for the forseeable future". Talks resumed in January 2010 after a change of management at ITV plc and Granada announced on 16 December 2010 that it would move production and ancillary staff to the Orange Building in the MediaCityUK complex to produce Granada Reports and production of Coronation Street would take place at a facility across the Manchester Ship Canal
Manchester Ship Canal
The Manchester Ship Canal is a river navigation 36 miles long in the North West of England. Starting at the Mersey Estuary near Liverpool, it generally follows the original routes of the rivers Mersey and Irwell through the historic counties of Cheshire and Lancashire. Several sets of locks lift...
in Trafford Park on Trafford Wharf. The new facility will have studios with production units, set storage, dressing rooms, studio space for interior sets and a new outdoor set which is expected to open in 2012.
Future
It appears likely that the Quay Street site will be sold for development dependent on Manchester City Council's agreement as the council owns land on the site. It would be a prime redevelopment site regardless of the studios' historical importance. A 2003 article in the Daily Telegraph estimated the Granada House building could sell for £15m, a speculative figure considering the economic situation in 2011.Granada Studios Tour
Granada Studios Tour
Granada Studios Tour was an entertainment theme park at the Granada Studios complex in Castlefield, Manchester which England operated from 1988 to 1999...
operated from 1989 to 1999 and gave the public the opportunity to visit the Coronation Street set and explore other Granada productions. The idea was ambitious and unprecedented. John Williams
John Williams (businessman)
John Williams is a businessman who has most notably involved as a football executive in English football. Born in Hampshire, Williams he moved north to work at Granada Manchester in the late 1970s....
, head of studio operations at Granada, promoted the project to provide a new revenue stream for Granada, the only television company to embark on such a venture. The park featured a replica of No. 10 Downing Street, and visitors were shown how television is produced, had the opportunity to present a weather forecast and learned about special effects. The main feature of the tour was the set of Coronation Street
Coronation Street
Coronation Street is a British soap opera set in Weatherfield, a fictional town in Greater Manchester based on Salford. Created by Tony Warren, Coronation Street was first broadcast on 9 December 1960...
, which allowed visitors access to the street.
In 1997, Granada built Skytrak, a "flying roller-coaster" which tilted riders forward as the ride progressed. Skytrak, an uncomfortable ride, was considered a failure and was plagued by mechanical unreliability. Nevertheless, it was the first roller-coaster of its type in the world.
The tour was initially popular, attracting 5.5 million visits between 1988 and 1999, but the attraction fell into disrepair as Granada concentrated on other priorities such as the launch of OnDigital (ITV Digital
ITV Digital
ITV Digital was a British digital terrestrial television broadcaster, which launched a pay-TV service on the world's first digital terrestrial television network as ONdigital in 1998 and briefly re-branded as ITV Digital in July 2001, before the service ceased in May 2002. Its main shareholders...
)in the late 1990s. Visitor numbers waned and the tour closed in 1999. The entrance to the park remains, but the Granada Studios Tour sign has been removed and replaced with an ITV
ITV
ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK...
logo.
Live studios
The studio complex comprises the original building and office block accessible from Quay Street, with other studios around the complex. When completed, Granada's studios were numbered evenly to falsely embellish the size of the complex and make Granada Television appear to be a large broadcaster. Granada Studios main studios - Studio 6, 8 and 12 - are housed in Granada House.Operating
Of the original studios four remain:- Studio 2 - A small studio housing Granada ReportsGranada ReportsGranada Reports is the flagship regional news programme of ITV franchisee Granada, presented by Tony Morris and Lucy Meacock, and serving the North West of England and the Isle of Man....
and Granada News. - Studio 6 - A compact studio measuring 414m² (4,456 ft²) currently housing The Jeremy Kyle ShowThe Jeremy Kyle ShowThe Jeremy Kyle Show is an award-winning British daytime television tabloid talk show presented by Jeremy Kyle that has been broadcast on ITV since 4 July 2005. The show is recorded and produced by Granada Television at the Granada Studios on Quay Street in Manchester city centre and broadcast each...
. It was intended to be mothballed to reduce maintenance costs in 2003, but was reprieved after programme production increased. - Studio 8 - A medium-sized studio measuring 491m² (5,285 ft²) with a capacity of 240 is used for filming quiz shows such as University ChallengeUniversity ChallengeUniversity Challenge is a British quiz programme that has aired since 1962. The format is based on the American show College Bowl, which ran on NBC radio from 1953 to 1957, and on NBC television from 1959 to 1970....
, MastermindMastermind-In psychology:* Genius* Mastermind , one of the 16 role variants that the Keirsey Temperament Sorter is based on* INTJ , a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator-In games:* Mastermind, classic board game...
, The Krypton FactorThe Krypton FactorThe Krypton Factor was a British game show produced by Granada Television for broadcast on ITV. The show originally ran from 7 September 1977 to 20 November 1995, and was hosted by Gordon Burns and usually broadcast on the ITV network on Mondays at 19:00....
, CountdownCountdownA countdown is a sequence of counting backward to indicate the seconds, days, or other time units remaining before an event occurs or a deadline expires. Typical events for which a countdown is used include the launch of a rocket or spacecraft, the detonation of a bomb, the start of a race, and the...
and The ChaseThe Chase (game show)The Chase is a British game show, broadcast on ITV . It is hosted by Bradley Walsh. The chasers are Mark Labbett, Shaun Wallace, both of whom have been Chasers since Series 1, Anne Hegerty, who joined them in Series 2, and Paul Sinha, who debuted in Series 4.-Format:A team of 4 contestants attempt...
. - Studio 12 - A large studio measuring 733m² (7,889 ft²) with a capacity of 524 is used for entertainment shows. The BeatlesThe BeatlesThe Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
filmed their first television performance in this studio and the studio hosted the First Election Debate in 201o.
Closed
- Studio 4 - A small in vision continuity studio was mothballed, then converted into offices and now part of reception.
- Studio 10 - Not in the studio complex. Studio 10 was at the Chelsea Palace Theatre, London and used for interviews and filming acts outside Manchester. It was sold by Granada in the 1960s.
In addition to the original studios, there are other studios located around the complex. The Garden Studio is located in the garden, south of the tower, and is 477m² and used for interview based programmes or press shoots.
Drama studios
ITV Play
ITV Play was a 24/7 participation television channel in the United Kingdom owned by ITV plc. The ITV Play name continued on the ITV Network until December 2007....
programming. It is located in the southwest corner of the site. The Blue Shed which measures 1577m² is not available for public hire.
Post production facilities are located in the tower block as are green rooms and other guest facilities. The site contains the set of Coronation Street
Coronation Street
Coronation Street is a British soap opera set in Weatherfield, a fictional town in Greater Manchester based on Salford. Created by Tony Warren, Coronation Street was first broadcast on 9 December 1960...
on the south of the site, and the bonded warehouse on south west.
Granada backlot - Coronation Street set
Adjacent to the main studio building and behind the Bonded Warehouse is the Coronation Street. The current set was first created in 1982 and has remained since.Productions at Granada Studios
- See List of television programmes set, produced or filmed in Manchester for further productions made at Granada and in Manchester
Fictional programmes recorded at Granada
- Off air denotes if the programme has been cancelled or if the programme is now recorded elsewhere
| Programme | Channel | Studio | Status | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University Challenge University Challenge University Challenge is a British quiz programme that has aired since 1962. The format is based on the American show College Bowl, which ran on NBC radio from 1953 to 1957, and on NBC television from 1959 to 1970.... |
ITV ITV ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK... /BBC Two BBC Two BBC Two is the second television channel operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation in the United Kingdom. It covers a wide range of subject matter, but tending towards more 'highbrow' programmes than the more mainstream and popular BBC One. Like the BBC's other domestic TV and radio... |
8 | |||
| Countdown Countdown (game show) Countdown is a British game show involving word and number puzzles. It is produced by ITV Studios and broadcast on Channel 4. It is presented by Jeff Stelling, assisted by Rachel Riley, with regular lexicographer Susie Dent. It was the first programme to be aired on Channel 4, and over sixty-five... |
Channel 4 Channel 4 Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster which began working on 2 November 1982. Although largely commercially self-funded, it is ultimately publicly owned; originally a subsidiary of the Independent Broadcasting Authority , the station is now owned and operated by the Channel... |
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| High Stakes | ITV ITV ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK... |
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| The Jeremy Kyle Show The Jeremy Kyle Show The Jeremy Kyle Show is an award-winning British daytime television tabloid talk show presented by Jeremy Kyle that has been broadcast on ITV since 4 July 2005. The show is recorded and produced by Granada Television at the Granada Studios on Quay Street in Manchester city centre and broadcast each... |
ITV ITV ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK... |
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| Divided Divided (game show) Divided was a British game show, first broadcast on 18 May 2009. The programme was hosted by Andrew Castle with Charlotte Hudson as the Question Master for Series 1, and Rachel Pierman as the Question Master for Series 2.... |
ITV ITV ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK... |
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| You've Been Framed You've Been Framed You've Been Framed is a British television show, produced by ITV Studios for ITV where viewers send in humorous home videos. It is currently narrated by the comedian Harry Hill.... |
ITV ITV ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK... |
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| A Question of Sport A Question of Sport A Question of Sport is a long-running BBC quiz show which started on 2 December 1968 and continues to this day. It is currently recorded at The Studios, MediaCityUK... |
BBC BBC The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff... |
Also filmed at New Broadcasting House New Broadcasting House New Broadcasting House is the home of the BBC on Oxford Road in Manchester city centre. The studios house BBC Manchester, BBC North, BBC North West, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC Religion and Ethics department... . Now filmed at MediaCityUK. |
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| John Bishop's Britain John Bishop's Britain John Bishop's Britain is a British television programme presented by comedian John Bishop, each program has a theme e.g. food. It features stand-up, sketches and real-life stories from celebrity guests and members of the public on that particular topic. There have been two series filmed to date.... |
BBC BBC The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff... |
12 | Moved to MediaCityUK in 2011 | ||
| Take Me Out Take Me Out (game show) Take Me Out is a television dating game show, hosted by Paddy McGuinness, that started airing on ITV1 in the United Kingdom and TV3 Ireland on 2 January 2010. It is based on the Original Australian TV show Taken Out. In September 2010, Irish broadcaster TV3 started broadcating an Irish version of... |
ITV ITV ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK... |
12 | First series filmed at Granada but has now moved to Maidstone Studios. | ||
| The Chase The Chase (game show) The Chase is a British game show, broadcast on ITV . It is hosted by Bradley Walsh. The chasers are Mark Labbett, Shaun Wallace, both of whom have been Chasers since Series 1, Anne Hegerty, who joined them in Series 2, and Paul Sinha, who debuted in Series 4.-Format:A team of 4 contestants attempt... |
ITV ITV ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK... |
8 | 2009 | First series in 2009 filmed at Granada Studios before moving to The London Studios The London Studios The London Studios is a television studio complex which is owned by London Weekend Television and has been home to the London Weekend ITV provider since 1972... |
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| Peter Kay's Britain's Got the Pop Factor... | Channel 4 Channel 4 Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster which began working on 2 November 1982. Although largely commercially self-funded, it is ultimately publicly owned; originally a subsidiary of the Independent Broadcasting Authority , the station is now owned and operated by the Channel... |
12 | 2008 | ||
| Soapstar Superstar Soapstar Superstar Soapstar Superstar was a reality singing competition produced by Granada Television which first aired on British television station ITV in 2006. In the competition, ten soap opera actors perform in front of a celebrity panel, which included Cilla Black, Billy Sammeth and Chris Cowey... |
ITV ITV ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK... |
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| The Krypton Factor The Krypton Factor The Krypton Factor was a British game show produced by Granada Television for broadcast on ITV. The show originally ran from 7 September 1977 to 20 November 1995, and was hosted by Gordon Burns and usually broadcast on the ITV network on Mondays at 19:00.... |
ITV ITV ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK... |
8 | First series in 2009 filmed at Granada Studios before moving to The London Studios The London Studios The London Studios is a television studio complex which is owned by London Weekend Television and has been home to the London Weekend ITV provider since 1972... |
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| The Comedians | ITV ITV ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK... |
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| So It Goes So It Goes (TV series) So It Goes was a British TV music show presented by Tony Wilson on Granada Television between 1976 and 1977. It is most famous for showcasing the then burgeoning Punk rock movement... |
ITV ITV ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK... |
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| Runway Runway (game show) Runway was a daytime quiz programme that was produced by Granada Television and ran on the ITV network from 12 October 1987 until 19 February 1993... |
ITV ITV ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK... |
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| Stars in Their Eyes Stars In Their Eyes Stars in Their Eyes is a British television talent show that ran on Saturdays nights from 21 July 1990 until 23 December 2006 in which contestants impersonate showbiz stars... |
ITV ITV ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK... |
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| Lift Off with Ayshea Lift Off with Ayshea "Lift Off with Ayshea" is a British TV show, produced by Granada Television for the ITV network, which ran for 144 editions spanning eight series, between November 1969 and December 1974.... |
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| Connections Connections (game show) Connections is a British television game show. It was produced by Granada Television and aired on the ITV network from 1985 to 1990.-Hosts:... |
ITV ITV ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK... |
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| What The Papers Say What the Papers Say What The Papers Say is a BBC radio programme that originally ran for many years on British television.Its first incarnation was the second longest-running programme on British television after Panorama... |
ITV ITV ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK... /Channel 4 Channel 4 Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster which began working on 2 November 1982. Although largely commercially self-funded, it is ultimately publicly owned; originally a subsidiary of the Independent Broadcasting Authority , the station is now owned and operated by the Channel... /BBC Two BBC Two BBC Two is the second television channel operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation in the United Kingdom. It covers a wide range of subject matter, but tending towards more 'highbrow' programmes than the more mainstream and popular BBC One. Like the BBC's other domestic TV and radio... |
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| Shang-a-lang Shang-a-Lang (TV series) Shang-a-Lang was a children's pop music TV series starring the Scottish band, the Bay City Rollers. It was produced in Manchester by Granada Television for the ITV network and ran for one 20-week series in 1975.... |
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Productions
- This list includes fictional programmes or documentaries that were/are produced or partly filmed at The Manchester Studios. This list includes productions from Granada Television, Red Production Company and RSJ Films who are all based at The Studios
- Coronation StreetCoronation StreetCoronation Street is a British soap opera set in Weatherfield, a fictional town in Greater Manchester based on Salford. Created by Tony Warren, Coronation Street was first broadcast on 9 December 1960...
- Seven Up!Seven Up!The Up Series is a series of documentary films produced by Granada Television that have followed the lives of fourteen British children since 1964, when they were seven years old. The documentary has had seven episodes spanning 49 years and the documentary has been broadcast on both ITV and BBC...
- A Family At WarA Family At WarA Family At War is a British drama series that aired on ITV from 1970 to 1972. It was created by John Finch and made by Granada Television for ITV. The director was David Giles....
- The DustbinmenThe DustbinmenThe Dustbinmen was a British television sitcom made by Granada Television for ITV, which starred Bryan Pringle, Trevor Bannister, Graham Haberfield and Tim Wylton. The show was a spin-off from a one-off 90-minute TV movie "There's a Hole in Your Dustbin, Delilah" written by Jack Rosenthal and...
- The Stars Look Down
- Laurence Olivier PresentsLaurence Olivier PresentsLaurence Olivier Presents is a British television series made by Granada Television which ran from 1976 to 1978.The plays, with the exception of Hindle Wakes, all starred Laurence Olivier. Some of the plays were based on productions staged at the National Theatre during the period when Olivier was...
- Brideshead RevisitedBrideshead Revisited (TV serial)Brideshead Revisited is a 1981 British television serial produced by Granada Television for broadcast by the ITV network. The teleplay is based on Evelyn Waugh's novel Brideshead Revisited...
- The Adventures of Sherlock HolmesThe Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (TV series)The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is the name given to the TV series of Sherlock Holmes adaptations produced by British television company Granada Television between 1984 and 1994, although only the first two series bore that title on screen. The series was broadcast on the ITV network in the UK,...
- The Jewel in the Crown
- CribbCribbCribb is a television police drama which debuted in 1979 as a 90-minute TV film from Granada Television in the UK...
- First Among EqualsFirst Among Equals (TV series)First Among Equals is a ten-part miniseries based on Jeffrey Archer's 1984 novel First Among Equals, produced by Granada Television and aired on ITV in 1986....
- Nearest and DearestNearest and DearestNearest and Dearest is a British television sitcom that ran from 1968 to 1973. A total of 46 episodes were made, 18 in monochrome and 28 in colour...
- The LoversThe LoversThe Lovers is the sixth trump or Major Arcana card in most traditional Tarot decks. It is used in game playing as well as in divination.- Interpretation :...
- The Cuckoo WaltzThe Cuckoo WaltzThe Cuckoo Waltz was a British television sitcom made by Granada Television for the ITV network between 1975 and 1977 and in 1980.The series which was set in 1970s and Manchester, written by Geoffrey Lancashire, produced and directed by Bill Gilmour, dealt with the comic complications that ensue...
- WatchingWatchingWatching is a British television sitcom, produced by Granada Television for the ITV network and broadcast for seven series and four specials between 1987 and 1993....
. - Wood and WaltersWood and WaltersWood and Walters is a British television comedy sketch show starring Julie Walters and Victoria Wood for Granada Television and written entirely by Wood...
- The PracticeThe Practice (1985 TV series)The Practice was a 1985 British television soap opera produced for ITV by Granada Television, which aired for two series in 1985 and 1986. The series was first introduced as a twice-weekly medical drama in January 1985, becoming Granada's second regular networked soap opera along with Coronation...
- Max and Paddy's Road to NowhereMax and Paddy's Road to NowhereMax and Paddy's Road to Nowhere was an award-winning British comedy television show on Channel 4 starring and written by Peter Kay and Patrick McGuinness. All the episodes were also directed by Kay. It began on 12 November 2004 and ran for six 30 minute episodes up until 17 December 2004, with each...
- Phoenix Nights
- Albion MarketAlbion MarketAlbion Market was a short-lived British soap opera, intended as a companion to Coronation Street on ITV.Coronation Street, ITV's perennial soap opera, celebrated its 25th anniversary in December 1985. Granada TV launched Albion Market in August of that year, six months after the BBC's EastEnders...
- Clocking OffClocking OffClocking Off is a British television drama series which ran on the BBC One network for four series from 2000 to 2003. It was produced for the BBC by the independent Red Production Company, and created by Paul Abbott...
- Doctor ZhivagoDoctor Zhivago (TV serial)Doctor Zhivago is a 2002 British television serial directed by Giacomo Campiotti and starring Keira Knightley and Sam Neill. The teleplay by Andrew Davies is based on the 1957 novel of the same title by Boris Pasternak....
- The Corridor PeopleThe Corridor PeopleThe Corridor People is a British television series produced by Granada Television for the ITV network in 1966, devised and written by Edward Boyd....
- Jeeves and WoosterJeeves and Wooster-External links:*—An episode guide to the series, including information about which episodes were adapted from which Wodehouse stories.*—Episode guides, screenshots and quotes from the four series....
- Band of GoldBand of Gold (TV series)Band of Gold is a television drama series written by Kay Mellor and produced by Granada Television. It wasoriginally shown on ITV between 1995 and 1997...
- Bob & Rose
- Linda GreenLinda GreenLinda Green is a British television comedy-drama series that lasted for two series, screened in 2001 and 2002. The twenty half-hour episodes were broadcast on BBC One and produced for the BBC by the independent Red Production Company....
- Having It OffHaving It OffHaving it Off is a one-off TV comedy series for BBC Choice made by Red Production Company in 2002.It was set at a cheap hairdressing salon in Eccles, Greater Manchester...
- Burn ItBurn ItBurn It was a drama series, with touches of dark comedy, following the lives of three twenty-somethings in present-day Manchester.-About:The series followed Carl, Andy and Jon as three self-proclaimed Generation X-ers going through life without any real responsibilities to worry them...
- The Deal
- Thatcher: The Final DaysThatcher: The Final DaysThatcher: The Final Days is a 1991 British television film about the events surrounding the final few days of Margaret Thatcher's time as Prime Minister. It was written by Richard Maher, directed by Tim Sullivan and starred Sylvia Syms in the role of Mrs Thatcher...
- The Second ComingThe Second Coming (TV serial)The Second Coming is a two-part British television drama first screened on ITV in the UK in February 2003. It concerns the realisation of Steve Baxter that he is in fact the Son of God, and has just a few days to find the human race's Third Testament and thus avert the Apocalypse.It was written...
- ConvictionConviction (2004 TV series)Conviction is a British television crime drama that premiered on BBC Three on 7 November 2004. The six part series was written by Bill Gallagher and stars William Ash, David Warner, Ian Puleston-Davies, Reece Dinsdale, Nicholas Gleaves, Laura Fraser and Jason Watkins...
- Blue MurderBlue Murder (UK TV series)Blue Murder was a British crime drama television series based in Manchester. Shown on ITV from 2003 until 2009 when it was axed by the Network, it starred Caroline Quentin as DCI Janine Lewis.-Outline:...
- Sex TrafficSex TrafficSex Traffic is a British-Canadian two-part television drama directed by David Yates, written by Abi Morgan and produced by Veronica Castillo and Derek Wax...
- Dirty Filthy LoveDirty Filthy LoveDirty Filthy Love is a British single television drama starring Michael Sheen as an architect living with obsessive-compulsive disorder and Tourette syndrome....
- CasanovaCasanova (2005 TV serial)Casanova is a 2005 British television comedy drama serial, written by television scriptwriter Russell T Davies and directed by Sheree Folkson...
- VincentVincent (TV series)Vincent is an ITV drama series. An initial series was made and aired in 2005 and starred Ray Winstone, in the title role, and Suranne Jones as two members of a team of private eyes hired by people to spy on their partners or indeed anyone else they need to keep tabs on. The four part series also...
- Living with Michael JacksonLiving with Michael JacksonLiving with Michael Jackson is a Granada Television documentary, in which British journalist Martin Bashir interviewed Michael Jackson over a span of eight months, from May 2002 to January 2003...
- Scott & BaileyScott & BaileyScott & Bailey is a British detective drama series that debuted on ITV on 29 May, 2011. The programme's main characters are DC Rachel Bailey and DC Janet Scott , both of whom are members of the Major Incident Team of the fictional Manchester Metropolitan Police, headed by DCI Gill Murray...
- ExileExile (TV series)Exile is a British psychological thriller television series dealing with the topic of Alzheimer's disease against a background of corruption. It stars John Simm and Jim Broadbent and was broadcast on BBC One...
- Queer as FolkQueer as Folk (UK TV series)Queer as Folk is a 1999 British television series that chronicles the lives of three gay men living in Manchester's gay village around Canal Street. Both Queer as Folk and Queer as Folk 2 were written by Russell T Davies...
- Crown CourtCrown Court (TV series)Crown Court was an afternoon television courtroom drama produced by Granada Television for the ITV network that ran from 1972, when the Crown Court system replaced Assize courts and Quarter sessions in the legal system of England and Wales, to 1984....
- Lost EmpiresLost EmpiresLost Empires is a 1986 television adaptation of J. B. Priestley's novel of the same name, and starred Colin Firth, John Castle and Laurence Olivier. It was shown as a miniseries, and premiered on UK TV in October 1986.-Plot:...
- Surgical Spirit
- MarcMarc (TV series)Marc is a British television series presented by T. Rex lead singer Marc Bolan. It was produced in Manchester by Granada Television for the ITV network....
- AllsortsAllsorts (TV series)Allsorts is British children's television programme which aired from 8 January 1986 to 12 December 1995 on ITV...
- RecklessReckless (TV serial)Reckless is a British television serial written by Paul Abbott. Produced by Granada Television for the ITV network, it aired in six parts in the UK in 1997.A two-hour sequel, Reckless: The Movie, was shown in 1998....
- Prime Suspect
- CrackerCracker (UK TV series)Cracker is a British crime drama series produced by Granada Television for ITV and created and principally written by Jimmy McGovern. The series is centered on a criminal psychologist , Eddie "Fitz" Fitzgerald, played by Robbie Coltrane. Set in Manchester, it consists of three series which were...
- Cold FeetCold FeetCold Feet is a British comedy-drama television series produced by Granada Television for the ITV network. The series was created and principally written by Mike Bullen as a follow-up to his award-winning 1997 Comedy Premiere of the same name. The storyline follows three couples experiencing the...
- Lewis
- The StreetThe Street (TV series)The Street is a British television drama series created by Jimmy McGovern and produced by Granada Television for the BBC. The series follows the lives of various residents of an unnamed street in Manchester and features an all-star cast including Timothy Spall, Jim Broadbent, Jane Horrocks, Bob...
- Island at WarIsland at WarIsland at War is a British television series that tells the story of the German Occupation of the Channel Islands. It primarily focuses on three local families: the upper class Dorrs, the middle class Mahys and the working class Jonases, and four German officers. The fictional island of St...
- VincentVincent (TV series)Vincent is an ITV drama series. An initial series was made and aired in 2005 and starred Ray Winstone, in the title role, and Suranne Jones as two members of a team of private eyes hired by people to spy on their partners or indeed anyone else they need to keep tabs on. The four part series also...
- See No Evil: The Moors Murders
- Britannia HighBritannia HighBritannia High was a British musical drama television series co-produced by Granada Television Britannia High was a British musical drama television series co-produced by Granada Television Britannia High was a British musical drama television series co-produced by Granada Television (now part of...
- Eleventh Hour
- City LightsCity Lights (ITV series)City Lights is a British comedy-drama broadcast on ITV starring Robson Green and Mark Benton. The show is a sequel to the 2006 series Northern Lights .-Plot:...
- Cold FeetCold FeetCold Feet is a British comedy-drama television series produced by Granada Television for the ITV network. The series was created and principally written by Mike Bullen as a follow-up to his award-winning 1997 Comedy Premiere of the same name. The storyline follows three couples experiencing the...
- The Royle FamilyThe Royle FamilyThe Royle Family is a popular, BAFTA award-winning television comedy drama produced by Granada Television for the BBC, which ran for three series between 1998 and 2000, and specials from 2006 onwards...
- The Last Train
See also
- Media in ManchesterMedia in ManchesterMedia in Manchester like music and sport has been an integral part of Mancunian culture for many generations and has been described as the only other British city to rival to London in terms of television broadcasting....
- Granada TelevisionGranada TelevisionGranada Television is the ITV contractor for North West England. Based in Manchester since its inception, it is the only surviving original ITA franchisee from 1954 and is ITV's most successful....
- Granada plc
- Granada Studios TourGranada Studios TourGranada Studios Tour was an entertainment theme park at the Granada Studios complex in Castlefield, Manchester which England operated from 1988 to 1999...
External links
- 3Sixty Media - Owners of The Manchester Studios Website almost wholly devoted to Quay Street.
- YouTube video - Granada Reports bids farewell to Quay Street
- Transdiffusion Studio One - Article on BBC Television Centre which includes some information about construction of Quay Street
- The Manchester Studios Website - Provided information about Studios
- TVARK Granada Gallery - Included info of Granada Studios tour and of studio layout.
- TV Studio History