Russell T Davies has praised 'Coronation Street' for containing the "greatest line of dialogue ever written".
Russell T Davies
The former 'Doctor Who' executive producer - who had a short stint as a 'Corrie' storyliner in 1996 - believes a line from cobbles legend Bet Lynch (Julie Goodyear) in which she said her smile was in fact a "lid on a scream" is one of the best pieces of script writing ever.
Speaking in a video on the ITV soap's Twitter account, he said: "'Coronation Street' is all about the characters and the dialogue.
"It actually contains the greatest line of dialogue ever written.
"Someone once asked Bet Lynch why she was smiling, despite everything, and she said, 'This isn't a smile, it's the lid on a scream.' "
Russell's comments come after Sir Cliff Richard admitted he has loved watching 'Corrie' - which turns 60 next month - over the years.
He said: "Happy 60th birthday. I have loved watching you for years and years and years, and I realise that I'm even older than 'Coronation Street'.
"Have a lovely birthday!"
And rapper Dizzee Rascal has congratulated 'Corrie' for "mad longevity" after being on air for 60 years.
He said: "I just want to wish 'Coronation Street' a happy 60th anniversary.
"60 years - that is mad. Mad longevity.
"Congratulations yeah - here's to another 60 years. Bless."
Last month, Joanna Lumley reprised her 'Corrie' role as Elaine Perkins - who she played for eight episodes in 1973 - to wish the soap a happy 60th birthday.
She said: "I can hardly believe I'm saying this - I'm saying happy birthday to 'Coronation Street' for 60 years.
"It's unbelievable, and what makes it even more unbelievable (is) that I, Elaine Perkins, who was never allowed in the Rovers Return ... and now [I am] behind here."I'm holding up my glass and saying to you all, all the cast and crew then and now: Happy, happy birthday, a thousand congratulations and in my heart I shall always be part of 'Corrie'.
"Bless you, sweethearts, cheers!"
Tagged in Julie Goodyear Sir Cliff Richard Russell T Davies