Coronation Street is to air its first real kiss between two characters since the coronavirus pandemic began this week.

For the last 15 months the soap has been filmed with strict social distancing measures in place on set, with cast and crew all keeping at least two metres apart from each other.

As part of a big new storyline for young Weatherfield County footballer James, however, actor Nathan Graham formed a close cohort with Dylan Brady, who plays his love interest Danny, to enable them to physically interact in key scenes.

In an episode airing on Wednesday night to mark Pride month, James decides to admit the truth about his sexuality at a press conference following probing questions from journalist.

Back on the street, Danny tells James that he watched the press conference and wants them to become an item - and they share a kiss.

Corrie has previously used coronavirus cohort protocols in order to film the 60th anniversary storyline involving Geoff, Yasmeen and Alya, as well as the plot that saw siblings Kevin and Debbie Webster get locked in a freezer.

> Picture Spoilers: Next week on Coronation Street (June 29-July 2)