McKellen job in Corrie

LORD of the Rings star Ian McKellen is joining the cast of Coronation Street.

The actor - wizard Gandalf in the movie trilogy - has signed up to appear in 10 episodes of the ITV soap as author Mel Hutchwright.

Viewers soon learn that the flamboyant author is not all that he seems.

Last year McKellen, 65, said his only remaining ambition was to appear in the Street - after fulfilling his other desire to play a dame.