CORONATION street stars were plunged into a real-life drama when a car ploughed into one of the show's directors during filming on the famous cobbled set.

A crew member was moving the vehicle when the accelerator jammed and it hit Kay Patrick outside Jack Duckworth's house, at Granada studios in Manchester.

Ms Patrick, 57, was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary with severe bruising.

The driver was treated at the scene for shock. Actress Nikki Patel, who plays Dev's daughter Amber Kalirai, was seen being comforted as she left the studio.

Other actors seen leaving included Andrew Whyment (Kirk Sutherland) and Peter Armitage (Bill Webster). Ryan Thomas (Jason Grimshaw) was seen in a 4x4 driven by girlfriend and former co-star Tina O’Brien.

A group of crew members, including one who appeared to be in tears, were hugging each other as they left along Great John Street.

One passer-by standing at the studio gates said: “Some of the cast and crew looked visibly shocked.”

The car driver works for Granada’s transport department and was driving a pool car used to make the set look like a real-life street.

One Granada source said: “He’s a really nice guy and was in bits after it happened. He was absolutely distraught.”

Traffic police were seen arriving in a car marked ‘collision reconstruction unit’ after the accident on Friday afternoon.

Officers could be seen on the cobbles outside Dev Alahan’s corner shop. Ms Patrick, who was released from hospital after treatment, trained as an actress at RADA and acted in a number of shows including Doctor Who, Z Cars and Crossroads.

She then began directing radio programmes and worked on EastEnders in its early days. ITV has launched an investigation after the incident.

A spokeswoman said: “We can confirm an accident occurred on the set of Coronation Street during filming. The accident occurred as the crew were setting up for a scene which involved a small amount of vehicle movement.

"The female director has been injured as a consequence and been taken to hospital. No other member of the crew or cast has been injured.

“ITV’s health and safety team on site in Manchester are currently conducting an investigation into how this accident has occurred and are liaising with the Health and Safety Executive.”