Steve McDonald to sell the Rovers

'Coronation Street's Steve McDonald is set to out the iconic Rovers Return pub up for sale in the New Year.

Coronation Street's iconic Rovers Return pub is set to be put up for sale in the New Year.

Weatherfield regulars at the pub will be left fearing for its future when owner Steve McDonald decides to sell in order to ease his crippling debts.

This leaves the show's characters worried the pub could be turned into a wine bar or even knocked down.

A show insider told the Daily Star newspaper: "The Rovers has been a huge part of the street for years but times change.

"Steve needs to get his hands on some money, and quick. The pub could end up in anyone's hands."

Steve (Simon Gregson) wants to keep the pub as it is, so gives first refusal on buying it to locals Stella and Karl Price, but it has yet to be seen if they can raise the cash.

Steve tells Stella: "Look, if you want it then you've got first refusal. Don't let the grass grow, though, because I needed to sell it yesterday."

The Rovers Return has been a fixture of the soap since its first episode and has seen many dramas, including numerous fires and fights between characters.

It has been owned by iconic characters including Annie Walker, Bet Gilroy and Jack and Vera Duckworth.