Celebrities who started their careers in the industry, including Samia Longchambon of Coronation Street, were devastated by the news.
Samia, 41, rose to fame playing Maria Connor in the ITV soap opera, but one of her earliest acting appearances was on the CITV classic Children’s Ward.
Samia bemoaned the demise of CITV on Sunday on Instagram by posting a memorable retro image from the children’s programme and noting to her followers that a number of other well-known people were also present.
“It’s sad to hear that CITV is closing as a channel,” she wrote. My experiences working on several of its shows are particularly cherished.
How many of you are old enough to recall The Ward, also known as the Children’s Ward, from 1995? Can you find me, @realjanedanson, @officialdannydyer?
Samia’s co-star in Coronation Street, Jane, who portrays Leanne Battersby, responded, “Absolutely heartbreaking. It provided us young actors with such a fantastic platform and resulted in some incredible plays. What a shame.
Samia may be seen in the front room, second from the left, while Jane, 44, is the child in the second row, first from the left.
Danny, who until the start of this year played Mick Carter in EastEnders, is the first person on the left in the back row.
Will Mellor, William Ash, and Tim Vincent were among the well-known faces who appeared on Children’s Ward, which lasted from 1989 until 2000.
On September 1 at 9 p.m., CITV will stop airing to make room for the new channel, ITVX Kids.
