A regional daily has jokingly “stomped” on a fictional weekly rival’s turf after an appearance in a soap opera.

Characters in Coronation Street were seen discussing the Manchester Evening News’s review of a restaurant in the fictitious Weatherfield suburb where the soap is set during Monday’s episode.

Bistro owner Nick Tilsley was astonished to find the glowing review in the MEN, having initially believed it had appeared in the fictional Weatherfield Gazette newspaper.

The writer, presumed to be from the newspaper’s CityLife what’s on guide, heaped praise on the “welcoming attractive staff” and compliments the chef’s cooking skills.

Nick Tilsley, right, shows off the review to fellow Coronation Street characters

Nick was heard telling fellow character Carla Connor: “The review’s not in the Weatherfield Gazette… it’s in the Manchester Evening News.

“It raves about us apparently, says the chef is sensational.”

Later on in the episode Bistro workers Steph Britton and Robert Preston were seen holding copies of the MEN and discussing the review.

A piece in the MEN reads: “The paper’s on-screen cameo follows a series of real-life rave reviews in CityLife for Manchester’s finest eateries, but this appears to be the first time a Coronation Street establishment has appeared in the paper.

“But who knows what could happen in future now the MEN is stomping all over the Weatherfield Gazette’s turf… look out for possible reviews of Roy’s Rolls, food hygiene ratings of the Prima Donner kebab shop, and a full pub write-up of the Rovers Return.”

Mock-ups of the Gazette have previously appeared in the MEN on occasion. Last January the newspaper paid tribute to long-serving Coronation Street actress Anne Kirkbride with a front page tribute following her death.

However, in April the Gazette came in for criticism from former Northern Echo editor Peter Sands after an edition featuring a headline spelling error and Scottish football news appeared in an episode of the programme.