Where have you seen Roy's stepmother before?

If you're wondering where you've seen Roy Cropper's step mother who turned up on Coronation Street last night, then wonder no more.

The character of Margaret Cropper is played by actor Helen Cotterill.

Helen is a veteran actor from British television and theatre. Her TV work includes other soaps, dramas and her film work even includes Les Mis!

Read her very impressive CV here.

See also: Where have you seen...?
Eric's wife Doris, Audrey's date Henry, Lewis' friend Patrick,The Corrie Registrar, Marcus' friend Aiden, Kirsty's parents, Jenny Sumner, Corrie's prison Governor, Sunita's Aunties, Ken and Deirdre's pottery teacher, Tommy Duckworth,  Mrs Hargreaves who died in Audrey's salon, Sally Webster's fella Jeff, Joy Fishwick's investigator, Charlotte's Parents, Ken Barlow's grandson James, Ken Barlow's son Lawrence, Dr Matt Carter, Saucy Charlotte, Izzy's dad Owen Armstrong,The Corrie coppers, Colin Fishwick, Trevor the binman, Connie Rathbone, Uncle Umed,Julie Carp's mum, Luke Strong, Sophie Webster's boyfriend, Eileen Grimshaw's dad, Norris' girlfriend, Graeme Proctor,Molly's Aunty Pam, Maria's mum and dad, Gail's dad, Scary Brian, Tina's dad, Tony Gordon's henchman, Little Simon Barlow
 
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My wonderful trip to Weatherfield (Part Two)

In part two of my report on my very exciting trip to Weatherfield, I'll be bringing you up to speed on what Stuart Blackburn had to say about Coronation Street under his tenure. I'll also be filling you in on what happened when I joined the journalists for round table interviews with some lovely Corrie actors, and finally I'll bring you one or two interesting (and slightly unusual) titbits.

So to begin...incoming Corrie producer Stuart Blackburn used one word to sum up how it feels to sit in that particular hot seat - awe. Mr Blackburn very obviously has a passion for the Street. He spoke quite movingly about what it means to him and where he wants to take the programme while he's in charge. Stuart said he felt honoured to be working with such an outstanding cast and crew. His vision is to maintain Corrie's position as Britain's best television drama, highlighting its down to earth, working class roots and not forgetting the impact it originally had back in the 1960s.

No major spoilers were revealed, although the next few months will see certain storylines peak. The Platt’s will feature heavily – Nick and Kylie’s secret will grow (poor David!) We will also see more of the Price family as Stella and Karl move their relationship to the next level, although there may be a few surprises along the way. There will also be more of Carla, Peter, Rob and Tracy as well as the development of the major storyline focussing on Roy and his family. I’m sure regular blog contributors will all have thoughts on these!

Now the thought of round table interviews with regular journalists put the fear of god into me I freely admit. We gathered in groups at three different tables while the actors rotated round us in pairs, while Stuart Blackburn listened intently from a safe distance. Unfortunately for me, most of the journalists asked what I would call safe, mundane questions – they were obviously very well-versed in the art of such things. I was slightly awestruck by the entire event, however there were a couple of interesting moments!

First up were Stella and Karl, aka Michelle Collins and John Michie. When the journalists introduced themselves, they missed me out (!) so Michelle locked eyes with me and made sure I was included. When I said I was from the Coronation Street Blog, her immediate reaction was to ask whether I was the nice or the nasty blogger! I was like a rabbit caught in the car headlights! Before I could reply, John Michie stepped in and confirmed that as I was a fellow Scot I must be the nice one! I wasn’t going to disagree!

Next up were Cherylee Houston and Mikey North (Izzy and Gary). I really warmed to both these actors – I could have listened to them for much longer. They both very obviously care about their characters and the street in general and were keen to point out how much they had learned and how far they had developed since they arrived on the cobbles.

Finally we met Michelle Keegan and Chris Fountain (Tina and Tommy). By this point I was becoming a tad frustrated with some of the questions my journalist colleagues were asking so I stuck my brass neck out and asked one of my own! All the journalists were asking the same kind of questions about what it was like to work with a baby, how the actors felt about their characters’ storylines...so I chipped in with the last question of the day. I was keen to hear what these younger actors felt about working with Corrie legend, Barbara Knox (Rita).

I was really impressed by how genuine both Michelle Keegan and Chris Fountain were in their replies. Both actors are clearly in awe of Barbara and rightly so. As you would expect Ms Knox is always on time, always knows her lines and never, ever makes mistakes! She is also a very giving actor, helping these younger actors develop and refine their characters. I got the feeling that although both the actress and the character are legendary and much celebrated, the lady behind the Queen of the Kabin is actually very down to earth and normal, while also quietly demanding a bit of respect. And fair play to her I say! Their final comment was that everyone knows when Barbara Knox is on set! I bet she has the same wonderful aura about her that the Street does when you first experience it.

 And finally, some interesting little titbits for you:

• Mikey North (Gary) is regularly handbagged by old ladies in the street – regardless of whether his on screen character is misbehaving!
• Michelle Keegan (Tina) quite obviously finds Norris hilarious! Every time he appeared on screen, her distinctive chuckle could be heard quite clearly!
• Michelle Collins quite frequently wants to give Stella a good shake! This pleased me no end...
• Continuity go so far as to give Sally’s garden a name, and update Rita’s intercom to “Tanner” but they leave the Good Luck cards on Stella’s mantelpiece blank!
• According to Chris Fountain (Tommy) Michelle Keegan has a terrible singing voice that nobody can bear to listen to!
• Stuart Blackburn told a story that involved a pair of speedo shorts. However I doubt our readers are quite ready for that particular denouement...

I hope my blogs have given a good idea of just how thrilled I was to be at Coronation Street. It was such an amazing experience to see the Street, the studios and to meet some of the cast. I really hope you have enjoyed reading about my fantastic adventures in Weatherfield!

Special thanks once again to Joe for the fantastic photos

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When Corrie's good, it's very, very good

Last night's Coronation Street ended with Roy and Hayley on the sofa, in a scene that brought a lump to my throat and reminded me why I continue to watch Coronation Street after 40 years a fan.

It was a scene with no fireworks, no hunk with their top off, no cleavage being shoved in our face, no Stella.

It was a scene that sung out with brilliant acting, a moment that could signal the change of one of our favourite characters, showing a chink in the armour of what is one of the strongest marriages and relationships in Coronation Street's history.

Roy opened up his heart, as much as he's ever done, to Hayley, to his mum and to us the viewers about the disappointment he felt about opening up an old wound - at Hayley's insistence.  The writer was Susan Oudot.

"I had no desire to read that letter," he tells Hayley.
"No, I know that, but..." she tries to interrupt.
"When one is abandoned there is a void as a child," he continues, "even as a teenager and a desire for that relationship which no longer exists, and there are, as you rightly suppose, many unanswered questions. But all of this I'm glad to say is diluted by age, healed by time and I can honestly say that I was contented."
"I know that but he wanted to see you," she butts in again.
"Yes yes, yes and I, I allowed myself to be intrigued by what he might have to say but now I'll never know."
"But you had to read the letter, how could you not?"
"Very easily, at first very easily, but you pushed and you pushed and well, now.... I'm no longer contented."
"Roy, I'm so, so sorry, I only did what was best for you. If I'm in any way to blame..."
"But you are. You are, Hayley. You are to blame."

Bravo to David Neilson and Julie Hesmondhalgh for a wonderful performance.  This is the sort of stuff that should be winning the soap awards for our favourite serial drama.


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Fourth Corrie actor accused of sexual assault

From today's Sun

A fourth Corrie star was last night said to have preyed on a girl of 12 hunting autographs at the show’s TV studios. The revelation he faces a police quiz stunned the soap — already rocked by allegations against Bill Roache, Michael Le Vell and Andrew Lancel.

The latest alleged victim confided in a friend: “I didn’t realise what was going on.” The chum told The Sun: “She used to go to the studios to get autographs. It was a real highlight when the stars stood and talked to you. Sometimes they invited the girls into the studios.”

The famous actor is no longer in the ITV1 soap but his long-running character was a household name.

His alleged indecent assault on the wide-eyed schoolgirl is said to have happened in the late 1960s — and her continuing trauma is so severe she even now involuntarily writes his name on scraps of paper.

Now in her mid 50s, the woman has told cops the star gave her lifts home after befriending her.
One of her allegations is that he did something “very inappropriate” to her within the studio complex in Manchester.

She was interviewed for more than six hours on Wednesday by police in Devon, The Sun can reveal.
The star, who the Sun cannot name for legal reasons, is now being investigated by Lancashire Police. Last night Lancashire Police refused to comment.

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WIN! Corrie artwork with the Coronation Street Blog

With thanks to Steven Barrett, creator of the wonderful Glam Glitter Trash website http://www.glamglittertrash.com we have a super glitter art print of classic Corrie character Rita Tanner to give away!

Steven creates canvasses featuring many classic images, made from glitter. As well as producing several classic Corrie characters, Steven has a wide range of other designs featuring comedy characters and Hollywood actors along with many music and sports figures.

I have several of these prints at home - my living room currently boasts glittery Bet Lynch and Rita Tanner from Corrie and Fenella Fielding from Carry On Screaming. They make terrific gifts. Steven also produces these images on other items such as mugs, t-shirts, bags and greetings cards.

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning this fab prize is to answer the following two questions correctly. Please email your answers to glenda.young@btinternet.com with RITA in the subject line. One winning entry will be drawn at random from all correct entries received.

Deadline for entries is Wednesday 22 May at 5pm. Overseas fans can enter.

Here are your questions. Good luck!

Q1: Rita is famous for bursting into song whenever the need arises. Which song did she perform in the Rovers in the aftermath of the tram crash back in 2010, and who accompanied her on the keyboard?

Q2: http://www.glamglittertrash.com produces several glitter prints of classic Coronation Street characters. Which one of the following characters is not currently featured on Steven's website? a) Ena Sharples b) Betty Williams or c) Ivy Tilsley?

Entries from moneysavingsexpert, Loquax and all other competition entry websites will not be accepted in any of our competitions.

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Classic Corrie gems

"He was that bow-legged he couldn't stop a pig in an entry." So said Roy's mum Sylvia this evening. A great line alright, but it sounded vaguely familiar to me...

Ah yes, echoes of none other than Elsie Tanner from the very first episode of Coronation Street! I love it when Corrie makes reference to past glories. And I'd love more of the same. 

That's why I keep watching Corrie. Every so often there is an unexpected gem or a wonderful nod to the past, and long may it continue! 

Can you remember any other classic Corrie lines being recycled in the modern era?


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Vote for your favourite Corner Shop owner

If you haven't yet, you can still vote for your favourite Corner Shop owner here.

Voting closes on Monday, 20th May.

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Michael Le Vell pleads not guilty, bailed until September

Michael Le Vell, who plays car mechanic Kevin Webster in Coronation Street, answered "not guilty" 19 times in a clear, strong voice as each  individual charge was put to him today at Manchester Crown Court.

The Manchester Evening News reports that the 48-year-old was charged under his real name of Michael Turner with 19 offences, including six counts of raping a child, six allegations of indecently assaulting a child and seven counts of sexual activity with a child.

The alleged offences relate to one complainant and all took place between 2001 and 2010.

The hearing was for the defendant to enter his pleas and arrange administrative matters for a forthcoming trial later this year. At the end of the hearing Judge Michael Henshell addressed the defendant.

"Stand up, Mr Turner," he said. "Your trial will take place on the 2nd of September; you remain on bail in that time, subject to the same conditions." Le Vell bowed his head and replied: "Thank you."
 

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