Coronation Street fan of the week - Richie in Cardiff

It's Wednesday and time to meet another Corrie fan of the week.  Would you like to be our Corrie fan of the week?
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Who are you and where are you from?
Richie, 33, from Cardiff

How long have you been watching Corrie?
As long as I can remember, both my parents watched it so it was always on as a grew up, I probably flitted in and out a bit during the early 2000’s but have always loved it and known what was going on, and these days with sky planner/itv player etc its easy – you never have to miss an episode!

Who are your favourite female and male characters - and the reasons why?
Very tough to decide, I love watching old episodes and from those I would say Elsie Tanner, there has never really been a character as strong as her since. 

Growing up I loved Bet Lynch, her comedy timing was second to none and I think its sad that people remember her for being more of a parody of what she was. She was a fantastic, rounded character, tainted by tragedy but with a quick wit, always happy on the outside, the ultimate barmaid!

Who doesn’t love Ken Barlow! He’s been around for yonks and I’ve really enjoyed the return of Wendy Crozier which looks like it’s given a fresh verve to the Ken & Deirdre marriage.

Also, I’m going to say Sally Webster – Sally Dynevor is a super actress and she is now one of Corrie’s grandees! Very much in the style of Annie Walker et al from the cobbles gone by!

Oh my goodness there are so many great characters (mainly from the past) Mavis & Derek, Jack & Vera, Rita, the current “Queen” of the street! Its impossible to really decide! Norris & Mary are comedy gold and I think Emily needs a shout out too! Tyrone, Chesney & David should all be given long contracts.

What's been some of your favourite Corrie storylines over the years?
One particular favourite storyline I remember from my childhood was when the Rovers was going to be converted into “Yankees”, it was a fun story and I seem to remember Bet and Alec hanging out of the upstairs window singing “Land of Hope & Glory” at one point! I would love to see those episodes again.

The episode where Richard Hillman confessed all his wrong doings to Gail was great, it had tension, high drama and some great witty lines thrown in for good measure.

I recently watched an episode from the early 80’s where there’s a Mr & Mrs. competition at the Rovers. It’s a brilliant episode, Hilda is hilarious, but then Stan trumps her by being even funnier! An absolute classic.

Also, I loved the ending of the episode where Sarah-Louise was rescued from her internet stalker, as the camera tracked out from the scene Massive Attack’s “Teardrop” was played – very well done.

And what would your fantasy Corrie storyline be?
No more “long lost” children would be a good start. What with Stella/Lyanne and then Lloyd finding his daughter, incredulity is being stretched. Also Tracey needs to go, and if she does please let it be murder!

I would love storylines about “Weatherfield”, rather than more dreary crime based stories, like when you used to get Alf as mayor, or the Square dealers, light hearted and fun, but about the actual community. Perhaps Sally should run for the Council!

Also, ideally I’d like Shelley back as the new Rover’s landlady!

Have you any snippets or news about meeting any of the Corrie cast, or trips to the set, etc., that you'd like to share?
I have never visited the set, I went in Jan 2000 to Manchester but Granada studios had closed down the previous month! I would love to visit it and hope it is saved when the move to Salford is completed.

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