
Bet and Len - episode first broadcast 31 March 1975
What Happened
This episode deals with two ongoing storylines that took centre stage in 1975 - the nuptials of Deirdre Hunt and the love life of Len Fairclough. Len, as we all know had an on/off relationship with Rita until they finally wed in 1977. However, never one to rest on his laurels, our Len also managed a fling with barmaid extraordinaire, Elizabeth Theresa Lynch. A Street wedding is also being planned, that of Deirdre Hunt and Billy Walker, much to the chagrin of Billy's mother, the regal Annie, Queen of the Rovers Return. The episode also ends with more bad news in store for Bet, regarding the son she gave away years before.
Why I have chosen this episode


A brilliant, quietly played scene between Bet and Len which goes on for nearly five minutes. This is Bet without make up, showing her true feelings and summing up where she is in life and what she wants. None of the pantomime like performances that would creep in later on. You could truly empathise with her character here - Len could provide all that she is looking for in life but he is in it for everything but commitment. Bet doesn't break down, there are no histrionics. The scene ends with a fade to black as Len leaves Bet alone in her bedsit.

It has to be Julie Goodyear as Bet. She was always great in the lighthearted bantering scenes with the Rovers regulars however here she proves what a good actress she could be. Despite the back street glamour and sharp one-liners, she was really a lonely soul who always wanted better, knowing it wouldn't happen. She is terrific in these scenes.
Favourite Lines
Bet: "If all tomorrows are like all todays you can keep 'em."
Bet: "When you've been with someone and it's all warm and close, and then they go...and you're just on your own again."
Rita: "I sometimes think I'd have been better off getting wed at eighteen to a big strapping lad and having half a dozen kids."
Emily: "I had a friend who did that."
Rita: "Is she happy?"
Emily: "No."
Do you remember these episodes when they were first broadcast? How do you think they compare to today's Coronation Street?
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2 comments:
It leads into a great episode which contains Julie Goodyear's best ever performance as Bet. This is a good episode too but the next episode should have been on the 1975 Network DVD in its place IMO.
Thanks - I've never seen the episode that follows this one. I must try and track it down
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