In 1986 Rovers Return landlady Bet Lynch asked Hilda Ogden, who had worked as pub cleaner for 22 years, if she would like to cut the ribbon to The Rovers and declare it open. It had been refurbished and redecorated following the fire.
So, our question is: Who should reopen The Rovers Return this time after it's been done up and refurbished after the fire? On Corrie4ever they've voted for Betty's son, Gordon Clegg. What do you think?
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15 comments:
Perhaps an opportunity for a light-hearted battle between Ken and Dennis to be recognised as The Rovers' longest-serving punter?
A special guest appearance by Bet Lynch herself. Only landlady/barmaid or actor not yet dead.
Ken Barlow, who's probably been a punter the longest, since the 50s. Emily probably didn't frequent the Rovers as she was on the Mission committee. Or maybe there's a background artist who's been there longer?
Then there is of course Emily, Rita or Dennis.
The idea about Gordon opening the place is also a good idea.
Alec and Bet Gilroy opening and serving in The Rovers for one night only.
Actually Llifon, Emily once served behind the bar, and lived above for a while.
Ken would probably be a good choice, because he has probably spent enough in there over the years to pay for the rebuild outright. Stan Ogden probably drank more than him, but he's dead.
I'm sure it doesn't matter who we would choose. The Rover's witches coven will probably want their shining hero, Karl, to do the honors. Now I need to use a barf bag.
bbhilda - Yes I know Emily was a barmaid but she probably didn't enter the Rovers until post 1965because she wouldn't want to offend Swindley. So while Ken had his first drink probs in 1957, Emily didn't become a regular until 1965. But I'm just guessing. :)
We all know it will be St. Ella who opens the new Rovers....probably written in her contract.
I doubt very much Karl will last long enough for the Rovers to be rebuilt. Ken and Dennis would be my choice but i doubt that will happen.
Not Goodyear as she would would have a panic attack and would have to back out before she even got on the set.
Not previous characters. A small committee with scissors in hand: Ken, Dennis, Rita, and Emily.
I always thought in 1986 they should have striven to get Doris Speed back as Annie Walker for a one-episode appearance. That would have been far more appropriate and in the realms of possibility given that she returned for a telephon in 1990.
As for this year's special guest, I wish it could be Bet Lynch but having her back would make no sense as there would be no reason for her to return (Betty's funeral was the last conceivable time she could return as she's estranged from Rita and wouldn't come back to visit the likes of Ken or Emily after so long).
It would be great if Dennis let slip that he knew where Billy Walker now lived and he could show up for an episode or two.
How about the Queen? After all, now she's appeared in James Bond...
You certainly won't get Bet and Alec back together, not even for one eveing. The mutual dislike between Roy Barraclough and Julie Goodyear is no secret. It's the reason Roy originally left the show, and also why he agreed to return, once Goodyear had departed.
He once told me a very funny story about a Terrance Higgins trust fundraiser he agreed to take part in, unaware that Julie was also appearing. She, regretably, chose to belt out a rendition of the song 'Fever' to a stunned audience at an AIDs benefit. Bad song choice ...
It would not have been true to life to have Annie reopen the Rovers in 1986 as she had retired. Having Hilda, as longest serving staff member do so made much sense. Although it was fabulous to see Doris Speed back on the set with Bet, Alec, etc, for the telefon in 1988.
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