Wednesday, 9 December 2020

EXCLUSIVE: Harry Elton's daughter writes for Coronation Street Blog


Harry Elton was a Canadian producer who nurtured talent for Granada Television in the early days of ITV. His biggest contribution was commissioning Tony Warren to write a 12-part serial set in a northern backstreet. Today, 60 years later, Coronation Street remains Britain's longest-running soap.

We are honoured to have Harry's daughter Vicky Elton Green writing exclusively today from Canada for the Coronation Street Blog.

"My name is Vicky Elton Green. My father was Harry Elton the first executive producer of Coronation Street. As we mark the 60th anniversary of the first live episode I can't help to have some pride in knowing the part my father played in  the creation of the programme. Who would have thought that a programme that was a six week filler would be one of the longest series in television history in England and across many countries.

Vicky Elton playing Corrie's first baby, Paul Cheveski

In the first episodes Elsie Tanner’s daughter Linda was pregnant. They needed a baby to play the part of Paul Cheveski. As I was  born in May of that year  they came out an filmed me on the farm we lived  at Winburry Moss. I guess the honour of the title of the first baby born on Coronation Street, a great icebreaker for sure.

My father migrated back to Canada in 1963 and had a wonderful career in broadcasting with the CBC  until his death in 2004. In 2010 my husband and I travelled to Manchester to take part in the 50th anniversary. What a lovely celebration that was.

On the night of the live episode, Thursday, December 9, 2010 marking the 50th to the date and time we watched like the rest of the country. After the episode we  turned and  watched the BBC movie production of The Road to Coronation Street. It was surreal to see the story played out on screen .

I just wanted to share my memories as you celebrate  your own moments  of Corrie.

All the best,

Vicky Elton Green







All original work on Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

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