Corrie’s "New" Theme Tune

I’m hooked on Celebrity Big Brother this year, as friend of the Blog Amanda Barrie (Corrie’s Alma) is locked away with a group of celebrities, and it’s been a pretty good series. Amanda’s doing great although we aren’t seeing enough of her so far. Fingers crossed she makes it far into the series, and maybe even win!

Last night whilst watching the closing titles of Big Brother, I wondered what the opening of Coronation Street would be like played to different music. I had a little play and here’s the result. I’ve added the Big Brother music and a few others from my favourite TV shows to Corries opening titles and credits.

Could you name each piece of music? Let me know which was your favourite and what other pieces of music you’d like to hear played over the Corrie titles. Obviously it would be a travesty if they changed Corrie's iconic theme too much and it has changed over the years, but it's fun to play around!

If you're on Twitter, come and show Amanda your support using the hashtags #CBB and #TeamAmanda 

@StevieDawson

---

Please read our advice for leaving comments on the Coronation Street Blog
All original work on Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

Top 25 Favourite Corrie Females - No. 15

15. ALMA HALLIWELL (181 VOTES)

Duration: 1981-1982, 1988-2001
Played by: Amanda Barrie
2012 character poll position (women): 15

Introduced as the wife of café owner Jim Sedgewick and later takes over the café when they divorce in 1982. After immigrating to Florida, she returns to Weatherfield in 1988 and takes a more hands-on role in the business. She forms a business partnership with Gail Tilsley in 1989 and over the years they become close friends.

Upon her return, she begins an on/off relationship with Mike Baldwin. After being dumped by him for Jackie Ingram in 1990 and briefly dating his nemesis Ken Barlow, Alma and Mike marry in 1992. The marriage was popular with fans as Alma’s sympathetic and liberal-minded persona clashed with Mike’s capitalism and greed. The Baldwins were married until Mike had an affair with Julia Stone in 1999.

In 1997 Alma was kidnapped by Don Brennan in an act of revenge against Mike for ruining every aspect of his life – job, business and love life. Don drove his taxi into the canal but both Alma and he survived. 

As well as Gail, Alma formed a close friendship with Gail’s mum Audrey Roberts. They enjoyed socialising over a gin and tonic in the Rovers and shopping in Manchester, but to the annoyance of their respected hubbies Mike and Alf. Both confided in each other about their problems although the friendship was tested when Alma revealed that she’d made a pass at Audrey’s son Stephen in 1996.

Alma sold her share of the café in 1996 to Roy Cropper and got a job on the tills in Firman’s Freezers, much to Mike’s chagrin. She was eventually promoted. She was involved in an armed siege in 2000 but escaped unhurt.

In 2001 Alma received the devastating that she had terminal cervical cancer. Now living with Audrey, she is nursed and care for by her friends and ex Mike is also by her side. She opts to die at home and she passes away surrounded by friends Audrey, Gail, Ken, Curly and Mike.

Were you a fan of Alma?

Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Download our free App | Visit Corrie.net

Please read our advice for leaving comments on the Coronation Street Blog

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

Empathetic Street

David Neilson is a marvellous actor. Yet again last night he stole the show with his moving, touching and incredibly human performance as Roy Cropper. The scenes leading up to Roy scattering Hayley's ashes were beautifully played.

Everything about our Roy is pitched perfectly, David never ever puts in a below par performance, and that's after nearly twenty years in the role. His recent storyline with Gary Windass was on the controversial side, splitting opinion both on and off screen but the character of Roy was true and accurately portrayed throughout. Roy is also now one of the few Corrie characters who can move me to tears, often when I least expect it. I empathise with Roy in a way I do with few other Corrie regulars.

I was thinking about what an emotional programme Coronation Street can be for its loyal viewers. I guess continuing drama is in general as the viewing public often see the same faces in their living rooms for decades and you can't help but form attachments to many of the characters. However I always think the longevity of both Corrie and many of its characters make it extra special. 

Thinking of the classic Corrie scenes that always bring a tear to my eye is not difficult, however most involve longstanding characters. Hilda, clutching Stan's spectacle case, sitting alone in number 13 after his funeral. Rita and Mavis parting company after working together for 25 years in the Kabin. Audrey saying a tearful farewell to Alf and then Alma. Elsie Tanner walking out of Weatherfield for one last time in 1984. And of course Hayley's exit in early 2014.

All these examples have something in common - strong women showing their vulnerability. The question is, do today's strong Corrie women elicit the same response? Jane Danson has terrific acting talent but Leanne is quite often particularly unlikeable. Alison King is a joy as Carla but surely this character's emotional roller coaster of a life has now stretched credibility to snapping point? Helen Worth brings Gail to life with such ease, even after all these years but Gail is a character that, despite her long history, I really do struggle to empathise with, mainly because she's prone to simpering daftness. Michelle and Eileen are both typical strong Corrie women but I find it difficult to form emotional attachments to either these days.

And what of the younger generation? Fiz, Sinead, Katy, Maria, Izzy, Sophie and the rest. Unfortunately the only reaction most of these younger characters elicit from me is irritation. Sinead's speech to Roy the other night was one of the few exceptions, mainly down to the fact it was beautifully written. Eva, Steph and Julie are all superb modern Corrie women but sadly they are just not being given the chance to sink their acting chops into great material. I just don't buy into their stories as I did with the likes of Rita, Audrey, Alma or Elsie. 

Times change and viewers look for different things. For me though, nothing can beat the likes of Phyllis Pearce, quietly facing up to old age with dignity or the vulnerable, idealistic Raquel chasing her dreams. 


Follow me on Twitter @GraemeN82


Download our App | Follow on Twitter @CoroStreetBlog | Like on Facebook



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

Classic Corrie Christmas Moments Countdown - Day 23

Today we're going back to 1991. 

Alma is disgusted with Mike's behaviour; a brick is thrown through the McDonalds' window; Curly ruins Christmas dinner by cooking the turkey while the giblets are still inside; and Des Foster tries his luck with Bet, with violent consequences.

For information and a synopsis of the episode (Episode 3323) on Corriepedia, click here.

Download our App | Follow on Twitter @CoroStreetBlog | Like on Facebook



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

The year of Bet, Alma and Wendy flamin' Crozier

I've recently fallen in love with 1990. That's Weatherfield in 1990 to be exact. I can just about remember watching Coronation Street back then as a child, although how much I think I remember and how much I've picked up on since I'll never know. Anyway, a recent episode from January of that year was so enjoyable I thought I would blog about it.

What struck me most about this episode, first broadcast on 19 January was that it concentrated on every day happenings. Two bigger storylines dominated the episode - Alec Gilroy being rebuffed well and truly by his long lost daughter and Alma Sedgewick being a flighty piece and moving in with Mike Baldwin. Everyone featured in the episode felt real, like you could bump into them in the street, the pub or the local cafe. If there was glamour it was of the back street variety. And that's what Corrie does best. 

The Gilroys dominated the episode. Alec, played by the superb Roy Barraclough, had started to feel his age and realising the clock was ticking, decided to track down his daughter Sandra. Not having clapped eyes on her for twenty years, it didn't go well. The fact that Sandra was married to a nice middle class man called Tim, with a horse owning daughter in Victoria just jarred even more with Alec, Bet and the back street pub that was their world. It was awkward and doomed to failure. Alec was humoured and then disowned by the daughter he'd disowned years before. It was a tragic story made even more so with the knowledge of what was to come the following year. 

Bet visited Sandra to try and make her see sense but it was all for nothing as Mrs Arden, as she now was, gave her snobby short shrift and showed her the door. Crestfallen Bet returned to the Rovers only for Alec to see through her lie about going shopping. Bet told him where to go in no uncertain terms, reminding me of the power Julie Goodyear could put into a performance back in the day. Glorious stuff.

Meanwhile, cockney charmer Michael Vernon Baldwin was luring the lovely Alma back into his flat and into his bed. He wined and dined her one night, the next day her suitcase was packed and she was cooking his dinner for him when he got home. Of course, being Baldwin, there's an ulterior motive to all this flowers and filet steak malarky. Out of pocket and out of luck, he's realised Alma's doing quite well for herself so it's obviously more than just those big eyes and turned up collars he's got the hots for. 

The reactions of those around them are typical and true to character. Mavis, in pale pink tabard, is shocked at Alma's flighty nature, mostly because she is doing what Mavis never dared to do and probably wished she had. Audrey on the other hand gives Alma a piece of her mind, calling her "lady" more than once and saying it'll all end in tears. Her judgement is probably coming from direct experience, never having been one to don a pale pink tabard. Audrey knew her mate though. "Alma has never seen sunrise in her life. She thinks God switches it on every morning.”

What makes this episode so rich and rewarding are the little gems that are content to appear in the wings of the main performances. Martin, teased gently by Sally and a 'tache wearing Kevin, about his new relationship with Gail. Don Brennan, mad before he went crazy, over his recently stolen cab. 

The original Rovers Tina (Michelle Holmes) all bubbly about a trip to France with her boyfriend Eddie. Phyllis Pearce, at the other end of the romantic spectrum, friskily chasing Percy into the cafe for a cheeky hot chocolate. All joyous cameos.

One of the most fleeting scenes of all sees Emily shopping with pre-devil Tracy, catching a glimpse of Ken and Wendy flamin' Crozier linking arms as they shop for their frozen peas in Reg Holdsworth's emporium. It was brief with little dialogue but spoke volumes nonetheless.

I loved it. I loved every second of it. The characters were all interlinked, you got a true sense that they all knew each other. They all had their own voices. It was comfortable, cosy, funny but also sad, tragic and knowing. The writer, Leslie Duxbury, knew the show and its audience. Not bad for a half hour in deepest January. 


Follow me on Twitter @GraemeN82 



Download our App | Follow on Twitter @CoroStreetBlog | Like on Facebook



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

Fab Photo Friday - May 16th 2014

It's Friday again so it's time for this week's fab Coronation Street photo. Another blast from the past this week as Gail and Alma contemplate the week ahead with dread.

Download our App | Follow on Twitter @CoroStreetBlog | Like on Facebook



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

The faces of Corrie in 1991

If you remember, last year I had a series of posts looking at the top 12 faces of each Corrie decade - the 1960s, the 1970s, the 1980s, the 1990s and the 2000s. For the next few weeks or so, I’ll be looking at the top 12 faces of each year between 1960 and 2013.

With thanks to Corriepedia for the information.

In 1991, 157 episodes were broadcast.

1. Jack Duckworth (108 episodes)

2. Liz McDonald (103 episodes)

3. Audrey Roberts (103 episodes)

4. Bet Gilroy (101 episodes)

5. Vera Duckworth (100 episodes)

6. Gail Tilsley/Platt (100 episodes)

7. Alma Sedgewick (97 episodes)

8. Mavis Wilton (96 episodes)

9. Don Brennan (94 episodes)

10. Ivy Brennan (94 episodes)

11. Des Barnes (93 episodes)

12. Jim McDonald (93 episodes)

Average age: 46

Note: This is the last time Ivy appears in the top 12

Download our App | Follow on Twitter @CoroStreetBlog | Like on Facebook



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

The faces of Corrie in 1990

If you remember, last year I had a series of posts looking at the top 12 faces of each Corrie decade - the 1960s, the 1970s, the 1980s, the 1990s and the 2000s. For the next few weeks or so, I’ll be looking at the top 12 faces of each year between 1960 and 2013.

With thanks to Corriepedia for the information.

In 1990, 157 episodes were broadcast.

1. Alec Gilroy (122 episodes)

2. Bet Gilroy (119 episodes)

3. Deirdre Barlow (118 episodes)

4. Sally Webster (115 episodes)

5. Alma Sedgewick (105 episodes)

6. Jack Duckworth (104 episodes)

7. Mike Baldwin (102 episodes)

8. Ivy Brennan (102 episodes)

9. Rita Fairclough (102 episodes)

10. Kevin Webster (102 episodes)

11. Audrey Roberts (100 episodes)

12. Ken Barlow (99 episodes)

Average age: 46

Download our App | Follow on Twitter @CoroStreetBlog | Like on Facebook



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

WIN! Signed copy of Amanda Barrie's autobiography

Calling all Alma fans! You can win a signed copy of Amanda Barrie's autobiography 'It's Not a Rehearsal' if you can answer the following questions all about Coronation Street's Alma correctly and you're drawn at random from all of the entries received.

Overseas fans can enter.  Deadline for entries Friday 8 March at 5pm.

Please note this book is not new, but is in very good condition.

One winner will be drawn at random from all correct entries received.  Email your answers to me at glenda.young@btinternet.com with ALMA in the subject line. Here's your questions:

1. What was the name of Alma's first husband?
2. In what year did Alma meet Mike Baldwin?
3. What was the name of the woman Mike left Alma for - and he ended up marrying her?
4. Alma had a fling with Audrey's son in 1996. What was his name?
5. What was the name of the cabbie who drove Alma into the canal?

Good luck!  Entries from MoneySavingsExpert, Loquax and all other competition entry websites will not be included in any of our competitions.


You can follow us on Twitter @CoroStreetBlog and Facebook: CoronationStreetBlog


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

Adoring Alma

Feeling a bit fed up today, I must admit. Still in plaster, still in the wilds of Scotland and reaching for the gin. And also for my Coronation Street DVD collections. 'What a wise move', I hear you cry for soon I was back on form, all snug, cosy and familiar. 

For me, 1989 was a classic year for the Street. The McDonalds first arrived in Weatherfield, giving us Liz's big hair, teenage idols to rival any Australian imports and an endless supply of Northern Irish catchphrases from Big Jim. Catch yourself on! 

It also gave us the culmination of the wonderful, iconic Alan Bradley storyline which would see Rita finally free of the madman, courtesy of a Blackpool tram. However, 1989 also brought back a character who had made her last full appearance seven years before. I refer of course, to the lovely Alma Sedgewick.

Amanda Barrie was always my favourite as Alma, proprietor of Jim's Cafe. I remember watching Alma when I was younger and being captivated by her performances. Originally a somewhat brassy character, envisaged I am sure as the new Elsie Tanner, she quickly softened, becoming a loyal friend to many and at times a somewhat put upon character. For me she was always someone viewers could both root for and sympathise with, particularly in her dealings with that famous Weatherfield lothario, Mike Baldwin. 

Looking back, it was amazing she managed to maintain that glamorous appearance throughout her 13 years as a regular on the cobbles. For most of her tenure she either worked behind the counter of a greasy spoon or donned a tabard at Freshcos alongside Curly Watts. Our Alma did have a rather striking appearance: that mane of glossy dark hair, the lovely big eyes, the rolled up sleeves and the turned up collars. It worked for her and I admired her sense of style. 

I loved her friendships with Gail and Phyllis behind the counter of Jim's Cafe. She even made Gail smile on the odd occasion. However her greatest double act in my eyes was with fellow gadabout, Audrey Roberts. I loved their countless shopping sprees and adventures out in Alma's bright red MG sports car. They were true friends to the end. I think Corrie bosses missed a trick, as there was a lot of missed potential when Alma eventually moved in with Audrey after her divorce. 

Which brings us nicely to men. 


Most of Alma's main storylines involved her love life. For a time she came between Ken and Mike (not an enviable position in my eyes!) before eventually settling down with Mike Baldwin. She was a great foil for wheeler dealer Mike, and much more able for him than he ever realised. Her association with Mike also led to Don Brennan, the one-legged taxi driver, kidnapping her and taking her for a dip in the canal. It was a great shame when the writers split them up, and for me things were never really the same again. Post-Mike she wasn't given much to do which was a shame as she could have developed into a very strong independent lady of a certain age. 

However she did seem to fade away. Alma's eventual exit from Corrie in 2001 was a sad one, and also controversial. Alma succumbed to cervical cancer and her demise was swift to say the least. Despite some criticism from viewers and indeed Amanda Barrie herself, the story was played out superbly by both Amanda and Sue Nicholls. When the end came there wasn't a dry eye in the house. 


After leaving Coronation Street, Amanda Barrie wrote a wonderful memoir called It's Not a Rehearsal. I would recommend you track it down if you haven't already had the pleasure. It was a very open, honest account of her life and incredibly varied career. She also wrote fondly of her time on the Street and her many friends in the cast. As you can tell I'm still a massive Alma fan, even twelve years after her departure. God bless DVDs!



So do you share my love of Alma Sedgewick? What are your memories of this character? Any Alma storylines that you particularly remember? I want to hear about it!

You can follow us on Twitter @CoroStreetBlog and Facebook: CoronationStreetBlog

And you can reminisce with me about Alma on Twitter @Edgeof31 


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