Famous faces on Coronation Street

Two posts here today got me thinking. First there was the news that well known actor Sue Johnston may be joining Coronation Street as Stella's mother. Then there was Scott's great post about changing Stella's character to inject a bit of her inner cow but perhaps not changing her into Cindy Beale mark II, Cindy being the character she played on that Other Soap for many years.  Michelle Collins is still identified with that role after a long time away from it and Sue Johnston is also well known for her previous roles.

Corrie has sometimes cast other parts with well known faces, both for long term characters and short term "guest" spots. They may be known for other soaps, other tv shows or even films. They've also recast characters with new actors, sometimes successfully and sometimes not. Over the years I've read comments on blogs and forums about this and in many cases, the feedback is negative. People seem to prefer unknown actors rather than see someone they identify as a different character.

My view? Why not use a known actor? You don't have to cast them all the time, but by the very nature of the business, actors play a variety of roles. Sometimes they get known for a particular role and sometimes we are used to seeing them as all manner of characters.

I've blogged a bit more about it over here. I say, bring it on.



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Robert Vaughn to appear in Coronation Street

The latest in celebrity casting to hit the cobbles comes from ITV.com who reveal today that veteran actor, Robert Vaughn, is to appear in Coronation Street.

You know that cruise that Sylvia has won? Seems she's going to meet a gentleman called Milton on the cruise and he arrives in Weatherfield to find her. According to ITV this will set the "cat among the pigeons". We've not heard if actor Stephanie Cole is leaving or if her tenure at the cafe was only temporary so we don't know if this leads to her departure or if she'll be embroiled in a romantic entanglement.

What I'd like to see is Dennis Tanner finding himself suddenly jealous over the attentions paid to Sylvia. I've noticed a few little sparks of friendship between them even though Dennis is living with Rita and they've become quite comfortable companions. Is it more than that? I'm sure Dennis is fond of Reet but perhaps he'll realise Syl is more his type.

Any storyline with the veteran actors is great in my books and I'd much rather see an actor like Vaughn getting a cameo than one of the many tabloid celebs that say they want to be in Corrie just so they can get their name in the papers.

Robert Vaughn is well known for his iconic role as Napoleon Solo in The Man From U.N.C.L.E in addition to his many other television and film roles. His IMDB entry is here.

Which ageing rock star would you like to see on Coronation Street?

So 70s popstar and actor David Essex is to join The Other Soap - the one Dahn Sarf. Eastenders if you must force it out of me.

I quite like David Essex and I'm sure he'll be very good in it *grits teeth and moves swiftly on*.

Coronation Street had Status Quo making a cacophony on the cobbles not that long ago. I'm wondering if there are any other rock stars of a certain age who would be worth watching on Corrie as a novelty turn? We know that Snoop Dog is a fan - but is he old enough to count as "ageing"? I think not.

My own two dream turns would be Robert Plant, and Elvis. Okay, Elvis is no longer available (oo-er - did Stape have anything to do with that?) but it's still a nice thought. Robert Plant seems like a nice enough down to earth blokey type of bloke now that he's left the Golden God days behind - I'd be prepared to bet he watches Corrie in his jim-jams with a mug of Bovril and would love to appear. Anyone else got any ideas?

My own blog is here

Normam Wisdom on Coronation Street

Sad news reached the blog last night that Sir Norman Wisdom has died, aged 95.  He'll be remembered with fondness for those who were fans of his comedy films. However, many will agree that his cameo appearance on Corrie in 2004 was perhaps not his finest moment.  He played fitness fanatic pensioner Ernie Crabbe who jogged up at the Duckworths, desperately out of breath, and just making it to the house. Jack showed him the exercise bike he was trying to get rid of, told Ernie that there was nothing wrong with it but that it just didn't suit his lop-sided groin! Ernie explained that he needed to get into shape for a forthcoming inter-pub bowls challenge and bought the machine. (Thanks to Corriepedia).

Find out more about Norman Wisdom and read his obituary here. The Guardian also have a great blog about him with his life in movie clips.

Corrie fans vote for Julie Walters to join soap

In the latest poll here on the Coronation Street blog, we asked fans which of the following, who've said they'd love a part on Corrie, they would want to see on the soap.

509 fans voted and almost half of the vote went to the fab Julie Walters.

The votes were cast as follows:
Julie Walters 47%
Snoop Dogg 21%
Daniel Radcliffe 17%
Derek Jacobi 12%
Amanda Holden 10%
Rio Ferdinand 8%
Kerry Katona 6%
Fern Britton 6%

Watch out David Platt - Rio Ferdinand's after you

Manchester United footy player Rio Ferdinand is reported today saying he wants to be in Coronation Street so he can sort out naughty David Platt.

He tells the Sunday Mirror: "That Platt bloke is so annoying and so badly behaved. I'd love to play a distant relative and sort him out." Wouldn't we all.

Anyway, this has got me thinking. Rio Ferdinand's the latest in a long line of celebs who say they'd love to be on Corrie. Snoop Dogg, Julie Walters, Kerry Katona, Amanda Holden, Fern Britton... the list goes on - and you can vote for your favourite over on the right hand side of the blog in our latest poll.