A Wonderful Week of Celebration

It’s been a great week if you’re a Corrie fan. There’s been so much going on, even as many of us have been hidden away in our homes, to celebrate another big birthday on those famous cobbles. Sixty years of laughter and heartbreak in equal measure, Coronation Street really is a great British institution. 

And it’s been even more joyful seeing my fellow bloggers popping up on social media, tv, radio and online with their Corrie stories, sharing why the show means so much to them. In many ways it has seemed even more eventful than Corrie’s 50th - can you believe that was a whole decade ago!? 

I think we all needed this week and the big dose of positivity the anniversary brought with it.

And today the Coronation Street Blog celebrates a birthday too. Thirteen years! In that time, Glenda’s hub of Corrie updates, interviews, quirky observations and yes, even the odd moan from time-to-time, has really become part of the Coronation Street community, and it’s a real joy to be part of it. 

Glenda has been celebrating individual Bloggers on social media today, and it’s a lovely little team that ranges from those who like to pop in from time-to-time and share their thoughts, to superfans who Blog loyally and brilliantly several times a week. Glenda’s brought people together from all over the UK, and indeed the world, and poignantly gave a mention to her dear friend and co-editor Diane from Canada who passed away a couple of years ago and is very much missed. 

Normally the Bloggers would get together and share a drink and some food, and even a visit to the cobbles we love so much. But not this year. For obvious reasons all our field trips, excursions and press events have been put on hold or done on Zoom. 

But strangely, I’ve never felt more connected to and thankful for this little community of people. The Corrie fandom provides a little escape from the uncertainty and strangeness of the world we live in. During lockdown I really got into gardening and stepped up my astronomy. Those things kept me sane. And thankfully (and amazingly) Corrie stayed on, and the Blogs on this amazing site kept coming too. I know from reading the comments on some of the Blogs, and the amazing Tweets that people really appreciate this haven for all things Corrie.

So like a drunk uncle at a wedding, I’d like to raise a toast. Not only to the brilliant, funny, heartbreaking and inspiring show we love, Coronation Street, but also to Glenda Young, who has brought so many people together through the Coronation Street Blog. It really is a beautiful thing and we are so grateful for it.

Happy Birthday Coronation Street Blog!

@StevieDawson 

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Coronation Street Episode Review; Weds 9th of Dec 7.30 PM One Hour Anniversary Special!

Tonight, we revel and rejoice in an hour-long Corrie special to mark the record-breaking 60th anniversary episode. The traditional fare of anniversary episodes is live broadcasting, tram crashes, explosions, and multiple murders, but that has been toned down somewhat due to Covid restrictions. However, fear not fair Corrie fans, as tonight the community theme, the motif of Coronation Street's original incarnation, is front and centre - but is it proving to be a good thing? 

The three strands weaving through the past few weeks & months came together tonight in a cacophony of dark drama, light comedy, death, and tragic relationships. Not much difference to normal Corrie then and although it's only December 9th, a few ghosts from Corrie’s Christmas past did appear making this somewhat familiar but a jam-packed anniversary special, nonetheless. 

With Yasmeen now out of prison, Geoff’s place on the street would be tenous either way but with more than enough reason to leave the cobbles for good, Weatherfield's (morality) grim reaper was duty-bound to strike. The beauty of Corrie of course (and long may that remain) was the juxtaposition between the darkness and the light humour. As Geoff’s inevitable end unfolded, the campaigning residents outside on the street with loudspeakers, music, a small marquee and camaraderie gave the episode its comedic slant, and I liked it. 

The climax to the coercive control story contained all of the familiar ingredients that we have come to recognise over the last 12 months. The script, production, and direction were all laced with magic/magician metaphors, the scary clowns and box of tricks in the loft, and Geoff’s almost maniacal laugh like one of those Victorian arcade games. Even Alya’s beating was a result of months of tensions between her and Geoff, very believable and cleverly done. My only gripe is how she woke up in Speed Daal, presumably dazed, confused and injured but managed to rush over to No. 6, which was on fire, and end up on the roof? Seeing Yasmeen finally regain control and Geoff’s death plunge splat on the patio made it all worthwhile though.

In anniversary episodes, it is also worth paying homage to the past, (residents and events), which was conveyed brilliantly tonight. Aside the demolition plan being reminiscent of the year 2000 'Save our Street' campaign, Nick’s monologue to Sam and Natasha about 2010's tram crash proved quite a poignant scene, I almost got emotional remembering Ashley's untimely death!. Would tonight have been Jack Webster’s birthday, too? Which reminds me that Kevin‘s realisation that Debbie is Ray’s development business partner was priceless! 

The slimy businessman looked stumped when the police stopped the diggers bulldozing the brewery, but I think he may form vile revenge on Faye.

Another leitmotif of Coronation Street is those sordid relationships, the affairs, family feuds, and fisticuff fall-outs. I would have preferred seeing more of Jenny, Rita, and Audrey getting sloshed in the Rovers and sharing memories of Annie Walker rather than Adam's sheepish confession.  However, it is the Barlow family, Ken is pivotal to the history of the street, so it worked. I do feel sorry for Peter though who deserves better. 

If Peter Barlow's return in 2000 is my takeaway memory from the 40th, the tram crash being my main memory of the 50th, then the 60th takeaway memory was Ken with his Tiananmen Square stance and speech. As head of this community, and the patriarch of the street's rich history, that was a moment to cherish. A great episode!

I am  @rybazoxo over on Twitter, your self-styled Cobbles Connoisseur!

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‘I only came in for 12 episodes, it’s been 37 years’ Corrie Press Day interview with Michael Le Vell and Sally Carman

As part of our Corrie 60th press day interview series, we joined ITV journalist Nina Nannar to zoom chat with Kevin Webster (Michael Le Vell) & Abi Franklin (Sally Carman) about the demolition storyline, and anniversary week.

NN = Nina Nannar, ML = Michael Le Vell, SC = Sally Carman 

NN -  How many years have you been in Corrie? 

ML-  It's been 37 years now,  I never thought when I came in for 12 episodes I would still be here celebrating the 60th anniversary. It's fantastic to be involved in this storyline as well. All of the cast like to be involved in the big stories, it is flattering.

NN - How much notice do you get before becoming involved in such a big storyline? Kevin is a defender of the street, isn't he?

ML - About a week (!) and yes he is. I doubt he would ever move away from the street. It's not just the street itself but the other residents as well.

NN - This storyline will bring an unhappy conclusion when Kevin finds out about his sister, Debbie? 

ML - It was a surprise. We had no idea that Debbie was in cahoots with Ray until we got the script. I hope she can win Kevin back round as I love having Sue Devaney (Debbie Webster) with us again.'

NN - When you joined, did you imagine staying as long as possible? 

ML - 'To be honest, no, you can never make that decision. You only ever get a 12-month contract regardless of how long you have been here, and at any one time. You can never take it granted - you take it year on year, to be honest.'

NN - What do you think has been the most significant change in Corrie over the last three / four decades you have been there? 

ML - 'I think they try to do more social issues but with more humour. More storylines are driven now and going from two episodes a week to six a week.'

NN - Usually with a big anniversary show, we expect a one-hour live or spectacular stunts etc. Has Covid changed everything? 

ML - 'It has but we can still maintain that high standard of drama, you will see in the coming weeks. But it's more about the acting now and less about any stunts or flash, bang, wallop.' 

NN - Sally, Abi has not been in the street for a massive amount of time yet she loves it! 

SC - 'Yes, I think she can't quite believe her luck. She has never had a family and has broken everything she ever touched. So, to be embraced by this community, and one that has given her numerous chances - she is very loyal.'

NN - Abi is involved in the anniversary week, has it been fun to do? 

SC - 'I got to drive a digger! it has been brilliant. Corrie has been in my life for such a long time, and whether you watch it or not, you know somebody that does. To be a part of it is truly mind-blowing.'

NN - Originally, Abi was only going to be in a few episodes. It must be gratifying when you make it and your character takes off? 

SC - 'Absolutely! I am so happy. We see many actors that have not had that longevity in the show - I have been lucky.'

                                                   ***** 

This particular interview was a real highlight for this Corrie fan. Hearing Michael Le Vell (Kevin) share friendly banter with Sally Carman (Abi), and Sue Devaney (Debbie Webster) was a real treat, you do get a sense that this lot enjoy working together. 

Loved it! 

I am @rybazoxo your corrie connossieur

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'It has rocked their world but they will always be OK’ Corrie Press Day Interview with Joe Duttine and Sally Dynevor

We continue our Corrie 60th anniversary blog interviews joining ITV journalist Nina Nannar to have a good chat with Joe Duttine (Tim Metcalfe) and Sally Dynevor (Sally Metcalfe) about Geoff, Sally and Tim’s relationship, and Coronation Street’s legacy.

NN = Nina Nannar, JD = Joe Duttine SD = Sally Dynevor 

NN - The Geoff coercive plotline has cast its net far and wide for Tim and Sally.

JD- ‘I think this has opened up another world for Tim, hasn’t it? Tim was quite happy just sitting in the taxi office and eating those pink wafer biscuits. Suddenly his Dad comes along and tells him this massive lie. A whole world of things that Tim now has to explore. It is nice to have this turning point.'

NN- Sally and Tim are that 'classic Corrie' couple on the street. How do you think this whole discovery will affect them? 

JD - 'They will bounce back. They will have another night in the conservatory overlooking the hot tub and crack open a nice bottle of something. They will get back on track. It has rocked their world, but they will always be ok, I think.'

NN - How have you found the coercive control storyline? 

JD- 'Quite horrible when you think of the reality, but it has been great. Tim has got involved with some characters he wouldn’t normally interact with and the variation as an actor.'

NN - Sally, you have been in Coronation Street for a long time now - how does it feel to be still involved after all these years? 

SD - 'I am so proud of Coronation Street, it is an incredible programme to be part of and I am pleased to have been part of this domestic abuse storyline. It is so important, and there is a responsibility to the storytelling. I watch all the montages of years gone by and it's amazing that we have had 60 years of fantastic stories. I have loved this coercive storyline, one of the best I have been in. Coronation Street does comedy and dark drama together so well - I think that is why it's been on for 60 years, they do it better than anyone else.'

NN - When you joined Corrie 30 odd years ago, did you plan to stay in as long as possible or was it just another acting job? 

SD - 'No, I left drama school, was in a few telly things, then I got offered Corrie but for only two episodes. I kept getting called back then John Temple (Corrie producer) stopped me in the canteen and asked if I would like a one-year contract. I was amazed, that does not usually happen to an actor. I have enjoyed this job so much. If I left I'd be lost and would miss it so much.'

                                                             ****

Keep your eyes peeled for a few more Corrie press day interviews. It was such an honour to join Micheal Le Vell, Sally Carman, Mark Frost, Mikey North, & Sue Devaney for a chat about the Coronation Street demolition plot!

I am @rybazoxo your cobble connoiseur

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

Coronation Street 60th anniversary goodies, merchandise and events

As we gear up to Coronation Street's 60th anniversary on December 9 2020 I'll keep this blog post updated with items for sale and any other events or goodies for fans that we discover. 

See ITV's plans to celebrate the 60th anniversary with new products for sale, new programmes and unique social media content. It's all here.

If you know of anything we should add, get in touch and leave a comment to let us know and we'll add them in.

Spoilers

The end of Geoff plus more spoilers for the 60th anniversary week
All details

Official ITV

Coronation Street official 60th anniversary book

All details

Coronation Street 2021 calendar
All details

Betty's Hot Pot on sale at the Co-op

All details

Fan-based events 

Julie Goodyear, who played Bet Lynch, sells her jewelry to raise funds for charity and a Corrie film is made to showcase northwest locations
All details here

Join the Coronation Street 60th anniversary locations tour - by Zoom!
All details

Coronation Street at 60 - Virtual Manchester Tour
All details

60 Years of Corrie - Thanks for the memories -T-Shirt
All details

Glenda Young

Author of gritty, family saga novels with Headline

Twitter: @Flaming_Nora

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