The men of Weatherfield

The return of the wonderful Jim McDonald last week has made me ponder the state of Coronation Street's men. We all know that Corrie has always been dominated by the strong female characters but male representation is also very important.

Big Jim is a man's man. He has his demons but all he really wants is the love of a good woman (Elizabeth) and the respect of his sons. Most of the time these days he's some way off achieving these goals but he always gives it a damn good try. And normally clad head to foot in denim.

Jim follows a tradition of Corrie men that was long epitomised by Len Fairclough. Len was a bit rough around the edges, not afraid of a hard drinking session or a good brawl in the street. However he was also a local councillor and respected businessman. People would go to him for help and advice in times of need. And above all else he married the Weatherfield Warbler herself, Rio Rita. However apart from Len and his sidekick Ray Langton, who else was there? Mike Baldwin was too smooth, Ken Barlow wore too many woolly liberal cardigans and Stan Ogden was far too feckless. Perhaps the man's man has always been in short supply in Weatherfield?

Who are the contenders these days amidst Corrie's ever bulging cast?

I remember early on, RIta commented that Owen Armstrong reminded her of Len. I have to say at the time, he did to me too. Now though I'm not so sure. Tony Stewart, currently stepping out with Jim's fair Elizabeth is also a bit rough and ready but he's far too sly and cunning for me. I'd rule Steve and Lloyd out straight away. Lovely as they both undoubtedly are, their girlfriends constantly run rings around them and not often in a good, palatable way.

Nick Tilsley is too camp and petulant, David will always look too young and Dev is just Dev. Rob has been taken down the killer route and lovely Roy is in a category all of his own. Peter Barlow meanwhile has soaked up enough personality flaws for the entire district. Who does that leave us with?

Jason Grimshaw is a true bloke - the character's development and sense of maturity over the years has been impressive. Ryan Thomas has taken Jason a long way since his early appearances. He's the only male presence in the Grimshaw household with a bit of integrity and a backbone at the moment. I just hope he rumbles his unpleasant father and equally toxic brother before they ruin his business.

Perhaps a bit of an odd contender, but there's always our Kirkeh. He may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer (something I think the writers sometimes take too far) but he'll always stand up for his sister, no matter how deranged she becomes. He's also a steadfast supporter of Beth, Craig and Chesney. 

Finally there's Gary Windass. There's a streak of the bad lad in Gary regardless of where he's at in life. Gary's decision to go to war and the aftermath of his life as a soldier were beautifully written and poignantly, powerfully portrayed. Does his link to the army put him in the Jim McDonald mould? 

Kevin Webster will also be returning to the fold again shortly. Is he the epitome of the Weatherfield bloke? Or is he too fists first, think later? 

So who, for you, is currently the archetypical Coronation Street bloke? Which Corrie men do you think need to "man up" and who would you like to see more of (in a manner of speaking)?

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The faces of Corrie in 1977

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 1977, 104 episodes were broadcast.

1. Elsie Howard (81 episodes)
2. Len Fairclough (78 episodes)
3. Bet Lynch (76 episodes)
4. Hilda Ogden (76 episodes)
5. Rita Littlewood/Fairclough (74 episodes)
6. Ray Langton (69 episodes)
7. Betty Turpin (68 episodes)
8. Annie Walker (66 episodes)
9. Ken Barlow (64 episodes)
10. Alf Roberts (64 episodes)
11. Eddie Yeats (64 episodes)
12. Deirdre Langton (62 episodes)

Average age: 45

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

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The faces of Corrie in 1976

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 1976, 104 episodes were broadcast.

1.    Len Fairclough (82 episodes)
2.    Bet Lynch (78 episodes)
3.    Betty Turpin (76 episodes)
4.    Annie Walker (70 episodes)
5.    Ray Langton (68 episodes)
6.    Hilda Ogden (68 episodes)
7.    Ken Barlow (66 episodes)
8.    Elsie Howard (64 episodes)
9.    Deirdre Langton (62 episodes)
10.    Gail Potter (62 episodes)
11.    Alf Roberts (62 episodes)
12.    Rita Littlewood (60 episodes)

Average age: 43

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The faces of Corrie in 1975

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 1975, 102 episodes were broadcast.

1.    Len Fairclough (84 episodes)
2.    Ray Langton (84 episodes)
3.    Bet Lynch (84 episodes)
4.    Betty Turpin (82 episodes)
5.    Rita Littlewood (77 episodes)
6.    Hilda Ogden (71 episodes)
7.    Deirdre Hunt/Langton (70 episodes)
8.    Ken Barlow (68 episodes)
9.    Annie Walker (67 episodes)
10.    Alf Roberts (66 episodes)
11.    Ernest Bishop (62 episodes)
12.    Blanche Hunt (61 episodes)

Average age: 43

Note: This is the only time Ernest and Blanche make the top 12

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The faces of Corrie in 1974

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 1974, 103 episodes were broadcast.

1.    Betty Turpin (87 episodes)
2.    Len Fairclough (81 episodes)
3.    Bet Lynch (79 episodes)
4.    Rita Littlewood (73 episodes)
5.    Ray Langton (71 episodes)
6.    Annie Walker (71 episodes)
7.    Jerry Booth (69 episodes)
8.    Ken Barlow (68 episodes)
9.    Billy Walker (68 episodes)
10.    Deirdre Hunt (67 episodes)
11.    Emily Bishop (65 episodes)
12.    Stan Ogden (61 episodes)

Due to lack of space, Alf Roberts fails to make the top 12, but he also appeared in 61 episodes

Average age: 41

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

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Top 50 Corrie Couples - Nos. 42 and 41

42. Ray Langton and Deirdre Hunt/Langton, 1975-1978 (24 votes)

When Deirdre Hunt arrived on the cobbles in 1973, she was hired by Len Fairclough and Ray Langton as a secretary in their builder’s yard. Romantically, she became involved with publican son Billy Walker, much to the annoyance of his mother Annie. By 1974, they were engaged but Billy fled to Jersey in 1975, leaving Deirdre on her own. She found comfort in her boss Ray. Although Deirdre’s mother Blanche disapproved their relationship, they married the same year.

Ray quickly found out that his wife wasn’t the quiet and submissive type and she wasn’t afraid to stand up to him. In 1977, Deirdre gave birth to Tracy and they moved into N°5. Their wedded bliss didn’t last long as Deirdre was sexually assaulted under the viaduct and she contemplated suicide. Ray didn’t believe that she wasn’t raped and this damaged the marriage, so much that Ray had an affair with Janice Stubbs. Deirdre found out and struggled to forgive him, and when he was offered a job in Holland, she refused to join him. He left and only returned in 2005 to make amends with her and Tracy before he died of stomach cancer.

Did you remember Ray and Deirdre as a couple? Should they be at 42?

41. Alan Howard and Elsie Tanner/Howard, 1969-1973 (25 votes)

After two failed marriages and a long string of men, Elsie Tanner met Alan Howard in 1969. Fancying his chances, Alan hired her as manageress in his newly opened hair salon. Although uninterested at first, Elsie agreed to a date. After many dates, Elsie married Alan in 1970. But the marriage was fraught with financial difficulties – Alan’s mainly. She found a rival in Janet Reid who tried to start a relationship with Alan, but Elsie saw her off.

The marriage was tested in 1972 when Alan started drinking heavily. Elsie feared that he was an alcoholic after he nearly burned the house down after sleeping with a cigarette in his hand. Alan sobered up and recovered. In 1973, Elsie heard that son Dennis was in prison and, ashamed to admit to Alan, went to London under the pretence she was visiting old friend Sheila Crossley. In London, Elsie was knocked down by a taxi and when Alan went down to identify her, he suspected her of having an affair. Later that year, the Howards left for Alan’s native Newcastle. Elsie returned alone in 1976, now separated from Alan and divorced him in 1978.

Do you remember Alan and Elsie as a couple? Should they be at 41?


Check out who was at 44 and 43.

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The faces of Corrie in 1973

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 1973, 105 episodes were broadcast.

1.    Len Fairclough (79 episodes)
2.    Betty Turpin (78 episodes)
3.    Bet Lynch (75 episodes)
4.    Ray Langton (73 episodes)
5.    Annie Walker (72 episodes)
6.    Jerry Booth (71 episodes)
7.    Hilda Ogden (70 episodes)
8.    Ken Barlow (69 episodes)
9.    Rita Littlewood (69 episodes)
10.    Elsie Howard (65 episodes)
11.    Stan Ogden (64 episodes)
12.    Norma Ford (63 episodes)

Average age: 43

Note: This, to date, is the only time Norma appears in the top 12

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The faces of Corrie in 1972

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 1972, 104 episodes were broadcast.

1.    Len Fairclough (79 episodes)
2.    Elsie Howard (78 episodes)
3.    Ray Langton (77 episodes)
4.    Billy Walker (76 episodes)
5.    Maggie Clegg (74 episodes)
6.    Jerry Booth (72 episodes)
7.    Annie Walker (72 episodes)
8.    Alan Howard (70 episodes)
9.    Hilda Ogden (68 episodes)
10.    Emily Nugent/Bishop (66 episodes)
11.    Betty Turpin (64 episodes)
12.    Ken Barlow (62 episodes)

Due to lack of space, Bet Lynch fails to make the top 12, but she also appeared in 62 episodes.

Average age: 44

Note: This is the last time Maggie (to date) and Alan appear in the top 12

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The faces of Corrie in 1971

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 1971, 104 episodes were broadcast.

1.    Annie Walker (76 episodes)
2.    Stan Ogden (75 episodes)
3.    Elsie Howard (75 episodes)
4.    Len Fairclough (72 episodes)
5.    Ray Langton (69 episodes)
6.    Bet Lynch (68 episodes)
7.    Hilda Ogden (68 episodes)
8.    Betty Turpin (68 episodes)
9.    Emily Nugent (66 episodes)
10.    Ken Barlow (65 episodes)
11.    Lucille Hewitt (62 episodes)
12.    Maggie Clegg (61 episodes)

Average age: 42

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

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The faces of Corrie in 1970

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 1970, 96 episodes were broadcast.

1.    Annie Walker (70 episodes)
2.    Elsie Tanner/Howard (68 episodes)
3.    Ray Langton (68 episodes)
4.    Ena Sharples (68 episodes)
5.    Betty Turpin (65 episodes)
6.    Len Fairclough (63 episodes)
7.    Valerie Barlow (61 episodes)
8.    Hilda Ogden (61 episodes)
9.    Maggie Clegg (60 episodes)
10.  Alan Howard (56 episodes)
11.  Ken Barlow (55 episodes)
12.  Stan Ogden (54 episodes)

Average age: 46

Note: This is the last time Ena and Valerie appear in the top 12

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The faces of Corrie in 1969

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 1969, 104 episodes were broadcast.

1. Elsie Tanner (88 episodes)
2. Hilda Ogden (85 episodes)
3. Ena Sharples (81 episodes)
4. Jack Walker (81 episodes)
5. Annie Walker (79 episodes)
6. Stan Ogden (76 episodes)
7. Ray Langton (74 episodes)
8. Emily Nugent (73 episodes)
9. Len Fairclough (73 episodes)
10. Valerie Barlow (70 episodes)
11. Ken Barlow (64 episodes)
12. Minnie Caldwell (62 episodes)

Due to lack of space, Maggie Clegg fails to make the top 12, but she also appeared in 62 episodes.

Average age: 48

Note: This is the last time Jack and Minnie appear in the top 12



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Favourite Corrie couples countdown - second poll

Now, I hope you've voted for two favourite Coronation Street couples in the blog's first poll of ten last week and thank you for doing so. If not, you can still do so. The poll closes on Monday, 11th November at midnight.
 

I do hope you have favourites in the first poll and so on to the second batch.
 

Mike Baldwin and Alma Sedgewick/Baldwin (1989-1999) – What began as an on/off tempestuous relationship turned into a wonderful partnership that defined 1990s Corrie. Despite being exasperated at times by his dodgy dealings, Alma stuck by Mike. The Baldwins separated in 1999 when Mike had an affair with Julia Stone and they divorced. Any possibility of a reunion was tarnished when Alma died in 2001.

Alan Howard and Elsie Tanner/Howard (1969-1973) – Alan hired Elsie as manageress in his hair salon and after a whirlwind romance they married. But the marriage was fraught with difficulties – Alan became bankrupt, he had an affair with Janet Reid and he started drinking heavily. In 1973, the Howards decided to start afresh and moved to Newcastle. Elsie returned alone in 1976, announcing the marriage was over. They divorced in 1978.
 

Ray Langton and Deirdre Hunt/Langton (1975-1978) – After fiancé Billy Walker fled to Jersey, Deirdre found comfort in her boss Ray. After a whirlwind romance they married. Tracy was born in 1977 and they became quite the perfect little family. But, like any other Corrie couple, they faced difficulties. Deirdre was sexually assaulted and contemplated suicide. This damaged the marriage and Deirdre’s reluctance to be close to Ray resulted in his affair with Janice Stubbs. Although the marriage survived the affair, when Ray was offered a job in Holland, Deirdre refused to join him. Ray returned in 2005 to make amends before he died of stomach cancer.

Richard Hillman and Gail Platt/Hillman (2001-2003) – Gail fell for suave Richard at Alma’s funeral and they soon began a relationship and he moved in. But Richard had a dark side – he was a fraudster and a murderer. With two deaths on his mind, he married Gail in 2002. Over the next few months, he went into financial difficulties and went to desperate measures to overcome them – by trying to kill Audrey and Emily. He also killed Maxine Peacock. Gail became suspicious and he confessed. He was on the run before returning to kidnap the family and drive into the canal. Only Richard perished.

 

Sean Tully and Marcus Dent (2007-2008, 2011-2012) – The first Corrie gay couple. They met in hospital when Sean accompanied Violet Wilson when she went for their baby scan. They embark on a relationship and Marcus is the one to deliver Violet’s baby Dylan. But soon enough the couple face problems as Sean becomes paranoid of the men Marcus befriends. Marcus is tired of Sean’s jealousy and they separate and Marcus moves to London. When Sean goes to London in 2011, he’s shocked to see Marcus again. The flame is still there and they retry their relationship but yet again the relationship ends when Marcus sleeps with Maria Connor and they embark on a relationship.

So who’s your favourite out of the second poll? Voting closes at midnight on Monday, 18th November.

And remember that a vote for your favourite could mean they could win the top spot in the countdown!
 

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Corrie A-Z: L is for Lotharios

While pin-ups have only been a norm in soaps in the last 25 years or so, Coronation Street has had Romeos and Lotharios treading on the cobbles since the 1960s.

 

Ken Barlow has charmed many Weatherfield ladies over the years – he’s married four times and had 24 girlfriends. His first on-screen conquest was Susan Cunningham in 1960 and over the years his women have included the likes of Valerie Tatlock, Rita Littlewood, Wendy Nightingale, Deirdre Langton, Wendy Crozier, Alma Sedgewick, Denise Osbourne and Martha Fraser.

 

Another early Corrie Lothario was rough diamond Len Fairclough whose conquests included Elsie Tanner, Bet Lynch and Rita Littlewood (who managed to marry him). Len had that Scouse charm that was attractive and also he was a successful builder, joiner and plumber as well as being a councillor. His younger business partner Ray Langton also had an eye for the ladies – conquests including Irma Barlow, Sandra Butler and Audrey Fleming. A bad boy and fashionably with sideburns, Ray eventually married Deirdre Hunt. But his womanising ways led him to have an affair with Janice Stubbs which inevitably ended his marriage to Deirdre.

 

Someone who often clashed with Ray Langton was Annie Walker’s son Billy. Broad-shouldered and also occupying sideburns, Billy broke many a girl’s heart during his many stints on the programme between 1961 and 1984. Along with Ray, Billy Walker was the street’s heart-throb in the early 1970s and in 1974 he set his sights on Deirdre Hunt (17 years his junior). They planned to marry but Billy fled to Jersey weeks before the wedding and Deirdre later married Ray.

 

Businessmen Dave Smith (a ruthless-but-charming Cockney, a precursor to Mike Baldwin) and Alan Howard were also womanisers during the 1960s and 1970s with both having Elsie Tanner on their conquests list.

In 1976, Cockney Mike Baldwin bought the abandoned warehouse and established a denim factory. A ruthless boss, he soon became known for his way with the ladies. Bet Lynch fell for him immediately when he arrived and over the next thirty years Mike managed to woo the likes of Deirdre Barlow, Maggie Dunlop, Susan Barlow, Alma Sedgewick and Penny King and many more. He wined and dined them in fancy restaurants and they got to ride in his Jaguar.

 

Upon his arrival in 1986, Alan Bradley reminded many of Len Fairclough and indeed reminded Len’s widow Rita of him and she fell for him. While he was with Rita, he was also involved with Gloria Todd and Carole Burns. During his 20 years on the cobbles, Martin Platt also charmed many Weatherfield womenfolk including Jenny Bradley, Gail Tilsley, Sally Webster and Katy Harris.

 

Steve McDonald has also had his fair share of women over the years including Vicky Arden, Fiona Middleton, Karen Phillips, Tracy Barlow, Michelle Connor and Becky Granger.

 

Corner shop proprietor Dev Alahan in his early years was a Street Lothario (he still thinks he’s still got it!). Over the years he’s bedded Geena Gregory, Deirdre Rachid (shudder the thought!), Tracy Barlow and Sunita Parekh.

 

Peter Barlow has followed his father’s footsteps with the ladies and has even committed bigamy. Relationships over the years include Shelley Unwin, Lucy Richards, Maria Sutherland, Leanne Battersby, Michelle Connor and Carla Connor. Peter’s best mate Ciaran McCarthy has also used his Irish charm and good looks to whisk Sunita Pareck, Tracy Barlow and Michelle Connor off their feet.

 

Can you think of any other Corrie Lotharios? Vote for your favourite below And if you haven't yet, you can vote for your favourite layabout here.
 

 

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Top 60 Corrie Characters - Nos. 58 and 57

58. Alan Bradley 1986-1989 (12 votes)

The first long term Corrie villain who terrorised Rita’s life in the late 1980s. They were attracted to each other but due to Rita’s lack of commitment (she declined both of his marriage proposals), Alan had an affair with Gloria Todd. But he came back to Rita when he realised how wealthy she was. To an oblivious Rita, he stole from her and when she confronted him, he tried to kill her. He was arrested and appeared in court but got released and sought revenge and for months stalked and mentally tormented poor Rita. Horrified, she fled to Blackpool and Alan followed her there. Seeing him on the promenade, she ran and while he gave chase he was fatally hit by a tram, ending Rita’s nightmare. What a memorable death!

Should Alan Bradley be at 58? Did you love to hate him? Do you remember his death? Leave a comment!

57. Ray Langton 1966, 1968-1978, 2005 (14 votes)

Deirdre’s first husband who worked at the builder’s yard with Len Fairclough and Jerry Booth. He was one of the early heart throbs – conquests including Irma Barlow, Sandra Butler and Audrey Fleming. Deirdre brought stability to his life and daughter Tracy was born in 1977. But he strayed again when he had an affair with Janice Stubbs. He tried to fix the marriage by getting a job in Amsterdam but Deirdre refused. He left and they later divorced. Ray returned 27 years later in 2005 with the news he was dying of stomach cancer. He made amends with Deirdre and Tracy before passing away in the Rovers on Ken and Deirdre’s second wedding day.

Should Ray be at 57? Did you fancy him? Leave a comment!

Check out who was at 60 and 59.

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50 Years Of Corrie In 50 Days – 1978

Day 18 of our 50 day countdown of Coronation Street - written by blogger Sunny Jim.

Stephen Hancock, who played Ernest Bishop, had his contract up for renewal. He didn’t feel that the contracts, whereby some of the cast were paid appearance money for every episode even though they didn’t appear in them all, were fair and so told the producer he wouldn’t be signing. Bill Podmore tried numerous times to change his mind but he stood firm and was adamant that under the existing system, he wanted to leave. Writer John Stevenson came up with the exit storyline. It would not have been believable for Ernest and Emily to split up and divorce and just as unlikely for him to leave the area without her. It would have been unfair to send Emily away when Eileen Derbyshire had no desire to leave the show. So it was decided that in order to save Emily Bishop, Ernest must die.

Ernest was the wages clerk at Baldwin’s Casuals and was busy making up the wages one day when two youths, Tommo Jackson and Dave Lester, burst into the office with a shotgun and demanded the cash. As Ernie handed it over, Mike Baldwin came into the office, nudging the gunman who shot Ernie in the chest. The raiders fled whilst Mike stared in horror at Ernie’s lifeless body. He was rushed to hospital but died on the operating table.

Another departure this year was Ray Langton. Ray had grown bored with his work and domestic life and started up an affair with Janice Stubbs who worked at Dawson’s café. Emily was the manager there and was horrified when she uncovered their illicit relationship. Deirdre grew suspicious and Emily was forced to tell her the truth. Deirdre confronted Ray and he was repentant promising them a new start in Amsterdam. She agreed to emigrate with him but when it came down to it she decided she couldn’t trust him enough and refused to go.

Also in 1978: Gail Potter meets Brian Tilsley; Alf Roberts and Renee Bradshaw get married; Fred Gee proposes to Betty Turpin, Bet Lynch and Alma Walsh from The Flying Horse in an attempt to get a pub of his own; the factory workers go on strike Hilda is sacked for asking for a new broom; Elsie Howard becomes Elsie Tanner again.

50 Years Of Corrie In 50 Days – 1975

Day 15 of our 50 day countdown of Coronation Street - written by blogger Sunny Jim.

Coronation Street celebrated its 15th year with the burning down of the warehouse and the death of popular character, Edna Gee. The Fire Service and paramedics worked with the production crew to create the blaze, making it the most ambitious disaster the Street had ever screened.

The neighbourhood was being plagued by three young tearaways who were former pupils of Ken Barlow. They were constantly cheeking the residents and indulging in acts of petty vandalism. Albert Tatlock reported them to the police but the youngsters thought that Ken was responsible and wrecked his house in revenge. The fathers of two of the boys tried to bribe Ken into not going to the police but Ken wouldn’t take the money and thinking that society was to blame, didn’t take the matter any further.

However, the boys thought that the police were after them so they broke into the warehouse and spent the night in a store room. In the morning they left a cigarette burning in there and a fire started. The storeroom happened to be Edna Gee’s favourite place to go for a crafty smoke herself and when she opened the door she was engulfed in flames and died instantly. The fire took hold and the entire warehouse was razed, leaving Fred Gee a widower and all the workers unemployed.

1975 saw the marriage of Deirdre Hunt and Ray Langton. Deirdre was engaged to Billy Walker but when Ken Farrington handed in his notice, the storylines had to be rejigged. With the wedding date set and both mothers having bought the same outfit, both Billy and Deirdre started to have second thoughts. Billy broke it off and jetted off to Jersey to take a bartending job. Deirdre and Ray then amazed all the Street residents by getting together and after a whirlwind romance they were married at the local register office.

Also in 1975: Graham Haberfield (Jerry Booth) dies; Lynne Johnson is murdered and Len Fairclough is the chief suspect; Carlos proposes to Mavis to get a work permit; Gail Potter and Tricia Hopkins get conned by a modelling agency; Betty Turpin wins Newton & Ridley’s ‘Personality of the Pub’ competition; Stan Ogden wins free beer for a week.