Cosy crimes and gritty sagas by Corrie Blog editor Glenda, published by Headline. Click pic below!

Saturday 31 August 2013

Corrie A-Z: Q is for Quiff


Something that’s always been on Corrie as long as both the street itself and Ken Barlow is Ken’s quiff. And here’s a picture dedication of how the quiff’s survived over the years. While other characters like Len Fairclough and Mike Baldwin had quiffs at some time or another, it is Ken’s that’s endured.
 
 
You can follow us on Twitter @CoroStreetBlog and Facebook: CoronationStreetBlog

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

Vote for your favourite Corrie pillar of the community

If you haven't yet, you can vote for your favourite pillar of the community here. Voting closes on Monday, 2nd September at midnight.
 
Who's your favourite? Emily Bishop? Alf Roberts? Annie Walker?
 
You can follow us on Twitter @CoroStreetBlog and Facebook: CoronationStreetBlog

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

Friday 30 August 2013

State of the Street - August 2013

We've got another month of Corrie under our belts. August came in with a crash, literally and the guilt is spread over the cobbles far and wide. Eileen dumped Paul, Mandy dumped Lloyd and Katy dumped Chesney though she was pushed really. Yet another new baby is born with one of two fathers and a baby with one father and two mothers is thriving.  Craig is scared he's a killer and Killer Karl is just running scared.

Read more about the State of the Street here.

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

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

Come on Eileen!



Poor old Eileen Grimshaw. What has happened to her? The vast majority of Corrie fans seem to have gone off our Eileen in recent times.

Yes, she's been saddled with some less than exciting storylines, and yes, she's been saddled with a rather less than exciting on-screen boyfriend, but I think the problem lies deeper than that. I've always loved both the character of Eileen and the actress who plays her. Sue Cleaver has been a part of Coronation Street for thirteen years now and some might already consider her a stalwart. However as far as I am concerned the spark has left her character.

When Eileen first appeared she was strong, opinionated and stood her ground. She also frequently showed great comedic potential, particularly in the wonderful cab office scenes with Steve and Lloyd. However men have always been her downfall. I guess the truth is I've never really liked Eileen when she's been involved with someone long term. It's just not quite the same.

The Eileen Grimshaw I love is the battling single mum, standing up for her boys and supporting her friends. Some people have said the character should be scrapped, but I think that is far too drastic. Eileen is one of the most human, realistic characters the Street currently has. We all see "Eileen's" every day. And that is what Corrie is all about.

I think Eileen's grit and spirit need to return. We all know Jason is going to become embroiled in Karl's dodgy dealings again, so wouldn't it be nice to see Eileen supporting her son and standing up to Karl? Hopefully Todd's imminent return to Weatherfield will also put a smile back on his mother's face too. And with Brian Packham set to leave Corrie in the coming months, wouldn't it be good to see Eileen being the supportive, caring half-sister Julie really needs?

So those are my suggestions for Eileen, moving forward. What are yours?

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

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

Fab Photo Friday - August 30th 2013

It's Friday again so it's time for this week's fab Coronation Street photo. As I'm going away on my holidays next week here's a picture of somebody else having fun whilst abroad.


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

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

Reminder: Coronation Street isn't on tonight, Friday 30 August

A reminder that Coronation Street schedules are changed tonight and next Friday because of football.

There's no Corrie tonight, Friday 30 August. Instead, there's a one-hour episode on Sunday night, 1 September.

The same change happens next Friday 6 September when Corrie moves to a one-hour episode on Sunday 8 September instead - and we'll post another reminder here on the Coronation Street Blog.


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

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

Spot the Corrie prop - August 30th 2013

Massive congratulations to our blogger Graeme N who not only spotted that last week's mismatched tea set could be found in Elsie Tanner's back parlour but also spotted that the cleavage in the background belongs to Audrey Potter in her first appearance on Coronation Street when she turned up for Gail's engagement party. Nobody had a go at the year which was 1979.

We've got another vintage prop this week and all you have to do is tell us whose wall these posters would have been found on back in 1976.



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

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

Thursday 29 August 2013

Could Corrie ever be 're-booted'?

Last night, UK TV viewers were treated to what was called a 're-interpretation' of the popular 1980s Aussie drama, 'Prisoner: Cell Block H'. This was no continuation of the original series but an updated version. Perhaps the most significant aspect was that the writers gave a totally different spin on the programme's major characters. The ones who were evil back in the day were now sweetness and light. The prim and proper governor was now a bit of a baggage - you get the idea.

However, it got me wondering. Imagine the wonders and delights of a re-booted Corrie which could feature popular characters played by an array of alternative actors -  such as . . .

Kylie Platt (Kaya Scodelario) - a shy girl with little self-confidence who has forever been in the shadow of her successful business woman sister, Rebecca.

Rita Tanner (Matt Lucas & a Ronald McDonald wig) - a former mezzo-soprano opera singer and elderly font of all wisdom but who knows when to keep her own counsel. She's often found in the pub, nursing a small pineapple juice and her memories.

Deirdre Barlow (Tamsin Greig) - the Street's resident artist, famed for her exquisite pottery and a dab hand in the kitchen too!

Eileen Grimshaw (Julie Walters) - the life and soul of the party. If she's not cracking jokes then she's offering caring, warm-hearted advice to her nearest and dearest. She's a Mum for all seasons and has her hair done every week. No fright wig for her!

Stella Price (Amanda Redman) - the much-loved landlady of the Rovers Return. With her colourful frocks and her equally colourful and bubbly mother Gloria (Sheila Hancock), she dispenses drinks, smiles and never gets involved in the minutia of the customer's lives, even when they die without her having ever met them.

Tracy Barlow (Helena Bonham-Carter) - having sent several years in a convent, she's now back amongst her family but spends most of her time weeping for what has become of the world. Viewers will be moved by her displays of empathy and her collection of roll-necked sweaters.

Owen Armstrong (David Walliams) - with his love of musical theatre and Barbra Streisand, Owen holds court at a table in the Rovers, fascinating the locals with tales of his career as popular cabaret entertainer, Sherry Trifle.

Roy Cropper (Ray Winstone) - a mean-minded alcoholic who runs the local greasy spoon with his hard-faced ex-jailbird wife, Hales (Maxine Peake) who did time for setting fire to an anorak factory. Never, ever question the quality of their fried slice.

Carla Connor (Miranda Hart) - hapless, unlucky-in-love factory owner who spends most of the day falling over boxes or losing her skirt - with hilarious consequences!

 Could we ever cope with an alternative Corrie where Dev is a quietly spoken shop owner or Tina sits on the Red Rec making daisy chains? Stranger things have happened . . .

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

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

Coronation Street quiff of the week - Andre in Canada

It's time to meet another Corrie fan of the week.
Would you like to be our Coronation Street fan of the week? 

Click here to find out more. 

Who are you and where are you from?
My name is Andre Proulx and I am from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

How long have you been watching Corrie?
Since 2006 (7 wonderful years).

Who are your favourite female and male characters - and the reasons why?
Female: Becky McDonald - I wish she would come back. Becky was a lot like me, a free spirit and easy going.
Rita Tanner - she was like my Nan who passed away many years ago and you just want to reach through the tele and give her a bid hug.
Male: Steve McDonald - he is a funny and nutty guy like me and my husband. And from what I hear he was a cutie-pattutie years ago.
Peter Barlow - My colleague and I call each other Peter and Leanne. I am very much like Peter (minus the alcohol) and he is handsome.

What's been some of your favourite Corrie storylines over the years?
The killing of Liam by Tony and all the havoc Tony brought to the street. The Tram crash was my favourite not for all the character loss but for the intensity.

And what would your fantasy Corrie storyline be?
Bring in another gay couple who have great jobs on the street (or close by) who get married and adopt a child. It is part of the real world, just nobody will show it. Poor Sean has no luck.

Have you any snippets or news about meeting any of the Corrie cast, or trips to the set, etc., that you'd like to share?
I do not at this time but I wish to have some of the cast come to an event I would organise and see if I can get CBC Canada to aid in the over all event.

Andre Proulx, Event coordinator for Black Swan Events

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

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

Charlie Stubbs joins Emmerdale

Bill Ward, who played Charlie Stubbs on Coronation Street, is joining the cast of Emmerdale.

The actor has landed the role of John Barton's older brother James and will begin filming in September.  Bill will play a farmer and single father to three grown-up sons. Viewers will soon discover that he had a rift with his sibling which wasn't healed before John's untimely death last year.

Speaking of his new role, Bill said: "I'm really looking forward to it. The Emmerdale team are a very talented bunch indeed and I'm extremely chuffed to have been asked to join them."

Emmerdale fans will see Bill on screen as James in October.

See also: Whatever happened to.... Bill Ward?

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

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

Yay or Nay - should Kylie do a DNA test?


Despite Michelle Keegan, who plays Tina McIntyre, tweeting a picture of her Corrie script which states that David "can not be ruled out" as the father of baby Lily, the real dad of new baby Platt has yet to be resolved.  Even if Nick has a DNA test when he wakes from his coma, his result would come back the same as David's with "can not be ruled out".  Lily's dad can only be ascertained (and that's a long word for a Thursday) if Kylie has a DNA test.

So, what do you think?  It'll be Kylie's decision - is ignorance bliss or should she have a DNA test and find out who Lily's real dad is - Yay or Nay?

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

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

Wednesday 28 August 2013

Next week: A tinge of Corrie, Tuesday 3 September

Elite Coaches are offering this special event for Coronation Street fans on Tuesday 3rd September 2013.

A TINGE OF CORRIE - £10.00 per person
A visit to the Daisy Nook Garden Centre where you will be met by the Coronation Street expert who will give you a ten minute introduction to the Corrie Exhibition - this is in a separate room near the café and features a big backdrop of the street, a bar, and Hilda's mural and flying ducks which you can be photographed in front of.

There are
glass cases with props and costumes from the show's 50 years and boards giving lots of facts on how it is made, etc. Gifts can be purchased.

Then to Portland Basin in Ashton-under-Lyne, a lovely little
museum on the canal side before driving through the Saddleworth villages to Holmfirth. Departs 9.30am; home by approx 6.00pm

Full details here.


You can follow us on Twitter @CoroStreetBlog and Facebook: CoronationStreetBlog
Creative Commons Licence
All original work on the Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

Corrie actors on tour in Cissie and Ada stage show

Steven Arnold and Eric Potts, who played Coronation Street's Ashley Peacock and Diggory Compton, are back on stage in a touring production of Cissie & Ada (an hysterical rectomy).

Cissie and Ada, the immortal comic characters created by the late, great Les Dawson aided and abetted by Roy Barraclough, grace the theatre stage in this hilarious new play.

Written by playwright Graham Warrener in collaboration with original Cissie and Ada scriptwriter Terry Ravenscroft, Cissie and Ada revisits the story and the culture behind the side-splitting sketches and that of BBC Light Entertainment in the 80's as well as bringing Dawson and Barraclough's comedy genius back to life.

Tour dates are online here.

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

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

Preview of tonight's Coronation Street - Weds 28 August

WEDNESDAY 28TH AUGUST
TESTING DNA DISCUSSIONS UPSETS NEW MUM KYLIE. Kylie watches as David introduces Max to baby Lily, full of love for her family. David begs Tina not to make him confess and suggests that when Nick comes round they’ll do a deal; Nick can keep quiet about the car crash and David about the baby. Will Tina agree? Meanwhile Gail urges Kylie to have Lily’s DNA tested so she can be sure who the father is.
CHESNEY FACES THE FUTURE. Chesney apologises to Katy for spending the night on the sofa, making out he was just tired. Katy asks him to come home early as she’s planning a romantic meal. Dreading dinner alone with Katy, Ches invites Tyrone and Fiz along. But how will Katy react when she realises that Chesney can’t face being be alone with her?
KARL’S INFURIATED BY STELLA’S INDECISION. With Nick still in coma Stella wonders whether she should cancel the wedding. Karl’s annoyed as he and best man, Tez, set about getting into the spirit of things.
ELSEWHERE Sally’s embarrassed when she bumps into Tim, aware of her performance at the barbeque. Will Tim still be interested after seeing Sally in a different light?
You can follow us on Twitter @CoroStreetBlog and Facebook: CoronationStreetBlog

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

Tuesday 27 August 2013

Coronation Street fans vote Schmeichel as favourite pet

Coronation Street Blog readers have voted Schmeichel the dog as their favourite Corrie pet in a landslide victory. 311 of you voted and 192 (61.74%) voted for Chesney Brown's Great Dane, who appeared between 2004 and 2011.

In second place came the Barlows' dog Eccles with 27 votes (8.68%). She's appeared since 2006. Minnie Caldwell's cat Bobby came third with 21 votes (6.75%). There were two Bobbies - one that appeared between 1962 and 1968 and then from 1968 to 1976.

Maria Connor's dog Ozzy came fourth with 11 votes (3.54%). He's appeared since 2007. Mavis Riley's budgie Harriett came fifth with 10 votes (3.22%). She appeared between 1982 and 1990. Jack Duckworth's pigeon Scarlett came sixth with 8 votes (2.57%). She made her last appearance in 2009.

Simon Barlow's rabbit Leanne came seventh with 7 votes (2.25%). She appeared until 2009. Tyrone Dobbs' greyhound Monica came eighth with 6 votes (1.93%). She first appeared in 1999. Her last appearance is unknown.

Rita Sullivan's dog Mr Woo (2002), Craig Tinker's rat Darryl (2012- ) and Maxine Peacock's cat Bella all came ninth with 4 votes (1.29%). David Platt's rabbit Barney, Percy Sugden's budgie Randy (1983-1988, 1988-1997), Jed Stone's cat Sunny Jim (2008-2009) and Frisky the cat who appeared on the Corrie titles from 1990 until 2002 all received 3 votes (0.96%).

Jesse Chadwick's parrot John, Hilda Ogden's cat Rommel, Betty Williams' cat Marmaduke, the Duckworths' dog Boomer and Sean Tully's dog Shandy all received 1 vote (0.32%).

Happy with the results?

And if you haven't yet, you can vote for your favourite pillar of the community here. Voting closes at midnight on Monday, 2nd September.

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

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

Steph Britton returns to Coronation Street

Katy's friend Steph will be returning to Coronation Street as a regular character, says the fab Inside Soap magazine today. 

The magazine has a photoshoot to highlight the awards that some of the Corrie cast members are up for in the Inside Soap Awards 2013

Georgia May Foote, who plays Katy says this in the mag: "I'd like Katy to go off the rails because I've never played a character like that. Katy's friend Steph will be a regular so expect to see those two getting up to lots of mischief together."

Who's Steph? I hear you cry.  Why, I answer, she's the cheeky one who fancied Ryan. 

Corrie have even given Steph a surname - Britton, which is always a sign of the character sticking around for a bit.  Steph Britton's played by actress Tisha Merry.

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

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

First pic: Bruno Langley back on Coronation Street as Todd Grimshaw

With thanks to the official Coronation Street website, who posted this fab picture from their twitter @itvcorrie today.

It's the first picture of Bruno Langley's return as Todd Grimshaw. Bruno's back filming at Coronation Street, his first day back on the set was today.

Todd's return to the Street might put a smile on his mum Eileen's face, but he's going to cause some problems for Marcus and Maria.

See also: Totally Todd Grimshaw

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

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

Katherine Kelly elopes to Las Vegas

News in today that former Coronation Street actor, Katherine Kelly has eloped with her boyfriend of two years, boxer Ryan Clark. The wedding was kept secret, with none of their family present and took place last Tuesday at the Little Chapel of the West.

She then sold the photos to Hello Magazine and you can see them in this week's issue.

The interview in Hello, reported in the Mirror says Katherine, who we knew as Becky McDonald, says that the wedding was exactly what they wanted:

“The day was everything we hoped it would be - no fuss, low-key, sunshine and just us. We wanted to enjoy the day without all the usual planning and pressure. We just wanted to let it roll, so it had an on-the-run feel to it. We’d been laughing and joking all day and then suddenly everything seemed to stop and we tried to get the words ‘I do’ out without becoming emotional wrecks. It was awesome. I’ll never forget that moment for the rest of my life.”

Congratulations!

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

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

Faye Windass' friend to join Coronation Street

Ella-Grace Gregoire, from Lytham, is set to make her debut in Coronation Street (below) next month.Corrie's set to get another troublesome teen in the shape of Faye Windass' friend.  She'll be played by young actor Ella-Grace Gregoire, from Lytham who we'll see on screen next month.

Ella-Grace said: “I couldn’t believe it when I got the part. Now I am mixing with all the other actors who I have been watching for years. It’s a bit mad when they just say ‘hi’ to me. They are so friendly and nothing like their screen characters. It’s an amazing place.”

Ella-Grace got the part after being talent spotted at the Scream Theatre School, based at Wareham Road, Blackpool, and is set to take her bow on September 13.

Mum Elaine said: “It’s her favourite programme and my mum’s favourite programme too. The whole family’s been brought up on Coronation Street so it’s a dream come true for her. She was a bit starstruck when she was first on set, it’s amazing.”
 
You can follow us on Twitter @CoroStreetBlog and Facebook: CoronationStreetBlog

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

Spoilers for next week's Coronation Street, Sep 1 - 4

Without any piffle, here's the storyline for the week ahead on Coronation Street, all wrapped up nicely in 50 words or less.

Week of Sunday 1 to Wednesday 4 September
Note that Friday 6 September's double episodes will be shown on Sunday 8 September instead.


Karl attacks Jason and confesses to arson; Hayley’s given death sentence; Chesney regrets choosing Katy; Craig does a runner; Max is jealous of Lily.

The full weekly preview, with loads of pictures is right here on Corrie.net

Missed last week's Corrie? 
Catch up with the Coronation Street Weekly Updates 
You can follow us on Twitter @CoroStreetBlog and Facebook: CoronationStreetBlog

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

Monday 26 August 2013

Coronation Street double episode review, Monday 26 August 2013

So it's Bank Holiday and the rivalry is about to begin between Anna and Sally. Anna is having a barbecue but Sally is having a garden party. Sophie is understandably embarrassed by Tim and Sally's show of affection. It seems Sally is attracted to a man in stripes as she tells Tim he looks gorgeous in his stripey shirt as it accentuates his shape.

Sophie tells her mother that rain will fall but Sally says, 'I don't even care if it's a monsoon; this garden party is going ahead.' Of course Sally is being absurdly snobbish about her garden party, but she is kidding no one but herself with her pretentiousness. Why do it Sally? You look ridiculous, as does anyone who claims to be what they're not. People are much more likeable, whoever they are, when they are themselves.

The playing out of Sally's snobbery does provide some comedy, though parts of it descend into farce. Sally wanders around with a cake-stand and as Rita tells her how nice the table looks, Sally informs us of the effect she is trying to create - retro-chic it seems is her plan, with an air of the village fete. 'It might be in Weatherfield but some of us are looking at the stars.' Not sure what Oscar Wilde would have thought about a version of his words appearing on the Street, but I'm pretty sure he would have been honoured. While Sally is cooking prawns, next door Anna is defrosting burgers. Dolly Parton for Anna and Susan Boyle for Sally. At least Tim wasn't wearing a joke apron. Anyone else troubled by Owen's apron cleavage and accompanying tassels?

Steve wasn't happy with the prawns, Michelle called that 'cheese thing - rank.' Wonder what the truth is about the halloumi surprise. Sally continues her 'better than next door' competition by blasting out Katherine Jenkins and saying how she loves opera. No problem with anyone loving opera, but it's the using it to impress that is so objectionable. Sally is so much more personable when she says that at her age she just wants someone who is nice. Rita thinks Sally and Tim are well-suited, but Tim did spend rather a long time at Anna's, but his daughter Faye was there. Michelle did her best to point out to Sally that looking longingly across the fence might come across as being a little too needy. Michelle says, ' You know when you see a dog in a window waiting for its owner to get home...'

The arguing over the bottle of tomato sauce with both Anna and Sally grabbing it and refusing to let go, was just ridiculous really, not even slightly amusing. When you think of Deirdre's brilliant lines recently, it does look poor at an attempt to create comedy. And anyway, where was the wonderful Deirdre? Not at either barbecue, which was a big disappointment. We didn't see her with Eileen either, who attended neither barbecue. Poor Julie - doing her best to cheer her sister up, she was having no luck. Nothing she suggested by way of Bank Holiday fun was of any interest. Though a search for the next Rhianna would not be everybody's idea of fun. Still, there was no need for Eileen's request in the pub for 'a body bag for my sister.'

Welcome to baby Lily and well done Kylie. So, whoever is the daddy, Lily is Gail's grandchild. So what now David? What an escape David had as he was just on the point of confessing to Leanne, forced into it of course by Tina. No question - he had to go.

Leanne's angst about whether she was to blame for the crash was heartbreaking, so convinced she was that it was her phone call that caused the crash.

Welcome back Roy and Hayley, but Sylvia has gone to her sister's, Roy's Auntie Jean. Rather poignantly, Roy says that, 'Whenever things get difficult, she turns her back.'

Not everyone is a fan of Mary, but when she and Norris come into the cafe, Mary asks for 'a cheery disposition.' He has obviously found it difficult being 'roomies' with Mary, though he tells us that he has had 'the pleasure of Mary morning, noon and night' to which Jenna responds, 'Oh aye?'
Mary explains that Norris is despondent today because he has been invited to neither barbecue whereas she has been invited to both. 'Two coffees and an iced finger. Norris will pay.' And off she goes.  

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

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

Corrie A-Z: P is for Pillars of the community

These are the type of characters who are ideal for community leadership and committee work and they’re usually the ones that the rest of the characters look up to for guidance. For me, the two characters that have epitomised this archetype of a pillar of the community are Emily Bishop and Alf Roberts.
 
Since her debut in 1961, Emily has always been willing to help out in the community and has always held a key role in the street goings-on. Be it organising plays and pantomimes with Leonard Swindley in the 1960s, being on the community centre committee with hubby Ernie in the 1970s, organising fetes with Percy Sugden in the 1980s or recently a street carol service, Emily has always been a central figure of the Coronation Street community.
  
As a councillor and grocer, Alf Roberts served the community in many ways than one. He’d been elected as a councillor in the late 1960s and by the early 1970s he was much respected by the residents. He became the supposed last mayor of Weatherfield of 1973 and Annie Walker was his mayoress. He was very much respected as a councillor and was always there when the residents had a crisis or needed council advice. He remained a councillor until 1987 when he lost his seat to Deirdre Barlow, but regained it in 1991 and stayed until his retirement in 1998, after over thirty years of serving his people. He also served the public behind the shop counter. His links with the Corner Shop dated back to the days when Maggie Clegg was running things but it wasn’t until 1979 that he went behind the counter full time. He joined wife Renee after he retired from the GPO, and inherited the shop after her death in 1980. He would serve the community behind the shop counter until 1994. He was awarded an OBE in 1995 for his services to the community.
 
There have been other characters over the years that can be labelled pillars of the community. These include Annie Walker, Ena Sharples, Albert Tatlock, Florrie Lindley, Leonard Swindley, Ernest Bishop, Len Fairclough, Ken Barlow, Maggie Clegg, Renee Roberts, Percy Sugden, Rita Tanner, Fred Elliott, Roy and Hayley Cropper.
 
Norris regards himself as a pillar of the community, but many think he’s the pillock of the community!
 
Who’s your favourite pillar of the community? Vote below! Voting closes on Monday, 2nd September. And if you haven't yet, you can vote for your favourite Corrie pet here. Voting closes midnight tonight.
 

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

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

Preview of tonight's double Coronation Street - Monday 26 August

MONDAY 26TH AUGUST, 7.30pm
AS TINA’S IN TURMOIL, KYLIE GOES INTO LABOUR. Leanne’s upset when the police reveal they’ve ruled out foul play, leaving Leanne convinced the car crash must therefore be her fault as she phoned Nick on his mobile and distracted him. Tina feels sick, knowing that David was really to blame and angrily tells David it’s got to stop, he has to tell Leanne what really happened. Realising the game is up David tells Leanne he’s got a confession to make but at no.8 Kylie suddenly doubles over in pain. Hearing her scream, Sean rushes over from the Windasses barbeque and finds Kylie collapsed on the floor.
SALLY MAKES AN UNEXPECTED DECLARATION. As the rival barbeques get into full swing at the Windasses and Websters, Sally and Anna each crank up their music in an attempt to outdo each other. Faye looks longingly over the fence, wishing she could join Tim on the other side.
SINEAD’S FORCED TO ACCEPT SHE’S LOST HER LOVE. Katy’s excited at the thought of moving back to No.5 with Chesney. Sinead sees Chesney buying flowers. Assuming they’re for Katy, a saddened but understanding Sinead wishes him well and hopes he’ll be happy.
ELSEWHERE Eileen wishes everyone would leave her alone. Roy and Hayley return from their travels and are shocked to discover that Sylvia has gone to stay with her sister (Roy's Auntie Jean).

MONDAY 26TH AUGUST, 8.30pm
KYLIE GIVES BIRTH AS DAVID DODGES A BULLET. As David nervously tries to find the words, Sean bursts into the bistro and tells a shocked Leanne, David and Tina that Kylie’s gone into labour. As they rush to no.8 a flustered David phones the hospital but Kylie’s contractions are coming thick and fast and Gail is forced to deliver the baby as Kylie gives birth to a girl. David looks emotionally at his wife and the baby he fervently hopes is his. But when Tina summons him to meet her outside, still insistent that he must tell Leanne and Kylie the truth, will David be able to beg for a reprieve for the sake of the baby?
THE RIVAL BARBECUES DESCEND INTO CHAOS. Sally and Anna continue their barbeque war. Sally’s miffed to see that Tim has gone to join Faye round at Anna’s. When Sally, a bit the worse for wear, helps herself to Anna’s ketchup bottle which she’s left on the fence, a fight ensues and the two women wrestle knocking down the garden fence in the process. Both Faye and Tim are mortified.
CHESNEY ISN’T READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP. Having put Joseph to bed, Katy seductively tells Chesney how much she’s missed him and how pleased she is to be home. Chesney paints on a smile, but does he feel the same?
ELSEWHERE Eileen tries to take her mind off her heartache. Roy’s upset that Sylvia went only leaving a note and brands his mother a coward.
You can follow us on Twitter @CoroStreetBlog and Facebook: CoronationStreetBlog

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

GRITTY SAGAS BY CORRIE BLOG EDITOR GLENDA YOUNG, PUBLISHED BY HEADLINE. CLICK PIC BELOW!

You might also like...

Coronation Street Books for Fans

GRITTY SAGAS BY CORRIE BLOG EDITOR GLENDA YOUNG, PUBLISHED BY HEADLINE. CLICK PIC BELOW!