Coronation Street

They included Annie Walker and Elsie Tanner's final episodes on the DVD set. Annie didnt get a proper exit as she was written out suddenly. I think it was terrible how she was treated by the press, printing her birth certificate to show she was 84 not in her early 70s like she had said. A lot of the old cast didnt get proper exit's due to them having to quit due to ill health - Stan, Albert, Ena, Minnie, Annie, Phyllis, Percy etc, which is a shame really.

Anyone know where Penny King is? She hasnt been seen for ages. And where are Betty and Rita? It seems like ages since they were last in it. I want Rita to be given a huge storyline, she has done bugger all since the storyline with Chesney and Cilla, and that will be 2 years in February. Barbara Knox is the best actress in Corrie and she shouldnt be so underused.

Am I the only one who prefers how the 8.30pm episodes open?

That was a stupid thing to do - so, really, the press was responsible for getting rid of Annie Walker from the Street (though, considering her age, Doris Speed would have presumably left the show around the mid-1980's anyway). Whilst were on the subject, wasn't Albert in his early 80's when he passed away? In Daran Little's book it says he was 88, though.

She lived until she was 95, 11 years after she quit the show so she could have stayed for years. It really upset her and caused her to go into a nursing home apparently.

Albert was 88 when he died, I remember his 80th Birthday was August 1975 and it was about May 1984 that he died on screen. This was because Jack Howarth died in real life. AFAIK Albert was the oldest Corrie resident ever, Betty another 3 years to go until she passes his age.

Meanwhile on the subject of the old cast, it's Pat Phoenix's birthday today, she would have been 82 today had she lived.

To think Violet Carson and Doris Speed etc would be well into their hundreds now. I bet Bill Roache feels old.

It doesnt feel all that long ago since Doris died, but its been 11 years. She's be 106 now. I remember ITV screened a tribute to her either the day she died or the day after at 7pm before Corrie. Bill Roache is into his 70s while Ken is only meant to be 66, others who are older than the characters they play are Maggie Jones and Helen Worth. Rita is meant to be 73 while Barb is 72 in real life so thats not much of a difference.

I forgot to mention that Betty reappeared the other night in the salon, still no sign of Rita though. Betty seems to do more scenes than Barb, despite her being the highest paid.

From Digital Spy Forum

Coronation Street stars are to appear as classic fairytale characters for an hour-long pantomime special to be screened on ITV1 over the festive period.

The show will combine a selection of panto favourites rolled into one with the added extra of a Coronation Street twist.

And as well as starring current Corrie actors, the panto will see the return of a few past favourites with Nikki Sanderson (Candice Stowe) playing Princess Pop Tart, Danny Young (Warren Baldwin) playing Prince Twinkletoes and Roy Hudd (Archie Shuttleworth) taking on the role of Dandini.

Debra Stephenson and Bradley Walsh, who play the Street's troubled couple Frankie and Danny Baldwin, are taking the lead roles of Cinderella and her dashing Prince Charming.

Debra said: "The pantomime is going to be such a great way to celebrate everything that is Christmas and I am really looking forward to all the singing and dancing."

Coronation Street babe Tina O-Brien (Sarah Platt) is playing the role of sexy Lady Lou Hardup, while Street busybodies Malcolm Hebden (Norris Cole) and David Neilson (Roy Cropper) will camp it up as the Ugly Sisters.

Coronation Street series editor Gareth Phillips said: "The panto is our way of thanking our fantastic viewers for keeping us at the top of the ratings.

"We've taken the best from the traditional pantomimes and given them a Street twist."

Mind you, the character of Ena hasn't passed away yet, making her 100 years old anyway...

I don't know if this is an urban myth or not, but I did once read that by mistake, initially Audrey and Gail's ages were too close for them to be realistically mother and daughter, and so Audrey got older by two years every birthday, and Gail only had a birthday every other year for a while.

Going away from the conversation slightly...but Coronation Street has become a bit violent this week hasn't it? Already..in 3 different episodes screened over 2 days, 3 different characters have been punched in the face and floored!!!

Bradley Walsh has been punched by his wife.
Molly has been punched in the face by Fiz.
And Ashley has been punched in the face by Nathan and caused him to have a retinal detachment!

A bit violent isn't it? What is going on? Are we to expect any more punches this week?

Im not sure about that -there has always been 18 years between Audrey and Gail as far as I know. Gail is currently 47 and Audrey is 65. Gail celebrated her 21st Birthday in 1979, same time she got engaged to R Brian and this was Audrey's first appearance. It was commented on then how Audrey looked like her big sister and not her mum!

However there are only 7 years between Sue Nicholls and Helen Worth in real life. Helen is 55 in January and Sue is 62

In the Mirror today it also says Schmeical will be making an apperance - both of them!


Is the panto being performed on stage or set on the Street?