Coronation Street

I could be wrong, but Bill and Maureen have yet to divorce? So that could be a reason for Maureen's return... I think Sherrie Hewson is great, so I'm glad to see her return to the Street.

Seems odd that Craig would come back, if Rosie is reputedly getting the boot-- she's his only link to the Street now. IIRC Curly left because there were no more storylines for him-- so why would he return-- except for a fleeting visit?

Julie Goodyear, not sure about... her last appearance wasn't triumphant. Not the same without the brilliant Roy "Alec" Barraclough by her side-- I know he won't return to the Street (he said that in 2004 anyway).

I think this new director certainly is living in the past. Coronation Street is hardly a "teen soap" like Hollyoaks and when thinking young characters, Ashley and Claire aren't those that spring to mind. Bringing back Bet and Curly is merely for publicity rather than storyline opportunities.

I would quite like to see Bet Lynch return but only for a guest appearance. Same with Hilda and Mavis.

The back yards were seen now and again on the old set - certainly more than a couple times.

how about albert tatlock

well the brought den back in eastenders

they do this each time a new producer comes in, they're culling the cast and bringing back past characters

last time bet returned Julie Goodyear couldn't cope with the speed of it all and had to be quickly written back out again, she left 15 years ago after loosing everything so why would she return to the rovers anyway

That was her first return back in 2002. IIRC she came back once more, in about 2003 or 2004 for a series of episodes set in Blackpool. Can't remember what happened exactly! Although I do remember she was engaged to Cecil Newton of Newton & Ridley fame.

Not too keen on the idea of her returning as a permanent character (I doubt she would anyway), but for one or two episodes that would be fine.

How about bringing back Ena? (!) She'd be 111 this year! Having said that, it would be nice if some more obscure ones return for a one-off, let's say Linda Cheveski as of course Elsie Tanner can't return.

Ena can't exactly return either

remember reading a comic story where they had all the dead soap characters in their own Heaven based soap opera

Have to agree. Corrie seems to really be on a high at the moment. From talking to people I know such as friends, family, colleagues etc more people than ever seem to be watching the show (although I know that's not strictly true ratings wise, its still doing pretty well!).

My point really is there is no need to change it, this is merely the new director putting his stamp on it. If it ain't broke, don't try and fix it. They do need to clear out a few bits of deadwood such as Ashley and Cluurrr but bringing in blasts from the past isn't going to add any more life in to the show and certainly wont bring in more viewers.

Well its never been mentioned that Ena died - obviously Violet Carson is dead but as far as I know the script has never mentioned Ena's death. Although I think its unlikely she would still be alive at the age of 111 but its not impossible. Albert and Elsie's deaths have both been mentioned, although Elsie's was on a video released in 1987 ish I think rather than in the actual show.

It would be good if they brought back the original cast who are still alive - not that many of them actually - think Linda, Dennis and Esther Hayes are still alive, and of course Ken but he is still there.

"Don't ask - it was a nightmare!"

I am not normally a sucker for cute kids in soaps but Simon is testing me big time!

I loved the way he casual recalled how he got home from Blackpool: "They cancelled three trains... I slept in a photo-booth"

Really enjoyed tonight's episodes. Despite the quite solemn storylines of a missing child, Joe's funeral and Gail's arrest, they were handled with a dash of humour here or there so the audience realise they are not watching EastEnders. The only part that annoyed me was the Molly and Kevin storyline and the fact that Rita's return was unbelievably low key.

Kate Ford was back on set yesterday filming a prison scene. I've heard she will be returning full time later in the year.