Take a trip and meet the Queens of the Street

Sixty years ago today, a British institution was born.

Coronation Street’s very first scene saw Florrie Lindley (Betty Alberge) talking to from Elsie Lappin (Maudie Edwards), from whom she had bought the corner shop.

Also in that very first episode, Elsie Tanner (Pat Phoenix) is seen berating her 18-year-old son Dennis (Philip Lowrie).

“Sometimes I wish we were more like them Barlows,” she said. “At least they’re not rowin’ all the time!”

How times have changed. To celebrate the soap’s diamond anniversary, ITV is screening a series of special shows, publishing an anniversary book, launching new products and unveiling unique social media content. And at the centre of it all will be a week packed with drama on the famous cobbles.

For months, the nation has been gripped by the appalling abuse Geoff Metcalfe has inflicted on his wife Yasmeen.

And following tonight’s dramatic episode in which the trial verdict leads to a showdown between Geoff and Alya, this special documentary champions the legendary women who have graced the Street over the last 60 years.

The one-hour special will take viewers “on a trip down memory lane through a combination of classic clips and commentary from Coronation Street icons”.

Beverley Callard, the 63-year-old actress – who has played Liz on and off since 1984 and has just taken part in this year’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! – is one of those featured.

She has described Corrie as a “matriarchal show”, complete with “lionesses” who “would kill for their families”.

Among those featured alongside Liz and Elsie, are likely to be Deirdre Barlow, Gail Rodwell (Platt), Audrey Roberts, Rita Sullivan, Vera Duckworth, Bet Lynch, Blanche Hunt, Sally Webster, Hilda Ogden, Phyllis Pearce, Emily Bishop, Ena Sharples, Carla Connor and Annie Walker.

Plus, the programme also features contributions from an array of the show’s leading ladies – past and present – including Julie Hesmondhalgh, Sally Lindsay, Helen Worth, Alison King, Sue Nicholls, Sally Dynevor, Kate Ford, Dolly-Rose Campbell and Patti Clare, along with writers, producers and celebrity fans.

Also in this week’s episodes, the residents unite to save the cobbles from the dastardly dealings of Ray Crosby.

Having bought up most of the property and businesses in the area, Ray is ready to flatten the lot to make way for his new development.

As the bulldozers arrive, the race is on to save Britain’s most famous street – but let’s face it, there probably isn’t too much suspense, and nobody really thinks that the sets are going to be torn down after 60 years.

In fact, Beverly believes the soap is in a stronger position than ever and predicted the soap will remain on air long enough to celebrate its centenary.

“Today, people not tuning in on Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7.30pm can watch it when they feel like watching,” she says.

“These days, the show’s aims are different. It has to evolve but it will keep going for a very long time.

“When it started, they said, ‘It won’t last very long’. But the secret, and what they have to keep going, more than anything, is that it’s a matriarchal show – and that’s what Tony Warren captured.

“One hundred episodes would be amazing. I don’t see any reason why not. It depends on the accountants, but the show should be put before anything.

“If I were in control, that’s what I would try to do.”

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