This page is produced for the benefit of those living around the world who may be unable to receive this information by any other means. All copyrights and sources are acknowledged; all material remains the property of the copyright holder; no deliberate copyright violation is intended.
Newspaper webmasters: Although some of this information may be available on your website, it is often inaccessible to the casual reader - especially if you do not archive issues. It would also help if you respond to reprint requests !

Bookie Des to die in gangland fight
4 October 1998

THE Street's bookie Des Barnes will be killed off in a gangland execution as part of a plot to keep the soap at the top of the ratings. The luckless romeo will be stabbed to death in one of the most vicious storylines Weatherfield has ever seen. And in a sensational twist, Des is killed by thugs who mistake him for the jailbird son of new bride Natalie Horrocks. But actor Phil Middlemiss is said to be upset. "Phil wanted to leave The Street but would have preferred being given an option to return," said an insider.

Tracy made my day
6 October 1998 Exclusive by Nigel Pauley

TV star Darren Day's mum last night admitted she's "glad" his 18-month romance with "temperamental" Corrie Street star Tracy Shaw is over. Ann Thorpe claimed it was blonde Tracy who caused the problems in their relationship and had "banned" the You Bet! star from having contact with his family.

Street stunner Tracy - who plays hairdresser Maxine Heavey - finally dumped Darren after claiming he was ignoring her and preferred partying with other babes. Essex-born Darren pleaded with her to change her mind and swore he'd been faithful but the fiery actress stuck to her guns. But Ann, of Stanway, Essex, stormed: "I'm pleased they've split up - it feels like I've got my son back again. "They were together for 18 months and in that time he completely dropped out of our family. He wasn't allowed to spend time with us. "We used to hear from him all the time, but when he was with her we just used to get the odd phone call, maybe once every six weeks. "Tracy didn't like him being with us. they just wrapped themselves up in this little cocoon. It did upset me. I'm pleased they're not together any more. His life wasn't his own."

Tracy battled against the slimming disease anorexia in her teens and Ann claimed Darren was constantly walking one eggshells in case he upset her and sent her spiralling back to the illness. "He was very worried about it. He did everything she wanted because he thought that would keep her happy. but it was to his own detriment."

Darren, 30, currently starring in the musical Summer Holiday at Blackpool, dated ex-Brookside beauty Anna Friel before begin his romance with 25-year-old Tracy. And Ann added: "At first I really thought Darren and Tracy would make a go of it, but only until I got to know her a bit more. She's extremely temperamental."

The couple were planning to get hitched in a big white wedding next year, but Tracy finally dumped him last week. Tracy's spokesman said: "Tracy is naturally upset the relationship has ended but felt she had no choice."

Meanwhile, Ann, said Darren was "all right" but obviously upset because - it was the first time he'd been dumped. But, he has reportedly landed a £25,000-a-week deal to star in the musical Grease - with Aussie songbird Dannii Minogue tipped to play his girlfriend.

My Maniac Corrie hell
6 October 1998 by John Mahoney

PETRIFIED Coronation Street star Bev Callard was showered in glass as a maniac smashed his spiked FIST through her car window as she sat alone in traffic. Screaming hysterically, she clutched the steering wheel for the five terror-filled seconds it took the teenage mugger to lean through the shattered passenger door and swipe her black leather bag off the seat.

Last night the badly-shaken actress, who plays flirty Liz McDonald in telly's top show, relived the horrifying moment she became an innocent victim of Britain's latest car-crime plague targetting lone women. The nightmare ordeal left 40-year old Bev so shocked and distressed that she couldn't sleep a wink after the smash-and-grab robbery and saw her doctor for an urgent medical check-up yesterday.

"I was terrified...I have never known such fear", she said, still trembling as she recalled the attack just two minutes away from Manchester's Granada TV studios as she returned home from work. "Even 24 hours afterwards I still feel shocked and anxious. It has a dreadful effect on you. "I have a nine-year old son and if he had been in that seat I dread to think what might have happened. For that reason I was glad I was alone. "And I want to warn other women drivers to be extra vigilant, especially in that area." Last night it emerged bosses at Granada TV had earlier posted warnings around the building for single women drivers to beware car-jack muggers operating near the studios.

Married Bev had climbed behind the wheel of her silver £30,000 Mercedes Kompressor sports car just after 8.50pm on Sunday after a day's Corrie filming. She drove along Trinity Way towards Salford Crescent on her way home to Bolton, Lancs when she got caught up in heavy traffic and came to a standstill. All her car doors were locked...but at 8.55pm, as quick as a flash, there was a splintering thud and she froze in fear.

"The traffic was very heavy, and though the lights were green we weren't moving", she said. "I had noticed broken glass in the road, and was told later that it was the debris from an earlier attack on a car window. "As I waited for the traffic to move I suddenly saw a gloved fist smash through the passenger window. It was a black gloved hand and seemed to have spikes on it. "The thief couldn't have seen my bag because it was black and lying on a black seat in bad light. So he just took a chance because I was a lone woman in a good car. "But it couldn't have been just the car that attracted him, because he had already attacked a Fiesta. "It seems he targets women alone in cars. He didn't loiter, he just ran off."

Bev - who quite the Street next month after nine years in the soap - was comforted by another motorist until police arrived. Among the valuables worth £950 swiped in her black bag were her purse, mobile phone, personal organiser,credit cards and driving licence. She was driven straight back to the Granada studios where husband Steve came from home to collect her.

"I was too shaken to drive home after the attack, and my car was taken to the garage for repairs", she said. "People at the roadside were so helpful, and the police were marvellous. Someone said they saw the thief emptying my bag, and the police recovered some of the bits from my bag. They recovered a wallet, but it had been emptied. "I just want others to be extra vigilant because of all the attacks. Just be aware and be careful."

Bev was able to tell police she thought the mugger was a white teenager, possibly aged around 19. A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said:"He made off on foot, and we are still trying to trace him."

Frozen out
9 October 1998 by JOHN MAHONEY

TV'S MOST hated woman is on the brink of being frozen out of Coronation Street in a chiller thriller tonight. Scheming wench Anne Malone is left staring at an ice-cold exit from the soap after being locked inside a walk-in deep freezer overnight.

 It's the sight that will warm the hearts of millions of fans seething at manic Malone's outrageous plot to frame innocent Curly Watts for a blackmail spree she is behind. And viewers will be left chewing their nails until Sunday's episode to discover whether muck-raking Malone escapes the Big Freeze or will be carried out of the giant fridge as stiff as a board.

She gets her spine-tingling comeuppance as she turns her devious attentions to trying to shift blame for her crime on to eco-warrior Spider Nugent. Twisted Malone  played by 27-year-old Eve Steele  is prepared to let fugitive Curly off the hook in the mistaken belief that he fancies her like mad. So she lures Weatherfield's Free Curly campaigner Spider  actor Martin Hancock  to Freshco's supermarket intending to plant evidence against him. She tries to sabotage the icy fridge room by spraying anti-freeze all over the walls, but a security guard flashes his torch inside and slams the door shut believing it's empty. Her screams for help fall on deaf ears.

"The suspense will be electric and this awesome fate couldn't have happened to a nastier piece of work," gloated a Street insider. "This has to be one of the most sensational life-or-death scenes ever scripted for a television soap." The Daily Star knows whether Malone will be freed or frozen, of course, but we're not saying a word.

Street's Georgia defends the teenage seduction that shocked millions
10 October 1998

Ena Sharples, Coronation Street's sternest moral guardian, would have had a seizure. Even today, the latest controversial plot in what used to be TV's least lurid soap caused outrage as wild child Toyah Battersby lost her virginity in the back of a car. Thirteen and a half million viewers watched the shocking episode last Sunday when 16-year-old Toyah agreed to have sex with her loutish boyfriend, Dobber. Moral watchdogs have already blasted the storyline, saying the episode sent out the wrong signals to schoolgirls by promoting sex and the morning after pill.

But yesterday Georgia Taylor, who plays the teenage tearaway, hit back at critics and said: "We have taken a strong moral line and are not promoting teenage sex. It's quite the opposite. "Toyah's actions should be a lesson for other girls not to fall into the same trap. It was an educational storyline, and I feel it was done in a responsible way."

But Valerie Riches, general secretary of the Family and Youth Concern Association said: "It is very powerful propaganda that having sex before marriage is OK as long as contraceptives are taken. "Coronation Street has sunk to the same level as its rivals in a bid to attract viewers."

Georgia, who is 18 and two years older than the character she plays, has been stung by the criticism. "What we have done is to show young girls how Toyah deeply regrets her actions," she said. "She can't turn the clock back because it's too late for her. But girls can learn from her mistake. "Toyah has learnt her lesson the hard way but maybe she can help prevent other girls from making that same error. "Anyone watching can see Dobber is just using Toyah and I hope the message gets across to other girls not to fall into the same trap."

In the story, Toyah's big sister Leanne persuades her to go to the doctor for a morning-after pill. "Leanne has been her conscience and the voice of common sense," said Georgia. "Seeing the mess her sister is in, she told her the best way to deal with it. I believe, in the circumstances it was good, responsible advice."

Georgia has more sense than her screen character and would never allow herself to get into a similar situation. She put her love life on hold for 18 months because she was worried that men might want to date her because of her showbiz celebrity. When she joined the Street cast, Georgia convinced herself she was having too much fun on her own to consider a relationship. But a handsome student she will only name as "Phil" has changed all that.

When the couple were first introduced by mutual friends seven months ago, they chatted about music, films and football. And when the subject got around to television, Phil, 19, confessed: "I really don't know anything about the soaps - I don't watch them." Heartened by the fact that he genuinely did not know who she was, Georgia agreed to see him again.

But her own eagerness to keep her fame under wraps almost backfired when strangers would stop and stare at them in the street. "Phil was puzzled over why they should make such as fuss when we were out," she said. "In fairness to him, I knew I would have to come clean about what I did sooner rather than later. "We were just getting to know each other and I was worried that having found someone who liked me for me, the attention that my role brings would scare him away." But her fears were unfounded and now Phil is a Coronation Street addict.

Speaking for the first time about her new love, Georgia said: "At first we just went out for a few drinks to places where I wouldn't be known. "I was worried how he would handle the ups and downs of my job and I didn't want to scare him off. "I finally told him what I did and he was pretty cool about it. I don't think he fully realised the implications because he did not watch Corrie. "The first two months were the test because he was quite taken aback at how well known I was."

Phil was shocked by the way people would come up for a chat or autograph. "We are just in the early stages of our relationship and I was worried that he might find it all a bit overbearing," said Georgia. "I found it pretty daunting myself at first - but he has been great." A Manchester university undergrad who is taking computer studies, Phil was initially "vetted" by Georgia's close circle of friends - and passed with flying colours. She said: "I've got a great group of friends who watch out for me. They knew Phil and have told me he is the nicest person I've been out with."

The couple have been together for seven months and spent a summer holiday together in Tenerife. They hope to get away again closer to Christmas with friends. Georgia recently moved out of the family semi she shared with her mum, dad and 15-year-old brother in Wigan, and is now renting a flat in Manchester. And where once her mum Caroline or accountant dad Geoff would be her confidantes, she now turns to Phil for support. Georgia said: "He is very understanding. I can come home after filming and say I'm really exhausted because I have done a scene where I have been crying. Some people might think I am being a bit pretentious, but not Phil. He will make me a cup of tea and give me a hug and take care of me. "He realises it can take a lot out of me emotionally. Phil's really into computers and detached from the acting world. He is a real breath of fresh air. "Before I met him, I thought maybe I would end up going out with an actor. But now I think if I went out with another actor it would be very difficult because there would be an atmosphere where it might get too competitive."

Georgia's own upbringing is a far cry from the troubled and troublesome schoolgirl she portrays. Her own most rebellious action was having her nose pierced when she left school at 16 to go to college. "I had asked my mum and she said 'no way'. But I thought I would do it anyway. She actually quite liked it, but my dad hated it. "Then there was the time when I dyed my blonde fringe bright red, but it looked awful. "I washed it three times a day to try and get rid of the colour but it just went from a lurid red to pink. "It didn't look cool, just silly."

Fans often confuse the real Georgia with her 16-year-old soap character. Worried mums tell her off if they see her light a cigarette, and she was once barred from a club because the men on the door refused to believe she was 18. Georgia said: "They wouldn't let me in. They thought I was too young and asked for my ID. "I didn't have any so we had to leave. Funnily enough, my picture had been in the papers that day because it was my birthday. But I couldn't play the big 'Don't you know who I am?' bit."

Despite her status as a high profile actress in Britain's top soap and the wealth and glamour the role brings, Georgia is incredibly down-to-earth and still worries about overspending. She can barely bring herself to confess that her most extravagant buy to date is a Vivienne Westwood dress which set her back £400. In fact, it was a bargain - the original price tag was £900. Georgia said: "I bought it six weeks ago and I still feel bad about it. It's a beautiful dress but I haven't had the nerve to wear it yet. "I was in a real dilemma over it - I've never spent that much on one outfit before and I kept thinking that kind of money could buy a well for children in Africa. "My boyfriend finally convinced me by telling me I work hard so why shouldn't I splash out on myself. "He said I deserved a treat, so I got it."

Street fans to get Curly back for Christmas
11 October 1998

ACTOR Kevin Kennedy is set for an early return to Coronation Street after a rapid recovery from his booze problems. Alcoholic Kevin, who plays supermarket boss Curly Watts, astonished doctors and Granada TV bosses with his progress.

The 37-year-old star glowed with health when he arrived home last week from a relaxing holiday in Ireland with his wife Clare. Producers were thrilled when he told them he was fit enough to start filming.

A Street insider said: "Curly is so popular and has been sorely missed. Now we should see him back on our screens before Christmas."

Street to kill off Alf in TV shock
13 October 1998

HE STOOD for decency and common sense, a champion of old-fashioned values in the increasingly turbulent world of Weatherfield. Now, after almost 40 years, Alf Roberts is finally hanging up his trilby.

Millions of tearful Coronation Street fans will watch actor Bryan Mosley, the show's third longest-serving cast member, pass into soap history when Alf dies peacefully in his armchair in a special New Year's Eve episode. Veteran star Bryan is now preparing to film some of the most moving scenes ever screened on TV. It will be the final chapter in his 37 years with the soap.

But the end of the beloved councillor and ex-shopkeeper will be welcomed by Bryan's wife Norma and their six children who have been urging him to slow down. Bryan, 67, has been plagued by ill-health in recent years. He suffered a second heart attack in February 1997 and although he made a triumphant return to the screen nine months later, he fell ill again in January this year. Six months later he was back at Granada's Manchester studios after losing an incredible five stone, declaring he was back to stay.

The dramatic weight loss and Bryan's new gaunt image shocked viewers and the Street's script writers were ordered to cut back on his workload. His appearances have become increasingly rare, although Alf is constantly referred to by other characters in the soap. Screen wife Audrey (Sue Nicholls) has just taken over the hairdressing salon with the financial help of Alf.

Bryan has always maintained the Street is his life and has often ignored the advice of people close to him who wanted him to call it a day at Granada. When he returned during the summer after his most recent illness, he said: "I'm just thrilled to be back. I love Coronation Street. It's in my blood and gives me something to get up for. "I'd become a vegetable if I stopped. I'll never quit."

But the decision was taken out of his hands. A Granada insider says: "Bryan is a Coronation Street legend and no one wanted to see him leave. But it is no secret that he has not been in the best of health and it was felt that it was best for him if Alf Roberts was written out. Viewers have grown up with Alf and there is no doubt many people will be very upset when he dies on screen. "There will be tears on the set as well, because Bryan is loved by everyone here."

Bryan is the Street's third longest-serving actor behind Bill Roache (Ken Barlow) and Eileen Derbyshire (Emily Bishop). But his acting skills were not confined just to TV soap. He was also a big-screen performer - he starred alongside Michael Caine in the 1971 gangster classic Get Carter - and a well-known stuntman and fight arranger, as well as a talented artist. Other TV credits included pioneering crime series Z Cars, The Saint and The Avengers.

Away from the Coronation Street set, Leeds-born Bryan has built up a reputation as an amateur painter. He said: "I love it, although I'm not a tormented genius who's about to cut his ear off!" He developed a passion for stuntwork and became a founder member of the Society Of British Fight Arrangers. And his ability as a sword fencer won him a lot of film work during his early years. He says: "Producers knew I wouldn't poke some poor sod's eye out."

Alf first appeared in Coronation Street in 1961 as a postman, becoming a councillor seven years later. In 1973, he was elected Mayor of Weatherfield. In 1984, he was Mayor once again with wife Audrey as Mayoress, who was replaced by Rovers Return barmaid Betty Williams after she rowed with Alf.

Alf's heart has been broken more than once. His first wife Phyllis died in 1972 and his second wife Renee was killed in a car crash 1980. Failed romances with Maggie Clegg and Donna Parker, who fleeced him of his life savings, hurt him badly. He was all set to marry Maggie in 1974 but she turned him down.

Alf suffered a heart attack after losing his council seat to Deirdre Barlow in 1987. But he got his revenge four years later by defeating Deirdre in the polls - although the campaign was marred by a brawl in the Rovers between Alf and Deirdre's estranged husband Ken. In 1985, Alf married Audrey Potter. The same year he was quizzed over the disappearence of £7,000 from his Mayor's charity fund.

Then in 1990 he fell out with Reg Holdsworth, whose Bettabuy supermarket was a rival to his corner shop. Alf was the proudest man in Weatherfield when he was awarded the OBE in 1995. It was also the year he was caught up in one of Coronation Street's most dramatic scenes - the departure of Rovers Return landlady Julie Goodyear.

That same year Alf was furious when Audrey stole his speech for the opening of a leisure centre. She had been escorted to the bash by brash butcher Fred Elliott, who in later years Alf came to regard as a rival for his wife's affections.

Later Alf upset Rovers regulars by backing a plan to rename Coronation Street as Roberts Street in recognition of his council service. This year he also clashed with eco-warrior Spider over the development of a recreation ground. Now, as Alf's swansong nears, it's hard to believe that the Rovers is losing one of its best-loved sons - the burly man wearing the trilby and a perpetual worried frown.

I wated to go on says Alf
14 October 1998

CORONATION Street star Bryan Mosley was axed from the soap despite begging bosses: "Please don't kill Alf Roberts."

Devastated Bryan, plagued by ill-health in recent years, stressed yesterday: "I wanted to carry on. I had no intentions of leaving." But the 67-year-old star, who has played Alf since 1961, said he was bowing out on good terms. He said: "There are no regrets or any quarrel. Granada have been very good to me. I understand why they've done it."

The Mirror exclusively revealed yesterday that Alf will die peacefully in his armchair on New Year's Eve. The tear-jerking episode is expected to attract one of the biggest audiences in the soap's long history. Bryan's wife Norma and their six children urged him to call it a day after he suffered two heart attacks in recent years. He fell ill again in January and needed six months to recover. But he returned in the summer, insisting: "The Street is in my blood. I'll never quit."

Alf has been a postman, shopkeeper, councillor and Mayor of Weatherfield since his debut. A Granada spokesman said: "Bryan's one of the Street greats, and his send-off has to be one of its most moving scenes. That is just as he would wish."

Street rogue Greg axed from show
16 October 1998

Coronation Street star Stephen Billington has been axed, it was revealed last night. Stephen, who plays love rat Greg Kelly, will be gone by Christmas, three months before the end of his one-year contract. The decision was said to have been taken with "great reluctance".

The 33-year-old has accepted it with good grace. A friend said: "He always knew there would come a time when Greg would be on his way. "But it was a bit disappointing that it should come so soon, especially as viewers seem to really enjoy Greg's skulduggery."

Viewers have been gripped by a steamy story line involving Greg and married mum-of-two Sally Webster. Sally ditched husband Kevin to move in with Greg but their romance is now running into trouble. Fans have seen Greg continually pester Sally to invest her £50,000 inheritance money into his business. The storyline comes to a dramatic climax at Christmas when Sally finds her lover has gone and so has all her cash.

But the gripping plot is also to blame for finishing Stephen's Coronation Street career. A soap insider said: "There is nowhere for this story to go. "Greg first appeared like a decent guy but gets more and more evil. "A character like that never has a long shelf life. Greg's hands start wandering and soon will get to grips with a younger woman. "That's when everyone will see what a creep Greg really is. He's cost Sally her marriage, her job and it won't be long before all her money and her home goes too."

But Street bosses are anxious to keep Stephen happy because he has helped boost ratings. They may bring Greg back to Weatherfield in the future just as Nick Cotton makes frequent returns to EastEnders.

Corrie's cult hell for Zoe
22 October 1998

An evil cult is set to plague Coronation Street in a dramatic new storyline to boost ratings.

The bizarre sect, called The Etheric Foundation, arrives on the scene next week. Its two leaders befriend disaster-prone Zoe Tattersall, played by Joanne Froggat. She is still feeling low after her baby died of meningitis and believes every word the pair say. The two characters - Ben Andrews and Ruth Morgan - are played by newcomers Burn Gorman and Kirsten Parker. They meet Zoe at a nightclub and secretly steal her purse. But 24 hours later they turn up at her door claiming they have found her cash. Zoe falls for their Good Samaritan act and within weeks Ben and Ruth have brainwashed her.

The Corrie cult was originally named Nirab. Then show makers Granada realised the word was an anagram of Brian. And it was axeman producer Brian Park who caused a storm by kicking out some of the soap's long-serving stars.

Alf blasts "totally stupid" axing
22 October 1998

ACTOR Bryan Mosley had hoped to turn Alf Roberts into Coronation Street's Millennium Man, he said yesterday. And he attacked TV bosses' "totally stupid" decision to axe the country's best-loved retired shopkeeper. Alf will die in a New Year Eve's special, as the Mirror revealed exclusively last week.

But Bryan, 67,feels there was plenty of life left in the character. The father-of-six, who has survived two heart attacks, said: "I thought I'd weathered the storm. To get rid of Alf now seems totally stupid. There's so much more for him to do. "I can't understand why they've decided to bump him off. I didn't think it would be now or this way. I had hoped to keep going at least until 2000. I would've liked to see Alf as Weatherfield's Millennium Man. I've been here a long time and I thought they could've done that for me."

Bryan has played Alf since 1961 but has hardly appeared in the past year because of illness. He said: "All the time in hospital, I was aiming to get back on screen. That was my target." He has no plans after his character is written out. He said: "I can't imagine I'll retire. I'll have to work. I'm not sure what I'd do if I didn't. What I won't be doing is panto or a national tour with an Agatha Christie mystery. One thing the Street has done is to give me enough to live on. I'll be leaving with no bitterness. Though I'm upset, there are no wrangles." And he doesn't want a celebrity send-off. He said: "I just hope they don't suggest a big leaving party. I'd rather go quietly."

Bryan said his wife Norma wanted him to quit ages ago: "She's pleased that I'll have to take things easier. All the family said I should have jacked it. But the Street has been a part of my life for so long. It's in my blood and I was afraid to think what I'd do if I stopped. "My grandad said to me, 'Never stay in a job more than 20 years'. Well, I ignored his advice and I'm not sorry. I've had some wonderful times and I've worked with smashing people. I'll miss Sue Nicholls, who plays Audrey. I'll miss them all."

Corrie Cad's off
23 October 1998

DIRTY Des Barnes waved goodbye to Coronation Street yesterday...even though 18 million fans will see him get hitched on telly tonight. And there was an extra shock for actor Phil Middlemiss, who has played Weatherfield's bed-hopping bookie for nine years. For viewers are about to see Des's screen father for the very first time... and he is the real-life dad of sexy Denise Welch, who plays his screen bride Natalie Horrocks tonight.

Lucky Vin Welch, 62, didn't tell Street bosses who his famous daughter was until he successfully sailed though a casting session. Then when he was offered the part of Bob Barnes he joked: "It could get confusing playing Des's dad...I'm really his father-in-law!"

Corrie addicts will witness wedding smiles and happy snaps as Des ties the knot with maneating Nat tonight...but it's not long before the champagne turnes horribly flat. For next month Des will be killed off from the soap, beaten to death by a drugs gang as the victim of mistaken identity.

Geordie Phil, 36, asked to be written out to concentrate on a panto stint in Newcastle this Christmas and a string of other projects. "I've enjoyed every minute playing Des Barnes, but it's time to move on", he said. "I'll be leaving with fond memories. After all, Des has had more women than Bill Clinton."

Phil was able to leave Granada's Manchester studios for good yesterday because blonde Denise, 40, is thrilled to have dad Vin working in the show too... even if his family-swap role takes some getting used to. "I'm absolutely chuffed to bits for my dad. It's something I never thought would happen", said Denise, whose real-life hubby is Auf Wiedersehen, Pet star Tim Healy. "He any my mum have watched the show for years and are so proud of me. But it's going to be weird in rehearsals. "Phil Middlemiss insisted we started calling him OUR dad!"

Vin worked for 40 years as a sweet manufacturer in the North East, before turning to full-time acting - including a drag show routine - two years ago.

War of the Rovers
25 October 1998

CORONATION Street is set for a Christmas cracker of a siege, the Sunday People can reveal. Jack and Vera Duckworth will stand their ground when heartless boss Alec Gilroy orders them out of the Rovers Return. The couple barricade themselves in the flat above the pub. And with all Weatherfield behind them, they settle down for a festive season sit-in. A Street insider said: "It's a fantastic storyline which will give us a great chance of getting the Christmas No 1 spot."

The drama begins when Alec, who bought out the Duckworths' stake in the Rovers, announces he is returning to live in Southampton. He tells the couple to pack their bags as he is bringing in his own staff - led by man-eating blonde Natalie Horrocks. "It is bombshell news for Jack and Vera just days before Christmas," the Corrie source revealed. "At first they are completely shattered but then, in typical Duckworth style, they decide to put up a fight. "It turns into a tense stand-off with Alec but the whole Street get behind them."

The storyline was dreamed up after 63-year-old actor Roy Barraclough, who plays Alec, refused to renew his £67,000 contract. The Duckworths - Liz Dawn, 60, and Bill Tarmey, 57 - also asked for a break from their tiring workload. The insider said: "It's going to be a real tear-jerker. But knowing Jack and Vera, there will be some laughs along the way."

Nick's torrid toyboy fun
Friday 6 November

NAUGHTY Nick Tilsley is heading for some torrid TOYBOY fun - in yet another steamy storyline from ever-so wanton Weatherfield !

Coronation Street's young hearthrob will be targeted by randy arts mistress Miranda Peters, whose eyes have already started gleaming at her newest 'life model's' six pack silhouette. The beautiful middle aged minx - played by Francesca Ryan - will make NO bones about what she really wants from the handsome young husband, played by actor Adam Rickitt.

Last night a Street insider said: " There must be something in the water in Weatherfield but the temptation is just too much for Nick. He's flattered by the attention he's getting from a sophisticated and very sexy older woman. He loves his wife Leanne, it is true, but this woman is forbidden fruit. " And Nick wants to sample the taste to see how delicious it is. "

Viewers will see dark eyed Miranda zero in on hunky young Nick as he continues his £8 pounds-an-hour career as a nude male model, posing for college art classes. He'll hear rude whispers about her man-eating antics, and he'll realise he is very much in with a chance of becoming a toyboy bit-on-the-side. The insider added: " She might be nearly as old as his mum Gail, but the whole scenario is very exciting. Nick's a young man who wants to experience the ways of the world. " If an older woman can give him pleasures he has never dreamed of without wanting a commitment from him, and without his young wife finding out, then he'll very much consider taking them. "

The steamy storyline, which will explode onto the screen early next month, will give actor hearthrob Adam an edge in the wager stakes with his actress pal Jane Danson, who plays his sexy young wife Leanne. For they've both been betting on which of their characters will have some extra-marital fun first ! Adam, who recently told a fan mag that he wanted Nick to have " loads of affairs ", said: " Jane Danson and I have got bets on who will be the first to stray. Frankly we were surprised that Nick and Leanne got through the first month. "

The Death of Des
15 November 1998

THIS is the moment that will shock millions of Coronation Street fans tomorrow night - as sobbing bride Natalie cradles her fatally-injured husband in her arms. The heart-wrenching scene is how Coronation Street chiefs have decided romeo Des Barnes should bow out of the TV soap.

Des, played by Phil Middlemiss, hit his head on the corner of a coffee table during a punch-up with drug thugs beating up stepson Tony Horrocks (Lee Warburton). He is rushed to hospital, but dies there after a heart attack. The emotional scenes, starring Phil and Denise Welch, who plays Des's screen wife Natalie, were shot amid great secrecy at the Granada TV studios in Manchester.

A Street source said the scenes had reduced even the crew to tears. The funeral has already been filmed. The mourners include his best man, Les Battersby (Bruce Jones), and Denise Welch's real-life dad, Vin, who plays Des's father Bob Barnes.

Des was killed off after Phil - who is dating Alison King, star of the Sky drama Dream Team - decided to quit after eight years. Fans will be able to see him in a Christmas panto.

Street wedding's sex swap hitch
15 November 1998

CORONATION Street's odd couple Hayley and Roy are to tie the knot - but scriptwriters are in a proper tizzy about how to do it. Cafe boss Roy Cropper is desperate to marry his sex-change lover so they can live proudly as a man and wife. But the happy-ever-after ending is proving a nightmare for Street bosses because any marriage between the two would be void in the eyes of the law. One suggestion is that the pair could exchange rings in an unofficial blessing performed by a close friend.

Millions of viewers have warmed to factory worker Hayley - actress Julie Hesmondhalgh - and Roy (David Neilson) as their friendship blossomed. An insider said: "It might be a soap but the producers do not ride roughshod over laws and situations in real life."

Cheers Des... You lad it all
18 November 1998

More than 17 million TV viewers tuned in to see Coronation Street romeo Des Barnes fatally injured in an attack by drug dealers on Monday night. Even more could tune into the ITV soap for his moving death-bed scene tonight.

Bookie Des, played by Phil Middlemiss, has been a Street favourite for eight years. Here the Mirror takes an affectionate look at the life and loves of one of the show's most colourful characters. As Des Barnes lies close to death in his hospital bed tonight and murmurs to wife Natalie: "Mrs Barnes ... I love you Mrs Barnes", I defy you not to be moved. I was. Yes, really. And I knew what was coming.

Even the huge shiner of a black eye, making him look like a panda with a hangover, didn't dilute the emotion of the moment. Natalie smiles, tenderly reaches for his hand and closes her eyes. Des's fists clench. The urgent bleep of the heart monitor wakes Natalie up. "Quick, nurse!" The medics rush in....

Just another soap death. Planned and written months ago, leaked well in advance to get the maximum publicity and pull in the punters. Not quite. With Des Barnes, a kind of innocence has died. He was a throwback to a cheery, beery, Jack the Lad, Flash Harry bygone age.

The twinkly-eyed, joking, wad-of-dosh-waving wide-boy with his snazzy suits - who in Soapland wears green suits any more? - his garish ties, his blow-waved Seventies footballer's haircut and his unfashionable views about women and their roles in the kitchen and bedroom. If they hadn't killed you, Des, they'd have had to stick you in a museum.

It was typical of him to dream he was in Blackpool, only minutes before turning up his toes. He'd recovered consciousness in hospital after the beating at the hands of a drug gang which Coronation Street viewers saw on Monday night, and he was mumbling to his wife Natalie about standing at the top of Blackpool Tower and looking down on the lights below.

Des was Manchester Man, through and through. And Blackpool - with maybe a trip to the races at Haydock thrown in - was his idea of heaven. Fish and chips, mushy peas, a pint of Boddington's and a kiss-me-quick hat. If there was a pretty lass in his sights, so much the better. "Uncomplicated" was the word to sum up the bonking bookie of Weatherfield.

In the ever more ratings-conscious, frenetic and unreal world of TV soaps, where characters are given increasingly bizarre histories and weird personality traits, Des Barnes stood out as a beacon of robust, down-to-earth, no-nonsense straightforwardness. He had a roving eye. And he liked a beer and a laugh.

He arrived in the Street in 1990, marrying his first wife, flirty, hot-tempered Stephanie, on Valentine's Day. Picking her up to carry her over the threshold of No 6, he accidentally banged her head on the door. A row broke out, which ended with her locking him out of the house. They rowed again next day when they left on honeymoon and Des dropped a suitcase which burst open, scattering their clothes all over the road.

When Steph had an affair and left, Des became a Street superstud. He had a fling with clothes designer Angie Freeman, but abandoned her when nice-but-dim barmaid Raquel caught his eye. He was the centre of a red-hot love triangle, somehow keeping Raquel and her scheming fellow barmaid Tanya on the go at the same time. But Tanya had the last laugh, giving him the elbow. And Des was a loser in love again when Raquel married Curly Watts on the rebound. Pulling himself together, he offered Lisa Duckworth a shoulder to cry on while her husband Terry was in jail. But Lisa was knocked down and killed by a car, leaving Des devastated for, oh, several months at least. A torrid romance was soon under way with hairdresser Maxine - until she discovered Des was "comforting" pregnant ex-wife Steph.

When old drinking buddy Jim McDonald's flighty wife Liz took a job at the betting shop, it was odds on Des being back in the saddle before you could say "They're off!" What would fate have in store for him next? The answer was another barmaid, Samantha Failsworth. She blurted out that she'd been abused as a child and was frigid. Des, simple soul that he was, tried hard to understand Sam. He attempted to persuade her husband to give her a divorce, and even proposed marriage. But Sam had gone cuckoo, and roared out of the Street on her motorbike, telling Des she was pregnant with his child. Lesser men might have cracked, but not dear old Des. He just went for a beer and got on with his life.

No one is quite sure exactly when his relationship with barmaid Natalie Horrocks progressed from the "Pint, Des?" "Cheers, Natalie" stage to the "I love you, will you marry me?" level. But she soon moved in with him - she was so besotted that she clean forgot about her cat Tiger - and last month they tied the knot. Des made a touching little speech about "spending the rest of my life with this woman here, who I love to death." Three-and-a-bit weeks it lasted. Not bad going by Des's standards.

Now his many conquests are left to mourn his passing and I don't think we'll see his like again.

Cheers, mate.

CoronAsian Street
19 November 1998, by Brian Roberts

THE first-ever Asian family is to move into Coronation Street where they will run the corner shop. Secret auditions have been held by the soap's top brass to find the ideal actors to play the roles.

It is the first time in the show's 38-year history that an Asian family will be part of the line-up. But Granada bosses are determined they will be around for years to come by establishing them as leading characters. And they have pledged not to turn the family - which will include three generations - into ethnic stereotypes.

The show's most famous names are among those who have run the corner shop in the past. Final decisions on castings - most of the actors are likely to be unknowns - are expected by the end of the month. Filming will start in February.

A Street production source said last night: "Everyone's very excited. One thing is for sure, the new residents won't be mere tokens. There are big plans for them to make a huge impact in the programme. "For starters, there will be a teenage son who turns out to be a tearaway. He'll quickly be established as a bit of a troublemaker. "Scriptwriters are itching to get stuck into scenes for them. But cliched storylines, such as racist attacks, will be avoided. "It's long overdue that we should have a solid ethnic family. "There's always a buzz about the place when new characters come in. The corner shop has always played a key role in the Street.

And the flat upstairs, where the Asian family are to live, has seen a host of famous lodgers. The shop featured at the start of the first-ever episode in 1960 when Elsie Lappin (Maud Edwards) sold the business to Florrie Lindley (Betty Alberge).

Other well-known owners include Elsie Howard (Pat Phoenix); Renee Bradshaw (Madge Hindle); Alf Roberts (Bryan Mosley); Reg and Maureen Holdsworth (Ken Morley and Sherrie Hewson); Maggie Clegg (Irene Sutcliffe); Idris and Vera Hopkins (Richard Davies and Kathy Staff); and Irma Barlow (Sandra Gough). The current owner is butcher Fred Elliot (John Savident).

The Street is years behind soaps like EastEnders and Brookside when it comes to storylines involving multi-racial families. The arrival of an Asian family is the final legacy of former Street producer Brian Park. He became known as the axeman for sacking several stars. But he was also determined to make the show more multi-racial. Before he quit, he asked his successor, David Hanson, to see the plan through.

Last night, ethnic groups praised the decision. A Commission for Racial Equality spokesman said: "We welcome the move and hope the programme portrays the family in a convincing manner."

Who's Corrie now ?
19 November 1998 by John Mahoney

BLONDE telly star Margi Clarke is being driven to Coronation Street by her jobless toyboy lover who hasn't even passed his test. Crop-haired Phil Rubin has shacked up with the 42-year-old actress, who makes her Street comeback this weekend, despite being less than half her age. He clocks up 160 miles a day chauffeuring her to-and-from the Corrie studios in Manchester and their Liverpool lovenest.

But burly Rubin, 20, hides a guilty secret from Street stars he recently rubbed shoulders with at a leaving bash - he's driving illegally because he hasn't got a full licence! Earlier this week he drove 40 miles to take brash Margi to Manchester's Granada TV studios in her green BMW, then at 9.15am drove back home alone on the M62. Six hours later, wearing the same dark baseball cap, he climbed behind the wheel of another motor - a driving school Fiesta for his latest £10-an-hour lesson. Then when that ended at 4pm, he waited at his mum's home in the city's Chilcott district before leaping back into Margi's BMW and driving off to see her.

Former bakery worker Rubin has repeated the illegal drives most days when his former Good Sex Guide lover has been working. And Margi herself was not only well aware that he didn't hold a full driving licence but she was also PAYING for his lessons.

Street fans see her return to the show this weekend on a three-month contract as freed jailbird Jackie Dobbs, who was banged up in prison with innocent Deirdre Rachid. Jackie turns up on Deirdre's doorstep and becomes the lodger from Hell before going on the scrounge in Weatherfield. Last night Margi - who shot to fame in the cult movie Letter To Breznev - pleaded for the Daily Star not to shame her fella. She told us: "You can't print that, it will f*** me right up and get him a conviction. All I am is a little actress trying to earn a living. "I don't want this in the paper, it will f*** me up big time. Anyway, he's about to take his test soon."

She has been besotted with Rubin since meeting him at a party three months ago and, although she can drive, has allowed him to use her car. Mum-of-two Margi moved him into her semi-detached home in Wavertree, Liverpool, four weeks ago although most days he pops back to see his mother Maureen seven miles away. He is the actress's first love interest for two years since splitting with her punk artist partner Jamie Reid after 19 years together. Jamie, dad of her daughter Rowan Rose, four, shocked the pop world by putting a safety pin through the Queen's nose for a Sex Pistols record cover. "Phil had gone to a party with a friend and bumped into Margi there. He'd never met her before," said a friend of the actress. "They really hit it off and Phil couldn't believe his luck that someone as famous as Margi Clarke had shown interest in him. "They were all over each other, and used to kiss and cuddle wherever they were. "Margi liked the idea of being driven to and from work and was happy to let Phil do this even though she knew damn well he hadn't passed his test."

Frantic Margi yesterday asked if Street bosses would throw the book at her - but was told her spell in the soap is secure. "She was in a terrible state, running around asking "Will they sack me?" said one Granada source. "But she hasn't damaged the show in any way, so she's in the clear." Margi showed off her new fella last week when she took him to the leaving do of Phil Middlemiss, who was killed off last night as bookie Des Barnes. Yesterday Rubin was unwilling to discuss his illegal driving shame.

Coron-Asian romeo to bed Maxine
22 November 1998

AN Asian Romeo is set to leave a string of broken hearts in his wake as he beds a series of Coronation Street beauties.

Businessman Vikran Desai will start by having a fling with sexy hair- dresser Maxine - Tracy Shaw - when he joins the show in the New Year. His sister Nita will also turn heads as the pair take over the corner shop. Vikran's fling with Maxine will be the Street's first mixed race relationship since Curly's affair with black factory worker Shirley Armitage in 1988.

I'll spice up Corrie
23 November 1998

SEXPOT Tracy Shaw signed up for another year in Coronation Street and vowed last night: "I'll be steamier than ever!" She's determined to throw herself into work as man-hungry crimper Maxine Heavey to ease the heartache of her painful split with party-loving fiancee Darren Day.

Telly chiefs feared 25-year-old Tracy would quit when her contract ended to start a new showbiz life. Bosses knew she was considering her options after offers of panto and watching her Street buddy Angela Griffin, who played salon boss Fiona Middleton, quit for new TV projects. But terrific Trace will remain in the Street... and she promises to set male pulses racing.

"Yes, I'm staying and I can't wait to get stuck into some juicy storylines," she said. "I think Maxine is going to be a pretty busy girl next year. "I'm ready to really work my socks off next year. It's going to be better than before." Brave Tracy was so distraught at being messed about by 30-year-old Darren - host of TV game show You Bet! and star of stage musical Summer Holiday - that she was prepared to do something drastic with her career. While still with Darren, making plans for a star-studded wedding next summer, she had been tempted to quit Corrie for a panto role opposite him in Cinderella at Manchester's Palace Theatre. But everything went pear-shaped when blonde Tracy ran out of patience with Darren and booted him into touch, fed up with constant showbiz talk that he was getting too close to his Summer Holiday leading lady Isla Fisher.

Tracy's new year-long contract is worth £60,000 a year. A Coronation Street pal revealed yesterday: "She was in two minds whether to stay in the show or make a clean break once her contract came up for renewal. "She's made the right decision by staying. "Tracy has been through a lot this year, and most of it hasn't been all wine and roses. But she's a smashing kid. "Tracy is looking fitter, healthier and generally better than ever."

Street star will quit to aim for the charts
26 November 1998

Coronation Street hunk Adam Rickitt will quit the soap to further his showbiz career - but his popular character Nick Tilsley will not die.

Rickitt, 20, is thought to be aiming for pop stardom under the guidance of his manager Nigel Martin-Smith, the man behind the hugely-successful group Take That. But producers have dreamt up a dramatic storyline to take Nick out of Weatherfield without killing him off or removing his wife Leanne, another popular young character, played by Jane Danson.

A spokeswoman for the top Granada soap said: "Adam wants to move on to do other things. "He has just signed a six-month contract which will keep him on screen until early summer. "The storyline that is going to take him out is superb, really gripping, emotional, tense drama. "But the door will be left open for him to come back."

It is believed that Rickitt's decision to start other projects did not surprise or dismay Coronation Street bosses. It was obvious the blond heart-throb was ambitious to progress beyond the role. His arrival in the soap was heralded by pin-up shots which brought him an army of female fans. He has given plenty of notice of his decision to leave and will part from Coronation Street on amicable terms.

Aspel catches Corrie's Deirdre with his big red book
26 November 1998

Coronation Street's Deirdre Rachid has had a tough life - but now viewers are set to find out if there are any similarities between the hard-done to 'Weatherfield One' and the actress who plays her.

Anne Kirkbride, 44, who has played Deirdre 26 years, has been captured by Michael Aspel and her story will appear on This Is Your Life before Christmas, The Sun reported.

Kirkbride - known to be shy and fiercely protective of her private life - was confronted by Aspel while on set in the Rovers Return. She said: 'By 'eck, I never thought you could do me. This is bizarre - I can't believe it.' Unlike her character's rocky love-life, Kirkbride has a happy marriage to actor Dave Beckett - who played Street handyman Dave Barton. His help ensured Aspel could catch her with his big red book.

But while Deirdre has dealt with unfaithful husbands, had affairs herself, coped with the death of her toy-boy groom, was taken hostage and earlier this year, ended up in jail for a crime she didn't commit - Kirkbride has had her problems too. She was diagnosed with cancer in 1993 - but has now been given the all-clear. But for more information on the woman behind the role, you'll just have to tune in to This Is Your Life.

Granada upbeat about demand for digital TV
26 November 1998 By Andrew Clark, City Correspondent

ONDIGITAL, the pay-television service launched earlier this month, has "got off to a great start", according to Granada chief executive Charles Allen.

Speaking as the leisure giant unveiled a 16.9pc rise in annual profits to £773m, Mr Allen said: "We're very excited about ONdigital - the early signs are positive. It's been very well received." The digital television service is a joint venture between Granada and Carlton Communications. Granada chairman Gerry Robinson said: "Early demand makes it look like the package of programmes will be very, very sought after."

Granada's profits were reduced £25m to cover the group's share of ONdigital's losses. Mr Robinson unveiled a "three-year plan" to cover the group's future development, which included the creation of a "major force in pay television". Granada intends to expand its overseas television production and focus on brand development in its restaurants and hotels.

Asked whether he envisaged splitting up the group, Mr Robinson said: "Frankly the idea of that as some kind of recipe for immediate success has not been shown by other companies. It's very unlikely that you will see Granada split up during the three-year plan."

He also said Granada was "not serious" about following BSkyB by buying a football club, although he said: "We've been approached by lots of clubs." Mr Robinson said he had little desire to get involved in sports: "If you think being involved in the Arts Council attracts attention, being owner of a football club would be death by a thousand cuts."

Profits from the group's media interests - including ITV franchises Granada, Yorkshire, Tyne Tees and LWT - rose 36pc to £255m. Strong bookings at the Travelodge, Posthouse and Le Meridien chains helped the group's hotel division increase its profits 15pc to £321m, while restaurant earnings climbed 25pc to £297m with good trading at the Little Chef roadside chain. The annual dividend is up 15pc to 16.7p, with a 11.56p final payout on April 1. The shares rose 37 to 910p.

My secret cancer battle
29 November 1998

GEOFFREY Hughes tips back his chair with a grin as he sits in the kitchen of his isolated farmhouse. "To be honest," he says, "this cold I've got is worrying me far more than the cancer."

That's typical of Geoffrey. Even in the middle of a life-or-death fight against prostate cancer he is cheerful, positive - and determined to beat it. It's not a case of Keeping Up Appearances, the title of the BBC comedy in which he stars as Onslow. It's a case of having the right attitude of mind.

Geoffrey, 54, can even joke about the scar that remains after a six-hour operation to remove a two-inch tumour from his prostate. "I call the scar my smile," he says. "It goes right across my stomach. The surgeons did a good job, though, and it fits brilliantly into a fold in my stomach, so you hardly see it. "I'm just grateful that I managed to get the cancer sorted in time before it spread. Sheer willpower and positive thinking kept me going."

Geoffrey is speaking just weeks after the death of his Keeping Up Appearances co-star Mary Millar, who played his sister-in-law Rose in the hit show, from ovarian cancer. "I couldn't believe it when Mary died," he says. "It was so tragic. I had spoken to her a few weeks before she died and she seemed so fit and well."

Doctors were amazed at the speed of Geoffrey's recovery from such a major operation. Just 72 hours after the surgery he was up and chatting to patients on the ward. "I remember the doctor coming in and telling the people with him, 'Gentlemen, this man's recovery is due to his frame of mind'," he says. "I was up and about within a few days and actually left the hospital after about five days - half the usual time that people are in for an operation of that sort."

Geoffrey's wife Sue took him back to their home in rural Northants, where he took things easy for a few months. "Then I went to Australia on tour with a play. I felt fine. I have to go in for a check-up every six months and I've had two so far which have been fine, but I will probably have to keep going for a few years yet. "For the moment things are looking good. I'm not going to let it beat me. I'm not going to die yet. "What it did was make me really appreciate life more. You are more aware of the value of life and you strive to get as much as you can from it. "When you wake up in the morning you really do take each day as it comes taking in the air and looking at the wonderful countryside that I'm so lucky to live in."

Geoffrey, who played lovable binman Eddie Yates in Coronation Street from 1974 to 1983, is still astonished at the fact that he had no symptoms of the killer disease which claims more than 10,000 British men a year. The warning bells only began to ring when he went for a routine medical at the BBC in 1996. He was starring in Keeping Up Appearances as the scruffy, beer-swilling Onslow and felt in prime physical condition. But during the examination a small amount of blood was detected in Geoffrey's urine. "The amount was so tiny it was hardly noticeable," he says. "They said athletes sometimes get blood seeping from their kidneys into their urine and this was quite natural. But then they also said it could be prostate cancer. "Well, to be honest I hadn't done much running so I had a pretty good idea that it must have been something serious. "The good thing was that I managed to get it resolved quickly - at least the cancer was in an accessible place. Next time it might not be. "Prostate cancer is one of the country's biggest killers so you don't need me to tell you how lucky I am. I would tell all men to make sure they get themselves checked out regularly. The most alarming aspect of this cancer is that there are no real outward symptoms. I felt fine but I had no idea what was going on inside me."

Now the 16-stone Liverpool-born actor has conquered the cancer with his positive attitude, he is applying that philosophy to the rest of his life. He is a sailing enthusiast with two boats, and he says: "The cancer made me appreciate my toys more. My boats are one of my biggest loves. "Obviously it does cross your mind how long have you got but it's an open question - you just don't know. I have been very lucky and I've really enjoyed my life and still enjoy it. "But at the end of the day the ones who really do deserve a medal are the medical people. I have nothing but praise for the doctors and hospital staff."

The two biopsies and the major surgery were all carried out at Geoffrey's local NHS hospital - the Edith Cavell in Peterborough, Cambs. "I could have queue-jumped and maybe had the surgery sooner but I'm a firm supporter of the NHS," he says. "I don't believe in private healthcare. I was happy in the Edith Cavell. It's a good hospital with a great team." Just before his operation, Geoffrey remembers how his co-star on The Royle Family, Ricky Tomlinson, rang him up to wish him luck as he went into theatre. "Cheeky so-and-so rang me up and said he just wanted to wish you luck but if anything does happen do you mind if I have your boat," says Geoffrey. "When I came out I rang him and said he was out of luck."

For Sue, Geoffrey's scientist wife, that was a joke in itself - she is acutely aware of how lucky they have been. "The frightening aspect of the whole thing is that he looked so well and there weren't any outward symptoms," she says. "Prostate cancer is a very slow cancer and one of the deadliest but if caught in time it can be treated and cured."

Geoffrey knows he has had a narrow escape - and he is still distressed about the death of Mary Millar. But the jokes are never far away. "Prostate cancer is the biggest killer of middle-aged men in Britain," he says sombrely. Then he adds with a twinkle: "Quite why it should strike a man of 25 I don't know.''

Geoffrey Hughes has not been paid for this interview. The Sunday Mirror is making a donation, at his request, to the Urology Department at the Edith Cavell Hospital.

Goodbye Tracy and hello Spicey
29 November 1998

TV's sexiest blonde slips on a dark wig, and with a blink of her coloured contact lenses turns into...Sporty Spice. Coronation Street star Tracy Shaw teamed up with four girls from the hit soap to be Spice Girls Wannabes for a Stars In Their Eyes celebrity special. Joining her in the line-up were Jane Danson, transformed from the Street's Leanne Battersby to Posh; Gaynor Faye, who swapped her pregnant bump for Ginger's tight Union Jack dress; barmaid Holly Newman as Baby, and Angela Griffin, who left the Street earlier this year, as Scary. "The transformations were amazing," says Tracy, 25, who plays hairdresser Maxine Heavey.

The producers originally thought Tracy would be Posh Spice, but they changed their mind when they heard how sporty she is in real life. "I've got a background in acrobatics and I'm happy to fly around the stage like an idiot," she says. "The only thing of Sporty's I didn't do was the back-flip and that was purely because I didn't have the time to practise."

But just how did blonde, green-eyed Tracy turn into dark-haired, brown-eyed Sporty? "My transformation began with some very skilful make-up tricks," she says. "First I had a lot of shading around my nose, chin and cheeks to make my face thinner and paler. "Then came brown eye shadow, but because I've got very green eyes I still didn't look like her, so I had to wear brown-tinted contact lenses. "Then I had my eyebrows thickened with pencil. Next came the wig and as soon as it was on you could see the transformation worked brilliantly." For Mel C's tattoos, an ink stamp did the trick. The clothes were suitably sporty - and the finishing touch was a piece of gold paper glued to Tracy's front tooth.

Then she had to act like Sporty. "The moment we started getting ready we slipped into character. "Sporty is great - she's got major attitude, with quite a butch walk, and she's always stretching her arms out, punching and kicking. "She's my favourite Spice - a genuine Liverpool lass and absolutely beautiful." Tracy loved her night of Spice and wouldn't mind repeating it. "If they decide they want a fifth Spice Girl again I'm always here," she laughs. "But I think one Sporty is enough for any group."

As for the hair, Tracy liked her new look so much that she's thinking about going brunette...permanently. "Everyone kept saying I've got to dye my hair because it really suited me and I'm toying with the idea," she says. "It's so sophisticated."

ITV Wednesday 2 December 1998 at 8:00pm
CELEBRITY STARS IN THEIR EYES

TONIGHT MATTHEW, WE'RE GOING TO BE THE SPICE GIRLS...

Watch some of Britain's best-loved celebrities strut their stuff as they take part in a special edition of Stars In Their Eyes. Girls from the cast of top-rated soap, Coronation Street, will amaze you with their impersonation of the most successful girl band in history, The Spice Girls.

Tune in to see how the acclaimed production team transform common as muck, Leanne Battersby (now Tilsley), into pouting Posh Spice: "When I came into Coronation Street I was common and loud, but when I step on the Stars In Their Eyes stage I'll be the sophisticated one! The regulars in the Rovers Return won't believe their eyes," laughs JANE DANSON, the actress who plays Leanne.

Science buff, CAROL VORDERMAN, will make your jaw drop when she slinks through those famous doors as chart-topping, sexy, songstress Cher.

MATTHEW KELLY has a whole host of other surprises to uncover, and more celebrity acts to feast your eyes on in the hour-long extravaganza.

Executive Producer, Jane Macnaught said, "It was a unique opportunity to invite well-known celebrities to be seen as they've never been seen before! The Stars In Their Eyes production team couldn't resist stepping in to help them create the magic of their ultimate fantasies and musical heroes. Some of the transformations are among our most astonishing yet!"

Who will be your favourite tribute act, and will they be better than the real thing?

Street's Margi reveals her fling with Ken
29 November 1998

CORONATION Street newcomer Margi Clarke has revealed a sensational storyline...she will have a fling with Mr Dependable himself, Ken Barlow. Margi, who plays brassy ex-jailbird Jackie Dobbs, says Ken's the last person that the cigarette-smoking sex siren would imagine going to bed with.

Outrageous Margi, 44, let the secret storyline slip out in her excitement about getting to know the rest of the cast. She said in a magazine interview: "The person who surprised me the most was Bill Roache, who plays Ken Barlow. "He's fascinating. We're going to have a love scene!" If producers go ahead with the story, Jackie will be Ken's most bizarre bedmate in almost 38 years on-screen. But Margi, on a three-month contract, could be in trouble. Street stars are sworn to secrecy about future plot lines.

Margi's gaffe came as soap sources revealed a LIVE hour-long episode could be broadcast on New Year's Eve 1999 with guest appearances by former stars like Julie Goodyear.

Death of Des puts Corrie in top spot
2 December 1998

Coronation Street has clinched the year's biggest soap audience with the sensational death of romeo Des Barnes. A massive 20.3 million watched hearthrob bookie Des die - three million more than first estimated.

The official ratings - out yesterday - put it just behind this year's World Cup showdown between England and Argentina which pulled in a record-breaking 23.7 million. It means the Street is now the outright leader in a fierce battle of the soaps.

BBC bosses declared they would scoop the number one slot this September with a revamped EastEnders. In a desperate bid to boost ratings producers axed 10 characters and ordered sensational stories including the upcoming death of Tiffany Mitchell. But the soap is trailing miserably with fewer than 18 million viewers. An ITV insider said: "We were never afraid of the BBC. Coronation Street always had the humour and drama viewers want to see."

Des, played by Phil Middlemiss for eight years, died in hospital after he had been attacked by drug-gang heavies at his home.

Here's the top 10 in millions for the year so far:

1. World Cup Eng v Arg 23.7m
2. Coronation St (Des dies) 20.3m
3. World Cup Eng v Rom 19.5m
4. World Cup Eng v Col 19.1m
5. Coronation St (Jan 4, Deirdre finds lover is a bigamist) 18.4m
6. Heartbeat 16.5m
7. EastEnders (Jan 13, Cindy faces jail for abducting children) 15.9m
8. Casualty 15.7m
9. World Cup Final 15.6m
10. Forrest Gump 15.1m

Stars In Their Eyes special rockets to top of TV ratings
4 December 1998

The celebrity special Stars in Their Eyes has rocketed to the top of the TV ratings after scooping more than 15 million viewers. The show which featured Countdown star Carol Vorderman as Cher and Coronation Street stars as the Spice Girls, scored the highest live audience for any entertainment show across the year to date.

The special edition of the Granada Television talent show was won by London's Burning actor Steve Houghton for his rendition of Spandau Ballet's hit 1980's hit Gold. Comedian Frank Skinner chose to be Elvis Costello for the evening and Tricia Penrose from Heartbeat sung a Lisa Stansfield hit. Executive producer Jane Macnaught said: "All the celebrities who took part put so much work into making it an outstanding success. We are absolutely thrilled."

Viewers saw Coronation Street babes Jane Danson, Tracy Shaw, Gaynor Faye, Holly Newman and Angela Griffin transform themselves into Sporty, Ginger, Posh, Baby and Scary to belt out the Wannabe hit. And television statistician Carol Vorderman put down her vowels and her consonants to strut her stuff as sexy Cher performing the Shoop Shoop song.

The hit show, presented by Matthew Kelly, has just finished recording its 100th show and is now in its 10th series.

Duckworth's Kiss of Death for poor Alf
6 December 1998

IT'S bad enough being booted out of Coronation Street after 37 years but to get the kiss-off from the Duckworths must be the final insult.

Bill Tarmey and Liz Dawn - Jack and Vera Duckworth - puckered up to Bryan Mosley alias Street veteran Alf Roberts hours after he filmed his final scene in the soap. Alf dies peacefully in his armchair in a special New Year's Eve episode - in reality Bryan is being forced to go because of his own ill-health.

But he still raised a smile despite the attention of the Duckworths at the Corrie Christmas party. One person giving the champers the miss was Kevin Kennedy, who plays Curly Watts. Kevin, who arrived at the Manchester bash with wife Claire, is on the wagon after his drink problems and it could be a year before he pops up again on screen. He was joined at the party by long-serving star William Roache (Ken Barlow) and newcomer Holly Newton, who plays barmaid Lorraine. And Tracy Shaw -hairdresser Maxine - helped everyone forget how cold it was outside with a plunging purple trouser suit.

Coke for Kevin on his comeback night
6 December 1998

TROUBLED Coronation Street star Kevin Kennedy had his first public night out since turning his back on booze when he joined the soap's Christmas knees-up. The champagne flowed and reformed hellraiser Kevin, who plays Curly Watts, was in the thick of it - drinking Coke!

But there was no stopping the others. Barmaid Lorraine (Holly Newman) sang songs from Porgy And Bess and then joined Tracy Shaw, Gaynor Faye, Jane Danson and Angela Griffin in their extra-hot Spice Girls routine.

Meanwhile Greg (Steve Billington) - was looking after Sally (Sally Whittaker), whom he'd been roughing up on screen on Friday night. But there was a hint of sadness too. veteran actor Bryan Moseley had just filmed his last scenes as grocer Alf Roberts and the cast gave him a standing ovation.

Jane, who plays Leanne, looked suitably lovey-dovey with Nicky Tilsley (hunky Adam Rickitt), that lovable odd couple Roy and Hayley (David Neilson and Julie Hesmondhalgh) were in great form and Natalie (Denise Welch) was able to turn on that flashing smile after all the tears over losing tragic Des. There'd never been a Street party like it.

I won't see Alf die
9 December 1998

Coronation Street star Bryan Mosley has vowed not to watch his character Alf Roberts being killed off. The 67-year-old was hurt when soap chiefs decided to axe ex-corner shop boss Alf. He had played the part for 38 years and expected to carry on despite health problems. Alf dies peacefully on New Year's Day. Bryan said last night: "We don't watch TV at New Year in our house."

Kev's public house
9 December 1998
Drying-out Coronation Street star Kevin Kennedy has found Curly's perfect tonic ... a spanking new house a MILE from the nearest boozer ! And it was blond wife Clare who insisted that their £165,000 mews cottage purchase would be 36-year-old Kev's ideal therapy.

Booze-battling Kevin found temptation too great living in his plush flat in Manchester's trendy Didsbury village - with eight pubs inside 500 yards! His loyal wife spotted the new development in an estate agent's window and convinced Kevin, who has played the Street's love-lorn Curly Watts for 15 years, that it would be an ideal fresh start for both of them. And Kevin was instantly sold on the tucked-away pad, overlooking the river Mersey, which boasts a balcony overlooking the water.

And yesterday he told a Corrie friend: "I'm looking forward to eating breakfast, with plenty of orange juice with Clare on the balcony. "Our flat was great - it was in the heart of Didsbury which has to be one of the most happening places in England. "But when Clare saw this place she was spot on.  It's absolutely brilliant."

Brave Kevin is winning his battle against the bottle after admitting himself to two drying-out clinics inside two months. Privately he tells mates that he felt "wobbly" after his first stint - and was never convinced in himself that he had won the battle. But now he has told Clare and senior Coronation Street executives that he has "not felt this good for yonks". A Street insider said: "Kevin is back to his cheeky best.  He's on good form and full credit to him."

Corrie's Xmas spirit
10 December 1998 by John Mahoney

NO wonder the lads would queue up for a peep inside Corrie cracker Jacqueline Pirie's Christmas stocking. She's full of festive spirit - because her Street-wise character, bolshy machine girl Linda Sykes, is going to be ruffling even more feathers pretty soon. Fans have already seen loudmouth Linda - the newest and nastiest piece of work in Mike Baldwin's knickers factory - send sexually-confused Hayley into floods of tears by ordering her not to use the ladies' loo.

It's the sort of bully-girl role Jacqueline loves to play, having scorched our telly screens as man-eating Tina Dingle on sex 'n' sheep soap Emmerdale for two years. The actress quit hounding the lads in the Yorkshire Dales when she became pregnant and vowed not even to look at another script until daughter Alex was at least a year old. Scots-born Jacqui, 24, was true to her word. Now, with Alex aged 19 months, her career is taking off again.

And the lassie from Stirling is looking forward to the best family Christmas ever. "Last year, Alex had a rough idea something was going on. But this year she'll have the time of her life," says single mum Jacqui. "I've been planning Christmas since October!"

The actress lives with her mum Pat and dad James in Birmingham - while work is in Manchester. "I don't drive, so I get the train," she says. "I don't get stressed in traffic and arrive feeling great. "The only times it hurts is if I have to stay over in Manchester and I can't get back to see Alex. "She doesn't show the slightest interest when she sees me on TV. "I reckon it's because she's used to us using a camcorder at home.  "Perhaps she thinks Coronation Street is just something Mummy's done with the camcorder!"

Jacqui admits she considered turning her back on acting: "I didn't even know if I wanted to get back in the business. "But I got a part in Casualty - then this happened. I had always thought it was fantastic to get Emmerdale, but to go on to Coronation Street is unbelievable. "I've not had too much to do so far but I'm told they've got some interesting things in store for Linda Sykes next year. "I'm looking forward to a big snog on screen with someone. "I also love playing the bitchy parts and would like Linda to have a really nasty side for people to latch onto."

On set, Jacqui's in awe of Street legends Bill Tarmey and Liz Dawn, alias Jack and Vera Duckworth. "Their timing is great - they are a wonderful double act," she says. "I would love to become part of the furniture, like they are. "In fact I'd be happy to stay in Coronation Street for, ooh . . . let's say the next 60 years!"

Corrie race storm
11 December 1998 by JOHN KELLY
Coronation Street was under fire last night for introducing a black character - as a burglar. Marcus Wrigley was seen climbing into Curly Watts's empty house. Millions of viewers watched as Marcus, played by actor Joseph Jacobs, searched the house for food and drink.

The controversial scene horrified race groups, which already say the Street does not have enough black or Asian characters. Lee Jasper, of the National Assembly Against Racism, said: "It is appalling that black people are stereotyped as criminals and social misfits of one sort or another. "You would think Corrie would have been more responsible and not just pedalled the same old prejudiced view of black people in Britain."

Street bosses hit back saying it was a WHITE character Tyrone Dobbs, played by Alan Halsall, who forces Curly's window. A spokesman said: "We reject any suggestion of racial stereotyping. "This scene was just a teenage prank, the sort of thing that goes on every day all over Britain. "It is Tyrone who is the ringleader not Marcus -who we can promise is not going to be a bad lad."

A spokesman for the Commission for Racial Equality said: "We want to know why Coronation Street continues to fail to reflect the diverse nature of British society." The Street spokesman said: "We don't introduce black or Asian characters just for the sake of it."

Soap under fire for 'racist' plot
11 December 1998

Coronation Street viewers were today urged to protest about the portrayal of a black character as a burglar in his first episode. Viewers of the long-running soap saw new character Marcus Wrigley, played by 17-year-old Joseph Jacobs, break into Curly Watts's house.

The Commission for Racial Equality immediately condemned the storyline as "disgraceful", accusing maker Granada of "rehashing racial stereotypes". CRE chairman Sir Herman Ouseley urged viewers to write to the Independent Television Commission attacking Granada. "If people feel offended by this, and I think they will, I would urge them to write to the ITC," he said. The programme has previously been criticised for its lack of black actors and Granada had promised more "positive" ethnic characters. Sir Herman added: "I think Granada are disgraceful and should be condemned. They make these pledges about their commitment to equal opportunities and then this absolute stupidity is what we see. When a mainstream, popular programme like Coronation Street reinforces negative stereo-types, it can only damage race relations." "In a real-life Weatherfield, a street like that just wouldn't exist without black and Asian people. And when they do introduce them we would like to see them be more realistic instead of rehashing racial stereotypes."

A spokeswoman for the programme said Marcus had been shown being led astray by a white character. She added: "We reject any suggestion of racism. This scene is just a teenage prank ... It is so inaccurate and so far away from the truth to portray this as a racial stereotype issue."

Street's Ahead for Happiness
Saturday 12 December 1998

CORONATION Street couple Gary and Judy Mallett are overcome with emotion at their double delivery of Christmas joy. The birth of twins on Christmas Day comes in an hour-long special that is set to be a real tear-jerker. A Street source said last night: "The two of them are uncontrollable with emotion."

The couple - played by Ian Mercer and Gaynor Faye - had given up hope of becoming parents after years of trying. They had even tried to buy a child. But then out of the blue Judy conceived - leading to the Christmas delivery. The Street insider said: "There is complete joy and elation when the twins are born. "Judy is taken into hospital on Christmas Eve and goes through a long labour. Gary lives every minute with her and is the perfect husband." The scenes have already been shot with two newborn babies from the Manchester area playing the twins. The tots' sex and names are being kept secret until the day.

Other Corrie characters have a less joyous Christmas. Sally Webster hopes estranged husband Kevin will take her back after her disastrous fling with brutal Greg Kelly. But Kevin - Michael Le Vell - wants nothing to do with her.

The real Sally on violence agaianst women, cheating husbands... ...and how she copes with motherhood
13 December 1998

Actress Sally Whittaker is thinking: Santa's grotto, Christmas shopping and family gatherings. How lovely.

Not too far down Coronation Street, her unlucky-in-love counterpart Sally Webster is thinking: No kids, no money and a boyfriend who wants my guts for garters! How very depressing.

Which shows that Sally Whittaker is about as far removed from her Coronation Street character as an actress could be. And thank the Lord for that. While Sally Whittaker is bubbly, funny and intelligent, her on-screen alter ego is exactly the opposite. Mrs Webster manages to be slightly drab (she's yet to realise that "the cardy' is very definitely last year's fashion must-have) and slightly stupid. She has two children - as does the actress - but while Sally Webster is currently having a turbulent time in the love department, 35-year-old Sally Whittaker can't imagine feeling more settled or happy.

Three years ago she walked down the aisle with long-term boyfriend Tim Dynevor. Now they have two children Phoebe, three, and Samuel, 20 months. "Marriage is absolutely wonderful,' she says. "Tim and I lived together for about six years before we got married, but as soon as I became pregnant with Phoebe marriage became really important to me. I wanted us to be a family unit and to have that commitment to each other. Now I just love it."

Another thing that distinguishes the two Sallys is a sense of humour. Ask Sally Whittaker what the best thing about marriage is and she says: "Flirting." Through her laughter she blurts out: "Honestly, it's true. You can flirt with men all the time and it doesn't matter because they know you're married. You can tell them they're fantastic and then go home to your husband. It's great. Seriously though, the best thing about marriage is the wonderful commitment between two people."

But for her Coronation Street counterpart, things aren't so rosy. Sally Webster thought she was settled for life with down-to-earth mechanic Kevin, until a richer, older woman in the shape of Natalie, played by Denise Welch, lured him away. Since then Sally's had an affair with hunky Chris played by Matthew Marsden and became involved with love-rat Greg. Except that the charming Greg very quickly turned nasty - not only taking Sally's money but also beating her up. Over Christmas, he even tries to kill her.

This has meant some demanding acting for both Sally and Stephen Billington, who plays Greg. "There was a lot of adrenaline pumping when we filmed those scenes," she says. "It was important to both of us to portray the abuse as responsibly and realistically as we could, because you know there are women out there who are actually going through it. "It's a very strong storyline and I've actually never acted that kind of emotion before. I talked to Stephen about it and we knew that while we had to make it dramatic and menacing, it couldn't be overtly violent, because the programme goes out before the watershed. "We did those scenes with only one or two takes, so that we could put everything we had into the first take. That way we didn't have to keep going over the same thing. "It did take a lot out of me,' she admits. "I was really fired up for it and so was Stephen and, because the scenes were so important and needed to be so realistic, I found that by the end I was exhausted." Sally and Stephen are friends behind the scenes, which helped them cope. She said: "We'd give each other a hug and say, 'God you were really scary'. Then we would go for a drink together just to unwind and get it out of our system."

The actress has some sympathy for her character. She said: "I can see why she's where she is. This is a woman who was once blissfully happy, even though she was a bit of a drudge. "She had no money, a husband who barely said two words to her, who came home from work, sat down in front of the television while he had his meal and then went off to the pub for a pint. "In spite of all of this, she gave him everything. And the next thing she knows, this man who she loved so much has had an affair and totally betrayed her trust. And she thinks - how dare he do that to her. After all those years."

When Street Sally decided to take her husband back after his fling with Natalie came to nothing, Sally knew she'd have to think carefully about how to play the part. "That was a challenge for me," she admits. "I knew that I couldn't play her the same as I had before because of everything that had happened to her. "So I had to think, 'What would I do in that situation?' I mean, God forbid anything like that would ever happen to me, but if it did, I wouldn't react the way Sally has. "I don't think I'd ever want anything to do with men again. I'd never trust them. I'd just bring my kids up on my own and that would be that. "But we're all different, and with Sally at first she was thinking, 'You're a bastard, I've taken you back and you're lovely, and you're my husband and you're the father of my children, but you're still a bastard.' "Now she feels more vulnerable and feels regret for what she's put him through."

Sally's string of high-profile storylines have seen her character change from a goody-goody housewife to a woman who's had her eye on the best of Coronation Street's male totty. It's a change that the actress has enjoyed. "For years everyone was saying that Sally was Mrs Nice and that she never did anything wrong, and I suppose I was getting fed up with that. "So when Greg came into her life, as an actress I thought: 'Right this is my chance. I'm going to go for it.' It's always exciting when you work with new actors and it's been great for me working with Stephen. "I think a new actor brings out different parts of you, and I think the whole Greg storyline has made me much more daring in what I've done with Sally."

Sally's big storylines continue into the New Year when she takes on husband Kevin for custody of the children. But after that, the spotlight is off. And it's not something she's worrying about. Five years ago I would have said that I'm dreading going back to being just wallpaper again," she says honestly. "But actually, I'm quite looking forward to being wallpaper again for a short time. "It's been a tough two years since I've had my little boy. But I'm also going to enjoy playing the scenes for the custody battle because it'll be great to work with Michael Le Vell as `Kevin again. "We've been working side by side for so long that you can anticipate what the other person's going to do. But now, after the break and with everything that's happened to the two characters, I think it will be different. I think we'll probably spark off new things in each other and that's exciting. "But otherwise, I'm quite looking forward to taking a back seat and letting someone else take all this on for a while."

But is there a dream job outside of Coronation Street that she secretly hankers after? Yes there is. "I've always wanted to do one of those period pieces.you know where you wear those lovely dresses which push your boobs up." Right now Sally is learning to balance her job with her home life. She and Tim are luckier than many families in that he is a scriptwriter for Emmerdale, and the job allows him to spend a lot of time at home. She said: "I'm incredibly busy now, but I know it isn't going to go on forever. Then there'll come a time when I'll be written out for five weeks or so. "And having a young family, I've got to say, I'm quite looking forward to that."

School write up Corrie Bill's street
13 December 1998

CORRIE soap star Bill Roache wants his son to go to top public school Harrow. After 38 years playing teacher Ken Barlow, he can afford a better school for William, 12, than the Street's rundown Weatherfield comprehensive. Bill, 66, has already visited £14,000-a-year Harrow which lists Winston Churchill and six other prime ministers among its old boys.

In recent years the school has opened its doors to other children of showbiz celebrities including TV's Ab Fab star Joanna Lumley. Bruce Forsyth's son has also applied for a place next year.

Street Scene Re-Shot
Monday, 21 December 1998

One of the scenes for a special New Year's Day episode of Coronation Street has been toned down after the producers thought it was too violent. Millions of viewers are expected to tune in to see the character of Greg Kelly beating up Sally Webster following the break-up of their relationship. But the programme's production team decided the scene may be too shocking for viewing at a time when families may be watching. Actor Stephen Billington had to be called back to re-shoot the scene after he had left the soap.

The action takes place in Rita Sullivan's flat where Sally Webster has been staying since splitting from Greg. He breaks in to the flat and lashes out at Sally in a drunken rage. A Granada spokeswoman said: "The confrontation between Greg and Sally was felt to be a little bit strong for family viewing."

Meet Asian family the Street's got in Store
Tuesday 22 December 1998
Coronation Street is getting its first Asian residents, the Desai family - all set yesterday to take over one of the best-known stores in Britain. They will be running the corner shop and bringing new life to the ITV soap neighbourhood.

Head of the family is Ravi Desai, played by veteran movie actor Saeed Jaffrey. Chris Bisson, 20, will appear as his son Vikram and Rebecca Sarker, 23, as his daughter Nita. Saeed, 61-year-old star of the film My Beautiful Launderette, looked delighted as he strolled down the Street set yesterday. "Coronation Street is my favourite soap with wonderful scripts and beautiful characters,'' he said. "I was thrilled when they asked me to join."

Nita will be the first Desai seen on screen - in the New Year. She is taken on as manager of the shop when Ashley Peacock hands over the keys to move to a new supermarket concession. Then owner Fred Elliott decides to sell up. Ravi and Vikram - who turns into a tearaway - arrive to ring their own changes at the shop. Producer David Hanson said: "They already have a successful business empire and have lots of new ideas. "There's a buzz about the place when new characters come in and the corner shop has always played a key role.''

The first words spoken in the soap were by retiring shopkeeper Elsie Lappin to successor Florrie Lindley. Later the store was owned by Lionel Petty, David and Irma Barlow, Maggie Clegg, Megan and Vera Hopkins, Renee Bradshaw, Alf Roberts, Brendan Scott, Reg and Maureen Holdsworth and - up to the Desais arrival - by Fred with the help of his nephew Ashley.

First Asian family joins the Street
Tuesday 22 December 1998

Coronation Street's first Asian family is being written into the soap's storylines in the New Year. The Desai family will be moving into Britian's most famous street in January, taking over the corner shop from Fred Elliott and adding it to their string of shops in the fictional Weatherfield.

Well-known actor Saeed Jaffrey has been signed up to play the head of the family, Ravi, his daughter Nita will be played by Rebecca Sarker and Chris Bisson is taking the role of his son Vikram. Mr Jaffrey's has previously appeared in Gandhi, A Passage to India and My Beautiful Laundrette. He has has spent around 15 years working on films in India and has recently finished his autobiography while based in London.

Mr Jaffrey said he was attracted to Coronation street because of its "wonderful scripts, beautiful characters, truthful acting and magical twists". "Until now I had never done a soap, so doing Coronation Street is yet another exciting and challenging first," he said.

His on-screen son is a confident 20-year-old who, despite dropping out of college, "fancies himself as an entrepreneur". Thrilled to be joining the soap, Mr Bisson said: "They have some fabulous storylines planned for the family and I can't wait to get stuck in."

Vikram's 23-year-old sister Nita will be the first of the family to be seen on the Street when she takes over from Ashley as manager of the corner shop on 8 January.

Raver's Return
Wednesday 30 December 1998 by John Mahoney

LOCK up yer lads! Sexy Tracie Bennett is bouncing back into Coronation Street spreading scandal and strife. She'll be even BITCHIER than before when she turns up again as saucy troublemaker Sharon Gaskell, the wayward foster daughter of Len and Rita Fairclough.

Street fans last saw her comforting Rita after love-cheat Len - actor Peter Adamson - was killed in a car smash returning from his lover's home after a secret tryst. She quit in 1984 after falling for flirty mechanic Brian Tilsley. But she'll making her Rover's Return in the New Year when she turns up to tell Rita (Barbara Knox) she's about to get married - although she soon discovers the path of true love doesn't run smoothly.

Blonde Tracie, 37, is thrilled to be back after appearances in other shows such as Making Out and Joking Apart. She said yesterday: "I always thought it would be magic to return to Coronation Street. I had such a good time there and got on so well with everyone. It's brilliant that someone remembered me and offered me the chance to come back."

Tracie has been signed up for a lengthy stint in the Street, and insiders are convinced she will soon be back to her wicked old ways. "When she comes in talking of marriage, you get the impression she's matured and put her hell-raising days behind her," said one source. "But some women just never change."

---

Back to The Kabin		Back to corrie.net