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Street's plot secrets found dumped in skip
2 July 1999

THE MIRROR stepped in last night to save the secrets of Britain's top soap - and hand back the amazing Corriegate files. A 12-page dossier dumped in a supermarket skip revealed explosive storylines yet to be filmed, including: THE tragic death of one of Weatherfield's best-loved characters. A SUICIDE bid by one of the show's biggest names. A BUST-UP at the altar as two characters only just make it to the church on time.

Horrified programme-makers Granada feared if the files had fallen into the wrong hands the soap could have been ruined for its 18 million viewers. But The Mirror came to the rescue and arranged to meet Ken Barlow - actor Bill Roache - at the Rovers Return to hand back the document. "Thanks very much," Bill said. "It would have been awful if these things had been made public. "People who watch the programme week in and week out don't want their viewing spoilt. Even the actors don't know the stories that come out of these conferences."

The papers detailed a major meeting held by Granada at their Manchester base. They were found 300 miles away in Cambridge. The typed manuscript outlined an incredible 30 plots to be filmed from August. It revealed struggling Jack and Vera Duckworth will receive more bad news and a sensational twist in the life of single mum Sally Webster. The Battersbys get an even worse name after Les ends up in yet another punch-up. And it disclosed a shock romance for one of the Street's top female characters.

Producer David Hanson took possession of the files. He said: "We'd like to thank The Mirror for bringing them back to their home. "If they had become public they would have spoilt the programme for millions and millions of people." The storyline meeting was held on Wednesday, June 2. Nineteen of the show's top writers were present at the day-long conference.

The manuscript was discovered by sales manager David Beecroft, 37, while helping his sister move house. He went to a skip outside the Tesco store in Milton, near Cambridge, to find some paper to pack boxes. It was only when he got back to his sister's that he discovered the document hidden in a bundle of newspapers. David said: "I saw the script and didn't really think much about it until I saw the words 'Private and Confidential' written along the top of it. When I started reading it I couldn't believe what I had found."

Granada chiefs launched an investigation into how the files ended up in Cambridge. One source said: "This is a real embarrassment. Heads will roll if they find out who lost the scripts. Only a few carefully selected people are allowed to take part in the plotline conferences and they are all sworn to secrecy." This isn't the first serious lapse in Coronation Street security. Last year computer discs detailing the wages of all the cast were leaked.

Coronation Street comes to the Stadium of Light
3 July 1999

A TV Trio is to swap the Street for the pitch in honour of Sunderland skipper Kevin Ball. Coronation Street actors Michael Le Vell, Sean Wilson and Steven Arnold have all been selected for the All-Star XI, taking on a Peter Reid side for Ball's testimonial.

The three stars - better known as Kevin Webster, Martin Platt and Ashley Peacock, will be at the Sunderland Stadium of Light on Satuday 31 July. Tony McGill, broadcaster Gilly from Magic and Metro FM is promising to recruit further big names in his role as member of the player's testimonial committee. He said: "This is only the start of my team line up. Peter Reid had better watch out".

Gilly was able to recruit the Coronation Street actors through his friendship with Michael Le Vell, a keen Sunday footballer and an obsessive Manchester United fan. He jumped at the chance to play at the Stadium of Light. When he told Peter Reid of his Street signings, the manager, a Corry fan, said: "Good, you'll need a nurse!", a reference to Sean Wilson's character.

Corrie star stays on
5 July 1999

CORONATION STREET favourite Johnny Briggs, who plays Mike Baldwin, has denied reports that he is to quit the top soap. Instead he told of his battle against a debilitating condition.

Johnny, 64, suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder - an illness in which a lack of sunlight in winter causes a chemical imbalance in the brain. In a statement today, he said: "It is nonsense to say I am leaving. I have agreed a new contract which takes me from October 1999 up to October 2000. "I am very happy at Coronation Street. I do suffer from S.A.D. but I am dealing with it."

The rumour started after the News of the World reported Johnny was planning to retire from the show after applying for a permit to work in the United States. A company spokesman said: "Johnny Briggs is enjoying some of the best storylines Mike Baldwin has had in his 23 years in Coronation Street. He has absolutely no intention of leaving the show."

Star set for speed
6 July 1999

THE LAST time Corrie actor Simon Gregson drove at 100mph he got a six-month ban and a £300 fine. But with his ban finished, he's now found the perfect way to reach breakneck speeds - legally.

The soap actor, who plays racy Steve McDonald, has just passed a motor racing test and earned himself a licence to speed. It means he now has a life in the fast lane to match his on-screen image and the 24-year-old plans to race Subaru Imprezas and Formula Fords in his spare time. "That was brilliant," he said. "I'm a bit of an adrenalin junkie, so being able to slide the car around with the track being wet was a real thrill. "I can't wait to get behind the wheel again."

He finally got through the physically draining test by completing 14 laps of the winding track at the Three Sisters racing circuit in Wigan and passing the written test - albeit at the second attempt. Aintree Racing Drivers' School director and race instructor John Hammersley said: "Simon was very good - a lot better than many people we've had here." He added: "He listens to what you tell him and puts it into practice straight away."

TV actor Jack dies aged 84
7 July 1999

ACTOR Jack Watson, who gave Coronation Street's Elsie Tanner her first screen kiss, has died aged 84. He appeared in dozens of TV dramas such as Heartbeat, Edge of Darkness and Z Cars. Jack's film credits included The Hill, Wild Geese and This Sporting Life. Actor Bill Roache, the Street's Ken Barlow, said yesterday that Jack was a "true professional".

He was the son of variety comic Nosmo King. Jack toured music halls with his father before joining the Navy during the Second World War. Afterwards Jack's skill with accents and voices led to a 50-year radio career in shows such as Navy Mixture, The Clitheroe Kid and Educating Archie. Jack turned down a move to Hollywood in the 60s, preferring to live near Bath with his wife and three children. He played Elsie's married lover, Bill Gregory, in the Street. Jack also appeared in Casualty and Minder. But he had heart problems and suffered a stroke 18 months ago.

I can't Corrie on
9 July 1999 Exclusive by John Mahoney

ROVERS Return barmaid Judy Mallett has called last orders on the soap - for love. Brunette Judy will be sensationally killed off so actress Gaynor Faye can spend more time with restaurant-boss boyfriend Aaran Cowlrich. Last night Gaynor ,who has won millions of fans playing tight-jeaned Judy for three trauma-filled years, said: "My home life is really important to me."

The £90,000-a-year star has been doing the 120-mile round trip from Leeds to the Granada studios in Manchester every day. But now she's had enough. She said: "I want to spend more time with my boyfriend. "I love the character of Judy Mallett to bits. I'm going to miss her. But this will mean I might get a chance to play some varied roles." As she told colleagues that she would leave when her contract expires in October, nobody was more shocked than Ian Mercer, who plays her window-cleaner husband Gary.

Charlie Lawson, who plays the Street's hobbling Ulsterman Jim McDonald, is limping off screen as well after being hit on the leg during a charity cricket match

I have found true love on The Street
10 July 1999

SUPERBITCH actress Jacqueline Pirie has found true love right on her Coronation Street doorstep - and in double quick time. Jacqueline - the soap's flighty Linda Sykes - has got engaged to hunky Lee Atherton, an extra who drives motors around the Weatherfield set, after dating him for just three weeks. Delighted Jacqueline, 24, has been flashing her diamond ring to stunned pals all week, telling them: "I can't believe I am so in love so quickly. We are definitely planning to get married."

A source close to the cast said yesterday: "Talk about a whirlwind romance - it's certainly the talk of the studios. "They look madly in love and are always together whenever they can make it. They kiss and canoodle quite openly - everybody is saying good luck to them. "It's not as though this is some kind of vague romance and engagement. "Jacqueline is adamant that Lee is the man she is going to marry. They met on the set, hit it off immediately and fell in love. "Lee is a great tower of strength for her."

Jacqueline's real-life romance has blossomed as she plays some hot-blooded scenes in the Street. She has shot to nationwide notoriety as the young temptress who is seducing her ageing factory boss Mike Baldwin. Corrie chiefs are so delighted with the ratings success of her flirty character that they have rewarded the actress with a new one-year contract.

Blond Lee works as a driver for Action Cars, a company which provides vehicles for use on the set. Viewers see Lee and other extras behind the wheels of various motors trundling up and down the famous cobblestones.

The Street source said: "Lee is tall and handsome, a real head-turner. He is so good looking he could be mistaken for a male model." Since joining the Street Jacqueline has been spending lots of time near the Manchester studios, although her home is in the Midlands. Friends say she is looking solely to the future and has put the past with her old boyfriend in Birmingham firmly behind her.

Her affair with Christopher Stone raised eyebrows when details of his past emerged several years ago as Jacqueline was making her name as Emmerdale man-eater Tina Dingle. He was revealed as the gangster father of her child, Alexandra. Stone admitted serving five jail sentences for violent offences - also boasting of attacking victims with an axe, taking part in gang warfare and helping to run protection rackets.

When Alexandra was born nearly three years ago Jacqueline vowed that Stone would not "play the role of daddy". She even left his name off the baby's birth certificate. But recently the actress said she had relented and allows Stone to see his daughter. "I can't alter the fact that he is the father of my child," Jacqueline said. "I've just got to live with it."

Les finds a des res beside the seaside
10 July 1999

RESIDENTS of a picturesque North Wales town had better watch out - Coronation Street troublemaker Les Battersby is moving in. Star Bruce Jones, who plays loudmouth Les, loved filming by the seaside so much he is buying a second home there. Bruce is forking out around £90,000 - the sort of money hard-up Les could only dream of - for a lovely bungalow. And as soon as he settles into his new retreat he's promised himself another little luxury, a boat for the open seas.

Bruce, 45, fell in love with the picture postcard resort of Conwy just two months ago. He and other members of the Street cast including screen wife Janice (Vicky Entwistle), Sally Webster (Sally Whittaker) and Gail and Martin Platt (Helen Worth and (Sean Wilson), spent a week on location filming hilarious scenes for a series of special episodes. They took over the Gorse Hill caravan park for the laugh-a-minute scenes. But in his spare time Bruce popped down to Conwy town centre and its pretty boat-filled estuary. And as he enjoyed a couple of beers overlooking the water he decided it had to be the place for him.

Bruce told regulars in the Liverpool Arms pub, just across the road from the estuary, that he had been on holiday to the famous walled town as a child, but had forgotten how much he liked the place. And he has been seen regularly in the town since the filming schedule in May.

Barmaid Trish Hughes said: "Bruce came into the pub last week with his manager and had a few beers. "He said he was from mid Wales originally and he really felt that coming to Conwy was like coming home. "He was really friendly, not at all like the character he plays. "He was talking to all the regulars and had no airs or graces or anything like that. "He said he had bought a property and was thinking of buying a boat. "He said he had fallen in with Conwy and also reckoned he was looking forward to trying a few more of the pubs in town."

Estate agents Fletcher Poole confirmed the actor had bought a property from them about five minutes from the town centre. Spokeswoman Janet Poole said: "He told me the recent filming reminded him of what a nice place it was, and how nice the people were. "He loves boating and the sea so it is obviously the perfect place for him and his wife."

Bruce lives with second wife Sandra and their two young children in Stockport. He also has two sons from his first marriage.

Boosy Corrie star put in cells
16 July 1999

CORONATION Street star Saeed Jaffrey spent a night in the cells for being drunk on a train. Commuters outraged by his abusive behaviour cheered when he was led away by police. The 70-year-old actor then started to strip off in the police station before being locked up until he was sober. He was released with a caution at 6am yesterday.

Granada TV knew nothing of his arrest until told by The Mirror. After speaking to his wife Jennifer, who is also his agent, a spokeswoman said: "Saeed is back at work as normal. The producer will be speaking to him about this incident." And a show insider said: "They won't like to hear of something like this happening in public."

Jaffrey - who plays corner shop owner Ravi Desai - boarded the 8pm Euston to Manchester train on Wednesday. He stumbled towards two women at a table and began annoying them. Also on board were two plainclothes policemen. They told him to cool it but he was abusive . The officers arrested Jaffrey and alerted British Transport Police. They met the train at Stoke and took Jaffrey to Newcastle-under-Lyme. At that point he peeled off his shirt and undid his belt before asking officers: "What do you want me to take off next?" A commuter who saw his antics said: "He was in a right state, making a real pest out of himself. "When he was kicked off the entire carriage clapped and cheered."

A Street insider added: "There have been a few occasions when Saeed has been involved with drink."

Rovers return
19 July 1999 by John Mahoney

CORRIE favourites Reg Holdsworth and Bet Gilroy are bouncing back into Weatherfield. Actors Ken Morley and Julie Goodyear will link up for an ITV special tracking their fortunes since quitting the show. Viewers last saw Reg sloping off to Lowestoft after his marriage to Maureen hit the rocks. And Bet disappeared after her marriage to Alec Gilroy - actor Roy Barraclough - collapsed. He dumped her and fled to work on a cruise liner, but their relationship was doomed by Bet's secret fling with trucker Charlie Whelan. The hour-long special goes out in November, directly after an episode of Coronation Street.

But there are no plans to bring either Reg or Bet back to the soap full time. Last night a Street source revealed: "The door is open for both of them to possibly make a return one day. Neither character has been killed off."

Street set given new look
22 July 1999

The set of ITV soap Coronation Street is to be extended. The mock-ups at Granada Studios in Manchester are being enlarged to include Victoria Street, already the home of cafe Roy's Rolls. The new street will feature a dentist, printer, shoe repairer, TV shop and hardware store.

A Granada spokeswoman said: "We are building an extension to the set which is Victoria Street. "It will give us greater flexibility and more studio space. It's a very exciting development and we are looking forward to it." But she denied reports that the number of shows would increase from four to six a week. "We will not be increasing the number of shows and at the moment we will not be expanding the cast list."

Kev's girl secret
26 July 1999 by John Mahoney

CORRIE bosses are set to shock fans by revealing the murky past of mumsy Alison Wakefield - as a child-killer suspect. Viewers will learn how the finger of suspicion pointed at Alison, Kevin Webster's girlfriend in the top soap, when her little sister drowned. Alison's sister died as the pair played together a little way from home, when Alison was just 10. Police were unable to find out what happened, but the cloud of doubt hung over Alison. And it was agreed she should never be allowed to be left alone with children.

The chilling news is delivered to mechanic Kev, played by Michael le Vell, by Alison's mum Joan. It sparks mass panic because the factory girl has just taken his daughters Rosie and Sophie on a surprise day out. Kev calls in the cops when he recalls how Alison, played by Naomi Radcliffe, was last seen getting into a taxi with the kids, when she had earlier told him she would be taking a bus. The dramatic scenes will keep Street fans in suspense wondering whether "nice" Alison really was to blame for the childhood tragedy - and whether she has the blood of her little sister on her hands. Writers have been told to be "sensitive" with the controversial storyline.

Both actors Naomi and Michael are "really excited" about the plot which will slowly develop over a number of episodes, revealed a highly-placed Street source. "Like all touchy issues, care will be taken to make sure it doesn't go over the top," said the source. "It is a haunting scenario because it centres on children, and is therefore a subject which can cause upset and offence if hand-led flippantly. "Viewers will see the concern from the father, and the stereotypical reaction from certain residents in Weatherfield. "It will be really gripping."

Street's Sally is beating a retreat
30 July 1999

CORRIE'S downtrodden mum Sally Webster has splashed out on a lakeland hideaway. Sally - in real life actress Sally Whittaker - bought the holiday home as a retreat from her hectic work schedule and has spent thousands on having it modernised. A villager in nearby Ulverston, Cumbria, said: "She and her husband have had a couple of drinks at the pub when they've been up to see how building work is progressing. "They both seem really excited at spending time here."

The star and her husband, writer Tim Dynevor, have their main residence in Hale, Cheshire, home to other soap and soccer stars including her screen hubby Michael Le Vell. It's all a far cry from the hand-to-mouth existence of her screen character. Sally Webster and her kids, Rosie and Sophie, have been moved all over the place since her marriage break-up.

But real-life Sally has never been more contented since the arrival of her two - Phoebe, four and Sam, two. A Street source said: "She fell in love with the Lake District while filming on location a year ago. "Her second home will be a huge bonus. It's only an hour or so away so she and the family can escape to peace and quiet very quickly".

Sally is the second Street star to buy a holiday home in recent weeks. Bruce Jones has bought a £90,000 seaside property in Conwy, north Wales. The Mirror revealed how the actor - loudmouth Les Battersby in the show - fell in love with the area after filming episodes at a caravan park.

Heartache for Bill's wife
1 August 1999

CORONATION Street star Bill Tarmey almost refused to film barman Jack Duckworth's heart attack scenes in the soap. It reminded him too much of his two real-life heart attacks before his quadruple by-pass op.

Ex-club singer Bill, 56, feared the storyline would upset his wife Alma, who nursed him back to fitness 12 years ago. "Alma agreed to him doing the scenes but only after a lot of soul searching," said a Street insider.

Bill, who still smokes and drinks, is now waiting for a bypass op on screen.

Corrie Maud to wed
2 August 1999 Exclusive by John Mahoney

MISERY guts Maud Grimes catches her Coronation Street neighbours on the hop tonight...with the bombshell that she's about to get hitched! Battleaxe Maud has found love in the air at an old folks' home where a doddery resident called Sidney Templeton has suddenly popped the question - and she's accepted. Millions of the soap's fans will see her reveal her wedding plans to disbelieving son-in-law Fred Elliott and Audrey Roberts, who both fear silver-tongued Sid is a gold-digger after her money!

At the weekend the Daily Star treated 77-year old actress Liz Bradley to afternoon tea and a celebration bouquet to mark her FIRST ever TV engagement. And she was tickled pink when she read our cheeky little message: "You're never too old Maud!" "Viewers are used to the young ones like Maxine and Ashley getting engaged, but I think Maud will take them completely off guard", said veteran Liz, who has built up a cult following playing the wheelchair-bound grump. "In the script Maud has been in sheltered accomodation called Mayfield Court, where Percy Sugden is also supposed to be staying.

Perhaps if there was any man in Maud's life, you might expect it to be him. "It was a delight to film these scenes and I think Maud is flying the flag for every woman who wants a little excitement in her life no matter how late she leaves it. "And after all, why shouldn't some old chap in his twilight years take a shine to her? Under her tough exterior she's actually got a heart of gold, and I hope it all works out well for her."

Fans won't have to wait too long to discover whether the course of true love leads to the altar or to disaster for the Darby and Joan couple. Until now they have never seen randy Sid, played by actor Randal Herley, or even knew of his existence. In real life Liz has lived with her grown-up family in fashionable Hampstead, north London since being widowed 21 years ago.

Matthew Hard-man
2 August 1999

EX-CORRIE star Matthew Marsden has been sparring with boxing world champ Richie Woodhall - in his bid for Hollywood fame. The former Street star hopes to get an all-action role by toughening up with super-middleweight Richie.

Matt, 25, said: "There are a couple of major films on the horizon, so I've taken six months off to concentrate on getting to Hollywood." He has been travelling from his Walsall home to Richie's gym four days a week since June for a four-hour workout. "I may even have a go at boxing. I will see how I shape up," he said.

For his part Richie, 31, is hoping to have a go at acting. "We have a deal," said Richie. "I train him to be able to step in the ring for a fight and he teaches how to act. It's something I want to do after I retire."

Tracy's torment
8 August 1999 by James Lyons

CORRIE star Tracy Shaw revealed yesterday that that she had contemplated suicide as she battled anorexia. Tracy, who plays sexy crimper Maxine in the Street, said she considered killing herself after being placed on a psychiatric ward when her weight plummeted to just six stone. "Being put into a psychiatric ward with people with long-term mental illnesses who are shaking with the drugs they are taking, there's no way you can feel normal and be OK with yourself," she told BBC TV's That's Esther programme with Esther Rantzen.

She said she thought about ending her life after hearing the tragic story of a fellow sufferer. The hospital treatment did not work, but she finally won her fight against the eating disorder with the help of counselling sessions. However, Tracy hit out over media coverage of both her illness - and her turbulent love life. She agreed with her fellow guest, former England rugby skipper Will Carling, that Britain should have tight privacy laws.

Rovers return
11 August 1999

ACTRESS Julie Goodyear tottered back on to Coronation Street - in six-inch high gold stilettos. Julie, who played Rovers Return landlady Bet Gilroy, is returning to the soap after four years for a Street special set in Brighton and Calais.

Julie, 57, said yesterday: "It feels like I have never been away. "Bet is back with bells on. The story is one of the best I have ever read and the public are in for a treat."

Another former Street favourite Ken Morley - supermarket boss Reg Holdsworth - will join her for the episode to be shown in the autumn.

Rovers return
11 August 1999

CORONATION STREET stars Julie Goodyear and Ken Morley are set to return to the soap. The pair, who played Rovers Return landlady Bet Gilroy and supermarket boss Reg Holdsworth, were last seen on screen more than four years ago. But they will make a surprise comeback in the autumn for a series of special episodes, set in Calais and Brighton. The shows are expected to be sandwiched between the Street's regular four-a-week episodes, which means fans will be able to tune in SEVEN nights a week. Also back will be Chloe Newsome, granddaughter of Bet's ex-hubby Alec, and Steve McDonald's ex-wife Vicky, who last appeared at Christmas.

The story-line was outlined yesterday and will see Julie - just returned from Tenerife - carrying on exactly where she left off. She will even be wearing the same outrageous earrings - ornate, gilt birdcages complete with miniature birds - that she sported when she was last seen in Weatherfield. Granada TV bosses have not decided how many spin-off episodes there will be, but two are likely to fill the blank Tuesday and Thursday night slots with a special Saturday showing not ruled out.

The specials will follow current wideboys Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) and Vikram Desai (Chris Bisson) as they set off on an illegal baccy run to France. They also use the trip to deliver furniture to a wine bar being run by Vicky in Brighton. There, Steve discovers Vicky is planning to remarry and sets out to cause problems. Meanwhile Bet arrives from the Canary Isles for the wedding, while Vikram heads alone to France where he meets up with a sexy hitch-hiker and an eccentric hypermarket manager - Reg.

Julie said yesterday: "Bet is back with bells on. The storyline is one of the best I have ever read. "By 'eck the viewers are in for a treat." A Street spokeswoman said: "Julie and Ken had no hesitation about coming back after reading the script. They both loved it."

A Granada source explained: "The special could be split into two or three episodes, which would see the Street on our screens for six, even seven nights a week, or it could end up as a one-off two-hour episode. "Whatever the format, it is expected to be a massive ratings winner."

So long Saeed
12 August 1999

Jaffrey fired from Street SAEED JAFFREY, the Indian-born actor who was taken on by Coronation Street to reflect the reality of multi-cultural Britain, has been axed from the programme. A spokesman for Granada Television said the decision was taken before an incident last month when Jaffrey, 70, was arrested after arguing with passengers on a train.

Kev's girl's secret
13 August 1999

CORRIE bosses are set to shock fans by revealing the murky past of mumsy Alison Wakefield - as a child-killer suspect. Viewers will learn how the finger of suspicion pointed at Alison, Kevin Webster's girlfriend in the top soap, when her little sister drowned.

Alison's sister died as the pair played together a little way from home, when Alison was just 10. Police were unable to find out what happened, but the cloud of doubt hung over Alison. And it was agreed she should never be allowed to be left alone with children.

The chilling news is delivered to mechanic Kev, played by Michael le Vell, by Alison's mum Joan. It sparks mass panic because the factory girl has just taken his daughters Rosie and Sophie on a surprise day out. Kev calls in the cops when he recalls how Alison, played by Naomi Radcliffe, was last seen getting into a taxi with the kids, when she had earlier told him she would be taking a bus. The dramatic scenes will keep Street fans in suspense wondering whether "nice" Alison really was to blame for the childhood tragedy - and whether she has the blood of her little sister on her hands.

Writers have been told to be "sensitive" with the controversial storyline. Both actors Naomi and Michael are "really excited" about the plot which will slowly develop over a number of episodes, revealed a highly-placed Street source. "Like all touchy issues, care will be taken to make sure it doesn't go over the top," said the source. "It is a haunting scenario because it centres on children, and is therefore a subject which can cause upset and offence if hand-led flippantly. "Viewers will see the concern from the father, and the stereotypical reaction from certain residents in Weatherfield. "It will be really gripping."

Saeed is sacked
13 August 1999

ACTOR Saeed Jaffrey is being axed from Coronation Street, weeks after his arrest for being drunk on a train. Jaffrey, 70, plays corner shop owner Ravi Desai. He and his screen children were the first Asians to move into Weatherfield in the Street's 38-year history.

Last night his wife and agent Jennifer, 53, said: "The huge Asian audience he attracted is going to feel cheated. Thousands switched to the Street just to watch him and he gets loads of letters. "They made a big song and dance about bringing in an Asian family but he's been treated very shabbily."

Jaffrey was cautioned by police last month after a boozy argument with two women on a London- Manchester train put him in the cells for a night. He and Jennifer were summoned to a meeting at Granada to be told of his axing. His contract expires on August 27. He will then film three more episodes to be screened in November. Street bosses said the decision was taken two days before the rail incident. They denied any change in the policy to get more Asians on screen, saying a cousin of Ravi would soon be appearing in the series.

Street legend Bill battles with Parkinson's
15 August 1999 by Stuart Qualtrough

The wife of former Coronation Street star Bill Waddington last night told of his battle against Parkinson's Disease. Actor Bill, 83, who played grumpy Percy Sugden in the top soap, is fighting the crippling condition with wife Sheila at his side. And Sheila, 64, says he is desperate for one last return to the Street, adding: "It's what keeps him going."

Bill, who left the Street nearly two years ago, is currently in Rotherham Hospital, Yorkshire, being treated for a stomach abscess. Sheila said: "He is unsteady on his feet, but he still wants to go back to the Street. "It's what keeps him going. You can't tell him he can't do it, because it means so much to him." She denied a report that their marriage - Bill's fourth - is on the rocks.

The couple are selling their luxury farmhouse in the South Yorkshire village of Micklebring. But Sheila said they plan to move to a smaller house to make it easier for her to care for Bill, and her 88-year-old mother. She said: "The big house is getting neglected because I can't be everywhere at the same time. Talk of a marriage split is rubbish. Bill is distressed by these stories."

Search on for new Street teenager
16 August 1999

Coronation Street bosses are searching for a schoolgirl actress to play the part of Gail Platt's daughter, Sarah Louise. She will replace 13-year-old Lynsay King, who has decided to quit the soap to concentrate on her studies. The dark-haired teenager joined The Street as a baby, at first sharing the part with her twin sister Leah, who died of cot death when she was just five months old.

It is the second time that Coronation Street stalwart Gail, played by actress Helen Worth, has seen her screen children replaced by other actors. Warren Jackson, 18, who played Gail's eldest son Nick Tilsley, left in 1977 and was replaced by soap pin-up Adam Rickitt, 21.

It is understood that Lynsay has decided to shun the limelight to enjoy her teenage years. She is expected to leave next month and her final scenes will be screened in October. A Street source said: "Obviously, with the character entering her teenage years there will be more storylines coming up. "Lynsay decided she wanted to stay away from the limelight and of course we understand that, but we are still keen to keep her character in the show. "No dates have been set yet for introducing the new Sarah Louise. When Lynsay leaves there will be a bit of a breather period."

Curly get's Happy
19 August 1999 by Ben Todd

CORONATION Street star Kevin Kennedy is set to make a sensational pop appearance - on the new Happy Mondays album. Kevin, who plays Curly Watts in the ITV soap, was asked to cameo on the new record by frontman Shaun Ryder. Kevin, 37, and Ryder have become "great mates" since they moved into the same area in Manchester.

Now the Mondays have decided to record a new album as a result of the huge success of their comeback tour earlier this month, Curly has been given the chance to show off his musical talent. Kevin has just signed a record deal with music giants BMG as a solo artist. But the chance to link up with the Mondays is the icing on the cake - and a dream come true for him.

A Corrie insider said: "Kevin and Shaun have been mates since they started living near each other. "Shaun often wakes him at four in the morning banging on his door, shouting: 'Kev, I've got a bottle of vodka here. Do you want some?' "Thankfully, after Kevin's problems with booze in the past, he's been able to turn down Shaun's offer - but he is over the moon about joining up on record. "Even though he's on the wagon, Kevin and Shaun have become good pals. They are Manchester's new odd couple."

Curly has recently been growing friendly with a quite a few of the legends of the Manchester pop scene. In May, he sat alongside Liam Gallagher during Manchester City's nail-biting Division Two play-off win at Wembley.

Curly has tried his luck in the pop business in the past. Eight years ago, he was guitarist in country and western band The Bunch Of Thieves. But after a year he had to call time on the band because of work commitments in Corrie. Since then, he has flirted with the pop business one more time - singing Baby's In Black on a special 1995 Coronation Street album. He then played at small festivals around the country but plans for a solo career were put on hold.

Kevin's tie-up with the Mondays comes two weeks after it emerged that rival soap star Sid Owen is working with top dance DJ Paul Oakenfold.

Sharon booted off the Street !
22 August 1999

CORONATION Street star Tracie Bennett has been cruelly axed - just eight months after returning to the top soap. The sex-bomb actress, who plays Sharon Gaskell, was left devastated after being given her marching orders last Tuesday.

Blonde Tracie, 38, had quit a new life in the States to go back to the Street and still has nearly three months to run on her contract. Today, the Sunday People can reveal that her shock departure follows problems with other cast members. The rows became so intense that Tracie even locked herself in her dressing room in between filming.

An insider revealed: "She was over the moon when she came back and this has come as a big shock. "Tracie had suffered a lot of problems with others on the show but never once thought her character was unpopular enough to be axed. She will be professional until she leaves at the end of September but inside she will be fighting back the tears."

Tracie delighted viewers when she came back as Rita Sullivan's foster-daughter Sharon - 15 years after she was last seen in the soap. She returned with an explosive storyline in which fiance Ian Bentley two-timed her with Natalie Barnes. And the one-hour special in which Sharon jilted Ian at the altar attracted 19 million viewers, the biggest audience for several years.

Since then, Sharon has been given The Kabin newsagent's by Rita, enjoyed a fling with market trader Danny Hargreaves and is about to date bad boy Terry Duckworth. Next month, Tracie will be seen in another hour-long special when she sets off for a new life with Ian.

Her sacking follows the appointment of new producer Jane McNaught but it was the man who brought her back - acting producer David Hanson - who broke the bombshell news. He had persuaded her to leave the States where she had been hunting roles on Broadway and Hollywood.

An insider revealed: "He said the scriptwriters could not write any better storylines for her and there was nowhere for the character to go. "Although she was shocked, Tracie was apparently very gracious."

But the actress hid from him her behind-the-scenes misery. The insider added: "Tracie felt alienated - some of the cast didn't speak to her." One alleged snub came after the British Soap Awards last May when Street stars went off to a nightclub without her. In the same month, there was also said to be envy over GMTV giving Tracie her own programme, Tracie Goes to Hollywood, while host Lorraine Kelly was on holiday. The source revealed: "Life became so miserable she locked herself away in her dressing room."

Tracie's departure follows the recent sacking of veteran actor Saeed Jaffrey as shopkeeper Ravi. Gaynor Faye, who plays Judy Mallett, is also set to leave and will be killed off in a dramatic storyline after refusing to sign a new contract. Yesterday, a Granada spokesman said: "Sharon's character has come to the end of its current storylines but there has been no friction between her and cast members."

Maxine shows a leg
25 August 1999

KNEESY does it, young Ashley - there'll be plenty of time to cheekily examine your new wife Maxine's garter after the wedding photos. But at least this happy snap shows that the soap dope butcher boy played by Steven Arnold is proud as a Peacock at finally making it up the aisle with his horny hairdresser (Tracy Shaw). She becomes Coronation Street's 48th bride on September 24 - though there'll still be a few hitches of a different sort before the big event!

Wedding day hitches for Street's Maxine
25 August 1999

Coronation Street hairdresser Maxine Heavey is finally to walk up the aisle - but in true soap style her wedding to Ashley Peacock won't run smoothly. TV bosses says viewers will be kept in suspense until the last minute in what is being hailed as the soap wedding of the year.

Actress Tracy Shaw will be the Street's 48th blushing bride. After a rocky romance, Maxine is due to tie the knot with Ashley, played by Steven Arnold, in a special episode on ITV on September 24.

Neighbour Judy Mallett (Gaynor Faye) insists she will not go to the wedding even though her husband Gary (Ian Mercer) is best man. She is too upset after overhearing the bride saying Gary is stupid and unphotogenic. Then Maxine's best friend and bridesmaid Melanie arranges to sabotage the bridal suite with hairdresser Tom - and realises how good looking he is. Ashley's newly-discovered father, butcher Fred Elliott (John Savident), at last comes round to the idea of having Maxine as a daughter-in-law - and begins to wish she could become Maxine Elliott. Meanwhile, Ashley is hoping his real mum will turn up for the big day.

Scene that before
27 August 1999

Robert Prescott in 1989...

...becomes Vinny Sorrell in 1999

CORONATION STREET'S Mike Baldwin may be getting a little long in the tooth. But some sharp eyed viewers reckons he needs his eyes testing too. For Mike, alias actor Johnny Briggs, has failed to recognise as new face in the cast as the bounder who once diddled him out of more than £100,000!

Actor James Gaddas, who plays drayman Vinny Sorrell the new impending love interest for Rovers Return landlady Natalie Barnes, has been unmasked by ever-alert fans as one time Street fraudster Robert Prescott.

A decade ago, the smooth talking con-man - brother to Mike's blonde bombshell girlfriend Dawn Prescott - persuaded Mike to invest loads of dosh in a bogus Spanish property deal. Then he calmly waltzed off with Baldwin's cash, leaving the shattered businessman teetering on the edge of ruin.

Last night a Street source admitted: " A number of eagle eyed Corrie addicts spotted him. And they are right - James did play arch-trickster Robert Prescott in a small number of episodes. "It's not the first time an old face from the past has re-surfaced as another character, although this is a little more high-profile than in the past. "Fans have remembered him because he's one of the few men to have fleeced Mike Baldwin, albeit in a bent property deal. " And the production team member joked: " Mike has not recognised him yet - probably because he's finding it hard to cope with toygirl Linda Sykes ! "

James is heading for a longer run in the new role. Scriptwriters are teeing up a torrid screen affair for his character with Weatherfield's 'Merry Widow' bedhopping Natalie Barnes.

Art wants to be Jewel in the Street
29 August 1999

TOP TV star Art Malik has asked soap bosses for a part in Coronation Street. The Asian actor, who shot to fame in the drama Jewel In The Crown, reckons he would be a perfect replacement for Saeed Jaffrey, who is being written out of the show. But producers are worried that he might be too famous to slot into the Street.

Art, currently in BBC1's Life Support, says: "I've appeared in Hollywood blockbusters with Arnie and Sly but my ambition is to walk into The Rovers and order a pint. "I'd love to be cast as a ladies' man who beds all the female characters. "One TV boss said I was too famous, but when I pointed to Barbara Windsor in EastEnders he said he'd get back to me."

New passion for Natalie
29 August 1999

CORRIE bosses are planning a Moonlighting -style storyline for Natalie Barnes and barman Vinny Sorrell. A smouldering tension will be created to mimic the roles of Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd in the hit TV series. Natalie (Denise Welch) is a notorious bed-hopper, but she'll take it slowly with Vinny, played by James Gaddas.

Just let me return to the Rovers for one last pint
29 August 1999

Coronation Street legend Bill Waddington says he wants to pay a final visit to the Rover's Return as he fights back from a desperate illness. Actor Bill, 83, who starred as Percy Sugden, left hospital last week after a cancer scare that almost cost him his life. Still weak from major surgery, Bill spends his time in a nursing home in Maltby, South Yorks, reliving the past.

"I sit in my chair going over all the memories of my time on the Street," he said. "Sometimes I laugh out loud thinking of all the good times I had back then. "There is no way I could ever return to the show full-time, not in my condition. But I would dearly enjoy going back one last time. "I want to walk through the doors of the Rover's and have my last taste of their pint of bitter."

Bill, who left Coronation Street in October 1997, was rushed into Rotherham District General Hospital four weeks ago after a lump in his stomach was diagnosed as near life-threatening. He had kept the problem a secret from his wife Sheila, 64, for fear it may have been cancer. But by the time the lump was diagnosed as an abscess it threatened to poison his body. The blow came just weeks after he had been told he had Parkinson's Disease.

Dismissing as "rubbish" a recent report that he and his fourth wife were to split, Bill said he owed his life to Sheila. "We are very good companions," he said. "Without her I know I would be dead. She has looked after me well and told me to see the doctor when I was ill. "I knew I had a large lump in my stomach but I was terrified it was the big C. I didn't want to accept I may have had cancer. Sheila told me to go along and get it seen it to." Sheila said: "The surgeons had to operate almost immediately, the operation lasted through the night and it has left him obviously very frail. But he is a survivor, a great fighter."

Bill has received scores of get well cards from well-wishers and fans, although none of the Street cast members got in touch. "Things have changed since I was there and their schedules have got busier and busier," he said. "I expect they didn't have time." A Coronation Street spokesman said: "We would dearly love to arrange for Bill to come to the studios and meet everyone again."

Duckworth shocker
30 August 1999 Exclusive by John Mahoney

CORONATION Street favourite Jack Duckworth had the fright of his life when he learned he was being killed off.

Stunned actor Bill Tarmey almost felt a real-life heart scare coming on when he read in his local paper that Jack's funeral was about to be filmed at a church. And he was dead relieved when the show's bosses told him the paper had killed off the wrong character - the burial service at Prestwich parish church, Manchester, is for barmaid Judy Mallett. Actress Gaynor Faye, who plays Judy, is quitting the Street to spend more time with her family.

Last night Bill said: "Reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated. "Luckily, I saw the funny side straight away. But it's a good job my heart is in better nick than Jack's."

Bill has just signed up to stay in the soap for at least another year.

Hour-long Corrie
1 September 1999

CORONATION Street will be extended to an hour on Sundays as ITV bids to wipe out the BBC in the weekend ratings war. Bosses are confident that its star cast including favourites like Tracey Shaw can increase audiences to 14 million. The plan then is to keep viewers tuned in by screening hit police drama Heartbeat straight afterwards.

The move could devastate BBC audiences. Heartbeat already pulls in 16 million viewers while the Beeb is struggling with minuscule Sunday- night ratings. One TV insider said last night: "It means the BBC won't have a chance against such a clever bit of scheduling. "Coronation Street and Heartbeat are an unbeatable combination and are certain to ensure ITV will get the biggest possible share of the audience."

The longer version of The Street will be launched in the New Year and an exciting new storyline is being written. The BBC's recent attempts at boosting ratings with period dramas The Scarlet Pimpernel and The Aristocrats failed.

But the new blueprint for The Street could lead to trouble amongst the cast. When the soap was extended to four episodes a week two years ago, many complained about working longer hours. Bosses think the stars will demand bigger salaries.

I begged bosses
2 September 1999 Exclusive by John Mahoney

SACKED Corrie star Saeed Jaffrey's wife has revealed how she pleaded with soap bosses to spare the booze-troubled star. Jennifer Jaffrey, who is also the actor's agent, is now fighting the decision to axe him.

The brandy-loving veteran actor - who plays corner shop charmer Ravi Desai - admitted boozing had damaged his liver. Jennifer said: "He hasn't been too well. He does drink socially. But only when he's not working." She wrote to Corrie producer David Hanson stressing that he had agreed to cut down.

But Saeed, 70 - the first Asian in Corrie along with screen daughter Nita and son Vikram - was written out after being thrown in the cells for annoying two women passengers on a packed train. Jennifer hoped bosses would be lenient towards the respected Indian actor, who has starred in movie blockbusters Gandhi and Jewel In The Crown. And she was optimistic because the show had loyally stood by actor Kevin Kennedy, who plays Curly Watts, when he TWICE needed treatment for his alcoholism.

But Jennifer told the Daily Star: "It is insulting that somebody with an OBE for services to drama is treated like this.. "They have made him turn down work because they wanted him to do more episodes. Now they don't even want that."

Last night, a Street insider said: "This sounds like sour grapes." And a Granada TV spokesman insisted: "It was decided Saeed's contract was not to be renewed. Two days later an incident happened on a train."

Street departure
3 September 1999

One of the central characters in Coronation Street is today preparing to leave the soap. Actress Gaynor Faye is leaving the series to concentrate on a film career and has already filmed a romantic comedy called Fanny and Elvis, written and directed by her mother Kay Mellor, due to be released next month. Faye plays Judy Mallett and millions of fans will see her killed off later this month in an accident.

And just to prove that wherever Coronation Street leads, other soaps aren't afraid to follow, EastEnders are following Corrie to the seaside at Brighton. You'll be hearing more about the Coronation Street 'Bubble' very soon...

Soap At The Coast
The cast of EastEnders have been filming a forthcoming storyline in Brighton over the past few days. Actors Todd Carty, Jim Mistry, Danniella Morgan, Tamsin Outhwaite and Sylvester Williamson are said to have found the location "a breath of fresh air". A spokeswoman for the soap said: "We chose Brighton because it's quite near London and lots of young Londoner's go there, so it seemed the natural place for a group of East End friends to go for a visit." The scenes will be shown in November.

Gaynor say goodbye
4 September 1999

Soap actress Gaynor Faye has waved goodbye to Coronation Street after four years playing Judy Mallett. Millions of horrified viewers will see Judy killed off later this month on the day Maxine finally drags Ashley up the aisle for her dream wedding.

Standing outside the her "home", the Street's stone-clad No 9, Faye said she had decided to quit the soap to concentrate on a film career but admitted she would miss life as Judy Mallett. "I'm sad to be going, but I've decided that I'd like to move on and pursue other roles in my career," she said. "I still love my stone-clad house. It is fantastic. "I have had a fantastic time on the street and will really miss everyone."

Faye, who was clutching a bunch of flowers from Coronation Street bosses, said she would especially miss Ian Mercer, who plays her screen husband Gary. The actress has already filmed a romantic comedy called Fanny and Elvis, written and directed by her mother, Kay Mellor, due to be released in October. But specific plans for the future were being kept under wraps.

Tragedy will strike the Mallett family in a special episode, to be screened on September 24, when she is involved in an accident. Judy will leave our screens for good on 26 September.

Coronation Street producer Jane MacNaught said Faye had given notice that she wanted to leave the soap a year ago. "The decision to kill off a much loved character came after hours of discussion," she said. "We felt we couldn't write Judy out any other way, given the strength of her relationship with Gary. An affair would have been wrong and we didn't feel such a committed and loving character would walk out on her twins."

Bet returns to the Street
12 September 1999

Brassy Bet Gilroy, the former Rovers Return landlady, returns to Coronation Street after a four-year break. Actress Julie Goodyear, 57, has been filming a one-off special in Brighton and Calais to be shown later this year. With her arm around screen grandaughter Vicky, Julie said: "It's great to be back."

Why are they famous? - Tracy Shaw
12 September 1999

Main Claim

Soap Star. Try-hard sex symbol. Suffering fiancee and keen participant in the celebrity spread. Tracy Shaw plays Corrie crimper Maxine Heavey, but there the copious round of in-your-face exposure merely begins. For Ms Shaw is happy to keep the readers of both tabloids and celeb mags well up to date with her news. We've had Tracy Shaw the beaming wife-to-be, posing ntriumphantly with serial fiance Darren Day. We've had Tracy Shaw, the heartbroken lovely [1], dumped by said love rat. Most importantly, we've had Tracy Shaw, The Body. Our heroine's battle with anorexia has inspired lengthy coumn inches, confessions, recovery and steamy poses. Latest is a series of snaps under the heading 'Racy Tracy' is our heroine in barelu clad, coy-yet-provocative mode, sucking one finger and revealing much breastage. In the meantime, the finger-sucking one is set to star in the usual Soap Wedding of the Year when she marries some Coronation Street butcher chap on 24 September.

 

Appearance

Cheshire Life cover girl given to sunbeds and pastel eyeshadow. Perma-tanned catalogue model. New member of Steps.

 

Family Values

Northener Tracy is 26. She was a boarder at drama school. Her father was a pub landlord. Her parents recently broke up and her half-sister was born a few months ago. Tracy on her father: 'I'm a real daddy's girl.' Brother Karl on Tracy: 'Tracy is a bit of a babe.' That's the family stuff then.

 

Thin End

While in her second year of drama school, Tracy was admitted to a psychiatric ward with anorexia nervosa. She plummeted to six stone before receiving successful counselling. So successful, she delightedly poses in stringy bikinis and transparent baby doll dresses with fluffy mules. Lovely.

 

Boy Toys

Tracy is currently dating 22-year-old model Matt Bailey. Manchester United ace Dwight Yorke reportedly bombards her with flowers and phone calls. 'I've been cheated on, dumped and betrayed,' trills our heroine. Ah, bless.

 

Fame Prospects

Tracy should read 'Fat is a Feminist Issue' followed by 'The Beauty Myth'. She should then do a season of Ibsen and a gritty Channel 4 drama. Then again, she's making leaps and bounds in the fame stakes just as she is. Pass the latest grimy tabloid.

 

Granada's Street set for Net profit
Sunday19 September 1999 By Neil Bennett, City Editor

CORONATION STREET is poised to become Coronation Superhighway. Granada, the television and leisure group, is planning to launch Britain's best-loved soap opera on the internet, giving millions of its fans the chance to visit the Rovers Return in cyberspace.

Granada, which also owns London Weekend Television and Yorkshire Television, is planning a £40 million internet launch for Coronation Street and its other popular series, such as Emmerdale. Trials of the website, to be called g-wizz.net, are taking place at Granada Television's headquarters in Manchester and a full launch should follow later this year.

On the Coronation Street site, called Coronation Street Confidential, internet surfers will be able to "walk" along the street and visit any of the houses. Once inside, they will be able to catch up on the plot and interact with videos of the characters. The site will be an add-on to the main half-hour television shows, with additional plot lines and more detail.

Granada believes that its website can be a profitable venture, unlike many existing internet businesses. It hopes that by attracting enough viewers to the site, it will be able to sell advertising at premium rates. The group is believed to be in talks with Cadbury-Schweppes, the chocolate and soft drinks group which sponsors the programme, about extending their agreement to backing the website.

Granada is planning to launch a large educational section as part of the g-wizz service. Earlier this month it paid £28.5 million for Letts Educational, the company that publishes GCSE and A-level revision guides. It intends to create internet versions of the guides and charge subscription fees for their use. Granada is also planning a retail website called Shop!.

The group is preparing a large marketing campaign to promote its new website and will distribute CD-Roms through its 5,000 service stations, hotels and restaurants around the country.

"I Would Have Married Darren This Summer - But I Love My New Man"
19 September 1999

Next Friday she will walk down the aisle in the soap wedding of the year, when scatty hairdresser Maxine marries her butcher bridegroom Ashley in front of a select gathering of relatives, friends and 15 million Coronation Street viewers. But as actress Tracy Shaw takes her TV vows, those viewers will surely forgive the bubbly blonde if she suffers just a twinge of "what might have been". For 18 months her name was inextricably linked with heart-throb actor Darren Day, there was a ring on her finger and all that remained was to set a date and book the church - until a humiliating public bust-up last year.

Tracy, 26, says: "It's weird the way Coronation Street and my real life have had a tendency to mirror each other. This is the time Darren and I would have been getting married. "We were originally going to get married last year, but we put it on hold and decided on this summer instead. Then I saw an astrologer who warned me that if we didn't get married last summer we would never marry at all, but at the time I was engaged, blissfully happy and just dismissed what I was told. "It turned out to be truer than I could have ever imagined."

Tracy admits the break-up was painful at the time, but is confident the scars have now healed. "I have no animosity or bitterness towards Darren any more and it is a chapter in my life that I now consider closed. I don't regret what happened and in the end it probably did me good to go through it. "There is no way I could be this secure now if I hadn't experienced that hurt and pain of being so close to somebody and then losing them."

Security for Derbyshire-born Tracy comes in the form of handsome model Matt Bailey, and she says she has never felt more in control of her life. The couple met at a wedding four months ago, and Tracy cheerfully admits it was Matt's looks that first caught her attention. "I don't get out much these days," she says with a grin, "so I don't get to meet too many men. But I couldn't help but notice Matt. He is beautiful and stunning with very dark hair and dark eyes. "Matt is very funny and we have a good giggle together. He is very down to earth and not affected at all. "But the relationship is still young and needs time to grow, so I don't want to say too much and tempt fate. "And I can tend to be a little wary of relationships nowadays. I don't easily become attached to people and perhaps I have put up a bit of a guard around my feelings. "It's hard when you're in the spotlight. I'm constantly being linked with people I've never even seen. "And if I'm seen chatting to someone in a bar, next thing I read that I'm getting married to him. "I sometimes wish that when I first meet someone I could just escape to a desert island with them for six months while we get to know each other. Then we could come home and I could introduce him to the world."

Any love interest in Tracy's life will find there's a man there already. Her parents have split up and father Karl is currently sharing her smart Manchester apartment. She is glad to be able to help him through the rocky period, as he did for her when she and Darren broke up. She says: "When relationships have broken down in the past I have always turned to my father. He is the one who understands me most. "I used to spend hours on the phone to him and, bless him, he listens and helps me so much. Dad knows me so well and he knows just how to get me focused again and lift my self-confidence. "I am enjoying having him stay with me and it gives me the chance to give him the nurturing that he gave me. "I know the hurt I went through with my own break-up, so now I can be there for him. "Blood is thicker than water and I would always be there for my family when they need me. Anyone, like Matt, coming into my life has to accept that, because I have always been something of a daddy's girl."

A broken engagement isn't the only trauma Tracy has had to overcome. As she models a stunning selection of wedding dresses for this photoshoot, you'd have to be blind not to notice that her stick-thin Size 8 of last year has blossomed into a womanly 12, with curves in all the right places - clear evidence of her triumph over anorexia.

She beams proudly: "I feel as though I am at my best ever right now. I look at pictures of me when I was suffering from the anorexia and find it hard to believe I'm looking at the same person. "It's scary to think of myself as ever being that thin, but I hope that at least other anorexia sufferers can see how I look now and take strength from that. "They can see the battle really can be won and for the first time in my life I can say yes, I've beaten it. "I get letters from people asking what my secret is. All I can say in return is that for me it has all been about happiness and contentment. I have finally managed to overcome the mental battle and wipe out the triggers that caused the anorexia. "I have had to overcome the obstacles in my life and it has been a learning curve. I think my life was out of control for a while, but I am in control again now. "The best way of looking at it is that I was on one continuous collision course and now, it appears, most of the obstacles have been removed. "My future is open-ended and I can't say where I will be at any given stage. "I know something will happen, it always does, but I could not predict when because my life has a habit of changing dramatically by the hour."

And has modelling those wedding dresses, not to mention next week's TV ceremony, given her a taste for the real thing? "At the moment I cannot attach myself to anybody so permanently because there is so much that I want to do with my life. "But I suppose there will come a time when a man comes into my life that I want to stay with. "Maybe Matt is the one, maybe not. Only time will tell."

Cash KO for Ken
23 September 1999

CORONATION Street legend Ken Barlow is heading for a very unhappy 60th birthday. Instead of celebrating, Ken will be reeling following a cash demand from old rival Mike Baldwin. The ruthless factory owner, played by Johnny Briggs, will use the occasion to demand that Ken (Bill Roache) repays the money Mike stumped up to pay Deirdre's legal fees when she was framed by boyfriend Jon Lindsay.

A Street source revealed: "Ken is already worried about the future so this unexpected Baldwin cash demand is a devastating bolt from the blue. "He's absolutely shattered. Thousands of pounds are involved." The insider added: "Baldwin is beside himself with glee. To give Ken an unhappy 60th is a real high point for him. "Baldwin is secretly sick that Ken's ex-wife Deirdre has gone back to him because he once wanted her for himself. "He doesn't want to rekindle their old affair, but he doesn't want Ken Barlow to have her either."

Tracy not so Shaw
29 September 1999

THE besotted boyfriend of Corrie star Tracy Shaw laid siege to the Granada Studios yesterday - afraid he might be losing her.

Male model Matt Bailey, 22, waited for blonde Tracy to take a break from filming before surprising her with a bouquet of flowers. He'd heard she'd been seen at the launch of a London nightclub painting the town red with her old flame Darren Day and he was worried it might be a Matt finish.

Tracy and Darren spent hours in deep conversation at the showbiz bash. But the soap babe, who plays newlywed crimper Maxine Peacock, yesterday assured Matt she's washed Darren out of her hair. Then 26-year old Tracy made his day by giving him a big kiss and cuddle before going back to work clutching her bouquet. "Matt is young and doesn't move in the same celebrity circles as Tracy," says a Corrie insider. "You can understand how uncertain he felt about their whole relationship. "He's a really nice, quiet bloke but wasn't sure what was happening when Tracy and Darren met up again at a nightclub in London. "He was aware people might be putting two and two together about the couple, especially as they had been engaged until last year and were due to marry this summer. "Matt brought the flowers to Tracy to show what he thinks of her. "When we saw the bouquet, and also the smile all over her face, it was obvious Tracy and Matt are very fond of each other and very much an item."

Darren, 31, was devastated when Tracy ended their engagement, fed up with his party lifestyle which was leaving her out in the cold. She also suspected he was getting too close to Isla Fisher, his co-star in the musical Summer Holiday during its Blackpool stint. Isla got engaged to Darren earlier this year - but that affair has hit the rocks too.

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