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Denise's terror during Corrie's live episode
29 December 2000
Denise Welch says she was terrified while filming Coronation Street's live episode. She admits the episode was the scariest work she has ever done.

Denise plays landlady Natalie Barnes for four years, and is expecting a baby in March. Viewers will see her departure from Coronation Street on New Year's Eve.

"Anybody who did the show and said they weren't nervous must be a liar," she says. "It was one of those things that when it was over I realised I had thoroughly enjoyed it. I couldn't have wished for a better night to leave. "

Corrie stars in West End play
28 December 2000
Charlie Lawson and James Gaddas are taking over roles in the West End play Art next month. The Coronation Street actors will appear in the comedy at the Wydham's Theatre from January 23 alongside former Spandau Ballet member Gary Kemp brother of EastEnders star Martin.

Lawson is best known for playing Jim McDonald in Granada's long-running soap, and Gaddas for his role as Vinny Sorrell.

This is the 17th cast for the award-winning play, which currently stars Warren Mitchell, John Fortune and Ken Campbell.

Corrie helps ITV Christmas night victory
26 December 2000 by TV Plus Reporters

ITV is claiming victory over the BBC in the Christmas night ratings battle for the second year running. The nation's favourite soap Coronation Street, which has just chalked up 40 years on air, was peak-time winner, with 13.7m viewers, beating the 8.50pm EastEnders, which pulled in 12.1m. Last year was the first time in 15 years that ITV beat BBC on Christmas night. Overall, BBC kept its usual lead for the entire day's viewing this year, with 36.5% to ITV's 33.7%.

ITV says its a peak-time audience share was 40.2% or 9.8m, while the BBC attracted 39.8% - 9.6m. Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? and the ITV News slotted in at third and fourth. Top BBC film Titanic was at sixth, with 9.9m.

Viewing figures for the Queen's speech at 3pm on BBC1 and ITV were 9.8m, down from 10.5m in 1999. In 1995, the total was 13.9m.

While ITV said it had won the Christmas night war, the BBC claimed victory in the day's viewing overall. Christmas Day was also hailed as a triumph for cable and satellite, with their channels attracting 15% compared with 10.5% last year. "It's certainly been the strongest performance ever by cable and satellite," said a BBC spokeswoman. The BBC said viewing figures may change when videotaped shows were included.

Geena to call time?
23 December 2000 by Tony Leonard
SEXY Corrie star Jennifer James is likely to quit next year. Jennifer, who plays Rovers Return barmaid Geena Gregory, is getting married and pals reckon she'll then leave the Street.

Curvy Jennifer, whose character is currently having a fling with corner shop owner Dev Alahan, is getting hitched to fellow star Lee Boardman, alias drugdealer Jez Quigley. They are hoping to base themselves in London, not Manchester. And that puts her long-term soap career in Weatherfield in doubt.

Last night a Street source said: "Jennifer is a very popular and talented actress, and producers would not want to lose her. "But she is deeply in love with Lee, and has made it clear that this marriage will be her top priority. "Commuting from London to Manchester is soul-destroying. We can't think she'd like to be a part-time wife."

The production team member added: "Lee is not interested in another role in a soap opera. He won't pop up in Emmerdale, for instance. "His best chance of building on his current fame is to stay in London where most of the work is, and to try his luck in sitcoms, thrillers, and mainstream cinema films."

But Street producers aren't thinking the unthinkable until it happens. The insider said: "Every-one here is hoping Jennifer will juggle her commitments to stay on."

Hospital attack scene provokes rap for Corry
21 December 2000
Jez Quigley's hospital bed attack on Steve McDonald in Coronation Street has earned the programme a rap from a TV watchdog. The Broadcasting Standards Commission upheld complaints about the scenes - in which Quigley finally got his comeuppance - which they found to be "unacceptably menacing" for screening at 7.30pm.

The episode rounded off a week in which McDonald was hospitalised by Quigley's henchmen, although complaints about other editions that week were dismissed. The villain was seen trying to smother McDonald but was overcome by an injury of his own and collapsed with blood dripping from his mouth. The BSC felt viewers would have been "troubled by the setting of the scene in a perceived place of safety". And the commission said his collapse and the appearance of the blood appeared "unnecessarily graphic".

TV regulator the Independent Television Commission upheld complaints about the images in a report last month. A Corrie spokeswoman said: "It was never our intention to upset our viewers but we felt that Jez's death was fitting to his character."

Sarah is Scrooge
20 December 2000 by Peter Dyke

EX-CORRIE star Sarah Lancashire has decided to be a real-life Scrooge this Christmas. The blonde beauty - Britain's highest paid actress - isn't sending any Christmas cards to pals. And she refuses to spend more than a tenner on presents.

The star, who has signed a two-year deal with ITV worth £1.3m after quitting her Street role as Raquel, said: "I absolutely hate the commercial aspect of Christmas today. "I love the news bulletins three weeks before the big day when shops say takings are 15 per cent down on last year. "I think - yes! I don't even send Christmas cards any more. I just refuse to line people's pockets." Sarah, 36, added: "Last Christmas my family and I decided to spend a maximum of £10 on everybody except the children."

The star, who has two sons Thomas, 13, and Matthew, 11, from a previous marriage and is now dating BBC executive Peter Salmon, says the season of goodwill is often one of heartbreak. She said: "Christmas can be enormously sad."

Corrie ex pens Crossroads episode
19 December 2000 by Derek Robins
Ex-Corrie star Tracy Brabin is writing an episode of ITV's new version of Crossroads. Tracy, 39, who played single mum Tricia Armstrong until 1997, has since gained an MA in screen writing. She said: "It's really fantastic and exciting working on Crossroads. "I've just started writing episode 51 which will be screened next year when it begins. It's great writing for Sherrie Hewson, who I worked with on Corrie when she was Maureen."

Tracy hopes to go on to write further episodes of the motel saga, which originally ran from 1964-88, and which is being revived by ITV next year to replace Home And Away. She said: "I never really saw the original as I wasn't a fan, but I think the new Crossroads will be tops as it's got beautiful young people in it and some very good actors."

Tracy is also working on two other scripts for major screen projects. She said: "BBC executive Mal Young has commissioned me to write a comedy drama Dream On. It's about a woman reaching 40 and it's partly based on me, as I'm 40 in May. It's American Beauty meets Butterflies! "I've also been optioned to write a film script for a multi-cultural romantic comedy."

She quit the Street three years ago to have her younger daughter Nancy, but has not ruled out going back. In February, Tracy - whose partner, Richard Platt, is an EastEnders director - is on stage in Confusions with ex-EastEnder Louise Jameson.  She's also in the BBC1 children's drama The Ghost Hunter coming soon.

Soldier Soldier star in iron bar attack
19 December 2000

Soldier Soldier star Danny Cunningham has fractured his skull, after being attacked on holiday. The actor, who played Fusilier Andy Butcher in the TV series, was hit with an iron bar as he confronted a burglar in Tenerife, according to Bradford's Telegraph & Argus.

Mr Cunningham, 31, has spent several days in intensive care.He will undergo a scan tomorrow to decide if he is well enough to fly home.

The actor recently appeared as Linda Baldwin's brother in Coronation Street.

Coronation streak
17 December 2000

HERE'S an eye-opener for the Street's Mike Baldwin - his two sexiest machinists have done a Coronation STREAK.

Instead of sewing knickers, Bobbi and Karen dropped 'em - along with everything else. Actresses Naomi Russell and Suranne Jones, who play Mike's glamorous factory girls, bared all in an exclusive series of photos by Beatle Paul McCartney's daughter Mary to show their disgust at the renewed use of fur in fashion.

Naomi, 23, who plays Bobbi, said: "I'd rather wear my own skin, thank you. No animal should suffer for fashion." Suranne added: "No matter how beautiful someone is, once they're wearing fur they're ugly." The girls' bold front would have shocked Street original Ena Sharples, who never even took off her hairnet. But it proves that on its 40th birthday, Corrie is streaks ahead.

Corrie doc to wed
16 December 2000 by Jerry Lawton

TWO of Britain's top telly pinups from rival soaps will break millions of fans' hearts - by tying the knot in real life. Emmerdale beauty Anna Brecon - who plays tasty toff Lady Tara Thornfield - is smitten with strapping Stephen Beckett, who has just landed the role of hunky Coronation Street doctor Matt Ramsden. And their astonishing secret real-life romance is a match for any soap plotline.

They fell in love after enjoying steamy naked romps in front of 400 people every night for a MONTH! Then a fatal train crash which nearly killed Anna made their minds up on a joint future . The pair met when they were cast together in the saucy stage play The Blue Room - in which Tom Cruise's stunning movie star missus Nicole Kidman famously bared all.

This week Anna - who took over from Aussie actress Nicole in the daring drama - landed a top theatre award for the raunchy role But while the critics were admiring her eye-popping performance at Bolton's Octagon Theatre, she was just as impressed by co-star Stephen's. Soon they were seeing each other off-stage too. After the play's run ended Anna, 29, went back to Emmerdale.

Lovestruck Stephen, 33, who played Pc Jarvis in The Bill, was desperate to land a job in the north so the couple could spend as much time together as possible. But disaster loomed two months ago when Anna cheated death in the Hatfield rail crash. She was showered in dust and dirt as the train came off the rails, and, with her mum, had to crawl through a smashed window to safety.

The near-tragedy brought she and Stephen even closer. And pals say the couple will tie the knot next year. One said: "They are totally and utterly devoted to each other. "Stephen was delighted to land the part in Coronation Street because it means he can be nearer Anna. "But even now their hectic filming schedules mean they struggle to see as much of each other as they'd like. "They spend most of their time criss-crossing the Pennines so they can be together. At least they're both in the north. "When Anna was involved in the train crash it really sealed their deep feelings for each other. "At times like that you tend to realise just how precious life is. "They've told each other it's the real thing, and talked of marriage. We'll be hearing wedding bells next year."

The play which brought them together stunned the theatre world when it premiered in London's West End two years ago. Directed by Oscar-winner Sam "American Beauty" Mendes, thousands queued for tickets after it was revealed Nicole's role included nude scenes. Anna was delighted to land a part when the production moved north, and took a break from Emmerdale. She and Stephen played all 10 roles in the show, ranging from a teenage prostitute to a middle-aged aristocrat.

At the time she said: "We've had a wonderful reception. Nobody's had any illusions about the content, and people who come tend to know what they're getting. "There is a lot of stuff that is more controversial than the nudity. The play explores the nature of relationships. It's about trust and intimacy. "The sex is an element - a very important element - but it isn't just a play about sex." Stephen added: "It's about people's search for happiness and people lying to each other, pretending to be something they're not."

Ironically Stephen and Anna pretended they weren't an item. They deliberately kept their seven-month relationship secret in case it didn't work out. But now he's admitted: "We are very much in love. "When we first met everyone predicted that we'd get together and, of course, we did. "We both tried very hard to stay professional for as long as we could, but it soon became clear that was impossible. "It is fair to say we love each other very much and we are not afraid of the "L" word. "Obviously with Emmerdale Anna has a hectic schedule, so we really have to make time to be together."

The soap rivals' blossoming romance will disappoint legions of Corrie's female viewers goggle-eyed by the arrival of Weatherfield's handsome new doctor. It's also a heartbreaker for the army of lusty lads who tune into Emmerdale five-nights-a-week for a glimspe of Anna - who has just been voted Best Actress in the North West Theatre Awards. But it isn't the first time the telly babe from Salisbury, Wilts, has fallen for her leading man. Her last boyfriend played her on-screen lover in a low budget soap for a cable TV company.

Anna was busy filming yesterday, but a pal said: "She's is very much in love with Stephen, and doesn't care who knows. "No-one can predict the future, but as far as Anna is concerned he's certainly part of her's."

Vandals make bid to save Corrie cobles
15 December 2000
A Manchester tarmac contractor found that some people took Coronation Street's recent "Save the Cobbles" campaign too far when his £60,000 ashphalt-laying machine was vandalised. Road mender Paul Shaw wasn't amused when he found that rogue soap fans had made their own protest on the same night that the soap's stars forced the road gang to retreat from tarmacing the famous cobbles.

The incident happened in Hope Street Salford, not far from the show's Granada's studio, when Paul's one-year-old white machine was daubed with "Save our Street" and "Keep the cobbles, Ken", in red paint. The machine had been used to lay a new car park and left at the site to be picked up the next for its next job.

Paul, boss of Middleton Surfacing Ltd, at Chadderton, near Oldham, was told of the damage by the driver of a lorry, who arrived to take it away, reports the Manchester Evening News.

He said: "I'm amazed that people get so involved. Personally, I am not that bothered about Coronation Street. I can take it or leave it. "But this is an expensive machine. I am going to have to get it re-painted and that will cost me £500 to take it off the road for a day."

Street star's 'disappointment' at missing live show
13 December 2000

Coronation Street actor John Savident has been telling of his disappointment at missing the soap's 40th birthday celebration after being wounded in an alleged knife attack. Mr Savident, who plays Fred Elliott, was welcomed back to the Granada studios in Manchester by screen son and daughter-in-law Maxine and Ashley, played by Tracy Shaw and Steven Arnold.

As he arrived on set to film a night scene, the 62-year-old actor said he was relieved to be back at work but was disappointed that he had to make do watching his colleagues on television instead of starring in the historic live episode last Friday. "Obviously I am disappointed not to be in the live episode, I would loved to have been part of TV history but it was not to be," he said. "Even after the attack I had hoped that I would be well enough to take part but it soon became apparent that I wasn't going to be fit. In the end I had to be content to watch the show on the television with the other millions of fans."

He added that he was not able to attend the 40th anniversary celebrations at Manchester Town Hall either but that he and his wife Rona were just glad he was well. "Now my main priority is getting back to normal and returning to work is a big part of that. It could have been much, much worse. My wounds are healing well and I am starting to feel a lot stronger in myself."

Mr Savident also thanked colleagues, friends and the hundreds of people who sent him flowers, gifts and get-well messages. He said: "It has helped me and my family enormously to know that there are so many people out there who care about me. I have been absolutely blown away by all the cards, flowers and messages of support. And I obviously couldn't have got through any of this without the love and care of Rona and the rest of my wonderful family."

Michael Smith, 28, of Elgin Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, has been charged with wounding with intend to cause grievous bodily harm and robbery. The case against him has been adjourned until January 5.

Live Corrie pulls in 15 million viewers
12 December 2000

Coronation Street's live anniversary special proved a ratings winner after it was watched by the majority of Friday night viewers. The hour-long ITV show, which featured a walk-on from Prince Charles, averaged 15.6 million viewers - more than 60 per cent of the available audience. BBC1's Ground Force repeat and Castaway Diaries, shown at the same time, attracted just 7.5 million in total.

Earlier, 10.4 million viewers tuned in to ITV to watch the first-ever episode of Coronation Street, leaving Anne Robinson's Watchdog trailing behind.

Corrie cast's great figures
11 December 2000

CORONATION Street stars turned out in force last night to celebrate a couple of great figures - four decades on the box and and a record 20million viewers. Fans across the country stayed in for Friday night's special one-hour live episode which had cameo appearances by Prince Charles and Noddy Holder. And the 50-strong cast marked the end of their toughest week ever by partying the night away at a gala dinner at Manchester Town Hall.

A fleet of black limos ferried them to the building where they were greeted by hundreds of fans. Only John Savident - butcher Fred Elliot - and Barbara Knox, alias Rita Sullivan, were unable to attend. Barbara was ill and John was still recovering after being stabbed in the neck at his flat.

As cast and crew - including famous names from the past - whooped it up, a spokeswoman for Granada Television said: "The show was a resounding success. "Early indications reveal we secured 70 per cent of the night's audience which is 19 or 20million."

The figures smashed the year's previous highest, when 15.8 million watched Mike Baldwin marry girlfriend Linda in September. The National Grid reported a 650 megawatt surge during breaks as viewers turned on their kettles.

Prince Charles videotaped his role which featured him meeting Weatherfield councillor Audrey Roberts, actress Sue Nicholls, in a pre-recorded news broadcast.

Bill Roache, who has played Ken Barlow since the show began, said cast members were running on "pure adrenaline" during the live episode. He said: "All I can remember from 40 years ago was absolute fear. It was like that again."

Extra removed from Street set in sabotage alert
10 December 2000
An extra was escorted off the set of Coronation Street amid fears that he could have been about to try to sabotage Friday night's live episode. Security guards at Manchester's Granada Studios are understood to have been called in to remove the actor only minutes before the hour-long 40th birthday broadcast went out live on air. A Coronation Street spokeswoman confirmed: "Someone was removed because we were concerned there was a potential security risk."

Security was tight around the set all day due to a visit by the Prince of Wales, who gave the programme the Royal seal of approval by accepting a cameo role in the live episode.

Official viewing figures for the anniversary show, which also starred veteran rocker Noddy Holder and newsreader Sir Trevor McDonald, are not being revealed until Monday. But a Granada Television spokeswoman said early indications suggested the show had secured "70% of the night's audience - which is 19 or 20 million viewers".

Coronation Street cast and crew, including past favourties such as Julie Goodyear, who played Bet Lynch, and dizzy barmaid Raquel, better known as actress Sarah Lancashire, celebrated the anniversary of the award-winning soap with a gala dinner at Manchester Town Hall. Present cast members cracked open the champagne after pulling off an almost flawless performance in the live show, which it is believed was videotaped by the Prince of Wales.

Bill Roache, who has played Ken Barlow since the show began, said: "It was absolutely fantastic. All I can remember from 40 years ago was absolute fear. It was like that again. "But we were running on pure adrenaline and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it."

Case of Corrie wobbles
10 December 2000

CORONATION Street's live episode with a guest appearance by Prince Charles was almost ruined when the scenery became more jittery than the cast. Two key scenes could have turned to farce, but were saved by the intervention of actresses Denise Welch and Barbara Knox.

The show's first live episode since February 1961 was going smoothly until the props started to act up. In one emotional scene where Jack Duckworth visited wife Vera in hospital (right), a coat rack in the adjoining Rovers Return set came loose and threatened to clatter to the floor. As the rest of the cast watched in horror - the noise would have been clearly heard in the "hospital" - actress Denise, who plays landlady Natalie Barnes, dived forward to catch it. And she held on to it throughout the scene.

Minutes later the till in the Street's newsagents, the Kabin, started to beep because the drawer had been left open. But Barbara Knox, who plays Rita, quickly switched it off.

A Coronation Street spokeswoman said: "It could have been disastrous. Denise got to the coat rack before it fell, otherwise the quiet hospital scene would have been ruined. "And Barbara reacted very quickly when she realised the till was beeping."

There was only one other slight glitch in the live episode Sue Nicholls, who plays councillor Audrey Roberts, stuttered just once as she warned: "They'll come and cart you away" to would-be protesters angry that the Street's cobbles might be covered in tarmac. Another possible embarrassment was averted when an extra was ejected from the set shortly before transmission amid fears he was planning to sabotage the show. The man had told friends he wanted to "do something" while the show was on air.

The episode was watched by an estimated 18 million viewers, including Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles. They stayed at the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire's stately home at Chatsworth in Derbyshire after the Prince spent the day in fictitious Weatherfield, playing a cameo role as himself on an official visit to the town.

Last night Street stars past and present celebrated the 40th anniversary of the soap with a banquet at Manchester Town Hall. Pregnant Denise Welch looked radiant in a scarlet corset and blonde hair extensions, while Jacqueline Pirie, who plays man-eater Linda Baldwin, made a big impression in a revealing purple and gold dress.

Street siren Tracy Shaw, in red heels and a silk skirt slashed to the thigh, kissed fiance Robert Ashworth on the town hall steps. And the Street's youngest beauty, Tina O'Brien, who plays Sarah-Louise Platt, made her grown-up debut in a figure- hugging blue gown.

Corrie stars celebrate after near-flawless live show
9 December 2000
The cast of Coronation Street is celebrating its 40th birthday having pulled off a near-flawless live performance in a special hour-long episode. Cameo appearances by the Prince of Wales, 70s rocker Noddy Holder and Sir Trevor McDonald were the highlights of the historic broadcast, the day before its official birthday. The Prince was seen meeting Councillor Audrey Roberts - actress Sue Nicholls - opening Weatherfield Council's new offices in a television news broadcast presented by Sir Trevor filmed earlier at Granada studios in Manchester.

After 40 hours of rehearsals, the 36-strong cast betrayed little sign of nerves and there were only two or three hiccups during the first episode not to be pre-recorded since 1961. Minutes after viewers watched Weatherfield residents crack open the champagne after a victory for the Save Our Street campaign - to save the famous cobbles from being Tarmacked - the cast celebrated for real.

Bosses expected millions of viewers to tune in to watch Vera Duckworth, played by Liz Dawn, make a miraculous recovery after rumours spread that she had died.

Earlier, the Prince visited the set and laughed and joked with actors and production staff as they prepared for the live broadcast. He sipped a whisky in the Rovers Return and toasted a "Happy Birthday" to the cast after landlady Natalie Barnes, played by Denise Welch, interrupted the rehearsal of a dramatic scene to offer him the large Scotch. He laughingly told actors Bill Roache (Ken Barlow), Anne Kirkbride (Deirdre Rachid) and Maggie Jones (Blanche Hunt) - who have to be served non-alcoholic drinks in the show: "I am a bit embarrassed drinking this with you lot standing there."

After the live broadcast, Granada said early indications showed the episode took 70% of the night's available audience.

Noddy's Merry Christmas for 40 years of the Street
8 December 2000
Millions of viewers tuned in to see the 40th anniversary live episode of Coronation Street - which appeared to go without any major hitches. Prince Charles featured in the landmark programme when he was shown meeting local councillor Audrey Roberts. And in another special guest appearance '70s glam singer Noddy Holder rounded off the episode with a festive Merry Christmas everybody, straight from the lines of the ever popular Slade hit.

Bookmakers had been taking bets on members of the cast making major gaffes during the episode, but their money looked safe thanks as the actors' extensive rehearsals appeared to have paid off. Major storylines played out during the special one hour edition saw the return of Ken Barlow's son - who was busy chatting up Linda, the wife of Ken's arch-rival Mike Baldwin, until Deirdre let him know he was putting his foot in it. The campaign to save the famed Coronation Street cobbles also reached a dramatic conclusion, with Ken and builder Dougie mocking up a preservation order on Ken's home computer to stop contractors digging up the historic street.

Vera Duckworth also won her fight for life after rumours swept the Street that she had died in hospital after donating a kidney to her long-lost grandchild. Vera had left husband Jack a note in case she did not pull through, telling him of an affair she had years earlier. Jack had opened the letter, but told Curly Watts he already knew about the affair - and had given the other man a beating.

Transsexual Hayley, meanwhile, made a low-key exit after husband Roy Cropper told her he didn't see her as a woman.

The programme's makers Granada Television were hoping for a record audience of up to 20 million for the anniversary episode.

Prince to star in TV Street party
8 December 2000

The Prince of Wales has agreed to play a starring role in the 40th anniversary Coronation Street special. The prince has been filmed in a storyline about a campaign to save the street's legendary cobbles from the threat of modernisers who want them covered in Tarmac.

The prince was meeting cast members and stepped straight into the storyline as he chatted to street stars manning the barricades to save the cobbles. The prince lined-up for a photograph with the longest-serving member of the cast William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow, and Jacqueline Pirie, who plays Linda Baldwin.

Programme chiefs confirmed that the prince will have a role in the live show. Film of him meeting Councillor Audrey Roberts, played by Sue Nicholls, at the opening of the new Weatherfield Council offices will feature on a news bulletin to be shown in the Rovers Return. Newscaster Trevor McDonald stepped in to record the special clip showing the prince and Audrey. A photograph will also be printed on a special Weatherfield Gazette which will be seen being read by one of the regulars.

The Prince also unveiled a plaque outside the Rovers Return which says: "To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Coronation Street, HRH the Prince of Wales visited Granada TV on Friday, December 8". This plaque will be moved to the green room where cast members relax between scenes.

Cast members are busy rehearsing for the live episode which will have three storylines running through it. Fans will see the residents battling to save the Street's cobbles, Vera battling for life after falling into a coma following a kidney transplant operation and Hayley and Roy Cropper's marriage will also break down.

Charles helps Street celebrate
8 December 2000

The Prince of Wales has unveiled a plaque on the set of Coronation Street as part of the programme's 40th anniversary celebrations. The plaque was unveiled on a wall next to the famous Rovers Return pub, but it will eventually be moved to a green room where cast members relax between scenes. He took time out to enjoy a scotch at the bar of the Rovers Return pub, where he joked with actress Denise Welch, who plays Natalie Barnes.

The prince met Street star Jacqueline Pirie, who plays Linda Baldwin, and was due to meet Liz Dawn - who recently received an MBE from the Queen - and Bill Tarmey, who play married couple Vera and Jack Duckworth. The prince is due to watch final rehearsals for a special hour-long live episode to be broadcast on Friday evening as the culmination of the anniversary, which falls on Saturday.

Eighteen years ago the Queen paid a similar visit to the Street, which broadcast its first episode on 9 December 1960.

There have been more than 3,500 characters in the ITV soap since it began, as well as 25 births, 82 deaths and 51 weddings. The soap began life as a live series but this was replaced in favour of recordings a year later.

Prince Charles is due to meet the show's creator, Tony Warren, and will sign a copy of the script for the live episode which will then be auctioned next week to raise money for the Manchester Christie cancer hospital. Writers had to make last-minute changes to the script following the stabbing of actor John Savident last week.

Alison Sinclair, a spokeswoman for the soap, said that the cast, who normally film scenes without rehearsal, had welcomed the challenge of the live episode. She said: "Morale is really high. Everyone has a real sense of being involved in television history."

The cast of its BBC rival, EastEnders, have sent a bouquet to the cast of the Street, wishing them luck for the live transmission.

The storylines for Friday's episode have been kept under wraps, but popular character Vera Duckworth is seen fighting for her life after donating a kidney to her sick grandson. Residents of the famous street are also battling to save its cobbles from being covered with tarmac.

Charles drops in as 'Street' celebrates 40 years
8 December 2000
The Prince of Wales is to tread the famous Weatherfield cobbles of Coronation Street as the show reaches the climax of its 40th anniversary celebrations. He will be watching cast members as they go into final rehearsals for a special hour-long live episode to be broadcast to mark the milestone in the soap's history.

The Prince - whose mother the Queen paid the first royal visit to the Street 18 years ago - will meet members of the cast outside the Rovers Return pub before unveiling a plaque to mark the anniversary, which falls on Saturday. He then goes on to the sets at Granada TV's Manchester studios to watch rehearsals for tonight's programme - the first live episode since 1961. The Prince will sign a copy of the script for the live show, which is to be auctioned on the This Morning television show next week to raise money for the centenary appeal at Manchester's Christie cancer hospital, which he visits later.

The cast have put in 40 hours of rehearsal for the special episode - which will cover Vera Duckworth's fight for life after donating a kidney to her ailing grandson, the Street residents' battle to stop the cobbles being Tarmaced, and the marriage difficulties of "odd couple" Roy and Hayley Cropper. Programme chiefs ruled out plans for a cameo role for the Prince in the programme - but he will still feature in the storyline, carrying out the off-screen opening of Weatherfield Council's new offices.

Scriptwriters have had to make last-minute changes following the stabbing last weekend of actor John Savident, 62, who plays butcher Fred Elliott, who has now been written out of the episode.

Street spokeswoman Alison Sinclair said that the cast - who normally film scenes without rehearsal - had welcomed the challenge of the live show, adding that "everyone has a real sense of being involved in television history". The cast have even received a bouquet from rival soap EastEnders, wishing them luck for the live transmission.

Prince off the Street
8 December 2000

PLANS for Prince Charles to appear on Coronation Street tonight to mark its 40th anniversary have been scrapped. The prince will visit the set in Manchester today, meet the cast and unveil a plaque. But a proposed cameo role for him has been dropped.

Charles wanted to take part, but his scene would have to be recorded and slotted into tonight's hour-long special live broadcast. A Granada source said: "There were simply too many things that could go wrong."

Bah humbug says Sarah
8 December 2000 by Derek Robins

Actress Sarah Lancashire reckons we've all forgotten the meaning of Christmas. The former Corrie favourite says the festivities are too commercial. "I hate that side of it. I love it when you hear on the news before Christmas that shops are down on their takings from last year. I think yes!"

"I don't even send Christmas cards any more. I just refuse to line people's pockets," she said. "What upsets me is the people who can't afford it and get into debt."

Sarah, who has carved out a name for herself in top dramas such as Fragile Heart, says, "My family and I agree to spend £10 max on everybody except the kids as their gifts are automatically bigger. "It's not about getting a posh set of pans as it's just as nice getting a pot of pot pourri. It's a gesture."

And Sarah felt the same way about last year's Millennium celebrations. "I couldn't be doing with it at all. I just thought well, we've still got illiteracy at 11 years old, we've got poverty on our doorsteps and the NHS has gone down the pan," she said. "I was actually disgusted by the celebrations because I thought we've got nothing to celebrate in this country. We should be absolutely ashamed of ourselves."

Lynne's heart hell
7 December 2000 by Graham Boon

EX-CORRIE star Lynne Perrie is to miss the Street's 40th anniversary party after suffering a heart attack. Lynne, 69 - who played "poison" Ivy Brennan - collapsed at her home after the attack. She is now waiting to have a brain scan to try and pinpoint the exact cause of her illness. Since her character was axed in 1994 Lynne has suffered a series of health problems and has spent time in a psychiatric ward. And she is also worried about husband Derrick, a former lorry driver, who is recovery at their detached bungalow home in Maltby, near Rotherham, South Yorks, after being taken to the town's district general hospital following an angina attack.

Lynne, who played Ivy for 20 years, revealed yesterday: "I know it is the 40th anniversary of the Street this week and I have had lots of invitations from people asking me to go to parties in honour of the occasion. "But I am not interested in going. I don't really like talking about the Street any more, it's all in the past. I keep getting calls from news-papers asking me about things like the cobbles in the street being taken up but I am not interested. "It has been a hard few years for me and Derrick and it has been difficult. I spent a lot of time in hospital with depression and I have also suffered a heart attack. "Depression is horrible and the blackest thing in the world. I have fallen down eight times and cracked my head. A bruise came up the size of an egg and I have also suffered a broken front tooth. "I have now got to have a brain scan to see what is wrong with me.

"We had our golden wedding anniversary in October but there is not much to celebrate really. "Derrick suffers from angina and has fainted before. He also has stomach problems - but I don't want any home help, we are coping together. "Next April is my 70th birthday and I do have something planned for the occasion but I can't say any more at the moment."

Rotherham-born Lynne became one of the Street's central characters and top earners as the loud mouthed shop-steward Ivy Tilsley in Mike Baldwin's clothes factory. She later became the wife of taxi-driver Don Brennan, but was controversially axed soon after she had cosmetic surgery to give her fuller lips. She became a regular on TV talk shows boasting about a string of toyboy lovers during her time on the Street.

Corrie crime spree
7 December 2000
BAFFLED police got a 999 call reporting a burglary taking place in ... Coronation Street. The caller wanted to know from the Dorset force who the culprit was. A spokesman said: "Investigations revealed the burglary was happening in Albert Square on EastEnders and nasty Nick Cotton was the villain. The caller was a pensioner who'd muddled his soaps up with reality."

Street's Ivy snubs anniversary
6 December 2000

Former Coronation Street star Lynne Perrie has spoken out about health problems that have ruined her life. The actress who played Ivy Tilsley has spent time in a psychiatric ward, suffered a heart attack and now faces a brain scan.

The 69-year-old told the Sheffield Star she doesn't like talking about the Street anymore and won't be attending the anniversary celebrations. "I have had a lot of people asking me to go, but I don't want to," said Lynne. The actress now faces a brain scan for an unknown complaint which has caused her to fall down stairs eight times. She played "Poison" Ivy Tinsley for over 20 years before the character was axed by producers in 1994.

Vera's coma is a sickener
6 December 2000

MEDICS have blasted Coronation Street for the storyline of Vera Duckworth falling into a coma after donating a kidney.

St James's Hospital in Leeds - TV's "Jimmy's" - say it could stop living people donating organs and scare those waiting for ops. The hospital, where Liz Dawn - who plays Vera - is a cancer appeal patron, say the coma plot is "ill-conceived and irresponsible". But bosses of the soap say it was well researched and Vera falls sick from the antibiotics.

Corrie strain shows
6 December 2000 by Ian Trueman and John Mahoney

CORRIE stars are like a cast on a hot tin roof as they prepare for the soap's historic hourlong LIVE episode on Friday to celebrate the 40th anniversary. The stress and strain was there for all to see when the actors turned up for work yesterday looking pale and drawn.

Extra pressure has been put on the already-nervous cast because the word on the Street is that Prince Charles will make a cameo appearance. And glam rock idol Noddy Holder will leave Corrie locals slayed by popping into the Rovers for a pint.

Bookies have got in on the act by offering odds on off-the-wall bets such as whether an actor will swear or who will be the first to fluff their lines. The knife attack on actor John Savident, who plays butcher Fred Elliott, has also rocked the close-knit cast and forced sriptwriters to hastily re-work storylines.

Every face tells a story . . . and none more so than that of actress Eileen Derbyshire, alias Emily Bishop. She strode into the studios with a look of despair. Vicky Entwistle - who plays battleaxe Janice Battersby - was making sure none of the punters cashed in on her dropping a clanger by burying herself in a script. Actor David Neilson, who plays cafe owner Roy Cropper, looked a little more relaxed but was still clutching his script under his arm ready for another glance. Johnny Briggs, alias factory boss Mike Baldwin, nervously bit his lip, Georgina Taylor (Leanne Battersby) walked in to work with John Bowe (Duggie Ferguson) and there wasn't a smile or relaxed look to spare between them. Normally-bubbly Bev Callard, who is Mrs Liz McDonald for the second time round after re-marrying Jim behind bars, looked pale and tired. Sexy Jacqueline Pirie (Mike Baldwin's wife Linda) was all on edge and looking over her shoulder. Actress Julie Hesmondhalgh, who plays sex change Hayley Cropper, probably doesn't have many lines because she was the only one with a face full of fun as she chatted on her mobile while arriving at Granada's Manchester studios.

Viewers will see former Slade frontman Noddy backing the Daily Star's crusade to stop an outrageous bid to Tarmac over the most famous cobblestones on telly. Noddy, 54, will be seen taking on Audrey Roberts, who wants the cobbles bulldozed, head-on. He sides with Ken Barlow and café boss Roy, who are spearheading the campaign to win a preservation order for the road.

Noddy will play a character called Stan - named after one of Slade's biggest hits, My Friend Stan. "He was at Granada working on The Grimleys, and we thought it would be brilliant to include him in the anniversary special," said an insider. "The whole issue surrounding the cobblestones comes to a head, and we wanted someone to have one last go at trying to keep them."

Meanwhile Britain was going betting bonkers yesterday after we revealed that even Corrie cast members were having wagers on who would fluff their lines first during the live broadcast. The internet firm www.sportingodds.com was besieged with barmy bets after offering a string of odds. And they even offer a generous 50-1 that Prince Charles - who visits the Street set on Friday as part of the show's anniversary celebrations - will make a special appearance.

Tonight viewers will see an excited Audrey Roberts and her chums discuss the Royal visit to Weatherfield . . . but producers are keeping tight-lipped over whether the Prince of Wales makes his soap debut. Millions of viewers are expected to tune in on Friday. They'll want to find out if Street favourite Vera Duckworth (Liz Dawn) pulls through a kidney donor operation, if transsexual Haley and partner Roy's "marriage" survives . . . and if the cobbles are to be lost for ever.

Noddy is prince for a day on the Street
5 December 2000 by Jonathan Donald

Former Slade frontman Noddy Holder is to star in the Corrie live episode - filling the gap left by Prince Charles. His Majesty will tour the Manchester set on Friday as part of the soap's 40th birthday celebrations.

It was hoped he might appear in the 60-minute live special to be shot in the evening. But Street spokeswoman Janice Troup told TV Plus: "Logistically, it's just not possible. Noddy Holder will now be the fun element."

Holder, 50, used to be the singer with '70s glam rock group Slade, but today stars in ITV's The Grimleys. Street spokeswoman Janice Troup said: "He's playing a character called Stan and that's all we can say. "He was approached because of his connection with Granada (which makes the soap) through The Grimleys. He was delighted to play a part."

Rehearsals have begun for the live episode. The absence of stabbed actor John Savident, who plays butcher Fred Elliot, has caused problems. Street spokeswoman Janice Troup said: "There has been some rewriting going on but viewers can still expect some great storylines. "The whole thing is meant to be enjoyable and there is a real buzz about the studio at the moment."

Duckworth - the bad penny
5 December 2000 by Jonathan Donald

Actor Nigel Pivaro quit Coronation Street in 1986 - but it's like he's never been away. He's reprised his character, the despicable Terry Duckworth, up to nine times since attempting to build a career beyond Weatherfield.

Playing such a well-known villain may have closed doors to him, but he has nothing but admiration for the show. Nigel tells TV Plus why he thinks Corrie has lasted 40 years. "The fact Corrie is still going after 40 years is phenomenal," says Nigel. "To have kept up the consistency and to have remained number one in the heart of the nation - that is just a fantastic achievement. "Think of all the social changes that have occurred since it began, yet Corrie is still going strong."

Nigel has firm ideas about why the soap's lasted 40 years: "I'd say it's down to the strength and depth of the characters. "Being a show that's character-led, rather than storyline-led, it can be immune from the events that are happening around us. "The audience tunes in because they care and believe in the characters, even if nothing much is happening."

Corrie has long been part of Nigel's life. "I remember from the age of three going to watch it at my grandmother's as a treat," says the actor, now 39. Some scenes were shot near where Nigel grew up in Salford, Manchester, including character Jerry Booth's wedding in 1963. "The crowds were incredible," he recalls, "We felt it was our show. We were very partisan about it."

Corrie's success is down to capturing the essence of working class Britain, he says. "Weatherfield has mirrored working class communities all over the country. "Work-a-day streets and work-a-day characters from Liverpool to Glasgow have been given a stage in the world. "I think that's why it's so beloved of the British people."

Favourite storylines are many. "One has to be when I had a fling with one of my father Jack's fancy bits and her husband comes back unexpectedly. "He sees Terry running away but think's it's Jack and goes round and thumps him. "I also liked the one when I sold my son Tommy."

His first day on Corrie is ingrained in Nigel's memory. "I remember being in the rehearsal room and seeing people like Hilda (Jean Alexander) and Stan Ogden (Bernard Youens)," says Nigel, who arrived as Terry Duckworth in 1983. "Seeing these people who, for 23 years, had been personal and national icons was mind-blowing. "I tried not to let anyone see it but I was incredibly phased."

New Year's Eve showdown for Corrie landlady
5 December 2000 by Tina Lofthouse
Coronation Street star Denise Welch is to quit the show on New Year's Eve - and has said she won't miss the part. "I won't miss Natalie's traumas or constant crying. Let's face it, she's been through the mill," she said. "I never intended to stay for ever," added Natalie, 42. "Four years in one job is a long time for me and I just felt it was time to leave." Welch's future projects include a fitness video.

The actress has said she fears suffering another bout of post-natal depression with the birth of her baby. Denise suffered from the condition 11 years ago after her first child, Matthew, was born. "I didn't know what it was and I was scared I was never going to get better," said Natalie. "I've been trying to think positively. It can't possibly be as bad as last time."

Telly soap Suggs
5 December 2000

BRITAIN'S best-loved telly soap stars have been busy raiding the dressing-up box to recreate their glamorous heroes from the Eighties. Telly favourites from Coronation Street, Brookside and Eastenders all took a step back in time to pay tribute to their icons.

The Coronation Street boys joined forces to pose as pop funsters Madness. EastEnders star Lucy Speed stepped into Madonna's shoes, while Brookside's Steven Pinder and Mickey Poppins chose life as supergroup Wham! The Eighties makeover comes courtesy of this month's She magazine - and the small-screen stars couldn't wait to dress up as their heroes.

The Street's market trader-turned-shopkeeper Danny Hargreaves, played by Richard Standing, says he was a huge Madness fan. He said: "I was attracted by the group's anti-Thatcher attitude. Everyone in my town was affected by the 1984 miners' strike. "But then you'd turn on the TV and Joan Collins would be prancing around in her power suit on Dynasty."

Simon Gregson, who plays Corrie's wide boy Steve McDonald said: "My mum used to send me to school in towelling shorts and a big velvet bow tie back then. "I used to tell her I'd get beaten up looking like that, but she never took any notice."

Another Weatherfield favourite, Kevin Kennedy, who plays Curly Watts, spent most of the Eighties in a van touring with a country rock band. He revealed: "Two of my fellow band members went on to be in The Smiths. Music was better then, less manufactured."

Former Bill star, Steven Beckett, moved into the Street this week as dishy Dr Matt Ramsden. He said: "Everyone says I look like Suggs from Madness. In fact at one stage I even used to practise being him. "But a dreadful thing happened when I was 17 - I became a Wham! fan and began wearing espadrilles and hoop earrings. The sexiest Eighties person was Debbie Harry. A poster on my bedroom wall of her in a see-through dress helped speed up my puberty."

Long-term Coronation Street star Michael Le Vel, who plays Kevin Webster, also revealed he had a bit of a dark secret. He said: "I remember going to see Gary Numan with my mates and putting on mascara and blusher in the car park because I was too embarrassed to put it on at home."

The Corrie stars recreated the classic Madness album cover for the magazine.

Brookside's Steven Pinder, who plays the Scouse soap's very own yuppie, Max Farnham, and Mickey Poppins, who stars alongside him as Lance Powell, teamed up to recreate supergroup Wham! Steven poses as George Michael to Mickey's Andrew Ridgeley. And he said: "The worst thing about the Eighties was Margaret Thatcher. "She launched the yuppie and that is how Max was introduced to the Brookside, as a filofax and mobile phone user. "But I think we would have been better off with Bob Geldof as prime minister instead of Thatcher. Let's face it, Bob certainly organised a good Live Aid." However Mickey then added: "I actually love Margaret Thatcher, because we got so enraged by her and it made us determined to change things. So I am glad she happened."

Another Brookside star, Louis Emerick, dons a super afro for his role as soul crooner Lionel Richie. Louis, who plays Mick Johnson, said: "The Eighties injected some style back into fashion. In the Seventies, scruffy was the hip look, but in the Eighties, it was cool to look sharp. "I copied Don Johnson, who wore slip-ons without socks - but I was very wary of the white-sock trend."

Lucy Speed, who plays Eastenders' Natalie Evans, revealed she was a massive Madonna fan when the Material Girl first made her mark. She said: "Like one or two other girls at the time, I also wore leather bracelets, lace fingerless gloves, pixie boots and leg warmers."

She magazine is on sale now.

Fluff competition
5 December 2000 by John Mahoney

CORONATION STREET stars rehearsing for Friday's hourlong live episode are betting on who'll be first to fluff their lines. There's already £120 - at £5 a head - in the winner-takes-all kitty. One cast member said last night: "There's sure to be first-night nerves and some of us have loads of lines while others have only a few. "Still, it could easily be one of the characters who just says, 'Good morning' who gets it wrong. Anyway, it's a bit of harmless fun for all of us who reckon we've learned our parts." Another star added: "This is the most ambitious episode any of us have ever done in our careers. Everyone is on edge. So we don't see what's wrong with having a bit of a giggle. And, hopefully, nobody will win the jackpot and we can give it away to charity."

The special, on the eve of the Street's 40th birthday, echoes the very first episode which went out live. Bill Roache, who plays Ken Barlow, is the only actor present from that historic broadcast on December 9, 1960 . And another veteran - 80-year-old Betty Driver - was the first to head the betting to make the crucial blunder. Now, though, the odds have swung towards one of the show's newcomers bottling it on the night. Tina O'Brien, who plays gymslip mum Sarah-Louise Platt, has not even taken part in the bet. A senior Street insider admitted: "It is the young ones who are more on edge than the oldies."

Instead of focusing on just one storyline, there will be no less than FOUR switches of plot. Four directors will be in charge of four separate locations, with four camera and production teams involved. And they don't want it to go wrong.

Producer Jane Macnaught reckons it will be a memorable TV occasion savoured for decades. She said: "This is a wonderful tribute to the Street which will mean a lot of hard work for the cast and production team. But I know it will be enjoyable."

Actor John Savident, who plays butcher Fred Elliott, will miss the show as he is still recovering from being stabbed in the neck. His alleged attacker is in custody.

A promise to gran comes true for Bruce
5 December 2000 by Jonathan Donald

Corrie's 40th birthday celebrations have brought an unexpected and much cherished accolade to star Bruce Jones. His character, Les Battersby, figures in an oil painting featuring the 40 most popular characters in the soap as voted for by viewers.

Choked with emotion, Bruce, 47, tells TV Plus: "It's such an honour to be up there with those stars from today and yesteryear. People voted for me. "I just can't believe it."

Working on Corrie has always been an ambition for Bruce. "I can remember watching the first episode and getting hooked," he says. "I was sat with my grandmother and said to her, 'I'm going to be on that show one day'. "She said: 'Of course you are'. It's a pity that she's not alive to see that I am in it."

The show struck an instant chord with Bruce, who grew up in the Collyhurst district of Manchester. Bruce, who left school at 16 and used to work as a boilerman, says: "Corrie was very true to life. "It showed people in the rest of Britain how the North really looked - and it's been doing that ever since. "It's that simpleness, the humour in the people. They get away with saying things never heard elsewhere on TV."

Having watched Coronation Street from the first episode, Bruce regards himself as an expert.

I'm all cried out, says Street's Natalie
4 December 2000

The actress who plays Coronation Street landlady Natalie Barnes says she will not miss her character's constant crying when she leaves the soap. Denise Welch is expecting her second child. She decided to quit Corrie in September and her final appearance will be in the New Year's Eve episode.

Welch is married to actor Tim Healy and has appeared in some of the Street's most explosive storylines of recent years. She admits her on-screen character has "been through the mill". In an interview with Woman magazine, the 42-year-old said: "I never intended to stay forever. Four years in one job is a long time for me and I just felt like it was time to leave. "I won't miss Natalie's traumas or the constant crying. Let's face it, she has been through the mill."

The actress suffered terrible post natal depression after the birth of her first child 11 years ago, and said she was worried it could happen again. "I've been trying to think positively," she said. "If I do suffer again I can't possibly have it as bad as I did the first time. I didn't know what it was and I was scared that I was never going to get better. Now I know you do." Welch has a number of projects planned for the future including a fitness video called You Can Do It.

Life after Jim McDonald
4 December 2000 by TV Plus Reporters
Corrie star Charlie Lawson believes he will return to the Street - despite being jailed for eight years.

Viewers last night saw his volatile character Jim McDonald begin a prison stretch after admitting manslaughter. But Lawson, 41, said: "I have a sneaking suspicion I may put an appearance in. There will have to be some poetic licence with the eight years, but as long as Simon Gregson (who plays his son Stephen) is there, there will always be an opening."

Lawson is upset he's missing the live episode on Dec 8 to mark 40 years of the soap. He told GMTV: "I'd have paid to have done a scene with Bruce Jones (Les Battersby) as he's just a quality actor. We have great laughs." The Irishman has been written out after 11 years as Jim McDonald. "I'm looking forward to getting back into the real world," he said.

Lawson is kicking off his career beyond Weatherfield with a part in new movie Puckoon. He joins Hollywood actor Elliot Gould and funnyman Sean Hughes in the film based on a novel by comedy hero Spike Milligan. It has meant an image change. Lawson said: "I've shaved off Jim's moustache - it was spooky for my wife Ellie as she hadn't seen me without one since 1989. She said we must marry again as I was a new man."

He now must go under the surgeon's knife to remove a benign cyst on his spine. Lawson told GMTV: "You assume the worst. There were weeks when I convinced myself it was cancer." The actor has also been getting fit after years of hard-living - so he can ride race horses. "There were five years when I'd too much of everything. I've lost two stone through exercise and riding - but I wouldn't recommend it."

Christmas cancelled
4 December 2000 by Peter Dyke

SCROOGE Corrie bosses have axed slap-up turkey treats for the cast at Christmas. The soap stars used to love filming the festive edition of The Street because they could feast on turkey dinners for real. There were usually scenes involving families like The Platts, The Websters and The Duckworths sitting at home and tucking into the traditional festive scoff. But now the Corrie Chrimble treats have been binned. This year the characters are filmed washing up AFTER the meal.

The cost-cutting measures have not gone down well with some of the cast. Actress Sue Nicholls - who plays Audrey Roberts - is one star who misses her annual TV turkey dinner. The 56-year-old soap favourite said: "The best time was always Christmas - especially when Alf was around. "In past years the family would sit down to roast turkey and all the trimmings. We'd actually get to eat the slap-up meal. "Those were the days when the prop boys did us proud. "But since the budget's been cut it never happens any more. "They'll have us scraping the plates clean afterwards with not even a parsnip in sight. It's a sign of the times, I suppose."

Last night Street bosses denied they were being mean and claimed times had changed. A spokeswoman said: "We did film Street characters sitting down and eating a turkey meal some years ago. But now the pace of the soap is quicker and storylines more exciting. "I don't think seeing 50 actors from The Street tucking into their turkey meals on Christmas Day would make great viewing. "These days we focus on dramatic plots mixed in with everyday activities. "I think Sue's comments were a bit tongue-in-cheek. We do still feed and water the cast."

Coronation bleep
3 December 2000
Stars warned to mind their language on live TV special

CORONATION Street stars have been given a "watch-your- language" warning by the show's producers, terrified they could turn the air blue during the soap's special live episode. Street chiefs fear that if someone fluffs a line they could forget it's live and say something that will land the show in trouble with TV watchdogs. To try to avoid any slip-ups, the show's stars have been given a list of 20 swear words that are banned and warned they will be in trouble if they blurt them out. But the idea was branded a joke by one source on the show last night. "It's crazy to think an actor will remember to say darn instead of something nearer the knuckle in the heat of the moment" he said.

The show goes out live on Friday to celebrate 40 years on TV. But it is the first time since the 1960s it has not been pre-recorded. Episodes are usually shot six weeks ahead so it does not matter if anyone fluffs their lines. "Some of the stars would make a sailor wince with the language they use when they make a mistake during a recording," said the insider on the show. "Now bosses fear someone will inadvertently curse out loud during the live episode. "The actors are all professionals but things do go wrong. But it could be disastrous if it happened live, especially as The Street has so many young fans."

Programme-makers are given strict instructions about what words can and can't be used before the official 9pm watershed. A Street spokesman said: "This is a first for us in recent years and we're hoping everything will go smoothly."

Corrie Fred's gay bar madness
3 December 2000

CORRIE star John Savident was stabbed after taking home a total stranger he met in a gay bar, the Sunday People can reveal. John, butcher Fred Elliott in the TV soap, had known the young man for just an hour when he invited him back to his flat at 2am. Pals said last night: "It was madness to take such a risk."

SHATTERED John Savident will miss Corrie's live 40th anniversary show on Friday as he struggles to recover from the vicious attack. The actor, being comforted at home by wife Rona, 62, will be written out of the special episode. A programme source said: "John will be taking at least a week off to help heal his wounds, both physical and emotional. "It is a big disappointment for him and has put a dampener on the celebrations but his health must come first. "His doctors have told him to take it easy. It would be too much of a strain to learn lines and rehearse." The source added: "John is concentrating on getting well. It was a terrible experience and he needs to come to terms with it all."

It was the SECOND time John has been stabbed. He was a policeman from 1957 until 1963 and once had a brush with death while struggling with a knife-wielding thug. He has revealed: "I thought I'd had it. There was a lot of gang trouble in those days and they carried knives and chains sharpened to cut you to bits if they hit you "They also sewed razor-blades into jacket lapels so if you grabbed them your fingers would be cut to ribbons." John said: "Britain is becoming more like the mean streets of the Bronx than the cobbled streets of Weatherfield."

MICHAEL James Smith, 28, was yesterday charged with unlawfully wounding John with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Smith, of Ashton-under-Lyne, was also charged with robbing the actor of his Coronation Street 40th birthday party invite, four credit cards, a watch, a silver money clip and keys. He was remanded in custody until Friday.

NAPOLEONS bar - open almost 30 years - is one of the oldest gay clubs in Europe and attracts all ages. The once derelict area where it stands is now the heart of Manchester's gay nightlife. The two-storey black-painted bar on the corner of Sackville Street has settees downstairs for those wanting a cosy chat. But upstairs there is a dance floor and a DJ playing all the latest chart hits.

Although not as trendy as other Gay Village bars like Via Fossa, one Napoleons regular said: "It has a friendly, discreet atmosphere where you can chill out. "There's never any trouble and so it is never brought to the attention of the local police. That's why it has been going so long. It's also one of the best places in Manchester to meet someone."

John Savident
3 December 2000

John Savident, who plays Coronation Street's Fred Elliott, has been attacked at his Manchester flat. He sustained wounds to his neck and is currently recovering in hospital. A man has been arrested in connection with the attack.

It has been decided that John Savident will not be taking part in this Friday's live episode. This has been a mutual decision between John and the production team to allow him time off to recover from his recent ordeal.

John Savident has asked us to pass on his thanks for all of your kind thoughts and messages. He is currently being looked after by family and friends and hopes to make a speedy recovery.

Half inch from death
2 December 2000 by John Mahoney

CORONATION STREET star John Savident was stabbed in the neck in a frenzied attack. Surgeons said last night that the 62-year-old actor who plays butcher Fred Elliott was lucky to be alive. The knife wound was just half an inch from John's jugular vein - and if that had been severed, he would have bled to death.

Last night a neighbour who witnessed the scene told how he thought married dad-of-two John was a goner. He said the actor stumbled naked and bloodstained out of his flat, just a stone's throw from the Corrie studios, at 3.40am yesterday. The actor was heard screaming: "Why did he do that? I don't know why he did it." And designer David Przepiora, 56, who lives on the first floor directly above John, said: "I couldn't believe my eyes. I honestly thought he would fall over and die."

Earlier in the evening the Shakespearean actor - who used to be a policeman - had attended an Aids charity fundraiser at Via Fossa bar in the heart of Manchester's Gay Village. Detectives called by neighbours to the £150,000 apartments - near the Quay Street HQ for telly's top soap - are investigating one line of inquiry that the attacker may not have been a complete stranger. They are quizzing a 28-year old man from Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, who was arrested after John was rushed to Manchester Royal Infirmary.

The Corrie favourite was detained for 12 hours after his neck wound was patched up and then given the all-clear at 4pm. A hospital source said: "He's very lucky. The consequences of this attack could have been fatal." And as he went home looking tired and frail - but vowing to try to be fit for next Friday's live Street episode - John said: "It's been gruelling but everyone has been wonderful. "I thank the staff for taking good care of me but don't want to say anything about what happened."

Mr Przepiora, though, said after the attack he saw a man trying to wrench open John's garage, where his £25,000 black vintage Morgan sports car is kept. "John is a really nice bloke," he said. "I've had dinner with him and can testify he is the most generous, kind person you could wish to meet. How all this mayhem happened God only knows."

Mr Przepiora went on: "I heard someone making a real noise downstairs, got up and saw a man opening the garage next to John's flat. He had a remote control which makes the door go up and down. "He did this two or three times and it was making a proper din. He seemed very agitated and then ran back into the flat. It was terrifying because I knew something was very wrong. "I came out of my flat and saw John naked, covered in blood and shouting, 'I don't know why he did it'. "He looked dreadful. I feared he was going to just keel over and go. There was blood pouring from the back of his neck. "I went back to get my mobile. But when I got to my window, I saw the police were already there. "An ambulance turned up as well almost immediately and they put a blanket over him and took him away."

Mr Przepiora said: "I've lived here for the past 10 years and John's been here for about two. "I've had him round for a meal. He's really polite and friendly and he's the sort of bloke who trusts anyone. "That's perhaps what's gone wrong. "I certainly did not recognise the man involved as one of John's circle of friends. We don't ever have any trouble here so this is a real shock to us all. "In this day and age, you just cannot trust anybody."

John's wife Rhona, a grandma who lives in London's Muswell Hill district, was last night heading for Manchester. And the Guernsey-born star's mum Karoline said at her Manchester home: "All I know is that he's been mugged. That is what the police have told me."

Last night Corrie stars sent good luck messages to John. Steven Arnold, who plays his screen son Ashley Peacock, said: "We are very close and I am horrified by what's happened. I want to see him and make sure he's OK." Tracy Shaw, who plays Ashley's wife Maxine, added: "We're all very shaken that something like this could happen to someone so gentle as John. We're all desperately worried for him." Johnny Briggs (factory boss Mike Baldwin) was one of the first to hear about the attack listening to a local radio station's breakfast newsflash. He said: "I am still terribly shocked that anyone could lift a finger to John. He's one of life's genuine decent folk." And Sean Wilson (nurse Martin Platt) said: "I hope he makes a speedy recovery. He's a great bloke."

But John himself has long feared that playing buffoon Fred could bring him to harm in real life. He recently confided to the Daily Star about how he suffers "Victor Meldrew syndrome" and how he battles to have a life away from his Weatherfield role. John said he is forever being besieged by fans who come up to him yelling his Corrie catchphrase, "Scotch and threat, I say Scotch and threat." He said: "I compare it to the Meldrew syndrome - which can get quite scary" "Richard Wilson has a way of dealing with people coming up to him shouting, 'I don't believe it.' He firmly but politely tells them he is not Victor Meldrew, he is an actor, and he won't say his catchphrase for them. "It has got to the point where I am following suit. But people do not always like such rejection."

John said: "I do genuinely worry that one day someone will get very wound up and agitated with me simply because I won't rattle off something like 'Scotch and threat'. "It could get very dicey indeed one day."

• John introduced his Scotch and threat phrase to the show himself. It means - as the Daily Star revealed exclusively - whisky with NO water.

Show goes on for live Corrie episode
1 December 2000

The stabbing of Coronation Street star John Savident - who plays Fred Elliot - has shocked the rest of the cast, but hasn't affected programme-makers' plans to broadcast a live episode next week. A spokeswoman told Ananova that the studios had been innundated with calls from the show's stars, who were deeply shocked by the news. She confirmed that John was due to appear in the live show but says the makers will be able to make the necessary changes to the scripts - if he's unable to appear. She said: "Everyone on the show is really, really shocked. John's suffered a terrible ordeal."

The actor left Manchester Royal Infirmary 12 hours after being admitted. He was stabbed in the neck during an attack at his flat in the city.

Stabbed Street star leaves hospital
1 December 2000

Coronation Street star John Savident has left hospital after being stabbed in the neck during an attack at his flat. The actor left Manchester Royal Infirmary 12 hours after being admitted following the incident in the city. Savident looked pale and frail and had a large square bandage covering the front of his throat.

Speaking with obvious difficulty, he told reporters outside the hospital: "I don't feel at all well but thanks go to the great staff at the hospital. "They made a few tortuous hours very comfortable and very warming and welcoming." He has been deluged with get well messages, flowers and cards during his brief stay from members of the public and charitable organisations with which he has links. He said: "I want to say thank you to all the people who sent me flowers. I mean, I am quite overwhelmed. I really can't thank you enough. I am really gobsmacked."

Savident left the hospital with Coronation Street's head of production Trina Fraser, who was carrying a giant bouquet of flowers sent to the actor by wellwishers. A spokeswoman for the show says it is too early to say when Savident will be able to return to work. "It will be up to John. We will listen to him and see how he feels," she said.

Corrie's Fred Elliott actor 'stabbed' at flat
1 December 2000
Coronation Street actor John Savident is said to be comfortable in hospital with neck wounds after he was apparently stabbed at his flat. The 62-year-old actor, who plays butcher Fred Elliott, was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary where his condition was described as comfortable and stable.

His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. A police spokesman said a man was arrested in a nearby street and was being questioned. The three-storey flat is only 100 yards away from the near the Granada studios in Manchester where the soap is filmed. Savident has played the role of Fred Elliott since 1994.

Take me Tyrone !
1 December 2000 by Tony Leonard

A SEXY girl-power storyline is set to shock strait-laced Corrie fans. Senior insiders fear that some older viewers will reach for the off button when luscious kennel-maid Maria Sutherland offers boyfriend Tyrone Dobbs an 18th birthday present with a difference...herself.

Maria, played by stunning young actress Samia Ghadie, wants to give him nookie on the actual day that he officially becomes a man. But last night a Coronation Street source revealed: "It's the sort of storyline you'd never have seen in Corrie until recently. "But we've moved with the times, and we are just as successful as ever. "We know some older fans will be tut-tutting over Maria's plans to have her wicked way with Tyrone, but there's nothing wrong with showing that young women can be as upfront about wanting sex as young men. "Maria's no slapper. She's in love with Tyrone and wants to give him a very precious gift."

The near-the-knuckle plotline will unfold as grease monkey Tyrone, played by Alan Halsall, reaches his significant birthday. But what he doesn't know is that mucky Maria, who gives him a flashy watch as a birthday present, has raunchier thoughts on her mind. For she has secretly booked a luxury hotel room where the couple can enjoy a memorable night of lust together.

The Street production team member added: "It's very risque, but in the best possible taste. "Viewers will be dying to find out whether Maria makes a man of Tyrone."

Terry goes back to college
1 December 2000

Part-time Corrie bad boy Nigel Pivaro has gone back to college. Nigel, 40, has played Terry Duckworth in eight spells in Weatherfield. But in real life he is fascinated by war and battles. "I'm studying contemporary military history at Salford University," he said. "I've always been fascinated by current affairs and the past. For the next three years I'll have to fit TV work around my studies."

Corrie doc gets pulses racing
1 December 2000 by Jonathan Donald

Pulses have been set racing in Coronation Street this week in the imposing form of Dr Matt Ramsden. Six-foot-plus actor Stephen Beckett, 33, has traded in his uniform in The Bill to be the much-lusted-after GP. But to the disappointment of many, his character has a wife, Charlie. She's played by Claire McGlinn, 32, another former police show star. Even so, both are raring to get stuck into some serious sexual shenanigans.

Dr Matt Ramsden, is Corrie's first resident medical man. "I've been a fan all my life, you just can't miss it," beams Stephen, who in real life dates Emmerdale's Anna Brecon. "I'm in charge of the new Rosamund Street Health Centre. It's the first time a doctor has lived in the Street. They're going to make it a big storyline - I hope so anyway or it will be very boring. "He's a working-class boy made good who wants to give something back to the community that paid for his education," says Stephen, who played PC Jarvis in The Bill. "He really believes in the NHS. But he's also a slob. He gives everything to his work and, by the time he gets home, all he wants to do is watch sport and eat kebabs. "I believe there will be a lot of spice in my vindaloo," laughs Stephen. "I think there's going to be all sorts of shenanigans going on with the couples of Corrie."

Street stars spin on to game show
30 November 2000
Tracy Shaw has been lined up as a guest hostess on ITV quiz show Wheel Of Fortune as part of celebrations for Coronation Street's 40th birthday. Shaw plays Weatherfield hairdresser Maxine Peacock in the ITV soap. She will step in for pregnant Jenny Powell for a week from Monday to spin the letters.

To round off her five days on the show on Friday December 8, she will be joined by a trio of contestants from Corrie. Nigel Pivaro who plays the Street's bad boy Terry Duckworth, Bobbi Lewis actress Naomi Russell, and Chris Bisson who plays Vikram Desai will be pitting their wits on the show hosted by John Leslie.

It is the first time Shaw has appeared on a game show. She said: "I was delighted to be asked to be hostess for a week. It's going to be so much fun, especially on Friday when the other guys from Corrie join in."

Granada gains ground in TV adverts war
30 November 2000 By George Trefgarne, Financial Correspondent

ITV has been recording its biggest audiences for three years, Charles Allen, chairman of Granada Media said yesterday, helped by hit shows such as Coronation Street, Cold Feet and Who Wants to be a Millionaire.

In October, ITV had 39pc of the audience for peak time, against 36pc over the summer. On an average evening, ITV is watched by 10m people. There have been fears that the ITV audience is on a long-term downward trend, in the face of competition from BSkyB, but Mr Allen said: "The big losers have not been us or even BBC1, but the smaller channels like Channel 5 and Channel 4."

In the 5m homes with Sky Digital, ITV viewing is under pressure, falling to 30pc at peak time. But Mr Allen is now opening negotiations to make sure ITV can be received through the Sky box. At first, the resilience of the ITV audience cheered Granada Media's shares yesterday which gained 23p to 405p on hopes that advertising revenue at ITV will also pick up. Analysts have recently halved their advertising growth forecasts to 3.5pc for next year, causing a collapse in Granada Media shares from the 515p summer float-price.

Mr Allen said there was good news for December, with bookings from advertisers up 7pc. He also pointed out that the average growth was 4pc to 6pc and "I see no reason to change that". However, at a meeting with analysts he expressly stopped short of advising them to increase their forecasts. He said afterwards: "I am not encouraging any of them to change their figures. It is too early to do so as we are still negotiating the contracts for next year."

With Mr Allen being circumspect, the shares gyrated and soon gave back their gains to close at 383p, up just 1p. Nick Bell, of Bear Stearns, said: "For me the interesting thing is that Granada are essentially sticking with the 3.5pc forecast for next year, yet there are so many positives such as the the 2.5 minute increase in evening advertising time as part of the deal to bring back News At Ten. Are they trying to manage expectations by being deliberately cautious, or is there something nasty they are expecting? You just can't tell."

Results - Granada Media's first as an independent listed company - were broadly in line with expectations. Turnover in the year to September was up 9pc at £1.1 billion and pre-tax profits up 7pc at £301m, before exceptional items. A dividend of 3.5pc will be paid on April 2 next year.

Christmas on The Street
29 November 2000

MIKE Baldwin's scheming wife Linda - played by Jacqueline Pirie, who stars on our cover - sets her sights on pulling pints rather than crackers this Christmas. As Mike, Duggie and Fred launch plans to take over the Rovers, Linda sees herself as the next Bet Lynch.

Meanwhile, the big event on Christmas Eve is Curly and Emma's wedding when all is calm, all is bright, thanks partly to a surprise arrival - a little angel from France. Would-be parents Roy and Hayley share their turkey and trimmings with an older angel, but there are heartbreaking hurdles ahead. Vera returns from hospital, happy and healthy, and can't believe her mince pies - her old kitchen is now a wonderland.

But, in a special Christmas Day episode, boys behave badly elsewhere in Weatherfield. Martin plays the good father - and then sneaks off to a party to play the carefree single man. At least he doesn't get sloshed and confess earlier crimes of passion to exactly the wrong person, as another foolish male resident does.

There's trouble from Ken Barlow's long-lost son Peter, who needs no mistletoe to act like a drunken lech and a complete fool. By the 31st, Ken may be ruing the day he welcomed him home.

Not many cups of kindness look like being drunk this New Year's Eve. A party turns into a nightmare for Rita. And Natalie, pregnant and alone, prepares to quit the Rovers. But with Mike, Fred and Duggie in charge, the pub's probably in safe hands.

And red-nosed reindeer might fly...

Corrie actress wants a better sex life for Toyah
29 November 2000

Georgia Taylor says she'd love to see her Coronation Street character Toyah Battersby become more of a man-eater. The 20-year-old actress said she doesn't want her to be seen as a tart, but to have a few flings because that's what 18-year-olds do.

And Georgia cringes at how her character first looked three years ago. "I remember being given the outfit I had to wear as Toyah. I had these hot pants which looked like huge camouflage granny knickers - they were awful," she said.

ITV show the 40th anniversary of Coronation Street on December 8.

Getting personal with... Hayley Cropper
28 November 2000 Interview by Samantha Gillings

• Full name: Julie Claire Hesmondhalgh
  
• Have you ever adopted a pseudonym and if so, why?
  No, but I was known as "Hesy" throughout school.
• Have you ever lied about your age and if so, why?
  When I was 19, I replied to a lonely hearts ad saying I was 27 as he was much older.
• How would you describe yourself in a lonely hearts ad?
  Big-arsed leftie with unlimited access to showbiz parties.
• What was the last illegal thing you did?
  I stole a strawberry Chubba Chup from Rita's cabin.
• What was the last kind-hearted thing you did?
  Gave a lift on a rainy day for two Man U fans and I don't even support them.
• Who's the nicest person you've ever worked with?
  Sue Nichols, who plays Audrey - always a nice word to say about everybody.
• What are the initials of the most unpleasant person you've worked with?
  NL. When I was a cleaner in Knightsbridge.
• Has a critic ever made you cry?
  Garry Bushell, he hates me and Hayley.
• What would you advertise without a fee?
  Amnesty International and Cadbury's.
• What would you never advertise?
  McDonalds, banks and Stage Coach.
• What wakes you up screaming at four in the morning?
  Garry Bushell, guilt and random drunken memories from the evening before.
• What takes you to a "happy place"?
  Driving my camper van down country lanes singing to Billy Bragg's The Internationale at the top of my voice.

Clumsy Alma banned from special
28 November 2000 by Jonathan Donald
Corrie star Amanda Barrie has been barred from a special live episode of the soap - because she's too clumsy. Rehearsals begin next week for the one-off to mirror the first ever night of the show on Dec 9, 1960.

Barrie, 65, who plays Alma Halliwell, said: "They don't trust me to walk on which is very silly because I've spent most of my life on the stage. "But I'm the one who can't open doors or trips up walking into the Rovers."

Getting the giggles - or what actors refer to as corpsing - is another reason for her exclusion from the special on Dec 8. She said: "I'm the worst corpse on the show, especially with Bill Roache (Ken Barlow) and Eileen Derbyshire (Emily Bishop). "We just have to look at each other to crack up. If we were together in the episode, they'd never finish it."

Amanda is in fact relieved she won't be in the live episode: "I'm not disappointed in the slightest." Amanda, whose large doe eyes have earned her legions of admirers since starring in Carry On Cleo, suffers from central retinal vein occlusion. She has lost the sight in one eye and could eventually go blind.

Hilda Ogden crowned Queen of The Street
28 November 2000
Hilda Ogden, whose rollers and scarf were loved by millions for three decades, has been hailed as Britain's favourite Coronation Street character. She tops a list of veterans who have proved more popular than more recent Corrie recruits in a poll of TV Times readers.

Actress Jean Alexander who played the Street legend, said: "It's amazing, there have been so many outstanding characters, but the Oggies were a great double act." She appeared in the show from 1964 to 1987, 20 years of that opposite alongside the late Bernard Youens who played her husband Stan. Alexander became a television legend in her housecoat and apron, while the flying ducks nailed to her "muriel" on the living room wall of 13 Coronation Street became a national institution.

Hilda left Coronation Street - which next month celebrates its 40th anniversary - to become a housekeeper for Dr Lowther in Derbyshire.

Runner-up in the poll was Elsie Tanner, the siren of the street throughout the 1960s, played by the late Pat Phoenix. Jack and Vera Duckworth are the only couple to figure in the top ten with Jack - played by Bill Tarmey - finishing in third place, his wife (Liz Dawn) four places behind. Ken Barlow, the show's longest serving star played by William Roache, is eighth.

Editor Pete Genower said: "The really strong, memorable characters date back to the Sixties and Seventies with people like Hilda, Ena Sharples, Elsie Tanner, Stan Ogden, Bet Gilroy and Eddie Yeats still living on in the memory. With few exceptions, today's cast don't have the same pulling power as the characters of the past."

The top ten is as follows:

1. Hilda Ogden
2. Elsie Tanner
3. Jack Duckworth
4. Rita Sullivan
5. Bet Gilroy
6. Ena Sharples
7. Vera Duckworth
8. Ken Barlow
9. Raquel Watts
10. Les Battersby

Corrie at 7.30 on ITV2 during football
17 November 2000 by Colin Robertson

ITV2 is set to screen a number of editions of peaktime soap Coronation Street before they appear on the main ITV channel for the duration of the Uefa Champion´s League tournament. With a sympathetic nod towards the hordes of ITV soap fans forced to wait until almost 22.00 on Champion´s League nights to watch Coronation Street, ITV2 will screen the goings on from Weatherfield at the regular time of 19.30 on match nights, starting from next Wednesday (22 November).

While the move will only provide ITV2 with around three "exclusives" in the next few months, it is a significant first for the two-year old channel. ITV2 regularly screens both Emmerdale and Coronation Street several hours after they are shown on ITV. The move is part of a concerted effort by ITV chiefs to raise the profile of the channel which is expected to announce a number of major changes to its output at the ITV winter launch on Tuesday (21 November). The Coronation Street scoop will be flagged up by on-air promotion.

Bruce Jones: I was cracking up
27 November 2000
IT IS his most vivid childhood memory - strong enough almost to blot out all the bad ones. Nearly every day, Bruce Jones would walk round the corner from his home, and saunter 10 minutes down the road to the studios that had become home to Coronation Street. They would never let him in, of course. So he'd grab hold of the railings, pull himself up and peer through them, hoping to catch a glimpse of the stars. Pat Phoenix was his favourite. If he was lucky, they would wave his way, or even come over to sign his makeshift autograph book.

It all seemed so glamorous. "One day, I'm going to be in Coronation Street," he would rush home to tell his grandmother. She would just smile, and tell him that daydreams never put food on the table. Nearly four decades on, Bruce is on the other side of the railings, and chuffed beyond words to be there. He tells me about a recent survey, tied to the forthcoming 40th anniversary of the nation's favourite soap, in which viewers were asked to vote for their 40 favourite Coronation Street stars. His character, the loutish Les Battersby, was featured. He can't quite believe his luck. Every day, he thanks God that he got the job. Without it, he could still be digging gardens, or hoping to get enough welding work to pay the rent.

But he is also grateful to still be here. Grateful that the job didn't kill him. Bruce didn't see his problems coming. For the first few years in his Corrie role, he was blissfully happy. After a controversial start, when the Battersby clan were described as the most hated family in Britain, his popularity soared. The fan mail started pouring in. "It was brilliant," he says. "We'd been brought in as this really hard, mean family, but gradually we mellowed a little, and viewers got to see a softer side to Les. They started to like him."

They started to like Bruce, too. Suddenly, he was hot property - wanted at charity bashes, celebrity parties, premieres, supermarket openings. He realised, stunned, that he could make thousands of pounds for a personal appearance. Before long, he was doing four or five a week.

WHILE HIS career went from strength to strength, his personal life suffered. But he didn't see that he was exhausted. People started talking about his "problem". Bruce was baffled. Friends, colleagues, bosses tried to have a quiet word. Some said he was drinking too much; others insisted he was stressed out. His wife, Sandra, begged him to get help. But it wasn't until a stranger accosted him in a pub, insinuating that he was making easy money, that Bruce realised he was going off the rails. "My wife had bought me this leather jacket with a fur collar, and this bloke decided to give me grief about it, he recalls. "He saw Les Battersby sitting in the bar and just had to have a go. "But he had picked the wrong night. I just lashed out at him. "I wanted to take on everyone in that pub. I wanted to fight the world. I even ended up having a go at my best friend. After that, I knew I needed help. I couldn't go on."

Within days, Bruce was in The Priory rehab clinic. "It all happened so quickly," he says. "Suddenly I was in this place and the papers were saying I had a drink problem. I didn't. I've never had a drink problem. I don't even like the taste of spirits. "But there was something wrong. I think I was having a breakdown. I spoke to the counsellors, and I was desperate for them to tell me what was wrong. They said I was a workaholic. I was making myself ill because I just couldn't stop."

For six weeks he, submitted to counselling sessions, group therapy and painful soul-searching. He was forced to remember unhappy times, and to analyse why he seemed unable to cope with life in the spotlight when others thrived on it. He forced himself to confront childhood traumas and his fears of rejection. When he re-emerged, determined to make things different, he was terrified. "Those first weeks out were bloody hard," admits Bruce who returned to the show last spring. "Everyone knew I had been in The Priory, and they had formed their own opinions about why. "I had to ignore all that and concentrate on getting well myself. I knew that I had to completely change my life. "I had been pushing myself just too hard. I had been warned that success in Coronation Street would change my life - but there is no guide book to follow. No one tells you how to do it. Suddenly people were paying me to open supermarkets and crack a few gags. I took everything I could. I always hated to say no. So I was out practically every night. I'd go straight from filming to some nightclub or other. "Yes, I was drinking - not because I had an alcohol problem, but because that's what you do in these places.

AFTER a year of it, I fell over. Your body can only take so much. On the odd nights I did have off, I'd go back and argue with my wife. "It was getting out of control. My life was no longer my own. I didn't trust anyone. No one would listen. "I was cracking up. I thought I was going mad. "I wasn't even together enough to get myself into somewhere like The Priory. Looking back, it is all a blur. The Granada people sorted it all out, and before I knew it I was there, being told I must talk about my problems. That doesn't come easy to someone like me."

Friendly and affable he may be, but Bruce finds it difficult to talk about the flip side of his fame. He stumbles over his sentences. But it isn't until he starts talking about his childhood that the tears actually start to fall. He was always a sickly boy. A bout of arthritis put him in hospital when he was nine. He was 15 before he was clear of the disease. "I was only a kid, and I was in and out of hospital so much that I was more used to it than to my own home," he says. "At one point, I was in for two years solid. In an isolation ward. I still can't think of those days without breaking my heart. I knew the other kids were all outside, playing football. I thought I was going to die. The doctors thought I wasn't going to make it. "And at times I wanted to die. The pain was so bad that I couldn't see any way out. I told them to give me an injection to kill the pain, and to kill me with it. "Every night, my mother would sit, rubbing my legs. She wanted to make the pain go away. It never did. I still remember it."

His illness put a strain on the family. At first, his father visited faithfully every week. Then the visits dwindled. Eventually, he stopped coming. When Bruce came out of hospital, he discovered that his parents had split up. "I blamed myself," he admits, shoulders heaving. "I thought that if they hadn't had me to worry about, to visit, things might have been different. As it was, things were never the same again. "Things got so bad at home that I went to live with my aunt and uncle. I suppose I went a bit wild after that. Hospital hardened me up.

I DIDN'T feel pain any more - so I'd get into fights, force myself into situations where I'd be hurt. I didn't care. "Maybe it's been the same all my life. I used to work as a fireman and I'd always be the one taking the risks, going that little bit further because I just didn't feel the pain."

Because he wasn't allowed to play football, Bruce went to drama classes and found an escape through making people laugh. His Uncle John encouraged him to think about an acting career. But it wasn't an easy route. Before landing the role of Les, he did all manner of jobs. Once, he had four on the go at the same time. He also found time to go to evening classes in drama, never really imagining that anything would come of them.

With two children from his first marriage and two from his second, the only important thing was putting food on the table. "I had watched my mother struggle to raise a family, and I remembered the days of queuing up, begging for food parcels," he says. "I vowed I would never allow my children to see anything like that. "I gave the acting classes a go to prove something to myself. Deep down, I wasn't convinced people like me could actually be actors." But others were impressed with his talent. While still at night school, Bruce landed a role in the Ken Loach film Raining Stones. It brought him enormous critical acclaim and a best-actor nomination.

SUDDENLY, he was in Cannes, being feted as a hot new British talent. A role in The Full Monty followed. "Was I out of my depth? Of course I was," he says. "What was all that Cannes stuff about? There was Michael Douglas coming up to talk to me - Bruce Jones from Manchester. I didn't know what I was doing. "Things just went mad. I made 2407 with Bob Hoskins and was lined up to be in his next production when the Street job came up and I knew I had to take it. I had to call Bob and say I couldn't take up his offer. "I was petrified. I was saying no to one of the greatest actors ever. "Luckily, he understood. He told me I had to go with my heart. I've never regretted the decision for a minute."

Bruce little thought he would ever be regarded as a linchpin in the Corrie cast. But as the 40th anniversary celebrations approach, he is tickled pink to be part of them. "I remember watching the very first episodes," he recalls. "When Ena Sharples walked into the snug in the Rovers, it was like a revelation to me. My street had an Ena. Everyone's did. "I'd watch Hilda and Stan and marvel at their ability to make people laugh. Bernard Youens was just brilliant. His body language was next to none. "I wanted to be just like him. I'd sit in a pub and watch how people moved. There would always be a Les Battersby. "I'd pick little things up, make the character more my own, and I'd be thrilled when the writers started incorporating traits in the scripts. But I'm still learning. I've got a long way to go. "I can't tell you what a thrill it still gives me to walk into work in the morning, and say Hello to the fans waiting. "This job has brought me grief, but that's my problem. It's all about how I handle the pressure. And I am learning. "The important thing is that, every day, it takes me back to when I was a kid. It reminds me that this is what I daydreamed of becoming."I am living my dream. How many people can say that?"

Corrie's Maureen lands first role in Corssroads
27 November 2000
FORMER Coronation Street star Sherrie Hewson has landed the first role in the new TV version of Crossroads. The actress, best known as Reg Holdsworth's dippy wife Maureen in the Street, will play Virginia, a stern receptionist at the now upmarket Crossroads Hotel.

Sherrie, 49, quit Corrie in 1997. She said last night: "I'm absolutely thrilled. Crossroads was a cult show and it's going to be again. "My character Virginia is wonderful - both funny and spiky. Viewers will love this series."

Sherrie is currently starring in hit ITV comedy Barbara with Gwen Taylor. A spokesman for Crossroads makers Carlton Productions said: "Sherrie is a talented and much-loved actress. She's going to be a marvellous addition to the Crossroads cast."

Old Crossroads favourites such as Jill Harvey, actress Jane Rossington, will return but there is no role for Paul Henry as odd-job man Benny. The spokesman said: "It will be a mix of old favourites, household names and exciting new talent."

The show will air five days a week at lunchtimes.

Corrie's Vera contemplated a new Dawn
26 November 2000
Liz Dawn has revealed she thought about quitting as Coronation Street's well-loved Vera Duckworth - because she was bored of being stuck in the Rovers Return. She became tired of the repetitive storylines when she and screen husband Jack - Bill Tarmey - were running the best-known pub in Britain. But the star, who recently received her MBE from the Queen, admits to the TV Times magazine: "I don't know what I'd do if I left Corrie."

The actress, a regular in the show for 20 years after joining as a machinist in Mike Baldwin's factory, said: "I mean many a time I've wanted to leave, but I couldn't cope. "I thought I might end up in Marks and Spencer looking at knickers and saying to people 'remember me, I used to be Vera Duckworth'."

Continual storylines based around the pub prompted her most serious thoughts of retiring, Dawn says. "I did think about leaving when we had the Rovers because then a lot of the stories were actually set in the pub and I just thought, it's so repetitive. "You're stood behind the bar and sometimes you're just padding for other people."

Happily for fans she decided against it and went on to work at Roy's Rolls and moved back into their old home. And she is now happy to stay in the Street for years to come. "I'll probably end up in the Rovers with Big Bloomers - another Ena Sharples," she added.

Linda v Liz
25 November 2000 by John Mahoney

CORRIE bosses are lining up a catfight behind the bar of the Rovers . . . while they decide who is to become the new landlady. Fans will see the claws come out as scheming Linda Baldwin and brassy Liz McDonald are both installed as temporary managers. Friendship goes out of the window as they clash head-on, each trying to outdo the other.

Stubborn Linda - played by Jacqui Pirie - believes she should be crowned only the fifth landlady in Coronation Street's 40-year history because her husband Mike has bought into the Rovers. But that cuts no ice with Liz, alias actress Bev Callard, who believes she should rule the roost at Britain's best-known boozer, because she is senior and has worked in the licensed trade before. The joint-running of the pub will give Street chiefs a little bit of breathing space before taking the all-important decision of who lands one of the most sought-after jobs in television.

But Liz WON'T be ruling the Weatherfield watering hole in the long term. The Daily Star revealed last week that actress Bev will quit in the New Year after soap bosses rejected her demands for a 12-month or two-year contract. But that doesn't mean that Linda is in a one-horse race to get her name over the door of the Rovers and follow previous landladies Annie Walker, Bet Gilroy, Vera Duckworth and Natalie Barnes into the history books.

A Corrie source revealed last night: "There is a chance that someone from outside could be brought in completely out of the blue. "Liz McDonald would ideally fit the bill and was very seriously considered, but unfortunately all the parties involved couldn't agree on a deal. "So it has been decided to leave the position open for a while and play Liz off against Linda. "There's some great banter and sniping coming up, and it all works really well."

The insider revealed the idea was floated that Rita Sullivan - played by Barbara Knox - might have all the right credentials to be the "mother hen" at the Rovers who holds the show together. But that scenario was swiftly ditched when it was agreed that her lack of experience at running a bar ruled her out.

Boredom drove Alma to quit
24 November 2000 by Jonathan Donald

Actress Amanda Barrie is to quit Corrie because she's fed up being boring Alma. Barrie, who leaves next summer after 11 years, told TV Plus: "I haven't enjoyed it, if I'm absolutely honest. "Ever since I joined the Street I've cried, which is not something I normally spend my life doing. It's the last thing I do. "I did comedy all my life and then came to Weatherfield and life got very boring. "I've become like the Street agony aunt because of Alma. Everybody comes up, even members of the public, and asks me for help."

Barrie, 65, joined the ITV soap in 1989 after a long stage and screen career. She is best known for playing Cleopatra in Carry On Cleo. She told TV Plus: "As someone from a stage background, you are always thinking there's another show in me. "But I do so many other things as well. I'm in Spain a lot, I do antiques, I paint and make furniture. "When you get to my age you have to make time to do all these things before your toes curl up."

Corrie producers are deciding how to write out Alma Halliwell - but the actress wants a low-key exit. She said: "The problem with juicy storylines is how are you going to come out at the end? "People like Don Brennan (Geoff Hinsliff) came out with half a leg. You could end up with cancer or having a bit chopped off. "I'm happy to just toddle off."

Alma: time I was off
24 November 2000 by John Mahoney

AMANDA BARRIE is quitting Coronation Street - because she feels too old at 65. She will leave her £90,000-a-year role as unlucky-in-love Alma when her contract ends next year.

Amanda, who looks amazingly young for her age, stunned cast pals with the bombshell that she is throwing in the towel after 11 years on the top soap. She tearfully told them: "I feel it's time to hand over to the youngsters, who I think are so brilliant." Corrie sources claim Amanda had found it increasingly hard coping with the pressures of the four-times-a-week show.

However, her decision comes as rival soap EastEnders is preparing to outdo Corrie and go FIVE TIMES a week. BBC executives have tightened security at the Elstree studios in preparation for the move early next year.

A Street insider said: "Amanda's decision to go has left us shocked. "She's a great professional. You'd never know she was 65. She looks at least 15 years younger." Amanda first joined Corrie in 1981 as Alma Sedgwick. A Street insider said: "Amanda's decision to go has left us shocked. "She's a great professional. You'd never know she was 65. She looks at least 15 years younger." The one-time Carry on Cleo star became full-time in the cast 11 years ago.

She said: "As both the show and I have reached special birthdays this year, I thought it was about time I bowed out in the hope that there's one more show in me. "There has to be a time when things come to an end. I've had a very happy time and feel blessed and proud to have been in the show."

Amanda admitted she has been wanting to leave for some time but couldn't handle handing in her notice. Earlier this year she claimed playing Mike Baldwin's spurned wife was ageing her. She said: "I wake up with a heavy heart and tell myself it's not happening to you, it's happening to Alma. you're all right."

Last night Amanda - who lives in London's Covent Garden but also has a Manchester flat - was praised by executive producer Jane Macnaught. She said: "She has been a much-loved character and we truly appreciate her loyalty and commitment." TV fans have enjoyed her spectacular sparring bouts with two-timing ex-hubby Mike Baldwin, played by Johnny Briggs. Last night a pal of the actor said : "He was taken into her confidence a little while ago so this is not completely out of the blue for him. Johnny will miss her because they get on brilliantly well."

Alma has had a chequered history in the Street. Alma enjoyed a famous fling with Ken Barlow before tying the knot with factory boss Baldwin. They wed in 1992 - divorcing seven years later when she rumbled his fling with Julia Stone. She's had her moments too - although nothing has ever gone smoothly in her love life. She attempted an affair with Audrey Roberts's son Stephen Reid. She missed out on love with Ravi Desi and fought with Audrey for the love of councillor, Bob Bradshaw until she realised he was corrupt. Viewers are currently watching love blossom with Frank O'Connor. But perhaps her most famous scenes were when she escaped the clutches of Don Brennan, the obsessed peg-legged pervert who tried to kill the pair of them in 1997.

Amanda had something else in common with Johnny Briggs apart from playing his ex-wife. She was Cleopatra in Carry On Cleo, in the mid-60s while Johnny was a soldier in Carry On Up The Khyber. An ex-chorus girl, Amanda has been married to actor Robin Hunter, 70, for 34 years. They have lived apart for 20 years but never got around to divorcing.

I can't Corrie on
24 November 2000

ACTRESS Amanda Barrie is quitting Coronation Street after a lifetime on stage and screen, because she believes "there's one more show in me". Amanda, 60, who ran away from home in Lancashire at 13 to seek fame in London, is the star who's done it all - a Lionel Blair dancer who has played Shakespeare, the West End, circus and even Carry On comedy. But it was as Mike Baldwin's long-suffering wife Alma in the Street that she became a major TV name.

Yesterday as she announced her exit from the soap that celebrates its 40th birthday on December 9, Amanda said: "As both the show and I have reached special birthdays this year, I thought it was about time I bowed out in the hope that there's one more show in me. "This is something I've been thinking about for ages, but couldn't face up to the emotion of leaving or tear myself away. "Now I feel it's time to hand over to the youngsters in the show who I think are so brilliant." The strain of commuting from her London home to Granada's Manchester studio has also taken its toll.

Amanda bows out after 11 years as a regular in the Street, where she arrived as Alma Sedgewick, became Alma Baldwin for seven years and is now plain Alma Halliwell with a job at Freshco's supermarket. Last night Johnny Briggs, who plays Mike Baldwin, led the tributes to Amanda. "It came as a real surprise," he said. "It's a real shame she's leaving, but I understand her decision. "I'm really, really going to miss her."

Corrie producer Jane Macnaught said: "We are sorry to see Amanda go and wish her well. "She's been a much-loved character and we truly appreciate her loyalty and commitment to the show." Macnaught will be working on an "exciting exit" for Alma, when the character leaves next summer.

Amanda made her debut in the soap in 1981, returning in 1989 as Alma Sedgewick, who had split from husband Jim and taken the Street cafe as part of the settlement. She dated Ken Barlow before becoming Mrs Baldwin and finally dumping him over his latest affair . In between, she was stalked and almost killed by cabbie Don Brennan. Last year Alma found a lump in her breast, which proved benign. Keen to land one more meaty role before quitting showbiz altogether, Amanda said yesterday: "I want to endlessly thank Granada and Coronation Street, but there has to be a time when things come to an end."

Street sources said she was leaving at the top of her game. One said: "It's a bit like when Thelma Barlow, decided to go as Mavis. Sometimes in life you just feel like you need a change." Agent Peter Charlesworth confirmed that the constant trips between London and Manchester had played a major part in her decision. He said: "It is tough and has become increasingly difficult recently. It's been an emotional decision for her because she's had a lovely time on the Street."

I'll not let secrets of soap slip - new Street star's vow
23 November 2000

THE first Scottish character in Coronation Street's history has vowed to keep his role a secret. Iain de Caestecker, 12, from Glasgow, will take up the part early next year. Coronation Street yesterday confirmed the Daily Record's story early this month that the Scot was going to be brought into the Manchester soap.

The Jordanhill Secondary pupil said: "I've not been told many of the story details myself, but I can say it's a really good part and I'm impatient to get started. "It is amazing, and a bit unreal, to think that millions of people will be watching what I do. "I can see the dangers of some actors getting big-headed but I won't go that way. My family wouldn't let me anyway. They would be too busy pulling my leg."

Jane Macnaught, the Scots producer of Britain's top soap which celebrates its 40th anniversary next month, was the brains behind the idea. She said yesterday: "The character was born and brought up in Scotland, his parents are from Scotland but he is linked with one of the longest standing residents of the Street. "I'm not going to say much more than that but as a Scot I'm proud to have been able to bring the show's first true Scot into Weatherfield."

Iain appeared in recent film The Little Vampire and will be seen in Monarch of the Glen next year. He added: "If people start to recognise me on the Underground, then that will be cool." Iain won't be the only Scots actor in the present cast. Jacqueline Pirie, who plays Linda, is one of the highest profile characters but she swaps her Stirlingshire accent for a Mancunian one.

Street wimp Ken Barlow's "son", Peter, grew up in Glasgow. He will soon be returning but he won't have a Scottish accent.

Let Ash have a fling
22 November 2000 by Adam Kennet

CORRIE BABE Tracy Shaw pledged her forseeable future to ITV's ever-green soap opera yesterday. And she said she saw her fictional counterpart Maxine Peacock as the NEW Audrey Roberts.

But glamour puss Tracy put a spanner in the works for fans, who like to see her hairdresser character in a happy marriage with squeakyvoiced butcher Ashley. For the sexpot actress wants a sizzling extra-marital affair to come between them. And, if possible, she would like her wimpy husband to be the bedroom sinner.

Tracy, who made her comments in a special 40th anniversary supplement of Inside Soap magazine, said: "I think Maxine and Ashley will stay content for the moment. They're the only happy couple on the Street right now. "But eventually I'd like one of them to have an affair, and it would be great if it was Ashley because everyone will expect it to be Maxine."

And Tracy, who has just put pen to paper on a new contract that keeps her in the show, added: "If they could survive that, I think that they could have a happy future together. "I've always seen Maxine as a baby Audrey, so it would be nice if Ashley could become Mayor of Weatherfield a few years down the line. "Then Maxine could lord it as Mayoress, take over his job, and generally get up people's noses."

Corrie Sal to marry Danny
21 November 2000

MARRIAGE-mad Coronation Street is to start the New Year with another wedding proposal. Hard-working mum Sally Webster and boyfriend Danny Hargreaves will become the latest couple to tie the knot. A source said: "The scenes will be quality Coronation Street and we expect viewers to love them all - they will like the fact that Sally will see some happiness on the horizon." Danny will pop the question during the New Year's Eve Sunday episode set to keep fans gripped.

Festive celebrations at the Rovers Return will be tinged with sadness as landlady Natalie Barnes, played by Denise Welch, serves her last pint. But in one corner Sally, played by Sally Whittaker, and Danny, actor Richard Standing, will be cuddling up over their drinks. The source said: "There will have been a few tears shed when Natalie walks away from the place, but to balance the show it was decided to start the New Year with a bit of happiness. "And Sally's decision to accept Danny's proposal fits the bill perfectly."

This year has seen Kevin Webster (Mike Le Vell) marry Alison Wakefield (Naomi Radcliffe), Mike Baldwin (Johnny Briggs) wed Linda Sykes (Jacqueline Pirie) and Curly Watts (Kevin Kennedy) is set to tie the knot with policewoman Emma Taylor (Angela Lonsdale). The source added: "Weddings seem to be the in thing at Corrie at the moment - they do pull in good audience figures."

Sarah Lou drama
21 November 2000 Emily Rose

CORRIE'S gymslip mum Sarah Louise Platt is about to be caught up in ANOTHER under-age sex crisis. Fans will see her desperately trying to conceal the existence of baby Bethany when she starts going out with a new boyfriend. Sarah Lou - played by Tina O'Brien - is terrified that her new bloke Glenn will think she's "easy" and pressure her into having sex with him. It also means new heartache for her mum Gail, who is still going through a traumatic divorce after husband Martin cheated on her.

Last night a senior source at Granada TV said: " This is a nightmare all around. "Gail dreads the possibility of becoming a granny again, and holding yet another baby. She's absolutely distraught when she finds out her daughter is interested in having a serious boyfriend." The Street source added: "This is not a cosy, make-believe storyline. It is very much a situation from real life. Viewers will see Sarah hiding the existence of baby Bethany from her new boyfriend. "She does this for two reasons. First, she does not want Glenn to think she is a young slapper. "Second, she's dreading that if he does find out he'll want what her previous boyfriend has already had . . . SEX! "She is utterly terrified of the prospect, but knows that if she truly loves him, she may have to succumb."

Corrie has already won praise from politicians, parents, and birth control campaigners for its handling of Sarah Lou's teen-mum tale. Plots have shown how the new arrival totally destroyed the schoolgirl's normal life. She got pregnant after a fumbling sexual encounter with a fellow school pupil called Neil Fearns - neither fully realising what they were doing or understanding the dangers of unprotected sex.

Coronation repeat - Brenda's had nine role in 36 years
21 November 2000

FORGET Maxine and Curly and even Bet and Ken - and meet the woman who is really Coronation Street's biggest star. The name of Brenda Elder may not immediately ring a bell, but the 58-year-old actress has had more roles in the soap than anyone else in the show's 40-year history. From a waitress in the 1960s to Sally Webster's sharp-tongued mum Elsie in the 1980s and 1990s, Brenda has appeared as NINE different characters. She's been in Coronation Street for 36 years, but such is her talent for changing her appearance that few ever recognised her from one part to another.

Brenda says: "It's a nice accident to have chalked up so many parts and I'm very proud of it, particularly as Coronation Street is celebrating its anniversary. It's a part of social history. "I always wanted to play a character that became one of the regulars, but it wasn't to be. I auditioned for the part of Rita, but Barbara Knox beat me to it. "She's been there for 36 years in the same part, and I've been there for 36 years, coming and going as different characters."

Brenda, who lives in Northenden, Manchester, made her debut as a waitress in 1964 alongside wild child Lucille Hewitt, played by Jennifer Moss. She was 22. "Coronation Street was live in those days and it was very nerve-racking," she remembers. "I played this very bad-tempered waitress. I had to enter the room with a tray full of crockery and cutlery and I remember it made a terrible noise because my hands were shaking so much with fear." For that one-off role she was paid a princely £8. She says: "It was a fortune in those days. Although I might only appear in one or two episodes as a character, I earned more in a couple of days than I would in a fortnight working in the theatre, so I always enjoyed it."

Brenda made fleeting appearances in 1967 and 1968 before taking four years off to bring up her daughter Kaye. She returned in 1972 to play Flo, who worked in the factory alongside Ivy Tilsley, a character she hoped might become a permanent fixture. "It was at the time that they were bringing in a few new faces to work in the factory," she says. "Ivy had just arrived, and Vera Duckworth joined shortly after me. A few came and stayed, but I was one who didn't."

In between her Street roles, Brenda worked as an actress in local theatre and joined a mime company. She later trained as a drama teacher and taught in schools, prisons and theatre groups around Manchester. But every couple of years, she would get a phone call from her agent telling her that she had put her up for another audition for Coronation Street. "Over the years the casting directors would change, so they often wouldn't recognise me from a previous appearance," she says. "But even if it was someone who knew me from before it never seemed to bother them. "I used to change my hairstyle and hair colour quite a lot, and I think they thought that they could make me look different enough so that viewers wouldn't recognise me. "Also, most of the parts I played were very short-term, so I'd never had time to become too established in viewers' minds before I was off and on to something new."

Brenda played three more characters in the 1970s and chalked up her eighth part in 1983. She says: "Sometimes the director would give you some idea of how he wanted the part played, but usually they left it up to me. When your character is only there for a short while, it's important to take the bull by the horns and be confident and really give it your all. "For some reason, all the parts I played were very similar. None of my characters was sophisticated or classy. They were either down-at-heel underdogs, common or slightly crazy."

Although her characters rarely stayed for long, she says Coronation Street's popularity meant that she was often recognised off screen. She recalls: "When I played shoplifter Eunice Wheeler. I remember going into a shop with a friend. "I wore my own coat for that part and it had a very distinctive red checked pattern. When I came to pay, they gave me a funny look and refused to take my cheque. They couldn't quite work out how they knew me, but something at the back of their mind told them I couldn't be trusted! My friend said to the assistant: 'You think she's a shoplifter, don't you?' She was very embarrassed, but when my friend explained who I was she admitted she had been a bit confused."

In 1986, Brenda landed the part that was to last her 11 years, that of Sally Webster's loud-mouthed mother, Elsie Seddon. She says: "My first scene was a row with Hilda Ogden, which was a bit of a daunting debut. Elsie lived with a violent husband and started out as an aggressive, common woman. When they started to make her a bit more likeable I was delighted, as I knew there was a chance of staying a bit longer. "Over the years, I would come back for weddings and funerals. The writers would be new, and she would be slightly different each time. "From being this poor soul, she ended up going quite upmarket, opening a boarding house and becoming this quite caring, worldly-wise mother figure to Sally, which was rather a dramatic leap."

Brenda suffered from debilitating fatigue throughout the early 1990s and was unable to work. She came back into the show in 1997, but not for long. She recalls: "I was supposed to have had a stroke, but when we tried to film me acting as if I'd suffered one it was too hard, so I was told to act as normal. The following week there was a letter in Radio Times asking: 'Could Sally's mum tell us her cure, because she's made a remarkable recovery?'"

Brenda has seven of her nine parts on video. She says: "I start out as a young girl and within a few minutes turn into an old woman. My whole life flashes by me, but it always makes me smile to watch them." She lives with her partner Ken, a retired teacher, and is a devoted grandmother to Kaye's children, Oliver, five, and Imogen, one. But she says she has no plans to retire - and if they invited her back for a record 10th time she'd jump at the chance. "I did enjoy it all," she says. "You only have to be in it a short while and say a few lines and everyone recognises you. It was like a little instant shot of fame. Unfortunately, I imagine some eagle-eyed viewers would recognise me if I came back in another part now."

AREN'T YOU FAMILIAR?

• 1968: I was a nagging bride at Elsie Tanner's wedding. I had a terrible row with my husband-to-be
• 1972: Factory girl Flo was a cheeky gossip, like all the others. She sat at the next sewing machine to Ivy.
• 1973: I was Mrs Hillkirk, at her son's hospital bedside after she'd left him unattended with fireworks.
• 1975: Eunice Wheeler, my favourite character. She had a bit of edge and was caught shoplifting by Mavis.
• 1978 I was a strange woman who accosted and upset Rita as she waited nervously to appear in court.
• 1983 Mrs Mossop spoke at a big meeting protesting against Mike Baldwin's plans to open a disco.
• 1986-97: I'd always assumed Elsie Seddon would pop back into the show again, but two years ago a friend phoned after watching that night's Coronation Street to tell me I'd died from a stroke. No one had told me.
  

Len Fairscruff
19 November 2000

As Coronation Street's cast prepare to celebrate 40 years of soap success, penniless actor Peter Adamson cuts a lonely figure. There have been no invitations for the fallen star to join Corrie's anniversary bashes. Peter - who had an army of women fans as beer-swilling builder Len - said: "No one has got in touch with me from the show. I am convinced Granada have told everyone to stay well clear of me. "I believe the cast have been told not to contact me. I was very close to Julie Goodyear but she didn't reply to two letters I wrote to her."

Former admirers would not recognise 64-year-old Peter, a virtual recluse who struggles on social security in a grotty one-bedroom housing association flat. The self-confessed alcoholic is overweight and crippled by pain from arthritis. Many neighbours in the village of Welton, Lincs, don't realise the unkempt chap shuffling down the street in slippers to buy cheap cuts of meat was one of telly's biggest names.

Peter's career was wrecked in 1983 when he appeared in court, accused of indecently assaulting two eight- year-old girls at a public baths. He was cleared but was still axed from the series. Len was written out, killed off by a heart attack. [For the real facts, take a look at Peter's corrie.net profile]

The character had enthralled audiences for 22 years with his fiery, on-off affair with Elsie Tanner, played by Pat Phoenix.

Peter, whose wife Jean died in 1984, had a fabulous home, a villa in Majorca, a cottage in Wales and a fleet of cars at the height of his fame. Now he scrapes to save a little cash towards his funeral. He said: "It's a far cry from the life I used to lead. But I am unemployable and see no future for myself in acting. "I've been setting aside £5 a week to cover the cost of my coffin and a few flowers. But I'm cheerful about the whole thing."

The highlight of Peter's social life is making a nightly stew for him and his best pal, an 80-year-old retired Norwegian seaman called Ingolf. Neighbour Fred Baldwin said: "It's sad to see a man so down after he's enjoyed the life of a star. "Peter hardly ever talks about Coronation Street now. I think it's too painful for him."

Corrie Bev snub
18 November 2000 Exclusive by John Mahoney

CORONATION STREET bosses were reeling last night after sexy Bev Callard snubbed the chance to become landlady of the Rovers. Blonde Bev - who plays flirty Liz McDonald - agonised over the £100,000-a-year package to make her only the fifth landlady in the Street's 40-year history. But the actress rejected what is regarded as the most prestigious spot in soap.

Last night Bev, 42, told the Daily Star how she and son Josh are now happily settled in Spain. Relaxing with a glass of red wine, she said: "I came back into Corrie for four months - and that's how long I will stay. "They wanted me like hell to take over the Rovers. I thought about it, who wouldn't, but it's a no-no. I understand they were surprised when I said no. "I can see it from their point of view - but I have my own life to lead."

Bev was drafted back into the Street to help a storyline in which her screen hubby Jim - actor Charlie Lawson - is jailed for eight years for killing drugs dealer Jez Quigley. But it coincided with fellow star Denise Welch telling show bosses she would be taking massive time out as landlady Natalie Barnes, because she is pregnant.

That has created a vacancy at the pub and producers saw brassy Liz - famous for her stiletto heels and tight mini-skirts - as the ideal candidate. But in real life Bev, who recently split from her third husband Steve, lives in sunny Marbella on the Costa del Sol. And her 11-year-old lad Josh is settled in a new school. She said: "It was definitely the most difficult decision of my life. I suppose it is something every actress dreams of. But I took two steps back and thought about it. "As glamorous as that role sounds, I really thought it was not for me. Which is why I told them gently that I wasn't interested." Instead, Street fans will see Liz take only temporary charge of the pub with Mike Baldwin's wife Linda while Corrie bosses plot their next choice.

The Rovers will also keep its famous name despite a ridiculous attempt by a brewery to turn it into theme pub The Boozy Newt.

Last night a Street insider said: "Bev saying 'No' was a bombshell. We all expected her to get the job. She is so respected that she was invited back a second time - and that doesn't happen often."

Sherri's soap return
17 November 2000 Exclusive by John Mahoney

SACKED Coronation Street star Sherrie Hewson is to check in to TV's new-look Crossroads motel. She's been signed up as one of the leading characters in the revamped screen return of the show which was axed 12 years ago after a 24-year run. It's a massive TV comeback for 49-year old Sherrie, controversially fired as soppy Maureen Holdsworth in May, 1997, by Corrie ex-hatchetman producer Brian Park.

Pals say Sherrie was "thrilled to bits" to get the call to work on Crossroads, the motel based in the fictional King's Oak village outside Birmingham. A friend said: "She's over the moon. After the experience of the Street, it had to take a very special role to lure her back to a soap opera. This certainly fits the bill." Her role in the saga, which returns early next year on ITV, is being kept a closely guarded secret, but she will not be playing Meg Mortimer, the motel chief made famous by the late Noele Gordon.

However, the new-look format will include some favourites from first time round, including Jane Rossington, who as Jill Richardson spoke the first words of the show in 1964: "Crossroads motel, can I help you?" But there is no place in the new starting line up for bumbling Benny Hawkins, the woolly-hatted clown played by Paul Henry.

40 Years of Coronation Street video
15 November 2000

Celebrate 40 years of the highs and lows, laughter and tears, and comedy and drama of television's favourite street with Granada Video/VCI's very special 40th Anniversary Celebration of Coronation Street video.

Created by Tony Warren and first screened in December 1960, Coronation Street has become the most famous address on television ­ loved in Britain and around the world. Narrated by Dale Winton, this highly collectable video captures the real life and humour of this enduring series with an entertaining compilation of over 200 of the most unforgettable clips.

The video is presented in sections covering all aspects of street life, including: the best comedy moments; street brawls and break ups; fashion; love and romance; marriage; memorable exits from the show; and some of the key storylines that have gripped the nation.

Over 125 characters are featured on the video including Bet Gilroy (Julie Goodyear), Ken Barlow (Bill Roache), Elsie Tanner (Pat Phoenix), Annie Walker (Doris Speed), Hilda Ogden (Jean Alexander), Deirdre Barlow (Anne Kirkbride), Mike Baldwin (Johnny Briggs), Mavis Riley (Thelma Barlow), Rita Fairclough (Barbara Knox), Vera Duckworth (Liz Dawn), Len Fairclough (Peter Adamson), Jack Duckworth (Bill Tarmey), Emily Bishop (Eileen Derbyshire), Stan Ogden (Bernard Youens), Ena Sharples (Violet Carson), Alf Roberts (Bryan Mosley) and Betty Turpin (Betty Driver).

"This fantastic video reveals how 100 actors, extras, writers and technicians have woven one small street into our lives and culture," comments Dale Winton. "A 16-week series has turned into a 40-year run. In that time some of us have grown up with it. It's as much a part of us as our history."

The 40th Anniversary Celebration of Coronation Street video is exclusive to Woolworths. Also available from BMG is the Coronation Street 40th Anniversary Album - a celebratory double CD containing 40 No1 songs from the last 40 years.

Release date: 20 November 2000 / Cat No: GV0270 / Cert: tbc / Length: 74 mins approx / Price: £12.99

Coronation Street's stamp of approval
14 November 2000

Stars past and present from top soap Coronation Street have given their seal of approval to a new stamp from the Royal Mail celebrating the life and work of local Salfordian artist LS Lowry. The stamp is now available as a limited edition set of three First Day Covers. Licensed by Granada Commercial Ventures, each cover bears a Quay Street, Manchester postmark - home of Granada Television Studios where the Street has been filmed for the past 40 years. Gracing the front of each cover are some of the Street's most famous blondes - TRACY SHAW (Maxine Peacock), DENISE WELCH (Natalie Barnes) or JULIE GOODYEAR (Bet Gilroy). Printed in full colour, all three designs are signed personally and individually by the actors.

Only 500 of each cover are available, meaning that they are sure to become collectors' items in the future. However, they can currently be snapped up by soap fans and philatelists alike for only £9.50 each & £1.00 p&p, or £27.50 for the set of three, post free, from The Stamp Centre, 79 The Strand, London WC2R 0DE. For stockists information telephone 0207 836 2341. Orders are also welcome by freephone on 0800 975 4581.

Surprise guest makes Curly's big day
13 November 2000

Curly Watts' Christmas wish will finally come true when he ties the knot with girlfriend Emma Taylor. Coronation Street fans will see the two walk down the aisle in a lavish Christmas Eve wedding that is certain to be a ratings winner.

Lovelorn Curly, played by Kevin Kennedy, thought he would never get over his ex-wife Raquel after she left him to go abroad. But he found love with armed response unit police officer Emma (Angela Lonsdale) and whisked her off to France for a dream holiday after she shot a gun-toting robber who was holding him and others hostage at the Freshco supermarket he manages.

In France, Curly was reunited with his three-year-old daughter by Raquel, Alice (Annabelle Tarrant). He also realised how much Emma meant to him and proposed to her in Paris, the city of romance. But as the big day approaches Curly believes Emma will not go through with the wedding.

Viewers will see him standing nervously in church in a black frock coat and maroon tie waiting for his bride, who is traditionally late. It is up to best man Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold) to reassure him Emma is on her way. Just as he is ready to give up on her, Emma arrives in an ivory silk, sleeveless, strapless dress and a chiffon, fur-lined, hooded cape. And with her is a surprise guest, Curly's daughter Alice, who acts as bridesmaid for the happy couple.

Other guests at the wedding include Maxine Peacock (Tracy Shaw), Sally Webster (Sally Whittaker), her boyfriend Danny Hargreaves (Richard Standing) and Alma Halliwell (Amanda Barrie).

Corrie's Quigley storyline 'too violent'
13 November 2000

Coronation Street has been criticised by TV regulators who ruled its dramatic portrayal of the demise of bad boy Jez Quigley too violent.

The September storyline of the TV soap saw Jez attempting to murder Steve McDonald who had testified against him in court. The final showdown came when Jez, who had been attacked by Steve's father, found himself in the same hospital as his enemy. He tried to smother helpless Steve, but while carrying out the attack collapsed and died, with blood dripping from his mouth.

Four viewers complained to the Independent Television Commission that the scenes were too violent for a family show. Granada, which produces the soap, argues that the scene was "menacing rather than violent". They also claim that viewers were prepared for the scene following the development of the storyline over several weeks.

The commission ruled that the degree of menace in the scene was too intense and could be disturbing to young children.

Street stars caught in brawl
12 November 2000
HREE Coronation Street actors were caught up in a brawl involving their minders early yesterday. Kevin Kennedy, Bruce Jones and Steven Arnold looked on as the fight broke out at the Belfry golf course hotel, Warwicks. The actors, who play Curly Watts, Les Battersby and Ashley Peacock in the soap, had been taunted by locals all evening. At about 3am their minders tried to intervene and a fight broke out. A source said: "The locals threatened the stars and a fight broke out."

The actors were there for a charity golf match against the cast of the police series, The Bill. It went ahead but was soon rained off.

Naughty plot lands soap star in hot water
10 November 2000 by Jonathan Donald

Corrie's Bruce Jones has disclosed how his latest storyline involving a tart landed him in trouble with his wife Sandra. Street fans tonight will see his lecherous Les Battersby character picked up by a working girl during a spending spree in a swanky hotel.

Jones, 47, told TV Plus: "When the storyline was leaked to the papers, some bloke popped into my wife's salon and said 'What's this about Les and prostitutes?' She jumped to the wrong conclusion. "She hadn't seen the papers yet and frantically called me to find out what was going on. "I don't know why she jumped to the wrong conclusion because I'd never do something like that in real life.

Once I'd explained, she said: 'It had to be you'." Jones said he relished playing out the prostitute storyline. He added: "It's one of the best I've ever done. I really enjoyed it."

Les Battersby is picked up by working girl June Hart (Margaret Blakemore) in a hotel bar, and he invites her up to his suite. The rendezvous lands him in deep trouble with his wife Janice (Vicky Entwistle), who's kicked him out.

Jones is back full time in Coronation Street after taking time off to conquer emotional problems. Granada chiefs booked him into exclusive London rehabilitation clinic The Priory earlier this year when he began drinking heavily. Jones told TV Plus: "Granada, God bless them, helped me get my mind right. I was working all night long doing personal appearances, and now I've learned to say no. And I don't need drink to pep me up any more."

Deirdre is a nympho
10 November 2000 Exclusive by Ian Brandes

SEXY SPECS Deirdre Rachid has been a Coronation Street good girl for a long time now - too long. So she's about to break out with an attack of midlife sex-madness aimed at her boss Dev Alahan.

Even though Deirdre - played by Anne Kirkbride - seems quite happy back living with her ex-husband Ken Barlow, she becomes increasingly infatuated with the handsome Asian shop owner. But her dreams of luring him to bed crumble when he makes it plain he only has eyes for younger girls like Rovers Return barmaid Geena Gregory. And Deirdre turns from a nookie-seeking nympho into a woman scorned - dedicating herself to ruining any chance of other dirty delights for Dev (Jimmy Harkishin).

Last night a Corrie insider revealed: "She's at an awkward stage - into her forties, hormones raging and the menopause looming. "She's where millions of women arrive in real life - worrying that her looks have faded and her sexual charms are on the wane. "The way she feels very much influences an irrational infatuation with Dev. "She becomes convinced that they will one day be an item and that she'll have to ditch Ken once again."

But the source added: "Dev just sees her as a likeable middle-aged woman who is more of a sisterly pal than a long-term relationship prospect. "And she becomes bitter and twisted when he begins dating Geena. She goes all out to ruin the romance. She's obsessive."

Actress Anne, though, is delighted to be centre-stage again through the Fatal Attraction-style storyline. The source said: "She's looking forward to being Mrs Nasty - it's a refreshing change for her."

Emma cops EastEnder
9 November 2000 Exclusive by John Mahoney

STUNNING Coronation Street police girl Emma Taylor has nabbed a real-life boyfriend from arch-rivals EastEnders . . . Queen Vic bad lad Billy Mitchell. Soap babe Angie Lonsdale is the first member of the Corrie cast to fall for the show's sworn enemy and is "gooey-eyed and smitten" with Cockney actor Perry Fenwick, 38.

On Monday night drinkers in the Royal Oak, in Manchester's bustling Didsbury village, saw the lovebirds kiss and cuddle watching Perry's beloved West Ham scrape out a 0-0 live TV draw against Derby. Regulars couldn't believe their eyes that Angie, 29, had crossed the soap divide - especially as her Sgt Emma character has just agreed to get married to Curly Watts on Christ-mas Eve. One drinker said: "We all did a double take then we fell about laughing, wondering who would win the scrap if Curly decided to put this bloke's lights out."

The pair met a year ago but became close at a recent awards ceremony. Perry's last love was Watching star Emma Wray, 35. Last night a Street insider said: "She's always smiling when she talks about him. And he's a nice fella, even if he is in a far inferior show!"

40 Years of Coronation Street
7 November 2000

Daran Little's 40 Years Of Coronation Street is a glorious celebration of each and every momentous year on one of the world's most famous streets. Published to coincide with the anniversary celebrations, 40 Years Of Coronation Street presents, for the very first time, every single storyline ever featured in the show. Year by year this book chronicles every major and minor event, linking themes and forming a complete encyclopaedia of street history.

• Follow the lives of specific characters from their first appearance on the street to the present day - Ken Barlow's ever-eventful life with his variety of careers and 23 girlfriends and three wives.
• Revisit classic Coronation Street storylines - the famous Ken, Deirdre and Mike love triangle.
• Discover the colourful history of the Street's landmarks - The Rover's Return, the corner shop or the factory.
• Source essential dates with complete listings of every birth, death and marriage.
• Learn about every character that has ever walked on the famous cobbles with a comprehensive Who's Who.
• Explore the houses on the street with a street plan and a profile of each of the houses history and residents.

The Author
Daran Little has been the Coronation Street archivist and programme associate since 1988. He works with the producers, writers and cast in monitoring each character's history. He is the author of many other books on Coronation Street, including most recently Coronation Street At War and as co-author with Betty Driver on Betty: The Autobiography both published by Granada Media. He lives in Manchester.

40 Years of Coronation Street by Daran Little is published by Granada Media priced £20.00 hardback and is available from all good bookshops

EastEnders triumphs in soap awards
7 November 2000
EastEnders has hit back at arch-rival Coronation Street by scooping the Best Soap Award in the latest poll of viewers. Readers of Inside Soap Magazine voted for Albert Square over Weatherfield for the fourth time in a row. It will be some comfort for the EastEnders, which lost out to Corrie in the National Television Awards last month.

Martin Kemp, who plays bad boy Steve Owen, scooped the Best Actor Award and Queen Vic barmaid Melanie Healy, played by Tamzin Outhwaite, was awarded the Sexiest Female honour. But Coronation Street had some success with Alan Halsall, who plays Tyrone, winning Best Young Actor and Tina O'Brien - Sarah-Louise Platt in the soap - being voted Best Newcomer.

The Best Overseas Soap award was won by Neighbours.

Other awards were: Most Dramatic Storyline - Emmerdale bus crash ; Sexiest Male - Michael Greco (Beppe Di Marco) EastEnders ; Best Bad Guy - Jez Quigley Coronation Street ; Best Couple - Bernice and Ashley, Emmerdale ; Funniest Couple - Barry and Natalie Evans, EastEnders ; Most Missed Character - Butch Dingle, Emmerdale

New Handel for Fred
7 November 2000 Exclusive by John Mahoney

THEY'LL be spluttering in their pints at the Rovers... because we can reveal the secret middle names of Street characters. They include the names of a cartoon CAT as well as two COMPOSERS! Scriptwriters have given them an extra name to provide a "proper profile".

Barmy butcher Fred Elliott's middle handle is HANDEL and his screen son also gets the classical music treatment - his full name is Ashley SIBELIUS Peacock! Reformed tearaway Tyrone Dobbs's is really Tyrone SYLVESTER Dobbs, after the cartoon Tweety Pie moggie. Jack Duckworth is also a HAROLD while wild child Toyah Battersby acquires LAVERNE. Alma Sedgewick is also called MARIE and former screen hubby Mike Baldwin's middle name is VERNON.

The names came to light in new biographies on each of the characters, released as part of the show's build-up to its 40th anniversary on December 9. A Street insider said: "This has caused a few comments among the cast. "Some are wondering why they haven't been given middle names while others are relieved they've been overlooked."

Kevin Kennedy's New Happiness On and Off Screen
5 November 2000

IN CORONATION Street photographs from down the decades, one face looks unchanged. The fringe of unruly hair, that bewildered expression behind those owlish spectacles - they're the same today as they were then. Curly Watts remains the Street's eternal lad. "People ask why Curly hasn't aged, and the answer's simple - my life's good at last," jokes actor Kevin Kennedy.

It has been a long journey for both Curly and Kevin since the day in July 1983 when they arrived in Weatherfield. They have had their highs and lows, their triumphs and disasters. Curly has been plunged into despair by women he has been too ready to trust and who have broken his heart.  Kevin has fought a long battle against his own demon, alcoholism. He was never down and out, but seemed to be heading that way. After his first marriage ended, he spent a year living semi-rough in a shared house he called Heartbreak Hotel. It might have seemed, at times, as if their lives were intertwined. "I was conscious that Curly's problems must not become mine, and that I had to leave him at the studios at the end of the day," says Kevin. "But a lot of my experiences have gone into playing Curly. When he has had to sit and stare and think the world was against him, I know how that feels."

And now, suddenly, for both of them, better days have arrived. Kevin, 39, has kicked his vodka habit and settled down with his wife Clare. He pulls a key-ring from his pocket, inscribed with a phrase to remind him of the battle he has won: "Clean and serene", it says. And in the make-believe world of Weatherfield, things are improving too for his alter ego. Viewers last week saw Curly propose to the new love of his life, policewoman Emma Taylor, played by Angela Lonsdale. Their wedding will be a tear-jerking ratings-winner on Christmas Eve. Kevin says: "Curly is not the lad he used to be. It's called growing up. The recent siege at Freshco's brought out qualities in him people hadn't seen before."

He sounds as if he's discussing an old friend. And in a sense, of course, he is. Curly - scheduled to appear in just four episodes - made a humble entrance in to the Street in his dustcart (he wasn't always the retail executive we see today). Back then, Annie Walker still reigned at the Rovers. Rita was still Mrs Len Fairclough. Even Albert Tatlock was pottering around his parlour. "For a lad from Manchester who had grown up with Corrie, it was mind-boggling," Kevin recalls. "I was a jobbing actor and I'd had a part in the West End, but even that never meant as much to my mum as joining the Street. Everywhere I looked, there were famous faces and I had a peculiar feeling I knew them all.

THE first to welcome me was Pat Phoenix. She put her arm on my shoulder and said, 'Stick with me kid, and you'll be all right'. "I was stunned because she was a big star. She turned every head, not just because she was famous, but because she filled a room with her presence." The four episodes passed and Curly stayed, with a place in some of the best storylines from the last two decades. Kevin's favourite was the saga of supermarket boss Reg Holdsworth's bizarre toupee.

He also fondly remembers Curly's time as a lodger with Jack and Vera Duckworth. "Every line was bellowed while Curly sat in the middle, wondering what was for tea - marvellous. "And I loved the night he lost his virginity. He was in the Rovers, drinking brandies to summon up his courage, and they were talking about it in cricketing terms. Typical Corrie. Poignancy mixed with humour."

But the highlight, he says, was the Millennium episode he played with Sarah Lancashire, as his wife Raquel, the love he couldn't hold on to. Just the two of them acted in an hour-long special - a daring experiment the Street had never tried before. "It was an honour. Idon't know if I'll ever be as proud again of a piece of work,"he says.

Two years ago, it was very different ...the Street's executives were giving Kevin one final chance to conquer his weakness for alcohol. They were dismayed by his drinking. So, too, was Clare. She went back to her parents and Kevin checked into The Priory. The experience had such a life-changing effect that Clare is now training as a counsellor, to help others suffering from drink or drug addiction. It took four weeks of treatment, then six months at home, before Kevin could claim he was "clean" - even today he won't say "cured". "I haven't touched alcohol for two years and never can again," he says. "I make no apologies - I was ill. I had fun with alcohol and then it had fun with me, until I managed to stop it. "I don't blame my genes, or the pressure of work, or anything else. I got drunk because I enjoyed it.

"But Clare changed my life, in the same way that Curly is discovering how a woman can change his. "Ironically enough, it was Alex 'Hurricane' Higgins who introduced us. I bumped into him one April Fool's Day and we had a few, then Clare walked in with her Mum. "Alex made the introductions. But Clare was unimpressed. She's a beautiful woman, and it didn't matter to her that I was off the telly. "But I was smitten. I invited her to dinner the next evening - I'd never taken anyone to dinner before."

He was never the sophisticated type, he has to admit. His year in "Heartbreak Hotel" proved that. At the time he was working his way into the Street and devoting weekends to his other great passion, playing bass guitar in country music groups. At "Heartbreak Hotel" a drifting population of musicians who had split with girlfriends and wives shared one roof. "I loved my time there," Kevin says. "There was no one saying, 'Pick up that knife, clear up those socks, do this, do that'. "Cooking was non-existent. We had a gig in a local pub every weekend and in return the landlady gave us Sunday dinners.

YEARS later, when I was getting married, I threw a party for everyone who had been nice to me. It was 700 people, including those who had lived at Heartbreak, and the pub landlady." In his de-tox sessions at the Priory Kevin rediscovered his enthusiasm for the guitar. Now a demo tape is with record companies in Nashville, and there's hope of a contract. His other passion is soccer. He's a Manchester City season ticket holder with a seat in the stands where he used to go as a boy. At every home match he becomes one more bloke in the crowd. He sees the same people at every game, but they just talk soccer. He doesn't ask what kind of week they've had, and they never mention the Street.

Others do, of course. In restaurants, in supermarkets, in places as remote as James Bond Island off Thailand, and the top of the Empire State Building, fans have spotted that familiar face. "Why do people still care about Street characters, even after 40 years?" he says. "It's the writing, for one thing. "But I also think the Street is a safety valve in British TV. It's still a programme you can watch with the family and know you're not going to be offended. "I think that's important and I'm proud that the Street achieves it. It's as much part of our culture as the Queen's Speech and the Cup Final. "Yet it still excites and surprises me, even after 18 years. I wake up and think, 'I'm off to play a leading part in the top soap on TV' and that's the best gig in the world.

"As for Curly, who knows? I'm still not sure he's going to settle into a comfortable middle age. "Emma's been great for him. She's the first person who has been able to make him realise what Raquel was really like. "But think about it. She's a policewoman who goes to work carrying a gun. She's a sharpshooter "Only Curly could end up in a relationship with Annie Oakley!"

Corrie Terry is Class Act
5 November 2000

CORONATION Street bad boy Terry Duckworth will make an appearance back in the Rovers at Christmas - but will then return to the classroom. Actor Nigel Pivaro, 39, will be seen on-screen terrorising the Street but in real life he has just signed on for a degree course in military history at Salford University. Nigel admitted: "It may sound strange but this was something I always dreamed of doing. "No doubt Terry would think it was soft but wheeling and dealing gets you nowhere."

Terry will feature in a dramatic four-episode story- line. Jack and Vera track him down to a seedy bedsit to beg him to help his son Paul, who needs an urgent kidney transplant. But Terry disappears with their £25,000 savings for the op. Nigel added: "As always, Terry causes a stir and is great to play."

Corrie On Up the Street!
5 November 2000

As Britain's favourite soap celebrates its 40th birthday, here are 40 things you didn't know IT'S Britain's favourite soap and next month Coronation Street celebrates its 40th birthday. Ever since Episode 1 on December 9 1960, millions of fans have tuned in to follow the fortunes of Weatherfield folk - many of whom are now TV legends. To mark the big Corrie milestone, NICK BROWNLEE and SUE CRAWFORD reveal 40 amazing facts that even the most devoted Rovers regulars might not know..

• KEVIN Webster has worn the same leather jacket since he joined Coronation Street in on October 19 1983
• IN the last 40 years there have been 25 births on the Street. And for the last 13 years it's been the job of real-life midwife Barbara Trout to pick the youngsters straight from maternity wards in Manchester. Her toughest job was finding two babies for the part of the late Judy Mallet's twins!
• CORONATION Street itself is made up of more than 90,000 cobblestones.
• BETTY'S famous hotpot is kept steaming for hours during filming with the help of hot water added at regular intervals.
• CHARLIE Lawson, alias Jim McDonald, once hoisted Betty Driver's knickers up the Granada TV flagpole for a joke.
• JULIE Goodyear arrived for her first day at work as Bet Lynch on a dustcart. A friend of her dad's had seen her at the bus stop and offered a lift. To her horror as she climbed down from the cart Pat Phoenix - the legendary Elsie Tanner - pulled up in her Rolls- Royce and said hello
• PROPS buyers spend about £4,000 a week on bits and pieces for the show.
• ACCORDINGto a fictional history of Coronation Street, the Rovers Return was built in 1902. It got its name in honour of a brewery director's son who had returned safely from the Boer War.
• JOHNNYBriggs hated co- star Wendy Jane Taylor (Susan Barlow) so much, he used to deliberately munch on garlic before their love scenes. He once compared kissing Julie Goodyear to sucking on a vacuum cleaner!
• MORE than 3,500 characters have come and gone over the last 40 years but only one has remained through all the years: Ken Barlow. His many jobs include taxi driver, newspaper editor, Head of English at Weatherfield School - and now bag packer at Freshco's.
• BRUCE Jones, alias layabout Les Battersby stumbled upon the sixth victim of the Yorkshire Ripper, prostitute Jean Jordan, while working in Manchester 23 years ago.
• THERE are more than 100 websites dedicated to Coronation Street, including The Dictionary of the Language of Coronation Street and the Gnomes of Weatherfield.
• SEAN Wilson auditioned as Terry Duckworth and Kevin Webster in 1983 before finally landing the part of Martin Platt two years later. His TV acting debut came as a skinhead in Crown Court.
• SOMEONE once wrote to the show asking if he could have two spare Cup Final tickets he'd spotted on Stan Ogden's mantelpiece.
• JIM McDonald is supposed to be an ex-soldier. In fact, Corrie's real-life military man is Bill Roache, alias Ken Barlow. Bill spent five years in the Royal Welch Fusiliers, becoming a captain.
• DARK spirits at the Rovers Return consist of burnt sugar and water. The red wine is really the soft drink Vimto.
• SALLY Whittaker was turned down for the role of Andrea Clayton, who got pregnant by Terry Duckworth, and Kevin Webster's posh girlfriend Michelle Robinson before becoming Sally Webster in October 1986.
• ALTHOUGH she left the show almost a quarter of a century ago, the most frequently asked question of the Coronation Street production office is still: What was the name of Minnie Caldwell's cat? The answer is Bobby.
• ANNE Kirkbride - who plays Deirdre Rachid - is the onlycast member who does her own make-up for the show.
• SIR Laurence Olivier was a big Street fan and agreed toplay a tramp in one episode but the recording clashed with filming amovie. Olivier admired Hilda Ogden so much, he formed the Hilda Ogden Appreciation Society with Michael Parkinson and Russell Harty. Other fans of Vera Duckworth and Co include Tony Blair and even the Queen, who enjoys watching the show with her mum.
• THERE have been 82 deaths on the Street as part of storylines - including two budgies. FIRST to die was No 11 resident May Hardman - of a heart attack on New Year's Eve, 1960. Bizarre deaths include Valerie Barlow, electrocuted with a hair dryer on January 27 1971, Alan Bradley, run over by a Blackpool tram on December 8 1989, and Freshco manageress Anne Malone - who froze to death in the coldstore on October 10 1998.
• KEVIN Whately was a Street lorry driver in 1980 long before he became Inspector Morse's sidekick Sgt Lewis. Sins star Pete Postlethwaite was a detective in 1981 and Monkee Davey Jones was Ena Sharples' grandson in 1961.
• IN 1983, Ken and Deirdre found themselves in a torrid love triangle after her affair with Mike Baldwin. When the couple got back together, the news was broadcast on the scoreboard at Manchester United's Old Trafford ground.
• DENISE Welch - Rovers barmaid Natalie Barnes - was beaten into the Street by her husband Tim Healey. The Auf Wiedersehen Pet actor played a bingo checker in 1976.
• THE highest-viewing figure ever recorded for the show was 26.6 million. This was the Christmas Day episode in 1987 when Hilda Ogden left the Street, singing Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye.
• WHEN Mike Baldwin tied the knot with Linda Sykes on September 10, it was the 52nd Street wedding. The first was in 1961 when Joan Walker  married Gordon Davies. Next up is Curly Watts' wedding to Emma.
• TOYAH Battersby is the Rovers' 32nd barmaid. The first was Concepta Riley, played by Doreen Keogh, in 1960. Doreen has also appeared in Father Ted and is currently the Irish neighbour in the Royle Family.
• SUCH was her popularity, Ena Sharples' waxwork replaced Marlene Dietrich's at Blackpool Waxwork Museum.
• EMILY Bishop may be the most strait-laced character on the Street. But in 1968 she shocked viewers by having sex before marriage. She danced barefoot with Hungarian Miklos Zadic and later followed him to Newcastle for a dirty weekend. On her return she confessed she had lost her virginity.
• IT takes 54 hours to make just four episodes of the Street, and each show requires more than 250 production staff to keep things ticking over. The show is watched in 25 countries across the globe - including Estonia, Sierra Leone, Australia, Canada, Thailand and Israel.
• JIM McDonald is not the only Street character to have served time in prison. Ken Barlow spent seven days inside for taking part in an anti-Vietnam march in 1967; Emily's husband Ernie spent three months in a Spanish jail after he was arrested for taking photos of semi-nude models on a beach. Other Street jailbirds include Deirdre Rachid, Jackie Dobbs, Steve McDonald and Eddie Yeats.
• TO mark the 40th anniversary, Waddingtons have brought out a special Coronation Street version of Monopoly. For £400 you can have the Rovers Return or for £60 you can buy Fred Elliott's Butchers, I say, for £60 you can buy Fred Elliott's Butchers!
• AMANDA Barrie was Johnny Briggs's screen wife until their recent divorce. They also had something in common in the 1960s. She played Cleopatra in Carry On Cleo, while Johnny was a soldier in Carry On Up The Khyber.
• LIKE the Decca boss who turned down the Beatles, Mirror TV critic Ken Irwin is remembered as the man who wrote off Coronation Street.
• After the first episode in 1960, he said in his review: "The programme is doomed from the outset - with its dreary signature tune and grim scene of terraced houses and smoking chimneys..." Oops!
• CORONATION Street was taken off the air on August 8 1979 for nearly three months as part of an ITV strike.
• VIOLETCarson, alias Ena Sharples, was mobbed by 150,000 fans in Adelaide while on a visit to Australia in 1968.
• SUE Nicholls, alias Audrey Roberts, reached No 17 in the pop charts in 1966 with a song called Where Will You Be?

Maxine Havana ball
4 November 2000 by John Mahoney

DON'T look now, Ashley - but your man-mad minx Maxine is having a hell of a ball on her first night on the town for SIX months. Coronation Street sexpot Tracy Shaw made up for lost time by sinking glass after glass of ice-cold vintage champagne . . . and then really letting her hair down.

In front of cheering guests at a VIP restaurant opening, terrific Trace lit up the joint by puffing on a giant Havana cigar. Then the 27-year-old babe, who plays Weatherfield hairdresser Maxine Peacock, took on all-comers playing indoor Boule - the French beach version of bowls. And when giggly Tracy had triumphed at that she had the watching lads drooling . . . as she treated her lucky TV producer fiance Robert Ashworth to a long, lingering snog.

When she caught her breath back Tracy gushed: "Robert's really romantic. He proposed to me while we were on holiday in Dubai and we're getting married next year. "Life's absolutely great for us now, and we can't wait for the wedding. And we're not saying where it's going to be, either. "Everything is working out great for us at present. We pinch ourselves every day."

Celebrity watchers were delighted to see blonde Tracy back on the streets of Manchester after she stepped out of the limelight for a while to concentrate on life with Robert. Earlier this year she told one close pal: "That's it, I'm in the papers all the time at the moment and it's getting overkill. I'm taking a back seat." She admits that nights for her these days are cosy meals and cuddling up in front of the telly with her fella.

One guest at the opening of Ramond Blanc's posh new restaurant on Manchester's up-market King Street said: "Tracy looked fabulous and was very outgoing. "I've not seen her like that for yonks. "Mind you, it probably had quite a lot to do with the champagne. It tasted marvellous, and was going down a treat with everyone."

Tracy linked up with fellow Street stars Sue Nicholls - who plays Audrey Roberts - and Sean Wilson, who plays love-rat nurse Martin Platt. Also soaking up the fun at the do were Nigel Pivaro - bad boy Terry Duckworth - and actor John Bowe, Weatherfield's shopping parade owner Duggie Ferguson.

Tracy was delighted to be chatted up by one chap - top hair stylist Andrew Collinge. "Andrew came up and asked if he could do my hair but I told him I go to Daniel Galvin and he does it for free," she laughed.

The Street beckons for Royle Family star
2 November 2000
The actor who plays Darren in The Royle Family is hoping to land a permanent role in Coronation Street.

Andrew Whyment, who features in the BBC series as Anthony's best friend, is waiting for the nod from Granada bosses following a brief appearance in the Street two weeks ago. He played the brother of Tyrone's bride-to-be, Maria, and appeared during the couple's engagement party. "I've just got a new agent and I'm being offered more roles now. I really enjoyed my time in Coronation Street and I'm waiting to hear if they want to have me back," said Whyment.

Dastardly Terry Duckworth is back
1 November 2000 by Jonathan Donald

Dastardly Terry Duckworth is returning to Coronation Street to torment Jack and Vera with his wicked ways - again. Actor Nigel Pivaro, 40, will be seen reprising his evil role this December in a two-week storyline about a custody battle over his son, Tommy. Pivaro told TV Plus: "It's different this time because Jack and Vera seek him out - they need him. "And of course Terry can't help but exploit the situation."

Pivaro left playing the rogue in 1987 but has repeatedly returned to wreak havoc. His worst exploit was selling his son Tommy to the tot's grandparents. Pivaro said: "Terry's been very good for helping pay the bills, as they keep allowing me to come back. But being a baddie has been difficult to shake off when it comes to new work."

He has ambitions to play a character he has created for laughs - a flamboyant actor of the '60s who lives life to excess. He explained: "He's called Ian Thesp and he's like a composite of lots of actors from that era. He's tasted success, but also a lot of excess. "He's been up and down, and back up again. Ian's rather like Oliver Reed, but he's never quite attained his success, so there is some bitterness there. He's also still alive. He said: "I've made a pilot of the satire, in which I star, with the producer of Mrs Merton, Mark Garton. "We're trying to sell it at the moment and C4 are interested."

Corrie strikes gold with merchandise
1 November 2000 by Jonathan Donald

Coronation Street's 40th anniversary celebrations are set to become a goldmine for Granada Television. A slew of merchandise has been unveiled to coincide with the run-up to Christmas and the event itself on December 9. Commemorative books, a video, Corrie Monopoly and even a bar of soap are among must-haves for diehard fans. The whole set costs almost £200 and Granada could rake in hundreds of thousands. Fans are insatiable when it comes to merchandise inspired by the soap. "Coronation Street Monopoly is already among the top 50 most popular gifts for this Christmas," said boardgame PR George Athoulakis.

Granada Media's Katy Troup added: "Corrie stuff is always a hit. We expect the books to be bestsellers."

Diehard fans will have to dig deep to buy all the 40th birthday merchandise - to the tune of £195. Most expensive item will be limited edition prints from a painting of the soap's 40 most popular characters ` voted for by viewers. Only 2,000, accompanied by printed signatures of the stars pictured, will be available, costing £95. But mass-produced prints will also be on sale at £14.95.

A book, video and CD are among the merchandise to be snapped up by dedicated fans. The Official Coronation Street 40th Album (£29.99) comprises hits from each year since the soap first aired. Hardback book 40 Years Of Coronation Street (£20) charts every major and minor event and profiles characters. And Dale Winton narrates a look-back video, 40th Anniversary Celebration Of Coronation Street (£12.99).

Stars and fans honour Street legends
1 November 2000

THE stars turned out in force to pay tribute to four actors who helped make Coronation Street a national institution. The famous four were the first television characters honoured by Heritage Foundation blue plaques outside the Granada Studios.

Fans and cast characters mingled on the studio steps to pay their respects to Violet Carson who played battleaxe Ena Sharples; Doris Speed, former Rovers Return landlady Annie Walker; Pat Phoenix, immortalised as Elsie Tanner; and Bryan Mosley who died last year shortly after retiring from his role as Alf Roberts.

Today's stars who lined up to pay tribute included Kevin Kennedy, Amanda Barrie, Julie Hesmondhalgh and Bruce Jones. They were joined by veteran comic Ken Dodd who said: ''Thank you to all the people who watch, perform and produce Coronation Street for all the happiness that you give us.''

The plaque to Bryan Mosley was unveiled by Barbara Knox and his former screen wife Sue Nicholls who said Bryan's real wife Norma couldn't be at the ceremony but sent her best wishes.

Actor Tony Booth, husband of Pat Phoenix who died from cancer in 1986, unveiled the plaque in her honour. He said: ''She was not only a great actress, but a lovely warm person who everyone loved''. He said Pat was the ''Queen'' of the Street.

Tony Warren, creator of the longest running TV soap, and veteran Street star Betty Driver unveiled the plaque to Violet Carson. Tony said that although Pat Phoenix was ''Queen'' of the Street, Violet was its Empress. He said she was the most Mancunian of the actors - born in Ancoats and a former piano player for silent films at the Market Street cinema. He said they frequently crossed swords - and both loved it. ''It is lovely that she has her own memorial in the middle of the city,'' he added. Betty said: ''She was a true lady - I adored her.''

The only original member of the cast Bill Roache pulled the cord to reveal the plaque to Doris Speed - who died in 1994 at the age of 95 and was a cast member for 23 years. ''Doris was one of the truly greats'', he said. ''The cameras loved her, and she loved the cameras.''

The tribute is in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the nation's most popular soap drama, and last night there was a celebrity dinner at the Victoria and Albert Hotel, including an auction of memorabilia for charities, including Childline.

Obituary: Elizabeth Bradley
1 November 2000

ELIZABETH BRADLEY, the actress who has died in Monte Carlo aged 78, almost always received excellent reviews, but it was not until 1993, when she joined the cast of Coronation Street as Maud Grimes, that she became widely known.

The wheelchair-bound Maud Grimes had a cantankerous nature that led one television critic to dub her "Miserable Maud, the battleaxe who has finally stolen the crown worn by Ena Sharples". To some degree she fitted that description, especially in the animus she displayed towards Reg Holdsworth, the love of her daughter Maureen's life. Back in the 1970s, viewers became aware, Maud had prevented Maureen (Sherrie Hewson) from marrying Reg. In 1993, however, Maureen, now a widow, met her old flame again, and this time they managed to thwart her mother's determination to keep them apart. They married in January 1994, eager to run the cornershop together.

Maud Grimes, however, insinuated herself into the household, so that before long Reg Holdsworth felt compelled to take a job outside the shop. But if Maud Grimes came between the happy couple, she could only reflect, when Reg left Maureen, how right she had been about him. Difficult though Maud could be, she never rivalled the granite rectitude of Ena Sharples, played by Violet Carson. Charitable viewers even discerned a kindly heart. At the very least, she was a prude with a past. This appeared after she had trapped Percy Sugden into proposing marriage to her. When they visited Normandy for the 40th anniversary of D-Day, Maud confessed in the American cemetery that one of the GI's buried there had been Maureen's father. Percy Sugden, horrified that Maud should have betrayed Mr Grimes, away fighting for his country, called off the nuptials. Nothing daunted, Maud acquired another fiancee, only to have him die on her. Unlucky in love, then, but not cold at heart.

Elizabeth Bradley was born in 1922, and early conceived a passion for the stage, though during the Second World War she worked in London as a nurse at a military hospital. After 1945 she set about fulfilling her acting ambitions, though after her marriage in 1950 to Garth Adams, a fellow thespian, the birth of their three children inevitably curtailed her opportunities. Yet from the 1960s she was often seen on television, in such series as Dr Finlay's Casebook, Softly Softly, The Sweeney, Juliet Bravo, The Bill and Bergerac. In 1978, she even had a part in Coronation Street, as Councillor Adams.

Elizabeth Bradley began to dedicate herself more intensely to acting after the death of her husband in 1978, encouraged by the great faith he had always shown in her talent. She made her mark in 1981 at the Royal Court as a mother wielding her moral rectitude with pitiless savagery in Stephen Lowe's Touched. She landed small parts in two films, An American Werewolf in London (1981) and Brimstone and Treacle (1982).

As years went by, she found a niche for herself playing grandmothers - or a great-grandmother in Charlotte Keatley's My Mother said I Never Should (Royal Court, 1989). At the National in 1992 she was particularly good in Keith Waterhouse's Billy Liar, mouthing mean-spirited monologues to the empty air, and winning a nomination as best supporting actress in the Olivier Awards.

Elizabeth Bradley left Coronation Street in 1999. The year before she had played another granny in Philip Ridley's Apocalyptica at the Hampstead Theatre. Still in demand on stage, at the end of 1999 she appeared with Maggie Smith at the Queen's Theatre in Alan Bennett's The Lady in the Van, as the protagonist's confused mother. The reviews, as ever, were superb.

Corrie stars celebrate at birthday bash
1 November 2000 by Jonathan Donald

Coronation Street has begun the countdown to its 40th anniversary. Over the next 40 days, fans will see the introduction of five new characters and a series of dramatic storylines unfold, including two weddings. A live episode is planned, along with a 90-minute documentary about the soap. There will also be a portrait of Ken Barlow - the show's longest- serving character - called Ken & Me.

The celebrations culminate on December 9 when stars from the past and present will gather for a gala dinner at Manchester Town Hall that night. On Dec 8 Prince Charles will visit the set at the Granada Studios. But Street bosses will not confirm whether the Prince will make a cameo appearance. A re-run of the first episode broadcast in 1960 will also be aired.

Actor Bruce Jones, 47, who plays layabout Les Battersby, vividly remembers watching the first episode. He said: "I watched it with my gran in Manchester at the age of eight or nine and I've been hooked ever since. It was just the way it showed how people in the North lived. That hadn't been done before."

Evergreen actress Amanda Barrie also paid tribute to the soap. Amanda, 61, who plays Alma Halliwell, said: "It's done so well because it's always been believable, it's always laughed at itself, and it's always had some sort of heart. "Like Cheers or Friends, it has shown an environment people would like to live in. To people who live in flats it has become a surrogate family."

40 nights of Corrie
1 November 2000 by John Mahoney

CORONATION STREET fans can tune in from today for a 40-night feast of the soap in the countdown to its Ruby Jubilee. And the week before the 40th birthday on December 9 will see SEVEN straight nights of action from the famous cobbled streets of Manchester's Weatherfield. There will be hot new plots served up in special, one-hour episodes, re-runs of top storylines from the past - and a tribute, called Ken and I, reliving the times of Street favourite Bill Roache, played since Day One of the show by Ken Barlow.

Among the blasts from the past will be a broadcast of the first ever Corrie episode from 1960. But the new plots will thrill too.

Weatherfield will welcome its DOCTOR'S SURGERY, The Rosamund Street Medical Centre. Actor Stephen Beckett becomes GP Matt Ramsden, who moves into Natalie Barnes's house with his teacher wife Charlie.

There will be two weddings between now and Christmas. Jailed Jim McDonald marries Liz for the second time and lovelorn Curly Watts ties the knot with his WPC lover Emma Taylor.

ITV and Granada chiefs reckon their homage to Corrie will be a ratings winner in the run-up to Christmas. A Street insider said last night: "If anyone has never seen Coronation Street, they will have after the next 40 days."The last 18 months has been action-packed. Producer Jane Macnaught said: "We've seen a teenage pregnancy, a baby snatch, three weddings, two illicit affairs, three murders and an armed siege - plus marriage proposals and an engagement." But there's plenty to come. At a party to unveil the birthday countdown, sexy Tracy Shaw, who plays hairdresser Maxine Peacock, said: "It's bonkers!"

Chattering classes move in on the Street
1 November 2000 by TV Plus reporters

Middle England is to move to Coronation Street with the arrival of a dashing doctor and his pretty wife. Actors Stephen Beckett, 32, and Clare McGlinn play new characters who move in next door to Ashley and Maxine later this month.

Beckett, a former star of The Bill, said: "There are a lot of dramatic storylines lined up for us. I think there are going to be all sorts of shenanigans with the married couples of Corrie." Clare is joining the soap after being reared on it since childhood. McGlinn, who appeared in BBC2 drama Cops, said: "I've been watching Corrie all my life. Having lived in Manchester since childhood it's always been part of my life. "My new role in the show is fantastic because we're bringing a middle class element to the Street, which will be an exciting mix. It'll be us versus the rest of the world."

The doctor and his wife are among five new characters moving into the Street in the coming weeks. Taxi rank operator Eileen Grimshaw, played by Sue Cleaver, is to set up home with her two teenage children. Ken Barlow (Bill Roach) is shocked to find his son Peter (Chris Gascoyne) returning after 20 years at sea. Producer Jane MacNaught said: "He returns to make up lost time with the women of Weatherfield."

Plaques honour Street legends
1 November 2000

Four Coronation Street legends have been honoured with plaques to commemorate their time on the soap. The blue plaques have been unveiled outside Manchester's Granada studios, home of the show, in memory of Violet Carson, Pat Phoenix, Doris Speed and Bryan Mosley. Current stars Sue Nicholls (Audrey Roberts), Barbara Knox (Rita Fairclough), Bill Roach (Ken Barlow) and Betty Driver (Betty Turpin) did the honours at a ceremony.

The memorials were awarded by The Heritage Foundation in conjunction with the studios to honour the achievements of the four actors as well as raising money for charity. Present stars and family and friends of the four actors helped unveil the plaques as part of the soap's 40th anniversary celebrations.A celebrity charity dinner will be held tonight at Le Meridien Victoria and Albert Hotel with all proceeds going to ChildLine.

Tributes pour in for Corrie's Maud
31 October 2000 by Simon Holden

Tributes have been pouring in for Coronation Street actress Elizabeth Bradley, who has died. Elizabeth, 78, appeared in 476 episodes as feisty Maud Grimes. She died while on holiday in the South of France after suffering a stroke.

Sherrie Hewson, who was her screen daughter Maureen, said: "It is a terrible shock. We were so close, like mother and daughter. I spoke to her a few weeks ago and she was full of life and plans for the future." Amanda Barrie, who plays Alma Baldwin, said: "We all adored Liz. Not only was she a colleague but she was also a personal friend. We will miss her very much."

Elizabeth was taken to the Princess Grace Hospital in Monte Carlo last week after slipping into a coma. She is survived by three children and was a widow of 22 years.

Ken Morley, who played Reg Holdsworth, said he loved working with Elizabeth. He said: "She was a lovely lady and so much fun to work with. On screen our characters could not stand the sight of each other. Off screen I loved her dearly."

Elizabeth had a long stage career before finding fame in the Street. Her last stage role was in Alan Bennet's Lady In The Van.

Corrie's Maud dies of a stroke at 78
31 October 2000

CORONATION Street star Elizabeth Bradley, known to millions as grumpy battleaxe Maud Grimes, has died aged 78. Tributes last night poured in for Liz who suffered a stroke while on holiday in the south of France with son Bradley. She was taken to hospital in nearby Monte Carlo but died early yesterday.

Elizabeth played wheelchair-bound Maud from 1993 until last year. A Street spokesman said last night: "Liz was a truly lovely person and a fine actress. "She was so different to Maud, very gentle and considerate. She was close to many of the cast who will miss her deeply."

Sherrie Hewson, who played screen daughter Maureen, said: "It's a shock. We were so close, like mother and daughter." Ken Morley, her soap son-in-law Reg Holdsworth, said: "Our characters couldn't stand the sight of each other but off screen I loved her dearly."

Liz leaves two other children, Johanna and Sodge. Her husband, fellow actor Garth Adams, died in 1978.

A fond farewell to Elizabeth Bradley
30 October 2000, 5:00pm GMT

Granada Television today announced the death of Elizabeth Bradley, who played battleaxe Maud Grimes from 1993 until 1999. Liz suffered a stroke on Thursday while on holiday in the South of France with her son. She was taken to the nearest hospital, where she slipped into a coma, and died this morning (Monday, 30 October). Liz was 78.

A spokesperson said today: "Liz was a truly lovely person and a fine actress. She was so different to Maud, very gentle and considerate. She was close to many of the cast who will miss her deeply. Our sincerest condolences go to her family at this very sad time."

Sherrie Hewson, who played Liz's screen daughter, Maureen, said: "I don't know what to say. It is a terrible shock. We were so close, like mother and daughter. I spoke to her only a couple of weeks ago, and she was so full of life and plans for the future. My thoughts are with her family, who must be devastated."

Maud Grimes first appeared on Coronation Street in 1993 and manoeuvred her wheelchair through 476 episodes. As Maud, she'll be remembered for her volatile relationship with daughter Maureen and sons-in-law Reg Holdsworth (Ken Morley) and Fred Elliott (John Savident). Her character has never been written out of the show and still lives in Mayfield Court with Percy Sugden.

Spider is dancer's new gent
30 October 2000

CARING Corrie eco-warrior Spider Nugent saved a damsel in distress when he paid a clamping fine for a dancer stranded miles from home in the night. Actor Martin Hancock, who played scruffy Spider for more than two years, coughed up £165 to release Kate Fillery's car from a pound in London. Martin, who had just paid a fine to have his own car released, said last night: "She was in tears because she didn't have enough money. "So I did the gentlemanly thing and paid it for her. It really was no big deal."

Kate, 22, of Chatham, Kent, said: "He was wonderful. I'll pay him back as soon as I can."

Coronation cheat
29 October 2000 by O Buxton

THIS is the sensational moment when Coronation Street's Janice Battersby puckers up with the artful lodger. Janice's amazing scene with Flirty Den will be screened next week. But she needn't feel too guilty - because while she's playing away, hubby Les gets off with a hooker!

Janice (Vicky Entwistle) falls for lodger Dennis after booting out Les following a series of rows. Last night a Coronation Street insider said: "The scenes will be hilarious - but will leave behind a cloud of guilt in the Battersby household." Long-suffering Janice administers serious lip-suction to burly Dennis (Charles Dale) after he tries to console her when she gives Les the elbow from their Corrie home.

So is layabout Les worried about being chucked out? Is he eckers like! But he finds himself in a spot of bother when he books into a hotel. He meets callgirl Valerie [err, no... it's June - Graham] played by busty Margaret Blakemore - and they end up checking into a room. The storyline is the first in the Street's 40-year history to involve a prostitute. But when limp wimp Les (Bruce Jones) gets horrendously drunk and passes out, Valerie empties his wallet.

An insider said: "It will be seriously funny when Les tries to crawl back to Janice. "But we'll have to wait and see if she kicks him in the cobbles!"

ITV to show Corrie 40th birthday special
27 October 2000

ITV is to show a special The Way They Were programme in the run-up to the 40th anniversary of Coronation Street. The programme will be presented by Steve Penk, who will be joined in the studio by Sue Nicholls (Audrey), John Savident (Fred), Amanda Barrie (Alma), Johnny Briggs (Mike), Denise Welch (Natalie) and Betty Driver (Betty).

The programme will also feature rare footage of some of the programme's favourite characters such as Hilda and Stan Ogden, Bet Lynch, Jack and Vera Duckworth and Ken Barlow.

The Way They Were - Coronation Street Special will be shown on ITV in early December.

Revolt over cobbles
27 October 2000 by Ross Kaniuk

CORRIE fans are saying "Cobblers" to plans to rip up Britain's most famous cobbles. Our phoneline was bombarded with calls yesterday with a plea for the Street to keep its slabs after we revealed how the soap's bosses think they should be replaced with Tarmac. And you all said: "To hell with modernisation. Keep Corrie's character!"

Geoff Austin, 46, of Manchester, was typical, saying: "If they're going to bring it up to date, they should have lap dancers in the Rovers, turn Rita's Kabin into a cyber cafe and get a curry house. "It would be awful to get rid of the cobbles. I know of streets that still look like that."

In the show, Councillor Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls) will fight to change the surface after trapping her high heels.

But Denise Thompson, 40, of Hull, said: "It wouldn't go with the setting to Tarmac it. It's just tough on Audrey." Leslie Cartwright, 66, of Thornaby-on-Tees, Cleveland, said: "If they take the cobbles out they'll lose viewers." Geoff Elvin, 40, of Bristol, agreed: "I love the cobbles. If they go, I'll switch off." Stuart Topham, 53, of Sheffield, said: "They are part of the show's heritage. I will write to Granada to complain." Anna Tofton, 31, of Barnet, north London, said: "It wouldn't be the same without the cobbles. They should do up the Rovers instead." Sheila Gray, 60, of Worksop, said: "Leave the cobbles alone. They take me back to when I was younger. "It's nice to see some old things kept and to retain some heritage. Tarmac would spoil it."

Corrie cobble shock
26 October 2000 by John Mahoney

CORRIE bosses want to say cobblers to the most famous street on telly - by putting Tarmac on it. But the plan to rip up the Street's famous stones has outraged some people on the show. One furious executive said giving the Street a mundane modern look would make Weatherfield battle-axe Ena Sharples turn in her grave. Now the issue is to be settled by the cast themselves.

To test the water with viewers, a new storyline will see the characters battling out the issue next month. Leading the fight is Councillor Audrey Roberts - played by Sue Nicholls - who is fed up getting her high heels trapped. She reckons a spanking new smooth surface is long overdue.

But Corrie's 18 million fans will soon find out she's got the mother of all fights on her hands. Leading the crusade to keep the ancient paving is cafe boss Roy Cropper - alias David Nielson - who wades in to organise petitions and a public meeting. His second in command is Ken Barlow, played by Bill Roache, who tries to get a preservation order slapped on the cobbles.

Some bosses at Granada TV claim the stones do not mirror true life because the potholefilled road would have been repaired by a real council years ago. But others insist they are part of the heritage of the 40-year-old series and "comfort" viewers. A Corrie insider revealed: "There was a genuine feeling that it might be time to bring in a touch of modernism and get that main road sorted out.

"One school of thought was that cobbles like that nowadays with so much traffic about would have definitely been replaced. Apart from anything, there is the danger. "But others argued that folk in Weatherfield do not like - and are not accustomed to - change. "That's why the Rovers is still like it is: A place locals go to drink beer and gossip. The whole subject of the cobbles has been discussed from time to time, and now the show is 40 years down the line it was felt a change might be made. "But the argument for not modernising the road was equally strong. So in the end this has become a future plot, and the characters will continue debating where the production team have left off!"

Coronation Street celebrates its 40th birthday on December 9. Bill Roache is the only survivor of the original first episode in 1960. Next Tuesday stars of the show past and present will launch a spectacular 40-day countdown to the celebrations. And the Heritage Foundation will honour former Street legends with blue plaques outside Granada Studios in Manchester. They will pay tribute to Violet Carson, who played Ena Sharples, Pat Phoenix - who played Elsie Tanner - Doris Speed, who played Rovers landlady Annie Walker, and Bryan Mosley, alias shopkeeper Alf Roberts.

Duckworth storyline "irresponsible"
25 October 2000

An organ transplant co-ordinator has criticised Coronation Street bosses over a storyline she claims could put people off becoming donors. Olive McGowan, who is based at St James's Hospital, Leeds, says the soap is "irresponsible" for running the storyline which will see Vera Duckworth fighting for her life after an operation to donate a kidney to her desperately-ill grandchild goes wrong. Although she is a perfect match, numerous problems, including Vera's age, lead to complications and fans will see Vera grimly clinging on to life.

The plot involving Leeds Lady Mayoress, Liz Dawn's character, will climax at Christmas, reports the Yorkshire Evening Post. But Mrs McGowan said: "For something like Coronation Street to run a storyline like this is totally irresponsible. It has potential to do a lot of damage if people considering becoming donors are put off." Only last month it was revealed that Yorkshire is in a transplant crisis with the number of organ donors at an all-time low.

A Coronation Street spokesman was unavailable for comment.

Street star Liz receives MBE
24 October 2000

Coronation Street star Liz Dawn, better known as Vera Duckworth, has been given an MBE. But she revealed the Queen did not recognise her when she arrived in a smart hat and dress at Buckingham Palace.

The down-to-earth soap star, famous for her character's tirades against fictional husband Jack, was awarded the honour for her services to charity. She has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for hospitals in the Manchester and Leeds area. The 60-year-old actress said: "What would our Jack say? I look like Thora Hird in this hat. "Even the Queen said 'Are you in disguise?' I bet she thought I was weird."

Standing outside Buckingham Palace, she said she had been terrified ahead of receiving the honour. "It were nerve-racking. I've never been so frightened in my life - I've hardly slept," she said.

A staunch royalist, she met the Queen when the monarch visited the Coronation Street set in 1982 and posed for a picture with the cast outside the Rovers Return. Liz received her MBE for services to the Manchester Children's Hospital, the Genesis Appeal and the Liz Dawn Breast Cancer Appeal, St James' Hospital, Leeds, for which she has raised more than £700,000.

Earlier this year, she was made lady mayoress of her home city of Leeds and has also been given an honorary doctorate by Leeds Metropolitan University for her voluntary work. Dawn has featured in the soap for 25 years as loud-mouthed Vera, and her character believes she is related to the Royal Family.

It is rumoured that Vera Duckworth will be involved in her own health scare at Christmas while donating a kidney to her errant son Terry's grandchild.

The Prince of Wales is due to visit the set of the Street, Britain's longest-running TV soap, on 8 December, and has been offered the part of an extra.

Street star Liz Dawn shattered after MBE ceremony
24 October 2000
As down to earth as Coronation Street cobblestones, actress Liz Dawn was Vera Duckworth at Buckingham Palace when she received her MBE. "What would our Jack say? I look like Thora Hird in this hat. Even the Queen said 'Are you in disguise?' I bet she thought I was weird."

Liz, alias soap character Vera, was still shaking after receiving her award at the Palace. "It were nerve-racking. I've never been so frightened in me life - I've hardly slept. I started to fill up - I'm filling up now," she said, wiping a tear from her eye.

Liz, 60, who has been in Britain's longest-running soap for 26 years as the loud-mouthed wife of screen husband Jack Duckworth, received her honour for charity work. "Eee, I get around me - from Roy's Rolls to this," she said, comparing her palatial surroundings with the Coronation Street cafe where Vera works.

By the 'eck: plaques for't Corrie owd 'uns!
24 October 2000

Four of Coronation Street's most loved stars are to be honoured with plaques to commemorate their achievements. Current stars of the soap will unveil four blue plaques outside Manchester's Granada studios next Tuesday in memory of Violet Carson OBE, Pat Phoenix, Doris Speed MBE and Bryan Mosley. The memorials are being awarded by The Heritage Foundation to honour the achievements of the four actors as well as raising money for charity.

Violet Carson played Street stalwart Ena Sharples, famed for her interfering ways. The character left the cobbled streets of Weatherfield in 1980 after 20 years. Violet herself passed away on Boxing Day 1985 in Cleveleys, near Blackpool.

Pat Phoenix starred as street siren Elsie Tanner from 1960 to 1984. Men on the street lusted after her, but most broke her heart until she was whisked away for a new life in Portugal running a wine bar with ex-lover Bill Gregory. Pat died of lung cancer in Manchester in 1986 shortly after a hospital marriage to Tony Blair's father-in-law actor Tony Booth.

Doris Speed and Bryan Mosley played pub landlady Annie Walker and councillor and mayor Alf Roberts. Annie Walker was the Rovers most famous landlady and ran the pub for over 30 years. Doris left the Street in 1983 and died at a nursing home in Bury, in 1994, aged 95.

Bryan Mosley was told to leave the show after health scares. His character was written out in January 1999 when he died following his step grandson Nicky Tilsley's 18th birthday party. A month later Bryan himself collapsed and died in the street in Shipley, Bradford, after suffering a massive heart attack.

Present stars and family and friends of the four actors will help unveil the plaques at a ceremony as part of the soap's 40th anniversary celebrations.

Street star Liz to receive MBE
24 October 2000

Coronation Street star Liz Dawn is on her way to Buckingham Palace to receive an MBE from the Queen. Dawn, who plays the Street's Vera Duckworth, has been given the honour for her charity work at hospitals in Manchester and Leeds. A staunch royalist, she met the Queen when the monarch visited the Coronation Street set in 1982 and posed for a picture with the cast outside the Rovers Return.

The Prince of Wales is due to visit the set of the Street, Britain's longest-running TV soap, on December 8, and could even be written into the script. Dawn met Diana, Princess of Wales, and has worked for the Prince's Trust, the Prince of Wales's youth charity, and has also met the Duke of Edinburgh. She was made an MBE for services to the Manchester Children's Hospital, the Genesis Appeal and the Liz Dawn Breast Cancer Appeal, St James's Hospital, Leeds, for which she has raised more than £700,000.

It is not the first honour she has received. Dawn was feted by Prime Minister Tony Blair at Downing Street in 1997, she was 1996 Yorkshire Woman of the Year and in 1998 received an honorary doctorate from Leeds University. Most recently she has been made Lady Mayoress of Leeds, her home town. Dawn, 60, has featured in the soap for 25 years as loud-mouthed Vera, who believes she is related to the Royal Family.

Vera fights for life in donor plot
23 October 2000

CORONATION Street's Vera Duckworth will be seen fighting for her life in Christmas episodes that are expected to leave millions of viewers in tears. Vera bravely volunteers to donate a kidney to a sick grandchild she never knew she had. But the operation goes wrong and her fate hangs in the balance.

The dramatic plot-line follows a joyful surprise for Vera and her husband Jack, played by Liz Dawn and Bill Tarmey in Granada's ITV soap. The couple are delighted when a former flame of their son Terry arrives on their doorstep with her youngster. But the Duckworths' joy rapidly turns to anxiety when they realise that Terry's love-child is in desperate need of a kidney transplant.

Wicked Terry is tracked down and agrees to donate one of his kidneys, provided he is paid £25,000. Doting grandparents Jack and Vera eventually agree to his demand and hand over their life savings. Not for the first time, Terry outrages his mother and father - by running off with the money before the operation.

A Corrie insider revealed last night: "Jack's heart problems rule him out as a potential donor, so surgeons turn instead to Vera. "She is a perfect match. But Vera is warned that because of her age she may not survive the operation. "After a lot of soul searching she decides to go ahead for the child's sake."

When it becomes clear that the surgery has not gone according to plan, Vera is shown lying seriously ill in her hospital bed as doctors struggle to keep her alive. The insider said: "The episodes will be screened during the Christmas holiday period and will be a huge ratings winner for Granada. "Vera is one of the best-loved characters on TV and viewers will be devastated if she does not pull through. "The whole emotional roller-coaster puts a big strain on Jack, who is distraught at the prospect of losing his wife and even more bitter at the heartless actions of his son."

Terry, played by Nigel Pivaro, has been little but trouble to his parents since the day he was born. He has already abandoned one child, son Tommy - by selling him to the parents of his girlfriend Lisa Horten after she was killed by a car. Vera went hysterical and Jack hit Terry.

That 1993 flare-up marked the start of Terry's long absence from the programme. But in 1997 he was back - wooing single mum Tricia Armstrong, who gave birth to another child. Now Terry's cruel treatment of the latest youngster, who could die without his help, is set to confirm his reputation as one of TV's most evil men.

• MORE than 5,000 people in Britain are waiting for a kidney transplant. Surgeons carry out around 1300 every year.
• UNTIL recently only blood relatives could donate organs but new techniques mean increasing numbers of family members are now potential donors.
• ALTHOUGH death is rare, there is the risk of haemorrhaging, infection and heart attack.
  

Coronation Street star Bev splits up with husband No3
22 October 2000

CORONATION Street star Beverley Callard has split up with her third husband Steve - for the third time.

The actress, known to millions as troubled Liz McDonald, decided she'd had enough of his cheating.

Bev, 43, has dumped Steve twice before over his flings with shopgirl Emma Ramsden, 33. But she took him back after he begged for forgiveness.

They moved to Spain's Costa del Sol to make a new start but devastated Beverley discovered Steve, 34, was playing around again. Bev recently returned to the soap as a temporary barmaid at the Rover's Return pub and had a reunion with her screen husband Jim, played by Charlie Lawson.

Friends blame Bev and Steve's new life in the sun for the bust-up. "It just highlighted the cracks they had been papering over," said one. "Their son Joshua was at a boarding school and one of them would try to visit him at weekends. "

There was a lot of travelling and a lot of time apart, which in the end put a strain on their relationship." Fitness fanatic Bev met Steve in a snooker hall in 1987 where she was taking an aerobic class.

They lived together for two years before marrying and having Joshua, now 11. Like her screen character, Bev has had a troubled love life.

She first married at 16 and had a daughter Rebecca,25, now also an actresss. Marriage No. 2 was to a teacher...then she met Steve. A spokeswoman for Coronation Street confirmed last night that the couple had split. She added: "They have been living apart for some time. " Bev has been comforted by close friend Simon Tull, co-owner of Costa del Sol restaurant Silks. The couple are staying at pounds 165-a-night Le Meridien hotel in Manchester, but deny they are having an affair. Mr Tull said last night: "Liz and I have known each other for some time but we are just good friends. "Bev is helping me with a charity event. In return I am advising her about the sale of a piece of land she owns in Spain. "We are staying in the same hotel in Manchester but we are not staying in the same room." Three years ago, when she had patched things up with Steve, Bev said: "Once a marriage is flawed you never really get over it."

Medication Street
20 October 2000

CORONATION Street is to get its first doctor next month after a 40-year wait. Former Bill heart-throb Stephen Beckett will play handsome Dr Matt Ramsden, a likeable working class boy made good. He will be joined by ex-Cops star Clare McGlinn as his wife, Charlie, a snooty teacher with ideas above her station. The couple will take over the house vacated by Debs Brownlow after she betrays sister Natalie by snaring her man Vinny. And a new health centre built on the Weatherfield set will become another meeting point for locals. Gail Platt, played by Helen Worth, will land the job of receptionist at the surgery.

A Street spokeswoman said last night: "Matt is a down to earth, all-round nice bloke while Charlie is a bit more posh. "She's not overjoyed when she finds out she's living next door to one of her pupils, Sarah-Louise. "Sarah-Louise is just as horrified that Miss is on her doorstep."

Stephen, 33, was best known as PC Nick Jarvis in The Bill, until he quit the show two years ago. His girlfriend is 29-year-old Anna Brecon - Emmerdale's Lady Tara Thornfield - who was injured in Tuesday's Hatfield rail disaster. Brunette Clare, 31, won acclaim as tough-talking PC Natalie MetCalf in the gritty BBC2 drama, The Cops.

A Street insider said yesterday: "The idea to have a doctor is something that has been discussed several times in the past, but it's never quite happened. "Now we've got one at last. The character should provide us with lots of good plot lines."

Denise Roving away
19 October 2000 by Nigel Pauley

ROVERS RETURN landlady Natalie Barnes is to leave Weatherfield for a new life - after finding out she is pregnant by her cheating lover. Natalie, actress Denise Welch who is pregnant in real life, will be left holding the baby in a tearjerking exit from Coronation Street.

Denise, who is thrilled to be a mum again at 41, begged writers to give her an explosive storyline and not stick her behind the pumps hiding her bump. They came up with a finale which will see alreadytragic Natalie reaching new depths of despair as her lover Vinny Sorrell (James Gaddas) and her younger sister Debs Brownlow (Gabrielle Glaister) have a fling.

Blonde bombshell Natalie's happiness at the news that she is expecting Vinny's baby turns to heartbreak when the two people she trusts most do the dirty on her - an act of treachery which leads to their own departure. And she decides to leave the Rovers herself for a fresh start with her child.

A Corrie insider said: "It's hard to imagine how terrible she feels when she discovers that two of the people she loves and trusts do the dirty on her. "Obviously, with all this going on, it's not the ideal time for her to fall pregnant and leaves her facing life as a single mum. "Things seems bleak. But there are lots of twists and turns in the story and it will be a happy ending for Natalie eventually."

Denise had already made up her mind to quit before learning she was having a second child with Auf Wiedersehen Pet actor hubby Tim Healy. The addition to their family - their son Matt is 11 - is due next spring. And producers quickly agreed to her request for a "juicy exit" because it leaves the way open for her to return in the future.

Natalie has featured in some sizzling storylines - a steamy affair with married Kevin Webster and three murders, including those of her husband and son. Denise said: "Most of my time in the Street has been spent crying. But I'll be sad to go after four great years."

Vik's fling with girl, 14
17 October 2000 by Peter Dyke

LOVELORN Coronation Street cabbie Vikram Desai is set to shock viewers by dating a 14year-old girl. The hunky driver - who has never had much luck with women - thinks he has struck gold when he meets pretty Candice. But the teeny temptress lies about her age. She claims she is 18 when really she is almost half his age! And Vikram is shamed in front of his pals when she is booted out of the Rovers for being too young.

Actor Chris Bisson, who plays Vikram, said: "Vik ends up totally humiliated." The hapless cabbie thinks he has found true love when he goes for a haircut at Audrey's salon. Candice - who he has never seen before - openly flirts with him, so bungling Vik takes the plunge and asks her out. Chris added: "This girl is all dolled up and looking really good. He's never noticed her before. "She starts flirting with him and he can't believe his luck. He decides to take his chance and ask her on a date. "But Candice lies and says she is 18. Vik has no reason to doubt her as she seems very mature."

Candice actually makes a few slip-ups while out with her new boyfriend. The schoolgirl claims she will need to ask her mum's permission to go on their night out. But the clever pupil manages to cover her tracks. Chris, who is 24, adds: "The pair go out and share a passionate kiss. They even arrange to meet the following night. "Vik is so excited. When they next meet he is desperate to show her off to his mates. "He drags her down to the Rovers - but he's not prepared for the reception sheis given."

Within minutes of them entering the bar, eagle-eyed Rita Fairclough recognises Candice and reveals her true age. Stunned Vikram is made to look a fool in front of everyone. Chris tells All About Soap magazine: "Not only is he gutted to hear Candice is only 14, he is angry at her for lying to him. "He has also been shown up in front of the whole pub. Steve McDonald gives him a load of abuse. "Vik just wants the ground to swallow him."

The actor reckons it is high time his character settled down with a girlfriend - nearer his age, of course. He said: "Vik needs a girl to keep him on his toes and give him a run for his money." But if Chris had the pick of the bunch, he knows exactly who Vik's ideal woman would be. "If Kylie Minogue made a return to soap, she'd be the perfect girlfriend," he said.

Stars and Their Lives - Corrie Special !
16 October 2000

We are pleased to announce free tickets are now available for a Stars and Their Lives special in Manchester. Join the wonderful CAROL VORDEMAN as she meets one of the stars of the nation's favourite soap - CORONATION STREET! Carol will be celebrating the life of JACQUI PIRIE (Linda Sykes - aka the new Mrs Mike Baldwin in The Street!) and meeting her friends and family and chatting about her influences. Other stars of Coronation Street will also be in attendance!

ONE DATE ONLY - TUESDAY 31ST OCTOBER, 6.30pm @ Granada TV Studios, Quay Street, Manchester.

To book your free tickets call Standing Room Only on 020 8870 0111, or e-mail your full ticket request to nick@standroom.com including show, recording date, number of tickets and your full address and daytime phone number to book.

Coronation Street criticised for plugging spin-off book
16 October 2000

Coronation Street has been ticked off by television regulators after plugging a spin-off book from the soap in one of its episodes.

In a storyline broadcast during July and August, long-serving character Ken Barlow, played by William Roache, published a book about the history of the local area, called Weatherfield Yesterday. But the programme's producer Granada has also published a book called Weatherfield Yesterday: The Cartwright Murders, which has been ruled to be in breach of Independent Television Commission rules because "a commercial product was being promoted within the programme".

Another episode of the Street drew a flood of complaints from viewers over the level of violence shown. The episode in question was when villain Jez Quigley sought revenge against Steve McDonald for testifying against him in court. More than 30 viewers complained over the level of violence and menace in the soap when children would be watching. The ITC ruled that the scenes had been filmed in such a way that very little violence was in fact shown, and did not uphold the complaints.

Simply bed, chuck
15 October 2000

THE sexy actress who will play Coronation Street's first hooker is dating Simply Red star Mick Hucknall after they shared a red-hot night. Busty Margaret Blakemore - who will be seen picking up Les Battersby in the soap next month - fell for notorious ladies man Hucknall at a charity concert. The randy singer swept Margaret off her feet before romancing her in his luxury hotel room. And besotted Margaret, 26, told friends: "Simply Red? He's simply wild!"

The pair clicked in the VIP area of Manchester's Reform bar following the all-stars match held for Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson's testimonial last year. A friend said: "It was instant! Within minutes they were cuddling and kissing." Hucknall then whisked Margaret to his trendy Barca bistro in Manchester. They sipped champagne in a privateVIP area before heading for the city's five-star Midland Hotel where former England football hero Paul Gascoigne was holding a party.

The friend said: "Mick asked her to dance and started holding her really close and staring into her eyes. "After a few dances they sat down and Mick leaned over and kissed her. But it wasn't long before his little pecksturned into a full-blown snog. Margaret didn't leave the hotel until well into the small hours."

Corrie's controversial new star has been linked to a string of rich and famous men. She spent a weekend with Oasis frontman LIAM GALLAGHER, dated Ivana Trump's ex-lover RICARDO MAZZUCCHELLIand had a fling with Brookside actor ANDREW FILLIS. But the friend said: "Margaret's dream is to be a regular in Corrie. After all, how could Mick Hucknall possibly compare to Les Battersby!"

Corrie cop gun terror
15 October 2000

CORONATION Street star Angela Lonsdale has revealed how she had "terrifying" police gun training before her chilling siege shoot-out in the soap. Angela, who plays Curly's cop girlfriend Emma, trained with armed units from Manchester police to get her reactions perfect.

She said: "In training I had to face a mock deranged gunman. I chose not to shoot him. The training officers said I made the right decision - but it was a terrifying experience. "And I re-lived every minute of that horror when I shot the raider in the siege scene. My nerves were torn to shreds."

Corrie wins battle of the soaps again
13 October 2000

Coronation Street won the war in the battle of soaps with unofficial viewing figures showing it got more than a million more viewers for its Thursday night special episode than EastEnders.

A spokeswoman for Granada TV told Ananova: "Thursday night's episode attracted 13.6 million viewers. Once again we're really pleased. "It shows that people still want to watch Coronation Street even when it's on a different night." A special late night edition on Coronation Street attracted 13 million viewers when it was shown at 10pm on Wednesday.

Prince Charles could become Coronation Street extra
13 October 2000
The Prince of Wales has been invited to appear in Britain's best-loved soap opera as an extra after it was announced he would be visiting Coronation Street as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations. Charles will swap the grandeur of the palace for the cobbles of Weatherfield to meet the stars and makers of the long-running series during a visit to Manchester.

The show is currently enjoying huge viewing figures with 13.6 million people tuning in last night and 13 million watching the hard-hitting supermarket siege storyline unfold on Wednesday. A spokeswoman for the soap said: "The royal visit is the icing on the cake after what has been a fantastic week. It is great for everyone involved in the show." The Prince will visit the set at Granada Studios in Manchester on the eve of the anniversary on December 8.

Granada Media chairman Charles Allen said: "We are delighted that His Royal Highness has chosen to visit Granada Media on the occasion of Coronation Street's 40th anniversary. The show is the world's longest running programme and Britain's most-loved drama serial and we are honoured to receive the royal seal of approval."

Street producer Jane Macnaught added: "When you produce Coronation Street you become aware of the enormity of the programme. It feels like watching over the crown jewels. There can be no greater accolade paid to the show than a visit from His Royal Highness on our 40th birthday. "The cast and production team are thrilled that he's going to be here and if His Royal Highness would like to appear as an extra on the Street we'd be happy to write him in."

Corrie criticised for lack of ethnic actors
12 October 2000 by Peter Simpson

Popular soaps should include more actors from ethnic communities to better represent British society, broadcasting chiefs admitted today. The Cultural Diversity Network initiative singled out Coronation Street for failing to mirror Britain's multiculturalism. "It can still do better," said Carlton's head of production Waheed Alli, who believed extra Emmerdale episodes should be used to introduce more ethnic actors.

Britain's leading broadcasters have pledged to change the face of television by boosting the number of black and Asian actors, directors, producers and decision makers. The BBC, ITV, Sky, C4 and C5 have joined forces to improve representation of the UK's ethnic minorities. Culture Secretary Chris Smith has backed the CDN manifesto. "This is not about political correctness, but about the realities of life," he said.

Broadcasting chiefs from Britain's TV companies have produced an action plan to give ethnic communities better representation on and off screen. Britain's biggest media employer and cultural institution, the BBC, still had too few black and Asian employees, admitted director-general Greg Dyke. "We recognise our responsibility. As public broadcasters, we are committed to providing programmes that are value for everyone," he said.

The chairman of the CDN, Carlton TV's chief executive Clive Jones, said the joint initiative will be held accountable by the public and the Government. "The country is facing a demographic revolution and the industry has to act together to reflect reality or lose a vital audience," he said. Broadcasters have set targets to increase employment of ethnic groups across the media, and to improve their on-screen portrayal.

Coronation Street siege ends in death
12 October 2000

The residents of Coronation Street have been left coming to terms with the dramatic events of the siege at Freshco's. In a special Thursday night episode, all of the Street regulars managed to escape unscathed, although one of the robbers wasn't quite so lucky. As Mike and Ken fled to Linda and Deirdre, Ashley and Fred managed to overpower one of the robbers. Emma, Curly's girlfriend, then shot Dean - the other robber.

As he was wheeled out to a waiting ambulance, Linda realised he was her brother. She rode in the ambulance with Dean to comfort him, but he went into cardiac arrest and died.

Corrie fans get late night drama treat
12 October 2000
Coronation Street fans sat transfixed as six of the soap favourite's stars were held hostage in an armed siege that ends in a hail of bullets. Street regulars including store manager Curly Watts, Ken Barlow, Mike Baldwin, his ex-wife Alma Sedgewick and butchers Ashley Peacock and Fred Elliott, plus a retiring security guard and a nervous cashier, were held at gunpoint during a bungled robbery at Freshco's supermarket. They watched in horror as a 17-year-old would-be robber was cut down by a police sniper - who turned out to be Curly's girlfriend Sgt Emma Taylor.

The special late-night hour-long episode heralds the beginning of a series of dramatic shows aimed in the run up to the soap's 40th anniversary on December 9. A Coronation Street spokeswoman said: "They are a must for Coronation Street fans. We were asked by ITV to make these special episodes to build on the success of this year's fantastic storylines in Coronation Street."

The bizarre gunpoint siege unfolded when two hapless teenage thieves tried to rob the Freshco store where Curly and Alma work - but the cash had already been locked in the safe. Long time rivals Ken and Mike were separated from the pack and locked in a store room and tied together where they baited each other about past feuds. The thieves became bored and played a game of bowls using fruit and vegetables and the hostages become hungry and barbecued some of the store's stock in order to feed their craving. The barbecued steaks set off the fire alarms and armed police surrounded the store after news of the siege emerged.

It was as Curly seemed to be on the verge of getting the nervous gunman to hand over his weapon and give himself up that the police swooped to end the siege.

Around 13 million people stayed up to watch the special late-night edition of Coronation Street. A spokeswoman for the show's producer's Granada told Ananova: " It was one of the top rating shows ever for that timeslot on ITV. It's fantastic, we're really pleased." Some 64% of viewers watched ITV between 10pm and 11pm last night. BBC1 was showing highlights of England's goalless draw with Finland at the same time. The average audience figures for Coronation Street in its usual 7.30pm slot are between 14 and 15 million. An extra edition of the Weatherfield soap will be on ITV tonight at 8pm

Mum pens starring role for actress daughter
12 October 2000

Gaynor Faye says she has no qualms about starring in TV programmes written by her mother Kay Mellor. The ex-Coronation Street actress is one of the stars of Mellor's new comedy drama series Fat Friends. "I know mum wrote the part of Lauren with me in mind," she admits. "But it wasn't certain that I would be able to do it. People do sometimes think that it is nepotism, because I happen to be in one of my mum's productions which is northern and predominantly female. "That's not my problem. I have a very healthy CV, including four years in Coronation Street so I have no qualms being in my mum's work. I would be cutting my nose off to spite my face to turn it down. "There is never any preferential treatment, in fact probably the opposite as she's even harder on me."

Gaynor has revealed there was one surreal moment in Fat Friends when her character Lauren lands a part on Coronation Street. "It is a bit of an in-joke. All viewers will see is her watching the episode. We thought it might be a bit much for me to appear in the Kabin with Rita. But even so, it was quite surreal."

The first episode of Fat Friends will be shown on ITV on October 12 at 9pm.

Corry wins battle of the soaps
11 October 2000

Coronation Street is celebrating after beating arch-rival EastEnders to the top soap award in this year's National Television Awards. It won the most popular drama award for the third year running and the fourth time overall, and Street star Tina O'Brien, who plays teenage mother Sarah-Louise Platt, also picked up an award for the most popular newcomer. Former Coronation Street actress Sarah Lancashire, remembered by many for her role as Rovers barmaid Raquel, scooped the best actress award for Seeing Red.

But there was some good news for EastEnders with Martin Kemp, who plays hard man Steve Owen, collecting the award for most popular actor. Michael Barrymore scooped two awards at the ceremony, which was presented by Trevor McDonald at London's Royal Albert Hall. Barrymore has now won a total of seven awards at the event which is now in its sixth year. He beat the likes of Ali G to collect the most popular comedy performer prize for his role in Bob Martin, and was also voted the most popular entertainment presenter for his show Kids Say The Funniest Things. Chris Tarrant's Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? won the top quiz show category for the second year running.

Another previous winner was Richard and Judy's This Morning show which won the category for most popular daytime programme for the third year running, while Stars In Their Eyes was voted the most popular entertainment programme for the third year in a row. Michael Parkinson's chat show also scooped an award for the third year in a row, with Parkinson being voted the most popular talk show. This year's award for the most popular comedy went to Caroline Aherne's hit The Royle Family.

Most Popular Actor: Martin Kemp (EastEnders)
Also nominated: David Jason (A Touch of Frost)
Martin Shaw (Always and Everyone)
John Thaw (Monsignor Renard)
Robson Green (Grafters)

Most Popular Actress: Sarah Lancashire (Seeing Red)
Also nominated: Tamzin Outhwaite (EastEnders)
Samantha Giles (Emmerdale)
Pam Ferris (Where the Heart Is)
Debra Stephenson (Bad Girls)

Most Popular Comedy Performer: Michael Barrymore (Bob Martin)
Also nominated: Ali G (Da Ali G Show)
Brian Conley (The Grimleys)
Victoria Wood (Dinnerladies)
Dawn French (The Vicar of Dibley)

Most Popular Entertainment Presenter: Michael Barrymore (Kids Say The Funniest Things)
Also nominated: Jim Davidson ( The Generation Game)
Dale Winton (The Other Half)
Davina McCall (Don't Try This At Home)
Chris Tarrant (Tarrant on TV)

Most Popular Factual Programme: Animal Hospital
Also nominated: Crimewatch UK
Ground Force
Walking With Dinosaurs

Most Popular Entertainment Programme: Stars In Their Eyes
Also nominated: An Audience With...Cliff Richard
My Kind of Music
This Is Your Life

Most Popular Comedy: The Royle Family
Also nominated: Friends
The Vicar of Dibley
Last of the Summer Wine

Most Popular Daytime Programme: This Morning
Also nominated: Neighbours
Pet Rescue
Countdown

Most Popular Drama: Bad Girls
Also nominated: The Bill
Where The Heart Is
A Touch of Frost

Most Popular Serial Drama: Coronation Street
Also nominated: Brookside
Emmerdale
EastEnders

Most Popular Quiz: Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
Also nominated: Have I Got News For You
Family Fortunes
A Question of Sport

Most Popular Talk Show: Parkinson
Also nominated: Des O'Connor Tonight
Springer
So Graham Norton

Most Popular Newcomer: Tina O'Brien (Coronation Street)
Also nominated: Charlie Brooks (EastEnders)
Clara Salaman (The Bill)
Kate McGregor (Emmerdale)
Perry Fenwick (EastEnders)

Most Popular Advertisement: WH Smith
Also nominated: PG Tips, Budweiser, Tesco

Corrie in pink stink
10 October 2000 by John Mahoney

CORONATION Street sexpot Tracy Shaw has been BANNED from being Pretty in Pink on the hit soap. Show bosses are fed up with her crimper character Maxine Peacock sporting Barbiestyle tops, skirts and shoes, with matching bags. Producer Jane Macnaught ordered wardrobe staff to ditch the shocking togs and deck out the blonde beauty in trendier, raunchier gear.

But the kit hit the fan last week when Jane viewed an episode planned for next month and saw Maxine in a - three-piece pink suit. It flew in the face of a new storyline clearing the way for Maxine to get a fashion makeover. Only recently, her screen hubby Ashley frantically tried to retrieve a load of her pink togs after accidentally giving them to a charity shop.

A show insider revealed the Barbie bust-up had been anything but dainty. "When Jane saw Maxine in a three-piece pink number, she was very, very angry," the source said. "She wanted a total, overnight makeover, whereas people in costumes decided to make it gradual. "Jane thought the Barbie image for Maxine was dated - after all, she's a stylish hairdresser, who's hardly likely to dress like that all the time." "Tracy also welcomes the change. She feels Maxine wouldn't wear pink always. "But costume staff feel you can't convert someone overnight, because it wouldn't happen in real life."

Corrie star Michael Le Vell, who plays garage boss Kevin Webster, admitted he wears the same leather jacket in the show that he got when he joined 16 years ago.

Tracy sore over snub
9 October 2000 by Gareth Morgan

CORONATION Street sex bomb Tracy Shaw is to snub tomorrow night's National TV Awards after being overlooked in the nominations. EastEnders babe Tamzin Outhwaite and Emmerdale's sexy Samantha Giles, posh Bernice Blackstock, now go head to head for a gong.

Last year Tamzin, Cockney barmaid Mel Healy, won Best Newcomer title. This year Tracy did not reach the shortlist for her role as Corrie crimper Maxine Peacock. She has told organisers she won't be going.

The awards will be announced at a backslapping bash at the Royal Albert Hall. Some 500,000 viewers voted for their favourite small screen stars. It will be broadcast live in a two-hour ITV special. An insider revealed: "Tracy is definitely not coming. "She can't be happy at missing out on a nomination." "It's a terrible shame, but there will be plenty of other small-screen babes on show."

Big Brother host Davina McCall, Brookside's Ann-Marie Davies and Coronation Street sexpot Jennifer James are all sure to be wearing eye-popping outfits. The luvvie bash is to be hosted by newsreader Trevor McDonald. EastEnders favourites Charlie Brooks, (alias Janine Butcher) and Perry Fenwick (Billy Mitchell) have been nominated for the title of Most Popular Newcomer. Martin Kemp, Eastenders bad boy Steve Owen, is up against John Thaw, David Jason and Robson Green for the Best Actor gong.

Is this the end of Curly?
5 October 2000
THIS is the moment Curly Watts stares death in the face in a nerve-racking episode of Coronation Street. Manager Curly gets caught up in an armed raid on Freshco's supermarket which leaves one of the characters lying dead in a pool of blood. But the question which will have Corrie's millions of fans on the edge of their seats is: Who gets the bullet?

All right, we can reveal it's NOT Curly. But in fact the fatal shot is fired by his policewoman girlfriend Emma to save the life of her lover.

In the melee that follows police storming Freshco's, SOMEONE gets it - and viewers will be kept on tenterhooks before the victim is finally revealed. The drama unfolds in a special late- night episode on Wednesday after two teenage thugs armed with a gun and a knife burst into Freshco's.

Newly- wed Mike Baldwin - whose wife Linda rushes to the scene as soon as she hears - cowers in terror as a gun is put to his head. Then, as ex-missus Alma Sedgewick looks on in terror, Curly tries to defend his friends but ends up with a gun at his throat. Butcher Fred Elliott prays for his life as the raid turns into a siege, then the raiders tie Mike to rival Ken Barlow. Meanwhile, young Ashley Peacock makes an agonised phone call to his wife Maxine. As a crowd gathers outside the store, a shot rings out - and a body slumps to the ground.

Favourite to die is Ashley at 3-1. But close behind are Mike and one of the raiders at 4-1. Ken and Fred are joint 6-1, while Alma's a long-shot at 7-1. An insider said: "The lives of several Weatherfield residents are in peril. It's a real cliff-hanger."

ITV schedulers go to war as BBC unveils its news at ten
5 October 2000 by Jane Robins
The biggest ratings war in British television history is about to begin. BBC1 unveiled an aggressive, audience grabbing new schedule last night, beginning on Monday 16 October, with the main evening news at 10pm, dramas where news used to be, and comedy in the Panorama slot.

The principal BBC casualty will be its current affairs flagship programme, Panorama, cast to the outer darkness of 10.15pm on a Sunday. It will be replaced by the Caroline Aherne comedy The Royle Family, at 9.30pm on Monday 16 October. On Friday 20 October viewers absent-minded enough to forget that the BBC has ended 30 years of news at 9pm will be greeted with the comedy quiz show Have I Got News For You, which is to transfer from BBC2.

From 16 October, the BBC's 10 o'clock news will be a regular feature, allowing BBC1 to schedule feature films through the evening. On the following Tuesday, for instance, it will run a television premier of the hit movie Men in Black. The new schedule also includes the final series of One Foot in the Grave, new Robert Winston programmes about the human body, and a new series of The Scarlet Pimpernel, starring Richard E Grant.

ITV immediately retaliated by announcing two hour-long specials of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire for the first week of the new schedule, Coronation Street moving to 7.40pm, and special attractions, such as a documentary about the Queen, brought forward.

NB: The Corrie move was just for one night - Graham

Walk of shame
5 October 2000 by John Mahoney

TELLY bosses ordered Corrie actress Vicky Entwistle to make a grovelling tour of apology. They insisted she said a personal "Sorry" to stars she'd kept waiting for TWO HOURS after rolling up late at the Granada studios. And on her walk of shame the actress who plays battleaxe Janice Battersby got a tongue-lashing from Street veteran Barbara Knox she will never forget.

A Granada source revealed last night: "Vicky came out of Barbara's dressing room with her ears still ringing. "She probably hasn't had a monstering like that in all her time here. "Everyone knows Barbara is the consummate professional, and a stickler for punctuality. She has been in the show a long time and expects the same high standards from everybody."

Vicky was left stunned after 67-year-old Barbara, Coronation Street's most senior female star, laid into her with the cutting warning: "You did well to land such a part, lady, so you should not be doing anything to jeopardise that!"

Barbara - who plays Kabin boss Rita Sullivan - was just one of the angry stars left hanging around because Vicky, 32, arrived late for shooting with the excuse she'd had car trouble. Production crews were also furious because scenes had to be shot out of sequence and work on the soap was disrputed. Instead of fining her for the wasted production time, bosses told her to go round every actor she let down and give them a grovelling apology.

The insider went on: "She was given a stern talking to about her time-keeping. "There were a lot of people, not least the production team, who were left unchuffed about how late she turned up. She was told in no uncertain circumstances that nobody on the show is indispensable - and no actor is bigger than Coronation Street. "Vicky was told to go round all the cast who should have been in her scenes and apologise, which she did. "It must have been very humiliating but she did it, she told them all that she was profoundly sorry. "The factor people should remember is that the powers that be here are not interested in excuses or reasons, because filming costs a lot of money."

And when she knocked on Barbara's dressing room door, the Street legend - who joined the show 28 years ago - let Vicky have it with both barrels.Highly respected Barbara is the soap's highest earner on £170,000 a year. Last year Vicky, who joined the show nearly four years ago, banked slightly more than £50,000. The Granada insider said: "Barbara accepted her apology privately afterwards. But not before she made her feelings about being late, and the inconvenience it causes to others, perfectly clear."

Last night a Coronation Street spokesman confirmed that Vicky turned up late, adding: "Some scenes did have to be pushed back because of it. "She was very apologetic and said she was late because she'd had problems with her car. "She was very professional and responsible about it all and went round apologising to everyone who should have been in her scenes, including Barbara."

Romeo's rumbled
2 October 2000 by Debbie Pogue

CORRIE'S feuding minxes spill the beans over saucy love rat Harvey Reuben this week - when they finally wake up to his womanising ways.

Factory girls Bobbi Lewis and Karen Phillips get their own back on the cocky Casanova by filling his precious car with baked beans, with him in it. The pair, played by Naomi Russell and Suranne Jones, had been fighting over the romeo, played by Andrew Scarborough, but decide this week that Girl Power reigns.

Naomi, 23, said filming the scene was the highlight of her nine months in the Street so far. She said: "It had to be a one-take shot because of the mess it would make. "It was all going really well until just before I poured them through the sunroof. Andrew looked up and opened his mouth really wide, and ended up nearly choking on them. "Afterwards he told us that was nothing compared to where he was finding beans hours later!"

And Suranne, 22, a newcomer to the ITV soap, said the hardest thing was trying to keep a straight face. She said: "I was lucky because the camera was on Naomi and Andrew. But all we wanted to do was burst out laughing. "Once she did it, of course, that was exactly what we did - as the factory girls would do, but I can tell you there wasn't any need for us to act!"

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