Coronation Street Corner

Top 30 Coronation Street Couples

2010-08-12T18:54:00.003+01:00

9. Steve and Karen McDonald

Unlike other married couples, Steve and Karen ended up at the altar due to a bet. It was due to Janice Battersby stating that Karen could never keep hold of a man. Factory machinist Karen persuaded cabbie Steve to propose to her in the Rovers, which he did and both were surprised when they actually married in 2001, and found they were indeed in love. Underworld’s manager Joe Carter found Karen attractive in 2002, and although she resisted his advances, she soon fell for him, after discovering Steve had had a one night stand. Joe persuaded Karen to help him steal the factory off Mike Baldwin. Guilty Karen confessed to Mike in 2003, who sacked her and Joe left Weatherfield, and by then Karen had realised he had used her. Karen soon found herself with Steve again and asked for a divorce so she could have a dream wedding. They managed to convince the neighbours by publicly rowing and in 2004 they remarried. The wedding was dampened with Tracy Barlow’s revelation that Steve was the father of her daughter Amy. The second marriage was burdened with Karen’s feud with Tracy and Karen suffering a miscarriage. By Christmas 2004, the marriage had collapsed and Karen left Steve and Weatherfield and they divorced in 2006.

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Top 30 Coronation Street Couples

2010-07-30T13:49:00.003+01:00

10. Alec and Bet Gilroy

Seventeen years after she became a permanent resident on the street and after many conquests, busty Rovers landlady Bet Lynch finally got married. But it was to a man who was completely different to her other boyfriends – bumbling Alec Gilroy. At first they were business rivals – Bet at the Rovers and Alec at the Graffiti Club. When the Rovers was being refurbished after the fire, the club boomed in business and when the pub reopened, Alec was best not pleased. But he came to Bet’s rescue when she had money problems, becoming manager of the Rovers. A business partnership turned into romance and Bet’s friends were amazed when she married him. Their marriage went better than expected, although Bet’s miscarriage in 1988 strained it somewhat. It was filled with sarcastic banter and as well as running the pub, Alec also ran a theatrical agency which also flourished, mainly with cruise liners. He was also jealous of Bet’s friendship with Mike Baldwin and Jack Duckworth – also aware that they were previous boyfriends. In 1992, after five years the marriage ended when Alec chose a job in Southampton over Bet and the Rovers and they divorced. Alec returned in 1996, but by then Bet had left.

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Top 30 Coronation Street Couples

2010-06-23T16:26:00.003+01:00

11. Len and Rita Fairclough

When Rita Littlewood first appeared on the cobbles in 1964, Len had just divorced his wife Nellie and was busy chasing Elsie Tanner. It would be in 1972 that she would reappear. She found herself attracted to Len and they began a romance. She was a nightclub singer and he a builder and their relationship was tempestuous. In 1973, Len bought a newsagent, called it ‘The Kabin’ and installed Rita as manageress. Their relationship nearly ended in 1974 when Len favoured a council scheme to demolish Coronation Street. He confided in Rita who blabbed. By 1975, they had rebuilt their relationship. In 1977, Rita got a singing offer in Tenerife and accepted. At the airport, she realised she loved Len and married him shortly after. Shortly after their wedding, Rita left Len over his stubbornness to make improvements at their home at 9 Coronation Street and she still envied next door neighbour Elsie who Len held a flame for, but they later reconciled. In 1981, Rita became broody and as they were too old to adopt, they fostered John Spencer and later Sharon Gaskell. In 1982, they moved next door to No. 7. Rita was devastated when Len was killed in a car crash in 1983. She was later shocked when it was revealed he had been visiting his mistress.

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Top 30 Coronation Street Couples

2010-05-12T18:04:00.002+01:00

12. Kevin and Sally Webster

The Websters’ marriage is one of Coronation Street’s longest onscreen marriages – lasting 21 years, off and on. They first met in 1986 when Kevin ruined Sally’s boots by driving through a puddle while she waited for a bus. They hit it off and began a courtship – much to Kevin’s landlady Hilda Ogden’s chagrin, who found Sally’s family the Seddons ‘common’. They were married in a few months and bought 13 Coronation Street from Hilda after she left the street. In 1990, Rosie was born followed by Sophie in 1994. Their marriage was secure until Kevin embarked on an affair with Natalie Horrocks. Although Sally forgave him, the marriage collapsed after her affair with Greg Kelly and they soon divorced. Kevin went on to marry Alison Wakefield in 2000 and son Jake was born soon after. By the end of the year, both Kevin’s new wife and son had died. Kevin and Sally soon find themselves in each other’s arms and in 2002 they remarried. During their second marriage, the couple have had to cope with teenage daughters, Rosie being kidnapped by John Stape and Sally being diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2009, Kevin embarked on an affair with Molly Dobbs – still unknown to Sally.

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Top 30 Coronation Street Couples

2010-05-06T19:41:00.002+01:00

13. Jack and Annie Walker

The Walkers were the first double act in Coronation Street, appearing in the very first episode in 1960. What made them popular was their personality clash – Annie with her snobbishness and megalomania and Jack with his broad Lancashire accent and friendly approach. When they were introduced, Jack and Annie had been married for 23 years and had grown up children Billy and Joan. Being the landlord and landlady of the Rovers Return, the Walkers were at the centre of all the drama on the cobbles. As well as performing the soap’s earliest comic scenes, Jack and Annie also starred in some dramatic storylines that included Frank Turner blackmailing Jack and Annie being kidnapped as well as son Billy popping in and out of their lives, usually in debt. Humorous storylines included Annie accusing Jack of having an affair with Elsie Tanner. In 1964, Jack and Annie became Lucille Hewitt’s guardians after her father Harry and his wife Concepta left for Ireland and she gave them a new lease of life. The partnership lasted a decade. It ended due to Jack’s untimely death of a heart attack in 1970. After Jack, Annie had some gentlemen friends that included Gerald Prince, Arthur Dewhurst and Arthur Harvey, but none matched up to Jack.

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Top 30 Coronation Street Couples

2010-04-28T21:31:00.005+01:00

14. Les and Janice Battersby

Les and Janice, with daughters Leanne and Toyah, moved into 5 Coronation Street in 1997. While Les was unemployed and an ex con, Janice secured a job at Underworld factory. The minute they arrived, they caused havoc – clashing with neighbours Curly Watts and Des Barnes. Soon after they moved in, Les found out he had a son called Greg Kelly, a psycho who abused Sally Webster and was later imprisoned. Despite their constant rows, Les loved Janice (despite struggling to show it at times) but when he bought a deep-fat fryer for their anniversary, it seemed their marriage had run its course. In 2001, Janice had grown tired of Les and began an affair with his best mate and lodger Dennis Stringer, who was dating Eileen Grimshaw. Janice left Les for Dennis. Les, heartbroken, felt suicidal and tried drinking himself to death. Dennis rescued him, but on the way to the way to the hospital, they rowed and they crashed the car. Dennis died, Les survived. Janice was heartbroken and blamed Les for killing the man she ever loved. Despite trying to woo Janice (to no avail), Les met loudmouth Cilla Brown and married her. Janice meanwhile has had relationships with Mick Hopwood and Roger Stiles.

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Top 30 Coronation Street Couples

2010-04-21T20:06:00.007+01:00

15. Dev and Sunita Alahan

Sunita Parekh was an employee at one of Dev’s seven shops, after she fled from her arranged marriage in India. Soon enough, Dev hired her as an assistant at the corner shop and she moved into the flat. Sunita dated Ciaran McCarthy and planned to marry, but they didn’t. Dev, meanwhile, was dating lawyer Maya Sharma. Soon enough, Dev found Sunita behaving oddly and when she collapsed in the shop it was revealed that she had a brain tumour. Dev later proclaimed love to Sunita and dumped Maya who was not pleased. Dev and Sunita got married in 2004. Maya appeared again, wanting revenge. She framed Sunita for bigamy and Sunita was sent to jail for a while. Dev sorted things out and Maya was arrested but freed. Her next step was burning Dev’s shops, keeping Dev and Sunita hostage in the flat and then setting fire to it. They were saved and Maya then tried to run them over. She crashed into a lorry and was sent to a hospital. The Alahans settled to marital life and twins Aadi and Asha were born in 2006. The marriage ended when Sunita found out that Dev had fathered children from his shop assistants and divorced him. They reunited in 2010.

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Top 30 Coronation Street Couples

2010-04-14T14:02:00.002+01:00

16. Richard and Gail Hillman

Gail Platt met suave financial advisor Richard Hillman at friend Alma’s funeral. He fell for Gail and he soon moved in with her. But Richard had a dark side to him. He was a fraudster who apparently had conned elderly people, and he was doing the same to neighbours Emily Bishop and the Duckworths. Richard was not only a fraudster, but a murderer as well. He left Duggie Ferguson for dead and hit ex wife Patricia on the head with a shovel. With two deaths on his mind, he married Gail in 2002. Over the next months, Richard’s business suffered and was desperate for money and when he learnt the worth of mum in law Audrey, he tried to kill her by setting her house on fire. Audrey survived and realised that Richard was responsible. Her accusations led to her being estranged from Gail. Failing to kill Audrey, he moved on to Emily. While trying to kill her, he managed to murder Maxine Peacock. Gail suspected him and confronted him and he confessed. He was on the run for weeks before returning to kidnap the family and driving them into the canal. Only Richard perished. Gail and her family have been affected since.

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Top 30 Coronation Street Couples

2010-03-31T10:44:00.003+01:00

17. Reg and Maureen Holdsworth

Reg Holdsworth first met Maureen Grimes in Llandudno in 1968 and they fell in love. It would be 24 years before they would meet up again. Maureen was stacking shelves at Bettabuys, where Reg was manager. They reignited their relationship but there was one problem: Maureen’s mum Maud. Maud disliked Reg and the feeling was mutual. Maureen had to play mediator between her mum and her boyfriend. Reg was desperate to consummate the relationship and a memorable scene is when he lured Maureen to his waterbed. Comically, it flooded after Derek Wilton accidentally drilled through it. They married in 1994 and bought the Corner Shop from Alf Roberts. Maureen managed the shop with Maud behind the counter and the three lived in harmony – Reg a member of the Square Dealers and Maureen a pillar of the community. Only after a year, the marriage turned sour as Reg was posted to a Bettabuys in Lowestoft. While there, due to his unfaithful nature, he found another woman – Yvonne Bannister. Reg left Maureen for Yvonne – who was pregnant with his child.

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Top 30 Coronation Street Couples

2010-03-24T13:39:00.006Z

18. Ernest and Emily Bishop

After dating many men, Emily Nugent met and fell in love with photographer Ernest Bishop in 1969. They shared the same interests and they became engaged in 1971. They married the following year and moved into 3 Coronation Street. By 1976, Ernest’s photographic business had gone bankrupt and he became the butt of all jokes when he became the first house husband while Emily was the breadwinner. Although they had a secure marriage, it was tested many times. Emily suffered a miscarriage soon after marrying and started a menopause in 1974. In a bid for Emily to connect with young children, they turned to short-term adoption. They also rowed when Ernest became a pianist at the Gatsby nightclub – accompanying Rita Littlewood. Ernest secured a job as a wages clerk at the newly opened factory Baldwin’s Casuals in October 1976 – a job that would cost his life. In 1978, two robbers burst into his office demanding money. While Ernest was trying to reason with them, Mike Baldwin walked in and startled the robbers and the gun went off, fatally shooting Ernest and Emily was left a devastated widow.

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Top 30 Coronation Street Couples

2010-03-18T16:49:00.002Z

19. Ashley and Claire Peacock

After first wife Maxine was murdered by Richard Hillman in January 2003, Ashley struggled to raise her son Joshua and so hired a nanny called Claire Casey. They fell in love and they married on Christmas Day 2004. On their first anniversary, Claire told Ashley that she was pregnant and Thomas was born in July 2006. When Ashley’s dad Fred Elliott died in October 2006, Claire wished to change his name to Freddie in honour of his granddad. During their six year marriage, the Peacocks have had their fair share of drama, from Claire’s post natal depression, Freddie being kidnapped by disturbed Casey Carswell who also tried to kill Claire and manipulate Ashley by having an affair with him. While Ashley has continued his father’s empire at the butchers shop, Claire has had various jobs, ranging from a bus driver, a helpline worker and currently works on the switch at Street Cars. As well as dramas, Ashley and Claire have starred in comic storylines that include a house swap with the Websters in 2008 and Claire forcing Ashley to have a vasectomy in 2009.

Should Ashley and Claire be at 19? Leave comments!

Top 30 Coronation Street Couples

2010-03-10T12:25:00.003Z

20. Martin and Gail Platt

Gail Tilsley had been friends with young Martin Platt since his arrival in 1985, but it wasn’t until Gail’s hubby Brian’s death in 1989 that they became closer. Much to ex mother in law Ivy’s chagrin, the relationship developed and Gail fell pregnant. Although thinking of aborting it, she kept the baby and David was born on Christmas Day 1990. Martin and Gail married in 1991 and he adopted Nick and Sarah – Gail’s children with Brian. In 1993, the marriage was tested when Carmel Finnan was hired as the children’s nanny. She was obsessed with Martin and tried to split the Platts up, but Gail soon sent her packing. As Martin was seven years younger than Gail, he was tempted by other women and in 1999 he had an affair with nurse Cathy Power. Gail forgave him but she wasn’t as forgiving when he had an affair with another nurse – Rebecca Hopkins in 2001. They divorced the same year. After their divorce, they still remained close friends due. Martin was genuinely happy when Gail married Richard Hillman in 2002. When Richard tried to kill the family in 2003, it was Martin who saved them from drowning.

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Top 30 Coronation Street Couples

2010-03-05T18:30:00.002Z

21. Ashley and Maxine Peacock

Although they were a mismatched couple, it was a popular one. After dating him and then moving in with him, Maxine married Ashley in 1999, seeking security more than ever. The marriage was troubled from the start with Maxine accusing Ashley of having an affair and Maxine having trouble getting pregnant by Ashley. When he was in surgery sorting the problem, Maxine drunkenly slept with local GP Matt Ramsden and fell pregnant. Joshua was born in 2001. Although he was angered that Matt was the father, Ashley vowed to forget about the subject and continued to live a happy life with his wife and baby. By 2003, the Peacocks were happy but it was all going to end tragically. Maxine was murdered by Richard Hillman. He hadn’t intended to kill her though. His intended victim was Emily Bishop who was babysitting for the Peacocks. After bludgeoning Emily, Richard was disturbed by Maxine, who’d popped home to check on Emily and Joshua. While Maxine attempted to escape, Richard bludgeoned her as well. Emily survived the attack. At 26, Ashley was a widower and a single father.

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Top 30 Coronation Street Couples

2010-02-24T12:51:00.003Z

22. Alan and Elsie Howard

After two failed marriages and a long string of men, Elsie Tanner met Alan Howard in 1969. Fancying his chances, Alan hired her as manageress in his newly opened hair salon. Although uninterested at first, Elsie agreed to a date. After many dates, Elsie married Alan in 1970. But the marriage was fraught with financial difficulties – Alan’s mainly. She found a rival in Janet Reid who tried to start a relationship with Alan, but Elsie saw her off. The marriage was tested in 1972 when Alan started drinking heavily. Elsie feared that he was an alcoholic after he nearly burned the house down after sleeping with a cigarette in his hand. Alan sobered up and recovered. In 1973, Elsie heard that son Dennis was in prison and, ashamed to admit to Alan, went to London under the pretence she was visiting old friend Sheila Crossley. In London, Elsie was knocked down by a taxi and when Alan went down to identify her, he suspected her of having an affair. Later that year, the Howards left for Alan’s native Newcastle. Elsie returned alone in 1976, now separated from Alan and divorced him in 1978.

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Top 30 Coronation Street Couples

2010-02-17T18:12:00.002Z

23. Don and Ivy Brennan

After first husband Bert died in 1984 and a romance with George Wardle in 1985, Ivy Tilsley met cabby Don Brennan in 1987 when he drove her home. Don was a widower, and he and Ivy married in 1988. Ivy’s life changed forever in 1989 when Brian was fatally stabbed. Already a staunch Catholic, she turned more towards religion and away from Don, leading to tension between them. Only being married for two years, Don soon realised that he had made a mistake in marrying Ivy as she became obsessed with the relationship of Gail with toy boy Martin Platt and the effect it had on Nick and Sarah Louise and even got Social Services involved. Don forced Ivy to apologise. By 1992, Don had an affair with barmaid Julie Dewhurst and when Julie later dumped him, he attempted suicide and had to have his lower leg amputated. Ivy, devastated by his adultery, turned to drink. They soon reconciled, but slept in separate rooms. Don left Ivy in 1994 and she went on a long retreat to a convent, where she suffered a stroke and died. Although he’d asked for a divorce, Don was left a widower for the second time.

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Top 30 Coronation Street Couples

2010-02-10T13:35:00.003Z

24. Brian and Gail Tilsley

It was in 1978 that Brian and Gail first met and although opposition from Brian’s staunch Catholic mother Ivy, they married the following the year. They moved into Buxton Close and Nick was born in 1980. Money problems and family arguments plagued the young couple with Gail clashing with Ivy while Brian clashed with Gail’s mother Audrey. For a few months in 1982, Brian was away working in Qatar and this made Gail doubt her marriage but it was put to rest when Brian returned and bought a garage on Archie Street. By 1986, the marriage had started to crumble with Brian paying more attention to his mum’s love life more than his own which led Gail to have an affair with Brian’s cousin Ian Latimer. Gail fell pregnant and, convinced that Ian was the father, Brian divorced her. Sarah was born in 1987 and Brian was indeed the father. The following year, Brian and Gail remarried for the kids’ sake. Both led separate lives with Brian drinking with his pals and Gail working long hours in the café. In 1989, Brian was fatally stabbed outside a nightclub. The same night, Gail had told him she wanted a divorce.

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Top 30 Coronation Street Couples

2010-02-03T13:30:00.001Z

25. Ken and Valerie Barlow

Beating his brother to the 25th position is Ken Barlow and his first wife Valerie Tatlock. They first met in 1961 when Valerie was visiting her uncle Albert. They dated and although Val had doubts that Ken was way above her station, they married in 1962. The newly weds moved into N°9 and Val converted the front room into a salon while Ken became a teacher. In 1965, Val gave birth to twins Peter and Susan. During their marriage, both Ken and Val had affairs: Val with Dave Robbins in 1963 and Ken with Jackie Marsh in 1966. In 1968, the Barlows moved into the newly built maisonettes. Soon after they moved in, Val was held hostage by convict Frank Riley but was saved by Ena Sharples. The Barlows nearly split up when Ken didn’t believe Val wasn’t raped. In 1969, Val got a job in Alan Howard’s salon, later owned by Dave Smith. In 1971, Ken accepted a teaching job in Jamaica and while drying her hair for their leaving do, Val was electrocuted, knocked the electric fire that led the house to go ablaze. Ken was in the Rovers at the time and the twins were with Uncle Albert. Ken was left a widower and a single father.

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Top 30 Coronation Street Couples

2010-01-27T15:47:00.002Z

26. David and Irma Barlow

Different to his brother Ken, David Barlow only married once – to Stan and Hilda Ogden’s daughter Irma. They first met in 1964 when David was visiting the street. Fun-loving Irma was flattered by David’s interest in her and when he proposed to her, she gladly accepted. David wanted a quiet wedding and convinced Irma not to tell anyone. But they were found out and surprised them by showing up at their reception. David soon retired from his career as a footballer due to injury and Irma convinced him to buy the corner shop from Lionel Petty. Irma later fell pregnant but suffered a miscarriage and this put pressure on their marriage as Irma was convinced that she would never have children. By 1968, David had grown tired of the shop and when he was offered to join a football team in Australia, as his leg was better, he jumped at the chance. Although reluctant at first, Irma agreed and they emigrated, selling the shop to Les and Maggie Clegg. Irma gave birth to Darren the same year. In 1970, they became involved in a car crash and David and Darren were killed. Irma returned to the UK, a widow and childless.

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Top 30 Coronation Street Couples

2010-01-20T19:22:00.003Z

27. Ray and Deirdre Langton

When Deirdre Hunt arrived on the cobbles in 1973, she was hired by Len Fairclough and Ray Langton as a secretary in their builder’s yard. Romantically, she became involved with publican son Billy Walker, much to the annoyance of his mother Annie. By 1974, they were engaged but Billy fled to Jersey in 1975, leaving Deirdre on her own. She found comfort in her boss Ray. Although Deirdre’s mother Blanche disapproved their relationship, they married the same year. Ray quickly found out that his wife wasn’t the quiet and submissive type and she wasn’t afraid to stand up to him. In 1977, Deirdre gave birth to Tracy and they moved into N°5. Their wedded bliss didn’t last long as Deirdre was sexually assaulted under the viaduct and she contemplated suicide. Ray didn’t believe that she wasn’t raped and this damaged the marriage, so much that Ray had an affair with Janice Stubbs. Deirdre found out and struggled to forgive him, and when he was offered a job in Holland, she refused to join him. He left and only returned in 2005 to make amends with her and Tracy before he died of stomach cancer.

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Top 30 Coronation Street Couples

2010-01-09T14:52:00.004Z

28. Bert and Ivy Tilsley

Although Ivy had been part of the street since 1971, we didn’t see her husband Bert until 1979. At this time they’d been married for 23 years and had one son Brian born in 1958. Bert was introduced into the programme when Ivy expressed interest in 5 Coronation Street, now empty after Deirdre Langton had moved next door to N°3. During the four years that we saw the senior Tilsleys on our screens, it was Ivy’s hatred and judgement of daughter in law Gail as a wife, mother and as an Anglican that dominated storylines. Poor Bert had to be a referee between the two women and regularly escaped to the Rovers. Bert supported his son’s marriage and was besotted when grandson Nick was born in 1980. Originally unemployed, he found a job as a fitter in 1982 and then a mechanic at Brian’s garage. In 1983, he was injured in a compressor accident and was unconscious for two days. He returned to N°5 an invalid and later disappeared and was found dazed and confused in Bristol. He had suffered a breakdown and was admitted to hospital. He died off-screen in Bristol in 1984, leaving Ivy a devastated widow.

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Top 30 Coronation Street Couples

2009-12-19T14:21:00.002Z

29. Harry and Concepta Hewitt

After wife Lizzie was killed in a road accident in 1959, Harry found himself a widower and a single father to Lucille. He put Lucille in an orphanage but by the end of 1960, she returned to the street. Coincidentally, Irish barmaid Concepta Riley returned to Weatherfield after spending some time in

Ireland

and began a relationship with Harry. He proposed to her in Blackpool and the couple married in 1961. Harry didn’t settle down easily into his second marriage with arguments and his choice of drinking with old pal Len Fairclough rather than spending time with his new wife. Soon enough, Concepta fell pregnant and Christopher was born in 1962. Christopher was kidnapped on the Hewitts’ first anniversary by Joan Akers but was saved by Elsie Tanner. By 1964, Concepta was worried for Christopher’s health and wished to move to

Ireland

. Although reluctant and first, Harry agreed and they emigrated. Lucille refused and moved in with the Walkers at the Rovers. Harry and Concepta returned for Elsie’s wedding to Steve Tanner in 1967 but Harry was crushed when a car jack gave way, leaving Concepta widowed.

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Top 30 Coronation Street Couples

2009-12-14T13:42:00.002Z

30. Alf and Renee Roberts

After being married to Phyllis Plant for 26 years, wooing Maggie Clegg and dating Donna Parker, Alf Roberts met Renee Bradshaw in 1976. She was the new owner of the corner shop and a friendship developed between the lonely individuals. A drunken Alf proposed marriage in 1977 but he quickly hesitated when he sobered up. But after some soul searching, he proposed again and Renee accepted. They married in 1978, but the wedding didn’t go smoothly. Renee’s stepfather Joe Hibbert accused Alf of marrying her for her shop to which Alf punched him. In 1979, Alf was injured in the Rovers lorry crash and suffered mood swings and was rude to shop customers. Alf soon retired from the GPO and helped Renee to run the shop full-time. In 1980, Alf and Renee were offered to run a shop and sub-post office in Grange-over-Sands. At the same time, Renee wished to learn to drive. On driving home after visiting Grange-over-Sands with Alf, Renee stalled while going through traffic lights and a lorry crashed into them. Alf survived. Renee sadly didn’t, thus ending a two year marriage.

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Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-12-08T13:16:00.001Z

1. Ena Sharples

And at number one is the inspiration for the likes of Blanche Hunt, Ivy Tilsley and Maud Grimes – Mrs Ena Sharples! On our screens for 20 years, Ena was the original battleaxe and ruled the roost on Coronation Street. Known for her hairnet and her Christian morals, Ena had her fair share of disagreements – with Elsie Tanner, Annie Walker and Leonard Swindley. During her tenure, she worked as a caretaker, first at the Mission Hall and then at the Community Centre. If she wasn’t working, she would be found gossiping with pals Minnie Caldwell and Martha Longhurst in the Rovers snug. She was also a dab hand on the piano, and led a sing-along in the Rovers. She also played the organ in many weddings in the early years. Although they constantly clashed, Ena did comfort Elsie Tanner when she was down in the dumps and even saved her from committing suicide. By the 1970s, she had mellowed and her appearances were more recurring with Violet Carson (who played Ena) having health problems. She became more of a caring grandmother figure by the end of her tenure, babysitting for the Langtons and such.

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Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-12-07T08:15:00.000Z

2. Blanche Hunt

At number two is a Coronation Street legend. Played by the late Maggie Jones to a tee, Blanche was the street’s battleaxe for a decade, following the footsteps of the likes of Maud Grimes, Ivy Tilsley and the original battleaxe Ena Sharples. Mother to Deirdre, Blanche first appeared in 1974 to plan her daughter’s wedding to Billy Walker and found a nemesis in his mother Annie. There was no wedding and Blanche stuck around to run the corner shop until she was whisked away by Dave Smith. She returned for the birth of granddaughter Tracy in 1977 and to comfort Deirdre after the breakup of her marriage to Ray Langton in 1978. It would be at Deirdre’s marriage to Ken Barlow that Blanche would appear next. She disappeared again and reappeared 17 years later and became a permanent fixture at 1 Coronation Street until 2009. The acid tongued pensioner enjoyed gossiping and found an ally in Norris Cole, but it was ridiculing son in law Ken and daughter Deirdre that made her popular. As well as Dave Smith, she has dated Steve Bassett, Archie Shuttleworth and Wally Bannister.

Should Blanche be at 2? Or does she deserve the top spot? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-12-04T11:24:00.000Z

3. Bet Lynch

She is not only the most famous barmaid of the Rovers Return, but in British soap history. Hired by Billy Walker in 1970, Bet served behind the bar for 25 years, 10 of those as landlady. Following the footsteps of Elsie Tanner, she became the Street’s siren and her conquests include Len Fairclough, Mike Baldwin and Jack Duckworth. Bet is also remembered for her comic scenes with snobbish landlady Annie Walker, Betty Turpin and Fred Gee in the 70s and 80s. After 17 years of trying to find a husband, she married Alec Gilroy. They became popular due to their sarcastic banter. Their marriage lasted five years, and ended when Bet refused to move to Southampton with Alec. Bet continued behind the bar until 1995, until she went into debt. When old friend Rita refused to lend her money, she sold the Rovers and left the cobbles. Since her departure, she has made three comebacks. In 1999, she returned to congratulate Betty on 30 years behind the Rovers bar, in 2002 when she reconciled with Rita, and finally in 2003 when she had a whirlwind romance with Cecil Newton. Cecil died of a heart attack before the ceremony.

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Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-11-25T12:27:00.001Z

4. Hilda Ogden

At the same ranking as Corrieblog’s countdown, Hilda is a soap legend. On our screens for 23 years, she was leading the soap through its golden age during the 1970s and 1980s. Married to Stan for 41 years, Hilda was known for her curlers and her warbling singing voice while cleaning and symbolized the working-class woman of Northern England. Hilda and hubby Stan were inseparable even though life was hard and they constantly bickered. She was a cleaner and throughout her tenure she was employed as the Rovers cleaner. She constantly clashed with the formidable Annie Walker, who looked down on her and Stan. Hilda wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. As well as Annie, she had catfights with next door neighbour Elsie Tanner and even accused Elsie of having an affair with Stan! By 1984, Stan’s health deteriorated and he sadly died, leaving Hilda heartbroken. After his death, her soft touch came out when she provided a home for young Kevin Webster and later his wife Sally. Hilda left the street in 1987 and her neighbours gave her a farewell party on Christmas Day.

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Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-11-23T22:25:00.001Z

5. Tony Gordon

Following the footsteps of Alan Bradley and Richard Hillman, villain Tony Gordon was introduced in 2007 as the owner of a clothing firm who gave a contract to Underworld owners Carla and Liam Connor. Over the course of two years he courted and eventually married Carla, found out about Carla’s affair with her brother in law Liam and planned revenge by ordering a hitman to run Liam down on Tony’s stag night. Not only a murderer, he was a ruthless businessman. In 2008, he planned to expand Underworld and to do that he wanted to buy The Kabin and the garage. When that failed, he planned to demolish a terraced street where Jed Stone lived. Evicted Jed found himself lodging with Emily Bishop which infuriated Tony. And on Christmas Day 2008, Jed accused Tony of murdering Liam. Tony strangled Jed, who survived. Carla found out about Liam’s death and left Tony, who began a relationship with Liam’s widow Maria. He then proposed to Maria who accepted. In October 2009, Roy Cropper discovered Tony was a murderer and Tony tried to kill him as well. Guilty, he eventually confessed to the murder.

Should Tony be at 5? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-11-14T12:26:00.000Z

6. Eileen Grimshaw

Is it a coincidence that Eileen has the same maiden name as Elsie Tanner, who also lived at No. 11? I believe the writers should look into that. Brought into the serial in 2000 with sons Jason and Todd, Eileen is currently one of the soap’s favourite characters, and is depicted as a strong no-messing woman. Like Elsie with Ena, Eileen found a nemesis in Gail Platt. Constantly clashing over their children’s relationships (Todd and Sarah and then Jason and Sarah), the two are very similar. They look out for their children. A memorable scene is Eileen and Gail brawling in the street – Corrie at its best! Never married, Eileen has had many boyfriends that include Dennis Stringer (who left her for Janice Battersby) and Ed Jackson (who turned out to be Ernest Bishop’s killer). She’s currently dating Jesse Chadwick. Working at the cab firm as the receptionist, Eileen has starred in many storylines that include discovering Todd was gay, Jason’s failed marriage to Sarah and finding out that dad Colin slept with best friend Paula in 1977 and that friend Julie was actually her sister.

Should Eileen be at 6? Or lower down at 14? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-11-04T16:05:00.000Z

7. Vera Duckworth

For 34 years, Vera was an iconic figure on the cobbles of Coronation Street. Her perm, her foghorn of a voice and huge earrings became legendary. Originally working at the warehouse, she was later hired as a machinist at Mike Baldwin’s factory denim factory. In 1979, her husband Jack made and appearance and in 1981 he became a regular. They moved to Coronation Street in 1983, with son Terry. After Vera was made redundant from the factory and in 1995, she became the Rovers landlady. Jack and Vera were behind the bar for 3 years, before going bankrupt and then returning to 9 Coronation Street. Her last job was a cook at the local café, Roy’s Rolls, and when she fell down the stairs, she decided to retire. Jack and Vera, like Stan and Hilda before them, were involved in many hilarious antics and their marriage is classed as one of the best partnerships on the soap. Jack and Vera celebrated their golden anniversary in 2007. A few months later, Jack and Vera decided to move to Blackpool. Sadly, Vera died in her armchair before they moved, ending an era on Coronation Street.

Should Vera be at 7? Or should she be lower down at 24? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-10-29T11:35:00.000Z

8. Elsie Tanner

Known as the first siren or femme fatale of Coronation Street, Elsie graced our screens for 21 years. An original character, Elsie worked her way through three marriages and nineteen boyfriends. Mother to Linda and Dennis, Elsie was also a mother figure to other young girls like Gail Potter, Suzie Birchall and Deirdre Hunt. As well as her romantic liaisons, Elsie is also remembered for her fiery catfights with the likes of Ena Sharples, Hilda Ogden and Annie Walker. Although they’re remembered for clashing, Elsie usually found comfort with her old sparring partner Mrs Sharples and an example of this was when Ena convinced Elsie not to commit suicide. Elsie’s best friend on the street was Len Fairclough, who she dated in the sixties and who saw Elsie as the perfect wife. Elsie saw Len as her confidante and not her hubby and he was there for her during her turbulent marriages to Steve Tanner and Alan Howard. Elsie was genuinely happy when Len married Rita Littlewood (who saw Elsie as a threat) and was devastated when he died in 1983. Elsie left the street in 1984 to run a bar with Bill Gregory in

Portugal

Should Elsie be at 8? Or should she be at 3? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-10-20T16:32:00.000+01:00

9. Steve McDonald

Over the course of 20 years, Steve McDonald has gone from a mischievous teen that caused trouble for Alf Roberts to a father and a publican. He arrived on the street with parents Jim and Liz and brother Andy. For a man who’s not reached forty, Steve has been married four times! First wife Vicky Arden was wealthy and he only married her for money. When he got into trouble and blamed her, she quickly filed for divorce. After dating Fiona Middleton, he married Karen Phillips for a bet in 2001. But they fell in love and became popular amongst viewers. The marriage ended when Karen had an affair with Joe Carter and Steve with Tracy Barlow – who became pregnant and thus baby Amy was born. After a few months, Steve and Karen were reunited and they married again in 2004 but he ended it that year. Karen left the street and filed for divorce in 2006. After Karen, he dated Tracy, Ronnie Clayton and Michelle Connor before having an affair with Becky Granger who he married in 2009. As well as the Rovers, Steve jointly owns cab firm ‘Street Cars’ with Lloyd Mullaney.

Should Steve be at 9? Or lower down at 19? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-10-15T17:40:00.001+01:00

10. Rita Sullivan (known as Rita Fairclough)

The Queen of the Kabin and Duchess of the Street, Rita has been a prominent and popular character since she made her debut in 1972, although she had made an appearance eight years prior. A personal favourite of mine, Rita has been through the mill and is a true survivor. She married Len Fairclough in 1977 and they were married until 1983. In 1992, she married Ted Sullivan, but he died of a brain tumour three months later. As well as Len and Ted, she’s had other liaisons that include Ken Barlow, Jimmy Graham, Tony Cunliffe, Benny Lewis, Alec Gilroy, Anthony Stephens and Colin Grimshaw. But her most famous conquest was Alan Bradley, who proposed to her twice and when she rejected him, he took revenge by robbing her. When she found out, he tried to kill her and when she escaped to Blackpool, he chased her on the prom and was fatally hit by a tram – ending her nightmare! Since 1973, Rita has been manageress of the Kabin and with assistants Mavis Riley and Norris Cole; she’s starred in the soap’s comedy moments.

Should Rita be at 10? Or should she be at 1 like in Corrieblog's poll? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-10-13T17:48:00.001+01:00

11. Annie Walker

The landlady of the Rovers between 1937 and 1983, Annie Walker has been dubbed the Queen of Coronation Street. Known for her snobbishness and delusions of grandeur, Mrs Walker was on our screens for 23 years, and was one of four originals still in the show in the early eighties, the others being Ken, Albert and Elsie. Married to Jack for 33 years, they formed one of the earliest double acts in the soap’s history. Annie was heartbroken when Jack died of a heart attack in 1970, but continued to run the pub in his honour. With the absence of a man in the pub, Annie’s son Billy returned and helped his mother until he fled to Jersey in 1975. With Billy gone, Annie was glad to have Fred Gee as a cellar man. And who can forget her faithful subjects – barmaids Betty Turpin (who Annie called Elizabeth) and Bet Lynch or as they called themselves ‘B&B from the R&R’. By the 1980s, she depended on her staff and played the role of pub hostess, reminiscing with old regulars Len Fairclough, Elsie Tanner and Albert Tatlock. Annie’s last appearance was in 1983 and she passed on the reins of running the pub to Billy.

Should Annie be at 11? Or lower down at 13? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-10-12T08:09:00.000+01:00

12. Richard Hillman

Richard’s first appearance was in the funeral of his alleged cousin Alma Halliwell. He soon became friends with Alma’s friend Gail Platt and they dated. Richard married Gail in 2002 and thus began the most gripping storyline in British soap history. A charming financial advisor, he persuaded Emily Bishop and the Duckworths to invest in him. He went into partnership with Duggie Ferguson, but when Duggie fell down the stairs, Richard left him to die. Ex wife Patricia seemed a threat to Richard’s life with Gail and he dealt with her by fatally killing her with a spade. He then became interested in Audrey’s finances and convinced her that she was going senile in a bit to access her money and even tried to kill her by setting her house on fire. Failing to kill Audrey, his next victim was Emily. He tried to smother her and when he tried to bludgeon her, he was caught by Maxine Peacock, who he murdered. Soon enough, Gail became suspicious and confronted him. Richard confessed everything and escaped. But he returned, only to kidnap the family and drive them to the canal. Only Richard perished.

Should Richard be at 12? Is he the best soap villain? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-10-02T09:51:00.001+01:00

13. Jack Duckworth

Although he made his first appearance in 1979, Jack didn’t become a regular until 1981. In 1983, he bought No. 9 on Coronation Street and since then he has become a prominent part of the cobbles for the past 25 years. Married to Vera for 50 years, Jack also had his share of affairs, mainly bored housewives. His biggest conquest was Bet Lynch, but that came to an end after she found out about Vera. A layabout, Jack has had many jobs that include a window cleaner, lollypop man, cellar man and cab driver. He miraculously became landlord of the Rovers in 1995. After going bankrupt, he sold the pub to Alec Gilroy in 1998 and ran Eunice Gee’s B&B. Soon enough, they were back at No. 9. Since his retirement, Jack has been interested in pigeons, much to Vera’s annoyance. In 2008, Jack and Vera decided to leave the street and move to Blackpool. Sadly, Vera died before they made it. Since her death, Jack has led a quiet life, revolving around his newly-married lodgers Tyrone and Molly Dobbs. He moved to Middleton with friend Connie Rathbone in 2009, but will pop back now and again.

Should Jack be at 13? Or lower down at 23? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-09-28T18:13:00.000+01:00

14. Roy Cropper

Roy was brought into the soap in 1995 as the eccentric neighbour of Deirdre Rachid at Crimea Street. A secondary character for two years, then producer Brian Parks decided he had potential and made him a partner at the café with Gail Platt. Roy was and still is a popular and well loved character, known for his historical linked conversations and for being a bit serious. A year after he became a regular, a love interest for Roy was introduced, in the form of Hayley Patterson. But Hayley was no ordinary woman – she was a transsexual. Although controversial, Roy and Hayley married in 1999, although not by deed poll, in the café after being rejected by the church. Over their decade of a marriage, the Croppers have been established as a popular couple, in the same league as Jack and Vera, Stan and Hilda and Ken and Deirdre. Roy has starred in many storylines that include thinking he was the father of Tracy Barlow’s daughter Amy, taking Fiz Brown and Becky Granger in, being suspected of dealing drugs with Ken Barlow and finding out that Hayley had a son from when she was called Harold.

Should Roy be at 14? Or lower at 31? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-09-27T12:58:00.000+01:00

15. Fred Elliott

I did think of repeating every sentence in this paragraph, as that what Frederick Handel Elliott would’ve done. But, I won’t. Known for his booming voice and for his role as the local butcher, Fred was introduced as a friend of Alf Roberts in 1994 and who had a soft spot for Alf’s wife Audrey. As well as running a butcher’s, he was the Rovers landlord for six years, until he retired and sold it to Steve McDonald. Fred is also known for his tendency to propose to every woman he dated and those included Rita Sullivan, Doreen Heavey, Audrey Roberts and Penny King. He also became engaged to con woman Stacey Hilton (impersonating a Thai bride). But he did manage to get two women down the aisle during his twelve year tenure: Maureen Holdsworth in 1997, but she left him for Bill Webster a week later, and Eve Sykes, who turned out to be a bigamist. He was on his way to marry his fourth wife (first wife Sybil had died before he was introduced) Bev Unwin when he collapsed of a heart attack in old flame Audrey’s house in 2006. In 1999, Fred was revealed as the father of ‘nephew’ Ashley Peacock.

Should Fred be at 15? Or at 50 like in Corrieblog's poll? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-09-22T21:48:00.000+01:00

16. Becky McDonald (known as Becky Granger)

In the course of three years, Becky has developed from a drug dealer who stole Roy and Hayley Cropper’s Morris Minor with friend Neil Ackroyd to a funny and loveable part of the cobbles, now that she’s married to Rovers landlord Steve McDonald. She was brought in as an old friend of Kelly Crabtree in 2006, who she soon framed for theft. She fled the street but returned and found refuge at Roy’s Rolls, but she took advantage by stealing from the till and threatening customers. As always, Roy and Hayley forgave her and thus began a wonderful trio. When Hayley left the street for a year to build a school in Africa, Becky moved in with Roy and a double act was born, as well with café worker Ken Barlow. Although she’s best known as a comic, Becky has starred in key storylines, making her one of the strongest females in the soap’s history. Storylines including a romance with Jason Grimshaw, a love triangle between herself, future husband Steve and Steve’s girlfriend at the time and Becky’s best friend, Michelle Connor and being framed for keeping drugs by a bent copper.

Should Becky be at 16? Is she a Coronation Street icon as people say? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-09-20T18:24:00.000+01:00

17. Betty Williams (known as Betty Turpin)

Betty holds two records: the longest serving barmaid in soap history and the oldest barmaid in soap history. Nearly ninety, she’s still pulling pints behind the Rovers bar, forty years after she first did it. First husband Cyril Turpin was a policeman and Betty was heartbroken when he died of a heart attack in 1974. The same year she was revealed as the mother of her ‘nephew’ Gordon, a storyline that angered Bill Kenwright (Gordon Clegg) and Irene Sutcliffe (Maggie Cooke). It would be 21 years before Betty, now 75, would walk down the aisle again. Second husband Billy Williams was an old flame from the war and they met on the fiftieth anniversary of VE Day. He died in 1997 of the same fate as Cyril. Betty is famous for her Lancashire hotpot, a dish she has served since the seventies. Betty has always been popular with the punters and has been a shoulder to cry on to many. She formed a close friendship with co barmaid Bet Lynch in 1970 that lasts to this day and although she didn’t like being bossed around by her, she respected her boss of 14 years – the formidable Mrs Annie Walker!

Should Betty be at 17? Or down a bit at 18? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-09-15T12:54:00.001+01:00

18. Mike Baldwin

Mike Baldwin was brought into the serial as the owner of the new built factory in 1976. His affair with Deirdre Barlow in 1983 made headlines and began his long feud with her husband Ken. In 1986, he angered Ken more when he married his daughter Susan. Their marriage lasted two years, ending when Mike rejected Susan’s intentions of having a child. Three years later he married Jackie Ingram, who he married for her money. A week after the wedding, Jackie confronted him with a gun and they later divorced. A year later, he married Alma Sedgewick. They’d previously dated before Mike married Jackie and their marriage lasted nine years and ended when Alma found out about Mike’s affair with Julia Stone. In 2000, Mike married Linda Sykes but that also ended within the year after Mike found about Linda’s affair with his son Mark. In 2006, Mike began behaving strangely and was later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s’. While walking confused on the street, he was found by old rival Ken and suffered a heart attack and died in Ken’s arms.

Should Mike be at 18? Or lower down at 29? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-09-14T15:54:00.000+01:00

19. Minnie Caldwell

Personally, I don’t think there’s never been a character like Minnie Caldwell and there never will be. An original character, she graced the cobbles for 16 years and although she didn’t have a great effect on the street, viewers think of Minnie with affection. Known for her love of cats, Minnie was part of the trio in the snug with Ena Sharples and Martha Longhurst. Martha’s sudden death in 1964 brought Minnie and Ena closer and they were untied for the next twelve years. A soft touch, she kept lodgers – the most famous being ex con Jed Stone in the sixties who fondly called Minnie ‘Ma’. As well as cats (Bobby and Sunny Jim), Minnie loved betting on the horses and was good friends with the bookie Dave Smith, although she did go missing when she went into debt. While Ena was her best friend, Minnie became engaged to Albert Tatlock in 1973 but she called it off when she found his habits annoying. In 1976, with Margot Bryant (who played Minnie) suffering memory loss, she was written out and was whisked off to Whaley Bridge with gentlemen friend Handel Gartside and we never saw her again.

Should she be at 19? Or lower down at 27? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-09-11T19:35:00.001+01:00

20. Norris Cole

Following the footsteps of bumbling businessmen Leonard Swindley and Reg Holdsworth, Norris Cole made his first appearance in 1994, annoying Derek and Mavis Wilton by stealing gnomes! Don’t ask! He became a regular in 1999 when he found lodgings with Emily Bishop and secured a job as Rita Sullivan’s assistant in the Kabin, forming a new double act. Storylines that Norris has starred in include holding a séance in the Kabin backroom, winning a contest in the Rovers when he dressed up as Eartha Kitt and representing Manchester in the Commonwealth Games. He is also known for being rude and enjoys gossiping about the neighbours. As well as being a comic character, Norris has starred in serious storylines such as meeting up with half brother Ramsay Clegg, proposing to good friend Rita (she declined) and trying to convince street folk that Richard Hillman was a crook. Known for being camp, he surprised Emily and Rita when he became friends with Mary Taylor. She had fallen for him and wished to travel the world with him, but he was happy on the cobbles and Mary left without him.

Should Norris be at 20? Or lower at 22? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-09-06T12:53:00.000+01:00

21. Emily Bishop

Beating the longest running male to the 21^st position is the longest running female – Emily Bishop. First appearing in 1961, we’ve seen Emily go from a young lady to an octogenarian. After jilting Leonard Swindley in 1964, she met and married Ernest Bishop in 1972. Their marriage was the most secure in the soap, but fate got in the way when Ernest was shot dead in a wages snatch in 1978. By 1980, Emily was married again – to Arnold Swain. He turned out to be a bigamist. Emily, or Miss Nugent as she was called during the sixties, has given a home to many street residents that have included Deirdre Langton, Norman Watts and Kevin Webster. Although referred as a serious character, Emily has shared comic scenes with long running lodgers Percy Sugden (1988-1997) and Norris Cole (1999-present). A staunch Christian, Emily became a victim to serial killer Richard Hillman in 2002 and 2003, but luckily escaped his evil clutches. During her tenure, Emily has had many jobs that have included shop assistant, hospital volunteer, café manageress and wages clerk.

Should Emily be at 21? Or lower at 30 like in Corrieblog's poll? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-09-05T12:18:00.000+01:00

22. Ken Barlow

Like the cobbles, Kenneth Barlow is a fixture on Coronation Street. He is the longest running character and the only original character left. During his five decades on the street, Ken has married four times and has dated 27 girlfriends! His first marriage to Valerie lasted nine years before she was electrocuted in 1971. Second wife Janet left him after a few months of marriage in 1973. He met his true love in the form of Deirdre in 1979 and they married in 1981. The marriage ended in 1990 when Ken had an affair. Fifteen years later, he remarried Deirdre. Miraculously, he’s only fathered three children: twins Peter and Susan in 1965 and Daniel thirty years later. Known for his quiff, Ken’s had numerous occupations that have included being a teacher, newspaper columnist and a cab driver. Ken had a 20 year rivalry with Mike Baldwin, who had an affair with Deirdre in 1983 and married Susan in 1986. Ironically, Mike died in Ken’s arms in 2006. Although referred as boring, Ken has starred in comic scenes – with Albert Tatlock in the 70s and 80s and currently with Blanche Hunt.

Should Ken be at 22? Or lower at 38 like in Corrieblog's poll? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-09-04T10:56:00.001+01:00

23. Stan Ogden

One half of Coronation Street’s most successful partnerships – Stan and Hilda Ogden. Providing comedy for the cobbles for twenty years, they provided the mould for the Duckworths later. Many people, remember Stan for being lazy, bumbling and workshy but back in 1964, he was known to abuse his children and wife Hilda. But by the 1970s, that was forgotten and he was a comedy asset to the soap. Over his two decade tenure, Stan had many jobs that included being a milkman, window cleaning and a labourer at the builder’s yard. Unlike Hilda, Stan was happy with his ordinary life on the street, supping beer in the Rovers, putting a bet on the horses and doing the pools. In 1976, Stan was in heaven when he was locked in with Albert Tatlock in the Rovers’ cellar, surrounded by barrels of beer. In 1980, Eddie Yeats became a lodger at Number 13, providing more comic scenes between him and Stan. By 1983, Bernard Youens (who played Stan) was unwell and in 1984 the character died off-screen, ending a forty year marriage to Hilda and leaving a huge gap on the cobbles.

Should Stan be at 23? Or higher at 11 like in Corrieblog's poll? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-09-03T16:35:00.000+01:00

24. Deirdre Barlow

Deirdre first graced our screens in 1972. Since then, she’s married four times and has had many boyfriends. She married her boss Ray Langton in 1975 and daughter Tracy was born in 1977. Ray left her in 1978 and she sought comfort in Ken Barlow who she married in 1981. In 1982, Deirdre had a headline affair with Mike Baldwin. The marriage survived the affair but ended when Ken had an affair with Wendy Crozier. After dating and marrying older men, Deirdre went to the other extreme in 1994 and married toyboy Samir Rachid, but it ended tragically when he was stabbed to death. Deirdre reunited with Ken in 1999 and they remarried in 2005. As well as romance, Deirdre’s had quite an eventful life. She was raped in 1977 that led her to contemplate suicide and two decades later she was behind bars for a crime she didn’t commit, thanks to Jon Lindsay. And to top it all off, daughter Tracy is currently serving time for murder. Deirdre is well known for her huge glasses and her love of smoking and recently for her brilliant partnership with mother Blanche.

Should Deirdre be at 24? Or higher at 20 like in Corrieblog's poll? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-09-02T16:32:00.000+01:00

25. David Platt

Halfway up the countdown is the only character in the poll that viewers have witnessed their birth. Born on Christmas Day 1990 to Martin Platt and Gail Tilsley, David didn’t have a major role in the soap for more than a decade, when Jack P Shepherd started playing the role. He became a main character after his parents split up and his mum married psycho Richard Hillman – which has mentally affected him. Over the years he has developed from an innocent schoolboy to a lying, scheming and manipulating sociopath. Among his evil deeds are writing greeting cards under the name Richard to his family members, pushing his mother down the stairs, nearly killing niece Bethany, ruining sister Sarah’s marriage to Jason Grimshaw, going on a vandalising rampage on the street and framing neighbour Gary Windass for burglary. For an 18 year old, he’s got a long list of enemies – including his sister! A relationship with Tina McIntyre failed to distract him from mischief, and she ended the relationship when she realised David wasn’t normal.

Should David be at the halfway point? Do you think he deserves his comeuppance? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-08-31T11:10:00.001+01:00

26. Raquel Watts

Beating her ex husband to the 26^thposition is ditzy Raquel Watts. Introduced as an assistant at Bettabuys, she was later a barmaid at the Rovers, forming a close friendship with fellow barmaids Bet Gilroy and Betty Turpin. Soon enough, she was in a relationship with Des Barnes, but it ended when his ex Steph returned. After failed relationships with Gordon Blinkhorn and Wayne Farrell, Raquel married Curly in 1995 – but the aching truth was, she never loved him. She longed for Des. She eventually left Curly – not for Des, but for a job in Malaysia. Blonde and beautiful, Raquel was a vital comic character in the nineties and her random conversations were always favourites. Notable scenes include having French lessons with Ken Barlow in the Rovers backroom and having a conversation about football with Alma Baldwin and Denise Osbourne in the Rovers bar. Five years after her departure, Raquel appeared on Curly’s doorstep with a 5 year old girl called Alice – revealed to be their daughter. She also asked for a divorce and Curly agreed, and she left Weatherfield again – to France this time.

Should Raquel be at 26? Or lower at 28? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-08-30T10:59:00.000+01:00

27. Curly Watts

First appearing in 1983, Norman ‘Curly’ Watts was part of the cobbles for twenty years. Lodging with Emily Bishop and best friends with Kevin Webster and Terry Duckworth, Curly was a bin man and was known as an oddball. He would make history by being involved in the first inter-racial relationship when he dated black factory machinist Shirley Armitage. In 1989, he was hired as an assistant at Bettabuys and developed a comical double act with manager Reg Holdsworth. Like Reg, Curly was an unlikely Lothario with his conquests including Kimberley Taylor, Anne Malone, Angie Freeman, Maxine Heavey and Reg’s fiancée Maureen Naylor. In 1995, he married Rovers barmaid Raquel Wolstenhulme, but within a few months she left him for a job in Malaysia. She returned briefly in 2000 to introduce him to their 5 year old girl Alice. The same year, he met and married policewoman Emma Watts and son Ben was born in 2001. After 20 years, Curly left the street when Emma was transferred to Newcastle upon Tyne, bidding goodbye to old friends Emily and Jack and Vera Duckworth.

Should Curly be at 27? Or does he deserve to be higher at 8? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-08-29T10:49:00.000+01:00

28. Alf Roberts

Ranked at 28 – receiving 7 votes – is everyone’s favourite grocer – Alf Roberts. Part of the cobbles for over thirty years, Alf was known for his white grocer coat and trilby hat and for his eighteen year tenure behind the corner shop counter. He lost first wife Phyllis to cancer in 1972 and soon found himself falling for corner shop owner Maggie Clegg. She rejected his proposal and married Ron Cooke and immigrated to

Zaire

. In 1978, he married Maggie’s successor – Renee Bradshaw. They were married for two years, until Renee was killed in a car/lorry collision. Alf married floozy Audrey Potter in 1985, producing the most successful partnerships in the soap’s history. As well as a shopkeeper, Alf was involved in local politics – serving as mayor in 1973 and 1994 and was a long serving and well respected councillor. By the mid nineties, Alf’s health deteriorated and he died of a stroke on New Year’s Eve 1998 in stepdaughter Gail’s house. In memory of him, the council wanted to erect a fountain, but the street’s OAPs (led by Emily Bishop) opposed.

Should Alf be at 28? Or should she be lower down at 47 like in Corrieblog's poll? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-08-28T11:18:00.000+01:00

29. Alma Halliwell (known as Alma Baldwin)

At 29 is Audrey’s best friend for twelve years – Alma Halliwell. Played by Amanda Barrie, Alma first appeared in 1981, when she sacked Elsie Tanner from the café. Originally, she was married to café owner Jim Sedgewick, but they divorced in 1982 and Alma moved to Florida, before returning in 1989. She became a partner in the café with Gail Tilsley and soon fell for Mike Baldwin, who she eventually married in 1992. A popular couple, they were married for nine years, until Mike’s affair with Julia Stone. Alma was quite prominent in the storyline when Don Brennan tried to kill Mike. Don kidnapped Alma and put her in the boot of his cab, before he drove into the canal. Both survived. Don eventually died when he crashed Alma’s car into the viaduct. When she sold the café to Roy Cropper, Alma secured a job at Firman Freezers, where she befriended Hayley Patterson. Alma played Cupid between Roy and Hayley and was overwhelmed when they married in 1999. In 2001, Alma received devastating news that she had cervical cancer and she died at home with her friends around her.

Should Alma be at 29? Or should she be at 44 like in Corrieblog's poll? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-08-27T20:26:00.000+01:00

30. Audrey Roberts

Played by Sue Nicholls for thirty years, Audrey was brought in as the mother of Gail Potter. Embarrassing Gail, she flirted with son in law Brian and although in her 40s, she believed she was still young. She finally found stability in grocer Alf Roberts, who she married in 1985 – establishing the strongest partnerships in the soap’s history. They were married for 13 years, before Alf died of a stroke at Gail’s house on New Year’s Eve. Between 1989 and 2001, Audrey’s best friend was Alma Baldwin and they were known for being gadabouts. After 12 years, the friendship ended when Alma died of cancer. In 2002, Audrey thought she was going senile, but it was actually son in law Richard Hillman who was trying to kill her – and making her more fragile by convincing her that she had amnesia. She luckily escaped his clutches. Since her Alfeh’s passing, the hairdresser has been wooed by many gentlemen that include Fred Elliott, Archie Shuttleworth, Keith Appleyard and Bill Webster, but none have matched up to Alfeh in her eyes.

Should Audrey be at 30? Or should she be in the 33rd position like in Corrieblog's poll? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-08-24T10:34:00.000+01:00

31. Alec Gilroy

At 31 is another pompous man – Alec Gilroy. Although he’s remembered for his stint in the serial between 1986 and 1992 and then from 1996 to 1998, he first appeared in 1972, as the agent of Rita Littlewood, when she used to sing around the clubs. Fourteen years passed before he reappeared as the new owner of The Graffiti Club and his business boomed when the Rovers was being refurbished. Through this he got to know the landlady – Bet Lynch. They became friendly and in 1987, he married her and took over the licence. Alec was a contrast to Bet’s former conquests – Len, Ken and Mike. Their marriage was tempestuous, with their witty banter and sarcasm making them a popular pair. After five years, Alec left Bet for a job in Southport and filed divorce. By the time he returned in 1996, Bet had left the street and the Rovers were in the incapable hands of the Duckworths. Alec went into a partnership with them and began a liaison with old friend Rita. By 1998, Alec became the sole owner of the Rovers and ended his engagement with Rita and by the end of the year he sold the pub to Natalie Barnes and left Weatherfield.

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-08-23T13:21:00.000+01:00

32. Reg Holdsworth

A part of the street for six years, Reg is one of the soap’s most well remembered and popular characters. A comic character, Reg was from the same mould as pompous Swindley in the 60s. He was introduced in 1989 as the boss of Curly Watts at Bettabuys supermarket and a new double act was born. Comedy scenes that Reg was involved in included wearing a toupee to attract the ladies and when his waterbed was accidentally punctured by Derek Wilton, dampening his romantic evening with fiancée Maureen Naylor. An unlikely Romeo, Reg had many romances that included first wife Veronica and a platonic relationship with Rita Fairclough. Reg wanted more but Rita denied him the chance. In 1993, he met up with old flame Maureen and married her the following year. A thorn in Reg’s side during their three year marriage was mother in law Maud Grimes – and their relationship echoed Gail and Ivy’s in the 1980s. As well as the supermarket, Reg owned the Corner Shop between 1994 and 1996 with Maureen and Maud managing it. They had a blissful life until Reg left for Lowestoft.

Should Reg be at 32? Or should he be lower at 46 like in Corrieblog's poll? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-08-22T11:27:00.000+01:00

33. Mavis Wilton (known as Mavis Riley)

Prissy Mavis Riley first appeared in 1971 as an old friend of Emily Nugent and was her bridesmaid at her wedding to Ernest Bishop in 1972. In 1973, she became a regular on the street when Rita Littlewood hired her as her assistant at the newly opened newsagents ‘The Kabin’. This partnership would last for nearly 25 years. Budgie lover Mavis had her fair share of romances. She was barely behind the counter before she was wooed by Jerry Booth. Their relationship was more off than on and Jerry died before they could go no further. Jerry was barely cold before Mavis had another love interest – Derek Wilton. For the next 11 years, he would pop in and out of her life. In 1983, the unthinkable happened when Mavis was in a love triangle. Both Derek and Victor Pendlebury wished to marry her. After much dithering, Mavis chose Derek and they planned to marry but they both jilted each other! Four years passed before they married, and their marriage lasted until Derek’s untimely death in 1997. After playing the role for 26 years, Thelma Barlow quit the series and Mavis left Weatherfield for the Lake District.

Should Mavis be at 33? Or higher at 26? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-08-21T13:14:00.000+01:00

34. Phyllis Pearce

First appearing in 1982, Phyllis was dubbed as the new Ena Sharples, but it seemed that Phyllis was more of an old dear than a battleaxe. Originally the grandmother of Craig Whiteley and a thorn in his paternal grandad’s Chalkie’s side, Phyllis was seen as interfering and worried for the welfare of her grandson. But after Craig and Chalkie immigrated to

Australia

, blue rinsed and croaky voiced Phyllis set her sights on community centre caretaker Percy Sugden. Not interested, Percy even became engaged to Maud Grimes to prove his disinterest, but Phyllis was still ignorant. Although in her sixties, she found regular employment at Jim’s Café alongside Alma Sedgewick, Gail Tilsley and Martin Platt and became Des Barnes’ cleaner at Number 6. Played by Jill Summers, Phyllis was a part of the cobbles for 14 years and by the mid nineties, she was retired from the café when Alma took a more active role. Phyllis left the street in 1996, to a retirement home in Mayfield Court. Summers hoped to reprise the role once she’d be better, but she died in 1997.

Should Phyllis be at 34? Or should she be lower at 44 like in Corrieblog's poll? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-08-19T17:40:00.000+01:00

35. Gail Platt

Thirty positions down from where she was at Corrieblog’s poll is Weatherfield’s most unlucky woman in love – Gail Platt. Played by Helen Worth, she first appeared in 1974 as a friend of Tricia Hopkins. She would become a lodger at Elsie Tanner’s and would become best friends with her co lodger Suzie Birchall. During her 35 year tenure, she has gone through three marriages – Brian Tilsley (who was stabbed to death in 1989), Martin Platt (who had an affair with a nurse) and Richard Hillman (who turned out to be a serial killer). As well as a wife, she’s a mother to three children – Nick (born in 1980), Sarah (born in 1987) and David (born in 1990), who’ve given their mother their share of grief. As well as her reputation with men, Gail is also remembered for her 15 year feud with her first mother in law Ivy. Currently, happily taking the late Ivy’s place is Eileen Grimshaw, the mother of Gail’s son in law Jason. For nearly thirty years, Gail had long locks of hair but in 2001 she had a new look that coincided with her new relationship with Hillman.

Should Gail be at 35? Or should she be at 5? Should she be happy? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-08-18T12:25:00.000+01:00

36. Leonard Swindley

Pompous draper Leonard Swindley was a part of the cobbles for the first five years. He worked at clothes shop Gamma Garments under Mr Papagopolous and was a prominent figure at the Mission Hall. The mission’s caretaker Ena Sharples was a constant thorn in Swindley’s side and they often clashed – most notably when teetotaller Swindley sacked her for drinking during working hours. As well as his scenes with Mrs Sharples, Swindley is well remembered for his humorous scenes with his shop assistant Emily Nugent – or Miss Nugent as he would call her. The foundation of this double act was Emily’s admiration for Swindley and her wish was to be his wife. He was totally oblivious to her feelings and he was shocked when she made a leap year proposal in 1964. They planned to marry, much to the amazement of their neighbours, but sadly, Emily got cold feet and jilted Swindley. Other storylines Swindley had was teaching Emily to drive, when he was running for a council seat and when they organised social activities. He left in 1965 when he was promoted to the head office of Gamma Garments.

Should Swindley be at 36? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-08-17T13:45:00.000+01:00

37. Jack Walker

The first landlord of the Rovers Return that graced our screens back in 1960 was Mr Jack Walker. He would remain behind the bar for a decade, alongside wife Annie and numerous barmaids. A firm favourite with viewers, Jack is remembered for his gentle approach and his broad Lancashire accent – a huge contrast to snobbish Annie with her social pretensions. While Annie wanted to own a hotel, Jack was perfectly behind the Rovers bar, socialising with ordinary folk. His partnership with Annie was the first double act in the soap’s history and is still regarded as comedy gold. Often starring in comic storylines (including being accused of having an affair with Elsie Tanner), Jack played some serious storylines that included being blackmailed by Frank Turner, being injured in a coach crash and Annie leaving him when she suspected that he had a lady friend. Sadly, after ten years on our screens, Jack died of a heart attack off-screen, leaving Annie devastated. He was killed off as the actor who played him, Arthur Lindsay, had died suddenly, the first main cast member to die. Wife Annie continued behind the bar until 1983.

Should Jack be at 37? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-08-16T12:45:00.000+01:00

38. Ivy Brennan (known as Ivy Tilsley)

Although she first appeared in 1971, Ivy didn’t make her mark until 1979 – when son Brian married Gail Potter. Staunch Catholic Ivy hated the fact that ‘our’ Brian had married an Anglican. She was soon given the nickname ‘Poison Ivy’ by the media and she was pictured as the mother in law from hell! Originally working at the warehouse, Ivy is also remembered for being shop steward at Mike Baldwin’s factory and leading strikes and often clashing with supervisor Elsie Tanner. Her friendship with Vera Duckworth - who she would often gossip and attend bingo halls with - was very strong and lasted nearly twenty years. She moved to the street in 1979 and lived at Number 5 – with first hubby Bert until his death in 1984 and then with second hubby Don between 1988 and 1994. Her marriage to Don wasn’t a happy one, and they often argued. Her feud with Gail lasted 15 years, worsening after Brian’s stabbing in 1989. Lynne Perrie (who played Ivy) was controversially sacked in 1994 and Ivy was sent to a religious retreat and was killed off the following year.

Is Ivy at 38 for you? Or does she remain at 39 like in Corrieblog's poll? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-08-15T14:41:00.002+01:00

39. Eddie Yeats

A well loved character, ex con Eddie Yeats appeared on the cobbles between 1974 and 1983 and is remembered for being the surrogate son of Stan and Hilda Ogden, who he lodged with at Number 13 during his last three years on the show. He is also remembered for installing the mural of the Alps at Number 13, which became an integral part of its décor. Unreliable at times, Eddie had a heart of gold that was always in the right place. When he wasn’t trying to swindle his neighbours, Eddie had two main jobs during his nine year tenure: a window cleaning partnership with Stan and fixing roofs with Len Fairclough. Unknown to some, Eddie was one of Bet Lynch’s many conquests and remained a good friend to her – even saving her from an attempted suicide! Eddie finally settled down with Marion Willis and married her in 1983 and they moved to Bury. Since then, Geoffrey Hughes (who played Eddie) has played Onslow in Keeping Up Appearances and Vernon in Heartbeat, but he’ll always be Eddie to Corrie fans!

Should he be at 39? Or should he be lower at 49 like in Corrieblog's poll? Should he revisit the cobbles on its 50th anniversary? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-08-14T12:10:00.000+01:00

40. Spider Nugent

At 40 is another one who was a lodger at Number 3, and indeed he was related to the landlady. Spider (his real name’s Geoffrey) was Emily Bishop’s nephew. He appeared in 1997 and remained in the programme until 2003. He appeared on his aunt’s doorstep and brought a smile to dear Emily’s face. An eco warrior, he persuaded his aunt to spend a night up a tree as a protest to keep the Red Rec open. He’s also remembered for playing the didgeridoo and for dating next door neighbour Toyah Battersby. As well as his Auntie Emily and Toyah, Spider had support from Roy Cropper and Ken Barlow and often clashed with Fred Elliott (due to Spider being a veggie) and Audrey Roberts (they fought for a council seat, but Audrey won). In 2001, Geoffrey left for India but returned in 2003 to help his aunt recover after she was attacked by Richard Hillman and to woo back Toyah and both of them left for London.

Should Spider be at 40? Or should he be at 7 like in Corrieblog's poll? Do you think he should visit his aunt, as she soon celebrates her 80th birthday in October? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-08-13T10:08:00.000+01:00

41. Percy Sugden

Stepping into the shoes of grumpy Albert Tatlock was another grump – Percy Sugden. He was introduced in 1983 as the new caretaker of the community centre, and soon clashed with Alf Roberts. He is remembered for his flat cap and recollections of the war. While Albert talked about WWI, Percy reminisced about WWII. He is also fondly remembered for being chased by blue rinsed pensioner Phyllis Pearce for many years – to his annoyance! And he was engaged to Maud Grimes. Even though he was bossy and rude – he was loved by the viewers! He was caretaker for five years until Maurice Jones decided to demolish the centre and Mike Baldwin’s factory and build new houses, a factory and two shop units. Percy found a home with Emily Bishop at Number 3, and a partnership was born, a partnership that would last nine years. Percy would often rub Emily the wrong way, but he was there for her during her breakdown in 1992. In 1997, after 14 years, Bill Waddington (who played Percy) quit the programme – due to the serial producing too much sex scenes. Percy left the street to a retirement home.

Should Percy be at 41? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-08-11T21:38:00.001+01:00

42. Len Fairclough

Beating Alan Bradley to the 42^nd position is another of Rita’s conquests – first husband and her one true love – Len Fairclough. A mainstay on the programme for 22 years, Len was one of the leading men on the street – alongside Ken Barlow and Alf Roberts. He was introduced in 1961, although he was known by the show’s characters since the 1940s. During his early years, he constantly wooed old friend Elsie Tanner and when she was often dumped by boyfriends, he would be there for her. By the 1970s, he was dating exotic dancer Rita Littlewood who he married in 1977, after a five year courtship. Len’s marriage to Rita was always tempestuous; as she reminded him of old flame Elsie – independent, sexy and her fiery ginger hair! Len was a builder and he had his own builder’s yard and had many workmates and he was responsible for rebuilding Number 7 in 1982 after its demolition in 1965. In 1983, the actor who played Len, Peter Adamson, was controversially sacked and Len was killed off-screen in a car crash, on his way from seeing a mistress in Ashton.

Should Len be at 42? Or should he be at 36 like in Corrieblog’s poll? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-08-10T10:52:00.000+01:00

43. Alan Bradley

Dubbed as the first long term villain on the cobbles, Alan Bradley’s reign of terror lasted three years. Played by Mark Eden, Alan was introduced in 1986 as the father of Rita Fairclough’s foster daughter Jenny and soon enough was dating Rita. Rita was attracted to him as he reminded of her deceased hubby Len. Unsure of their relationship, Alan embarked on an affair with Gloria Todd, but reunited with Rita when he considered how much money she had. They courted and when Rita rejected both his marriage proposals, and planned revenge – stealing her money. For many months, Alan stole from an oblivious Rita. When Rita found out and confronted Alan, he attempted to suffocate her with a cushion, only to be disturbed by Jenny and her boyfriend Martin Platt. Alan fled and when he was caught, he appeared in court, but was released that day and planned further revenge on Rita – stalking her and mentally tormenting her. Horrified, Rita fled to Blackpool and Alan followed her there. When she saw him on the promenade, she ran and he followed her, only to be fatally hit by a tram, ending Rita’s nightmare.

Should Alan be at 43? Or higher? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-08-09T10:46:00.001+01:00

44. Ray Langton

Ranked at 48 in Corrieblog’s poll, Ray Langton has reached the 44^th position in this poll. He first appeared in 1966, working in the builder’s yard with Len Fairclough and Jerry Booth. For the next twelve years he would be in relationships with many women and he was soon given the title of Street hunk. Originally a bad boy, who stole tools from the yard and attempted to rape Lucille Hewitt, Ray developed to be more sensible, although he did have an affair with young Audrey Fleming. After dating Sandra Butler and Irma Barlow, he married Deirdre Hunt in 1975 and two years later, daughter Tracy was born. Rather abruptly in 1978, the actor who played Ray, Neville Buswell, decided to quit the show and Ray left Deirdre and Tracy for a job in Amsterdam (although the marriage had survived Ray’s affair with Janice Stubbs earlier in the year). It would be 26 years before Ray would return to the cobbles – coinciding with Deirdre’s wedding to Ken Barlow (for the second time). Ray had returned to make amends with Deirdre and Tracy before he would die of stomach cancer in the Rovers.

Is he at 44? What did you think of his reappearance in 2005? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-08-08T11:40:00.000+01:00

45. Sally Webster

Although ranked at 16 in Corrieblog’s poll, the street’s Hyacinth Bucket, Sally Webster, is in the 45^th position here, receiving only two votes. First appearing in 1986, Sally was introduced as the latest love interest for mechanic Kevin Webster. Her family were known to be common and were looked down by Hilda Ogden, of all people! She married Kevin that year and they had two girls: Rosie in 1990 and Sophie in 1994 – both giving grief for poor Sally in their later years. After eleven years, Sally and Kevin divorced after his affair with Natalie Horrocks. Between 1997 and 2002, the year she remarried Kevin, Sally had relationships with Chris Collins, Greg Kelly, Alex Jordan, Danny Hargreaves and Martin Platt. Since her second marriage to Kevin, she has developed to be the street’s snob, following the footsteps of Annie Walker, after entering Rosie to Weatherfield’s private school Oakhill. Her friendships with Gail Platt and Rita Sullivan are the strongest in Coronation Street’s history and her slapping love rival Natalie in the street is one of the show’s most memorable scenes.

So should Sally be at 45? Or does she deserve her 16th position? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-08-07T09:58:00.000+01:00

46. Albert Tatlock

On his debut, Albert Tatlock was already a pensioner, and a grumpy one at that! He was fondly remembered for his flat cap and the times when the Rovers regulars would listen to his war stories. A poignant moment was when his lodger Ken Barlow was given his set of medals after he passed away in 1984. For his tenure of 24 years, Albert was a widower, although he was involved with two women: Alice Pickens and Minnie Caldwell. He was engaged to be married to Alice in 1969 but they called the wedding off when they believed they were jinxed when the vicar’s car broke down. In 1973, he was wooing old friend Minnie and they also became engaged but Minnie grew tired of his habits (like drinking tea from a saucer) and called it off, and they remained friends. Not one to star in dramatic storylines, Mr Tatlock’s life revolved around his allotment and heated discussions with Minnie and her friend Ena Sharples in the snug. By 1983, Albert’s health deteriorated (as did Jack Howarth’s, the actor who played him) and he died off-screen in mid 1984, leaving Ken as the only original character still in the show.

Does he deserve to be at 46? Leave comments!

Top 50 Coronation Street Characters

2009-08-06T12:49:00.000+01:00

47. Derek Wilton

Although he first appeared in 1976, gnome lover Derek didn’t become a permanent character until over a decade later. He was brought into the serial as the love interest of reserved Kabin assistant Mavis Riley. He was off our screens until 1983, when he had to fight against potter Victor Pendlebury for Mavis’ affections, a triangle that ran side by side with Ken, Mike and Deirdre. Derek won the battle and in 1984 they planned to marry, but Mavis had cold feet and when Rita went to tell Derek in church, he wasn’t there, he’d had cold feet as well! A Wilton jilting indeed! Derek disappeared again until 1987, when he returned to romance Mavis. He also revealed that he had indeed married Angela Hawthorne, but it was Mavis he truly loved. The couple married in 1988 and moved into the Kabin flat. Although they were mocked for their eccentricity, they were regarded as pillars of the community and are still a firm favourite with viewers. Only married for nine years, the marriage ended when Derek died of a heart attack, due to Peter Baldwin (who played Derek) being sacked by then producer Brian Park.

So, do you think Derek should be at 47? Leave comments!