The Corrie Years The Corrie Years is a documentary series on ITV1 focusing on the best moments in " Coronation Street " ' s history . Each episode focussed on a particular topic , such as , in the first edition , examples of the programme making front - page headlines . The first series contained three episodes , while the second ran to six with a Christmas special showing some months afterwards . The programme showed the storylines which made the headlines , including Deirdre Rachid ' s arrest and Sarah Louise Platt ' s pregnancy . It also included a never - before - seen look at the attempted suicide of Sheila Birtles in 1963 which was cut before transmission and was a major selling point for this series in 2011 . A look at the firsts on the programme , including the first live episode for nearly forty years , the first specially written hour - long episode and the show ' s first transsexual character . This final episode showed how events in the outside world played a part in creating some key moments in Weatherfield ’ s history , and told the stories about the impact they had . For over 50 years , " Coronation Street " has reflected society ' s changing attitudes , and has never been afraid to tackle taboo subjects . In the first of a new six - part series , stories include Leanne Battersby ' s scandalous days as an escort , how two famous barmaids at the Rovers Return Inn both hid similar secrets , and John Stape ' s affair with schoolgirl Rosie Webster . Narrated by Katherine Kelly , including interviews with cast members Julie Goodyear , Jane Danson and Nigel Havers . Emotions can run high when you live on Britain ' s most famous Street , so it ' s no surprise that a small quarrel can often end up as full - on fisticuffs . From neighbourhood niggles to family fall - outs , this second instalment of " Coronation Street " history , narrated by Katherine Kelly , tells the stories behind some of " Corrie " ' s biggest conflicts over the last fifty years - from Ken Barlow and rival Mike Baldwin , to Derek Wilton and Des Barnes , to Gail Tilsley and mother - in - law Ivy . Featuring interviews with current and past cast members including William Roache , Helen Worth and Vicky Entwistle . The third episode of this six - part series goes behind the scenes with " Coronation Street " storylines filmed on location . These included early excursions to Blackpool in the 1960s , Gail and Joe McIntyre ' s ill - fated trip to the Lake District in 2010 , and Steve McDonald and Eileen Grimshaw ' s holiday in Malta . Narrated by Katherine Kelly , with contributions from Julie Goodyear , Helen Worth and Sherrie Hewson . Ever since eleven - year - old Lucille Hewitt arrived on the cobbles in 1960 , children have been at the heart of Weatherfield ' s most famous street . The fourth installment of the " Coronation Street " history series tells the stories of the kids who have grown up on our screens and how they coped with life under the spotlight . Narrated by Katherine Kelly , there are interviews with Jack P . Shepherd , Simon Gregson and Sam Aston . Ever since " Coronation Street " began , special effects and shocking stunts have provided a spectacular backdrop to some gripping storylines . In the penultimate episode of the series , we take a look behind the scenes at those explosive moments - from Maya Sharma ' s mad Monday to the tram crash disaster that marked the show ' s 50th anniversary . Narrated by Katherine Kelly , there are interviews with cast members past and present , including William Roache , Wendi Peters and Jimmi Harkishin . In this final part of the series , we look at some of the many favourite characters that have left Weatherfield for pastures new . We hear how life changed for some of the actors once they left the famous soap . With contributions from former " Corrie " stars Adam Rickitt , Tracy Shaw and Charles Lawson . A special seasonal edition of the programme looking at some of the memorable stories around Christmas time in " Coronation Street " including the sad departure of Alf Roberts . It also includes Ashley and Claire Peacock ' s wedding , and the recent twist on the greatest story ever told . With contributions from William Roache , Thelma Barlow , Sam Aston , Jennie McAlpine , Steven Arnold , Helen Worth and Sue Nicholls .