Violet Carson | Coronation Street Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Share Ena Sharples , the role that Violet Helen Carson O.B.E. is best remembered for, came at the end of a long and eclectic career. Born in Manchester (specifically German Street, Ancoats, which was renamed Radium Street in the World War I and which still exists) on the 1st September 1898 , though she often claimed to have been born in 1905 , Violet was, along with her elder sister Nellie, part of the singing act "The Carson Sisters". She was employed as a pianist at Manchester 's Market Street cinema. She married George Peploe, who she had known from childhood, in Manchester Cathedral on 1st September 1926 on her twenty-eighth birthday. George died two years later and Violet never married again. Violet found work as a singer in early radio adverts and she was employed for her piano skills on the radio series Have A Go with Wilfred Pickles. Radio was the medium in which she first found widespread fame becoming known by the nation's children as "Aunti Vi", the presenter of the World Service programme Children's Hour.

She also presented the BBC North's Women's Hour. One of the child actors on Children's Hour was Tony Warren , then known by his real name of Tony Simpson, who was later to suggest her for the part of Ena in Coronation Street in 1960 . Carson was a late-minute casting as Ena Sharples and was the last actor to audition for the role. She made a memorable appearance in the second half of the first episode . She took over the role from Nita Valerie and Nan Marriott-Watson who played her in the dry runs . Ena's iconic hairnet was an addition of Violet's own, to protect the hair she was so proud of from the ministrations of Granada 's make up girls. Violet was quickly established as a major success in the role and became both a household name and one of the best-known faces on television. She was named " ITV Personality of the Year" for 1962 and was awarded an O.B.E. in 1965 , the first member of the Street cast or production team to receive such an honour and one of the very first people associated with the television industry.

Other honours and tributes followed such as two waxwork models, and an honorary degree of Master of Arts from Manchester University in 1973 . In 1963 a rose was named after her. In February 1968 she boarded the P&O passenger ship Oriana in Southampton and went on a three-month cruise and promotional tour to Australia . She was absent from the programme for this time, only reappearing in late May. During her time spent in the programme her musical talents continued to come in useful. She was often seen playing the piano; she also found work elsewhere as a singer on the ITV programme Stars on Sunday where she was billed as "Miss Violet Carson". Failing health meant Violet played a diminishing role in the programme throughout the 1970s . She was absent from the programme for most of 1974 , citing that she was tired and needed a rest. In December of that year she returned to the studios, two stone lighter and admitting to the press (as quoted in the Daily Express of 5th December ), that she had suffered a near-nervous breakdown.

The following year she suffered a stroke and from hereon in her appearances reduced in number to some forty episodes a year at most. Towards the end of the decade there could be a gap of several months between appearances before she made the last of her 1148 appearances as Ena in 1980 . The character was not given a conclusive storyline as it was the intention of all involved that she would return from time to time. This was not to be and Ena's retirement to St. Anne's was permanent. One of Violet's last public appearances was to celebrate the 2000th episode of the programme where she attended a street party with local children for pictures for the TV Times special Coronation Street 2000 . Her final 1980 appearances totalled only five episodes: Episodes 1957 , 1966 , 1967 , 1982 and 1983 . Violet Carson's final television appearance in May 1981 on Look North West.

Violet's last appearances as herself on TV was in a pre-taped telephone message for Julie Goodyear 's This Is Your Life on 22nd October 1980 and finally an interview on the BBC's Look North West programme on 15th May 1981 to mark the closure of their Piccadilly studios where Violet had carried out so much of her early work. This was filmed at her house in Bispham, Blackpool where she had been a resident since the 1920s and where she lived in seclusion with her elder sister. She died on 26th December 1983 . She was cremated at the Carleton Crematorium, Blackpool, and there is a commemorative memorial at Bispham Parish Church in Blackpool. ITV screened Episode 742 from 24th January 1968 (in which the Vestry and Mission of Glad Tidings are demolished) as a tribute to her but her lasting memorial is that she is still remembered for her iconic performance.

Indeed nearly three decades after she last appeared as the character, her waxwork model is still on display in Blackpool's Louis Tussauds Waxworks and her name is always associated with the phrase "television battleaxe". Learn and talk about 1980 in British television, 1980 in British television Events[ edit ] 20 January – The British record TV audience for a film is set when some 23,500,000 viewers tune in for the ITV showing of the James Bond film Live and Let Die , released in 1973 and starring Roger Moore who is now in the process of filming his fifth film as the spy. 24 January – The IBA reappoints most ITV franchises. 25 February – The first episode of the popular political sitcom Yes Minister , " Open Government ", is broadcast by the BBC . 4 April – Violet Carson makes her last appearance as Ena Sharples on Coronation Street . 9 April – ATV airs the critically acclaimed Death of a Princess , a drama documentary about a young princess from a fictitious Middle-Eastern Islamic nation and her lover who are publicly executed for adultery.

The drama is believed to be based on the true story of Princess Misha'al bint Fahd al Saud and its showing causes a great deal of controversy, provoking an angry response from the Government of Saudi Arabia . 5 May – Both the BBC and ITV interrupt their scheduled programming to broadcast the SAS assault during the Iranian Embassy siege . The coverage launches the careers of several journalists, such as the BBC's Kate Adie , while ITN Director, David Goldsmith and his team receive a BAFTA for their coverage. 21 November The first annual Children in Need charity appeal organised by the BBC. [1] 21.5 million viewers tune in to watch the 1980–81 season premier of Dallas , which answers the question of Who shot J.R.? . At the time the audience figures are a record for a soap in Britain. [2] [3] 9 December The single drama The Flipside of Dominick Hide is first broadcast as part of the Play for Today series on BBC1. 20th anniversary of the first episode of Coronation Street . 28 December – A shake-up of broadcasting franchises paves the way for the launch of breakfast television .

TV-am is awarded the contract to begin transmission in 1983. Also, it is announced that TSW will replace Westward and TVS will replace Southern . ATV must restructure the company to create a separate East and West Midlands service, and reduce the shareholding of its parent body to 51% by February 1981. [4] 30 December – The BBC announce their intention to launch their own breakfast television service to compete with TV-am, announced two days earlier. Breakfast Time is launched on BBC1 on 17 January 1983, two weeks before TV-am. Ena Sharples - The Full Wiki The Full Wiki More info on Ena Sharples Wikis Note: Many of our articles have direct quotes from sources you can cite, within the Wikipedia article! This article doesn't yet, but we're working on it! See more info or our list of citable articles . Related top topics From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Ena Sharples Coronation Street: The Complete Saga Coronation Street: The War Years Profile Alice Scofield Raynould (Sister - Deceased) Thomas Scofield (brother) Grandchildren Colin Lomax.

Ena Sharples was one of the original characters of the long-running British soap opera , Coronation Street and her name became a byword for a " battle axe " woman. This has caused battle axe personalities to appear more in soaps, such as Hilda Ogden , Blanche Hunt , Vera Duckworth , Lou Beale , Pauline Fowler and Annie Sugden Sharples ( Violet Carson ), who appeared in the series between 1960 and 1980, was the caretaker of the mission hall, and spent much of her time criticising the activities of the street's other inhabitants. She was one of the main characters during the 1960s, she was featured less regularly in the 1970s, and was written out in 1980. Almost always wearing a double-breasted coat and hairnet , she spent much of her free time in the series' early years with her two cronies, Martha Longhurst and Minnie Caldwell , in the snug bar of the Rovers Return Inn , drinking milk stout .

When the final episode featuring Sharples was screened, it attracted little media or public attention as the producers intended her to continue in the series, as the character was merely leaving her house in the street and moving to care for an ill friend: Henry Foster. Unfortunately, all subsequent storylines involving Ena Sharples had to be scrapped owing to Carson's ill health. Violet Carson died in December 1983 at the age of 85. Character Timeline 9 December 1960: Ena introduces herself to the new shopkeeper Florrie Lindley and warns her about Elsie Tanner. 1961: Ena argues with Elsie Tanner in the street after she is accused of writing a poison pen letter to her. 1963: After returning home to the vestry, Ena is shocked to discover someone has wrecked it. 1964: Martha dies in the snug leaving Ena and Minnie distraught at the loss of a close friend. 1965: Ena inherits No. 11 and threatens to evict the Tanners, she and Elsie row in the street, causing Ena to smash a window.

1966: Ena is accused of shoplifting and goes to court but admits to not intentionally stealing. 1967: Vera Lomax goes to visit Ena and falling out with her husband. Ena finds that Vera has died in bed of a Brain tumour. 1968: The mission is demolished and Ena moves out and into one of the masionettes. 1969: After Minnie goes missing, Ena searches for her and finds her in hospital. 1971: Ena becomes caretaker of the community centre and moves into a flat in the Street. 1973: Ena's nephew Tom Schofield and his wife arrive from America and inform her that her brother died in his sleep. 1974: Ena returns from St. Anne's after looking after Henry Foster, she joins Minnie and Eddie Yeates for Christmas. 1976: Handel Gartside informs Ena and Albert that Minnie will not be returning, Ena and Albert get drunk and reminisce.

1977: Councillor Tattersall tries to force Ena out of the Community centre after she has some ill health, Alf foils his plans and Ena remains at the centre. 1978: When Ena complains of a bad back, Len, Ray and Eddie break into her flat and change her mattress after Ena claims she doesn't want charity. 1979: Ena and Albert are among the guests that attend Gail and Brian Tilsley's wedding. 1980: Ena stays with Elsie Tanner after her flat undergoes refurbishment, she later goes to stay with Albert after Ken and Alf say that the decorations are still under way. 2 April 1980: Ena announces to Albert and Ken that she will be staying with Henry Foster in St. Anne's and is unsure whether she will return. Character's background Ena had known rough times, having been sent to work on a loom at Palmerstone's Mill at the age of 11. Her husband Alfred had died young, and her son Ian drowned. She had two daughters, Madge Sharples and Vera Lomax. Vera considered herself too good for Ena, and visited her rarely.

Over the years, her friends left her one by one (Martha Longhurst died in the snug of a heart attack, and Minnie Caldwell left to live in Whaley Bridge with Handel Gartside), until acquaintance Albert Tatlock was the only one left to keep her company. When Minnie left the street in 1976, Albert and Ena got drunk in the snug of the Rover's Return and reminisced about the past. Ena was probably the character whose history on the show dates back the furthest (along with Albert Tatlock), Ena's presence at the Rovers Return has been dated back since before Christmas 1914. Ena had been friends with Minnie Caldwell since they were young children and described to Annie Walker in 1979 a young 10 year-old Martha Longhurst when it was the fifteenth anniversary of Martha's death. For almost 20 years in the show, Ena had a rivalry with Elsie Tanner , the so-called "tart with a heart". Ena disapproved of Elsie's affairs with various men and the two often clashed–almost always in the street, on full view.

One particular example of Ena's dislike for Elsie is contained in the first episode of the programme, in an exchange with Florrie Lindley , the new owner of the Corner Shop: After Ena left, Florrie laughed about the episode to her new friend, Elsie Lappin , who was helping her get used to the running of the Corner Shop. Florrie thought Ena to be somewhat morbid. That same day, Ena was the recipient of a confrontation by Christine Hardman upon hearing that her mother, who had a nervous breakdown and went into the hospital, had been insulted by the pensioner. Christine threatened her with a solicitor's letter and Ena threatened to take her business to another shop after neither Florrie or Elsie stood up for her. In November 1961, Elsie Tanner received a poison-pen letter from someone claiming to know all about Elsie's affairs (she was not yet legally divorced from her husband, Arnold). Elsie accused landlady of the Rovers Return, Annie Walker , of writing the letter, but she strongly denied it. Afterwards, she accused Ena. In a showdown outside Elsie's house, the two fought.

Elsie finally realised it was not Ena who had written the letter; Ena told her that if she had written it, she would have had the decency to sign her name "at the bottom of it, and well you know it!" 1967 did not turn out to be a good year for Ena. As well as losing her daughter Vera to a brain tumour, Ena became trapped unconscious underneath a wrecked train to the south of Coronation Street. A goods train had collapsed from the viaduct, which also buried a police officer and his girlfriend. David Barlow struggled to find Ena through the wreckage, but rescued her. This was Ena's biggest storyline in the show and is remembered still today by fans although it was more than 40 years ago. Elsie Tanner was the first to ask after her: "If that woman were dropped off Blackpool Tower I swear she'd bounce! Cuts, bruises and a broken arm!". Although the two seemed "mortal enemies", Elsie and Ena most probably held a slight affection for each other.

This is demonstrated in several episodes throughout the 1970s, when the characters had mellowed considerably — one such example is in an episode from 1973, when Elsie was about to take an overdose. Ena let herself into No 11 and talked her out of it: In 1973, Violet Carson suffered a breakdown through overwork and took an extended break. Carson's health began to fail throughout the 1970s, and this, with her hatred of her character, meant Ena appeared less and less. In 1974, she returned to Coronation Street and appeared sporadically the next year. Carson often commented to the British press: "Violet Carson was destroyed the day Ena Sharples first appeared in Coronation Street." In 1980, Carson became ill with a serious bout of anaemia and could not return to the show; her last filmed scene was telling Albert Tatlock that she wanted to leave Coronation Street for good. Granada Television was disappointed that Carson could not return to the cast in 1982 to watch Queen Elizabeth II open the new exterior set in the Granada backlot.

Carson died in her sleep in 1983, aged 85. As a tribute to her, an episode of Coronation Street from January 1967 featuring Ena was screened on ITV . Ena Sharples died in 1983, but her death was never announced in the programme, and was only revealed to viewers in 1985 when a video special entitled The Jubilee Years was released, with all references made in the series proper to Ena have been worded as if she has died. In 1989, street resident Deirdre Barlow mentioned due recent events, Ena Sharples was probably turning in her grave, thus confirming Ena had indeed died. Trivia Ena did not wear her famous hairnet in early episodes of the programme (see image); Violet Carson added it to her costume because she refused to let the make-up department touch her elegantly-styled silver hair. Violet, a native of Blackpool , switched on the Blackpool illuminations in 1961, then considered a real honour. When she received the insignia to her OBE in 1965, the Queen told Violet that she was "an ardent fan".

In the programme, Ena Sharples and Elsie Tanner were mortal enemies; in reality, Violet Carson and Patricia Phoenix were the best of friends. Ena's hairnet was put up for auction in 2005, and was sold for £65. It was bought by a Dutch gentleman, who had bought it for his mother, a lifelong fan of the programme. Ena's distinctive overcoat still exists, preserved by Granada TV . When Granada operated the tour of their studios, it was the main exhibit in the costume museum section. In tests and pilot episodes of Coronation Street , the role of Ena Sharples was played by Nan Marriott-Watson . A rare photograph of Marriott-Watson as Ena Sharples can be found in Daran Little's 1995 book The Coronation Street Story. The picture also shows Alison Bayley as Minnie Caldwell and Doris Hare as Martha Longhurst .

Ena Sharples : definition of Ena Sharples and synonyms of Ena Sharples (English) 4 References Development Ena ( Violet Carson ), who appeared in the series for 20 years between 1960 and 1980, was the caretaker of the mission hall, and spent much of her time criticising the activities of the street's other inhabitants. She was one of the main characters during the 1960s, she was featured less regularly in the 1970s due to the declining health of actress Violet Carson, and was written out in 1980. Almost always wearing a double-breasted coat and hairnet , she spent much of her free time in the series' early years with her two cronies, Martha Longhurst and Minnie Caldwell , in the snug bar of the Rovers Return Inn , drinking milk stout . When the final episode featuring Ena was screened on 2 April 1980, it attracted little media or public attention as the producers intended her to continue in the series - the character was merely leaving her house in the street and moving to care for an ill friend, Henry Foster.

Unfortunately, all subsequent storylines involving Ena had to be scrapped owing to Carson's ill health. Violet Carson died on Boxing Day 1983 at the age of 85. Storylines Backstory Ena Schofield was born in Weatherfield on 14 November 1899. She had a brother and a sister, Alice Raynold (nee Schofield) (1885-1965) and Tom Schofield (d. 1973). During her school days Ena met Martha Hartley and Minnie Carlton, establishing lifelong friendships. An attentive student with a strong Christian upbringing, Ena became devoted to her religion and developed a firm belief in the importance of rules and morals. She also quickly learned to be self-sufficient, taking on factory work when she was only 11. 1960-1970 In 1960, Ena battled the Mission's new lay preacher Leonard Swindley, who objected to her frequenting the Rovers. Ena collapsed due to the stress, but walked out of the hospital to return to her post so that Martha, who had taken on her responsibilities while she recovered, could not steal her job.

In 1961 Ena was sacked for spreading a rumour that Coronation Street was being demolished, when it turned out to be untrue, but Swindley was forced to re-hire her when a suitable replacement could not be found (Ena had bribed the other candidates to turn the job down). Still unhappy with the working conditions, however, Ena walked out of the job later in the year and moved in with Minnie, with Albert Tatlock briefly taking on the caretaker position. She was eventually offered her job back. Ena had a health scare in 1962 when she suffered a minor stroke, brought on by hypostatic pneumonia. She quickly regained her speech and mobility but the following year was diagnosed with arterioschlerosis. Despite her willingness to gossip, Ena was very guarded about her private life and resented Martha for discussing her health problems with Ena's daughter, Vera Lomax. Later that year, Ena's great nephew Tom Schofield visited her and invited her to her brother's home in the USA for an extended stay. Ena jumped at the chance to go abroad for the first time and meet the family she never knew she had.

Upon her return, Ena was horrified to see the Mission converted into a Community Centre, with social worker Ruth Winter employed there full-time. She quit upon hearing the news and moved in with Minnie at No.5. Despite being out of work, Ena was soon caught up with other problems as Vera came to stay having separated from her husband Bob Lomax. Vera had debts to pay but not the money to pay them, so Ena gave her the money, even though it was all her savings. A disoriented Ena was later caught accidentally stealing from a supermarket. In court, Ena pleaded not guilty, but refused to give her age when questioned, saying only that she was over 21. She was fined 40 shillings. To offset her money problems, Ena took on the job of live-in housekeeper at No.9 for Len Fairclough, although when the Community Centre at the Mission closed down, Ena moved back into the vestry. Vera came to stay again later in 1966, claiming to be ill.

Ena did not believe her until she spoke to Vera's doctor, who said that Vera had a brain tumour and had a month to live, but Vera had not yet been told her condition was terminal. Ena watched her daughter wind down over several weeks until she died in Ena's bed in January 1967. The Mission was closed for good a year later, when it was demolished along with the factory to make way for a block of two-storey maisonettes. Ena was offered a place at an old folk's home but unsurprisingly she declined, choosing to lodge with old friend Henry Foster at St. Anne's after briefly living with Minnie, although when the maisonettes were built Ena moved into No.6, a purpose-built OAP ground floor flat. Ena was pleased as it occupied the exact spot where the vestry had been. In 1969, Ena got bored with the maisonette and moved into a flat above Ernest Bishop's camera shop. With Glad Tidings gone, the closest place of worship was the Victoria Street Mission, and Ena kept close tabs on the comings and goings there.

She was delighted in 1970 to meet young Tony Parsons, who shared her passion for the harmonium. Recognising his talent, Ena made him her protégé and gave him lessons, while seeing about getting him a scholarship. 1971-1980 When the maisonettes were demolished in 1971, one of the buildings which replaced them was a community centre. Despite her age, Ena was determined to secure the position of caretaker, and scared off her competitor Hetty Thorpe by warning her about the violence in the area. With no one else to take the job, Ena was selected as caretaker, and she moved into a flat adjacent to the Centre. Ena's age and ability to do the work was a constant concern to the Council. A co-caretaker, Albert Tatlock , was foisted on her, though she insisted on being called Senior Caretaker. In 1973, Ena suffered two heart attacks, but refused to move away as she wanted to die in the street. When she disappeared with the Centre keys at Christmas, preventing the children from getting any presents, Ena assumed she'd be sacked and left to stay with Henry Foster at St.

Anne's, although she was allowed to keep her job. Later in the 1970s, Ena flitted between Weatherfield and St. Anne's. Her friends gradually left her life - Martha had died in 1964, and Minnie left in 1976 to live at Whaley Bridge with their old friend Handel Gartside. In 1977, Councillor Tattersall tried to sack Ena so that his niece could take her job, but Alf Roberts fought on Ena's behalf. The Lomaxs offered to house Ena but she refused. In 1980, Ena dumped herself on Elsie, and later Albert, while the flat was being re-decorated. Grumbling about the situation, she left to stay at St. Anne's. On this occasion, she never returned to Coronation Street.

Reception In a book written about Women and soap opera, Ena was described as "brusque and uncompromising, refusing to adjust to the changing times." [1] Ena has also been described as "a Coronation Street prototype, a strong, bossy woman." [2] Actor Michael Melia has claimed in an interview that he thought the character of Ena was "the most forbidding face on the street. A harridan in a hair-net with a surly expression that could stop a grown-man in his tracks." [3] References ^ Geraghty, Christian (1991). Women and soap opera: a study of prime time soaps. Wiley-Blackwell . p. 82. ISBN 0-7456-0568-0 . Coronation Street | Television New Zealand | Entertainment | TVNZ 1, TVNZ 2 In the beginning… Coronation Street began at 7pm on Friday 9 December 1960. The first episode was transmitted live. Nearly 8000 episodes later Coronation Street continues to be a ratings success, captivating audiences worldwide.

A young scriptwriter called Tony Warren created the series, originally titled Florizel Street. The first episode was penned within 24 hours, 13 episodes were commissioned and the face of British television was set to change forever. Broadcast facts Viewers were given their first glimpse of Coronation Street in full colour when the first colour episode was transmitted on 3rd November 1969. A live episode was broadcast to mark the series' 40th anniversary in December 2000 - the first time the show had been broadcast live since 1960 and 1961. Another live episode aired to mark the 50th anniversary in 2010. The 1000th episode was transmitted on 24th August 1970. Famous fans include: Anthony Hopkins; Michael Parkinson; Julie Walters; Cliff Richard; Victoria Wood; Cilla Black; Cheryl Cole; Snoop Dogg. A number of famous faces have paid visits to the set including: Diana Dors; Dustin Hoffman; Alfred Hitchcock; Howard Keel; Boy George; Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair; Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh.

On 8 August 1979, the programme was taken off air as part of an ITV strike. It returned to the screen on 24 October. The series originally aired twice a week. A third weekly episode was introduced in 1989, and a fourth in 1996. Coronation Street has broadcast five times a week since 2002. The production team has travelled abroad to film at foreign locations on seven occasions: Majorca (1974); Torremolinos (1987); Normandy (1994); Amsterdam (1998); Paris (2000 and 2006); Malta (2007). There have been five spin-off video/DVD releases: The Feature Length QE2 Special (1995); Viva Las Vegas (1997); Out of Africa (2008); Romanian Holiday (2009); A Knight's Tale (2010). A six-part series ('After Hours') set in Brighton, featuring the returns of Bet Gilroy and Reg Holdsworth, aired in November 1999.

Cast facts William Tarmey and Elizabeth Dawn both appeared as background artists for several years before making their debuts as Jack and Vera Duckworth. Rita ( played by Barbara Knox ) first appeared on screen on 2 December 1964. Famous faces who have walked on the Weatherfield cobbles include: Joanna Lumley; Ben Kingsley; Ian McKellen; Stephanie Beacham; Patricia Routledge; Patrick Stewart; Martin Shaw; June Whitfield; Anna Friel; Nigel Havers. Celebrities who have appeared as background artists on the show include: Cliff Richard; Mel B; Peter Schmeichel. Roy Barraclough played three different characters during the 1960s, before first appearing as Alec Gilroy on 26 June 1972. After 13 years, Patricia Phoenix (Elsie Tanner) left the programme on 8 October 1973. She returned in 1976 and remained for 8 more years, appearing in 1641 episodes.

Mike Baldwin made his first appearance on 11 October 1976 and bowed out 30 years later on 7 April 2006 after 2383 episodes. He remains one of the 10 longest-serving cast members in the show's 53 year history. Doris Speed was awarded an MBE by the Queen at Buckingham Palace on 29 November 1977. Violet Carson made her last appearance as Ena Sharples after 1150 episodes on 4 April 1980. Jean Alexander made her last appearance as Hilda Ogden on 25 December 1987 - an episode watched by 26 million people. In 1988, she became the first soap opera performer to be nominated for a BAFTA award. HRH The Prince of Wales made a pre-recorded cameo appearance in the 40th anniversary live episode on 8th December 2000. In HM Queen Elizabeth II's 2010 birthday honours, Barbara Knox and Eileen Derbyshire were awarded MBEs.

Corrie firsts First birth: Elsie Tanner's grandson Paul Cheveski on 12 June 1961. First marriage: Jack and Annie Walker's daughter Joan to Gordon Davies on 8 March 1961. First death: The first death was the original resident of No.13, May Hardman, in Episode 7 on 31 December 1960. First wife for Ken Barlow - Valerie Tatlock became bride number one when she walked up the aisle at St Mary's in August 1962. First Golden Wedding Anniversary: The most enduring marriage on the Street was that of Jack and Vera Duckworth, who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary just months before Vera's death in January 2008. It’s all in the numbers The shortest marriage was that of Mike Baldwin and Jackie Ingram, whose union lasted only 7 days in 1991. Dennis Tanner ( played by Philip Lowrie ) holds the record for the cast member with the longest time elapsed between appearances. There was a 43 year gap between his last appearance in 1968 and his return in 2011.

Ben Price is third actor to portray Nick Tilsley, following Adam Rickitt (1997-2004) and Warren Jackson (1981-1996). Peter Barlow is the character to have been played by the most actors. Chris Gascoyne (2000-present) is the seventh incarnation, following David Lonsdale (1986); Joseph McKenna (1977-1978); Linus Roache (1973-1975); Christopher Dormer (1970-1971); Mark Duncan (1970-1971); John Heanneau (1965-1969). There have been only 2 episodes broadcast featuring only 2 characters. In January 2000, Curly and Raquel Watts were reunited in a Millennium special. In 2007, Tracy Barlow confessed to murder to her mother Deirdre in a tense two-hander. Corrie crew facts Tony Warren penned a total of 76 scripts between 1960 and 1976.

The theme tune was written by Eric Spear, who died in 1966. The show's most prolific director was the late Brian Mills, who directed 524 episodes between 1968 and 2000. Famous directors who cut their teeth on Coronation Street include: Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Harry Potter); Michael Apted (The World is Not Enough, The Chronicles of Narnia); Charles Sturridge (Brideshead Revisited, A Handful of Dust). Charles also recently directed The Road to Coronation Street which is the story of the show's conception by Tony Warren. Peter Whalley is the series' longest-serving writer, and has been on the team since 1979, penning more than 540 episodes. Notable writers who have contributed scripts over the years include: Kay Mellor (Band of Gold, Fat Friends); Paul Abbott (Shameless, Clocking Off); Sally Wainwright (At Home with the Braithwaites, Unforgiven); Lucy Gannon (Soldier Soldier, Bramwell); Jimmy McGovern (Cracker, The Street).

The current exterior Street set was opened by Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh on 5 May 1982. On 14 December 1994 Tony Warren collected his MBE from Buckingham Palace. Text Size Coronation Street 50 Years: Who has had the most weddings? - Manchester Evening News What's On Coronation Street 50 Years: Who has had the most weddings? Corrie Files: As Coronation Street celebrates 50 years on screen, fans of the ITV1 soap are remembering their favourite characters and storylines down the years. Here are 50 more facts about the Street, including the most-married character and how it all began on 9 December 1960. Share Get What's On updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email 50 INTERESTING FACTS • Coronation Street began at 7pm on Friday 9th December 1960. The first episode was transmitted live. Nearly 7,500 episodes later Coronation Street continues to be a ratings success, captivating audiences worldwide. • A young scriptwriter called Tony Warren created the series, originally titled Florizel Street.

The first episode was penned within 24 hours, 13 episodes were commissioned and the face of British television was set to change forever. • Tony Warren penned a total of 76 scripts between 1960 and 1976. • Russell Harty once infamously commented: “There was life before Coronation Street, but it didn’t add up to much.” • The theme tune was written by Eric Spear, who died in 1966. • Viewers were given their first glimpse of Coronation Street in full colour when the first colour episode was transmitted on 3rd November 1969. • A live episode was broadcast to mark the series’ 40th anniversary in December 2000 – the first time the show had been broadcast live since 1960 and 1961. • Famous faces who have walked on the Weatherfield cobbles include: Joanna Lumley; Ben Kingsley; Ian McKellen; Stephanie Beacham; Patricia Routledge; Patrick Stewart; Martin Shaw; June Whitfield; Anna Friel; Nigel Havers.

• Famous fans include: Anthony Hopkins; Michael Parkinson; Julie Walters; Cliff Richard; Victoria Wood; Cilla Black; Cheryl Cole; Snoop Dogg. • A number of famous faces have paid visits to the set including: Diana Dors; Dustin Hoffman; Alfred Hitchcock; Howard Keel; Boy George; Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair; Queen Elizabeth II; The Duke of Edinburgh. • Celebrities who have appeared as background artists on the show include: Cliff Richard; Mel B; Peter Schmeichel. • William Tarmey and Elizabeth Dawn both appeared as background artists for several years before making their debuts as Jack and Vera Duckworth. • Rita Littlewood first appeared on screen on 2nd December 1964. • Betty Turpin made her first appearance on 2nd June 1969. • The 1,000th episode was transmitted on 24th August 1970. • Roy Barraclough played three different characters during the 1960’s before first appearing as Alec Gilroy on 26th June 1972.

• After 13 years, Patricia Phoenix (Elsie Tanner) left the programme on 8th October 1973. She returned in 1976 and remained for 8 more years, appearing in 1,641 episodes. • Mike Baldwin made his first appearance on 11th October 1976 and bowed out thirty years later on 7th April 2006 after 2,383 episodes. • Doris Speed was awarded an MBE by the Queen at Buckingham Palace on 29th November 1977. • On August 8th 1979, the programme was taken off air as part of an ITV strike. It returned to the screen on 24th October. • Violet Carson made her last appearance as Ena Sharples after 1,150 episodes on 4th April 1980. • Jean Alexander made her last appearance as Hilda Ogden on 25th December 1987 – an episode watched by 26 million people. In 1988, she became the first soap opera performer to be nominated for a BAFTA award.

• As of 9 December 2010, there have been 39 births, 114 deaths and 88 weddings. • The first death was the original resident of No.13, May Hardman, in Episode 7 on 31st December 1960. • Out of 114 deaths, there have been fourteen murders and seven were suicide. • The first birth was Elsie Tanner’s grandson Paul Cheveski on 12th June 1961, and the latest was Jack Dobbs on 6th September 2010. • The first Street wedding was that of Jack and Annie Walker’s daughter Joan to Gordon Davies on 8th March 1961. The most recent was Roy and Hayley Cropper’s eventful ceremony on 30th August 2010. • Gail McIntyre is the most-married character, having walked down the aisle five times. • On 4th August 1962, Ken Barlow – today the show’s sole-surviving original character – married for the first time, having sold his scooter to fund the wedding.

Valerie Tatlock became bride number one when she walked up the aisle at St Mary’s. • Five couples have married each other twice: Brian & Gail Tilsley; Jim & Liz McDonald; Kevin & Sally Webster; Steve & Karen McDonald; Ken & Deirdre Barlow. . • The most enduring marriage on the Street was that of Jack and Vera Duckworth, who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary just months before Vera’s death in January 2008. • The shortest marriage was that of Mike Baldwin and Jackie Ingram, whose union lasted only seven days in 1991. • 51 barmaids have served behind the bar of the Rovers Return since 1960. • Ken Barlow has been involved with 25 women, including his three wives, over the last fifty years. • Kenneth Cope holds the record for the cast member with the longest time elapsed between appearances. There was a 42-year gap in his stint as Jed Stone between 1966 and 2008.

• Ben Price is third actor to portray Nick Tilsley, following Adam Rickitt (1997-2004) and Warren Jackson (1981-1996). • Peter Barlow is the character to have been played by the most actors. Chris Gascoyne (2000-present) is the seventh incarnation, following David Lonsdale (1986); Joseph McKenna (1977-1978); Linus Roache (1973-1975); Christopher Dormer (1970-1971); Mark Duncan (1970-1971); John Heanneau (1965-1969). • There have been only two episodes broadcast featuring only two characters. In January 2000, Curly and Raquel Watts were reunited in a Millennium special. In 2007, Tracy Barlow confessed to murder to her mother Deirdre in a tense two-hander. • The series originally aired twice a week. A third weekly episode was introduced in 1989, and a fourth in 1996.

Coronation Street has broadcast five times a week since 2002. • The production team has travelled abroad to film at foreign locations on seven occasions: Majorca (1974); Torremolinos (1987); Normandy (1994); Amsterdam (1998); Paris (2000 and 2006); Malta (2007). • There have been five spin-off video/DVD releases: The Feature Length QE2 Special (1995); Viva Las Vegas (1997); Out of Africa (2008); Romanian Holiday (2009); A Knight’s Tale (2010). A six-part series (‘After Hours’) set in Brighton, featuring the returns of Bet Gilroy and Reg Holdsworth, aired in November 1999. • The show’s most prolific director was the late Brian Mills, who directed 524 episodes between 1968 and 2000.

• Famous directors who cut their teeth on Coronation Street include: Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Harry Potter); Michael Apted (The World is Not Enough, The Chronicles of Narnia); Charles Sturridge (Brideshead Revisited, A Handful of Dust). Charles also recently directed The Road to Coronation Street which is the story of the show’s conception by Tony Warren. • Peter Whalley is the series’ longest-serving writer, and has been on the team since 1979, penning more than 540 episodes. • Notable writers who have contributed scripts over the years include: Kay Mellor (Band of Gold, Fat Friends); Paul Abbott (Shameless, Clocking Off); Sally Wainwright (At Home with the Braithwaites, Unforgiven); Lucy Gannon (Soldier Soldier, Bramwell); Jimmy McGovern (Cracker, The Street). • The current exterior Street set was opened by Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh on 5th May 1982. • HRH The Prince of Wales made a pre-recorded cameo appearance in the 40th anniversary live episode on 8th December 2000.

• On 14th December 1994 Tony Warren collected his MBE from Buckingham Palace. • In HM Queen Elizabeth II’s 2010 birthday honours, Barbara Knox and Eileen Derbyshire were awarded MBEs. • The top 10 longest-serving current cast members: 1. William Roache – 50 years 2. Eileen Derbyshire – 49 years (50 years on 27th January) 3. Betty Driver – 41 years 4. Barbara Knox – 38 years 5. Anne Kirkbride – 38 years 6. Helen Worth – 36 years 7. Sue Nicholls – 31 years 8. William Tarmey – 31 years 9. Michael Le Vell – 27 years 10. Sally Dynevor – 24 years Links to other lists: The lists in the Corrie Files have been released by ITV Granada to mark the 50th anniversary of Coronation Street.

Like us on Facebook Flooding, AT-ATs, and the demise of Doxford Engine Works - Sunderland Echo Northumberland Flooding, AT-ATs, and the demise of Doxford Engine Works Sorry, we're having problems with our video player at the moment, but are working to fix it as soon as we can Waiting for Video... Have your say A WORLD-FAMOUS Wearside engine firm ground to a halt in 1980. Doxford Engine Works – hailed as “one of the greatest of all great names in marine engineering” – finally closed its doors after 102 years. The decision was described as “scandalous” by Bill Porter, of the General and Municipal Workers Union, who added: “I am disgusted.” VISIT: Margaret Thatcher visits Pawson's clothing factory, Pallion, in 1980 - and watches Alice Allen, of Houghton, at work. Engines produced by Doxford helped power many of Britain’s merchant ships in World War Two – with other milestones including the Seahorse and 58JS3 engines. “This is one of the blackest days Sunderland has ever experienced,” said Mr Porter.

“I believe the Doxford engine is still one of the most efficient in the world.” Other Wearside news in 1980 included the closure of Bursgreen Ltd at Fencehouses, and the introduction of concessionary travel passes for bus passengers. “There were angry scenes in Sunderland and Washington, two of the four distribution points, with many people having to queue for hours for a pass,” reported the Echo. “The switch-over to a new type of bus pass, requiring photographs to be taken of up to 45,000 travellers, has been described as a necessary, but “massive”, operation.” Staff at Sunderland’s Public Works Department built a house in record time in March 1980, as a direct challenge to Michael Heseltine, Secretary of State for Environment. Workmen developed the property, within the grounds of Thorney Close School, in just 10 working days – with school caretaker John Collins the delighted new tenant. “Heseltine’s constant criticism of direct labour organisations being inefficient prompted us to complete the job quickly,” said Public Works chairman Joe Bartley.

Bosses at Sunderland Football Club applied to turn a half-mile stretch of land behind Roker Park into an extensive training ground in this year too – without success. And Houghton’s main subway was closed due to flooding in August. The subway, linking the bus station and shopping area, had to be pumped out by council staff. The year 1980 also saw the old coal staiths at Seaham Docks demolished, while Whitburn Hall – a 16th century landmark – was bulldozed to ‘make way for progress.’ “It was once the stately home of the Williamson family, but was sold to a private developer in 1961, who planned to pull it down and build flats,” reported the Echo. “The hall fell into disrepair, however, after villagers protested against the plans and it became a magnet for thieves and vandals.

As repair bills soared, it was demolished.” Plans to close the Domtar paper-making mill in Hendon were announced in 1980 too, with almost 400 staff affected by the decision – described as “a shock to everyone.” And angry fishermen blockaded Sunderland’s harbour entrance on August 21, to protest against “unfair fishing laws” following the seizure of nets by water officials. Sport FANS celebrating the centenary of Sunderland AFC had just one wish during the 1979/80 season – a return to the top flight. And two superb goals by Kevin Arnott and Stan Cummins against West Ham on May 12 finally sent Sunderland roaring back. “Sunderland are back in the First Division after three seasons in the soccer wilderness,” wrote Echo sports pundit Geoff Storey. SAFC’s managerial team of Ken Knighton and his assistant Frank Clark immediately pledged to make sure there were no slip-ups. “I will make sure we stay there,” said Knighton. “The sky is the limit and we must build on what we have achieved.

“I have brought in better players than what we had to win promotion, and if it means buying again to stay up, then I will do.” It was widely believed that Sunderland were already “better equipped for success” than when they won the Second Division in 1976. Fans just hoped to see an end to a crippling run of injuries which had battered the team – including the loss of skipper Mick Docherty. •Sunderland were to enjoy five seasons in the top flight after winning promotion, with Gary Rowell the top scorer for three seasons. Film and TV A FUTURE Wearside TV star was celebrating in 1980 – after winning a place at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Melanie Hill, 18, of Wearmouth Drive, battled it out against 1,600 young hopefuls for one of just 21 places available at the country’s top drama school. The Monkwearmouth Comprehensive schoolgirl went on to win the Vanburgh award at RADA – and then made her name playing Aveline in the BBC sitcom Bread.

Also in this year the British record for a TV audience for a film was set, when James Bond offering Live and Let Die attracted 23.5million viewers for ITV. The first episode of the political sitcom Yes Minister was screened this year too, and Violet Carson made her last appearance as Ena Sharples in Coronation Street as well. Other TV highlights included the launch of Children in Need, the 20th anniversary of the first episode of Coronation Street and the unveiling of plans for breakfast TV. Several new shows hit our screens too, including Hi-de-Hi, Juliet Bravo, Newsnight, Family Fortunes, Play Your Cards Right, Take the High Road and The Gentle Touch. Over on the big screen, the Star Wars space opera saga was back with a vengeance in 1980 with the second in the series – The Empire Strikes Back – released. The film received mixed reviews from critics initially, but went on to earn more than $538million worldwide – sending it straight to the top of the box office hit list. Today the film – now known as Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back – is considered by critics to be the best film in the franchise.

British films also enjoyed global popularity, including The Awakening, Babylon, The Elephant Man, Dogs of War, The Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle and The Monster Club. Oscars: Best Picture – Ordinary People. Best Actor – Robert De Niro, Raging Bull. Best Actress – Sissy Spacek, Coal Miner’s Daughter. Sign in

Question: Violet Carson made her last appearance as Ena Sharples in 1980 in which British TV series?
Answer: Coronation Street