List of Coronation Street characters (1961)

Introduced by

Tony Warren (1961)
Peter Eckersley (1966)

Classification

Family
Father	Wally Tanner
Mother	Susannah Tanner
Wife	Elsie Grimshaw (1939–62) Norah Dawson (1962–)
Sons	Dennis Tanner
Daughters	Linda Cheveski
Grandsons	Paul Cheveski Martin Cheveski

Arnold Tanner is the first husband of Elsie Tanner. In January 1961, he turned up on the doorstep of number 11 after an absence of fifteen years in order to meet his two children and ask for a divorce from Elsie so he could marry his new girlfriend Norah Dawson. At first Elsie refused, but was persuaded otherwise when Arnold threatened to cite her wartime romances in their divorce. He was last seen in June 1966.

Dot Greenhalgh

Coronation Street character

Portrayed by

Joan Francis

Duration

1961–69

First appearance

6 January 1961
Episode 9

Last appearance

12 November 1969
Episode 927

Created by

Introduced by

Tony Warren (1961)
Stuart Latham (1961)
Derek Granger (1961)
H. V. Kershaw (1962, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1969)
Tim Aspinall (1964)
Richard Doubleday (1968)

Classification

Family
Father	Jack Todd
Mother	Vi Todd
Brothers	Jim Todd
Sisters	Sally Todd
Husband	Walter Greenhalgh

Dot Greenhalgh (née Todd) is the long-time best friend of Elsie Tanner. The pair worked together at Miami Modes, a local clothes shop, and eventually Dot was given a promotion to supervisor—but left soon after to work at a department store. Dot had several flings in her time despite being married, and in 1969, her husband Walter finally finished with her and on top of this she lost her fancy new job. Miami Modes took her back, but when she stole stock and then blamed Elsie, her life in Weatherfield came to an end. She admitted her guilt, got the sack and Elsie refused to speak to her ever again.

Norah Tanner

Coronation Street character

Portrayed by

Avril Angers

Appears on

6 January 1961
Episode 9

Created by

Introduced by

Tony Warren

Classification

Family
Husband	Arnold Tanner (1962–)

Norah Tanner (née Dawson) was Arnold Tanner's new fiancée who owned a sweet shop in Weatherfield. She arrived in Coronation Street with Arnold when he was seeking a divorce from Elsie Tanner, in order for him to marry Norah. Norah thought she was a better class than anyone who lived on the Street and during an argument with Elsie she called her 'Common', whenever Elsie referred to Norah she called her 'Madame Toffee shop'.

Joe Makinson

Joe Makinson
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Brian Rawlinson
Duration	1961, 1963, 1970
First appearance	13 January 1961 Episode 11
Last appearance	19 August 1970 Episode 999
Created by	Tony Warren
Introduced by	Tony Warren (1961) H. V. Kershaw (1963) June Howson (1970)
Classification	Former; recurring

Joe Makinson is a plumber who arrives early in 1961 to carry out work for Christine Hardman. Having just dumped her boyfriend Malcolm for his lack of support following her mother's death, and on discovering that May had unpaid debts, Christine's struggle sparked sympathy from Joe, who paid for the plumbing bill himself. Joe then asked Christine for a date and they became an item. After a few months Joe asked Christine for her hand in marriage and they became engaged, but soon after a Christine had decided she needed more excitement in her life and subsequently broke it off with him. Joe was heartbroken.

Joe briefly returned in 1963 and resumed his affair with Christine, but he ended it when he realised he meant nothing to her. He returned again in 1970 to settle a debt with Alan Howard.

Beattie Pearson

Coronation Street character

Portrayed by

Gabrielle Daye

Duration

1961–62, 1969, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1981, 1983–84

First appearance

13 January 1961
Episode 11

Last appearance

16 May 1984
Episode 2412

Created by

Introduced by

Tony Warren (1961)
Derek Granger (1961)
H.V. Kershaw (1962, 1969)
Leslie Duxbury (1971)
Eric Prytherch (1973)
Susi Hush (1975)
Bill Podmore (1981)
Mervyn Watson (1983, 1984)

Classification

Family
Father	Albert Tatlock
Mother	Bessie Tatlock
Husband	Norman Pearson (1953–)
Grandfathers	William Tatlock
Grandmothers	Emmeline Tatlock
Uncles	Alfred Tatlock
First cousins	Joyce Tatlock Valerie Barlow
Other relatives	Peter Barlow (1st cousin once) Susan Barlow (1st cousin once) Adam Barlow (2nd cousin) Simon Barlow (2nd cousin)

Beatrice "Beattie" Pearson (née Tatlock) is the daughter of the late Albert Tatlock, played by Gabrielle Daye. Beattie was first seen on Coronation Street in 1961 visiting her father. Beattie's visits were quite rare usually coming to the street when she wanted something. She attended the wedding of Ken Barlow to her cousin Valerie Tatlock in 1962 and also attended Val's funeral in 1971. She moved in with Albert for a few weeks when she left her husband, Norman, but Albert soon sent her back. In 1975 she along with the rest of the Street attended Albert's 80th Birthday street party. In 1981 on another visit to Coronation Street Beattie was afraid that she would have to have Albert live with her because Ken and Deirdre Barlow were thinking of leaving the Street, but she was glad when they decided to stay. Beattie's last appearance was after Albert died in 1984. Beattie gave Ken his World War one medal at his funeral, saying that Albert always looked upon him as a son.

Doreen Lostock

Doreen Lostock
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Angela Crow
Duration	1961–63
First appearance	18 January 1961 Episode 12
Last appearance	2 October 1963 Episode 293
Created by	Tony Warren
Introduced by	Tony Warren (1961) H. V. Kershaw (1962)
Classification	Former; regular

Doreen Lostock and her friend Sheila Birtles first appeared when they worked at Elliston's Raincoat Factory. Doreen briefly dated Billy Walker before he left for London in August 1961, and became the third Rovers barmaid that year. Due to the Equity Actor's Strike, Doreen was absent from the Street from November 1961 until June 1962, but like many others the absence was left unexplained upon her return. Eventually, two weeks after Sheila's suicide attempt forced her to leave the Street, Doreen herself found she had nothing left in Weatherfield and went to join the Women's Royal Army Corps.

Eileen Hughes

Eileen Hughes
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Prunella Scales
First appearance	20 January 1961 Episode 13
Last appearance	24 February 1961 Episode 22
Introduced by	Stuart Latham
Classification	Former; guest

Eileen Hughes is a hairdresser played by Prunella Scales who briefly vied for the affections of Harry Hewitt. While she and Florrie Lindley both liked him, Harry only had eyes for barmaid Concepta.

Len Fairclough

Coronation Street character

Portrayed by

Peter Adamson

Duration

1961–83

First appearance

25 January 1961
Episode 14

Last appearance

11 May 1983
Episode 2307

Introduced by

Stuart Latham

Classification

Profile

Occupation

Businessman, builder, councillor, shopkeeper

Family
Father	Ned Fairclough
Mother	Grace Fairclough
Wife	Nellie Briggs (1949–64) Rita Littlewood (1977–83)
Sons	Stanley Fairclough

Leonard Franklin "Len" Fairclough was played by Peter Adamson.

Len was from Liverpool, born on 5 November 1924. His parents were killed in the Blitz, after which Len joined the Merchant Navy. After de-mob, he came to Weatherfield, where he married Nellie and had a son Stanley (played by Peter Noone, later of the British pop group Herman's Hermits). The marriage was not a happy one and on 22 November 1963, Nellie told him she wanted a divorce. Nellie later died of cancer and Stanley never forgave his father for how he had treated her — they were never reconciled.

A builder by profession — he owned his own yard — he also spent many years as an Independent councillor for Weatherfield. Len's idea of a real woman was his next door neighbour, Elsie Tanner: attractive, sexy, with a ribald sense of humour. However she was more of a friend than a lover, and when Len suggested that their relationship should go to the next level, Elsie always refused, not wanting to spoil the special bond they had. When Elsie remarried, to a handsome G.I., Master Sergeant Steve Tanner, Len was consumed with jealousy, to such an extent that when Steve was found dead in suspicious circumstances, Len was accused of murdering him.

Len had reconciled himself to being on his own for the rest of his life — and then he met Rita Bates, who earned her living as a cabaret singer in the rather downmarket Gatsby Club. Although she claimed she was married to Harry Bates, they were in fact only a common-law couple; her name was actually Rita Littlewood. Rita had a lot in common with Elsie. She was feisty, independent and was never afraid to stand up to Len, and this was what he wanted in a woman. Elsie was initially very cool towards Rita, but they became firm friends later. After a rocky courtship, Len and Rita married and honeymooned in Tenerife, where Rita had a secured herself a singing job.

After a while, Rita started to feel frustrated by Len and his lack of motivation. Feeling he was taking her for granted, Rita left him, upon which Len went to pieces. Once she had agreed to return, the couple attempted to adopt a child, but were told they were too old. Instead, they fostered, first a boy called John, then, on a more long-term basis, Sharon Gaskell. Len was amused that she preferred woodwork to needlework and that she liked playing football — this caused an instant bond between them, much to Rita's delight. Sharon became the Faircloughs' surrogate daughter, and Len was proud of her. When he came home unexpectedly one night and found a boy in the house trying to entice Sharon upstairs, he threatened to hit him. Rita was angry, believing that Len had mishandled the situation, but he was able to say from the heart that he had only done it because he cared about Sharon. Eventually, Sharon moved away, after getting a job as a kennel maid in Sheffield. Life seemed to be going well for the Faircloughs; they had two businesses, Len's building Yard and The Kabin, a newsagents. However, an off-screen scandal involving the actor who played Len resulted in a decision by the producers to discontinue the character.^[1] For several months Len did not appear, his absence explained by a storyline that he was working long hours on a contract away from home.

Rita's world came crashing down when Len fell asleep at the wheel of his van and collided with a motorway bridge. He was killed instantly. Rita was devastated, but was comforted when Sharon came back from Sheffield to attend the funeral. Rita was later to discover, however, that Len had been having an affair with a woman in Ashton. As a result, her memories of Len remained bitter-sweet. When Rita subsequently began a relationship with Alan Bradley, Alan stole evidence of Len's identity and pretended to be him in order to obtain a loan to support his own business. It was Rita's discovery of the deception that caused her violent final break-up with Alan.

Edwin Mason

Coronation Street character

Portrayed by

Campbell Singer

Duration

1961, 1963

First appearance

25 January 1961
Episode 14

Last appearance

1 April 1963
Episode 240

Introduced by

Stuart Latham (1961)
H. V. Kershaw (1963)

Classification

Family
Father	Frank Mason
Mother	Madge Mason
Sisters	May Hardman
Wife	Netta Mason
Nieces	Christine Appleby

Edwin Mason is the brother of May Hardman, who visited Christine after her mother's death in order to give her some money to live on and warned Joe Makinson to stay away. He later visited again and met Christine's husband-to-be Frank Barlow, whom he disapproved of.

Emily Bishop

Main article: Emily Bishop

Billy Walker

Coronation Street character

Portrayed by

Ken Farrington

Duration

1961–64, 1969–75, 1977–79, 1984

First appearance

27 January 1961
Episode 15

Last appearance

5 December 1984
Episode 2471

Created by

Introduced by

Stuart Latham (1961)
H.V. Kershaw (1962, 1963, 1964)
Margaret Morris (1963)
John Finch (1969)
June Howson (1970)
Brian Armstrong (1972)
Bill Podmore (1977, 1978, 1979)
Mervyn Watson (1984)

Classification

Family
Father	Jack Walker
Mother	Annie Walker
Sisters	Joan Davies
Grandfathers	Amos Walker Edmont Beaumont
Grandmothers	Joan Walker Florence Beaumont
Uncles	Arthur Walker Jim Walker
Aunts	Louise Walker
Other relatives	Mavis Walker Tom Walker

Billy Walker was the son of Annie and Jack Walker and first appeared 27 January 1961. He was played by actor Ken Farrington.

Farrington was originally tested for the part of Dennis Tanner; producers felt that he did not suite the role and it later given to actor Philip Lowrie.^[2] Farrington told Ken Roche of TVTimes that "they did not think I was right for it, so the wrote me into the series as the son of Annie Walker (Doris Speed)". The actor had spent time away from Coronation Street pursuing other projects; he told Roche that he enjoyed the breaks because each time he would return she felt "refreshed".^[2]

Billy was the son of Jack and Annie, landlords of the Rovers Return. Although he grew up in Weatherfield, Billy moved to London to run a garage in 1961, and only made fleeting appearances in Coronation Street until Jack died in 1970 and Billy returned to help out at the Rovers to ease the burden on Annie. A mechanic by trade, Billy was never happy behind the bar of the Rovers and left Weatherfield several times in the early 1970s to work in London again. In 1974, Billy became engaged to Deirdre Hunt. With the wedding only weeks away in 1975, Billy called off the wedding and left to take a job in Jersey, which became Billy's new home. In the years that followed, Billy occasionally returned, usually to ask Annie for money for the latest business deal which interested him as he usually gambled his own money away and was always debt-ridden. He kept tabs on Deirdre, despite her marrying and divorcing Ray Langton in his absence, and unsuccessfully tried to convince her to make a new start with him in Jersey.

When Annie retired in 1984, Billy took over the Rovers licence at her request, but after a short time as landlord he was forced out by the brewery for holding after-hours parties and he left Weatherfield again and returned to Jersey. It is not known what has happened to Billy in the years since his departure.

Joan Walker

Coronation Street character

Portrayed by

June Barry (1961–1964)
Dorothy White (1978)

Duration

1961, 1963-1964, 1978

First appearance

3 February 1961
Episode 17

Last appearance

17 May 1978
Episode 1809

Introduced by

Stuart Latham (1961)
Margaret Morris (1963)
Bill Podmore (1978)

Classification

Family
Father	Jack Walker
Mother	Annie Walker
Brothers	Billy Walker
Husband	Gordon Davies (1961–)
Grandfathers	Amos Walker Edmont Beaumont
Grandmothers	Joan Walker Florence Beaumont
Uncles	Arthur Walker Jim Walker
Aunts	Louise Walker
Other relatives	Mavis Walker Tom Walker

Joan Davies (née Walker) is the daughter of Jack and Annie Walker. She is one half of the first couple to wed on Coronation Street and moved to Derby with her new husband soon after the wedding. As far as we know Joan and her husband Gordon were still together by the time the last Walker, her brother Billy, left the Street in 1984—making their marriage one of the longest and most successful in the show's history.

Gordon Davies

Coronation Street character

Portrayed by

Calvin Malone

Duration

1961

First appearance

3 February 1961
Episode 17

Last appearance

13 March 1961
Episode 26

Introduced by

Stuart Latham

Classification

Family
Father	George Davies
Mother	Hilda Davies
Husband	Joan Walker (1961–)

Gordon Davies is the school teacher fiancé of Joan Walker. They married on 8 March 1961 and subsequently settled into a new life in Derby.

Alf Roberts

Main article: Alf Roberts

Fred Jackson

Coronation Street character

Portrayed by

Joe Gladwin

Duration

1961, 1963, 1964, 1966

First appearance

22 February 1961
Episode 21

Last appearance

9 February 1966
Episode 539

Introduced by

Stuart Latham

Classification

Family
Brothers	Frank Jackson
Wife	Mary Jackson

Fred Jackson was the owner and manager of Jackson's Chip Shop in Victoria Street in the 1960s. He lived in the flat above the shop with wife Mary with occasional assistance from his brother Frank.

In 1963, Fred told Doreen Lostock that Len Fairclough had inquired about landlord Wormold's address. Elsie Tanner was trying to find out who tipped off the landlord that she had taken a lodger. On 20 March, Fred was bothered by the music from the Glad Tidings Mission Hall, which he incorrectly attributed to the Over 60s club, unaware that four youths who had just left his shop at closing time had descended on the Mission.

Although not appearing after 1966, both Fred and the shop were mentioned until the mid-1980s.

Phil Braithwaite

Phil Braithwaite
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Brian Dean
Duration	1961
First appearance	1 March 1961 Episode 23
Last appearance	30 October 1961 Episode 92
Introduced by	Stuart Latham
Classification	Former; recurring

Phil Braithwaite is first seen in March as a Town Hall employee who Ena Sharples went to complain to about her gas. He next appeared when he moved into the flat above the Corner Shop with his friend Norman. He was potentially a regular character but the Equity Actor's Strike prevented him from appearing just a few episodes after his return, and he was never seen again. Phil and Norman were said to have moved out of the flat in January 1962.

Norman Dobson

Norman Dobson
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Alan Holden
Duration	1961
First appearance	1 March 1961 Episode 23
Last appearance	30 October 1961 Episode 92
Introduced by	Stuart Latham
Classification	Former; recurring

Norman Dobson is first seen as a Town Hall employee who Ena Sharples went to complain to about her gas supply. He next appeared when he moved into the flat above the Corner Shop with his friend Phil. He was potentially a regular character but the Equity Actor's Strike prevented him from appearing just a few episodes after his return, and he was never seen again. Phil and Norman were said to have moved out of the flat in January 1962.

Colin Lomax

Coronation Street character

Portrayed by

Davy Jones (1961)
Alec Sabin (1972)

Duration

1961, 1972

First appearance

6 March 1961
Episode 25

Last appearance

13 September 1972
Episode 1216

Introduced by

Stuart Latham

Classification

Family
Father	Bob Lomax
Mother	Vera Lomax
Wife	Karen Lomax
Sons	Jason Lomax
Grandfathers	Alfred Sharples
Grandmothers	Ena Sharples
Uncles	Ian Sharples Tom Schofield (great)
Aunts	Madge Sharples Alice Raynould (great)
First cousins	Tom Schofield Jr. (1st cousin once)

Colin Lomax is the grandson of Ena Sharples who twice visited the Street. Colin is notable for having future Monkees member Davy Jones originating the role in 1961.

Sylvia Snape

Coronation Street character

Portrayed by

Patricia Routledge

Duration

1961

First appearance

22 March 1961
Episode 29

Last appearance

5 April 1961
Episode 33

Introduced by

Stuart Latham

Classification

Family
Husband	Mr Snape

Sylvia Snape ran a café on Rosamund Street, which Doreen Lostock worked at for a short while before it closed down. She is played by a young Patricia Routledge, now better known for her role in Keeping Up Appearances.

Michael Regan

Michael Regan
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Shay Gorman
Duration	1961
First appearance	22 March 1961 Episode 29
Last appearance	5 April 1961 Episode 33
Introduced by	Stuart Latham
Classification	Former; guest

Michael Regan is a man with whom Concepta Riley had a brief fling to make Harry Hewitt jealous. This was due to Concepta's mistaken belief that Harry had no feelings for her when she saw him with Florrie Lindley.

Alice Burgess

Coronation Street character

Portrayed by

Avis Bunnage

Duration

1961

First appearance

27 March 1961
Episode 30

Last appearance

8 May 1961
Episode 42

Introduced by

Stuart Latham

Classification

Family
Brothers	Harry Hewitt
Nephews	Christopher Hewitt
Nieces	Lucille Hewitt

Alice Burgess is the divorcée sister of Harry Hewitt who moved in and became his housekeeper. Her presence meant that Harry's daughter Lucille could finally come home from the orphanage, but Lucille was very hostile towards her bossy aunt and after a couple of months Alice packed up and left, prompting Harry to propose to Concepta Riley in the hope of her becoming a new mother for Lucille.

Mrs Dumbarton

Mrs Dumbarton
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Diana Coupland
Duration	1961, 1962
First appearance	5 April 1961 Episode 33
Last appearance	24 October 1962 Episode 195
Introduced by	Stuart Latham (1961) H. V. Kershaw (1962)
Classification	Former; recurring

Mrs Dumbarton is the manager of clothes shop Miami Modes, in which Elsie Tanner and Dot Greenhalgh worked. She is not well liked by the employees, who rejoice when she leaves the store in 1963.

Walter Fletcher

Walter Fletcher
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Donald Morley
First appearance	5 April 1961 Episode 33
Last appearance	16 August 1961 Episode 71
Introduced by	Stuart Latham
Classification	Former; recurring

Walter Fletcher was a sales rep who met Elsie Tanner working at Miami Modes. He chatted her up and invited her on a date. Elsie was reluctant but agreed to go out with him. By the time their date came round, Elsie had already set her sights on Arthur Dewhurst, so her son-in-law Ivan Cheveski told Walter that Arthur was Elsie's husband and successfully scared him off. Elsie feared that the gossip would spread at work and jeopardise her divorce from real husband Arnold.

Arthur Dewhurst

Arthur Dewhurst
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Robin Wentworth
First appearance	5 April 1961 Episode 33
Last appearance	28 June 1961 Episode 57
Introduced by	Stuart Latham
Classification	Former; recurring

Arthur Dewhurst is a detective who had a relationship with Elsie Tanner. He became overly clingy and possessive due to Elsie's many male friends, and she finished with him. Arthur got himself transferred after the split.

Marian Lund

Marian Lund
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Patricia Heneghan (1961) Linda Marlowe (2008)
Duration	1961, 2008
First appearance	17 April 1961 Episode 36
Last appearance	11 July 2008 Episode 6858
Introduced by	Stuart Latham (1961) Kim Crowther (2008)
Classification	Former; recurring

Marian Lund was a librarian who worked at the university which Ken Barlow attended. Despite being eleven years his senior, Marion and Ken began a love affair after he ended his relationship with Susan Cunningham. However, the romance ended when Ken found out that Marian had a fiancé.

Ken and Marian next crossed paths 47 years later when a university reunion brought them back together. They briefly hinted at their past relationship, though no direct connection to Marian was addressed.

Jed Stone

Main article: Jed Stone

Jean Stark

Coronation Street character

Portrayed by

Renny Lister

First appearance

24 April 1961
Episode 38

Last appearance

23 October 1961
Episode 90

Introduced by

Stuart Latham

Classification

Family
Father	Mr Stark
Mother	Mrs Stark

Jean Stark was played by Renny Lister. She first appeared as a workmate of Christine Hardman's and when Jean fell out with her parents it was Christine she turned to for support, who invited her to move in as lodger. She did not stay long, and Christine was left alone once again. In reality, actress Renny Lister was meant to be a permanent cast member but a strike by the actor's union Equity meant that only a few of the main characters could appear for a period at the end of 1961. However, when the strike was over, Lister was not invited back and Jean's disappearance was left unexplained.^[3] She also briefly dated Jed Stone, a friend of Dennis Tanner. Their date did not go very well, however the actress Renny Lister is married to the actor who played Jed, Kenneth Cope, known for Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), in real life.

Tom Hayes

Coronation Street character

Portrayed by

Dudley Foster

First appearance

29 May 1961
Episode 48

Last appearance

3 July 1961
Episode 58

Introduced by

Stuart Latham

Classification

Family
Father	Sidney Hayes
Mother	Alice Hayes
Brothers	Fred Hayes
Sisters	Esther Hayes Ada Harvey

Tom Hayes was the brother of Esther Hayes who came to live on the Street after being released from prison. He had several crazy money-making ideas, all of them needing some sort of investment, usually from Esther which she flatly refused. After sponging off his sister for too long, a friend of Esther's pointed out to him that he was not welcome anymore and he subsequently left.

Nancy Leathers

Coronation Street character

Portrayed by

Norah Hammond

Duration

1961, 1962

First appearance

31 May 1961
Episode 49

Last appearance

1 August 1962
Episode 171

Introduced by

Stuart Latham (1961)
H.V. Kershaw (1962)

Classification

Profile

Occupation

Former Dish washer

Family
Husband	George Leathers (1916)
Daughters	Ida Barlow Ethel Leathers Vera Leathers
Grandsons	Ken Barlow David Barlow
Other relatives	Peter Barlow (great grandson) Susan Barlow (great granddaughter) Darren Barlow (great grandson) Daniel Osbourne (great grandson) Adam Barlow (great great grandson) Simon Barlow (great great grandson)

Nancy Leathers was the mother of resident Ida Barlow and grandmother of Ken Barlow and David Barlow. Nancy had been widowed when her husband George, Ida's father, had been killed in action during the First World War. Nancy lived with the Barlows for some time during 1961 before moving into an OAP bungalow. She made her last appearance at Ken's wedding to Valerie Tatlock in 1962. It is assumed she died before the birth of her great grandchildren Susan Barlow and Peter Barlow.

Paul Cheveski

Coronation Street character

Portrayed by

Victoria Elton (1961, 1962)
Marcus Saville (1966, 1967)
Nigel Greaves (1972)

Duration

1961–62, 1966–67, 1972

First appearance

14 June 1961
Episode 53

Last appearance

8 March 1972
Episode 1162

Introduced by

Stuart Latham (1961)
H. V. Kershaw (1962, 1966)
Jack Rosenthal (1967)
Eric Prytherch (1972)

Classification

Family
Father	Ivan Cheveski
Mother	Linda Cheveski
Brothers	Martin Cheveski
Grandfathers	Arnold Tanner
Grandmothers	Elsie Tanner
Uncles	Dennis Tanner

Paul Cheveski was the son born to Ivan and Linda Cheveski in 1961. He was the first baby to be born on Coronation Street and moved to Canada with his parents shortly after his birth. Paul made his last appearance in 1972.^[4]

Brian Foley

Brian Foley
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Denis Holmes
First appearance	19 June 1961 Episode 54
Last appearance	18 October 1961 Episode 89
Introduced by	Stuart Latham
Classification	Former; recurring

Brian Foley was Esther Hayes's boss who developed a friendship with her due to their similar interests. They visited galleries and concerts together, and Esther turned to him for support when her brother Tom was using her for money.

Michael Courtney

Michael Courtney
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	John Kelly
First appearance	26 June 1961 Episode 56
Last appearance	28 August 1961 Episode 74
Introduced by	Stuart Latham
Classification	Former; recurring

Michael Courtney was a member of the Over-Sixties Club of which Albert Tatlock became chairman and Michael treasurer. Minnie Caldwell fell for his charms but nothing came of it and they remained friends.

Mario Bonarti

Coronation Street character

Portrayed by

Frank Coda

First appearance

17 July 1961
Episode 62

Last appearance

6 September 1961
Episode 77

Introduced by

Derek Granger

Classification

Family
Father	Leo Bonarti

Mario Bonarti was an Italian immigrant who bought the lease to Snape's Café, and opened up a new Italian restaurant with his father Leo as head chef. Ena Sharples was strongly against the restaurant, but won a free meal in a raffle and did not see the sense in depriving herself. Mario was instantly attracted to Christine Hardman, but she found him too possessive and dumped him after a while.

Valerie Barlow

Coronation Street character

Portrayed by

Anne Reid

Duration

1961–71

First appearance

7 August 1961
Episode 68

Last appearance

27 January 1971
Episode 1047

Book appearances

Coronation Street The Complete Saga

Classification

Profile

Occupation

Hairdresser

Family
Father	Alfred Tatlock
Mother	Edith Tatlock
Half sisters	Joyce Tatlock
Husband	Ken Barlow (1962–71)
Sons	Peter Barlow
Daughters	Susan Barlow
Stepsons	Lawrence Cunningham
Grandsons	Adam Barlow Simon Barlow
Grandfathers	William Tatlock
Grandmothers	Emmeline Tatlock
Uncles	Albert Tatlock
First cousins	Beattie Pearson

Valerie Barlow (née Tatlock) is a fictional character in the British television soap opera Coronation Street. The character was Ken Barlow's first wife and featured in the programme for nearly ten years before being killed by an electric shock when using a faulty electrical outlet in her home.

Valerie Tatlock was born on 26 November 1942 to Alfred and Edith Tatlock, and grew up in Glasgow. Her uncle, Albert Tatlock, lived in Coronation Street in Weatherfield, and was a successful hairdresser. Valerie took up residence at Albert's home at Number 1 Coronation Street for a few months in 1961. She immediately caught the eye of student Ken Barlow, who lived next door. They went on a date, but Valerie was not as keen on a relationship as Ken. She felt that Ken would not be happy with her because he was university-educated and aspired to live above the working-class values which Valerie was comfortable with. When Ken's mother Ida was killed in September 1961, Valerie spent more time with Ken and they soon began a relationship. As the pair grew closer over the next few months, Valerie had to return home to Glasgow. Valerie returned a year later after Ken proposed to her in Scotland. She accepted after he made it clear that he was not looking for a mother figure to replace Ida, as Val initially feared. They got married at St. Mary's Parish Church on 4 August 1962, and took their honeymoon in London, which was paid for with the money Ken raised from selling his motorcycle.

The Barlows moved into 9 Coronation Street when they returned from their honeymoon. Valerie converted the front room of the house to a salon, earning extra income for the couple. Married life was not always easy for Valerie. Ken's ambitions sometimes got the better of him — later in 1962, he wanted to give up teaching to focus on writing, meaning the pair would be relying solely on the money Valerie was bringing in. He later had a change of heart and stayed in teaching. Despite his commitment to her, Valerie often felt Ken had settled for second best. She was jealous of Ken's friendship with Christine Hardman before Christine got engaged to Ken's father, Frank. Valerie also felt out of her depth intellectually when the Barlows entertained Ken's middle-class friends. Valerie tried to make the relationship work, but Ken did not make it easy, always pondering intellectual issues and oblivious to Valerie's troubles as she took care of the house.

In 1963, one of Ken's teaching friends, Dave Robbins, moved into the Barlows' house as a lodger. Ken and Dave were putting their careers in jeopardy by giving a TV interview arguing for a school crossing after a pupil was knocked down in Bessie Street. At the last moment, Dave pulled out, and Ken lost out on a promotion as he gave the interview without the school's permission. Dave blamed himself for the child being hit, and was comforted by Valerie. As Ken despaired about losing the promotion, he told Valerie they should not have married as Valerie did not really understand him. By the time Ken next returned home, Valerie had left him for Dave. Ken confronted the pair, and it transpired Dave was not interested enough in Valerie to fight for her. Heartbroken, Valerie begged Ken to take her back, and he did. To help things get back to normal, the pair went on holiday.

In July 1964, Valerie found out she was pregnant. Ken was upset, but later became thrilled by the news. To prepare for the birth, Valerie closed down the salon and converted it into a nursery. In April 1965, Valerie went into labour and was driven to hospital in Len Fairclough's van. She gave birth to twins — a girl and a boy. The babies were christened at the same church Ken and Valerie got married in and were named Peter and Susan. Valerie's life changed completely as all her time went towards looking after the twins. She still had to pander to Ken's ego — he did not change his lifestyle after becoming a father, and continued his intellectual pursuits. The Barlows had many friends in the Street, and could easily find babysitters, allowing Valerie to attend evening classes in Sociology. In November 1965, while Valerie was at a class, Ken was looking after the twins, but when he stepped out to The Rovers Return Inn for a few minutes, a piece of coal fell from the fire, filling the house with smoke. Valerie returned home before Ken had put the fire out, but was outraged that he had left the babies alone while he went out to buy cigarettes. Valerie told Ken she would leave him if he ever smoked again.

In 1966, Ken had a fling with reporter Jackie Marsh, and was ready to leave Valerie for her until he realized what a good thing he had in a Val, who was willing to assume all the domestic responsibilities and wait on him hand and foot. Valerie briefly left him and returned to Glasgow with the kids, but returned when he phoned her and convinced her to return, intending to be a more devoted husband from then on. The following year, Ken was arrested for attending an anti-Vietnam demonstration and chose to go to prison rather than admitting he was wrong and paying a £5 fine. Ken's principles were very important to him, but Valerie was disappointed that he chose his principles over his family, leaving Valerie to take care of the kids herself for a week. Valerie had considered paying the fine behind Ken's back, but could not bring herself to betray him. In 1968, the Mission of Glad Tidings and Elliston's Raincoat Factory across the Street were torn down to make way for a block of maisonettes. As they were being demolished, Ken and Valerie realised the twins were missing. They were found in the factory just before the wrecking ball hit — the parents were relieved.

Valerie thought about reopening the Salon as the twins grew older, but instead started working in the Corner Shop for Maggie Clegg. 1968 also saw a change of address for the Barlows; after seeing an artist's impression of the maisonettes, Valerie told Ken she wanted to move into one, as it had modern conveniences the 70-year-old Number 9 lacked. Ken did not want to move, and during a fight accused Val of having an affair with builder Ray Langton. Valerie then made Ken feel guilty by reminding him of his affair with Jackie. Ken eventually relented and the Barlows moved into Number 14. Shortly after the family moved in, convict Frank Riley held Valerie at gunpoint while Ken was away. Riley, a convicted rapist, demanded money and sex from Valerie, but was caught by the police before he got the chance after Valerie called for help by tapping an SOS on the pipes under the sink in the kitchen, which was heard by neighbor Ena Sharples. After the ordeal, Valerie told the police and Ken that Riley had not touched her, but Ken refused to believe her. This almost split the couple up.

In 1969, Valerie's mother Edith stayed with the Barlows, and tried to convince them to leave Weatherfield. When Edith took the twins out to the fair, she lost them, but they were found by an elderly woman who had taken them in and not contacted the family. Later that year, Alan Howard offered Valerie a job as head hairdresser at a new salon for £14 a week. Elsie Tanner had been appointed manageress, and she and Valerie fought for superiority. Ken had thoughts about buying the Salon from Alan, but when he chatted about it with Dave Smith, he later found out that Smith had usurped him and bought the Salon first. Smith initiated a wave of changes at the Salon, offering Valerie a pay rise but sacking other staff. Valerie walked out along with the remaining staff members, convincing Smith to reinstate everybody. In November 1969, a coach trip took some of the residents of the street to Windermere. Whilst on the way back to Weatherfield, the coach crash in a tree killing the driver and injuring Valerie and Ken. They soon recovered. In 1970, Ray Langton taught Valerie to drive while Ken was away on holiday. When he returned, he received a letter warning him that Valerie and Ray were having an affair. It transpired that Emily Nugent had written it, but she realised she was wrong and apologised.

In early 1971, Ken was offered a teaching position in Jamaica and Valerie agreed to emigrate. The residents of Coronation Street threw the pair a going-away party in The Rovers the night before their planned departure. Valerie was rushing to get to the party, and she tried to fix the plug on her hairdryer by tightening it with a screwdriver. Knowing it was still shoddy, she attempted to use it anyway. Valerie plugged it in and was given a severe electric shock which killed her instantly. As she fell to the floor, she knocked a portable heater into a packing crate and started a blaze. By the time rescue came, it was too late for Valerie. The street watched in horror as the house was left on fire.

Nona Willis

Nona Willis
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Barbara Ferris
First appearance	30 August 1961 Episode 75
Last appearance	4 October 1961 Episode 85
Introduced by	Derek Granger
Classification	Former; recurring

Nona Willis was a new barmaid installed at the Rovers to replace Doreen Lostock, who had just quit. Cockney Nona was not easily accepted by the locals after she had told of her past as an exotic dancer and found life in Weatherfield hard. She eventually gave Jack her notice, citing that she found the northern accents difficult to understand.

Shelagh Riley

Coronation Street character

Portrayed by

Shela Ward

First appearance

6 September 1961
Episode 77

Last appearance

4 October 1961
Episode 85

Introduced by

Derek Granger

Classification

Family
Husband	Sean Riley
Daughters	Concepta Hewitt
Grandsons	Christopher Hewitt

Shelagh Riley was the mother of Concepta Riley who came to Weatherfield weeks before Concepta's wedding to Harry Hewitt was due to take place. Shelagh and her husband Sean were initially apprehensive due to Harry not being a Catholic, but he soon won them over in time for the wedding.

Sean Riley

Coronation Street character

Portrayed by

Harold Goldblatt

First appearance

6 September 1961
Episode 77

Last appearance

4 October 1961
Episode 85

Introduced by

Derek Granger

Classification

Family
Wife	Shelagh Riley
Daughters	Concepta Hewitt
Grandsons	Christopher Hewitt

Sean Riley was the father of Concepta Riley who came to Weatherfield weeks before Concepta's wedding to Harry Hewitt was due to take place. Sean and his wife Shelagh were initially apprehensive due to Harry not being a Catholic, but he soon won them over in time for the wedding.

In 1964, Sean's retirement led to Harry and Concepta moving to Ireland to take over the running of the family garage business.

DS Sowman

DS Sowman
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Philip Stone
Duration	1961, 1962, 1965
First appearance	11 September 1961 Episode 78
Last appearance	27 September 1965 Episode 500
Introduced by	Derek Granger (1961) H.V. Kershaw (1962) Howard Baker (1965)
Classification	Former; recurring

Detective Sergeant Sowman was the policeman on duty when the call came through that Ida Barlow was missing. When he matched the description Ida's husband Frank gave him to an earlier incident, he sent an officer around to give the Barlows the news that Ida had died. He was next seen as the police officer on scene when Christine Hardman threatened to jump off the factory roof. Luckily however, Christine was talked down by old friend Ken Barlow.

DS Sowman last appearance came as he attempted to track down Elsie Tanner, who had fled the scene of a car accident of which she was involved in with Robert Maxwell.

Bill Gregory

Coronation Street character

Portrayed by

Jack Watson

Duration

1961, 1962, 1970, 1983–84

First appearance

18 September 1961
Episode 80

Last appearance

4 January 1984
Episode 2375

Introduced by

Derek Granger (1961)
H. V. Kershaw (1962, 1970)
Mervyn Watson (1983)

Classification

Family
Wife	Phyllis Gregory (until 1984) Elsie Howard (1984–2004)

Bill Gregory is a recurring character played by actor Jack Watson between 1961 and 1984. Navy officer Bill first appears when he meets up with old friend Len Fairclough (Peter Adamson), who he served with in the war. Len introduces Bill to his friends and neighbours on Coronation Street, including his best friend Elsie Tanner (Patricia Phoenix). Bill and Elsie are quickly caught up in a love affair, with Bill neglecting to tell her that he is married — but the affair ends abruptly when Elsie receives a poison pen letter warning her against it. She decides to end it with Bill to save complicating her pending divorce from Arnold Tanner (Frank Crawshaw). In reality, actor Jack Watson had to leave his role without any on-screen resolve, due to the Equity actor's strike of 1961.

With Elsie's divorce finalised, Bill returns in July 1962 to pick up where they left off and learns Len is close to beating him to it, having spent a lot of time with Elsie. Bill warns Len off but Len insists they are just friends. Ena Sharples (Violet Carson) later discovers Bill writing to his wife Phyllis, and tells Len he must inform Elsie. Believing his excuses that they are separating, Len decides to keep quiet, so Ena tells Elsie herself. After confronting him, Bill tells Elsie that he is separated, but when Phyllis turns up Bill is forced to make his choice. Elsie tells him she can not make up his mind for him, and so he leaves with Phyllis to give their marriage another chance.

Bill returns once again after an eight-year absence with the news that Phyllis has since died. With Elsie now being courted by Alan Howard (Alan Browning), Bill faced competition for her heart and proposed almost immediately. Elsie waits to make up her mind, while Alan fights to keep her in his life. He succeeds when she turns Bill down and he returns to service. Elsie later marries Alan.

Thirteen years on, and Bill returns from his Portugal home to pay his respects to Rita Fairclough (Barbara Knox) on hearing of the death of Len. Whilst in Weatherfield, Bill is stunned to learn that Elsie is back living on the Street as he thought she was still happily married with Alan in Newcastle. He wastes no time in going round to see Elsie, and takes her out for a meal to catch up. He tells her of his new life in Portugal, but informs her that he must return there the next day, and Elsie is shocked when Bill asks her to come with him. After hours of soul-searching, Elsie decides she's wasted enough of her life and packs her things. After a final walk down Coronation Street, Elsie climbs in the taxi and she and Bill head off for their new life in the sun.

In 2011, as Dennis Tanner (Philip Lowrie) returns to the Street, he tells Rita that Elsie and Bill were married after settling in Portugal and that after twenty happy years together they died holding hands in a car accident in 2004.

Stanley Fairclough

Coronation Street character

Portrayed by

Peter Noone (1961)
Ronald Cunliffe (1967)
Jonathan Coy (1977)

Duration

1961, 1967, 1977

First appearance

11 December 1961
Episode 104

Last appearance

5 January 1977
Episode 1666

Introduced by

Derek Granger (1961)
Jack Rosenthal (1967)
Bill Podmore (1977)

Classification