Love, Death And Battleaxes!

Sally Dynevor on some of the big stories and stars that have made it on to classic TV Times covers

- Alison Slade

Coronation Street has been the backdrop for stories of love, loss, betrayal, revenge, despair and hope – and TV Times has been there to capture every step of its journey.

We asked Sally Dynevor – better known as former Weatherfield mayor Sally Metcalfe – to join us for a trip into the TV Times archives to reflect on some memorable moments from Tony Warren’s masterpiece, which was originally commissioned for just 13 weeks and has gone on to become the world’s longest-running soap opera...

The 60s

Iconic Elsie (APRIL 1961)

‘Elsie was the glamour puss of the Street, and her feisty spirit matched the colour of her hair. She brought star quality to the show, but at the same time, people could really relate to her. Elsie was always picking the wrong men, and getting herself in trouble. She was a fighter.

‘Pat Phoenix had left Coronation Street before I joined, but I met her once when I was 13. I was on my way to a drama class, and a Rolls-Royce pulled up outside Oldham Town Hall, and she got out. I don’t know what possessed me, because I was quite shy back then, but I ran over and said, “I want to be an actress!” She was lovely, and said, “You’ve got to work really hard, and you can’t think about anything else.”

‘I was sad that I missed out on working with her, but I heard lots of stories about how generous and kind-spirited she was.’

The 70s

Ena toasts 1,000 episodes (AUGUST 1970)