With the 60th Anniversary on the horizon,I’ve decided to start a thread of #MyCorrie60. Basically it’s a list of the 60 characters who have been the most important to me as a viewer. So it’s quite subjective although I’ve tried to include *most* of the significant characters here

60. Phyllis Pearce. Although never at the forefront of the action,Phyllis was a lively presence on the show for much of the ‘80s and ‘90s. I particularly enjoyed her early days sparring with Chalkie Whitely and of course her long and fruitless pursuit of Percy Sugden #MyCorrie60

59.Sharon Gaskell. Sharon was a breath of fresh air when she arrived as Len and Rita’s foster daughter in 1982. Funny and feisty,she wasn’t around for nearly long enough. She did return in ‘99 for a further spell,but it was those early 80s days when she made her mark. #MyCorrie60

58. Alma Sedgwick. Originally a rather flighty,workshy character Alma soon morphed into a much nicer woman. Perhaps she lost a bit too much of her early edge? I’m not sure she was always well used,particularly in later years. But like most fans I remember her fondly. #MyCorrie60

57. Maggie Clegg. As the owner of the Corner Shop,Maggie was a fixture of the show from the late 60s through to the mid 70s. She had her share of dramas,but is probably best remembered as a kind,sensible friend and neighbour to the more colourful residents of her era. #MyCorrie60.

56.Doreen Lostock. A regular from 1961-63,she was mainly seen as a friend of Sheila Birtles,a one time barmaid at the Rovers and a shop assistant at Gamma Garments. A naturally funny character,she’s always a joy to watch in the episodes I’ve seen from the early days. #MyCorrie60

55.Sally Metcalfe. IMO, Sally is a rare example of a character who gets better with the years. I was not a big fan for her first 20 years or so,but in the last decade she has become one of the show’s richest characters excelling in both comic and dramatic situations #MyCorrie60

54. Leonard Swindley. Noted for several altercations with the formidable Ena Sharples over their respective positions at the Mission Hall,and his relationship with Gamma Garments employee Emily Nugent,Swindley was one of the great comic characters of the early 1960s. #MyCorrie60

53.Tina McIntyre.Tina was a standout character from the off. However-as is often the case now-she was overused and found herself in many improbable scenarios which somewhat tarnished her legacy. But she remains one of the most memorable figures of the past 20 years. #MyCorrie60

52.Karen McDonald. Though never a fan of her long running feud with Tracy Barlow,I did love Karen. Her chemistry with Steve McDonald was sensational. Easily his most compelling relationship,IMO. Funny and feisty,she burned bright during those few years on the Street. #MyCorrie60

51.Dennis Tanner. For me,his memory has been rather diminished by the ill conceived return in 2011-14. I think classic characters are best left in their era. Originally a bad lad,Dennis later developed a much more comic side and had a wonderful dynamic with mum Elsie. #MyCorrie60

50. Jack Duckworth. Half of one of Corrie’s best remembered couples. For me,Jack was at his most entertaining during the 1980s and early part of the ‘90s. Skiving,gambling,womanizing and usually trying to escape the wrath of the fearsome Vera. #MyCorrie60

49. Steve McDonald. One of Corrie’s most enduring characters,we’ve seen him progress from a bad lad in the ‘90s to the often buffoonish dad of today via numerous wives. For me,the relationships with Karen and Becky were his most interesting and entertaining so far. #MyCorrie60.

48.Mike Baldwin. I liked Mike best during his first decade on the show. Back then he was the wheeler dealing owner of the factory but also an essentially decent character. The feud with Ken Barlow seemed to be the first step in turning him into a less likeable figure. #MyCorrie60

47. Reg Holdsworth. Reg was really the first of the more overtly comic characters whom have since graced( some might say plagued! )the show. But for me Ken Morley’s performance was a cut above his successors. His battles with mother-in-law Maud were a particular joy. #MyCorrie60

46. Peter Barlow. Peter’s been on the show on and off since the ‘60s. But,it’s the most recent incarnation as played by Chris Gascoyne since 2000 who’s made him a Corrie classic. Very flawed but easily one of the most compelling male characters of the past 20 years #MyCorrie60

45. Eva Price. One of the best new characters of the past decade. In the tradition of the Corrie greats she could be hilariously funny one minute and then break your heart the next. I feel Eva still had lots to give though,so hopefully we’ve not seen the last of her. #MyCorrie60

44.Carla Connor. She’s got the glamour,guts and vulnerability of the best soap icons. But she’s also had to cope with more improbable stories than the greats of the past. I’m hoping that better times are ahead for her as she’s one of the current show’s greatest assets #MyCorrie60

43. Norris Cole. He’s best known for his lengthy spell as Rita’s curmudgeonly colleague in the Kabin. For that alone he deserves a place on this list. But I think he was even funnier during his original stint as Derek Wilton’s slightly dubious business acquaintance. #MyCorrie60

42. Renee Bradshaw. She didn’t have as lengthy or eventful time on the Street as most of the other characters on this list. And is often best remembered for her death. But for me she was an absolute natural for the show,particularly for her role in the Corner Shop. #MyCorrie60

41. Billy Walker. The much loved and sometimes troublesome son of Annie Walker. He was most prominent during the period 1970-75 when he was a strong masculine presence alongside characters like Len and Ray in a show often dominated by powerful female personalities. #MyStreet60

40. Jack Walker. The genial landlord of the Rovers during the ‘60s. His relationship with wife Annie was a joy to watch. Lots of kindly bickering but one of the most devoted couples in the show’s history. I’m sure he’d rate even higher had I seen more of his episodes. #MyCorrie60

39.Sylvia Goodwin. Arguably the best “battleaxe” character the show has seen since Ena. She had the scathing wit of Blanche,but there was an added depth in the complex relationship with Roy. She was gone too soon and I feel cheated that we won’t get to see her again. #MyCorrie60

38. Jerry Booth. The endearing,shy Jerry. One of the most loved characters of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Best remembered for his working and living with the more laddish Len and Ray. And his sweet and comic relationship with the equally diffident Mavis. Taken way too soon. #MyCorrie60

37. Roy Cropper. One of the most original characters of the past 25 years. Roy and wife Hayley were probably the most devoted couple in the show’s history. He’s also had close and compelling friendships with several unlikely characters,most notably Becky and Carla #MyCorrie60

36. Suzie Birchall. She’s still fondly remembered for those three years when she and Gail lived with Elsie. Glamorous and confident,Suzie wanted the good life. But after an unhappy period away,Suzie returned briefly before burning all her bridges with her old friends. #MyCorrie60

35. Irma Ogden. The daughter of Stan and Hilda who married David Barlow and spent much of her time behind the counter of the Corner Shop. Wonderfully played by the naturally funny Sandra Gough. I think she may have rated even higher had I seen more of her episodes. #MyCorrie60

34.Maud Grimes. She’s well remembered for her hilarious battles with son in law Reg. But,she often showed a more tender side with others. Her presence-in her chair and wearing one of her many hats-behind the Corner Shop counter was one of the joys of Corrie in the 90s #MyCorrie60

33. Hayley Cropper. Hayley’s first and final stories were her biggest Corrie moments. The revelation she was transsexual was groundbreaking. And her death was very moving. In between she formed a great double act with soul mate Roy and was a warm presence on the show #MyCorrie60

32. Percy Sugden. A character I’ve grown to love. Originally the Community Centre caretaker,he took his remit well beyond that role. Never shy about offering his opinions and help to everyone,however unwanted. But it made for lots of great comedy and occasional pathos #MyCorrie60

31. Alec Gilroy. We saw him initially as a rather shady character. Rita’s showbiz agent and later on Graffitti Club manager. Then came his unlikely marriage to Bet Lynch. During the late ‘80s and early ‘90s,they were a classic double act at the very heart of the show. #MyCorrie60

30.Deirdre Hunt. Have to admit I didn’t much enjoy either the angsty drama Queen or “batty auntie” figure she became in her final decades. For me,Deirdre was at her most convincing during the Langton years and her time as a single mum living and working at the shop. #MyCorrie60

29.Gail Potter. She was one of the great Corrie women of the 80s and 90s,dealing with a multitude of believable dramas with strength and fortitude. But,as she and her family’s lives became increasingly bizarre,Gail has sadly become a rather tiresome “comedy” character #MyCorrie60

28. Emily Bishop. I loved her days as Miss Nugent and her marriage to Ernest when she gained in confidence and became the Street’s good neighbour. Her prominence began to fade during the 80s,although she had a spiky relationship with lodger Percy into the the late 90s #MyCorrie60

27. Ken Barlow. The only character to have spanned the first 60 years. For me,he was at his most interesting during the ‘60s when married to Val,and his period as a single man during the ‘70s. But he remained a significant figure on the show well into the noughties.
#MyCorrie60

26. Blanche Hunt. After a spell as a regular during the 70s,Blanche returned full time in 1999 as a considerably more acid tongued character. For me,the later version lacked some of the depth of other battleaxe figures. But few could match her delivery of a one liner. #MyCorrie60

25. Stan Ogden. Half of Corrie’s best loved couple. Stan’s life consisted of boozing in the Rovers and avoiding work and Hilda’s wrath wherever possible. Hilda was undoubtedly the powerhouse of the partnership,but was never quite the same character after his death. #MyCorrie60

24. Martha Longhurst. Martha was often hilarious in her altercations with the domineering Ena. But we sometimes glimpsed a sadder side in her family life. She would undoubtedly rank higher in the pantheon of Corrie greats had she not been written out so prematurely. #MyCorrie60

23.Albert Tatlock. Remembered for his bluntness and grumpiness,there was more to the Street’s old soldier. He began as quite a cheery figure. And he could be very moving at times- Val’s death,during Ken and Deirdre’s near split and when recalling “the first lot (War)” #MyCorrie60

22. Fred Gee. An essential member of the classic Rovers staff lineup of the mid 70s-mid 80s era. His near terror of Mrs.Walker and his banter with the disdainful “Lynch” were a particular joy. Fred didn’t have many likeable qualities,but he was great fun to watch. #MyCorrie60

21. Eddie Yeats. One of the great comic characters of the ‘70s and ‘80s. The ex jailbird turned binman who became the Ogdens’ lodger,involving them in many of his disastrous schemes. Eddie had a caring side though,especially with older folk like Minnie,Ena & Albert. #MyCorrie60

20. Ray Langton. Ray was something of a bad boy during his early years on the Street. A womanizer with a dodgy past,he matured somewhat becoming Len’s business partner and marrying Deirdre. He remains one of the most compelling male characters of the “classic” era. #MyCorrie60

19. Minnie Caldwell. The sweet natured member of the snug trio. She was the source of much comedy as she struggled to keep up with the more sharp witted Ena and Martha. But,she was at her happiest when looking after lodgers like Jed or Eddie or fussing over her cat. #MyCorrie60

18. Becky Granger. Brash and brittle on the surface. Her tempestuous relationship with Steve was central to her time on the Street,while her touching relationship with the Croppers showed us the vulnerable girl she really was. The standout female character of her era #MyCorrie60

17. Fred Elliot. The butcher turned Rovers owner with the booming voice. One of the show’s larger than life tragi-comic characters. His endless search for love provided both laughs and pathos throughout his stint. As did his relationship with nephew- later son-Ashley. #MyCorrie60

16.Liz McDonald. One of the best Rovers landladies,Liz with her dubious dress sense and taste for dubious men. But she’s remained believable all the way along- unlike some of her contemporaries. In fact she’s a rare current character who’s got better with the years. #MyCorrie60

15. David Platt. Arguably the best character of recent years. He’s gone from Demon David to family man via a multitude of extraordinary dramas. But Jack P.Shepherd’s consistently terrific performance has kept the character believable,likeable,amusing and interesting #MyCorrie60

14. Raquel Wolstenhulme. Sarah Lancashire’s brilliant performance- one of the consistently best in Corrie history- was frequently hilarious. But she could be heartbreaking whenever Raquel had to face the realities of life- with men and her dreams of a glamorous life. #MyCorrie60

13.Betty Turpin. The Rovers longest serving and oldest barmaid. Betty had a cheery,motherly nature but she didn’t suffer fools gladly. Although rarely at the centre of stories in later years,her continued presence behind the bar was always a reassuring sight for fans #MyCorrie60

12.Ivy Tilsley. Devout Catholic. Shop Steward,then Supervisor at Baldwins. Best mate to Vera. Devoted wife to first husband Bert. There was so much more to her than the Poison Ivy moniker. The later years were tragic,but always played with compassion by Lynne Perrie. #MyCorrie60

11.Len Fairclough. The major male character of the first 20 odd years. An alpha male figure,his businesses and council work put him at the hub of the community,while his close friendship with Elsie and fiery relationship with Rita were enduring features of those years #MyCorrie60

10. Vera Duckworth. In her heyday-the 1980s and ‘90s- Vera had the quickest temper and biggest mouth on the Street. For the most part,Liz Dawn didn’t play it for laughs. But,her natural instincts kept the character both hilarious and real and sometimes very moving. #MyCorrie60

9. Rita Littlewood. For me,Rita’s heyday was the 70s and 80s as the rather hardbitten,flippant Kabin manageress. She developed into a more sympathetic character after Len’s death gradually morphing into her present role as the wise and regal Grande Dame of the Street #MyCorrie60

8. Alf Roberts. Twice Mayor of Weatherfield,Alf was never happier than when behind the counter of his beloved Corner Shop. One of the Street’s more sensible residents,his marriage to polar opposite Audrey led to one of the Street’s most entertaining ever double acts. #MyCorrie60

7. Audrey Roberts. The flighty,irresponsible Audrey’s marriage to the staid Alf was the start of her golden era. They were an unlikely couple but their pairing made for great comedy. We haven’t seen enough of her fun side since,but she remains a treasured character #MyCorrie60

6. Mavis Riley. Played with consistent brilliance by Thelma Barlow,Mavis was one of the Street’s greatest comic characters. I did prefer her years as the show’s seemingly eternal spinster,but her marriage to Derek provided many laughs as did her double act with Rita #MyCorrie60

5. Bet Lynch. Barmaid turned landlady,Bet was famous for her outrageous dress sense,elaborate coiffure,sharp tongue and big heart. Her love life was usually disastrous,but she always bounced back for more. Brilliantly played by Julie Goodyear,Bet remains a Corrie icon #MyCorrie60

4.Elsie Tanner. As one of Tony Warren’s originals,Elsie blazed a trail for many later soap divas. That mix of working class glamour,earthy sexuality,guts and vulnerability. But with Pat Phoenix’ distinctive looks,style,warmth and humour,no one ever quite matched Elsie #MyCorrie60

3. Annie Walker. The first and best Rovers landlady. She may have felt she was meant for finer things,but she made the Rovers her own little kingdom. Doris Speed’s wonderful performance never dipped and Annie was still at the heart of the show at the time of her exit #MyCorrie60

2. Hilda Ogden. She had a keen ear for gossip and could be mean spirited,but we all rooted for Hilda as she kept battling on despite the best efforts of her “Stanley”. With her tuneless singing,malapropisms,and iconic “look”,Jean Alexander created a true British icon. #MyCorrie60

1. Ena Sharples. Played with fierce energy and truth by Violet Carson,the formidable Ena was the heart of the programme in it’s formative years. As she aged,she was often very touching as the wise old lady of the Street. For me,still the show’s greatest ever character #MyCorrie60