It’s fabulous: Joanna Lumley salutes 60 years of Coro Street.
Tributes have been flowing for Coronation Street as it celebrates 60 years on screen including from acclaimed actress Joanna Lumley, who once played Ken Barlow’s girlfriend.
Coronation Street promises to make its 60th anniversary one to remember with several key storylines coming to a head.
These include the Geoff and Yasmeen abuse saga, property developer Ray Crosby’s plans to demolish many buildings on the street, and two people who are battling to keep a shameful secret that could ruin their lives.
Coronation Street, which was the brainchild of the late Tony Warren, aired its first episode on December 9, 1960. It is now the longest-running TV soap in the world.
Numerous big-name actors have featured on the Street over the years, including Ben Kingsley, Martin Shaw, Ian McKellen, and Joanna Lumley, who appeared in 1973 as Elaine Perkins, a love interest for Ken Barlow (Bill Roache, the only original cast member still on the soap).
Lumley has gone on Coro Street’s Twitter account to deliver her congratulations to the cast and crew.
“I can hardly believe I’m saying this – I’m saying happy birthday to Coronation Street for 60 years,” Lumley says. “It’s unbelievable ... Happy, happy birthday. A thousand congratulations and in my heart I shall always be part of Corrie.” Actors from other soaps, including Emmerdale and Neighbours, have also passed on their congratulations.
Reece Dinsdale, who played the ill-fated Joe McIntyre on Coro but is now on Emmerdale as Paul Ashdale, loved his time on the cobbles.
“Just wishing you lot a very happy birthday,” Dinsdale says to the Coro Street team. “So proud to have played just a tiny, tiny little part in your story. It’s fantastic.”
Neighbours’ Alan Fletcher, who plays Karl Kennedy, says Coronation Street has been an inspiration to all TV actors.
“You are the benchmark for all of us in this industry,” he says. “I well remember watching the show when I was a little nipper with my mum on the couch back in Perth.”