ON THE COVER IN... 2010

4-10 December

There’s nothing we love more at

TV Times than celebrating a television milestone and, 12 years ago, we pulled out all the stops for Coronation Street’s 50th birthday with a special issue.

The ITV1 soap marked its golden anniversary with a momentous week of episodes culminating in a live 60minute edition and one of its mostdramatic storylines. A gas explosion caused a tram to crash from the viaduct on to the corner shop and The Kabin, wreaking devastation and claiming the lives of Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold) and Molly Dobbs (Vicky Binns).

Despite all the death and destruction, producer Phil Collinson told us: ‘At the heart of the drama are ordinary people in an ordinary street battling adversity – the template for the programme created by Tony Warren 50 years ago.’

ALSO THAT WEEK …

ITV COUNTED DOWN The Nation’s Favourite ABBA Song and, aptly, topping the poll was The Winner Takes It All, originally released in 1980.

CILLA BLACK RECALLED her friendship with John Lennon on the 30th anniversary of the former Beatle’s murder in ITV’S The Day John Lennon Died.

IN EASTENDERS, Janine (Charlie Brooks) plotted to kill hubby Ryan (Neil Mcdermott, pictured with co-star Charlie) after finding out he was having an affair with Stacey.