Corrie Comebacks

The McDonald clan in Coronation Street will once more be reunited, albeit briefly, as Steve McDonald once again tries to get married to Becky Grainger. But which other Coronation Street characters would you like to see back? Who you think it’s time to bring back? Send your suggestions to us at editor@atvnewsnetwork.co.uk and please put “Corrie Comebacks” in the title of your email. UPDATED: Some of your suggestions now uploaded!

The McDonald clan in Coronation Street will once more be reunited, albeit briefly, as Steve McDonald once again tries to get married to Becky Grainger. But which other Coronation Street characters would you like to see back? Several comebacks have already been announced but with the ITV soap celebrating its 50th anniversary next year maybe you’d like to see some more faces from the past turn up?

Do you think it’s time to bring back Bet Gilroy [Julie Goodyear] again or maybe you have another favourite from the past you’d like to see tread the cobbles once more? Send your suggestions to us at editor@atvnewsnetwork.co.uk and please put “Corrie Comebacks” in the title of your email.

Here are some of your suggestions so far!


Mavis Wilton [Thelma Barlow] 1971 – 1997

Mavis and Rita were the original Kabin double act long before Norris Cole came along and muscled his way into the Kabin. Although Mavis and Rita squabbled all the time in the Kabin they were still firm friends and it was a friendship that lasted for over twenty five years. After years of an on/off relationship with Derek Wilton they married in 1988, although this was after one aborted attempt at marrying before – when neither of them turned up! Mavis was devastated in 1997 when Derek died from a heart-attack and decided to leave Weatherfield to start up a Guest House in the Lake District.

Rita has occasionally visited her there but Mavis hasn’t returned to the street to look up old friends but maybe it’s time she should. Mavis was a hugely popular character with fans and her scenes with Rita and Derek were always a treasure to watch.


Bet Lynch [Julie Goodyear] 1970 – 1995, 1999, 2002, 2003

Everyone’s favourite Rovers barmaid and landlady, the tart with a heart Bet is an iconic character from Corrie history and has been involved in some of the many memorable moments of the series. Bet might have gone through more men than Betty served hot-pots but that didn’t stop the audience loving her.

Her marriage to Alec Gilroy in the late 1980s were an odd one perhaps but added more memorable moments to her long list. In 1995 Bet left after failing to buy The Rovers, her home for many a year. However, she has briefly returned on several occasions since so it’s only right that she should crop up again!


Hilda Ogden [Jean Alexander] 1964 – 1987

Hilda with late hubby StanThe iconic cleaner of The Rovers and street gossip, Hilda is one of the most fondly remembered characters and one that fans ask to return time after time – but sadly Jean Alexander isn’t keen on reprising her role. Hilda and Stan [pictured right] were another of Corrie’s memorable double-acts and the nation cried with Hilda in 1984 when Stan passed away.

Hilda and Elsie Tanner shared a long and deep rivalry and were often seen arguing in the street or in the pub. Her singing was also legendary and in 1987, at her leaving drink in The Rovers, she sang for the final time.


Todd Grimshaw [Bruno Langley] 2001 – 2004

Todd, far rightDuring his short relatively short stint Todd [pictured far right] certainly had his fair share of the action what with having a relationship with Sarah Platt, getting engaged to her, getting her pregnant, snogging her brother and then cheating on her with a male work colleague. Poor old Todd was secretly gay and struggled to come to terms with his sexuality while dating Sarah Platt. His mother, Eileen, didn’t approve of Sarah at all and Sarah’s mother, Gail, wasn’t overly supportive of their relationship either. When it was revealed Todd had been cheating on Sarah with another man all hell broke loose between the two families as Gail and Eileen went to war. Todd was however, well portrayed by actor Bruno Langley and fans liked his character – who was a complete contrast to dire Sean Tully. Todd left in 2004 after he discovered Sarah was sleeping with his brother, Jason.

He did however, return in 2007 for Sarah and Jason’s marriage and regularly phones his mother. Fans would probably like to see Todd back because he’s a more positive role model for young gay fans and a more positive representation of gay men than Sean Tully who has come under a lot of fire from fans of Coronation Street.