Classic Corrie

[Kannet]

Is anyone else watching classic Corrie on itv 3. I’m actually quite enjoying it

The second episode today (Christmas Day 1987) is the second highest-rated episode of Corrie of all time. I sensed a lot of genuine emotion there in Hilda's last scene, like when it was announced in the Rovers years later that Deirdre died.

Mark Eden, the guy who played Alan was the first husband of Joan, who later married John Le Mesurier, who was Wilson in Dad’s Army. She had an affair with Tony Handcock, and John Le Mesurier later married Hattie Jacques.

Hilda supposedly moved 40 miles away. Why did Kevin and sally never go to visit her? Even in today's episodes Hilda is still alive yet they don't mention her.

It would have been a convenient storyline for when the actors needed time off - going to care for Hilda/see Hilda etc. Sally and Kev have had a lot of help along the way from residents. A wedding subbed by Hilda and Bet. Discounted rent from Alf (not really altruistic). A big discount on buying their house from HIlda. IIRC they get bungs from Rita over the years too (but then kind of drop her as a friend)

I was very aware watching Hilda’s final scenes that much of the emotion shown on screen was real. Jean Alexander leaving must have left a huge hole in the cast, Hilda was such an integral part of the program for so long.

Poor old Mavis, Derek really is a pompous, self centred prat isn’t he? It’s hard to see what she sees in him, I almost cheered when she threw her sherry over him.

Can you imagine the flaming Mavis would get on MN if she poured her relationship woes out in Relationships? Derek is vile only cares about himself.

Oh that Jenny - she is a one.

Only caught up with Classic Corrie after seeing this thread. I am well behind but loving it all over again. I started watching Corrie in 1960 and remember in 1965 my dad being mystified as I sat down to watch it in the midst of removal boxes while he and dh continued to heave things about. I would loved to have seen it from the beginning this time. What surprised me this time was the wooden performance of Susan. She just spoke lines. No sign of acting. That was surprising as what I remember over the years was that Corrie acting was vastly superior to the later East Enders, etc. As we watched the recordings dh said that was what we miss “all the laughs” in the midst of everyday problems of ordinary people. Not a body around. You don’t have to remember where the bodies have been buried. Now is there one under the patio, under the floor, in the lake, in the cement mixer, etc etc.?

I was a bit at Rita referring to Mavis as ‘that girl’ the other day.

Rita seems a bit smug and cruel laughing with Alan at Mavis and her misfortunes with Derek. I remember that from the first time round and haven't really changed my mind.

I liked the scene with Alf telling Sally not to get lumbered with Hilda's house and outlining the expense and pitfalls and Mike taking the businessman/investor point of view. Quite realistic - older people did this to me and my friends when we took on our first falling to bits homes. Although we weren't as young as Sally - buying your first place at 19/20 is good going on a shop girl and junior mechanic's salary.

Just loving these vintage episodes. It's been great to see Hilda as I was too young to remember her first time round. We must be entering 1988 now - anyone any idea of what we have to look froward to? Back at work in October after maternity but hoping to get to see Alan and the tram, I remember that the first time round but must have only been 5 or 6

In 1988:

Gloria leaves
Ivy and Don get married
Bet has a miscarriage
Derek and Mavis get married

The big story is that Alan’s true colours finally emerge.

Southeastdweller I'm guessing Gloria left to marry Jimmy and move to Brookside Close

How old is Bet meant to be?

Bet was born 1940 - so 47 I suppose.

Didn't Ivy's new fella Don harass Gloria/get a bit stalkerish ? I never liked him - or his energy.

Not sure about Gloria, but Don became obsessed with Alma if I recall and kidnapped her in his taxi. I'm sure he crashed and had to have his leg amputated. Or maybe I dreamt that!

I'm sure you are right. I just remembered he harrassed someone glamorous.

I think he harassed Daniel's mum Denise, played by Denise Black who reappeared briefly last year.

I read that the Don actor and Lynne Perrie disliked each other. They did not have the off-screen friendships that the Hilda/Stan, Jack/Vera, Sally/Kev, Bet/Alec actors had. Must be difficult to film loads of scenes with someone you despise.

scrabbler and cloudy you are both right. I gave in and looked Don up - he harassed Denise with anonymous phone calls etc and kidnapped Alma in his taxi in a feud with Baldwin.

Looking forward to coming episodes as I missed a lot of the late 80's and early 90's Corrie episodes.

Watching Hildas final episode - crying and laughing at the same time! (To be fair, my dad died 8 days ago so am a bit extra emotional). Had to laugh at Mavis crying over Derek - Alan's face was hilarious! And Hildas parting slip of gossip to Alec about Bet, love that! I don't think I've watched a Christmas episode in recent years that's actually made me laugh and cry. Or done either tbh!!

It's so strange to have found my favourite character in the 80's and know she's actually gone for good

Ah, so sorry about your dad.

The loss of Hilda is immense but some good new characters are imminent - Raquel, Alma, Jim. And Our Turreh must be due back soon to cause more mayhem.

I'm assuming Derek redeems himself at some point if they go on to marry?

I find their storyline hilarious but he's treating her like shit, lets be honest.

I remember Derek being a dipstick but I don't remember him being this unkind. It's been surprising. I also remember Rita and Ted (her later husband) getting on with him so he must redeem himself at some point.

Always hated Derek - I'm remembering why now

Urgh, isnt Vera horrid? What an obnoxious woman

Jack and Vera have a toxic relationship with very little mutual respect (not only Jack's cheating and whinging, but who'd let their mother address their spouse as Amy addresses Jack?) and yet they're venerated as a great Street couple. The actors are amazing though.

Stan was a dreadful man too. I wish Hilda had married boring-but-lovely Tom and at last experienced a decent husband.