The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the ITV
soap opera
A soap opera (also called a daytime drama or soap) is a genre of a long-running radio or television Serial (radio and television), serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term ''soap opera'' originat ...
''
Coronation Street
''Coronation Street'' (colloquially referred to as ''Corrie'') is a British television soap opera created by ITV Granada, Granada Television and shown on ITV (TV network), ITV since 9 December 1960. The programme centres on a cobbled, terraced ...
'' in 2001, by order of first appearance.
Todd Grimshaw
Todd James Grimshaw is a fictional character from the long-running
soap opera
A soap opera (also called a daytime drama or soap) is a genre of a long-running radio or television Serial (radio and television), serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term ''soap opera'' originat ...
''
Coronation Street
''Coronation Street'' (colloquially referred to as ''Corrie'') is a British television soap opera created by ITV Granada, Granada Television and shown on ITV (TV network), ITV since 9 December 1960. The programme centres on a cobbled, terraced ...
''. He made his first appearance on 14 January 2001, and is played by
Bruno Langley
Bruno Langley (born 21 March 1983) is an English musician and former actor. He is known for his roles as Todd Grimshaw in ''Coronation Street'' (over 700 episodes between 2001 and 2017) and Adam Mitchell in ''Doctor Who'' (2005).
In October 2 ...
. He is the son of
Eileen Grimshaw
Eileen Grimshaw (also Phelan) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Played by Sue Cleaver, the character first appeared on-screen during the episode airing on 3 May 2000. Her storylines have often incl ...
(
Sue Cleaver
Susan Owen (née Cleaver, born 2 September 1963) is an English actress. She is best known for portraying the role of Eileen Grimshaw on the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', which she played from 2000 to 2025. In 2024 Cleaver became a pan ...
) and brother of
Jason Grimshaw
Jason Grimshaw is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Portrayed by Ryan Thomas, the character first appeared on screen on 25 December 2000. It was announced in October 2015 that Thomas had quit the role ...
(
Ryan Thomas
Ryan James Thomas (born 10 June 1984) is a British former actor. He is known for playing the role of Jason Grimshaw on ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' from 2000 until 2016. In 2018, he played Rafael Humphreys in Australian soap opera ''N ...
), both of whom made their first appearances in 2000. Todd is perhaps best known for his relationship with
Sarah-Louise Platt
Sarah-Louise "Sarah" Platt (also Tilsley, Grimshaw and Barlow) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. She was born on-screen during the episode broadcast on 2 February 1987. She was played by Leah King i ...
(
Tina O'Brien
Tina Michelle O'Brien (born 7 August 1983) is an English actress. She is best known for her portrayal of Sarah Platt in the long-running ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' (1999–2008, 2015–present). She also appeared in the BBC One drama ...
), before realizing that he was actually
gay
''Gay'' is a term that primarily refers to a homosexual person or the trait of being homosexual. The term originally meant 'carefree', 'cheerful', or 'bright and showy'.
While scant usage referring to male homosexuality dates to the late ...
. Todd left the soap in 2004, but made two brief returns in 2007 and 2011. He returned to ''Coronation Street'', as a regular, from November 2013 to December 2017.
Susan Barlow
Susan Barlow (also Baldwin) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. She made her debut screen appearance on 5 April 1965. Susan has been portrayed by four actresses since her introduction. Katie Heanue wa ...
(
Joanna Foster
Joanna Foster is a British actress active in theatre and television since 1978. On stage, she created roles in the world premieres of Andrew Davies's ''Diary of A Desperate Woman'' (1979), Anthony Burgess's '' The Eve of Saint Venus'' (1979), ...
). The role was originated by child actor
Iain De Caestecker
Iain De Caestecker ( ; born 29 December 1987) is a Scottish actor. He is best known for portraying Leopold Fitz/The Doctor in the television series '' Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'' (2013–2020). He is also known for his roles in ''Coronation Street ...
in 2001, making appearances on the show until 2003, but upon the character's return in 2004, he was recast with the former model,
Sam Robertson
Samuel Robertson (born 11 October 1985) is a Scottish actor and model from Dundee, Scotland. He is best known for portraying Adam Barlow in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', and Flynn in the E4 comedy-drama series '' Beaver Falls' ...
. Robertson reprised the role in November 2016. In November 2016, on his return to Weatherfield, Adam is caught in ''Underworld'' by Johnny Connor (
Richard Hawley
Richard Willis Hawley (born 17 January 1967) is an English singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer. After his first band Treebound Story (formed while he was still at school) broke up, Hawley found success as a member of Britpop band Long ...
) and
Aidan Connor
''Coronation Street'' is a British soap opera first broadcast on 9 December 1960. The following is a list of characters that appeared in 2015, by order of first appearance.
All characters are introduced by series producer Stuart Blackburn. Be ...
(
Shayne Ward
Shayne Thomas Ward (born 16 October 1984) is an English singer and actor. He rose to fame as the winner of the second series of ''The X Factor''. His debut single, "That's My Goal", was released in the United Kingdom on 21 December 2005 a ...
). He, Peter and his aunt
Tracy Barlow
Tracy Barlow (also Langton, Preston and McDonald) is a Television in the United Kingdom, fictional character from the Television in the United Kingdom, British ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. She was born on-screen durin ...
(
Kate Ford
Kate Ford (born 29 December 1976) is a British actress. She is known for her portrayal of Tracy Barlow in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' (2002–2007, 2010–present).
Ford was born in Salford, Greater Manchester. She attended Qu ...
) visit Ken in hospital after he suffered a
stroke
Stroke is a medical condition in which poor cerebral circulation, blood flow to a part of the brain causes cell death. There are two main types of stroke: brain ischemia, ischemic, due to lack of blood flow, and intracranial hemorrhage, hemor ...
Tristan Gemmill
Tristan John Gemmill (born 6 June 1967) is a British actor from London, most notable for his roles as Dr Adam Trueman in ''Casualty'' and Robert Preston in ''Coronation Street''.
Early life and education
Son of Brasenose College, Oxford-educa ...
). Adam gets revenge on Robert by calling environmental health. Daniel is suspected of stealing Adam's car when Tracy and Adam visit his flat and find student debts. Adam spends the night with Maria Connor (
Samia Longchambon
Samia Maxine Longchambon (''née'' Ghadie, previously Smith; born 13 July 1982) is an English actress. She has played the role of Maria Connor in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' since 2000. She also appeared as a contestant on the ei ...
).
Sunita Alahan
Sunita Alahan (also Parekh) is a fictional character from the long-running ITV
soap opera
A soap opera (also called a daytime drama or soap) is a genre of a long-running radio or television Serial (radio and television), serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term ''soap opera'' originat ...
''
Coronation Street
''Coronation Street'' (colloquially referred to as ''Corrie'') is a British television soap opera created by ITV Granada, Granada Television and shown on ITV (TV network), ITV since 9 December 1960. The programme centres on a cobbled, terraced ...
''. She is the wife of
Dev Alahan
Dev Alahan is a fictional character from the Television in the United Kingdom, British ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Portrayed by Jimmi Harkishin, the character's first appearance was broadcast on 10 November 1999. He i ...
(
Jimmi Harkishin
James "Jimmi" Harkishin (born 19 March 1959) is an actor best known for his role as shopkeeper Dev Alahan in ''Coronation Street'', which he has played continuously since 10 November 1999. He also played Ranjit in the film '' Bhaji on the Beach ...
Asha Alahan
The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' in 2006, by order of first appearance.
Aadi Alahan
Aadi Alahan, who first appears on 13 January 2006, is introduced alongside his twin sist ...
(Tanisha Gorey).
Sunita's storylines have included: escaping an arranged marriage, being diagnosed with a
brain tumour
A brain tumor (sometimes referred to as brain cancer) occurs when a group of cells within the brain turn cancerous and grow out of control, creating a mass. There are two main types of tumors: malignant (cancerous) tumors and benign (non-cancero ...
and an
aneurysm
An aneurysm is an outward :wikt:bulge, bulging, likened to a bubble or balloon, caused by a localized, abnormal, weak spot on a blood vessel wall. Aneurysms may be a result of a hereditary condition or an acquired disease. Aneurysms can also b ...
, falsely imprisoned, being held hostage, falling pregnant with twins, becoming a single parent after divorcing her husband Dev, surviving an almighty tram crash, embarking on an affair with Karl Munro (
John Michie
John Michie (born 25 October 1956) is a Scottish television and film actor, known for his roles as DI Robbie Ross in the STV detective drama series ''Taggart'', as Karl Munro in ''Coronation Street'' from 2011 to 2013 and his role as CEO Guy ...
), becoming trapped inside The Rovers Return Inn fire and later dying in hospital of a
cardiac arrest
Cardiac arrest (also known as sudden cardiac arrest CA is when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. When the heart stops beating, blood cannot properly Circulatory system, circulate around the body and the blood flow to the ...
caused by Karl.
Suresh Parekh
Suresh Parekh, originally played by Kaleem Janjua, is the father of Sunita Parekh (
Shobna Gulati
Shobna Gulati (born 7 August 1966)www.shobnagulati.co.uk Shobna Gulati official website is an English ...
Ace Bhatti
Ahsen Rafiq "Ace" Bhatti is a British actor. Early in his career, he appeared in the BBC series ''Cardiac Arrest'' (1994–1995), '' Holding On'' (1997), '' NCS: Manhunt'' (2001–2002), and '' New Street Law'' (2006–2007), as well as the ITV ...
). He first appears in March 2001 when he and his wife, Mena Parekh (Leena Dhingra) come looking for Sunita in ''Weatherfield'', where she has fled to avoid the prospect of an arranged marriage to Deepak in India. After Sunita told her parents that she didn't want to return to India, they disowned her.
In September 2004, now played by Ash Varrez, Suresh and Mena return to ''Weatherfield'' for Sunita's wedding to shopkeeper,
Dev Alahan
Dev Alahan is a fictional character from the Television in the United Kingdom, British ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Portrayed by Jimmi Harkishin, the character's first appearance was broadcast on 10 November 1999. He i ...
(
Jimmi Harkishin
James "Jimmi" Harkishin (born 19 March 1959) is an actor best known for his role as shopkeeper Dev Alahan in ''Coronation Street'', which he has played continuously since 10 November 1999. He also played Ranjit in the film '' Bhaji on the Beach ...
). Mena forgave Sunita for not wanting to marry Deepak and gave her her blessing to marry Dev.
Mena Parekh
Meena Parekh, played by Leena Dhingra, is the mother of Sunita Parekh (
Shobna Gulati
Shobna Gulati (born 7 August 1966)www.shobnagulati.co.uk Shobna Gulati official website is an English ...
Pal Aron
Pal Aron (born 1971) is a British television and theatre actor from Birmingham, England, known for his roles as Adam Osman in ''Casualty (TV series), Casualty'', Brandon Kane in ''The Bill'',
Jayesh Parekh and Sonny Dhillon in ''Coronation Street ...
/
Ace Bhatti
Ahsen Rafiq "Ace" Bhatti is a British actor. Early in his career, he appeared in the BBC series ''Cardiac Arrest'' (1994–1995), '' Holding On'' (1997), '' NCS: Manhunt'' (2001–2002), and '' New Street Law'' (2006–2007), as well as the ITV ...
). She first appears in March 2001 when her and her husband, Suresh Parekh (Kaleem Janjua) come looking for Sunita in ''Weatherfield'', where she has fled to avoid the prospect of an arranged marriage to Deepak in India. After Sunita told her parents that she didn't want to return to India, they disowned her.
In October 2004, Mena returned to ''Weatherfield'' with Suresh (now played by Ash Varrez) for Sunita's wedding to shopkeeper,
Dev Alahan
Dev Alahan is a fictional character from the Television in the United Kingdom, British ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Portrayed by Jimmi Harkishin, the character's first appearance was broadcast on 10 November 1999. He i ...
(
Jimmi Harkishin
James "Jimmi" Harkishin (born 19 March 1959) is an actor best known for his role as shopkeeper Dev Alahan in ''Coronation Street'', which he has played continuously since 10 November 1999. He also played Ranjit in the film '' Bhaji on the Beach ...
). Mena forgave Sunita for not wanting to marry Deepak and mother and daughter were reunited. Mena was upset to hear from Maya Sharma (
Sasha Behar
Sasha Behar is an English actress, known for portraying the role of Maya Sharma in the soap opera ''Coronation Street''.
Career
Behar portrayed the character of villain Maya Sharma in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' from 2003 to 200 ...
) that Sunita had previously been engaged to
Ciaran McCarthy
Ciaran McCarthy is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', portrayed by Keith Duffy. He made his first on-screen appearance on 7 August 2002, before departing in 2005. He returned in 2010 until Duffy tempora ...
(
Keith Duffy
Keith Peter Thomas Francis Julian John Duffy (born 1 October 1974) is an Irish singer, actor, radio and television presenter and drummer who began his professional music career as part of Irish boy band Boyzone alongside Ronan Keating, Mik ...
), but supported her when she was in court for bigamy and subsequently imprisoned.
Shobna Gulati
Shobna Gulati (born 7 August 1966)www.shobnagulati.co.uk Shobna Gulati official website is an English ...
) and followed her to Coronation Street in March 2001 when she fled her family and their attempt to force her into an arranged marriage in India. Sunita worked for
Dev Alahan
Dev Alahan is a fictional character from the Television in the United Kingdom, British ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Portrayed by Jimmi Harkishin, the character's first appearance was broadcast on 10 November 1999. He i ...
(
Jimmi Harkishin
James "Jimmi" Harkishin (born 19 March 1959) is an actor best known for his role as shopkeeper Dev Alahan in ''Coronation Street'', which he has played continuously since 10 November 1999. He also played Ranjit in the film '' Bhaji on the Beach ...
) in his shop in Swinton and turned to her employer in her hour of need. Dev housed her in the Corner Shop flat and denied knowing her whereabouts when visited by her parents Suresh and Mena. Jayesh though was less trusting of Dev's innocence and parked himself outside the shop, seeing the curtains in the windows of the flat twitching. He confronted Dev who told him that the flat was used for stock and an employee was up there working. When Jayesh hammered on the door to the flat, it was Deirdre Rachid who answered the door and she joined in the deception, however the fugitive's brother was unconvinced by the stories he was being given and left Sunita's photo in the Rovers asking to be contacted should anyone see her.
A couple of days later, Jeyesh returned with a friend and they pushed their way into the flat, trying to physically force Sunita to return with them. Dev threatened the police and brother and sister sat down calmly to talk. Jayesh himself had entered into an unarranged marriage which had failed and Sunita took this as evidence that this was why he was on the side of their parents' plans. Jayesh warned her that his parents would turn their back on her and he would have no choice but to support them. Sunita ended up having no contact with her family for over three years.
By September 2004, Dev and Sunita's friendship had developed into love and the two were engaged. The thought of her upcoming wedding prompted Sunita to ring her mother but the phone was put down on her. It did prompt Jayesh to visit the Street though and the ice between brother and sister was quickly broken. He revealed that he had married for a second time - arranged this time as per cultural tradition - to Rhea Gujarati and the year before they had had a daughter. However he warned a tearful Sunita that her name was a forbidden word at home and that she was dead to her parents. Nevertheless, he tried to intercede on her behalf with her father and he agreed to meet his daughter in a local park but failed to turn up on that occasion. A month later, Jayesh returned and Sunita met her niece Jaya for the first time but she was upset when Jayesh made it clear that he wouldn't be attending the wedding and that the family did not approve of Dev. Dev walked in on the middle of their argument and he managed (with the help of a few glasses of whiskey) into talking Jayesh into being there for his sister at the wedding.
He did turn up as promised and brought with him an extra surprise - Sunita's parents. Mena's initially frosty countenance disappeared and she and her husband joined in with the Hindu rituals but there was a self-declared spectre at the feast: Maya Sharma (
Sasha Behar
Sasha Behar is an English actress, known for portraying the role of Maya Sharma in the soap opera ''Coronation Street''.
Career
Behar portrayed the character of villain Maya Sharma in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' from 2003 to 200 ...
), Dev's previous fiancée, intent of revenge for being dropped by him, had carried out an elaborate plan of impersonating Sunita and taking part in six sham marriages to illegal immigrants in her name, followed by a tip-off to the police. They arrested the happy couple and although Dev was released after questioning, Sunita was refused bail and imprisoned on remand pending trial. Jayesh and Mena visited Sunita in jail and from their attitude, made it clear that they suspected Dev of being guilty and not Maya who they had met and found "charming".
Jayesh was last seen in February 2006 when, following the birth of his twin nephew and niece, Aadi and
Asha
''Asha'' () or ''arta'' (; ) is a Zoroastrian concept with a complex and highly nuanced range of meaning. It is commonly summarized in accord with its contextual implications of 'truth' and 'right' (or 'righteousness'), 'order' and 'right wor ...
, Sunita decided to leave Dev. Jayesh came and picked her and the twins up in his car and drove them away.
Jayesh did not attend Sunita's funeral in April 2013 nor did the rest of her family, as they believed that Sunita started the fire at The Rovers Return, killing herself and a firefighter Toni Griffiths (
Tara Moran
Kathleen Tara Moran (born 1 June 1971 in Leeds, West Riding of Yorkshire) is an actress.
Moran's television debut was in Yorkshire Television's educational history series for schools, '' How We Used to Live''. During the mid-1980s she played Al ...
), bringing shame on the family. However, the real culprit was actually Sunita's former lover, Karl Munro (
John Michie
John Michie (born 25 October 1956) is a Scottish television and film actor, known for his roles as DI Robbie Ross in the STV detective drama series ''Taggart'', as Karl Munro in ''Coronation Street'' from 2011 to 2013 and his role as CEO Guy ...
).
Fiz Brown
Fiona "Fiz" Stape (née Brown) is a fictional character from the long-running
soap opera
A soap opera (also called a daytime drama or soap) is a genre of a long-running radio or television Serial (radio and television), serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term ''soap opera'' originat ...
''
Coronation Street
''Coronation Street'' (colloquially referred to as ''Corrie'') is a British television soap opera created by ITV Granada, Granada Television and shown on ITV (TV network), ITV since 9 December 1960. The programme centres on a cobbled, terraced ...
''. She is played by
Jennie McAlpine
Jennie Elizabeth McAlpine (born 12 February 1984) is an English television actress, comedian and businesswoman. She is known for her roles as Michelle Morley in Emmerdale and Fiz Brown in the ITV (TV channel), ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street' ...
, and made her first on-screen appearance on 20 April 2001. Fiz first appeared as the foster child of Roy (
David Neilson
David Neilson (born 13 March 1949) is an English actor. He is best known for his role as cafe owner Roy Cropper in the long running ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', which he has played since 1995.
Early life
Neilson wa ...
) and
Hayley Cropper
Hayley Cropper (also Hayley Patterson) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Julie Hesmondhalgh. The character first appeared in the episode first broadcast on 26 January 1998. Hayley was the ...
(
Julie Hesmondhalgh
Julie Claire Hesmondhalgh ( ;) is an English actress and narrator. She is known for her role as Hayley Cropper in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' between 1998 and 2014. For this role she won "Best Serial Drama Performance" at the 20 ...
), aged 15. Fiz was only supposed to appear for 5 episodes, but McAlpine's contract was extended and Fiz became a regular character. Fiz was eventually involved in a murder storyline in which her lover,
John Stape
John Stape is a fictional character from the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Graeme Hawley. He made his first on-screen appearance during the episode airing on 6 May 2007. The character departed on 3 June 2011 after four years on ...
(
Graeme Hawley
Graeme Hawley (born 25 February 1975) is an English actor. He is best known for his roles as Dave then as DC Martin Crowe in ''Emmerdale'' and John Stape in the British soap ''Coronation Street''.
Career
Hawley graduated from Manchester Metrop ...
), committed three murders and Fiz helped him dispose of the bodies. She gave birth in the live 50th anniversary episode, with McAlpine becoming the first actress in soap to give birth live.
Shelley Unwin
Shelley Unwin (also Barlow) is a fictional character from the long-running
soap opera
A soap opera (also called a daytime drama or soap) is a genre of a long-running radio or television Serial (radio and television), serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term ''soap opera'' originat ...
''
Coronation Street
''Coronation Street'' (colloquially referred to as ''Corrie'') is a British television soap opera created by ITV Granada, Granada Television and shown on ITV (TV network), ITV since 9 December 1960. The programme centres on a cobbled, terraced ...
'', played by
Sally Lindsay
Sally Jane Lindsay (born 8 July 1973) is an English actress and television presenter. She rose to fame playing Shelley Unwin in the long-running ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' (2001–2006). Her other roles include Lisa Johnson in the Sky ...
. She made her first appearance on 9 May 2001. Shelley's storylines have included a marriage to Peter Barlow (
Chris Gascoyne
Chris Gascoyne (born 31 January 1968) is an English film, theatre and television actor. He is best known for his role as Peter Barlow in the soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Making his first appearance in December 2000 during a live, 50 minut ...
) and an abusive and controlling relationship with Charlie Stubbs ( Bill Ward), who later left her pregnant. Her mother was Bev Unwin, played by
Susie Blake
Susie Blake (born 19 April 1950) is an English television, radio and stage actress.
She is best known for her portrayal of the snobbish TV announcer in '' Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV'' and of Bev Unwin in ''Coronation Street'', a role she p ...
respectively. Shelley left the street in 2006, making her last appearance on 29 September 2006.
Richard Hillman
Richard Charles Hillman is a fictional character from the long-running
soap opera
A soap opera (also called a daytime drama or soap) is a genre of a long-running radio or television Serial (radio and television), serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term ''soap opera'' originat ...
''
Coronation Street
''Coronation Street'' (colloquially referred to as ''Corrie'') is a British television soap opera created by ITV Granada, Granada Television and shown on ITV (TV network), ITV since 9 December 1960. The programme centres on a cobbled, terraced ...
''. He was played by
Brian Capron
Brian Capron (born 11 February 1947) is an English actor who trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He first came to public attention through his role of the teacher Mr Stuart "Hoppy" Hopwood in ''Grange Hill'' from 1980 to 19 ...
, and made his first appearance on 20 June 2001. He is first seen attending his cousin
Alma Halliwell
Alma Halliwell (also Sedgewick and Baldwin) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Amanda Barrie. She was originally introduced as a recurring character from 1981 to 1982 before later becoming ...
's (
Amanda Barrie
Amanda Barrie (born Shirley Anne Broadbent; 14 September 1935) is an English actress. She appeared in two of the '' Carry On'' films before being cast as Alma Halliwell in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', a role she played on and off ...
) funeral after she died from
cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is a cancer arising from the cervix or in any layer of the wall of the cervix. It is due to the abnormal growth of cells that can invade or spread to other parts of the body. Early on, typically no symptoms are seen. Later sympt ...
. He then began a relationship with Alma's best friend
Gail Platt
Gail Platt (also Potter, Tilsley, Hillman, McIntyre, Rodwell and Chadwick) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Helen Worth. The character first appeared on-screen on 29 July 1974. Gail is ...
(
Helen Worth
Helen Worth (born Cathryn Helen Wigglesworth; 7 January 1951) is a British actress. She is best known for portraying the role of Gail Platt in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' for 50 years from 1974 to 2024. In 2014, she received the ...
) and the two were soon married on 28 July 2002. By then, Richard had become the show's main
antagonist
An antagonist is a character in a story who is presented as the main enemy or rival of the protagonist and is often depicted as a villain.Duggie Ferguson ( John Bowe) to die after witnessing him fall through a banister; murders his ex-wife
Patricia
Patricia is a feminine given name of Latin language, Latin origin. Derived from the Latin word ''Patrician (ancient Rome), patrician'', meaning 'noble', it is the feminine form of the masculine given name Patrick (given name), Patrick. Another we ...
(
Annabelle Apsion
Jane Annabelle Apsion (born 17 September 1960 in Hammersmith, London) is an English actress best known for playing Monica Gallagher in the television comedy-drama '' Shameless'' (2004-2013), Joy Wilton in ''Soldier Soldier'' (1991-1995), and Vi ...
) with a shovel; kidnap Gail's friend
Norris Cole
Norris Gene Cole II (born October 13, 1988) is an American professional basketball player for the Osos de Manatí of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN). A 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) tall point guard, he is a two-time NBA champion, winning back-to-b ...
(
Malcolm Hebden
Malcolm Hebden (born 21 December 1939) is an English retired actor. He is known for portraying the role of Norris Cole in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' on and off between 1994 and 1997, regularly from 1999 to 2017, and intermitten ...
) to stop him from investigating the truth about his financially bankrupt property company, "Kellett Holdings"; sets his mother-in-law Audrey Roberts' (
Sue Nicholls
Susan Frances Harmar Nicholls (born 23 November 1943) is an English actress. She is best known for her long-running role as Audrey Roberts in the soap opera '' Coronation Street'' (1979–1982, 1984–present). Her other roles on British tele ...
) house on fire before going on to convince her that she has
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease and the cause of 60–70% of cases of dementia. The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events. As the disease advances, symptoms can include problems wit ...
; and attempts to kill Norris' roommate
Emily Bishop
Emily Bishop (also Nugent and Swain, also credited as Miss Nugent) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Played by Eileen Derbyshire, the character is the longest-standing female character in the seria ...
(
Eileen Derbyshire
Eileen Derbyshire (born 6 October 1931) is an English retired actress, best known for her role as Emily Bishop in the long-running ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. She played the character for 55 years from January 1961 to January 2016 (w ...
) with a crowbar for money — but ends up killing local landlady
Maxine Peacock
Maxine Peacock (also Heavey) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', portrayed by Tracy Shaw. She made her first on-screen appearance on 2 May 1995 and left in 2003. The hairdresser Maxine works for Deni ...
(
Tracy Shaw
Tracy Shaw (born 27 July 1973) is a British actress and singer.
Early life
Shaw was born into the hotel and pub trade, at the time when her parents ran the Talbot Hotel in Belper, Derbyshire. She attended Saint Ralph Sherwin Comprehensive Schoo ...
) and subsequently framed his stepdaughter's ex-boyfriend Aiden Critchley (Dean Ashton) for her murder.
The character ultimately confessed his crimes to Gail in a two-handler episode on 24 February 2003 and soon departed from the show on 14 March 2003; Richard drove himself and his step-family into a canal after abducting them in a last-ditch
familicide
A familicide is a type of murder or murder-suicide in which an individual kills multiple close family members in quick succession, most often children, spouses, siblings, or parents. In half the cases, the killer lastly kills themselves in a ...
attempted, but they survived whilst he himself drowned and was later pronounced dead.
Gary Adams
Gary Adams, portrayed by Samuel Kane, was a man who posed as a 19-year-old boy, talking to
Sarah Platt
Sarah-Louise "Sarah" Platt (also Tilsley, Grimshaw and Barlow) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. She was born on-screen during the episode broadcast on 2 February 1987. She was played by Leah King i ...
(
Tina O'Brien
Tina Michelle O'Brien (born 7 August 1983) is an English actress. She is best known for her portrayal of Sarah Platt in the long-running ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' (1999–2008, 2015–present). She also appeared in the BBC One drama ...
), then aged 14, through an internet chatroom. When Sarah starts to talk to strangers on the internet as a way of meeting new people, she talks to a boy called Gary who claims to be 19 years old. Gary and Sarah quickly befriend each other after they share common interests and she becomes smitten by him.
After Gary requests Sarah to call him, she agrees to meet him for the first time. However, when Sarah goes to his house, she is greeted by an older man in his early 30s who claims to be Gary's father which surprises her. The man later confesses to Sarah that he is actually Gary. He justifies to an angry and a disappointed Sarah as being a lonely man who has no close family and friends. Although she rejects him, Sarah empathises with Gary and opens up to him about being a teenage mother to her baby daughter
Bethany
Bethany (,Murphy-O'Connor, 2008, p152/ref> Syriac language, Syriac: ܒܝܬ ܥܢܝܐ ''Bēṯ ʿAnyā''), locally called in Palestinian Arabic, Arabic Al-Eizariya or al-Aizariya (, "Arabic nouns and adjectives#Nisba,
lace
Lace is a delicate fabric made of yarn or thread in an open weblike pattern, made by machine or by hand. Generally, lace is split into two main categories, needlelace and bobbin lace, although there are other types of lace, such as knitted o ...
of Lazarus (name), L ...
which causes many problems at home including the separation of her mother
Gail
Gail may refer to:
People
* Gail (given name), list of notable people with the given name
Surname
* Jean-Baptiste Gail (1755–1829), French Hellenist scholar
* Max Gail (born 1943), American actor
* Sophie Gail (1775–1819), French singer ...
(
Helen Worth
Helen Worth (born Cathryn Helen Wigglesworth; 7 January 1951) is a British actress. She is best known for portraying the role of Gail Platt in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' for 50 years from 1974 to 2024. In 2014, she received the ...
) and adoptive father
Martin Platt
Martin Platt is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', portrayed by Sean Wilson. His major storylines were a relationship with Gail Tilsley ( Helen Worth) following the death of her husband Brian ( Chri ...
( Sean Wilson) due to Martin's recent infidelity. Gail and Martin learn about Sarah's arrangement and visits Gary. They both eventually leave after Gary lies to them that he has never seen Sarah whilst Sarah herself hides from them. Gary and Sarah continue their day and he tells her that she is the only girl he has only ever met from chatrooms as he is convinced that they have a special connection.
Sarah begins to worry about Gary's behaviour and his intentions and calls her friend
Candice Stowe
Candice Stowe is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Nikki Sanderson. She was introduced as the best friend of established character Sarah-Louise Platt (Tina O'Brien). She made her first appear ...
(
Nikki Sanderson
Nikki Sanderson (born 28 March 1984) is an English actress who is known for playing Candice Stowe in the television soap opera ''Coronation Street'', Dawn Bellamy in '' Heartbeat'' and Maxine Minniver in ''Hollyoaks''. During her time at ''Co ...
) to collect her. However Gary locks her in his bedroom when Candice's boyfriend
Todd Grimshaw
Todd Grimshaw is a fictional character from the British ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', formerly played by Bruno Langley from 2001 to 2017, and now played by Gareth Pierce. The character's debut was broadcast on 14 Janua ...
(
Bruno Langley
Bruno Langley (born 21 March 1983) is an English musician and former actor. He is known for his roles as Todd Grimshaw in ''Coronation Street'' (over 700 episodes between 2001 and 2017) and Adam Mitchell in ''Doctor Who'' (2005).
In October 2 ...
) arrive; Candice and Todd then try to rescue her. A frightened Sarah realises she is in danger with Gary and tries to escape but he refuses to let her leave. Gary confronts Todd who enters into the house after Candice manages to break a back door window, but Todd injures himself on Gary's fireplace. Gail arrives with her neighbour
Dennis Stringer
The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' in 2000, by order of first appearance.
Debs Brownlow
Debs Brownlow is the hairdresser sister of Natalie Barnes (Denise Welch) who first app ...
(
Charles Dale
Charles Dale (born 4 February 1963) is a Welsh actor known for playing Big Mac in ''Casualty'', Dennis Stringer in ''Coronation Street'', Gary "Chef" Alcock in '' The Lakes'' and Clive Eustace in '' The Eustace Bros.'' He was born in Tenby, P ...
) after calling the police and they save Sarah. Dennis then punches Gary repeatedly and insults him. Gary is then taken into custody by the police but he presses charges against Dennis for assault. The police tell Gail that Gary has been charged with false imprisonment but was promptly released on bail, which disgusts and angers Gail. The following month, the police inform Gail that they wouldn't be pressing any charges against Gary.
Christie Wells
Christie Wells, portrayed by Lauren Drummond, was a teenage girl who was supposedly having an affair with sixteen year old
Todd Grimshaw
Todd Grimshaw is a fictional character from the British ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', formerly played by Bruno Langley from 2001 to 2017, and now played by Gareth Pierce. The character's debut was broadcast on 14 Janua ...
(
Bruno Langley
Bruno Langley (born 21 March 1983) is an English musician and former actor. He is known for his roles as Todd Grimshaw in ''Coronation Street'' (over 700 episodes between 2001 and 2017) and Adam Mitchell in ''Doctor Who'' (2005).
In October 2 ...
). Todd had a failed attempt to have an affair with his then girlfriend
Candice Stowe
Candice Stowe is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Nikki Sanderson. She was introduced as the best friend of established character Sarah-Louise Platt (Tina O'Brien). She made her first appear ...
's (
Nikki Sanderson
Nikki Sanderson (born 28 March 1984) is an English actress who is known for playing Candice Stowe in the television soap opera ''Coronation Street'', Dawn Bellamy in '' Heartbeat'' and Maxine Minniver in ''Hollyoaks''. During her time at ''Co ...
) best friend
Sarah-Louise Platt
Sarah-Louise "Sarah" Platt (also Tilsley, Grimshaw and Barlow) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. She was born on-screen during the episode broadcast on 2 February 1987. She was played by Leah King i ...
(
Tina O'Brien
Tina Michelle O'Brien (born 7 August 1983) is an English actress. She is best known for her portrayal of Sarah Platt in the long-running ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' (1999–2008, 2015–present). She also appeared in the BBC One drama ...
), so he asked Christie to the disco to get Sarah jealous. However, he seemed to get Christie jealous instead when Christie made jealous remarks at Sarah, causing Sarah to threaten to tell Candice what Todd was trying to do.
Luke Ashton
Luke Ashton, played by John O'Neill, is the much younger half-brother of English Teacher,
Charlie Ramsden
Charles William Ramsden (12 December 1902 – 9 November 1949) was an English footballer. His regular position was as a forward. He played for Rotherham Town, Stockport County, Manchester North End, and Manchester United
Manches ...
(Clare McGlinn). Luke was also one of her pupils in her class at ''Weatherfield Comprehensive School''. Luke had absolutely no respect for his teacher and went to lengths such as writing "Mrs Ramsden is an alky" on her whiteboard and graffiting her door, allowing
Todd Grimshaw
Todd Grimshaw is a fictional character from the British ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', formerly played by Bruno Langley from 2001 to 2017, and now played by Gareth Pierce. The character's debut was broadcast on 14 Janua ...
(
Bruno Langley
Bruno Langley (born 21 March 1983) is an English musician and former actor. He is known for his roles as Todd Grimshaw in ''Coronation Street'' (over 700 episodes between 2001 and 2017) and Adam Mitchell in ''Doctor Who'' (2005).
In October 2 ...
) to take the blame. Eventually, Todd's girlfriend,
Candice Stowe
Candice Stowe is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Nikki Sanderson. She was introduced as the best friend of established character Sarah-Louise Platt (Tina O'Brien). She made her first appear ...
(
Nikki Sanderson
Nikki Sanderson (born 28 March 1984) is an English actress who is known for playing Candice Stowe in the television soap opera ''Coronation Street'', Dawn Bellamy in '' Heartbeat'' and Maxine Minniver in ''Hollyoaks''. During her time at ''Co ...
) and her friend
Sarah Platt
Sarah-Louise "Sarah" Platt (also Tilsley, Grimshaw and Barlow) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. She was born on-screen during the episode broadcast on 2 February 1987. She was played by Leah King i ...
(
Tina O'Brien
Tina Michelle O'Brien (born 7 August 1983) is an English actress. She is best known for her portrayal of Sarah Platt in the long-running ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' (1999–2008, 2015–present). She also appeared in the BBC One drama ...
) confronted Luke about his behaviour and he eventually owned up. After these events, headteacher Hilary Johnson (Barbara Dryhurst) invited Luke and his mother, Pam Hargreaves (Judi Jones) to a meeting with Charlie and this was when Charlie realised that Luke was her half-brother as Pam had put her up for adoption and recently tried to contact her. After discovering Charlie was his much older estranged half-sister, he was initially hostile, but after being invited to her house for a drink and a chat, the two of them came to an understanding. Charlie even set Luke up with Sarah by putting them both in detention together, which actually worked, but when he found out from Charlie's husband,
Matt Ramsden
The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' in 2000, by order of first appearance.
Debs Brownlow
Debs Brownlow is the hairdresser sister of Natalie Barnes (Denise Welch) who first app ...
(
Stephen Beckett
Stephen Beckett (born 24 May 1967) is an English actor, known for portraying Dr Matt Ramsden in ''Coronation Street'' and Mike Jarvis in ''The Bill''.
Background
Born in London, Beckett was brought up in Brixton and Croydon,Smith, Steven. "St ...
) that she had deliberately put them together, the relationship soured again.
On Christmas Day 2001, Luke caught Todd trying to kiss Sarah and a fight broke out between the two lads. Although Sarah had backed away, the couple broke up by Luke dumping Sarah over text. They subsequently reconciled, but their reunion was only brief as Todd and Candice broke up in March 2002 and Sarah, who had her eyes on Todd, broke up with Luke for good.
Hilary Johnson
Hilary Johnson, played by Barbara Dryhurst, was the headmistress at ''Weatherfield Comprehensive School'' who dealt with many situations between 2001 and 2002. Her first appearance was in September 2001 when English Teacher,
Charlie Ramsden
Charles William Ramsden (12 December 1902 – 9 November 1949) was an English footballer. His regular position was as a forward. He played for Rotherham Town, Stockport County, Manchester North End, and Manchester United
Manches ...
(Clare McGlinn) was drinking heavily after many personal problems. These issues were very clear to the pupils and one even chalked "Ramsden is a wino" on her whiteboard and, without any evidence, blamed neighbour
Todd Grimshaw
Todd Grimshaw is a fictional character from the British ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', formerly played by Bruno Langley from 2001 to 2017, and now played by Gareth Pierce. The character's debut was broadcast on 14 Janua ...
(
Bruno Langley
Bruno Langley (born 21 March 1983) is an English musician and former actor. He is known for his roles as Todd Grimshaw in ''Coronation Street'' (over 700 episodes between 2001 and 2017) and Adam Mitchell in ''Doctor Who'' (2005).
In October 2 ...
). His mother,
Eileen Grimshaw
Eileen Grimshaw (also Phelan) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Played by Sue Cleaver, the character first appeared on-screen during the episode airing on 3 May 2000. Her storylines have often incl ...
(
Sue Cleaver
Susan Owen (née Cleaver, born 2 September 1963) is an English actress. She is best known for portraying the role of Eileen Grimshaw on the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', which she played from 2000 to 2025. In 2024 Cleaver became a pan ...
) was called into a meeting, which resulted in both Grimshaws losing their tempers. As a result, Todd was suspended for five days and Eileen was banned from the school premises. These events made Johnson realise that they may have a teacher with issues on their hands. The whiteboard incident was actually down to Luke Ashton (John O'Neill), who confessed after being pressurised by Todd's girlfriend,
Candice Stowe
Candice Stowe is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Nikki Sanderson. She was introduced as the best friend of established character Sarah-Louise Platt (Tina O'Brien). She made her first appear ...
(
Nikki Sanderson
Nikki Sanderson (born 28 March 1984) is an English actress who is known for playing Candice Stowe in the television soap opera ''Coronation Street'', Dawn Bellamy in '' Heartbeat'' and Maxine Minniver in ''Hollyoaks''. During her time at ''Co ...
) and
Sarah Platt
Sarah-Louise "Sarah" Platt (also Tilsley, Grimshaw and Barlow) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. She was born on-screen during the episode broadcast on 2 February 1987. She was played by Leah King i ...
(
Tina O'Brien
Tina Michelle O'Brien (born 7 August 1983) is an English actress. She is best known for her portrayal of Sarah Platt in the long-running ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' (1999–2008, 2015–present). She also appeared in the BBC One drama ...
). They then had a meeting with Luke and his mother, Pam Hargreaves (Judi Jones), who was revealed to be Charlie's biological mother, who put her up for adoption and recently tried to make contact with her.
In April 2002, Charlie's drinking troubles worsened after Charlie's husband,
Matt Ramsden
The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' in 2000, by order of first appearance.
Debs Brownlow
Debs Brownlow is the hairdresser sister of Natalie Barnes (Denise Welch) who first app ...
(
Stephen Beckett
Stephen Beckett (born 24 May 1967) is an English actor, known for portraying Dr Matt Ramsden in ''Coronation Street'' and Mike Jarvis in ''The Bill''.
Background
Born in London, Beckett was brought up in Brixton and Croydon,Smith, Steven. "St ...
) had an affair with
Maxine Peacock
Maxine Peacock (also Heavey) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', portrayed by Tracy Shaw. She made her first on-screen appearance on 2 May 1995 and left in 2003. The hairdresser Maxine works for Deni ...
(
Tracy Shaw
Tracy Shaw (born 27 July 1973) is a British actress and singer.
Early life
Shaw was born into the hotel and pub trade, at the time when her parents ran the Talbot Hotel in Belper, Derbyshire. She attended Saint Ralph Sherwin Comprehensive Schoo ...
), resulting in the birth of their son, Joshua Peacock (Benjamin Beresford). After
Ken Barlow
Kenneth "Ken" Barlow is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by William Roache. He was created by Tony Warren as one of ''Coronation Street''s original characters and December 2020 marked Ken' ...
(
William Roache
William Patrick Roache (born 25 April 1932) is an English actor. He is best known for playing Ken Barlow in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' and is the longest-serving cast member in the series, having appeared in the show continuousl ...
) saw her drinking, he reported her to Johnson, who suspended her. Charlie then resigned, feeling as though she has no choice. Johnson asks Ken to apply for the full-time teacher position, which he did and three weeks later became a ''Senior Pupil Mentor'', offering one-to-one counselling sessions to pupils who needed more support. Johnson also dealt with Aiden Critchley's (
Dean Ashton
Dean Ashton (born 24 November 1983) is an English former professional footballer. He made over 240 appearances as a forward in the Football League and Premier League for Crewe Alexandra, Norwich City and West Ham United, and was capped by Engla ...
) vendetta against Ken.
Ranjiv Alahan
Ranjiv Alahan is the father of
Dev Alahan
Dev Alahan is a fictional character from the Television in the United Kingdom, British ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Portrayed by Jimmi Harkishin, the character's first appearance was broadcast on 10 November 1999. He i ...
(
Jimmi Harkishin
James "Jimmi" Harkishin (born 19 March 1959) is an actor best known for his role as shopkeeper Dev Alahan in ''Coronation Street'', which he has played continuously since 10 November 1999. He also played Ranjit in the film '' Bhaji on the Beach ...
) who first appeared in October 2001 and was played by Raad Rawi. Ranjiv first appears when Dev introduces his parents to his fiancée, Geena Gregory (
Jennifer James
Jennifer James is an English actress. She played the role of Geena Gregory in ''Coronation Street''. Jennifer also starred in an episode of the TV show Brassic and she has also appeared in Dalziel and Pascoe
Detective Superintendent Andr ...
).
The character reappeared in February 2004, this time played by
Madhav Sharma
Madhav Sharma (born 12 November 1939) is an Indian-British actor. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and first came to public attention playing a prisoner named Patel in the BBC sci-fi series Doctor Who in 1973. Since the ...
Sasha Behar
Sasha Behar is an English actress, known for portraying the role of Maya Sharma in the soap opera ''Coronation Street''.
Career
Behar portrayed the character of villain Maya Sharma in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' from 2003 to 200 ...
), arranges a meeting between her, Dev and Ranjiv in a restaurant in order to introduce herself to Ranjiv, who is impressed with Maya, who works as a lawyer. Ranjiv congratulates his son for his choice of partner.
DS Tony Trafford
Detective Sergeant Tony Trafford was a local police officer.
Trafford is first seen when Eve Elliott ( Melanie Kilburn) reports the disappearance of her daughter Linda Baldwin (
Jacqueline Pirie
Jacqueline Chadwick (''née'' Pirie, born 10 October 1975) is a Scottish former actress and novelist. She is best known for her roles in the British ITV soap operas ''Emmerdale'' (1994–1996) and ''Coronation Street'' (1998–2001), playing T ...
) to the police.
Ashley Peacock
Ashley Peacock is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Played by Steven Arnold, the character first appeared on screen during the episode airing on 1 February 1995. Ashley was a victim of the tram cras ...
(
Steven Arnold
Steven Arnold (born 12 December 1974) is an English actor best known for his role as butcher Ashley Peacock in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''.
Early life
He was educated at Sir Thomas Boteler in Warrington, where his drama teach ...
) accompanies Eve to the police station and tells Trafford that he witnessed Linda's husband
Mike
Mike may refer to:
Animals
* Mike (cat), cat and guardian of the British Museum
* Mike the Headless Chicken, chicken that lived for 18 months after his head had been cut off
* Mike (chimpanzee), a chimpanzee featured in several books and documen ...
( Johnny Briggs) hit her. Trafford is initially unconcerned by the report but four days later Linda's car is discovered in a River and Trafford concludes the car was dumped there deliberately and he and his colleagues take the case more seriously, particularly when one of Linda's shoes is discovered in the car. Trafford questions Mike about her disappearance and Mike insists he does not know of her whereabouts and that he had last seen her when she had visited their flat to collect her passport. Linda's brother Ryan (Matthew Dunster) later tells Trafford that he believes Mike killed her as she had had an affair with businessman Harvey Reuben (
Andrew Scarborough
Andrew Scarborough (born 1973) is an English actor, most widely known for his starring role on screen as Tim Drewe in the multi BAFTA and Emmy award-winning ''Downton Abbey''. He also co-starred as Colonel Fielding in the film ‘’ The War Be ...
). Trafford later questions Mike again at the police station and tells him that they know about Linda's affair. Mike's flat is searched and Linda's passport is found and Mike tells Trafford that he had lied about when he had last seen Linda to stop people from gossiping. Trafford then arrests Mike on suspicion of murder. Mike is held overnight and questioned more the following day but Trafford is forced to release him due to a lack of evidence. Trafford later arranges for Mike to take part in an identity parade.
In February 2002, Trafford investigates the death of Duggie Ferguson ( John Bowe). He questions
Richard
Richard is a male given name. It originates, via Old French, from compound of the words descending from Proto-Germanic language">Proto-Germanic ''*rīk-'' 'ruler, leader, king' and ''*hardu-'' 'strong, brave, hardy', and it therefore means 'st ...
(
Brian Capron
Brian Capron (born 11 February 1947) is an English actor who trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He first came to public attention through his role of the teacher Mr Stuart "Hoppy" Hopwood in ''Grange Hill'' from 1980 to 19 ...
Helen Worth
Helen Worth (born Cathryn Helen Wigglesworth; 7 January 1951) is a British actress. She is best known for portraying the role of Gail Platt in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' for 50 years from 1974 to 2024. In 2014, she received the ...
) who discovered Duggie's body and informs them that they believe Duggie's death was an accident.
Trafford is last seen in January 2003, investigating the murder of
Maxine Peacock
Maxine Peacock (also Heavey) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', portrayed by Tracy Shaw. She made her first on-screen appearance on 2 May 1995 and left in 2003. The hairdresser Maxine works for Deni ...
(
Tracy Shaw
Tracy Shaw (born 27 July 1973) is a British actress and singer.
Early life
Shaw was born into the hotel and pub trade, at the time when her parents ran the Talbot Hotel in Belper, Derbyshire. She attended Saint Ralph Sherwin Comprehensive Schoo ...
). Trafford conducts door to door enquiries with the local residents, asking them if they saw anything suspicious. Richard, who is Maxine's killer, implicates Aiden Critchley (Dean Ashton) as a potential suspect. Peter Barlow (
Chris Gascoyne
Chris Gascoyne (born 31 January 1968) is an English film, theatre and television actor. He is best known for his role as Peter Barlow in the soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Making his first appearance in December 2000 during a live, 50 minut ...
) then tells Trafford that he had seen a light in an abandoned hardware shop nearby. Trafford leads a raid on the premises, which it is discovered that Aiden has been using as a squat. Items stolen from the Peacocks' house, planted by Richard, are discovered in Aiden's possession and Trafford arrests Aiden. Trafford is last seen questioning Aiden's ex-girlfriend
Sarah-Louise Platt
Sarah-Louise "Sarah" Platt (also Tilsley, Grimshaw and Barlow) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. She was born on-screen during the episode broadcast on 2 February 1987. She was played by Leah King i ...
(
Tina O'Brien
Tina Michelle O'Brien (born 7 August 1983) is an English actress. She is best known for her portrayal of Sarah Platt in the long-running ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' (1999–2008, 2015–present). She also appeared in the BBC One drama ...
) and she confirms that Aiden had alcohol with him in the squat, backing up his claims that he was too drunk to remember anything. Sarah also tells Trafford that she doesn't believe Aiden is a murderer.
Ben Watts
Ben Watts, played by Stephen Collins, is the son of
Curly Watts
Norman "Curly" Watts is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', from 1983 to 2003, and in a few spin-off DVDs in 2010. He was portrayed throughout by Kevin Kennedy. Most of Curly's storylines dealt with his ...
( Kevin Kennedy) and Emma Watts ( Angela Lonsdale), who was born on Boxing Day 2001; a few weeks premature. He was born at home in ''No. 7 Coronation Street''. The Watts' neighbour,
Norris Cole
Norris Gene Cole II (born October 13, 1988) is an American professional basketball player for the Osos de Manatí of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN). A 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) tall point guard, he is a two-time NBA champion, winning back-to-b ...
(
Malcolm Hebden
Malcolm Hebden (born 21 December 1939) is an English retired actor. He is known for portraying the role of Norris Cole in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' on and off between 1994 and 1997, regularly from 1999 to 2017, and intermitten ...
) found Emma having contractions and called midwives to the scene. As a thank you for Norris' help, they named their baby "Benjamin" as that was Norris' middle name.
Following these actions, Norris remained in touch with the Watts family. One night, Ben continuously cried and Norris managed to get him off to sleep by singing songs to him. This began to be a regular occurrence, so they recorded Norris' voice on a cassette tape to play to Ben if needs be. In 2002, Ben was christened, with Curly's parents,
Arthur
Arthur is a masculine given name of uncertain etymology. Its popularity derives from it being the name of the legendary hero King Arthur.
A common spelling variant used in many Slavic, Romance, and Germanic languages is Artur. In Spanish and Ital ...
(Geoff Oldman) and Eunice Watts (Angela Rooks) in attendance. In September 2003, when Ben was only a year old, the Watts family moved from ''Weatherfield'' to
Newcastle
Newcastle usually refers to:
*Newcastle upon Tyne, a city and metropolitan borough in Tyne and Wear, England, United Kingdom
*Newcastle-under-Lyme, a town in Staffordshire, England, United Kingdom
*Newcastle, New South Wales, a metropolitan area ...
.
References
{{Coronation Street characters, year, state=expanded
2001
The year's most prominent event was the September 11 attacks against the United States by al-Qaeda, which Casualties of the September 11 attacks, killed 2,977 people and instigated the global war on terror. The United States led a Participan ...
Coronation Street
''Coronation Street'' (colloquially referred to as ''Corrie'') is a British television soap opera created by ITV Granada, Granada Television and shown on ITV (TV network), ITV since 9 December 1960. The programme centres on a cobbled, terraced ...