List of Coronation Street characters (1962) facts for kids

Coronation Street is a very popular British TV show called a soap opera. It started way back on 9 December 1960! This list tells you about some of the characters who joined the show in its third year, 1962.

In the first part of 1962, the show faced a big challenge. Actors went on strike, so new characters couldn't be added for five months. This meant the show had to rely on a small group of actors who had already signed long contracts. Because of the strike, some regular characters like Emily Nugent, Leonard Swindley, and Dennis Tanner weren't seen on screen. No new faces appeared until the strike ended in April.

After the strike finished, many of the old characters came back. In July, a kind young builder named Jerry Booth joined the show. He was played by Graham Haberfield. Jerry became a very important character for the next thirteen years. In August, the Street had its second baby born on screen: Christopher Hewitt, whose parents were Concepta and Harry. Later in September, a long-term character named Dave Smith also made his first appearance.

New Faces in 1962

Philippa Scopes

Philippa Scopes was the fancy girlfriend of Billy Walker. Billy's mum, Annie, didn't like Philippa at all. Philippa was an aspiring actress. She didn't want to give up her fancy life for Billy. So, she ended their relationship and went back to London.

Colin Appleby

Colin Appleby was an old boyfriend of Christine Hardman. They met again by chance and quickly fell in love. Colin and Christine got married just a few days later, on 20 June 1962. They moved to London that night. Sadly, in October, Christine returned alone. Colin had died in a car accident, making her a widow when she was only in her twenties.

Phyllis Gregory

Phyllis Gregory was the wife of Bill Gregory. She came to the Street hoping to get back together with him. This caused problems for Bill, who was also seeing Elsie Tanner. Bill had to choose between the two women. He decided to try again with Phyllis, and they left the Street together. Years later, in 1970, Phyllis passed away. Bill and Elsie eventually ended up together, 22 years after their first meeting.

Jerry Booth

Gerald William "Jerry" Booth was played by Graham Haberfield. Jerry joined in July 1962 as a new apprentice for Len Fairclough at the builder's yard. They quickly became good friends. At first, Jerry liked Sheila Birtles, but she later fell for her new boss and forgot about Jerry.

Jerry met Myra Dickenson in 1963. Myra encouraged Jerry to propose, and they got married in October 1963, only a couple of months after meeting. They moved into number thirteen. However, Myra spent too much money, and they couldn't live on just Jerry's income. Bills started to pile up. Myra realized the trouble they were in and got very upset. They decided to move in with Myra's parents to sort out their money problems. The Booths left Weatherfield in May 1964.

Jerry returned in February 1965, having separated from Myra. He shared that Myra was pregnant when they left, but their baby girl was stillborn. This sad event caused them to drift apart. In 1966, Jerry almost found happiness again when Sheila, his old flame, came back. However, he was put off when he learned about Sheila's life with her husband and their son. In 1968, Myra returned hoping to get back together. But Jerry insisted he had moved on and continued with their divorce.

Jerry eventually became a partner in Len's building company. He later left for a fresh start after being the best man at Dennis Tanner's wedding. Jerry came back in 1971, and Len offered him his old job. Jerry eventually moved in with Len and Ray Langton to help keep their house in order.

Mavis Riley became good friends with Jerry in 1973. They started to have feelings for each other, but they were both too shy to say anything. The timing was never quite right for their romance to truly blossom. Sadly, their growing relationship ended suddenly. Jerry died of a heart attack in November 1975, at just thirty-four years old. This happened because the actor, Graham Haberfield, passed away suddenly in real life. Jerry's friends and neighbours were very shocked and sad.

Sam Leach

Sam Leach was Jerry Booth's uncle. He arrived from Newcastle and soon got a job at the Rovers pub. Sam impressed the locals with his kind actions. However, the police soon showed up looking for him. The locals wondered why, even thinking he might have hurt his wife, Maureen. It turned out he was only wanted for leaving her. Sam then returned home.

Christopher Hewitt

Christopher Hewitt was the baby born to Harry and Concepta Hewitt in 1962. His mother's pregnancy caused some talk on the Street because many thought Concepta, at 34, was too old to have a baby. But his birth brought joy to everyone. To celebrate their first wedding anniversary, the Hewitts threw a party at the Rovers. The party was cut short when Christopher was taken from outside a shop. Three days later, Elsie Tanner saw Joan Akers with a baby. Elsie recognized the child as Christopher and called the police. Joan was arrested, and Christopher was safely returned. The Hewitt family, except for Lucille, left the Street in 1964.

Dave Smith

Dave Smith was a bookmaker and local businessman. He appeared on the show many times between 1962 and 1976. Dave first appeared for two episodes in September 1962 as the owner of the local betting shop. He was immediately interested in Elsie Tanner and invited her on holiday. Elsie returned a few weeks later, having gotten bored of Dave's company.

Dave came back in 1966 and appeared on and off for the next ten years. He made his last appearance in 1976. He left Weatherfield to go to Kenilworth with Blanche Hunt, an old friend, to run a country club.

Joan Akers

Joan Akers was a school friend of Linda Cheveski's. She was the one who took Christopher Hewitt. Joan's own baby had died a year before. After Christopher was returned to his mother, Joan asked for forgiveness, but Concepta refused.

Susan Schofield

Susan Schofield was a student at Bessie Street School. Albert Tatlock worked there as a lollipop man, helping kids cross the road safely. Albert became worried about Susan because he often saw her with bruises. He became her friend. When he asked about her home life, Susan cried and said her father was violent. Albert visited Susan's house, and her father, Jim, threatened him. But Albert didn't back down. With support from other men on Coronation Street, they warned Jim they would call the police if the violence continued. Two years later, in 1964, Susan was hit by a lorry and died on Rosamund Street.

Other Characters in 1962