Boris Johnson has praised 'Coronation Street' as a "great British institution", as the soap celebrated its 60th anniversary today (09.12.20).
Boris Johnson
The Prime Minister has joined many others today by heaping praise on the ITV show for entertaining the nation for "six fantastic decades", following its first-ever episode on December 9th, 1960.
He wrote on Twitter: "The residents of Weatherfield have entertained us for six fantastic decades with gripping storylines & characters loved by many. Coronation Street is not only a great British institution but a place where many across our country feel at home. Happy 60th Birthday @itvcorrie (sic)"
Earlier today, MP Andrew Jones wished 'Corrie' a happy 60th birthday during Prime Minister's Questions.
Speaking in Parliament, he said: "Today is Coronation Street's 60th anniversary.
"It's the world's longest-running TV drama serial.
"This is an amazing landmark, so congratulations to it."
Bill Roache, who has played Ken Barlow since the show's first-ever episode, believes the soap has stood the test of time because it is about real people.
Speaking on 'BBC Breakfast', he said: "It's about ordinary people in a little back street fighting the adversity of life.
"The main thing is, the programme has been organic, changing with the times.
"There's no reason why it shouldn't go on forever."
Several cobbles stars past and present took to social media today to praise 'Corrie' on its big birthday.
Kym Marsh - who previously played Michelle Connor on the soap - admitted the show gave her the "best journey of [her] life".
She wrote: "Happy 60th birthday @itvcorrie you look fantastic for your age!! Haha! I have so much love for you! You gave me the best journey of my life and my time with you was just wonderful! You may be 60 but you never get old!! Love you all my Corrie family (sic)"
Catherin Tyldesley (Eva Price) admitted she will be "forever proud" to have stepped foot on the cobbles.
She wrote on Instagram: "To the greatest show there is @coronationstreet !!! Happy 60th my beautiful family!!! Forever proud and honoured to have walked/tumbled/been carried/fell on those cobbles. Such a huge and wonderful part of my life. Wishing you another marvellous 60 years!! A magical place. A heart that will never lose its indestructible northern beat. I love you (sic)"
Shobna Gulati thanked 'Corrie' for her years on the show as Sunita Alahan - who she played from 2001 to 2006 and from 2009 to 2013 until she was killed off - and she gave a quick round-up of the late character's life on the soap.
She posted: "Life and love THANK-YOU #Corrie Sunita corner shop assistant to barmaid - single , love triangle ,brain tumour ,kidnapped, burning shop, married , jailed , buried in rubble tram crash, pregnant/twins ,separated , re kindled ,adulteress, burning Rovers return , murdered.THE END (sic)"
Sally Ann Matthews, who currently plays Jenny Connor on the programme, remembered those 'Corrie' legends who are no longer with us.
She tweeted: "Happy 60th birthday Corrie. What would my life have been like without you? Today I’m thinking about everyone who has played a part in the show. Friends who are no longer with us, my work family I won’t be able to hug today, colleagues we haven’t seen for months - love you all! x (sic)"
Alexandra Mardell (Emma Brooker) wrote: "Happy 60th @itvcorrie So lucky to be a part of this legend of a show! Still doesn’t feel real! (sic)"
'Corrie' newcomer Gareth Pierce (Todd Grimshaw) posted: "Happy birthday, @itvcorrie! 60 years. Wow. Got goosebumps watching the documentary the other night. I can already attest to what a special place to work this is. Penblwydd hapus (fel bo’ ni’n dweud yng Nghymru)! (sic)"
And it wasn't just actors who got involved in marking the soap's anniversary, as Transport for Greater Manchester also got in on the act.
A Traffic Information sign in Manchester today read: "From Street Cars to the Weatherfield tram, we'll get you to the Rovers.
"Happy 60th Corrie. TFGM."
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, tweeted: "A very happy 60th to everyone at @itvcorrie - one of our greatest Greater Manchester institutions! (sic)"
'Corrie' was the brainchild of Salford-born script writer Tony Warren, and tells the story of the residents of fictional, cobbled town Weatherfield.
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