British archive channel Talking Pictures TV is to broadcast a vintage Christmas special of Coronation Street. The special, first aired in 1968, has been unseen on television for decades.
What is Coronation Street?
Coronation Street first aired on ITV in December 1960. The British soap was created by Tony Warren. It followed the lives of the residents of a fictional street in Manchester. Popular characters that lived on the street during the 60s included Annie Walker, Elsie Tanner, Albert Tatlock and Ena Sharples. The show still runs to this day, having aired over 10,000 episodes. Ken Barlow, who was in the first episode, still makes appearances in the modern show
The Special in Question:
Unseen for decades, this festive 60-minute special sees Jack and Annie Walker introduce flashbacks to bygone years as they prepare for festivities in The Rovers Return. Jack and Annie were played by Arthur Leslie and Doris Speed respectively.
Jamie’s Reaction
This is a huge surprise, but totally in keeping with the scheduling of Talking Pictures. It won’t be to everyone’s taste, but to see an unaltered glimpse at a vintage piece of Coronation Street history will be nostalgic for some.
When I saw the channel finding gems in the Granada archive, this was the last thing I would have expected. I look forward to watching this intriguing retrospective, fronted by two iconic characters that helped establish the show in it’s early years.
Talking Pictures at Christmas
Talking Pictures TV has announced several classic programming to air over Christmas. Highlights include a 1986 Cinderella pantomime starring Danny La Rue, a Dame Edna Special and the 2000 adaptation of The Railway Children. In an annual tradition, the channel will also air the 1951 adaptation of A Christmas Carol, starring Alistair Sim.
Christmas in the Street will air on Talking Pictures on the 26th of December (Boxing Day) at 5:15pm. Please see the channel’s schedule for any further screenings
Will you be watching Christmas in the Street? Let us know your thoughts on social media, or in the comments below.
