In last night's episode we were reminded by Rita about that golden Corrie moment when Alec Gilroy and Betty landed in bed together back in 1998. The scenario was that Betty's house was being decorated and because she couldn't stand the fumes, Rita offered her a bed for the night as Alec was away in London. Rita slept in Alec's bed while Betty slept in Rita's bed. But, Alec came home that night and crawled into Rita's bed thinking they could have a rendezvous. Alec was horrified it was Betty who was under the duvet!
Relive this classic moment by watching the video and let's remind ourselves of the great, late Betty who was indeed one of Corrie's greats. The classic moment starts 6.36 minutes in :)
The focus was of course on Betty tonight in both episodes, but the writers successfully weaved in other story lines. Particularly striking was the thread concerning Norris and his efforts to settle Betty's unpaid paper bill. Viewers are left gasping as Norris works on Gordon, beginning with shameless flattery. She was 'a wonderful, wonderful person' he states to her bereaved son. Going in for the kill, well, the hope of a fully paid up paper bill anyway, he informs Gordon that Betty was 'an avid reader,' Norris showing himself to be a master of subtlety. When Gordon confirms that Betty read The Gazette from 'cover to cover', and that if the newspaper boy was late there would be 'hell to pay' Norris begins to get excited, but quickly realises he has misinterpreted Gordon's words. Undeterred, Norris gives it one more go and turns for a second time to flattery, this time about Betty's admirably prompt remuneration. No luck! Then, out of nowhere, Mary appears and asks, 'Any joy?' For just a moment we expect from Norris an uncharacteristic moment of generosity, but all he can manage is, 'Some customers simply get away with it.'
Particularly heartbreaking was the reminder of how the bereaved have to deal with the minutiae of the deceased person's life. Norris's careful writing of Account Closed summed that up very well. He redeemed himself to some extent by settling the bill, even though it was a mere £4.65.
Something in Betty's letter to her friends might have made many viewers sit up and take notice. It was the line from the 'old song' which says, 'It's later than you think.' Thank you Betty; we all need reminding of that sometimes in order to make the best of things.
Viewers may find this website useful www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk
RIP Betty Preston - Turpin - Williams
Will we ever see the likes of barmaid Betty again on Coronation Street? Was her send-off in tonight's Corrie everything that she deserved - and more? Leave your comments and tributes to Betty, below.
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