Corrie A-Z: B is for Barmaids

(This post was originally posted by Llifon on the Coronation Street Blog in April 2013.)

A Rovers barmaids reunion



Since 1960, there have been 56 barmaids serving behind the Rovers bar. Some have only lasted a few weeks or months, while others have served for many years. Their storylines usually involve a complicated love life where they are manipulated by the men in their lives and hide behind the public façade of being a barmaid.

Concepta Riley was the first barmaid and served until 1962.

Betty Turpin/Williams holds the record for longest serving barmaid, clocking 43 years behind the bar. Famed for her hotpot, she began in 1969 and worked for 11 licensees. She became a mother figure and shoulder to cry for her young fellow barmaids and her customers.

Fellow barmaid Bet Lynch served for 15 years between 1970 and 1985 and rose to become landlady before leaving in 1995. During her stint as barmaid, she was famed for her beehive, earrings and flirting with customers. Without a doubt, she is Corrie’s most famous barmaid, and indeed soap’s famous barmaid.

Other barmaids who’ve been behind the bar include Lucille Hewitt (1967-1974), Gloria Todd (1985-1988), Liz McDonald (1990-1996, 2004-2010), Raquel Wolstenhulme (1991-1996), Shelley Unwin (2001-2006), Violet Wilson (2004-2008), Michelle Connor (2006-2010) and Becky Granger/McDonald (2008-2011). Tina McIntyre is the current Rovers barmaid.

Some Corrie veterans have been Rovers barmaids including Emily (1968-1970), Blanche (1974), Gail (1976) and Sally (1986).

Who's your favourite Rovers barmaid? Vote now and also leave your comments!



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