Episode 1 (Coronation Street) Episode 1 (Coronation Street) The first episode of the British television soap opera "Coronation Street" was broadcast live on the 9 December 1960, it was broadcast in black-and-white. Episode 2 was video taped shortly after the airing. The series first introduces Florrie Lindley (Betty Alberge), who has bought up the local Corner Shop from Elsie Lappin (Maudie Edwards), who has now retired after working there for many years. Elsie warns Florrie about the residents and stays around to show her the tricks of the trade. At No. 11, Elsie Tanner (Pat Phoenix) berates her 18-year-old son Dennis (Philip Lowrie), who
Coronation Street central figures. These three women remained with the show for 20 years or more, and became archetypes of British soap opera, often being emulated by other serials. Ena was the street's busybody, battle-axe and self-proclaimed moral voice. Elsie was the tart with a heart, who was constantly hurt by men in the search for true love. Annie Walker, landlady of the Rovers Return Inn, had delusions of grandeur and saw herself as better than other residents of "Coronation Street". "Coronation Street" became known for the portrayal of strong female characters, including original cast characters like Ena, Annie and Elsie, and