Why coronation street

Coronation Street creator Tony Warren recalls that in the very early episodes "no-one had a telephone, no-one went on foreign holidays, no-one had a car. What they did have was strong female characters ruling the roost. Before the rise of "women's lib", Ena Sharples, Elsie Tanner and Annie Walker demonstrated a more traditional form of feminism, paving the way for Hilda Ogden, Bet Lynch and a half-century of sharp-tongued, assertive women. Warren's Coronation Street - though less celebrated by the critics than Osborne's and Sillito's works - was more influential because of the size of its audience.

Unlike the novel and the stage play, the new medium of television brought ordinary people's stories - and regional accents - to millions of people all over the country.

Ratings battle. For viewers, it became a twice-weekly appointment to view, a habit that was hard to break. From to - more than half its lifetime - Coronation Street went out at GMT every Monday and Wednesday, often attracting audiences of 20 million or more. Such huge viewing figures, week after week, brought ITV the advertising revenue and financial stability that underwrote its less popular "quality" programmes.

Without the security of Corrie, it is unlikely that Granada could have afforded its more ambitious and award-winning dramas such as Brideshead Revisited and Jewel in the Crown. Like all long-running shows, Corrie has had its ups and downs. In the 70s, ratings fell to a low of 8m and in the early s there was speculation that it could come to an end, as a clutch of its original stars retired.

Rival soaps EastEnders and Brookside had also began to challenge Corrie in the ratings battle. But it hit back with more dramatic storylines, new sets and production techniques and got back into its stride. Nowadays, partly buoyed by an increased budget and publicity for its anniversary year, it's flourishing - and that's crucial for the future of ITV. The X Factor, I'm A Celebrity and Downton Abbey have all won very large audiences this year, but Corrie pulls millions of viewers and millions of pounds in advertising all the year round.

The show is also sold to more than 40 countries and that income - plus money from merchandising and digital opportunities - comes direct to the broadcaster, because the series is made by ITV Studios.

While other long-running TV 'brands' are shuffled off to the retirement home of the small digital channels, Coronation Street will be around for many years to come. In pictures: 50 years of Corrie. Corrie tram accident pulls in 13m. Jack's Corrie finale seen by 11m. Coronation Street's Kelly left devastated by Asha.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below. Latest News. Corrie's Summer makes big decision over Aadi. Coronation Street's Stu Carpenter set to reappear. Corrie's Daniel and Daisy make secret romance plan.

Corrie star talks Kelly homelessness storyline. Corrie's Aadi makes dangerous decision. Corrie's Max disgusts David with online video. Corrie's Sam in life-or-death drama with Lily. Corrie reveals first look at Tyrone punch shock. Coronation Street Spoilers. Tue 16 Nov: Kelly's problems get worse. Wed 17 Nov: Aadi misses a call for help.