[press release]
60th Anniversary of Coronation Street Marked with New Special Stamps

• Eight stamps showcase some of Coronation Street’s most loved duos over the years: Ena Sharples and Elsie Tanner; Stan and Hilda Ogden; Vera and Jack Duckworth; Deirdre and Ken Barlow; Rita Tanner and Norris Cole; Hayley and Roy Cropper; Sunita and Dev Alahan; and Tracy and Steve McDonald
• Each image is complemented with a quote that conveys the essence of each relationship
• Completing the set are four further stamps, presented in a miniature sheet, that celebrate characters who have worked behind the bar at the iconic Rovers Return: Bet Lynch; Raquel Watts; Liz McDonald; and Gemma Winter
• First broadcast in 1960, Coronation Street is the world’s longest-running television continuing drama – with over 10,000 episodes featuring more than 5000 characters
• A full set of all 12 stamps, available in a Presentation Pack, retails at £14.20
• The stamps and a range of collectible products are available now at www.royalmail.com/coronationstreet and by phone on 03457 641 641
• The stamps will be available on general sale from Thursday 28 May

Royal Mail today reveals images of 12 stamps being issued to mark the 60th anniversary of the world’s longest running TV continuing drama, Coronation Street.
Eight stamps in the set are inspired by some of Coronation Street’s most loved duos over the years: Ena Sharples and Elsie Tanner; Stan and Hilda Ogden; Vera and Jack Duckworth; Deirdre and Ken Barlow; Rita Tanner and Norris Cole; Hayley and Roy Cropper; Sunita and Dev Alahan; and Tracy and Steve McDonald. Each of the images is complemented with a quote that conveys the essence of the couple’s relationship.

A further four stamps are presented in a miniature sheet and celebrate characters who have worked behind the bar at the iconic Rovers Return: Bet Lynch; Raquel Watts; Liz McDonald; and Gemma Winter.

The show was created by the late Tony Warren, a young man from Salford who penned the first scripts about the inhabitants of a fictional northern backstreet with its end-of-the-row pub.

Within months of its first broadcast, which went out live on Friday 9 December 1960, Coronation Street became the country’s most-watched programme and has remained in the top 10 most watched TV shows every week since. The authenticity of its characters and storytelling made ground-breaking British television as the drama portrayed working class lives for the first time on the small screen. Six decades later, the unforgettable storylines and original trademark northern wit are the epicentre of a programme which is now an international hit, selling to over 100 countries.

Coronation Street’s iconic characters are now part of British culture – Hilda Ogden despairing of her work-shy hubby Stan, Elsie Tanner and Ena Sharples’ bust-ups, Bet Lynch’s love life, the bond between Roy and Hayley Cropper, Rita and Mavis, the McDonalds, the Barlows and the Alahans… their stories have enthralled fans week after week.

There has now been more than 10,000 episodes of Coronation Street. Of the 5 0000 characters that have walked the cobbles only one original member – Ken Barlow, played by William Roache, shown on the right – is still in the cast today, an international achievement noted by Guinness World Records.

Iain MacLeod, Series Producer, Coronation Street, said: “In our historic 60th year, it is an honour to have the show immortalised in this fashion. Coronation Street has had many iconic double acts down the years. Indeed, it’s a defining feature of the show. I hope fans will agree that the ones we’ve chosen, after much heated debate, are among the best of the bunch. This fun idea is a great way to pay homage to the nation’s best loved soap and give lovers of Coronation Street a little smile when an envelope pops through their letterbox and they see their favourite characters looking up at them.”

Philip Parker, Royal Mail, said: “For six decades Coronation Street’s fans have witnessed the unfolding lives of its residents, and shared their sorrows and laughter. We celebrate the nation’s best-known street with stamps showing some of its unforgettable characters.”

The full range of stamps, and other collectible products are available now at www.royalmail.com/coronationstreet and by phone on 03457 641 641.
The full set of 12 stamps, available in a Presentation Pack, retails at £14.20.

The stamps will go on general sale from Thursday 28 May.

Reason and Inspiration:
60 years since the first episode of Coronation Street was broadcast

STAMPS IN DETAIL
Price = £8.92 / Code = AS5800
Eight stamps inspired by some of Coronation Street’s most loved characters; starting from the early years with Ena & Elsie, through to current day show characters, Tracy and Steve. Each image is complimented by a corresponding quote that captures the essence of each relationship – some more loving than others! Stamp Sheet
Price: £4.36 / Code: MZ154
The Coronation Street Stamp Sheet celebrates key characters who have worked behind the bar over the years; from iconic Bet Lynch to most recently, Gemma Winter. All Coronation Street stamp products:

First Day Covers:
Price: £11.35 / Code: AF454
First Day Cover with alternative postmarkA personalised (will include customer name & address) memento of the day of issue. Includes a filler card (described below) the full set of eight Special Stamps cancelled the with alternative postmark, location being Salford, home to the Coronation Street studios in Manchester. The picture uses the official Coronation Street logo, with the issue date being 28.5.20. The envelope design features the flying ducks, a familiar part of the set design from the early years and now considered a show icon.*Please see note about postmarking & product availability

First Day Cover with the Tallents House (Standard) postmarkThe same as above but with the Tallents House postmark. Again, it includes the filler card and full set of eight Special Stamps cancelled by a handstamp which takes inspiration from the show’s famous title sequence. Location is Tallents House with issue date 28.5.20 *Please see not about postmarking and availability.

Minisheet FDCs:
Price: £5.90 / Code: MF150
First Day Cover with alternative postmarkA personalised (will include customer name & address) memento of the day of issue.. Includes a filler card (described above) the stamp sheet, cancelled the with alternative postmark, location being Salford, home to the Coronation Street studios in Manchester. (Envelope & handstamp info same as stamps FDC)

First Day Cover with the Tallents House (Standard) postmarkThe same as above but with the Tallents House postmark. Again, it includes the filler card and miniature sheet cancelled by a handstamp which takes inspiration from the show’s famous title sequence. Location is Tallents House with issue date 28.5.20 *Please see note about postmarking and availability.