Celebrities who have appeared as background artists on the show include: Cliff Richard Mel B Peter Schmeichel.

A number of famous faces have paid visits to the set including: Diana Dors Dustin Hoffman Alfred Hitchcock Howard Keel Boy George Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair Queen Elizabeth II The Duke of Edinburgh.

Famous fans include: Anthony Hopkins Michael Parkinson Julie Walters Cliff Richard Victoria Wood Cilla Black Cheryl Cole Snoop Dogg.

Famous faces who have walked on the Weatherfield cobbles include: Joanna Lumley Ben Kingsley Ian McKellen Stephanie Beacham Patricia Routledge Patrick Stewart Martin Shaw June Whitfield Anna Friel Nigel Havers.

A live episode was broadcast to mark the series’ 40th anniversary in December 2000 – the first time the show had been broadcast live since 19.

Viewers were given their first glimpse of Coronation Street in full colour when the first colour episode was transmitted on 3rd November 1969.The theme tune was written by Eric Spear, who died in 1966.Russell Harty once infamously commented: “There was life before Coronation Street, but it didn’t add up to much.”.

Tony Warren penned a total of 76 scripts between 19.

The first episode was penned within 24 hours, 13 episodes were commissioned and the face of British television was set to change forever.

A young scriptwriter called Tony Warren created the series, originally titled Florizel Street.

Nearly 7,500 episodes later Coronation Street continues to be a ratings success, captivating audiences worldwide.

Coronation Street began at 7pm on Friday 9th December 1960.

30 Days by Joanna Tilsley