Jack, Vera, Rita and me: The Corrie star you've never heard of who has been in 50 episodes over 40 years and had six different parts
direct to your inboxIt was 1965, back when the show was in screened in black and white, perfect for depicting northern backstreets.Ena Sharples nursing a stout, delivering sharp-tongued observations, and flame-haired Elsie Tanner at her strident glamorous best.Coronation Street, which was first shown on December 9th 1960, was already on its way to becoming a national treasure, with its gritty portrayal of ordinary lives, when Jim Whelan made his debut.He threw a few darts in The Rovers Return - and was paid £6 for his performance.It was a modest start for what would be 40 years as an extra in the soap that is still the best.