Violet Carson

Ena Sharples, the role that Violet Carson O.B.E. is best remembered for came at the end of a long and eclectic career.

Norn in Manchester (specifiacally German Street, Ancoats] on the 1st September 1898, though she often claimed to have been born in 1905 Violet was, along with her elder sister Nellie, part of the singing act 'The Carson' sisters. She was employed as a pianist at Manchesters Market Street cinema. She married George Peplow, who she had known from Childhood, in Manchester Cathedral in September 1926. She was twenty eight. George died two years later, and Violet never married again.

Violet found work as a singer in early radio adverts and her she was employed for her piano skills on the radio series Have A Go. Radio was the medium in whih she first found wide spread fame becoming known by the nations children as Aunti Vi the persenter of the World Service programme Childrens Hour. She also presented the B.B.C. Norths Womens Hour, One of the child actors on Childrens Hour was Tony Warren who was later to cast her in Coronation Street.

Carson was a late minute casting as Ena Sharples and was the last actor to audition for the role. She made a memorable appearance in the second half of the |first episode. She took over the role forom Nan Marriott-Watson who played her in the pilot episode. Ena's iconic hair net was an addition of Violets own, to protecct the hair she was so proud of from the ministrations of Granadas make up girls.

Violet was quickly established as a major success in the role and was awarded an O.B.E. in 1965. Other honours and tributes followed such as two waxwork models, and an honoury degree of Master of Arts from Manchester University in 1973. In 1963 a rose was named after her.

Failing health following a series of strokes meant Violet played a diminishing role in the programme throughout the 1970s, before she made the last of her 1148 appearances as Ena in 1980. The character was not given a definatively conclusive story line as it was the intention of all involved that she would return from time to time. This was not to be and En's retirement to St. Annes was permenant. One of Violets last public appearances was to celebrate the 2000th episode of the programme, where she attended a street party with local children.

Violet retired to Bispham, Blackpool where she lived in seclusion with her elder sister. She dies on 26th December 1983. She was cremated at the Carleton Crematorium, Blackpool, and there is a commemorative memorial at Bispham Parish Church in Blackpool. ITV screened an episode of Coronation Street from 1967 and dedicated it to her but her lasting memorial is that she is still remembered for her iconic performacnce. Indeed nearly three decades after she last appeared as the character her waxwork model is still on display in Blackpools Louis Tussauds Waxworks.