Connie Rathbone

Connie Rathbone was first seen in Episode 7056 (17th April 2009) knocking on Number 9 as Jack was walking back from the Rovers. She was returning Scarlet, one of Jack's pigeons, who had turned up on her doorstep. She told Jack that her father was a pigeon fancier and that she used to help out, so he invited her in for a cup of tea to see the rest of his flock.

In the next episode we find out that Connie is a widow - her husband died soon after retiring - who lives in Middleton with her sister, but came from Wigan originally. Jack tells her he had an aunt who lived there. They reminisce about a cafe Jack used to go in.

Jack tells Tyrone and Molly that Connie is his saviour, though she modestly disagrees. Starting pigeon races was the highlight of her weekends as a girl.

Could this be the start of a beautiful friendship?

First words
To Jack: "Oh, er, excuse me you don't know if anyone's in at number nine do ya?"