Episode 2479 (2nd January 1985)

Episode 2479
Production code	P694/1479
ITV transmission date	2nd January 1985 (Wednesday)
Stories by	Tom Elliott Peter Tonkinson
Writer	John Stevenson
Designer	Eric Deakins
Director	Nicholas Ferguson
Executive Producer	Bill Podmore
Producer	Mervyn Watson
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Previous episode	31st December 1984
Next episode	7th January 1985

Plot

Elaine wants Kevin to go to Southampton with them. Hilda advertises for a lady lodger as she's feeling lonely. Bet feels sure that Gordon Lewis has got the job and he'll sack her. Elaine tells Kevin she doesn't want to split the family up and says that if he doesn't go with them he'll be splitting it up. Sarah Ridley tells Gordon that she wants him to take over the Docker's Arms and makes Bet manageress of the Rovers. Henry Wakefield calls on Hilda as a prospective lodger. Bill rows with Kevin for mouthing Elaine and threatens to thump him if it happens again. Bet looks forward to moving into the Rovers and has to go on a training course. Kevin packs his stuff. Bill refuses to stop him leaving.

Cast

Regular cast

• Bet Lynch - Julie Goodyear
• Mavis Riley - Thelma Barlow
• Rita Fairclough - Barbara Knox
• Hilda Ogden - Jean Alexander
• Debbie Webster - Sue Devaney
• Kevin Webster - Michael Le Vell
• Bill Webster - Peter Armitage
• Betty Turpin - Betty Driver
• Jack Duckworth - William Tarmey
• Mike Baldwin - Johnny Briggs
• Ken Barlow - William Roache
• Deirdre Barlow - Anne Kirkbride

Guest cast

• Gordon Lewis - David Daker
• Elaine Prior - Judy Gridley
• Sarah Ridley - Carole Nimmons
• Henry Wakefield - Finetime Fontayne

Places

• Coronation Street
• Rovers Return Inn - Public and back room
• 11 Coronation Street - Back room/kitchen and hallway
• 13 Coronation Street - Hallway
• The Kabin

Notes

• TV Times synopsis: Who's to be the new boss at the Rovers? Sarah Ridley arrives with the brewery's decision. Elaine Prior begs Kevin Webster not to split his family by refusing to move to Southampton after the wedding. Can she succeed where his father Bill failed?
• Viewing Figures: First UK broadcast - 21,400,000 viewers (1st place). This was the highest-rated episode of the year and, based on a single showing of an episode, is the most-watched edition of the programme ever broadcast.