A disoriented Ena was later caught accidentally stealing from a supermarket. Blanche Hunt: An alcoholic and an arsonist open a bar? Minnie was usually content to let Ena do the talking while she only partially listened. Eileen Grimshaw: Yeah, and Sarah's been through half the lads in Weatherfield. And you made me feel it was my fault! Conman Frank Holmes tried to con Ena in 1976 but she cottoned on in time and summoned friends Len Fairclough and Eddie Yeats who performed a citizen's arrest. Rita Littlewood: Oh. The first reference to her after this was in the 1985 spin-off video The Jubilee Years when Ken Barlow revealed that Ena died "a couple of years ago", placing her death around the same time as that of Carson's. Tim Metcalfe: She put the "chest" in Manchester, that's for sure. Within six months of the show's first broadcast, it had become the most-watched programme on British television, and is now a significant part of British culture. There was a link to this article on the BBC site about Northern Drama as the television show, Waterloo Road is about . One of the main characters during the 1960s, she was featured less regularly in the 1970s due to the declining health of actress Violet Carson, and was written out in 1980. [Blanche, their landlady, is kicking Frankie and Danny out of their house, without notice]. Valerie Tatlock: Well let's see you smile, then. [points at Peter] And this one 'ere, he's an alcoholic, you know! Vera hadn't yet been told her condition was terminal. 6, a purpose-built OAP ground floor flat. She also enjoyed singing and led the residents into sing-songs on various special occasions. Shelley Unwin: Yes, I have, and I thought it was me but it's not. Hayley Cropper: [entering empty factory] Well, where is she? You sound like a parent whose kids go to Weatherfield High, a parent with no ambition. Gail Potter: [to Richard Hillman] You're Norman Bates with a briefcase. During her school days Ena met Martha Hartley (Lynne Carol) and Minnie Carlton (Margot Bryant), establishing lifelong friendships. When the war ended, Alfred and Ena ran into each other again and he told her that his marriage had been in name only - he'd had to marry the daughter of someone his father had owed money to. Carson stayed with the show until 2 April 1980. Brian Packham: I know. Gail Potter: And Todd's been through the other half! Minnie was furious and told Ena their friendship was over, though she later relented. Maxine Peacock: You should've stayed at the party, Maxine! Run For Your Life (feat. In court, Ena pleaded not guilty, but refused to give her age when questioned, saying only that she was over 21. It attracted little media or public attention, as the producers intended her to continue in the serial the character was merely going to stay with a friend, Henry Foster, in St Annes while her flat in Coronation Street was being renovated. There was an instant chemistry, but Ena was upset to learn he was already married and broke contact with him. Violet Helen Carson, OBE (1 September 1898 - 26 December 1983) was a British actress of radio, stage and television, and a singer and pianist, who had a long and celebrated career as an actress and performer during the early days of BBC Radio, and during the last two decades of her life as the matronly Christian widow, town gossip and elderly battle-axe Ena Sharples in the ITV television . Tony Gordon: Oi! The Lomaxes offered to house Ena but she declined. Ena: I would just like to go the way me mother did. [Hayley looks at Carla. In 1978 she commented to the TV Times that "Violet Carson was destroyed the day Ena Sharples first appeared in Coronation Street.". It quickly became a permanent part of the character's apparel, added by Violet Carson, who refused to let the make-up department touch her elegantly-styled silver hair. Ena married Alfred in 1920 and they had three children: Vera, Madge and Ian. The Weatherfield Mission committee decided to close one of their halls in 1965 due to the lack of interest, with the choice falling between the Coronation Street Mission and the Bold Street Mission. In 1973, Ena suffered two heart attacks, but refused to move away as she wanted to die in the street. Ena spent much of 1974 living in St Annes, making occasional visits to Minnie at No. In her schooling days, Ena met Martha Hartley and Minnie Carlton, establishing lifelong friendships. Shelley Unwin: Peter. ", [the topic of conversation in the Rovers' Snug is death]. In a book written about Women and Soap Opera, Ena was described as "brusque and uncompromising, refusing to adjust to the changing times". "Coronation Street Quotes." She was delighted in 1970 to meet young Tony Parsons, who shared her passion for the harmonium. Alfred also informed Ena that his wife had recently died, so Ena decided to give him another chance. I've got something for you. It must have had some place, or else viewers would not have reacted so well to Ena Sharples. This is available as an extra on the Tram Crash DVD, released in 2011. Ena later became close to the Lomax family and was often called upon to watch Colin. Living in the same street for many years had led them to at least understand each other. Actor Michael Melia has claimed in an interview that he thought the character of Ena was "the most forbidding face on the street. Influenced by the conventions of the kitchen sink drama, Coronation Street is noted for its depiction of a down-to-earth, working-class community, combined with light-hearted humour and strong characters. Coronation Street - Clip 10 - Martha, Ena and Minnie 17,721 views Jan 8, 2010 Minnie Caldwell (Margot Bryant) along with Martha Longhurst (Lynne Carol) and Ena Sharples (Violet Carsen). In 1989, Deirdre Barlow mentioned that "Ena Sharples will be turning in her grave" thus implying Ena has died by this time. Ena was grateful for the offer and moved back into the Street. STANDS4 LLC, 2023. Maya Sharma: You don't want to get married! Ena's forcefulness and argumentativeness was her key strength as well as her biggest weakness. [Dev has just said he'd like to stay at home and take care of Sunita, who is ill, instead of going abroad to marry Maya]. That's all. Ena and Albert became close enough that he would stay with her family while on leave but, when he asked her if she wanted to be more than friends, she declined, stating that she was still mourning Phil. Ena had been aware of the many men Elsie had entertained at No.11 over the years, and strongly disapproved considering she was still married and opined that she was putting her own needs above those of her children. Albert Tatlock was foisted on her as "co-caretaker", though she insisted on being called "senior caretaker". Sophie Webster: And that top doesn't suit you but you still wear it. Ken Barlow: You're painting a very negative picture, Blanche. For running around you for the past week? Steve McDonald: You tell Karen about the baby, I will make you pay, I will make you suffer. There is always a bright side to every situation. [2] Atop the souvenir kiosk, Reeba belts out a quick rendition of "Paper Moon", whilst Emilia chose this moment - for some solemn prayer.". If it were a bit longer she could shave with it" Photograph: Rex Features Raquel Watts She had a star named after her (by the. I don't suppose either of you thought of puttin' the kettle on, did yer?" [They all greet her] No I did, I found it really interesting. Jamie Baldwin: I mean, how long's it been? Ena and Elsie initially clashed through Ena's hostility towards Elsie's husband Arnold Tanner; when the newly married couple arrived in the Street, Ena recognised Arnold as having thrown a widow out of her home because she had not been able to pay the rent for two weeks. When not at the Mission, she could usually be found in the snug of the Rovers Return, where she and her lifelong friends and fellow widows Minnie Caldwell and Martha Longhurst spent their time discussing the latest goings-on in the Street over milk stouts. Susan Cunningham: Don't let's bother about town. Ena jumped at the chance to go abroad for the first time and meet the family she never knew she had. [Points at Deirdre] This one - she were in prison! Ena then allowed Vera to go out on her own, and encouraged her to date Bob Lomax, who worked with them at the welding factory. Elsie represented the antithesis of Ena's lifestyle: during World War II, Elsie had separated from Arnold and raised two children by herself. Steve McDonald: [to Karen] Look, half the street think you're a slag, the other half think you're a nutter. Leanne Battersby: Oh, no. In 1989, Deirdre Barlow (Anne Kirkbride) said that, due to recent events in Coronation Street, "Ena Sharples would be turning in her grave", confirming that she had died by this time. 11 were more than satisfactory, Ena learnt from hindsight and decided to move to St Annes - it would only be a matter of time before the two got into an argument. Robbie Sloane: Sshh. With Glad Tidings gone, the closest place of worship was the Victoria Street Mission, and Ena kept close tabs on the comings and goings there. Norris Cole: No, I most certainly did not! Ena Sharples In 1965, Ena discovered Hilda Ogden was the culprit behind some threatening phone calls Elsie had received, and exposed her. Betty Turpin: With his reputation for proposing, you know, they'll have fixed a date already! Cilla Brown: [after Roy has taken Chesney to the airport] You call the airport and I call the police, Hayley. Jack Duckworth: [after he sees through Vera's disguise] You're no flamin' widow! Six? Blanche Hunt: Is there some correlation between how boring you are and how much you drink? As Vera and Madge grew up Ena alienated them through her judgemental and frequently interfering nature a point of much contention for Ena. Jamie Baldwin: You don't wanna know, believe me. How could you? Sounds like the start of a joke. As caretaker of the Mission of Glad Tidings, it was her responsibility to act in the best interests of the Mission's constituency, as her behaviour in public reflected on them. Ena is not amused during the street Silver Jubilee celebrations. Colin Salmon I Was Ena Sharples Father book. Ena: I would just like to go the way me mother did. Emily Nugent: [grits her teeth] Well, if I need protecting, I'll buy a guard dog because I could do with the companionship! Audrey Potter: Now don't worry, love. [Jason arrives in a builder's outfit while Gail is shouting homophobic abuse to Todd]. The two women rowed in the street, having to be pulled apart; Ena even broke a window with her purse. Ena's age and ability to do the work was a constant concern to the council. Around 1917, Ena met Alfred Sharples, who had been sent home because of a leg injury. Vera stood by Ena and lived with her in the Mission vestry from 1937 to 1946, during which time they slept in the same bed in the cramped accommodation. Mina Parekh: That's very clever to have a little sewing kit in your bag. She disappeared with the Centre keys at Christmas, preventing local children from getting their presents. Doesn't take much to amuse some people, does it? Lecturing me - no - hectoring me! The Mission was closed for good a year later, when it was demolished along with the factory to make way for a block of two-storey maisonettes. It's not right, Val, people deserve better than this. Alya fights for . Rita Littlewood: That must have been a great disappointment to your mother! In the 1970s, her failing health meaning that Ena spent increasing amounts of time convalescing at her friend Henry Foster's in St Annes. Ena took that one step further - the self-proclaimed moral voice of the street, Ena was a law unto herself, making sure to know what went on in the lives of every resident, to the extent where they weren't sure themselves how much she knew. Ena berated Martha's daughter Lily for never caring about her mother unless she needed a babysitter. And I will use it. In 1920, Ena married Alfred. 9. We all having the same again, girls? They almost always thought the worst of each other; Elsie accused Ena of writing a poison pen letter in 1961, even though Ena was innocent. I mean, even her initials are a killer disease! After a week, she moved to St Annes, as she realised she could not stay at Elsie's for much longer without getting into an argument. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Ena grew up in a warm and loving home, and hoped to have the same for herself. The fight spilled out into the Street and Ena ended up accidentally smashing one of No.11's windows with her handbag. 25 IBU (3.64) 104 Ratings . She quickly regained her speech and mobility, but the following year was diagnosed with arteriosclerosis. Cilla Brown: [Cilla answers the door to Janice]. Unfortunately, she often jumped to conclusions, assuming the worst of people, or exaggerated the truth. The residents of the street began to protect and defend her more, seeing her as a vulnerable old woman. Sick with guilt and worry, Ena scoured Weatherfield for anywhere Minnie might be. But then I enjoy being with you. Amber Kalirai: It's the holidays, though, innit? 9th December 1960 A disoriented Ena was later caught accidentally stealing from a supermarket. At the start of the war in 1914, Ena had developed a gradual friendship with Albert Tatlock after Dinky Low, a local boy Ena had a crush on, asked her to write to Albert. Your mother's ashamed of you. 8. RM2D319A2 - Coronation Street creator Tony Warren and actress Betty Driver, who plays Betty Turpin, at the Granada studios in Manchester unveiling a blue plaque in memory of Coronation Street legend Violet Carson. In 1960, Ena battled new Mission lay preacher Leonard Swindley, who objected to her frequenting the Rovers. However, her health remained a point of contention. If it's about the paperwork just leave it to me. Alfred also informed Ena that his wife had recently passed away. Sibling(s) Ena Sharples (ne Schofield) was the caretaker at the Glad Tidings Mission Hall, Viaduct Street's chapel, from 1937 through to its demolition in 1968. She won't hear you - she's as deaf as a post! Your donor kidney would reject you if it could. Vera's doctor had kept the news from her and convinced Ena to do the same. Chewing corn for gummy parrots? You'd rather stay here and nurse poor little Sunita! Ena broke down, to the shock of the other residents. She also quickly learned to be self-sufficient, taking on factory work when she was only 11. Emily Nugent: Doing what? The final episode featuring Ena was broadcast on 2 April 1980. Jamie Baldwin: [feeding Warren a hangover cure] Good lad. Steve McDonald: [First lines, to Liz about his and Andy's sleeping arrangements] Mam, Why do we have to have t'back bedroom? 5. Minnie continued to be fond of gambling, but Ena strongly disapproved and in 1972 tried to have her barred from Benny Lewis's Betting Shop for her own good. Rita Littlewood: I've seen some hard-faced b*tches in my time but you take the bloody gold medal! Large in stature and almost always dressed in a large double breasted coat and hairnet, Ena was strong-minded and argumentative, with opinions on everyone and everything and she wasn't afraid to voice any of them. I can't trust you! 1 note "Oh, lovely. Ena decided to once again move back to St Annes, telling committee man Ken Barlow that she'd be the one to decide when she'd come back, if she came back. Norris Cole: I do wish you wouldn't use Americanisms in the shop. I am Ken, but I am not a leader Don't look at me for your answers I am just a man Trying to make sense. Don't go away. Blanche Hunt: Ken recently had an affair with an actress. Born There was an instant chemistry but Ena was upset to learn he was already married, and broke contact with him. She's been having a few problems upstairs! But you *are* destroying me. And it will be. Marcus Dent: I was talking about her heart. Rita Littlewood: [reading from the novel] "Norris jumped out of the moped as Emilia and Reeba alighted the side-car ", Rita Littlewood: " and hand in hand, the three of them ran barefoot through Chester Zoo. Number of appearances Typically dressed in a large double-breasted coat and hairnet, Ena was an imposing figure, intimidating many of her much younger neighbours. Ena's best friends from her youth, now Minnie Caldwell and Martha Longhurst, were both also widows by 1960, and frequently sat with Ena in the snug of the local Rovers Return Inn, criticising the lives of the other street residents (as well as each other), while drinking milk stout. Shop affordable wall art to hang in dorms, bedrooms, offices, or anywhere blank walls aren't welcome. Ena did not have much contact with the surviving Schofields until her great-nephew Tom Schofield contacted her in 1965 and invited her to stay in the USA. Stout - Milk / Sweet. Played by Madge and her mother became almost completely estranged after Madge emigrated in 1950. Liz McDonald: No, this is for me job interview. Ken Barlow: Well just think of it. Nobody needs to know that! Roy Cropper: [to Hayley] You have turned an apology of an existence into a life, fuller and more joyous than I could ever hope. Angered by the lack of progress that prevented her from moving back into her home, she left to stay in St. Annes, unsure about whether or not to return to Coronation Street. An attentive student with a strong Christian upbringing, Ena became devoted to her religion and developed a firm belief in the importance of rules, regulations and morals. Vera died in 1967, in Ena's home, of a brain tumour. 1963: Ena holds her own during a run-in with Leonard Swindley. Ena Sharples: If that's Old King Cole I'm Huckleberry Hound; if you don't know what you're watching you want to keep your trap shut. When a family of Italians opened a caf in 1961, Ena boycotted the caf because they were Italian, however she changed her mind when she won a free meal in a raffle. [Carla and Hayley turn to see Tony walking towards them], Robbie Sloane: She's howling like a banshee, someone will hear. When Ena believed the Mission Hall was going to be closed, she decided to throw Elsie and son Dennis out of their flat so she could move in (she owned the property). You and him have been on and off more times than the light in Eileen Grimshaw's fridge! Ena Sharples: If I had my way, I'd like to go like me mother did. Caretaker (retired) Martha died in the snug in the Rovers in 1964, while Ena conducted a singalong on the piano in the public bar. In 1915, Ena became engaged to Phil Moss, nephew of Gladys Arkwright, her mentor at the Glad Tidings Mission Hall. [deliberately knocks another load of tins and jars off the shelf]. Buy "ena sharples, ena sharples quotes" by Varshadesigns as a Poster. 14h However, you must be able to see this is VERY important! Ena was first seen to wear a hairnet in Episode 5. Alfred Sharples (1920) She also portrayed Queen Victoria on the Coronation Street float for the Silver Jubilee in 1977. Ena's role among the residents of Coronation Street was one she assigned to herself. Erywon) Rainon Cyril. Emily Nugent: Oh, how do you work with this man, all day? Later that year Ena's great nephew, Tom Schofield (David Holliday), visited her and invited her to her brother's home in the US for an extended stay. [He smiles at her; they kiss]. When she disappeared with the Centre keys at Christmas, preventing the children from getting any presents, Ena assumed she'd be sacked; she left to stay with Henry Foster in St. Annes, however she was allowed to keep her job. 2nd April 1980 She just sat up, broke wind, and died." - Ena Sharples - 14th December 1960. Ena was also instrumental in Jack and Annie Walker reconciling when they fell out in 1964. She also quickly learned to be self-sufficient, taking on factory work when she was only 11. As Vera and Madge grew up, they were alienated against Ena due to her judgemental and frequently interfering nature, a point of much contention for Ena who only had herself to blame. She moans in pain] Well, that's at least three layers of fake tan. But here you are still buzzing around like the queen bee, passing judgment on everyone you meet. Additional information on Ena's life from 1915-1945 was found in the books Keeping the Home Fires Burning and Coronation Street at War by Daran Little, and The Way to Victory by Christine Green. Upon her return to the flat, Tattersall made Ena feel vulnerable by telling her she was too old for the job, and that he was going to have her put in a home. Rosie Webster: They sell clothes and stuff. Maya Sharma: She's got you wrapped around her little finger! Later that year, Ena's great-nephew Tom Schofield visited her and invited her to her brother's home in the USA for an extended stay. Spouse(s) Melanie: I found it very illuminating. Ena and Albert became close enough that he would stay with her family while on leave but, when he asked her if she wanted to be more than friends, she declined, stating that she was still mourning Phil. Occasionally Ena was innocent, but when false rumours spread through the street, fingers always pointed at Ena first. For caring? It's illegal! Angela Nelson: Oh, it's not a bottomless pit of emptiness, then? Gail Potter: Oh here's the other one the rest of The Village People! Ross: [an AA meeting] and with God's help - or whoever it is up there whose keeping an eye on me - that's how it'll be for the rest of my life. From left to right, Ena Sharples, Bruce Forsyth and Peggy Mount during rehearsals for the Daily Mirror Television Award show, 29th July 1962. Her usual sparring partner was the promiscuous Elsie Tanner, though Ena eventually came to admire Elsie for her strength of character. TV Shows. She was subsequently fined 40/-. Karen Phillips: [holding up one of her shoes] Don't defend her, Steve, cause I've got one of these for each of you. With no one else to take the job, Ena was selected as caretaker, and she moved into the adjacent Centre flat. Ena Sharples (also Schofield) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera, Coronation Street , played by Violet Carson. Ena alerted the other residents about it and Val was rescued. Day and night. The world would use us just as it did the martyrs, if we loved God as they did. Gail Platt: Again? Now before your lady's done a bing-bong, there'll be armed police swarming all over him! Living proof there's no justice in this world. The rustier the better. Hayley Cropper: Where did you come from? The Mission was closed permanently a year later, when it was demolished along with the factory to make way for a block of two-storey maisonettes. Miss Nugent: [Watching Blackpool Illuminations from the coach] Oh look Mrs Sharples, Old King Cole! Ena's brother Tom died in 1973. Ena smashed a window with her bag in anger, and when they both finally calmed down, and Ena agreed not to evict Elsie, Elsie made the ballsy statement that made everyone laugh under their breath: "Well you'll pay for that window!" Even the usually stalwart Ena gasped at that! Martha: Ooh, that were a beautiful ending. The maisonettes were demolished in 1971, and one of the buildings that replaced them was a Community Centre. Vicar: [attempting to escape from a reporter that has been questioning her] I expect you know today is the feast day for the patron saint of newspaper reporters. Ena quotes :) comments sorted by Best Top New Controversial Q&A Add a Comment AtmosphereLost5944 Additional comment actions "*vomit*" is a personal favorite . I've seen it with my own eyes! Violet Wilson: Are you talking about your brain? Blanche Hunt: I'm Deirdre's mother. I mean we really made the best of it didn't we?". [knocks more jars of the shelf and then pauses], [throws a large jar of something on the floor and it smashes extremely loudly]. In 2010, a short online video titled Ken: A Life on the Street confirmed that she was no longer alive when Ken Barlow told his grandson Simon that she was "long dead now".