From new life to final goodbyes: Coronation Street’s most dramatic Christmas moments
Christmas on Coronation Street has long been a season of extremes, where joy and heartbreak often arrive hand in hand. The festive period has provided the perfect backdrop for new beginnings on the cobbles – and, just as often, for heartbreaking farewells.
Over the years, some of Weatherfield’s best-known faces have made their entrance on Christmas Day, including David Platt, Rosie Webster, Nick Tilsley and young Joseph Brown. But the holidays haven’t been kind to everyone.
Audrey Roberts, for one, has endured devastating loss at Christmas, saying goodbye to two great loves during the festive season – can you recall who they were?
Here’s a complete guide to Coronation Street’s most memorable Christmas arrivals and departures.
Coronation Street Christmas births
Nick Tilsley
Nick was born on New Year’s Eve 1980, which we still think technically counts as a festive birth. He was the first child of Gail Chadwick, back when she was Gail Tilsley and married to mechanic Brian. The couple were overjoyed with their son, who they named Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Paul Tilsley, and Nick hero worshipped his dad. After Brian’s fatal stabbing in 1989, Nick was adopted by Gail’s second husband Martin Platt.
Rosie Webster
Christmas came early for Sally and Kevin Webster with the arrival of their daughter, Rosie, on December 24, 1990. Sally went into labour when she was at home alone and local taxi driver Don Brennan drove her to hospital. But they didn’t get as far as Weatherfield General when Sal ended up giving birth in the back seat of Don’s cab. She and Kevin called their first-born Rosie after her place of birth – Rosamund Street.
Coronation Street Christmas births
David Platt
One day after Rosie’s birth, there was another new arrival on the cobbles. Gail and Martin Platt welcomed their son David Platt into the world on Christmas Day 1990. Unlike Sally, Gail did make it to hospital in time.
Katherine McDonald
Katherine ‘Katie’ McDonald was the youngest child of Liz and Jim, and their only daughter. Her arrival came tragically early on New Year’s Day 1992, after Liz went into premature labour following the disappearance of her son Steve. Katie was born critically ill and rushed into intensive care, where doctors warned the family to brace themselves for the worst.
Heartbreakingly, the newborn survived for just one day. She was laid to rest a week later, with Jim, Liz and their son Andy saying goodbye. Steve did not attend the funeral, overwhelmed by guilt and convinced he was responsible for triggering the early birth.
