Blackpool's Madame Tussauds are celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hilda Ogden's Coronation Street debut by presenting her with a golden bucket.

As one of the best-loved characters in the history of soap and television, a commemorative golden bucket has been presented to the venue's Hilda in a tribute to her time mopping the floor of the Rovers Return.

Played by Jean Alexander, she spent 23 years on the street and won over the nation with her charm and representation of working-class British women.

Comical storylines saw her become the original soap gossip, but she wasn't to be crossed as her trilling voice and temper would put any of the Weatherfield residents in their place.

She did have a tender side too, however, and in an unforgettable scene she shed a tear at the sight of her deceased husband's glasses in 1984, making the millions of viewers at home weep alongside her.

The Madame Tussauds Blackpool wax figure for Hilda is permanently homed at the venue, and sees the character wearing her trademark hair curlers, a headscarf and pinny.

Others in the set include Ken and Deirdre Barlow, Jack and Vera Duckworth and Bet Lynch.

Matthew Titherington, General Manager at Madame Tussauds Blackpool said: “Everyone knew a Hilda Ogden, I think that’s what made the character so likeable. Her loose lips entertained households across Britain for a generation so the golden bucket is a fitting tribute to mark her first appearance on the soap half a century ago.

“Visitors can see the figure in our Rovers Return set at the attraction with her new golden bucket and other famous Corrie faces.”


by for www.femalefirst.co.uk
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