ATV Icon: Doris Speed

Our latest hall of fame name is a star of The Street who is still fondly remembered, Doris Speed…

Doris Speed was born on the 3rd of February 1899 in Manchester to George and Ada Speed, both music hall performers, Doris was introduced to the stage at a young age.

She made her first appearance at the age of three, singing a song about a popular doll of the era. Throughout her early years, she toured with her parents, gaining experience in various theatrical productions. After a period away from acting, during which she worked as a clerk, she returned to the profession in the 1950s, appearing in radio plays and repertory theatre.

Mollie Sugden and Doris Speed as Nellie and Annie in Coronation Street / GRANADA

In 1960, Doris was cast as Annie Walker in Coronation Street, a role that would define her career. She played the character from the show’s inception until 1983, appearing in 1,746 episodes . Annie Walker was known for her snobbish demeanour and delusions of grandeur, traits that made her both a figure of humour and a beloved character among viewers.

Over the years Annie was at the centre of several key storylines being the landlady of the Rovers Return Inn, a focal point for The Street. Plots included being held at gunpoint during a raid at the pub, running as an independent candidate in the Council by-elections and Annie disapproving of her son Billy’s relationship with Jasmine Chong, leading to their breakup. Her interference strained her relationship with Billy.

Annie’s marriage to Jack Walker faced turmoil when she discovered he was making payments to a woman named Mrs. Nicholls. Suspecting infidelity, Annie left Jack, only to learn later that he was financially supporting their son Billy, who had lost his job.

Doris as Annie with Jean Alexandra as cleaner and busybody, Hilda / GRANADA

Doris as Annie with Betty Driver as Betty Turpin / GRANADA

Annie opposed Renee Bradshaw’s application for an alcohol license at the Corner Shop, fearing competition. Despite Annie’s objections, Renee won the case, and the two eventually reconciled. In 1973, Annie served as Mayoress alongside Alf Roberts, giving her a status she had much longed for. She also had a long running rivalry with landlady Nellie Harvey of The Laughing Donkey.

In 1983, Doris’s age became a topic of public discussion when a newspaper revealed she was older than previously thought. The revelation led to her departure from Coronation Street, and she chose not to return to the show thereafter.

In the storyline Annie retired and moved to live with her daughter, Joan Davies. She left the pub in the hands of her son Billy, but his tenure was short-lived due to various issues, including conflicts with the police.

Doris as Annie with Arthur Leslie as husband Jack / GRANADA

In 1977, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to television. Doris, despite not returning on-screen in Corrie after her retirement she did make returns to the Granada Studios in Manchester and the set of the show for special promotions and the 30th anniversary special celebration.

Doris Speed passed away in Bury, Greater Manchester, at the age of 95 on the 16th of November 1994. Doris Speed’s contribution to British television, particularly through her iconic role in Coronation Street, continues to be celebrated on social media today, with fans of The Street sharing clips and classic quotes from Annie.

She has also been seen in the drama on the launch of The Street in The Road to Coronation Street where Celia Imrie portrayed Doris and a special Text Santa sketch saw Sally Dynevor who plays Sally Metcalfe on the show step into the shoes of Annie Walker.

A scene in the Rovers Return Inn with Doris and cast in the early 1970s / GRANADA

2015: Sally Dynevor pays homage to Doris as Annie in a special charity sketch / TEXT SANTA

Celia Imrie as Doris Speed, bottom right, in The Road to Coronation Street / BBC Four / ITV STUDIOS

Doris with Julie Goodyear as Bet Lynch and Betty Driver as Betty Turpin / GRANADA