Top 50 Countdown of Favourite Corrie Characters – No 26

No.26 Mavis Riley Thelma Barlow portrayed Mavis from 1971 until 1997. In the early years, nervy Mavis engaged in an on/off relationship with the equally-nervy Jerry Booth, as well as having a "way with Spaniards". In 1974, Mavis joined Rita Littlewood to work in the newly opened Kabin in Rosamund Street embarking on a famous 23 year double act. In 1976, she met sales rep, Derek Wilton. As with Jerry, Mavis's relationship with Derek was also very hit-and-miss, and was punctuated by her liaisons with Victor Pendlebury. Derek and Mavis almost got as far as the alter in 1984, but they both jilted each other (The Wilton Jiltin' !). They met again a few years later and eventually tied the knot in November 1988. Derek died of a heart attack in 1997, and the devastated Mavis left Weatherfield for a new life in the Lakes soon afterwards.

Most famous for : Budgies, being dizzy, saying "I don't really know", and being called a "Jezebel" by Derek after he came home to find love rival, Victor Pendlebury, massaging her feet. Check out our Top 50 so far. [Sky Clearbrook]