Coronation Street unsung hero - Maggie Clegg

Saintly Maggie Clegg (Irene Sutcliffe) was the ever-dependable owner of the Corner Shop. Maggie first appeared in Coronation Street in 1968 with husband Les and son Gordon (played by future theatre impressario, Bill Kenwright). It soon became apparent that the Cleggs were hiding a "dark secret" - Les was an alcoholic and after he fell off the wagon in spectacular fashion, he and Maggie divorced. As it turned out, Maggie was the younger sister of Betty Turpin who, along with policeman husband, Cyril, turned up in 1969. Maggie employed Betty in the shop as well as Val Barlow, Ena Sharples, Norma Ford and Irma Barlow at various points.

Click through below to find out Maggie's second "dark secret". [Sky Clearbrook]

Alf Roberts took a shine to Maggie, but he was left heartbroken when she went on to marry Ron Cooke in 1974. Together, they left Weatherfield for a new life in Zaire. Whilst Maggie was away, another "dark secret" emerged - Gordon was actually the illegitimate son of the recently-widowed Betty.

Maggie had to return to Weatherfield to break the news to Gordon in late 1974. This was a story which both Irene Sutcliffe and Bill Kenwright were particularly upset by as they had worked hard to make their mother-son relationship appear believable. Whilst Gordon has returned to visit Betty intermittently down the years, Maggie has not been seen since early 1975.

With Betty still firmly ensconced at the Rovers, it would be a great excuse to see Maggie return to Weatherfield to visit her older sister. Would you like to see Maggie return to the Street?

Have a look at our other Unsung Heroes.