Jack Duckworth and Me

Actor Bill Tarmey first appeared as Jack Duckworth in Coronation Streetin November 1979, when his formidable on-screen wife Vera dragged him to Brian and Gail Tilsley''s wedding, only to have him sneak off for a pint at the first opportunity.

After playing what is arguably the nation''s best-loved soap character for 31 years, Bill leaves the series in December 2010. To coincide with this momentous...