From the Daily Mirror, December 31, 1982:Grumpy old Albert Tatlock of Coronation Street makes a special guest appearance in the Honours List.
He receives an M.B.E. in the person of actor Jack Howarth, 86.
Jack, a great fan of the Queen and Mrs Thatcher, has played the part of cadging, cantankerous Albert for 22 years and appeared in the first episode.
In real life he has a heart of gold. He is vice-president of the Stars Organisation for Spastics and a tireless fund raiser.
Of his acting role, he says: "I'll never retire. The Street will go on forever."
A deserved honour for Jack Howarth in my opinion, one of the Street's original greats. But it's interesting to note that the article states:
Jack... has played the part of cadging, cantankerous Albert for 22 years and appeared in the first episode.
But, in the very early episodes, Albert was portrayed as being quite a jolly bloke, and Elsie Tanner commented on what a lovely old gentleman he was!
Of course, it wasn't long before The Rovers regulars were hearing little gems of heartwarming patter from Mr Tatlock - like these:
"Bloomin' 'eck! You young folk don't know you're born!"
"I fought for you in't first lot!"
"I'll 'ave a rum if you're payin'."
Jack Howarth died in 1984 and Albert died too.
Sadly missed.
The original and best Street codger!
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