When TV soap stars hit Southport shops

BACK on May 23, 1995, Southport played host to scenes in Coronation Street.
The scenes were of the soap’s dynamic duo Audrey (Sue Nicholls) and Alma (Amanda Barrie) spending a day trip shopping in Southport. After speaking to sources, it seems the exercise was to show the rest of the country that Southport is a great shopping resort.
Former tourism chief, Phil King, told the Southport Visiter: “TV coverage really hits home.
“This action certainly showed the north west and even the rest of the country that Southport is a terrific place to shop.�
The picture shows the characters walking out of Wayfarers Arcade on to Lord Street carrying different bags promoting various shops in Southport. Later in the same episode, they visit a pub.
It is believed the pub used was the Club House bar in the Prince of Wales Hotel.
Karen McGuire, who was working on reception at the time, recalls: “I remember them passing me and going through to the Club House bar.�
In the pub, the formidable double act string along two businessmen, one of them comments on Audrey's collection of shopping bags, and she tells him it's because she is a fashion buyer for a large store, and tells them that Alma is a catering consultant.
Were you there the day Audrey and Alma were shooting in Southport? Share your memories below.

Corrie stars Amanda Barrie and Sue Nicholls shooting a scene at Wayfarers Arcade in 1995