<P> Alan soon began relationships with both Rita and the Rovers' barmaid Gloria . He dropped Gloria after learning the extent of Rita's financial assets, but at first he appeared to be genuinely in love with her . He tried unsuccessfully to persuade her to marry him . He also confessed to her that he had a conviction for assault . Later, Alan left Rita for another woman, but she coaxed him back to live with her; he was motivated by the fact that his business was in trouble . The woman in question warned Rita that Alan was only interested in her money . In fact, Alan had already "borrowed" the deeds to Rita's house, and had impersonated her dead husband, Len Fairclough, in order to get a mortgage to support his business . </P> <P> In 1989, when Rita discovered Alan's deception, he assaulted her and almost killed her . At the conclusion of his trial, his plea bargain meant he walked free . He then returned to the Street and conducted a campaign of harassment against Rita, who had a breakdown and moved to Blackpool, having lost her memory . Many residents believed that Alan had murdered her, and he became the object of widespread hatred and suspicion . Having tracked her down, Alan famously met his end after being hit and killed by a Blackpool tram while chasing a distressed Rita across the tracks . His final words to his partner were "RITA!" 26.93 million viewers watched the character meet his untimely demise in 1989 . As of 2010, it is the 9th most - watched UK broadcast of all time . </P> <P> The first episode of series 2 of Phoenix Nights contains a visual reference to the death of Alan Bradley, where flowers with a sign' In Memory of Alan, 8th Dec 89', RIP' are tied to a lamp - post beside the tram line . </P> <P> On 8 December 2009, Mark Eden unveiled a blue plaque to mark the 20 year anniversary of the screening of the famous Coronation Street episode . The plaque is located outside The Strand Hotel, North Promenade, Blackpool which was the venue chosen for the filming of much of the footage . </P>

Who was killed by a tram in coronation street