<P> In late 1961, when the show was now fully networked and at the height of its popularity, a handful of cast members were forced to leave the show due to a strike of the actors' union Equity . These included Linda and Ivan Cheveski, Christine Hardman, Esther Hayes, Lucille Hewitt, Leonard Swindley and later Dennis Tanner . The rest of the cast were safe due to having previously signed two - year contracts, a rarity in television at the time . </P> <P> The long break caused actors Philip Lowrie and Anne Cunningham to decline new contracts six months later once the strike was over, although Lowrie did make a full - time return a year later . </P> <P> The biggest change to hit the cast occurred in 1964 when Tim Aspinall, a young man bursting with ideas, was named as the new producer . Within days, he had axed several fan favourites including Frank Barlow, Harry and Concepta Hewitt, and most controversially, Martha Longhurst . It was later reported that ITV bosses had stepped in to save Albert Tatlock, Ken and Valerie Barlow, and Lucille Hewitt from the chop . Martha was a particular favourite with viewers, who enjoyed her friendship with Ena Sharples and Minnie Caldwell, due to their many scenes sat in the snug of the Rovers Return gossiping about the locals . Martha's death caused outrage with the public and the cast, so much so that actress Violet Carson, who played Ena, almost refused to take part in Martha's final scene . </P> <P> Aspinall was sacked later that year, but not before Betty Alberge had been given her marching orders . Her final scenes as shopkeeper Florrie Lindley aired in June 1965 . That same year, Arthur Lowe also made his final appearance as Leonard Swindley . He later took the character into two spin - off comedy series Pardon The Expression and Turn Out The Lights, which featured several former and future Street stars in different roles . </P>

Who sat in the snug in coronation street
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