Coronation Street fans were elated to see a show legend unexpectedly return during Friday’s episode.
We’re not talking Gail Platt, Emily Bishop or Liz McDonald – but rather a much-missed set on the ITV soap.
I am, of course, referring to the interior of The Kabin newsagents, which has finally been spotted following an 18-month break.
The toffee shop was last seen on February 12, 2024, with its appearances becoming increasingly sparse in recent years.
Currently owned by Brian Packham (Peter Gunn), he employs his predecessor Rita Tanner (Barbara Knox) alongside former Rovers Return landlady Jenny Connor (Sally Ann Matthews) to dish out the newspapers and liquorice allsorts.
Last week, Jenny had somewhat have a mishap when a pipe burst in the stockroom, and she darted over to the pub to ask for assistance.
Funeral director George Shuttleworth (Tony Maudsley) was enjoying an afternoon pint with sister Glenda (Jodie Prenger), who was encouraging him to get back on the dating game.
George assured Jenny that he would be her knight in shining armour, and later managed to fix the issue. She seemed to get all flustered around him, and suggested meeting up later so she could thank him properly.
Sadly, when the two crossed paths once again, he was celebrating securing a match on his dating app, and Jen looked seriously disheartened.
What have Corrie fans said about the return of The Kabin?
Jiml took to X to write: ‘Shocking when you get excited about seeing The Kabin after all this time, I need to go out more.’
Have no shame, Jiml! You’re certainly not alone.
Mike fancied himself as a new storyliner, suggesting: ‘I just loved seeing the Kabin again. It needs to open all the time like the old days. Get Brian back in there or get a jobless resident to run it… we want scenes in a shop like real life!’
Spicy Mayo kept it short and sweet, adding: ‘It’s definitely good to see the Kabin.’
Ryan exclaimed: ‘THE KABIN IS BACK!’
Steve put his foot down and demanded we see more of the shop than other Weatherfield locations: ‘Don’t be another year till we see a scene in the Kabin again,’ he said. ‘Fed up of all the hospital & police station scenes.’
Luke sent a rather sinister message, writing: ‘So we’ve got the Kabin back but at what cost?’
Bethehokey asked: ‘When did Jenny start working in the Kabin? And am I the only one who remembers the Kabin used to have a Post Office? I think they just removed it years ago & assumed nobody would notice?’
Well luckily for you, I’ve got a rundown of The Kabin’s history…
History of The Kabin on Coronation Street
Len Fairclough (Peter Adamson) purchased a tatty old corner shop named Biddulph’s in 1973 for £3,000 (that’s £32,688 in today’s money) and installed Rita as manager.
She originally wanted the shop to be named after herself, but had to settle on Len’s suggestion. The original incarnation was on Rosamund Street, which is the road beside Coronation Street.
Her first shop assistant was Mavis Riley (Thelma Barlow), and within weeks the women realised that former owner Biddulph had secretly been selling top-shelf magazines under the counter when an influx of men arrived to get their subscription.
Filth!
It also had a small cafe area behind the counter, and in 1986, Alan Bradley (Mark Eden) opened a video library in the space.
In 1990, the shop relocated to Coronation Street with a bright yellow sign and a flashy new set, and has been there ever since.
The shop briefly changed hands ahead of the millennium when Rita handed over the keys to former foster daughter Sharon Gaskell (Tracie Bennett), but she bought it back for £45,000.
At the same time, Norris Cole (Malcolm Hebden) stepped into Mavis’ shoes as Rita’s second in command, and the pair had training to open a Post Office counter.
The Kabin was largely destroyed by the tram crash in 2010, just one year on from Norris buying the business. When it reopened, the Post Office was removed.
After a brief stint owned by Colin Callen (Jim Moir), Brian became owner in 2019.
