Violet Carson was born on 1 September 1898 in German Street, Manchester, and is best remembered for her iconic role as Ena Sharples in Coronation Street. The eldest of two daughters, she was raised by a flour miller father and an amateur singer mother. In her later years, Violet settled in Cleveleys, Blackpool, with her sister Nellie.
At 30, Violet became ‘Auntie Vi’ on BBC Radio’s Children’s Hour, where she worked alongside young actor Tony Warren, who would later create Coronation Street. She also appeared on BBC North Region’s Woman’s Hour. In October 1960, Violet auditioned for the role of Ena Sharples and was cast in the new series, making her first appearance on 9 December 1960. Ena quickly became a beloved character, known for her tough, battle-axe persona. Violet’s portrayal earned her an OBE in the 1965 Queen’s Birthday Honours, and she continued playing Ena until ill health forced her to retire in 1981.
Violet was recognised with numerous honours, including a wax figure in Madame Tussauds in both London and Blackpool, a rose named in her honour, and an honorary Master of Arts degree from Manchester University in 1973.
Violet’s early life included piano lessons from the age of three, and she was educated in a Church of England school. She left school in 1918 and played piano at the Market Street cinema in Manchester. When talkies arrived, she transitioned to radio, performing in adverts and commercials. During World War II, she played piano for BBC radio, and in 1964, she joined the popular radio show Have A Go with Wilfred Pickles.
Violet married her childhood sweetheart, road contractor George Peploe, at Manchester Cathedral in September 1926, but he passed away in 1929. The couple had no children, and Violet never remarried. She passed away on Boxing Day 1983 at the age of 85 and was buried at Bispham Parish Church in Blackpool. Despite being born in 1898, Violet often claimed to be seven years younger, leading to confusion about her birth year, with some sources citing 1 September 1905.
Violet Carson lived in Bispham, Blackpool, for many years in a bungalow with her sister Nellie at 18 Fleetwood Road. Image by © Deeper Blue Marketing & Design Ltd.
