It’s time to raise a glass of Newton and Ridley and celebrate. Lift that pint of Fosweiser high into the air. Coronation Street is the UK’s favourite TV show!

As if it needed confirming, a recent poll taken by Ladbrokes Bingo has found that Britain’s most famous street has stolen our hearts and become our much loved favourite.

Over the years the likes of Jack and Vera, Steve and Lloyd, and Roy and Hayley have all provided us with some heart-warming – and gut-wrenching – storylines that have kept millions of viewers glued and an honours roll which just keeps getting bigger.

Whilst Betty’s infamous hotpot may be a hidden secret, the show’s recipe for success is far from it, providing wit, humour, and non-stop drama to our screens for over 50 years.

It’s produced some of television’s finest moments, from Hilda Ogden’s tear-jerking breakdown to the infamous tram crash which killed off poor Ashley Peacock, and the bumbling murders of cult-figure John Stape.

Since its first episode in December 1960 – an episode which stalwart William Roache starred in – it has continued to make light out of dark, none more so than in the late Blanche Hunt, played by Maggie Jones, in the famous Alcoholics Anonymous episode.

Today, it’s still providing those moments with a new wave of regulars growing up on the cobbles. The likes of Chesney and Gary are joining Steve and Dev as favourites, and the Street has never been more dramatic.

It’s why we love it so dearly, ahead of the big-budget productions of Downton Abbey and Game of Thrones, which took 11% of the vote behind Corrie’s 14%.

It’s incredible how after 55 years, and almost 8,700 episodes, it can still be such a well-loved programme. But we guess when you have Steve McDonald on your side, it’s hardly surprising.