In 1974, several new characters were added to the British television soap opera Coronation Street. Some of them only appeared for a few episodes, but Gail Potter (later Gail McIntyre) became one of the show's longest-running characters. Sir Julius Berlin Sir Julius Berlin was played by Leonard Sachs. Sir Julius appeared in Coronation Street during 1974 as the boss of the Mark Brittain mail order warehouse that was situated in the Street. When the residents complained about the lorries passing through, Ken Barlow spoke to Sir Julius about the problem. Sir Julius was so impressed by Ken that he offered him a job as executive administrative assistant. Meanwhile, the workers at the warehouse threatened to strike due to Sir Julius trying to keep his staff out of a trade union, until Ken persuaded Sir Julius to accept the union. Sir Julius upset workers Ivy Tilsley and Vera Duckworth because the company announced all women over sixty had to retire. They called the union in but the union supported lowering the retirement age. After the warehouse fire in 1975, Sir Julius (who had not appeared since May 1974) dissolved the company. Martin Downes Martin Andrew Downes (also Lynch) is the son of Bet Lynch whom she gave up for adoption when she was 16. One day Martin arrives at the Rovers knowing his mother is a barmaid who works there, and soon realizes she is Bet. However he is repulsed by her overt sexual nature and leaves without telling her who he is. Nine months later, Bet receives news from one of Martin's army colleagues that he has died in action in Ulster. The news devastated her and she briefly considered suicide, but was talked out of it by Eddie Yeats. Idris Hopkins Idris Hopkins, his wife Vera and their daughter Tricia moved to Coronation Street to take over the tenancy of the Corner Shop in 1974. Idris, a Welshman, was a quiet man, satisfied with what life had thrown at him. Weary of working night shifts, and of the noise in Coronation Street, Idris frequently had to make peace between Vera and his domineering mother Megan, who moved into the Corner Shop accommodation with Idris and Vera. Idris was never as involved with the grand plans of the family as Vera or (especially) Granny Hopkins. He spent most of his time slumped in his chair or working nights. He barely