The drama achieved a peak of 852,000 viewers on its first transmission , making it the second most popular programme in BBC Four 's history , behind 2008 's '' The Curse of Steptoe '' at 1.41 m viewers . Sam Wollaston , a critic for '' The Guardian '' , gave a positive review , stating " '' The Road to Coronation Street '' is fond and warm and charming " , and stated there were " fine performances " from the entire cast , in particular from David Dawson and Steven Berkoff . Phil Hogan for '' The Observer '' also commented on the " superb " quality of acting , and also praised Jessie Wallace personally , saying : " Watching '' EastEnders '' star Jessie Wallace storm through her audition as blowsy Street firebrand Elsie Tanner – tearing into her delinquent son Dennis for nicking two bob out of her purse – made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end . " Grace Dent of '' The Guardian '' echoed Hogan 's comments , saying " Obviously , the star of this show is the sublime Jessie Wallace playing 60s megastar Pat Phoenix , who played Corrie 's Elsie Tanner . " Jane Simon of the '' Daily Mirror '' stated the programme was " a triumph on every level " . '' The Road to Coronation Street '' was awarded Best Single Drama at the 2011 British Academy Television Awards . Additionally , Jessie Wallace and Lynda Baron were both nominated in the Best Supporting Actress Category for their performances as Pat Phoenix and Violet Carson , respectively , however , Lauren Socha won the award for her role in the E4 series '' Misfits ''
2011 British Academy Television Awards
British Academy Television Awards 2011
The Road to Coronation Street