Coronation Street (also informally referred to as Corrie) is a long-running British soap opera, noted for its depiction of a down-to-earth working-class community. In September 2010, it became the longest-running television soap opera in the world and is listed in the Guinness World Records. This page lists characters who made their debut appearance in 1986, including Jenny Bradley (now Connor), played by Sally Ann Matthews, who returned to the show from 2015 onwards, 22 years after her last appearance, Jenny's father, Alan Bradley, played by Mark Eden, who was a part of one of the shows most memorable storyline's featuring the Rita Fairclough character, and Sally Seddon (later Webster, now Metcalfe), played by Sally Dynevor, who has been a regular cast member for over 33 years.

Jenny Bradley, played by Sally Ann Matthews. She made her first appearance on screen on 6 January 1986. Originally fostered by Rita Fairclough (Barbara Knox), she has been featured in storylines including her troubled relationship with her father and Rita's partner, Alan (Mark Eden), his death when he is killed in a tram accident after chasing Rita in Blackpool, and a brief underage romance with married man Robert Weston (Philip Bretherton). Their separation in 1991 leads to Jenny leaving on 1 March 1991. She returns for a short stint on 17 September 1993 when she visits Rita for money, but Rita's rejection of her results in Jenny's second departure on 8 October 1993. Jenny returned for four months from 18 February 2015 after meeting Kevin Webster (Michael Le Vell) through internet dating, and they begin a relationship. She is seen to develop an obsession with his son Jack (Jaxon and Maddox Beswick), which culminates in Jenny abducting him before being found in Hull, where she is arrested by police. Her last episode aired on 15 June 2015. On 11 August 2015, the official Coronation Street Twitter page announced that Matthews would be reprising her role as Jenny on 27 January 2016.

Alan Bradley played by Mark Eden, first appeared in the episode that aired on 15 January 1986. Jenny's father, he would go on to be one of the most famous villains in the history of the street. The character's last appearance on the 8 December 1989, saw him get killed by a Blackpool tram while chasing Rita Fairclough.

Sally Metcalfe (also Seddon and Webster), played by actress Sally Dynevor, previously known as Sally Whittaker. The character first appeared on screen during the episode airing on 27 January 1986, when Kevin Webster drove past her in his van. He accidentally splashed her while she was waiting for a bus. She is protective of her two daughters Rosie Webster (Emma Collinge, Helen Flanagan) and Sophie Webster (Ashleigh Middleton, Emma Woodward, Brooke Vincent). Her notable storylines have seen her have an on and off relationship and marriage with Kevin Webster (Michael Le Vell), becoming the victim of domestic abuse by Greg Kelly (Stephen Billington), being diagnosed with breast cancer as well as her attempts to become the pillar of the community and annoy Janice Battersby (Vicky Entwistle) in the process. Over the years, she has tried to impress her bosses Bet Lynch (Julie Goodyear), Alf Roberts (Bryan Mosley), Mike Baldwin (Johnny Briggs), Paul Connor (Sean Gallagher) and Carla Connor (Alison King) and gain promotions. Recently, Sally has embarked on a relationship with Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine) and later went on to marry him.

Jessica Barlow (also Midgeley) first appeared as the best friend of Susan Barlow, later acting as a bridesmaid at her wedding to Mike Baldwin. However, she soon became the girlfriend of Susan's twin brother; Peter and they both left to live in Portsmouth.

Off-screen she married Peter in 1990 but upon his return to the Street in 2000, he revealed they had divorced due to her infidelity.

Ian Latimer is the nephew of Bert Tilsley and cousin of Brian Tilsley who lives in Australia. Whilst visiting Brian in Weatherfield, he flirts with Brian's wife Gail Tilsley, who feels uncomfortable at first but later warms towards Ian. Ian later embarks on an affair with Gail, which confesses to Brian shortly after she falls pregnant and believes that Ian may be the father. Ian leaves after a heated argument with Brian but returns before Gail's daughter Sarah is born. Ian leaves again and returns to Australia soon afterwards after a paternity test reveals that he is not Sarah's father and Brian is and Gail asks him to keep quiet about the result.

In 1989, Gail called him to tell him that Brian was stabbed to death, but he couldn't attend the funeral due to flight problems.