Susan Cunningham was a contemporary of Ken Barlow at Manchester University who unwittingly caused trouble at home for Ken in 1960. Ken arranged to meet her for drinks at the Imperial Hotel, where his mother Ida was employed as a kitchen hand. Frank Barlow objected to Ken spending money in the same place his mum worked hard to earn it and forbade Ken from meeting Susan. When Ken didn't show Susan drove to Coronation Street to see if he was alright. The character was only credited as "Susan" in her appearances, and not by her full name.