Joyce Tatlock was the first daughter of Alfred Tatlock, and the only child from his marriage to Rovers Return Inn barmaid Edna Ellis. Joyce's parents met when Alfred, a heavy drinker, frequented the Rovers and got friendly with Edna. The couple married in 1921, with Joyce following two years later. The family lived in cramped conditions at 1 Coronation Street with Albert and Bessie Tatlock, Joyce's paternal uncle and aunt.