Elizabeth Maud Edwards (16 October 1906 – 24 March 1991), professionally known as Maudie Edwards, was a Welsh actress, radio broadcaster, comedian, dancer and singer, best remembered for having spoken the first line of dialogue in soap opera Coronation Street, and playing Elsie Lappin in the first two episodes.

[1][2] She was previously best known to listeners of the radio programme Welsh Rarebit, which attracted weekly audiences of 10 million.

[4] She presented her signature tune before radio broadcasts of Welsh Rarebit with the lyrics: I bring you the voice of the people from over the hills and dales Edwards had a talent for comedy, and formed her own repertory company, The Maudie Edwards Players, who performed in the Palace Theatre, Swansea.

She played Elsie Lappin in the first two episodes of British soap opera Coronation Street in 1960 and was the first performer to speak during the first scene in the show's history: "Now the next thing you've got to do is to get a signwriter in - that thing above the door'll have to be changed."

[8][9][10] Edwards spent her final years living in Putney, southwest London.