I can only echo the comments of others regarding the recent performances of Jane Danson as Leanne Barlow. Her work stands out especially when set against some of the weaker plots that have been doing the rounds. As viewers we've followed Leanne's thorny path from nasty teen to would-be Mum over the past fourteen years.
Of course, it has not always made for easy or pleasant viewing. In the early days we had to contend with Leanne being unpleasant to the much-loved duo of Mavis & Derek Wilton. She was Nick Tilsley's trollop of a girlfriend and then much-maligned wife. When we saw Nick's true colours, at last there was a chance to empathise with Leanne. Not that it lasted. Soon she had established herself as the cocaine-snorting barmaid at the Rovers, including a particularly harrowing storyline when the pub was smashed up by Jez Quigley and co. Leanne then disappeared but four years away from the cobbles did nothing to mellow her. She returned as a prostitute hell bent on causing problems for Maria and ex-hubby Nick. There was her loathsome involvement with Danny Baldwin, possibly Leanne at her worst and then the Liam Connor fiasco. Add to that her failed business - the tatty pizza restaurant - and her life went up in flames.
Surprisngly then, her saviour was a recovering alcoholic with a small child in tow. Teaming Leanne up with Peter Barlow brought together two damaged individuals into one fierce little family group. Life will never be easy or straightforward for this generation of Barlows with demons a plenty for both of them to face. However, there is a steely determination from both parties to make this work, whatever the obstacles.
Leanne, you are certainly more than a tart with a heart. We salute you!
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