Antony Cotton doodles for National Doodle Day

It's National Doodle Day on Friday 2 March 2012 and celebrities have been putting pen and pencil to paper to doodle their doings.

Doodles will be auctioned online on eBay from Friday next week and include three by Corrie cast members, past and present. You can view doodles by William Roache (Ken Barlow) here and Liz Dawn (Vera Duckworth) here. On the right here is the doodle by Antony Cotton (Sean Tully).

National Doodle Day raises money to support the work of Epilepsy Action.  National Doodle Day was established back in 2004 to create a unique, fun and fantastically simple fundraising event that everyone could be a part of.  By simply doing a doodle, thousands of celebrities, schools, companies and individuals have joined together and helped raise over £220,000 for charity.

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Coronation Street Weekly Update, February 27 2012

Greetings and welcome to another weekly update of Weatherfield wotsits. Find out more about the Coronation Street Weekly Updates and why they've been written for th'internet since 1995 at http://www.corrieweeklyupdates.btinternet.co.uk

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The vultures are circling around Frank Foster’s head because he’s getting killed off next week. Which means this week all the usual suspects are being lined up and given motives for knocking off freaky Frank. I suggest it was Sally in the dark with the candlestick when she finds out Frank’s having a fling with Jenny Sumner. Or could it be Peter Barlow in the bookies with a dagger when he finds out Frank’s reported Barlow’s Bookies for fraud after Peter refused to pay out on Karl’s betting slip. Or maybe it’s Miss Carla Scarlett with the gun that does Frank in for being a beast. Or Prof Kevin Webster who plum goes and kills him in the garage with the spanner. And it can’t be Mrs Peacock because Corrie killed her off. Your guess is as good as mine but if I was making a bet at Barlow’s Bookies, my money would be on Frank’s mum Anne.

Now that Carla and Peter (CarPet)’s relationship is out in the open, their life takes on the mundane, everyday tasks that need doing and in Carla’s case, this means taking care of little Simon. She takes to motherhood as well as a duck takes to train driving, and in this particular duck’s case, he does not drive that train very well. Carla’s a bit tipsy from an afternoon tipple when she goes to pick up Simon from school and he wants nowt to do with this new woman in his dad’s life. So Carla drags Simon away from the school gate by pulling on his arm. He tells Leanne and Peter that Carla’s hit him but eventually he has to come clean.

Over at Steve and Tracy’s house, Steve tells his missus he’s moving out to live alone in the Streetcars flat. Tracy assumes this means she’s getting No. 13 all to herself but she’s assumed wrong when Steve moves the wonderful Beth and her even more wonderful son Craig in the house with her. Beth sets her sights on Steve, thinking there’s chemistry between them and Tracy does her best to encourage this, knowing full well that Steve will run a mile. Beth dolls herself up, lays the charm on as thick as her make-up and does her best to seduce Steve when they’re alone in the house. Steve’s terrified but in a wonderful comic scene he manages to wriggle free, this time any road. Beth’s an excellent addition to Coronation Street and her ever-silent, ever-eating son Craig, played by young actor Colson Smith, is comedy gold. And all this with Craig’s pet rat, Darryl too.

The stress of new motherhood forced Katy into running away last week and this week she meets up with sister Izzy in a park. There’s talk of their mum who left them when they were kids and Katy’s afraid she’ll end up just like her. Izzy assures her she won’t and lends a supportive hand, enough to get Katy to return to Ches and the babe. Now that post-maternal laundry has been aired, washed and dried, Anna and Owen do their best to help Katy and Chesney by looking after baby Joseph. Owen hopes this will get him back into Anna’s good books and her good pants, but Anna’s more steely that that. Although even her heart must have melted just a little when Owen built a fairy grotto around the garden pond for little Fay(e).

Pointless story of the week was Tommy going on a date with the blonde bimbo from last week. It’s all a ploy to get Tommy and Tina together, which let’s face it, I hope happens because that boy needs a storyline as much as a duck needs a new train to drive.

And that’s just about that for this week. Remember, sign up to get these spam-free Corrie weekly updates by email at http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/corrieweeks/

This week's writers were Ellen Taylor, Peter Whalley, David Lane, Chris Fewtrell and Simon Crowther. Find out more about the Coronation Street writing team at:
http://coronationstreetupdates.blogspot.com/2008/11/exclusive-all-current-corrie-writers.html

Glenda Young
--
Blogging away merrily at http://flamingnora.blogspot.com

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Ex-Coronation Street actor Davy Jones has died

This just in from the BBC.

Davy Jones, Manchester-born lead singer with 60s band The Monkees, has died aged 65, his publicist has confirmed. He died in his sleep at his home in Florida. His publicist, Deborah Robicheau, said he had a massive heart attack.

The band, who included musicians Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork, were famous for hits including Daydream Believer and I'm a Believer.

Early on in his showbusiness career Davy Jones appeared as Ena Sharples' grandson Colin Lomax in Coronation Street in 1961.

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Goodbye, Davy Jones

Or as we knew him on Coronation Street, Colin Lomax, grandson to Ena Sharples.

RIP

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Jodie Prenger confirmed as Elsie Tanner for Corrie musical

It's confirmed that Jodie Prenger will play the role of Elsie Tanner in the Coronation Street musical, Street of Dreams.
Jodie shot to fame on the BBC’s I’d Do Anything talent show.

“I just love the character of Elsie to bits,” Jodie tells the Manchester Evening News. “The great thing about it, it’s half my heart and half my head taking this role, as my nan was always known as Elsie Tanner. she was the spitting image of Elsie. my nan’s brother used to deliver all Pat Phoenix’s groceries, so it’s almost like I was destined to play the role. Also my fella’s called Simon Booth and of course Pat was married to Tony Booth.”

Now Jodie, 32, is swotting up on old Corrie episodes to perfect the northern grit and wit of the great Elsie. She laughs: “I couldn’t be happier. I’m up to my eyeballs on youtube watching old videos. It’s brilliant. Elsie Tanner is that cracking, strong northern woman, and there’s loads of strong northern women I’m going to be channeling into this role. She had her ups and downs. Every man should be scared of her!”

Jodie will take the role of the later-years Elsie, along with as-yet-to-be announced guest stars to play the young Elsie in the show.

Could it be Kym Marsh, as rumoured?

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Confirmed: Rita and Dennis are getting engaged

The rumour mill has been working over time and now it's been confirmed. Rita and Dennis are getting engaged next week and it looks like it'll be a summer wedding for them both.

Rita and Dennis getting married is something we fans have voted for here on the Coronation Street Blog.

The fab Inside Soap magazine reveals that next week Dennis tells Rita he plans to move away to the Midlands. The prospect of being torn apart forces Rita and Dennis into being honest about their emotions, prompting a very touching proposal.

But the proposal takes place after Dennis gets jealous when he spots Lewis flirting with Rita and Dennis is quick to make it clear that he's got his sights on the red-haired siren of the Street.

However, don't forget that Dennis did a runner on this wedding day many years ago so it just might be a case of history repeating itself with Rita...
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Coronation Street spoiler: Lesley disappears with Amy Barlow

Little Amy Barlow is going to get taken away by Paul's ill wife Lesley, who has early on-set Alzheimer's Disease.

The Coronation Street spoiler is in this week's fab Inside Soap magazine who reveal that Steve and Tracy are at their wits end when Amy goes missing and a full search is sparked.

A Corrie source tells the mag: "Steve will be absolutely furious that young Amy has been put in danger like this.  He's going to lash out at Lesley - and given how close Steve is to Eileen, his words will hit home hard."

Scenes have been shot already on location with the actor Judy Holt who plays Lesley and child actor Elle Mulvaney who plays Amy.
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Corrie's Brooke Vincent in All Star Family Fortunes

Brooke Vincent, who plays Coronation Street's Sophie Webster, will be on All Star Family Fortunes this Saturday 3 March, 2012.

The programme will be a soap special as Coronation Street’s Sophie Webster played by Brooke Vincent takes on Emmerdale’s Nikhil Sharma played by Rik Makarem.

Hosted by Vernon Kay, both celebrities and their families go head to head playing for Big Money, and the chance to win up to £30,000 for the charity of their choice.

All Star Family Fortunes is on ITV1 on Saturday, 3 March 2012 at 6.05pm.

Watch the preview video below:



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Corrie shortlisted for Royal Television Society Award

Coronation Street has been shortlisted for an award in this year's Royal Television Society Awards. Corrie's up against EastEnders and Emmerdale for the award for best Soap and Continuing Drama.

The Awards will be hosted by actor and comedian, Rob Brydon, at a ceremony on Tuesday 20 March at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.

The full shortlist is here.

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Audio: Corrie to dedicate episode to Betty Driver

Coronation Street will dedicate an episode to the late Betty Driver with her on-screen son, played by the Everton boss Bill Kenwright, returning to pay tribute.

Betty, who became famous for serving hot pot in The Rovers Return, died in October last year.

BBC Radio 5 live Breakfast got more details from Alison Sinclair who is the senior publicity manager for Coronation Street

Alison confirmed that Bill Kenwright will be returning to Corrie as Betty's son Gordon and that he'll be the one who breaks the news of Betty's death. 

And Alison said that yes, Betty's secret will be revealed at her wake too - read more on that here.

Listen to Alison Sinclair's interview here.

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Coronation Street fan of the week - Alison from Crete

It's Wednesday and time to meet another Corrie fan of the week. Would you like to be our Coronation Street fan of the week? Click here to find out more.

Who are you and where are you from?

My name is Alison Yates and I have lived on the Greek island of Crete for almost 7 years. I was born and raised in a Coronation Street style house in Bolton, Lancashire and lived there until my Shirley Valentine move to Greece.

How long have you been watching Corrie?

I am 52 this year and have watched Corrie from my cradle up until now.

Who are your favourite female and male characters - and the reasons why?

At the moment my favourite female character is mad Mary. She is bonkers! I also love Julie for the same reason. In the past I’ve loved Elsie Tanner, Hilda Ogden, Bet Lynch, Suzie Birchall and Liz McDonald. I had a mother in law (now divorced from her mummy’s boy son) who was exactly like Ivy Tilsley, so I used to cringe when she appeared.

My favourite male character is Steve. I love him with Eileen, with Lloyd, with his mum and with any woman he gets involved with. It’s just his facial expressions and his reactions.

What have been some of your favourite Corrie storylines over the years?

Of course I’ve loved the classic storylines from the past including all the double acts, Elsie and Len, Rita and Mavis, Mavis and Derek, Stan and Hilda, Jack and Vera etc. but I suppose the love triangle of Ken, Deirdre and Mike is a stand out for me.

And what would your fantasy Corrie storyline be?

My fantasy Corrie storyline would be Sean and Marcus having a really camp wedding.

Have you any snippets or news about meeting any of the Corrie cast, or trips to the set, etc., that you'd like to share?

I once saw Andy Whyment, who plays Kirk Sutherland, performing Mustang Sally at the Bolton Albert Halls in a concert. I was lucky enough to take my small children to the Granada Studios Tours when it first opened and again just before it closed. My daughter aged just 4 at the first visit was picked out to be made up in the makeup department.

At the second visit I made a video in the Rovers, "acting" with the then barmaid Samantha Failsworth and Ken Barlow. It was a green screen thing if my memory serves me. I love your site and read the blogs each day. Keep up the good work.

PS: As a natural born northener I think Stella’s accent is great. I had my doubts at first but I think her accent is perfect.

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New Corrie Set: February 2012 update

Progress has finally been made on the Trafford Wharf site, which will house the new Coronation Street set, take a look below, the building under construction is the main ITV building on the site, as seen here.

This has all gone up very quickly as a picture from earlier this month shows.

Click to enlarge the picture

You can find larger pics here and a timeline of pictures here.

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State of the Street - February 2012

As we skid towards this year's murder storyline, we look back at some of the storylines in February where Steve and Tracy's childish antics filled a few airwaves. Tiresome, but at the end, we have Beth and Craig in situ to add some genuine comedy to the schtick. Katy was finding it difficult to cope on her own with a baby while Chesney worked his socks off trying to keep their financial heads above water. Owen got to say I Told You So but it backfired when Katy did a temporary runner.

There was some lovely bits with all concerned in the cafe and some classic soap angst with Peter coping with Carla, her problems and a very unsettled little boy. Cad Lewis is smarming around Audrey and that can't be a good thing. Read more about these and other observations on State of the Street.


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Coronation Street double episode review, Monday February 27

Simon was forced to admit to his dad Peter and Leanne - who had previously attacked Carla in front of everyone at the factory - that he had lied to them about Carla being drunk and hurting him, in order to get his beloved "mum" Leanne to stay. As ever, an amazing, convincing performance from young Alex Bain as Simon, who is just ten years old, after several award-winning years in Coronation Street.

Some good comedy ensued as the wonderful Beth, encouraged by scheming Tracy - "he needs a strong woman, get him round  to the flat and seduce him"  - tried and failed to have her wicked way with a horrified Steve, while she was dolled up in mutton-dressed wig and low cut silver mini dress. Steve had to call for help from Beth's son from hell Craig (who had been told to retire to his room by the hopeful Beth) to rescue him from her clutches. Beth's pithy verdict to herself on her lack of amorous success:"Well, what a waste of a bath!"

Evil Frank was distancing himself further from clinging Sally and her offers of yet more revolting home cooking. "I'll do my carrot and swede mash!". He lied to her about plans to close down production at the factory and even managed to sweet talk his way out of  her suspicions when she read an incriminating email about the planned factory closure and job losses. Wait till she finds she's not the only woman in his life...

Possibly reformed conman Lewis, thinking he may be about to do some time in clink after admitting his previous Weatherfield  fraud to the police,  went for a solo last supper at the Bistro. "I thought I'd treat myself before going to get my just desserts".

But he was treated with suspicion by Nick and Gail and even forced to offer to pay for the meal  in advance. They then thought he'd done a runner without paying at the end of the meal but he returned to order a large brandy, leaving Nick and Eva somewhat shame-faced. Nigel Havers expertly oozes charm and apparent sincerity - but is it all for real or yet another con act by former gigolo Lewis?

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Sneak preview of next week's Corrie, March 5 - 9 2012

Without any piffle, here's the storyline for the week ahead on Coronation Street, all wrapped up nicely in 50 words or less.

Week of Monday 5th March to Friday 9th March 2012

Frank’s murdered - but who did it? Dennis and Rita have big news for everyone, Karl fancies Sunita and has Lewis nicked from Nick’s till?

The full weekly preview, with loads of pictures is right here on Corrie.net

Missed last week's Corrie?
Catch up with the Coronation Street weekly updates 


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Favourite Corrie characters countdown - ninth poll

Hello all! Now, I hope you've voted in the seventh poll of ten because that is now officially closed. But you have until 01:00 GMT next Tuesday to vote for two of your favourite characters in the eighth poll.

So, who's in our penultimate poll?

Elsie Tanner - The original Street siren and femme fatale. Thrice married, she also had 22 men! A mother to Linda and Dennis, she also mothered many of the Street's young girls like Gail Potter, Suzie Birchall and Marion Willis. She's best remembered for her catfights with the likes of Ena Sharples and Hilda Ogden!

Brian Tilsley - Gail's first husband who was a mechanic. He was easily dominated by his mother Ivy and usually he and Gail would end up in an argument over his mother's inteference. Brian's proudest moment was when son Nicky was born in 1980. The Tilsley marriage was plagued with problems with both Brian and Gail being unfaithful and Brian not believing he was daughter Sarah Lou's dad. Best remembered for his untimely death. He was fatally stabbed outside a nightclub.

Ken Barlow - The only original character to have remained in the soap since its inception. He’s had four wives, fathered four children and has had 24 girlfriends. Known for his quiff, he’s lived on Coronation Street all his life and has held many jobs – varying from a teacher to a supermarket trolley pusher! He had a twenty year rivalry with factory tycoon Mike Baldwin.

Fred Elliott - A Master Butcher famed for his repetitive speech. I say, his repetitive speech. He was also a serial proposer but his true love was Audrey Roberts. He didn't have much luck with his wives on the street - Maureen left him after a week and Eve turned out to be a bigamist! He's also remembered for confessing that he was 'nephew' Ashley's dad - 25 years after the Betty/Gordon Clegg storyline!

David Platt- Has gone from a sweet toddler to the son from hell to a responsible husband and stepdad. He was deeply affected by Tricky Dicky's dastardly deeds and vowed to ruin mum Gail's life for making his life a nightmare. He sent cards her from 'Richard' and pushed her down the stairs. He managed to ruin sister Sarah's wedding by driving into the canal. He seems to have settled down now with new wife Kylie and her son Max and works at gran Audrey's salon.

Annie Walker - The snobbish landlady of the Rovers for over 40 years. Married to Jack for 33 years and mother of Billy and Joan, she was known for her delusions of grandeur and her defining moment was dressing up as Elizabeth I in the 1977 Jubilee parade. After Jack's death she soldiered on behind the bar, relying heavily on staff Betty, Bet and Fred. Another proud moment was being Weatherfield's Lady Mayoress in 1973.

Have you got favourites in this six? Well, vote for two of them and we'll see where they'll be in the countdown!

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TV Times release five Frank Foster killer covers

This week's TV Times comes with a choice of Coronation Street covers. And while there may be five covers there's only one killer so who do you think will be the one who bumped off freaky Frank Foster?


As evil rapist, Frank Foster, is found dead in the factory, TV Times interrogates the Corrie residents whom Weatherfield Police want to question...

Soap baddies always get their comeupance, and this week, Frank Foster makes the inevitable trip to Weatherfield heaven – or, as is more likely, hell?

SALLY WEBSTER

Evidence:

‘Sally’s the one found with the body, knelt over Frank with blood on her hands – so it doesn’t look good!’

Defence:

‘Sally’s found in the wrong place at the wrong time. Yes, she hated Frank, but Sally will say she’s not capable of murder.’

Previous form:

‘When she’s riled, we’ve seen Sally lash out before. She gave Natalie that famous slap round the face….’

KEVIN WEBSTER

Evidence:

‘There’s a big twist that throws Kevin Webster right in the frame and the police come calling. It leaves even Sally wondering if Kevin was Frank’s killer.’

Defence:

‘Kevin claims not to have gone anywhere near Frank before he was killed. But there’s a twist  - and the Police later come to him with evidence they’ve discovered which makes him a suspect...’ 

Previous form:

‘His temper has got Kevin a few weeks in prison after he attacked John Stape. I hope he’s learnt his lesson but you never know. Kevin’s certainly capable of killing someone.’

Who does Kevin think did it?

‘He doesn’t say but, when he’s later questioned, he’s quick to point out it wasn’t him! Kevin mentions to Sally that it makes more sense for Peter to have killed Frank but maybe he’s just covering his tracks.’

CARLA CONNOR

Evidence:

‘Anne discovers that the contract Carla signed, giving ownership of the factory to Frank has mysteriously disappeared after Frank’s death. Considering everything that Frank did to her, and the fact that the missing contract benefits Carla, this puts her firmly in the frame and the police come calling.’

Defence:

‘Carla may use the fact that she’s not capable of murder as her defence. She goes back to the factory that night to confront Frank but she claims that when she left, he was still alive. She then went home on her own, although so she doesn’t have a strong alibi.’

Previous form:

‘Carla’s had her fair share of scrapes in her past, and Carla comes from the roughest council estate in Weatherfield. She was dragged up and she’s learnt to fight her way through life – as she proved when Tony Gordon had her locked up in the factory.’

Who does Carla think did it?

‘When Peter comes back the next day with blood on his clothes and no idea about where he’s been, she starts to worry. And, when he can’t explain where he was she starts to fear it was him.’

PETER BARLOW

Evidence:

‘Peter goes on a drunken bender when Leanne – thanks to some stirring from Frank – announces she’s going for custody of Simon. When he returns the next morning, he’s covered in blood, and has no memory of where he’s been and what he’s done.’

Defence:

‘Peter can’t remember what happened that night, and he was too drunk to have killed Frank. But then again, he can’t remember that he didn’t kill him!’

Previous form:

‘He’s attacked Frank before, when they came face to face on the street and he all but admitted to raping Carla. Peter spent a night in the cells for that. And he threatened to kill Nick with a crowbar when he found out about his affair with Leanne.’

Who does Peter think did it?

‘He’s worried that Carla lashed out - after all, he knows how far Frank pushed her. Then again he’s also worried that he might have done it whilst he was drunk.’

MICHELLE CONNOR

Evidence:

‘There’s a big twist in the story and Michelle suddenly becomes much more of a suspect than people may initially think. She’s acting very strangely, and her friends start to pick up on that.’

Defence:

‘Michelle has an alibi that takes her away from the factory when Frank was killed. But when questioned about it, I don’t know whether it will stand up. She’s very cagey.’

Previous form:

Like Carla, Michelle had a pretty rough upbringing but Michelle’s always been a very moral person. Having said that, her big thing is family and she’s very protective of the Connor clan. Frank destroyed Carla so maybe Michelle has decided to dish out some justice of her own.’

Who does Michelle think did it?

‘Michelle’s definitely involved in the mix somewhere but whether she’s capable of killing Frank you’ll have to wait and see. I think she could be!’

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Corrie’s Usual Suspects in the Frame for Frank’s murder

This line-up is the first image of the UNUsual Suspects who find themselves under suspicion for the murder of Corrie factory boss Frank Foster. When the body of evil rapist Frank is found in a pool of blood on the factory floor the finger of suspicion immediately points to the people who most want him dead. And in the coming weeks these five people are the ones that the police and residents of

Coronation Street

start to suspect could have bludgeoned him to death.

Frank’s lifeless body will be found in the factory on Monday March 5th – after days of arguments and confrontations with associates, lovers and enemies alike – leaving police and viewers baffled as to the identity of the murderer. And Corrie fans will be on the edge of their seats as the mystery unravels and the killer is finally unmasked in true soap style.

It’s Sally Webster who’s found with blood on her hands as she kneels over ex-lover Frank’s lifeless body.  Knicker stitchers Sean Tully and Julie Carp look on in horror as they arrive at the factory to confront Frank over his plans for the business, after he conned partner Carla Connor out of her share.

Not satisfied with getting off with the rape of Carla, Frank had set out to destroy her by ruining her relationship with lover Peter Barlow and getting her to sign over the factory for a rock bottom price. It puts Carla firmly in the frame, along with partner Peter, colleague Michelle and Sally’s ex-husband Kevin.

As the police start digging an arrest is finally made – but have they got the right person or has the real killer got away with murder?

Here the actors who play the five suspects talk about their characters’ motives and whether they could be capable of murder:

Sally Dynevor on Sally Webster: “Sally’s got lots of reasons to want to do something very bad to Frank, as have all the factory staff as he was plotting for them all to lose their jobs. But there’s a particular motive for Sally because of the way he betrayed her on a personal level and the way she was prepared to betray her friends for him.”

Chris Gascoyne on Peter Barlow:  “On a scale of 1 to 10 Peter hates Frank 11, for what he’s done to Carla and the fact that he’s still trying to ruin both their lives. When he double crosses Carla at the factory that’s just another reason for Peter to really hate him. He wants him dead.”

Michael Le Vell on Kevin Webster: “He claims not to have gone anywhere near Frank before he was killed but there’s a twist which makes him a suspect. It throws Kevin Webster right in the frame and the police come calling. It leaves even Sally wondering if Kevin was Frank’s killer.”

Alison King on Carla Connor:  “Carla hates Frank with all of her being, she can’t stand being in the same room as him, he makes her feel sick. He’s winding her up as well, talking about giving her a lift home and pointing out that he’s not got any bail restrictions anymore. She just wants him out of her life, she can’t stand him and she’d do whatever it takes to get rid of him.”

Kym Marsh on Michelle Connor: “Michelle’s always been a very moral person. Having said that her big thing is family and she’s very protective of the Connor clan, Frank destroyed Carla so maybe Michelle decided to dish out some justice of her own. Michelle’s definitely involved in the mix somewhere but whether she’s capable of killing Frank you’ll have to wait and see, I think she could be!”

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Julie Carp, fashion queen

Julie didn't take it too well when David suggested she invest in a pair of elasticated maternity jeans

Whether you think Julie Carp’s wacky wardrobe is an assault on the eyes or the closest we’ve had to couture on the cobbles, it seems this vintage vamp is Weatherfield’s unlikely fashionista. Week after week Julie, whose personal mantra is ‘bold is beautiful’, has been rocking up to The Street wearing frocks in fun fabrics – cupcake, anyone? – and an episode last week saw her sporting this season’s block colours, opting for lime green and white. Is the newly confident Carp chasing the chic look now she’s with child and has her man, Brian ‘The Snip’ Packham, firmly on side?

Does Brian appreciate his girlfriend’s clobber? Is he aware of the ulterior motive behind Julie’s choice of threads? We’ve seen this fifties throwback wearing sweetheart necklines, and flouncy, cupcake and heart cotton prints that scream traditional, old-fashioned, family values, leaving Julie looking as wholesome as a freshly baked apple pie.

We can only guess and wonder – some might shudder – at Julie’s future maternity wear. As her bump grows, we’ll be sad to see the back of her fifties frocks with their nipped-in waists and we can only hope that she shies away from voluminous tents and those jeans with the ridiculously broad elasticated waistbands – never a good look.

But onto more serious considerations: what are the chances of this hopeless romantic having a baby out of wedlock? And if there is to be a wedding, that leaves only one, fabulous giddy-making thought… Julie’s wedding dress. It’s enough to put us in a fashion spin…


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Winners announced! Coronation Street cards competition

Congratulations go to two lucky Coronation Street Blog readers who have each won a pack of Corrie greetings cards.

The winners are Monica Grunksy in the UK and Joan Mizzy-Fry in Canada. 

Thank you to everyone who entered. If you'd like to buy the greetings cards at only 80p each, they're online here: Coronation Street greetings cards

Also see: Competition to win Coronation Street personalised gifts

Also see: Competition to win tickets to see Fat Brenda live on stage in her one-man show!

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Voting opens in British Soap Awards 2012

Voting has opened today in the British Soap Awards 2012. The awards will be shown on TV in May.

Vote for Coronation Street here.

With thanks to Digital Spy, the nominations are as follows:


Sexiest Male

Chris Fountain (Tommy Duckworth, Coronation Street)

Oliver Mellor (Matt Carter, Coronation Street)

Ryan Thomas (Jason Grimshaw, Coronation Street)

Matthew Chambers (Daniel Granger, Doctors)
Simon Rivers (Kevin Tyler, Doctors)
Nicolas Woodman (Jack Hollins, Doctors)
Marc Elliott (Syed Masood, EastEnders)
Scott Maslen (Jack Branning, EastEnders)
John Partridge (Christian Clarke, EastEnders)
Jeff Hordley (Cain Dingle, Emmerdale)
Danny Miller (Aaron Livesy, Emmerdale)
Matthew Wolfenden (David Metcalfe, Emmerdale)
James Atherton (Will Savage, Hollyoaks)
Danny Mac (Dodger Savage, Hollyoaks)
Emmett Scanlan (Brendan Brady, Hollyoaks)

Sexiest Female

Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntyre, Coronation Street)

Kym Marsh (Michelle Connor, Coronation Street)

Catherine Tyldesley (Eva Price, Coronation Street)

Sophie Abelson (Cherry Clay, Doctors)
Charlie Clemmow (Imogen Hollins, Doctors)
Elisabeth Dermot Walsh (Zara Carmichael, Doctors)
Meryl Fernandes (Afia Masood, EastEnders)
Jacqueline Jossa (Lauren Branning, EastEnders)
Preeya Kalidas (Amira Masood, EastEnders)
Natalie Anderson (Alicia Gallagher, Emmerdale)
Emma Atkins (Charity Sharma, Emmerdale)
Natalie J Robb (Moira Barton, Emmerdale)
Scarlett Bowman (Maddie Morrison, Hollyoaks)
Jennifer Metcalfe (Mercedes McQueen, Hollyoaks)
Jorgie Porter (Theresa McQueen, Hollyoaks)

Villain of the Year

Kate Ford (Tracy Barlow, Coronation Street)

Natalie Gumede (Kirsty Soames, Coronation Street)

Andrew Lancel (Frank Foster, Coronation Street)

James Larkin (Harrison Kellor, Doctors)
Marian McLoughlin (Marina Bonnaire, Doctors)
Laurence Saunders (Trevor Waterhouse, Doctors)
Ace Bhatti (Yusef Khan, EastEnders)
Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell, EastEnders)
Joshua Pascoe (Ben Mitchell, EastEnders)
Jeff Hordley (Cain Dingle, Emmerdale)
Tom Lister (Carl King, Emmerdale)
Jason Merrells (Declan Macey, Emmerdale)
Jamie Lomas (Warren Fox, Hollyoaks)
Jeff Rawle (Silas Blissett, Hollyoaks)
Emmett Scanlan (Brendan Brady, Hollyoaks)

Best Actor

Chris Gascoyne (Peter Barlow, Coronation Street)

Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald, Coronation Street)

Alan Halsall (Tyrone Dobbs, Coronation Street)

Owen Brenman (Heston Carter, Doctors)
Matthew Chambers (Daniel Granger, Doctors)
Chris Walker (Rob Hollins, Doctors)
Nitin Ganatra (Masood Ahmed, EastEnders)
Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell, EastEnders)
Shane Richie (Alfie Moon, EastEnders)
Jeff Hordley (Cain Dingle, Emmerdale)
John Middleton (Ashley Thomas, Emmerdale)
Danny Miller (Aaron Livesy, Emmerdale)
Steven Roberts (George Smith, Hollyoaks)
Emmett Scanlan (Brendan Brady, Hollyoaks)
Ashley Taylor Dawson (Darren Osborne, Hollyoaks)

Best Actress

Jane Danson (Leanne Barlow, Coronation Street)

Sally Dynevor (Sally Webster, Coronation Street)

Alison King (Carla Connor, Coronation Street)

Janet Dibley (Elaine Cassidy, Doctors)
Diane Keen (Julia Parsons, Doctors)
Lorna Laidlaw (Mrs Tembe, Doctors)
Lindsey Coulson (Carol Jackson, EastEnders)
Jo Joyner (Tanya Jessop, EastEnders)
Nina Wadia (Zainab Khan, EastEnders)
Chelsea Halfpenny (Amy Wyatt, Emmerdale)
Natalie J Robb (Moira Barton, Emmerdale)
Charley Webb (Debbie Dingle, Emmerdale)
Karen Hassan (Lynsey Nolan, Hollyoaks)
Jennifer Metcalfe (Mercedes McQueen, Hollyoaks)
Holly Weston (Ash Kane, Hollyoaks)

Best British Soap

Coronation Street

Doctors
EastEnders
Emmerdale
Hollyoaks

First round voting will close on Monday, April 2 at 3pm. Second round voting for the final shortlist will then open on Thursday, April 5 before closing on Friday, April 27 at 3pm.

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For your consideration, another murder suspect on Corrie

Over the weekend I was thinking about Frank's murder. A lot of the blog fans, and even I was of the opinion that Frank's mother Anne would be the killer. But there are two suspects foremost in my mind now.

I've not completely discounted Anne, because she's devious enough to put on a tragic front, manipulative enough to throw suspicion on anyone else but I think she may overhear Frank confessing to Sally and realizes he was as bad as everyone said he was. It would likely be accidental if this is the case.

The other suspect is Jenny, the new client and our regular commenter Frosty mentioned it as well. We know that she initially expressed sympathy for Carla after the rape but recently there seems to be some back-room manipulations with Frank which are coming out this week. She also may have discovered Frank threatening Sally and confronted him. It could have been self defence as well but as she's not a regular character, theoretically she'll be caught, arrested and then discovered to have killed Frank while fighting him off. The more I think about it, the more I'm leaning this way. She's even more an "expendable crew member" than Anne.

Will Anne stay on after Frank's death? She will likely inherit his share of the factory but considering the contention between she and Carla, it's unlikely.

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Last chance to vote for Corrie! All About Soap Awards 2012

Voting closes today, Monday February 27 in this year's All About Soaps Awards

Vote for Coronation Street at the All About Soap website

Nominations have been revealed as follows:

Best Actress
Coronation Street: Alison King
EastEnders: Jo Joyner
Emmerdale: Chelsea Halfpenny
Hollyoaks: Claire Cooper

Best Actor
Coronation Street: Chris Gascoyne
EastEnders: Jake Wood
Emmerdale: Danny Miller
Hollyoaks: Emmett Scanlan

Best Episode
Coronation Street: Steve and Tracy's wedding
EastEnders: Pat's funeral
Emmerdale: Cain's attack
Hollyoaks: Halloween murder

Best Villain
Coronation Street: Frank Foster
EastEnders: Derek Branning
Emmerdale: Cain Dingle
Hollyoaks: Silas Blissett

Best Mystery
EastEnders: Who's stalking Phil?
Emmerdale: Who attacked Cain?
Hollyoaks: Who's the father of Mercy's baby?
Home and Away: Who attacked Bianca?

Best Dressed Soap Star
Coronation Street: Michelle Keegan
EastEnders: Jacqueline Jossa
Emmerdale: Natalie Anderson
Hollyoaks: Jorgie Porter

Best Comeback
Coronation Street: John Stape
EastEnders: David Wicks
Hollyoaks: Steph Roach
Neighbours: Mal Kennedy

Best Couple
Coronation Street: Peter and Carla
EastEnders: Max and Tanya
EastEnders: Zainab and Masood
Home and Away: Brax and Charlie

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Sneak preview of tonight's double Corrie - Monday 27 February 2012

Coronation Street, Monday 27th February at 7.30pm

Watch the preview video here

SIMON TELLS LEANNE THAT CARLA'S HITTING HIM. The atmosphere in the flat is tense as Peter's caught between Carla and his son. Over at the pub Leanne's pained as she watches Simon leave with Peter but sticking to her guns she tells Stella she's here to get what she needs and go. As Leanne lets herself into the flat she's stunned to find Carla there and an almighty row ensues. Having forced Carla out and collected her things Leanne's heading for a taxi when Simon arrives home and spots her. Rushing over he pleads with Leanne to stay. It breaks her heart and when Ken reveals he's had to bring him home from school early as his behaviour's been intolerable Leanne knows she has to talk to him. It's emotional as she explains to Simon that while she loves him she can't stay and he has to be good for Peter and Carla. But when Simon accuses Carla of being drunk and hitting him how will Leanne react?
SALLY SMELLS A RAT ABOUT FRANK'S DODGY DEALINGS. When Frank gets a mystery call then snaps at Sally for asking who it was she's put out by his erratic behaviour. When he then snaps his laptop shut as she comes near Sally's suspicions grow and with Frank out of the way takes a look. But when Frank walks in and asks what she's playing at Sally's fearful. How will Frank react and what has she seen?
TRACY HAS AN IDEA TO GET BACK AT STEVE. As Tracy locks horns with Beth again she decides it's time to wipe the smile off Steve's face. Admitting to Beth that she's resigned to losing Steve as he obviously wants her she encourages Beth to go for her man.
Elsewhere Owen builds bridges with Anna, Faye and Katy. Gail is less than impressed as Lewis enjoys a last supper at the Bistro before his appearance in court.

Monday 27th February at 8.30pm

SIMON'S LIES MAKE LEANNE RECONSIDER MOVING AWAY. At the factory Leanne launches herself at her nemesis. An amused Frank watches as the girls separate them and Leanne goes, warning Carla to stay way from Simon. Shaken Carla turns to drink. Back at the Rovers Leanne promises Simon she'll never let Carla hurt him again. But when Peter arrives he insists Carla hasn't done anything and urges Simon to tell the truth. Eventually they coax the truth out of him but when Simon admits he made it up to get rid of Carla it breaks Peter's heart. As he takes his son home Leanne's conflicted, she sees herself as Simon's mum and he needs her. Can she bring herself to leave him again?
FRANK CONVINCES SALLY THEY HAVE A ROSY FUTURE. When Frank hears about Karl's run in with Peter over the unstamped betting slip he calls in a mate, suggesting he investigate how the bookies is being run. Meanwhile Sally's been investigating Frank and he's forced to come clean about his plans for the factory - to go international by outsourcing the work. Sally reels as she asks what this means for her and the girls!
BETH SETS HER SIGHTS ON STEVE. Beth has asked Steve round to look at the broken boiler. He can't find anything wrong with it but the penny drops when Beth stands seductively in his path. Will Steve be able to avoid her advances?
Elsewhere Owen and Faye bond as they pimp out the pond but will it bring Owen and Anna back together? After enjoying an expensive meal at the Bistro Gail is convinced that Lewis will leg it but is he really a changed character?

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Anne Foster is favourite to be Frank Foster's killer

Now that the official Coronation Street website at itv.com/corrie have released a picture of Frank Foster's dead body on the factory floor, it's time to reveal the results of our poll here on the Coronation Street Blog.

We asked Corrie fans to vote for who they think will kill off freaky Frank. 

A whopping 1,672 votes were cast and the results came in as follows in order of number of votes:

Anne Foster was the "other" who fans voted for most with 21.17% (354 votes)

Peter Barlow 17.28% (289 votes)

Kevin Webster 16.57% (277 votes)

He'll commit suicide 13.04% (218 votes)

Carla Connor 11.72% (196 votes)

Sally Webster 11.48% (192 votes)

Michelle Connor 5.08% (85 votes)

Leanne Barlow 3.65% (61 votes)

More killer outsiders voted for under "other" include new business woman Jenny Sumner, cabbie Lloyd Mullaney, little Simon (!), a triumverate of Michelle, Carla and Maria, Karl Munro, Ken Barlow, Terry Duckworth, Hayley Cropper, Sophie Webster, Rosie Webster, John Stape, Eccles, Norris Cole, Rita Sullivan, someone from Frank's past, an unknown assailant and er, Ivy Tilsley's ghost.

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Catherine Tyldesley has her Corrie contract extended

Catherine Tyldesley, who plays Eva Price, has had her current Coronation Street extended until next year.

In an interview with Daily Star Sunday, Catherine says she still pinches herself every time she steps out on to the cobbles.

She said: “I’ve wanted to work on Corrie for as long as I can remember and it really has been everything I thought it would be. I’m having an incredible time.

"I’ve had my contract extended until next year and I’ve been told that Eva has got some very big things coming up. I’ve got a meeting next week where I will find out what they’ve got planned for her and I can’t wait. It’s all very exciting and I’m really looking forward to getting the next batch of scripts just so I can find out what happens to her."

What do you think about Eva Price on Corrie? I wasn't keen on her to start with but in her relationship with Nick she's been great, forcing him to face up to being an adult and moving away from living with Gail, I've warmed to her a lot. And I'm glad to hear she's staying.

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Corrie's Karl in gambling hell storyline

There's a good, long interview with John Michie in the Daily Record in which he talks about playing Karl Munro on Coronation Street. John reveals that there's a "gambling hell" storyline coming up for Karl in Corrie and says he's looking forward to it a lot.

He says: "It’s really going to kick off for Karl shortly. He has been set up as a gambler and a dodgy character so it should be quite fun but very hard work and there’s a nice little twist in it.  I’m really looking forward to this and I hope I do it justice but I know it will be very hard work.”

John says Corrie is still the only soap he watches and he is a huge fan. When producer Phil Collinson offered him the part, he did not need a second to think about it. A few weeks later, behind the bar of The Rovers Return, it suddenly came home to him exactly where he was.

John said: “It was a bit, ‘Oh my God, so this is actually it’. "What is slightly intimidating is standing there pulling a pint and the person on the other side of the bar is someone like Steve McDonald or Sean Tully. They’ve all worked behind the bar and you know that used to be their space and now you’re invading it and they’re kind of looking at you thinking, ‘I wonder how he’s going to do’.”

But that does not stop John describing Corrie as “one of the friendliest sets he has ever been on”. He added: “They are all amazing. No one talks too much about acting. It’s all very casual.

“One of the first people I met was Annie Kirkbride (Deirdre) and she didn’t come up to me and shake my hand or ask who I was. She just said, ‘Oh, hello – what’s your star sign?’ I said, ‘Scorpio’. She said, ‘Lovely, you’ll get on with him and her’. She started going on about astrology. There are very few people who pull rank in the show. None of that starry nonsense goes on simply, I think, because there are so many – there are 65 adult actors and about 10 kids. Half of them do most of the work but it still means there are about 70 people.”

John also revealed that Karl will get a job in Streetcars when Stella pushes him into getting a proper job.  He says: “Those scenes are great fun because it’s the only laddie place in Coronation Street – the soap is basically about women. It’s about strong women and weak men. But me, Craig and Simon in the office are just having a laugh, chucking darts, messing about and talking about women and football. Unfortunately, a lot of these scenes get cut because, if they need to drop something, they’ll cut a scene that doesn’t really add to the story.”

With the Street’s imminent move to a new location in Salford, however, that might change. The new set will see the actual street – currently only wide enough for one car – becoming much broader, allowing two vehicles to pass. This could mean John and the boys being filmed just hanging out in their taxis and chatting rather than so many scenes in the mini-cab office.
John said: “But we love it in there because it’s our own lads’ hideaway – away from the madness of all those domineering women.”

Read the full interview here.

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Peter Barlow, circa August 1978

This is Peter Barlow as seen in Coronation Street in August 1978. He's played by Joseph McKenna. Peter has come to visit his dad and  Uncle Albert from far off Scotland and has the accent to prove it! He's 15 and freckled and you can't picture this ginger lad growing up to be the unfaithful alcoholic Peter we know today!


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Coronation Street episode reviews, Thursday 23 and Friday 24 February 2012

Am I the only person who thinks  that common as muck single mum Beth is a virtual doppelganger in looks and personality for Cilla Battersby-Brown? 

Anyhow, it's good to see her and her pudgy, rat-keeping, ever munching son  Craig with his "very unsettling gaze" become regular characters. The house-sharing storyline with a very unhappy Tracy promises many good comedy moments, such as when Beth explained that his per rat  was named "Darren, after his dad." 

Funny scene when Steve spotted Beth's  ghastly "glamour" photo portrait pinned up  on the living room wall and she proudly asks him what he thinks of it. "Well, it's got a nice frame," he ventured with a grimace.

Some romantic cold-shouldering in these episodes as Frank's Mr Nice Guy act with smitten Sally rapidly began to cool. Still, her offer of making the rapist a romantic meal of frozen "mini Chicken kiev and jacket spuds" wasn't exactly enticing and Norris soon caught on that her replacement menu of "pork in lemon and butter sauce" was a ready meal from Freshco. Get that woman a Delia Smith cookbook pronto!

Meanwhile Tommy Duckworth was reduced to claiming he was taking up smoking and planning to travel round the world "next week" in order to shake off his pretty blonde bimbo one night stand (the role was quite nicely played, I thought) who had  already given names to their four children and had made his picture the home page on her phone.  "You're too full on, " he told her, as an unimpressed Tina hovered. 

Chesney, Katy and baby were reunited thanks to help from sympathetic Anna, with not so tame Neanderthal dad Owen  trying to tone down his controlling macho man act and even offering to babysit his grandson so the teenage couple could have a rare night out. 

Carla - who despite her flaws is starting to appear a more sympathetic character recently - was the talk of Coronation Street after Simon refused to go home with her at the school gates and she had to grab his hand to drag him home and Simon later claimed to Peter she had hurt him and shouted at him.  She later tipsily exploded in a rant to her employees at the factory much to the satisfaction of  about to be murdered Frank, who charmingly told her: "I haven't seen make up like that since Thriller". He has a point!

Leanne returned  from her stay with Toyah but told Stella - who she quite naturally calls "mum" now, have people noticed? - that  she was not planning to hang around in Weatherfield. Simon, who wants to get rid of Carla, whom he views as his wicked stepmother, will not be happy.

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Corrie weekly awards: February 20 - 24

Cookie Monster award: Craig is back! Funniest scene of the week!
 
Head vs Heart award: Audrey's head say NO but her heart is leaning to YES.

Freeloader award: Too right Tracy should pay her half of the mortgage, and even if they were happily married, she should!

Green Eyed, Posessive Monster award: Kirsty's at it again.

Shortest Job Ever award: Job offered, job rescinded without even starting! That's Gobzilla Barlow all over!

Stepmother Fail award: Carla picking Simon up at the schoolyard, while she was tipsy.

Out of the mouths of babes: Amy telling Steve that Grandma says Grandad is a know it all. (snort... they hear everything don't they?)

Digging your own hole award: Owen isn't helping persuade anyone to his team. At all. Every time he opens his gob he's digging himself in deeper and proving Katy right.

Typical Kylie fashion shout out: "I love chaos"

Lines of the Week:
Gail to Audrey "I don't want you turning up on my doorstep at midnight with a gin bottle in one hand and a box of tissues in the other"
Steve "I was borderline alert!"
Owen "Two words... Dead. Fish."
Anna to Owen "Most of the time you're a lovely, lovely man but sometimes your mask slips and there's a right nasty piece of work in front of me" (That's Owen in a nutshell)
Chesney to Owen "You don't want to help. You want to control!!!"
Frank "Peter, can I help you?" Peter "Only by dropping dead"
Tyrone "At least with a car you get a manual"
Lewis to Kylie "David's wife? Shouldn't you be throwing drinks over me instead of buying them?"
Frank (with vaguely disguised contempt) to Sally "Loathe as I am to pass up on frozen chicken balls..."
Carla to Sally "What are you? the new time clock? Because I'll happily punch myself in!"

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