Yes, I think there is still room for two more characters. Firstly, i think Coronation Street needs a wonderful old busybody (I'm not counting Norris Cole here, who for some reason or another only appears fleetingly these days). We need a good old gossip, someone who embroils themselves with the latest goings on and scandals, but also has a heart of gold and a touch of vulnerability.
We haven't seen the likes of this characterisation really since we lost the superb Maggie Jones who of course played Deirdre's mum Blanche Hunt so wonderfully on and off for more than thirty years. One of my all time favourite battle-axes, although I hesitate to use that term for her, was the glorious Phyllis Pearce played by the redoubtable Jill Summers between 1982 and 1996. Most of her time onscreen was spent chasing poor old Percy Sugden but looking back on it, it was amazing just how much Jill crammed into those performances. Phyllis, with her blue rinse, throaty delivery and canny observations was salt of the earth.
I always remember a scene in the cafe with Amanda Barrie (Alma). Phyllis was bemoaning the ageing process and had the wonderful line "I'm not sure who that old woman is staring back when I look in the mirror, but it isn't me". God bless her. While we'll never have another Phyllis or Blanche, there is room for someone of their ilk.
I also think Corrie needs a right good old-fashioned b*tch to liven things up. Yes we have Tracy Barlow but that act is growing more than a little tired. Carla can be bitchy when she wants to be as can both Leanne and Kylie but what I think we need is someone who comes in like a whirlwind, creates endless amounts of havoc and then takes off leaving the Rovers regulars wondering what's hit 'em. My own personal favourite was the incredible force of nature - Tanya Pooley. Tanya was the Cruella Deville of the Rovers Return back in the early 1990s. She may not have stayed for long, but by gum she left her mark. She became romantically entangled with both Des Barnes and his boss, made the lovely Raquel's life a misery and got on the wrong side of Bet Gilroy. Tanya famously fled Weatherfield with Bet's trucker boyfriend Charlie after burning one too many bridges. I'll always remember Bet sitting in the Rovers back room, clutching her framed photo of Annie Walker and desperately trying to hold it together.
So there we go, two very different kinds of classic Corrie women. The strength of character, the vim and the sass has lingered on long after their departures. I say it's time for a bit more of that kind of class down Weatherfield way. Follow me on Twitter @GraemeN82
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8 comments:
Tanya Pooley was excellent! Another one that certainly made her mark was Kirsty who had the sneer and the trouble stirring stick down to a science.
Rather than two more characters, they should explore two existing characters and give them storylines that expose their inner b*tch and busybodies.
Mary has the makings of a gossip if she was put behind the shop counter. I can just picture all the gossipy customers grabbing just one item to show willing as Dev walks in. The bitch is more difficult. The really good ones are subtle and you're don't know you've been cut till you see yourself bleeding. Andrea could have had that role but they messed up with her character.
Erm..that would have been Gloria - in like a whirlwind, a busy body and a bitch, but the audience was cool towards that one, and Sylvia too..so what's the point of bringing in yet another one? They've got Deidre and Gail for that.
^^ I agree. Would be good to use existing characters. Blanche at the Aa Meeting was hilarious and phyllis was great. Eileen started out full of wit but now she is sullen and sour. What a shame.
I think it could be Julie. With some decent writing and direction. Put her in the shop as a manager. Give her a few close friends (Mary and Anna). It would be good to have a nice busybody for a change. Julie likes to care and look after people but they don't always want it.
Rula Lenska's Claudia Colby had the makings of a great bitch. Shame she left.
They seem to at a loss with what to do about Gail. Perhaps a latter-day gossipy cleaner?
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