And then Les Dennis turned up drunk. In just a few blissful moments, Michael was funny, charming and in character. It was a reminder that Les Dennis is a very talented, very experienced comedian, and that Corrie really hasn't been using him to his full powers. Over the past few months Michael's been full of angst, guilt and anger. He's moped around because he thinks he's dying. He's tried to break up with Gail for her own good.
Anyone could do that. There are thousands of jobbing actors out there who could play a serious, down beat man. Coronation Street cast Les Dennis though. Use him! Give him more comedy! I understand Les probably wants to prove that he's a proper actor and not just a game show host trying a change of tack - much like when Matthew Kelly gave up presenting for acting, and immediately played Lenny in Of Mice and Men and a serial killer - but it just leaves me frustrated. I'm not saying that Michael should suddenly break into long missed characters from the Les Dennis Laughter Show, but a bit of jolliness wouldn't go amiss. Craig Charles manages to be funny and heart-warming whenever he's on screen - he's so naturally charming, it's almost enough to make us like the pestilent Andrea.
Of course, in an ideal world, Michael would get a job in the Kabin alongside Rita and would say "I don't really know" every other episode. I expect La Knox would put quite a firm stamp on that idea (she still hasn't shared the screen with Les; the Kabin is only ever staffed by Norris when he pops in) but we can dream. In the real world, I'd just like Les to be allowed to make us laugh again.
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