Sunday 18 October 2015
Why the latest Corrie Connors are winning me over
As a Coronation Street traditionalist and a bit of a cynic, I'm not normally a fan of so-called stunt castings or bringing in big names when there are loads of actors out there desperate for their big break. Therefore, the arrival of Shayne Ward as Aidan Connor was not something I greeted with much enthusiasm.
Let's face it, the Connor family have a chequered history. The sprawling clan are probably the victim of too many different producers. New Connors pop up with alarming regularity, never mentioned before but always extremely familiar with each other with nary a trace of an Irish accent. In traditional soap opera style, as soon as the show is on the brink of running out of family members, several more suddenly appear almost as if the Corrie casting team have put an emergency advert in Spotlight.
Michelle was the first Connor to appear on screen. Originally a guest spot for Kym Marsh, her apparent popularity led to a full time gig and the introduction of several family members. First came brothers Paul and Liam. I never warmed to Paul as we weren't given the chance. Actor Sean Gallagher obviously realised life in a continuing drama wasn't for him as he didn't last long. Paul, Carla's first husband died in a car accident, Leanne Battersby locked in his boot. Liam was much more popular but I didn't take to him. For most of the two years he spent on screen, neither the character nor the actor seemed to find much enthusiasm for life in Weatherfield.
Carla is by far the most successful of all the Connors, but she didn't have much competition - Ryan anyone? The first version of Michelle's pride and joy was completely free of personality and the revamped Ryan wasn't much better. He may have been a foot taller, ten years older and bulging with biceps, but his storylines left a lot to be desired. Can anyone remember which was Michelle's real son? Actually, who cares?
Anyway, Carla and Michelle are now joined by three new Connors. So far so good. Johnny Connor is a rough diamond business man with a mischevious twinkle and a love for a Belgian bun. Actor Richard Hawley is doing well and seems to easily fit in at the factory. There is a dearth of decent mature male characters in Weatherfield - we will be losing Tony at some point soon and as for Sharif, well let's just say Johnny doesn't have a lot of competition.
Kate Connor seems quite a sparky, intelligent addition to the clan too. She outed herself to Beth and Kirk the other night comparing the decision to the choice between prawn cocktail and salt and vinegar crisps. This must surely mean she'll be buying her potato-based snacks from Sophie Webster before too long. We must enjoy the sparky Ms Connor before Sophie soaks all the life out of her and turns her into a whining drudge.
I seem to have drifted off my original topic slightly, so let's refocus of the delectable Aidan. Against my better judgement, I'm a fan. It takes guts for someone in the public eye to switch careers and have a go at something else. Shayne Ward has done that and I applaud it. We haven't had nearly enough time to decide whether Aidan will be a successful long term character or yet another Luke Strong (remember him? Nah, didn't think so). I've heard rumours Aidan will become involved with Eva which might do the character a lot of good as Catherine Tyldesley is excellent value.
In the meantime, I'm happy to enjoy Aidan's appearances at Underworld as he struts about in those lovely tight shirts of his - thank you to the Corrie wardrobe team for these, I love you all. Yes it's shallow but at least I'm honest!
So are the latest influx of Corrie Connors doing it for you or am I a lone voice in the wilderness? And if Shayne Ward wants to loosen off any more buttons, I won't complain...
You can follow me on Twitter @GraemeN82
Download our free App | Follow on Twitter @CoroStreetBlog | Like on Facebook | Visit Corrie.net
All original work on the Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
You might also like...
-
Whilst I am sure the team at ITV Studios are keen to deliver excellent drama I do wonder at the moment if someone has twisted the quality d...
-
Here are the major storylines for the week ahead on Coronation Street, all wrapped up nicely in 50 words or less. Monday 6 May to Friday 10 ...
-
Wednesday 1st May 2024 BERNIE TELLS A FATAL LIE TO GET RID OF DENNY Paul, Billy and Gemma are blown away by the MND crowdfunder, sure it wil...
-
So has Roy got a phone in his room? He seems to be constantly on the blower. My boyfriend points out that the phone is plugged into a networ...
-
The past couple of months have been truly awful for Gary and his family - how is he doing? It’s definitely been a very tricky time for th...
-
Friday 26th April 2024 CARLA TELLS ROY THE TRUTH ABOUT THE LIE In his cell, Roy confides in the prison officer that new evidence has come to...
-
Monday 29th April 2024 ROY PUSHES HIMSELF TO HIS LIMIT When Roy calls the cafe hoping to speak to Nina, Shona passes the phone to Carla and ...
-
In another shock twist in the investigation into the disappearance of Lauren Bolton, Bethany’s evil abuser Nathan Curtis (Chris Harper) is t...
-
Our seapenguin was wondering about a definitive recipe for Betty's Hotpot. There are a few recipes around the internet for it but this ...
-
In our latest podcast, we chat about what went on in the show between the 22nd and the 26th April (Episodes #11,246 - 11,251). Well this wee...
3 comments:
" This must surely mean she'll be buying her potato-based snacks from Sophie Webster before too long. We must enjoy the sparky Ms Connor before Sophie soaks all the life out of her and turns her into a whining drudge. " *guffaw* It's only a matter of time! Great article.
Being from NZ, I've never come across Shayne Ward before (nor Sarah Harding, nor that guy in the woods whose the Dad of Craig's new squeeze), so had no preconceptions. I judge all newcomers on their acting ability + a je ne sais quoi, quintessential Corrie X factor that all classic characters share.
So far, Aidan and the other Connors are solid actors and, encouragingly, give every sign of having the Corrie X factor.
Thanks Lily, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Post a Comment