What a night at the UK Blog Awards!

 

 
Ah the morning after the night before. Thankfully there was no Liz McDonald style walk of shame home after the UK Blog Awards bash in Central London. What a night! Emma Hynes and I were so proud to represent this wonderful blog and all our fellow, massively talented bloggers.

I'm not quite sure either Emma or myself could quite take in the spectacle of the UK Blog Awards. I had certainly never attended anything quite like it before. We all agreed the Coronation Street Blog was already a winner, shortlisted as we were in two categories - Arts and Culture and Most Innovative. I must take a moment here to mention that the blog had to enter not as an individual blog but as a company. This is apparently because we are a team. I do take issue with this as we are far from being anything corporate or a company. We all do this because we love it, because we love Corrie and because we love interacting with fellow fans. 

 

Anyway, I'll get off my soap box. The night itself was mind boggling, fantastic and at times hilarious. Emma and I scrubbed up pretty well (even if I do say so myself). We really went for it, embracing the outrageous nature of it all and letting our hair down. However we also felt a huge responsibility representing the blog team, all of whom we respect and think of as friends. 

I think we were both rather nervous before we joined the party, unsure of what to expect. Many of our fellow bloggers at the ceremony seemed much more at home at this kind of event than we did but we were most definitely proud of our achievement. The whole ethos of the UK Blog Awards is admirable and there were many worthy winners (sadly we weren't amongst them this year) however it was also pretty corporate which isn't really to my taste. Well done to all those who organised a cracking night though!

 

Emma and I mingled amongst the "interactive networking", the glasses of prosecco and the edible flower canapes (yes really) and before we knew it, it was time to take our seats. Thankfully the ceremony itself was short and sweet, no speeches from the winners, just a quick handshake and a photo with the judges. What amazed me was the sheer diversity of subjects people choose to blog about! However unique so many of the finalists were, there was definitely nothing else like the Coronation Street Blog represented on the night. 

Afterwards, there was more bubbly, a rather alarming disco (Emma and I took the weight off in a corner, much like Emily and Mavis at Gail's 21st birthday party in the Rovers Select circa 1979) and we finally discovered what "bowl food" was. Yes, food in a bowl. We also got our hands on some lovely goodie bags, full of rather random but lovely little trinkets (and most importantly, chocolate). As we headed off just before the witching hour, I think we both felt really privileged to have experienced such a wonderful evening. I couldn't have asked for a better partner in crime than the lovely Emma. I hope we did the blog proud.

I'm afraid I'm already at an age where I couldn't wait to get home to put my feet up and have a cup of tea but I still had an amazing time. Even though we didn't win, we can all still be incredibly proud of our achievements, both at the UK Blog Awards and with the Coronation Street Blog in general. We wouldn't have been there last night without all our loyal readers who voted so enthusiastically for the blog, so thank you all once again. We also wouldn't have been there without the lovely Glenda, our esteemed editor who keeps this blog flourishing and supports us all so well.  

Here's to next year's UK Blog Awards, Bring it on! 

You can follow me on Twitter @GraemeN82



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Coronation Street Blog - our name up in lights at UK Blog Awards

Our name up in lights at the UK Blog Awards, Friday April 29 2016.
We had to enter as a 'Company' as we have more than six contributors, but we're not a company - just a team of fans!

The UK Blog Awards took place on Friday 29 April at a posh hotel in Westminster, that London.  Our bloggers Graeme and Emma attended to represent the blog and, I'm hoping, will be giving us all the inside info in a blog post in the next few days.

Bloggers Graeme Naylor and Emma Hynes at the UK Blog Awards 2016

Our blog was entered and shortlisted in two categories - Arts & Culture and Most Innovative. We were pipped at the post in both categories and all the winners were very worthy ones indeed. 

We are very proud indeed to have been a finalist in the UK Blog Awards.  Our blog was one of over 2,000 blogs who entered the awards competition. And the fact that we were shortlisted in not one, but two, categories goes down to you - and you - and you - and you - and everyone who voted for us.  We wouldn't have been there last night without the support of our readers.  We love you, each and every one of you. Really, we do.

CHEERS... from the award-nominated Coronation Street Blog!

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Spot the Corrie prop - April 29th 2016

Well done to all of you who spotted that last week's medicinal brandy could be found in the Barlow house (I knew the tablecloth would be a giveaway). Congratulations to C in Canada who was the first to correctly spot it.

For this week's prop puzzle just tell us whereabouts on the Coronation Street set you would find this tinpot little trophy. You may also wish to try to guess what it was awarded for.

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Coronation Street Live Uncovered wins Prolific North Award

Coronation Street last night won another award. This time it was the award for best Broadcasting Programme – Entertainment.  The Winner was ITV Studios for Coronation Street Live Uncovered

The award came at the Prolific North Awards 2016 held in Manchester on Thursday April 28, 2016.

Well done to the Coronation Street digital team, pictured above.

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Tonight's the night - Coronation Street Blog at UK Blog Awards 2016

Tonight's the night! Coronation Street Blog is being represented at the UK Blog Awards in that London by our bloggers Graeme and Emma.  The Coronation Street Blog has been shortlisted in two categories - Arts & Culture and Most Innovative.

Will we win? 

I have no idea.  

Would I like us to win? 

Of course! 

Do I think we will win? 

Probably not!  There's a lot of stiff competition out there from blogs who are designed a lot more cleverly than we are, and who deliver their "customer experience" in more 21st century ways.  We're old fashioned and proud of it too!  Other shortlisted blogs are all shiny and new and whizzy-whizzy-bang-bang whereas we are more traditional and cosy, just the way we like Coronation Street to be! But did I, er, mention that we've got an app?

We don't have "customers", we don't have to cater to the whims of advertisers. All we care about are Coronation Street fans. Fans who have been visiting this site day in, day out since it started in 2007.  Win or lose tonight, we'll be here tomorrow bringing you the same sort of things from our dedicated team of Coronation Street fans, and the day after that, and the day after. Well, you get the idea; of course we'd love to win something, but we don't need to and it wouldn't change us if we do.

Our shortlisted status in the two categories of the UK Blog Awards tonight has been made possible by YOU.  Yes, YOU reading this, who voted for us when we asked you to.  It was only through the sheer number of votes we received that we were then shortlisted in both the categories we entered. In that respect, we've already won the biggest prize there could be.  (Sorry, while I pause here, I think I'm starting to well up!).

You might like to read our blogger Graeme's blog post about the UK Blog Awards and follow Graeme and Emma on twitter for their live tweets from the posh do tonight.

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Preview of tonight's double Corrie - Friday 29 April

Friday 29th April
JASON LASHES OUT AT EVERYONE Jason, Todd and Phelan set off for Tony’s flat to start packing up his belongings. Jason, Todd and Phelan set to tidying up Tony’s flat.  As Jason pulls out a suit for Tony to be buried in, he’s overcome with emotion and heads out upset. Phelan lies to Eileen making out he’s got to find new digs.  Eileen takes the bait and thanking him for all he’s done for Jason, insists he must move into No.11. In the Rovers, Eva and Aidan do their best to comfort grieving Jason but Jason turns on them, giving Aidan a violent shove.
NICK HAS A TERRIBLE SETBACK As Nick appears in his running gear, he careers into Kylie spilling her drink.  He stares at her, struggling to recognise her and Kylie’s concerned. Nick confides in David that his brain injury symptoms are getting worse and at the doctor’s recommendation, he’s going for a scan.  David urges Nick to tell Carla.
THERE’S SOMETHING TROUBLING BILLY Eva tells Sean about Billy’s kindness towards a homeless kid the other day and how he gave him £20.  Sean swells with pride. Sean compliments Billy on his good deed unaware of Billy’s discomfort. Billy gets a call from Lee begging him for more money.
ELSEWHERE As Audrey leaves the Kabin, Ken gazes wistfully after her.  Rita suggests Ken should hurry up and make a move. Making out to Zeedan that her phone’s been playing up, Rana suggests a drink after work. Alya reckons Rana is taking him for a mug. Ken calls in the salon and invites Audrey for a drink. When Zeedan clocks Rana flirting with one of the doctors outside the medical centre, he heads over and quickly introduces himself as her boyfriend. Alex asks Cathy to let him stay with her as Nessa is trying to force him to move to Scotland.

Friday 29th April
THE FLOODGATES OPEN FOR JASON As angry Jason locks horns with Aidan, Phelan wades in and threatens Aidan. Johnny comes to Aidan’s rescue and punches Phelan. Billy threatens to punch both of them if they don’t behave. Insisting he wants to be on his own, Jason heads out of the pub.  Eileen watches him go, deeply concerned. Aidan and Eva put pressure on Johnny to apologise to Phelan. Eileen breaks the news to Todd that Phelan is moving in. Phelan finds Jason on Maxine’s bench.  An upset Jason admits he feels lost without his Dad. Phelan gives him a comforting hug before heading off. Johnny catches up with Phelan and apologises for their earlier spat.  Phelan’s unimpressed and promises Johnny he’ll have his revenge.  Having overheard their exchange, Jenny’s intrigued.
NICK IS CAUGHT IN SECRETS AND LIES Having overheard Nick on the phone, Carla wonders who he was talking to.  Nick covers, making out he was organising a surprise for his bride to be. Nick calls at No.8 and confides in David his scan is booked for Monday and if it proves he can’t be a proper husband, then he can’t marry Carla.
ZEEDAN GIVES RANA A TASTE OF HER OWN MEDICINE Annoyed at having been stood up, Rana heads to No.6.  She’s stunned when Zeedan dumps her telling her she’s a flirt and he won’t be messed around. Alya tells Zeedan she’s had Rana on the phone in tears.  When Zeedan explains that she’s a game player and got what she deserved, Alya’s impressed.
ELSEWHERE When she hears that Nessa is moving to Inverness with her new boyfriend, Cathy  promises Alex he can come and live with her and Roy. Ken’s disappointed when Kylie and Freddie gate-crash his date with Audrey.  Lee approaches Billy and begs him for more money. How will Billy react?

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Coronation Street Weds 27th April episode review

Hello! As always, it's Jordan with this week's Wednesday review of Revelation Street.

The majority of last night's episode was dedicated to - you guessed it - the grievance of the Grimshaws. News of Tony's demise is spreading like wildfire throughout the Street. Jason is understandably numb as he sits on the sofa ignoring his mother when she urges him to eat something. Things take a dark turn when he coldly blames Liz. Jason has decided that if Liz hadn't driven Tony away, he'd still be here. Before Eileen has a chance to try and persuade him otherwise, Todd arrives with a bag full of clothes. Despite Eileen's refusal last week, he's decided to move back in as he feels the whole family should be together and Jason agrees.

"Liz drove him away. If my dad hadn't moved, we'd never have drifted apart. I hate her guts"

Over at the café, Anna breaks the news of Tony's death to the Wicked Witch of Weatherfield. The revelation obviously comes as a shock to Tracy, but she simply replies with a request for a bacon sandwich. It's up to Eileen to reveal the tragic news to Liz and she does so in the traditional place- in the back room of the Rovers. Liz is shocked and at first can't believe it.  She can't understand that something like a heart attack could suddenly kill the dodgy man who tried to steal her pub. A rather beautifully executed scene, the two women talk of the 'big' personality of the man they both once loved. They hold hands and Liz concludes that it was never boring.

"He certainly was a big personality. He could make you feel a million dollars"
"And worthless"
"Oh yeah...it was never boring"

Back at number 11, Billy is trying to console Jason as only a vicar can but he is continuously interrupted by his phone.  This fuels Jason's frustration further and he storms out of the house, insisting on going to work after Eileen forbids him to go to the pub, terrified that he'll take his anger out on Liz. At the builder's yard, Pat is kissing up to the developer for the new Freshco's superstore. (Side note- why is it only now that big supermarkets with cafes are surfacing in Weatherfield?) Pat lies to the developer, making himself out to be the manager of the yard. In order to get Jason out the way, he wickedly encourages Jason to go to the pub and tell Liz exactly what he thinks of her. On his way, Tracy steps out of the shop and seems to pay her respects, singing Tony's praises. However, we all know that Miss Barlow is not capable of committing a completely selfless act and hands Jason a business card for the florists with Tony's funeral in mind. Jason ignores the cunning businesswoman and continues over to the pub. We all know what's coming. He fires a torrent of abuse towards a defenceless Liz as Eileen stands helplessly in the doorway. Back at the house, Jason tells both Pat and Eileen to go to hell. One of them certainly can. Pat reassures Eileen that everything will turn out fine because they've both got him now. Great. Just what they've always wanted.

"You can imagine how cut up I am. He was a really good bloke. So, when's the funeral?"
"Dunno"
"Well when you do get round to it, you know where we are"

Elsewhere, Alex turned up at the café hungover yet again and explains to Cathy that a 'few mates' came over the night before and he can't really remember anything. He tells her calmly that he has tidied everything up, but this does not stop Cathy's concern greatening. David offers a haircut to Nick- because he clearly needs one- and the Nick reassures his brother that he has made an appointment at the doctors' next week to discuss the sudden return of his brain damage repercussions. Zeedan has a heart-to-heart with sister Alya about his seemingly failing relationship with the model. I mean the nurse. He is worried that Rana has lost interest in hi because he 'respects' her. Or something like that. And now for the interesting 'elsewhere' portion of the episode. Throughout the episode, the darling Billy was shown to be anxious and constantly ignoring phone calls. Sean has been a little fretful about him lately, but Billy reassures him he's just overworked. Later on, Billy is seen to be handing money to a young lad who tells him it's the last time. It's the same lad who Anna served in the café earlier; he paid in several silver coins. Now, thanks to Billy, he walks off with what looks to be a wad of notes. I wonder what this could be about. I'm actually really looking forward to seeing how this mystery pans out. More storylines for Billy, please! A fantastic character played brilliantly by the gorgeous Daniel Brocklebank.

"Last time, I swear"
"You got what you came for. Now leave me alone"

A rather good episode- great performances by Sue Cleaver and Beverly Callard as Liz. As usual, Phelan was irritatingly nasty. I'd still like to know why he is so wicked. People always have a reason; Pat doesn't think he's doing anything wrong. Villains seldom do.


Thanks for reading!

Jordan


Twitter - @JordanLloyd39


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First pics of Coronation Street set being demolished

https://twitter.com/amyjanecannon

With thanks to Coronation Street fan Amy Cannon on twitter for her pictures.  

The pictures show that work on demolishing the old Coronation Street set at Quay Street has, sadly, begun.

https://twitter.com/amyjanecannon

What's to become of the old Coronation Street set?  There was a rumour that some of the pieces might be saved by the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI).  We contacted MOSI when we blogged that a few months ago but have not received any reply.

The site will become a neighbourhood for ‘culture, enterprise and living’ - including 2.8 MILLION sq ft of work and event space; public realm improvements; riverside parks; hotels; arts venues; shops; cafes, restaurants and bars; and 1,450 homes.  Find out more at the Manchester Evening News.

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Pics and video: Alison King's final day on Coronation Street

It's Alison King's final day on the set of Coronation Street and the cast of Corrie have been tweeting pictures of her.  Alison, who plays Carla Connor, is leaving the show after playing Carla for 10 years.

She has said that she'd "definitely like to return" so let's hope Carla won't be getting killed off when she goes.

Here are some of the cast pictures today:

Today we say goodbye to the wonderful Ali King. I'm going to miss this gorgeous lady massively!! pic.twitter.com/qujhNTpTMb

— Daniel Brocklebank (@Dan_Brocklebank) April 28, 2016

So my bestie Ali King leaves today, a new start a new beginning wishing all the luck in the world and 3 weeks time I'll be joining her 😁

— Ryan Thomas (@ryanjamesthomas) April 28, 2016

Carla and Leanne may have become enemies but we had a great time working together. Big ❤️and luck 🍀 ally X pic.twitter.com/ZfxWO3gHU0

— Jane Danson (@RealJaneDanson) April 28, 2016

That's a wrap for the beautiful Ali 🌟❤️ pic.twitter.com/yByaxHUpic

— Amy-Jayne Lister (@TinkersLister) April 28, 2016

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Should Coronation Street do a spin-off series?

News reaches us that there's going to be a new show called Redwater. Nothing new there, new shows come along all the time on TV.  Ah, but Redwater is an EastEnders spin-off, starring two of its biggest cast members, Kat and Alfie Slater.

Even though I haven't watched EastEnders in over 30 years, I'm slightly envious to hear about their Redwater spin-off. 

Writer Matthew Graham is interviewed here talking about creating Redwater. He says: "It’s very family-based. Very character-based. And it’s very emotionally real and raw. The cast are amazing! It’s one of the best read-throughs I’ve ever been to... And it’s very dramatic!

"I LOVED writing for Kat and Alfie. They were two of the best characters to write for. They’re so funny and tragic. You can put big, funny gags into their mouths and it works… Or you can break people’s hearts with them.  I think Kat is up there with the greats of soap. Even if you don’t watch the show, you tend to know who the character is, in the same way that you once knew who Else Tanner was, even if you didn’t watch Corrie."

I wonder if Coronation Street have ever thought about doing a spin-off series like this, and if they have, why it hasn't happened?  Corrie has characters as big as Kat and Alfie, I'm sure it could work. I'd much rather watch a spin-off series on TV based in real drama than a few minutes online video, even if Fat Brenda did make her one and only apperance in Streetcars Stories!

If Corrie did do a spin-off series, who would you like to see in it? I think there's mileage in the Platts having their own show, with Audrey at the helm. Or Sally and Tim. Who would you choose? Or would you prefer Corre to concentrate its efforts into the show rather than have a spin-off?

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Coronation Street Blog at the UK Blog Awards this Friday!

 

This Friday I am delighted to be helping represent the Coronation Street Blog at the 2016 UK Blog Awards in London. The blog has been shortlisted in two different categories and it's a thrill to be going along on the night. Believe it or not, I don't attend award ceremonies every other week!

I haven't blogged about Corrie for quite some time now as I've not really had a great deal to say about it, either good or bad. It feels like the Street is going through a transition period as one producer prepares to leave and another one takes charge. This situation occurs periodically in the life of our favourite soap and I look forward to whatever Kate Oates has in store for us. In the meantime I dip in and out and mostly keep up to date with the show through this wonderful blog.

While my love of Coronation Street is not as strong as it once was, my adoration and pride for this blog continues unabated. I have the utmost respect for our hugely talented team of writers who all contribute voluntarily and through their continued love and passion for the comings and goings of Weatherfield life. Absolutely everyone who writes for the blog has their own voice and I can hear it coming through clearly whenever I have a read. Having met many of the team in person now, I pretty much know who has written a blog before I see the credit at the end. That's testament to the quality of the writing and the care and attention that goes into every post.

Writing for the blog has provided me with many memorable experiences over the past three and a half years. I've rediscovered my love of Manchester, visiting several times on blog business. I've attended special screenings, gone behind the scenes and met quite a few cast members. Most importantly of all are the friendships I've forged with my fellow bloggers and I'll be proud to represent them alongside the lovely Emma Hynes on Friday night. As always, I must thank our editor, Glenda Young, for making it all happen, for her constant unwavering support and loyalty. We couldn't do it without you, cock! 

Anyway, I'll toddle off before this starts to sound like an acceptance speech. Whatever the outcome at the UK Blog Awards, we're all proud of the blog and everything it continues to achieve. And a big thank you again to everyone out there who voted for us. 

If you follow Emma and I on Twitter watch out for our tweets from the awards ceremony on Friday! 

Follow me on Twitter @GraemeN82

P.S - I should imagine I'll be channeling good old Aud the morning after the night before...

 

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Where have you seen Lee before?

If you're wondering where you've seen Lee before, then wonder no more.  Lee is the boy who turned up tonight in Coronation Street and Billy the vicar wasn't too keen to see him.

Lee is played by actor Richard Crehan.  He's appeared on television before in Doctors, Skins, Hollyoaks and Emmerdale.

He's also acted in film and stage too. His CV is here.

See also: Where have you seen? 
Liz's new fella, Corrie wedding fayre venue, Richie O'Driscoll, Anna's date Glen, Kevin's date Joanne, Rob Donovan's cell mate, Dab Andy, Cathy's sister Nessa, Caitlin Ryan, Dan's daughter Lucy, Steve and Michelle's wedding venue, Naila the Corrie journalist, Jackson Hodge's dad, Eileen's boyfriend Adrian, David and Callum's mediator, Callum's mum, Gail and Michael's wedding venue, Owen's ex-wife Linda,  Steve McDonald's counsellor, Beth's mum, Diane the sofa woman from Hale Barnes, Mark the motorcycle medic, Mrs Waddle, Michael Rodwell's Aunt Barbara, Peter Barlow's cellmate Clelland, Carla Connor's solicitor Pauline Mansell, Pat Phelan, The Corrie clairvoyant, Eric's wife Doris, Audrey's date Henry, Lewis' friend Patrick,The Corrie Registrar, Marcus' friend Aiden, Kirsty's parents, Jenny Sumner, Corrie's prison Governor, Sunita's Aunties, Ken and Deirdre's pottery teacher, Tommy Duckworth,  Mrs Hargreaves who died in Audrey's salon, Sally Webster's fella Jeff, Joy Fishwick's investigator, Charlotte's Parents, Ken Barlow's grandson James, Ken Barlow's son Lawrence, Dr Matt Carter, Saucy Charlotte, Izzy's dad Owen Armstrong,The Corrie coppers, Colin Fishwick, Trevor the binman, Connie Rathbone, Uncle Umed,Julie Carp's mum, Luke Strong, Sophie Webster's boyfriend, Eileen Grimshaw's dad, Norris' girlfriend, Graeme Proctor,Molly's Aunty Pam, Maria's mum and dad, Gail's dad, Scary Brian, Tina's dad, Tony Gordon's henchman, Little Simon Barlow

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Famous Corrie fans wanted in exchange for charity donation

Are you famous? Even just a little bit? 

If you are, and you're a huge Corrie fan with 10 minutes spare to write about your love for our favourite soap, please do get in touch.

All we ask is for a couple of paragraphs about why you love Corrie so much. It could include your favourite characters and storylines and if you've any snippets from behind the scenes.

In exchange, we will donate £25 to a charity of your choice - and your work will be read by up to half a million Corrie fans worldwide. Yes, that's half a million Corrie fans reading our Coronation Street fan website every month.  We will of course link to and promote you and any website or links, including your chosen charity, you'd like us to include with your blog post. 

If you're interested, please email a couple of paragraphs and your chosen charity for the donation, to me at glenda.sunderland@gmail.com  Thank you!

Some of our exclusive VIP bloggers and interviews so far include:

• Queen of Crime writers, Martina Cole. Read it here.
• Cold Feet actress Lorelei King. Read it here.
• Exclusive interview with Judy Matheson, who played the role of a nurse in Coronation Street's first colour episode from 1969. Read it here.
• Dave Dutton - the man who's played 10 different roles in Coronation Street
• BBC6 Music DJ Chris Hawkins
• Corrie scriptwriter Debbie Oates
• Bishop of Jarrow
• TV writer Caroline Corcoran
• Julie Hesmondhalgh (Hayley Cropper)
• TV writer (and husband of Julie Hesmondhalgh) Ian Kershaw
• Downton Abbey and Titanic creator - Julian Fellowes
• Novelist Maeve Binchy
• TV presenter Jon Connell
• Paddington Bear (yes, really!)
• Writer and Journalist Anne Marie Scanlon
• Comedian Tommy Reckless
• Cllr Fraser McPherson 
• Radio presenter Jonny Mac

Our interviews with some of the Corrie cast, crew and special invited others...

• Edna Walker, the original Head of Wardrobe at Coronation Street. 
  The woman who  dressed the Coronation Street icons.
• The Coronation Street Digital Editor
• Corrie Director Terry Dyddgen-Jones. Read it here.
• EXCLUSIVE interview with David Neilson (Roy Cropper) by our bloger Martin. It's in three parts. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 
• Joe Duttine (Tim Metcalfe). Read it here.
• Scriptwriter Susan Oudot
• Janet Hampson - Coronation Street casting director
• Marc Baylis (Rob Donovan)
• Kevin Kennedy (Curly Watts)
• Furquan Ashtar - Coronation Street story associate
• Corrie writer Jonathan Harvey 
• Behind the scenes with Mark Llewellin
• Q&A with Craig Gazey (Graeme Proctor)
• Rupert Hill aka Jamie Baldwin
• Corrie secrets from Digital Spy
• Jayne Tunnicliffe aka Corrie's Yana
• Corrie secrets from Inside Soap magazine
• Grace Dent's soap secrets
• Ian Wylie's Corrie gossip

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Would you like to be our Coronation Street fan of the week?

Would you like to join all these lovely Corrie fans and become one of our Coronation Street Fans of the Week here on the blog?

Then all you need to do is reply to these easy questions, send in your picture if you can, and reply to me at glenda.sunderland@gmail.com  It's as easy as that!

If you're 16 or under, please ask a parent or guardian to email us too with consent for us to use your details and photo on the website!

1. Who are you and where are you from?
2. How long have you been watching Corrie?
3. Who are your favourite female and male characters - and the reasons why?
4. What's been some of your favourite Corrie storylines over the years?
5. And what would your fantasy Corrie storyline be?
6. 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?

Bethany and the Bullies

The bullying storyline involving Bethany and Lauren, plus a few of Lauren's hangers on, has, in my view been brought to us most effectively.  Teenagers are complex creatures and we should never believe the mother or father who claims to know everything about their teenager and tell you how very close they are. One aspect of a teenager's life that is very well developed is the art of cunning. They allow those at home or at school to know only what they want people to know. They dissemble frequently.

At home and amongst her family, Bethany can be a real annoyance. She is rude, self-absorbed and embarrassed by her family, as most teenagers are, at least to some extent. The arrival of baby Harry though has been good for her. She has really taken to her little brother. So it was particularly upsetting to Bethany that Lauren and her crew took it upon themselves to insult Harry. The insult though,wasn't really directed at Harry, but was merely a device to maximise the bullying of Bethany and to further undermine her.

It has been interesting, though at times disturbing, to see Bethany in another light. At home she is confident, even cocky, but surrounded by these mean girls, we can clearly witness her terror. The scenes are well acted, credible and happen every day - if not face to face then in cyber world through social media. One positive aspect to come out of the bullying is that Bethany now seems more likeable and certainly more vulnerable.

How gratifying then that the hero Luke - tall, dark and handsome - driving a swish car to boot, should pull up, invite Bethany in and leave in their wake,  the mean girls open-mouthed with surprise and envy.

Ruth, twitter @ruth1722

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Keith Duffy: "Coronation Street is definitely something I'd do again"

Keith Duffy, who played Ciaran McCarthy in Coronation Street, is interviewed in this week's Inside Soap magazine.  As regular readers will know, I'm a big fan of Inside Soap magazine, it's the only soap magazine worth reading. 

Anyway, Keith talks about how a world of opportunities opened up after he appeared in Coronation Street and he says he owes the show a great deal.

After Boyzone broke up, Keith says: "I got the gig at Corrie and that was huge for me. I owe a great deal to that show, they took a chance on me and it paid off.  And it's given me the opportunity to move into different areas of the entertainment world now."

Keith was in Corrie on and off for more than 10 years as Ciaran.  He last appeared in 2011 and Keith has very fond memories of being in the show.

"I was very lucky in the early days," he says. "I was working with the likes of Johnny Briggs (Mike Baldwin) and John Savident (Fred Elliot) - the characters I'd grown up watching on TV.  To have scenes with them was brilliant. And I made a lot of friends here was well. Chris Gascoyne (Peter Barlow) is still one of my best mates."

Keith also revealed that Corrie is "...definitely something I'd do again. I enjoyed my time there, and they're a great bunch of people to work with."

I enjoyed Keith on Corrie and wouldn't mind one bit if he ever came back.

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Preview of tonight's Coronation Street - Weds 27 April

Wednesday 27th April
JASON’S GRIEF BUBBLES TO THE SURFACE Todd arrives at No.11 and announces he’s moving back in as it’s time they pulled together as a family. Phelan masks his annoyance. Billy tries to offer comfort an angry Jason but he refuses to listen and leaves. Phelan meets up with an important building contractor, George Duggan, to talk business.  Making out he’s the brains behind the operation and Jason’s merely his lackey, Phelan talks George into giving him a building contract.  When Jason turns up drunk he almost costs them the deal. Eileen breaks the news of Tony’s death to a shocked Liz.  In the Rovers, Jason rails at Liz, blaming her for Tony’s death. Phelan puts his arms around Eileen and assures her he’ll always be there for her.
BILLY SHOULDERS A BURDEN ALONE Billy admits to Sean he’s not been himself lately and suggests they need some time together. Eva clocks Billy handing cash to an ill-kempt young lad in the ginnel.  Clearly embarrassed, Billy makes out the lad was a stranger.
CATHY COMES TO ALEX’S RESCUE When Alex is late for work again, Cathy’s beside herself with worry. Alex finally arrives in the café, tired and hungover.  He explains how he had some mates back for a house party and it got a bit out of hand.  Cathy’s appalled.
ELSEWHERE Telling Jason that Tony deserves a good send off, Tracy hands him a card for Preston’s Petals.  Jason can’t believe her brass neck. Zeedan confides in Alya that he may have blown it with Rana as she’s ignoring his calls.

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Coronation Street double episode review, Monday 25th April

Hi and welcome to another Monday Corrie review. Apologies that there was no update last week – I was moving house. I've gone from hanging out with Jules, Todd's ex, in Stoke Newington to living near Albert Square. Let's draw a discreet veil over that and on with the review.

It's the start of Jason's exit storyline as his mood goes from great – Evil Phelan has helped win a new contract, Yasmeen calls him a hero for helping with the post break-in community centre, and he even manages to fool her with his joke about the Sistine chapel being in Levenshulme – to distraught, as the police come 'round with the news that Tony has died of a suspected heart attack. Jason starts off feeling regret that he didn't make the effort to see his dad, despite knowing that he was in Manchester, then he turns to anger, blaming Liz for his dad's death. If she hadn't kicked him out, Tony would have been in Weatherfield and Jason might have been able to save him. Surely Tracy and Tony's libido are more to blame?

Evil Phelan's feet are well and truly under the table chez Grimshaw. A dapper looking Todd is on The Case Of The Mysterious Break-In, but Phelan is one (probably five) step ahead of him and has made sure there was no tape in the CCTV system. Now that Michael is out of the picture and Anna has been neutralised, Todd is now nemesis number one as far as Phelan is concerned.

Poor Jason, his father dies and his surrogate father will reveal himself to be a bad 'un, sooner or later. Ryan Thomas's acting in the scene where he found out that Tony had died was superb. Jason hasn't had a lot to do in recent years, and before that it was mostly romantic mishaps, but he will be missed and not just for the ironing scenes.

The prodigal landlord has returned and has a lot of catching up to do re: the women in his life. Amy and Sam, Liz and Chris, Eileen and Michael/Phelan, and Michelle and Will. The latter pair's tale takes a new twist as Will reveals he's dumped Saskia for 'Chelle, but Ms Connor-MacDonald is having none of it, telling him she loves Steve. After taking some bad advice from Carla, who tells Michelle to keep schtum (despite her own sexual misadventures leading her to steal £10K from her business to keep Tracy quiet – surely she should know that honesty is the best fiscal policy?), Michelle sits Steve down to tell him about her tryst with Will. Whether it's the bouquet he's brought, the offers to eat raw fish or the apologies and protestations of love, we don't know, but Michelle changes her mind and Steve is in the dark – for now.

The new, improved, healthier, tanned-er, thinner, ex-smoker Steve buys Eileen a drink, endures her asking why she's never cracked onto him if she likes bald men so much (surely only Dennis and Tony were unhirsute), goes mano-a-mano with Tim, before they bond over lemon puffs, as long as Tim knows not to sit in the comfy chair when Steve's in the cab office. A new comedy double act is born?

Meanwhile, Sean and Billy fall out over Sean's gossiping and solipsism, although they make up after they find out about Tony's death. Also in romantic territory, Rana and Zeedan christen the back room of the community centre (hasn't the place been vandalised enough?), although it turns out later that they were only canoodling because Zeedan respects Rana too much to take it any further. Yasmeen seems happy for them – presumably, Zee's family aren't going to police his sexuality as they did with Alya.

Finally, Alex is skint because he's spent all his money on booze and loose women and we discover that Eva is a very good flosser.

And that's about all for this Monday – see you on the bank holiday.

Rachel - twitter @rachel_london

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Spoilers for next week's Coronation Street, May 2 - 6

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

Week of Monday Monday 2 May to Friday 6 May

Nick loses his temper with Carla, Yasmeen throws a BBQ, Todd films Phelan’s shady deal, Steve and Michelle make up, Jason cuddles up to Gemma.

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

Missed last week's Corrie?
Catch up with the Coronation Street Weekly Updates

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