Coronation Street Blog: June 2016

Thursday, 30 June 2016

Corrie Overload

I was rather torn about whether to even write this blog, let alone publish it. I need to get my frustrations out though so here it goes. Yes, I know Coronation Street is merely a television programme, but I still think the powers that be hold a great deal of responsibility in their hands when it comes to the direction Corrie takes. The news yesterday that ITV are upping production to six episodes a week has left me depressed but not totally gobsmacked.

The writing has been on the wall for some time now that production would increase yet again. It has, after all, been the trend since the late 1980s. While ITV claim that the quality of Corrie's output is at the heart of their mission and all they want to do is enhance the nation's favourite soap, I struggle to believe that creating three hours of continuing drama every week of every month throughout the year can maintain the same kind of quality we loyal viewers expect.

Coronation Street is widely praised for its high production values and its rich history of memorable characters, actors, writers and storylines. It has consistently broken new ground over the best part of sixty years and we should always be proud of that. I can't help but fret that the network are squeezing our beloved Corrie until there is very little left. I understand it makes ITV a lot of money and it remains, in this digital age, one of terrestrial television's gems. It's a reliable workhorse that pulls in a regular audience. Just how much of that loyal audience are going to give over a full three hours of their lives to Corrie every week from next year though?

Three hours is the equivalent of two feature films, produced by ITV each week. That's a hell of a burden on cast and crew. I know a great number of those involved are paid well for their efforts but there surely must be a limit? Before anyone says it, this isn't one of those blogs that dwells on the past and believes everything was better when an entire episode revolved around Stan's chickens or Albert Tatlock's dodgy vegetables. I love the history of Corrie and really do believe a lot of the old stuff is great but I'm equally aware that we can't stand still and things move on. I just don't think this is a move in the right direction.

I also know that Emmerdale, Corrie's ITV sister soap opera, has been producing six episodes a week for some time now to great success. I've never watched Emmerdale so I can't really comment on that. What I can say is that I think ITV drowning the schedules with six hours of soap each week is a singularly uninspired, unimaginative move. There must be more on offer than that? For me, the rot started to set in when the double episodes on a Monday and a Friday became less event television and more the norm. They were a great gimmick originally which kept the audience hooked when something big was going down. Nowadays I think the gimmick has been overcooked and it seldom works for me. I also dislike Corrie being manipulated to create big blockbuster events which tie in with the final of a talent show. Every year now somebody dies or something is blown up or dug up to coincide with Simon Cowell's 21st Century version of New Faces. It never used to be this way.

I have complete trust in the professional machine that is Coronation Street. I know that so many people both behind the scenes and in front of the camera work extremely hard and are still really passionate about the show. I hope this continues. I wish Corrie and all involved the very best but for me, this move to three hours a week is just a step too far. I've watched The Street regularly for the past 25 years but I think enough is enough for me now. I haven't tuned in for several weeks, mainly due to the schedule changes inflicted by all sorts of football shenanigans. I'm not quite sure I'll reconnect with Weatherfield life again. I hope Corrie continues to thrive once it goes to six episodes a week, I really do, but I fear the worst.

You can follow me on Twitter @GraemeN82

Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Download our free App | Visit Corrie.net

Please read our advice for leaving comments on the Coronation Street Blog

All original work on the Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

Coronation Street and the Joy of Six

News that Coronation Street is going to change to six episodes a week in 2017 made me wonder when the last change to five episodes took place.

With thanks to Corriepedia, here we go...

1960
Corrie was launched on Friday 9th December 1960 with two episodes per week.

1989
Corrie begins broadcasting a third regular episode each week.

1996
Corrie begins broadcasting a fourth regular episode each week.

2003
Corrie begins broadcasting a fifth regular episode each week began

2017
Corrie will begin broadcasting its sixth regular episode each week.

Coronation Street Weds 29th June Episode Review (9:00pm)

Hiya! It's just Jordan - back again after my two-week absence from the blog. I've had a fabulous week enjoying musicals in London and now I'm back, ready for some Corrie-reviewing. Although, I was unsure how I could manage watching three episodes in one night so Rachel kindly reviewed the first third (!) of last night's episodes.

The second episode last night picked up exactly where the first had left off: Jason's van has been torched and is roaring with flames, the ever-loyal emergency services fighting to extinguish the fire. The police are straight there, too. I think the emergency services are going to take up board in Gail's house. There's enough room. The culprit of the crime, for now, remains a mystery. But I've got a sneaky Phelan I know who was behind it all. At number 11, Pat does some more medalling for no apparent reason when he persuades Jason to leave Weatherfield. They're interrupted by Todd, who calls in to see how things are. Pat coldly assures him that they are fine, but his persuasions are put on hold when Todd mentions that the toilet at the shop needs fixing. Jason jumps at the chance, only to take his mind off things. Todd's not daft though and he looks rather suspicious when he sets eyes on the pantomime villain that is Pat Phelan. Out on the Street, Todd reveals the day's drama to David, rather unenthusiastically explaining that Jason thinks it was friends of Callum who torched the van. By this time, Jason has fixed a toilet at lightning speed and is back in the clutches of Phelan, who offers to take him for a drink. They return from the pub, Jason now unwilling to go out for a birthday dinner and hell-bent on leaving. Pat steps out to buy a bottle of wine and on the way, calls a friend to congratulate them on the fine job they did of torching the van.

"You still haven't said where you're going or for how long"
"Well, I haven't decided yet, Mam"

"You did really well. In fact, it worked out better than I could have dreamt"

Leanne is struggling to choose between two men yet again, but Robert seems to have warmed to the idea of employing her at the Bistro while she cooks up a "business" venture with Nick at the same time. She pops out of work and invites her two-time ex-husband round to discuss their plans. But then she makes cups of tea and the emotional speech from Nick about how he misses her. Or something. Leanne tries to rightly point out that he is not over Carla yet. I find it silly that he'd be genuinely confessing his undying love for Leanne only weeks after marrying Carla for five minutes. Thankfully, when he leans in for a kiss, she stops him and he leaves. But later on, after a glass of wine an listening to a few voicemails from a pathetic Nick, she looks pleased when a mystery caller turns up at her door. In the next scene, there are two empty wine glasses on the kitchen countertop. Hmm. What has gone on there I wonder?

"You always did it for me. And you always will."

Elsewhere, the Michelle/Steve farce limps along on our screens as Michelle has accepted a singing job on a cruise. Liz has apparently come back from Spain to sort all this out, but yet again, she has failed to offer relationship advice successfully. Somehow, she has secured this job in a matter of days and Steve simply wishes her well as he watches her get into the back of a cab. She hugs her new best friend Maria and apparently leaves. It really irritates me how she's now best friends with Maria. I know they're family but they seldom spoke before Carla left. And now they've both forgotten all about Carla. Michelle should be on the phone to Carla lamenting about how pathetic her love life is. As well as all this, the Kirk/Beth/Norris farce continued, with Chesney and Sinead plotting together to get the two talking at the same time. In such an original plot device, Chesney invites Kirk round for a lads' night in, while Sinead persuades Beth to have a night in with her and watch a film. Typically, though, this does not go to plan when Norris intervenes. He pops round (obviously missing his new housemate) and a problem at the house causes Kirk to run back to number 2 and mardy Beth flings a bowl of popcorn right into the air before storming upstairs.

But it doesn't end there! In the second episode, we're into actual Wednesday now. And Jason has made up his mind- he's going to...Bangkok! Y'know because, just hopping on a train to London isn't good enough. Eileen is obviously distraught to see her son go to a land of diseased water and beautiful sights but doesn't seem to stop him. Over at Preston's Petals- now renamed Preston's Problems- is a hotbed for lamenting as Todd, Tracy and Beth all vent their problems to each uncaring other. Leaving Beth and Tracy to fight over who has the biggest dilemma, Todd spots his brother outside of the shop and follows him home for a pep talk and reminds him of Sarah- the woman who has ended up on the psychiatric ward thanks to all of the Platt/Logan/Grimshaw drama. Todd reminds him that while he runs off to a Thai beach, she can't. In a rather touching couple of scenes, Jason goes to visit Sarah and she supports his decision to emigrate at the drop of a hat. In a soft wispy voice, she asks him to send her a picture of an elephant.

"I think that Thailand sounds lovely. They have elephants there, don't they?"
"Yeah. Yeah they do"
"Promise me you'll send me a picture of you with one"
"I promise"

The wonderful Amy Barlow was playing her usual cunning games in last night, fearlessly voicing her strong opinions on her dad's decision to throw away his marriage to Michelle. Much to Maria's surprise, Michelle turned back up at the flat early in the morning. She got herself to the conference for her cruise job thing in Leeds and backed out when she was asked to fill in part of a tribute act with bunch of eighteen-year-olds. She has booked a flight to Ireland for tonight and has sworn Maria to secrecy about her return.

"And then he tells me that one of the other singers has dropped out and would I
mind filling a slot? Part of some tribute act"
"Who?"
"The Spice Girls"
"And who did they want you to be?"
"Sporty"

Later on, Maria bumps into Amy in The Kabin and is guilt-tripped into spilling the beans to Amy when she tells her how upset she is that Michelle has gone. Naturally, Amy tells all to Steve and the trio seem to have hatched a plan to get Michelle back for good. Steve is waiting outside Victoria Court as the taxi the train station (even though she's going to the airport) arrives Michelle agrees to talk to him, If he joins her in the back seat as she's going to be late. Steve tells the taxi to pull up outside the Rovers and the pair reconcile, much to Amy and Maria's delight. Amy runs into number 1 to alert Ken of the good news, but much to her dismay, Tracy is also there. She's been suffering from pains, presumably from her Moroccan kidney and even had to visit the doctor. Still, Amy refuses to have anything to do with her mother.

"Michelle loves you. Just like your dad loves you"
"I'm a product of broken Britain. They make documentaries about kids like me"

"This is your future. Our future"

Elsewhere, Reconciliation Street continued as Kirk finally decided to ditch Norris with a comically-charged speech and made up with Mrs Sutherland. Prior to this, Beth had been the source of ever-hilarious jibes towards Norris. While I enjoyed the double act of Kirk and Norris, it could not have lasted and I much prefer the double act of Beth and Kirk. A true Corrie couple and Lisa George as Beth is one of the few characters I'd be more than happy to watch for the next 50 years. Oh, and Street Cars will not be sure whether they're coming or going- as one taxi went to the next street and another actually made it to the airport. Jason has left the Street, after an emotionally charged goodbye with the lovely Eileen, the lodgers and his brother. Congratulations on surviving his sixteen years of drama, and best of luck to Ryan Thomas!

"How could you choose that owl in a cardigan over me?!"
"I'll have you know this cardigan is very on trend"
"Yeah, well, shame your face isn't!"

"I've got some prawn cocktail crisps in for later"
"Don't you rub Kirky's prawn cocktail in my face!"
"That's enough. Beth- you're my wife and I love you"

Wow! That was a long review- and well done to you if you got to the end. I personally did not enjoy three episodes of Corrie in one night. It was hard work to watch them all. But, out of the three episodes, I enjoyed the final one the most. Small storylines were wrapped up and we bid farewell to a long-standing character. Performances of the episode(s) go to Lisa George as Beth, Elle Mulvaney as Amy and Sue Cleaver as Eileen. Three wonderful performances, comedy and emotion in excellent measures.

As always,

Thanks for reading!

Jordan

Follow me on Twitter! @JordanLloyd39

NEW!
The Little Book of Carla Connor
A Decade in the Life of a Soap Queen
An unofficial Coronation Street companion book

Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter

Download our free App | Visit Corrie.net

Please read our advice for leaving comments on the Coronation Street Blog

All original work on the Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

Coronation Street set to be expanded for 6 episodes

Following the announcement yesterday that Coronation Street is moving to six, yes six, episodes per week in 2017, there's more news on what this will entail.

First off, the Coronation Street set will be expanded. The Guardian reports today that the current eight acre set in Trafford, Manchester, will be expanded to accommodate the extra filming.

In an email to staff, ITV producers said they would be holding a series of face to face meetings with staff to discuss the changes and the extra workload it would entail.

Programme makers said teams would be expanded “right across the board” and said the extra episode would enable a wider variety of storylines encompassing more families and give “space for the comedy of the show to really breathe”.

“The talent and commitment of the Corrie team, writers, cast, and crew will be central to making a sixth episode into reality,” said the email.

“We’ll also have substantial investment in our physical infrastructure, extending the current lot and creating additional studio space. And we’ll be able to strengthen and increase our teams right across the board to support making the additional episodes.

“It will also enable us to enhance all the positive things we currently do and are rightly proud of, such as training, apprenticeships, social inclusion, and sustainability.

“Editorially, moving to six episodes will give room for a larger variety of A stories spread more equally across our character groups and families. It will also help us ensure that our lighter stories don’t get squeezed out, giving space for the comedy of the show to really breathe.

“We’ll be going on air with six episodes in the autumn of 2017. That’s over a year away so it gives us the opportunity to define a bespoke Coronation Street solution for how we’ll achieve six, while carefully maintaining and enhancing the quality of what we do.

“To this end we’re setting up a project team of subject matter experts from across Corrie and the business. The team will pull together detailed plans covering all the editorial and operational elements.

All original work on the Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

Corrie on Tour - job vacancies in Glasgow

Yesterday, we reported that Coronation Street props and memorabilia from the old Coronation Street tour are going 'on tour' to Glasgow. Read about that here.

Today we can confirm that an application has been made jointly by ITV and Continuum, the group who ran the Coronation Street tours. The Continuum website says that: "Following on from the success of Coronation Street The Tour, Continuum Attractions is working with ITV to deliver a new touring visitor experience in the centre of Glasgow."

Not only that, Continuum are now advertising for staff to work at Corrie on Tour in Glasgow. Confirmation of the roles is subject to planning permission being granted.

The job vacancies are as follows and the deadline for applications is Sunday 3 July.

Duty Managers, Guest Services and Retail - find out more here.
Guest Services Team Members - find out more here.

All original work on the Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

Wednesday, 29 June 2016

Coronation Street Episode Review Wednesday 29th June (7.30 p.m.)

Hello and welcome to part one of the Wednesday review: Jordan has kindly agreed to share the reviewing responsibilities seeing as Monday's episodes were postponed due to the England football team making a show of themselves in France.

Anyway, it's Jason's birthday but there's nothing to celebrate. He doesn't want Eileen's black pudding and he doesn't want his dad's money, tainted, as it is, with Callum's blood, or so Jason suspects. Later on, the police confirm that Tony's wrench has both Callum's and Tony's DNA on it, so it looks like Todd's plan to save Sarah has worked. David can't believe his luck: "We've won," he tells Kylie, but she thinks it's more of a Pyrrhic victory:
"An innocent man's name has been trashed. Jason's in bits. Sarah's in a mental hospital and I've got to live with the fact that I killed a man." David doesn't care and even uses the news that the police aren't looking for anyone else to rile Gail, getting her to apologise for not believing him. Boy, wolf, David. Gail tries to excuse herself by saying she was in shock, what with "sleeping on top of a dead body for months." "I thought you'd be used to it after Michael," David quips, quick as one of Sean's head tosses. Jack Shepherd gets all the best lines, and he always delivers.

Jason is cut up, believing that he, "playing the big man", caused Callum attacking him and thus to Tony killing Callum. He believes the stress of becoming a murderer led to Tony's heart-attack, but worse is to come. Gemma warns him that Callum's Dog And Gun drinking pals will be after Jay-boy, and as sure as Norris's eggs are runny, Jason's van is on fire by the end of the episode.

Talking of Norris, he and Kirk are still playing the odd couple and not even Nozza trying to distract Kirk with promises of flapjacks in his packed lunch can put Kirky off his stroke whilst playing Othello. Norris has plans to unsettle Kirk with the Settlers of Catan, but you know that even though Kirk prefers Buckaroo, he will still beat Norris in a game of "strategic thinking and raw cunning" - he is an idiot savant. He admits to missing Beth though, and not just her cheese 'n' pickle 'n' salad cream sarnies.

Someone else too stubborn to sort out their love-life is Steve. Michelle is off to sing for her supper on a cruise (surely modern day cruises demand better entertainment than a Jane MacDonald wannabe) and Steve doesn't look like he's going to stop her. Fortunately, Liz is back, in a particularly putrid pink pleather jacket, refusing to pay for her Streetcars cab and refusing to let Steve give up Michelle. She even ropes in Steve's new sidekick, Tim, with promises of on-the-house hotpot (he gave in too easily: after a few days of minced lamb and potatoes, he'll be desperate for sommat else, Betty's secret recipe or no Betty's secret recipe. He should've held out for free pints) and Tim goes full Oprah, appealing to Steve the only way he knows how: through mutual love of ale. He tells Steve that brewing is like marriage, it takes care and patience, and he seems to have got through to his pal.

Leanne is not getting through to Nick; he doesn't care about her plan to help him open a new restaurant in a derelict fishmongers. She has a moan to Steve, and then another one to Zeedan, who complains that he has it hard, preparing fifty lunches whilst fasting for Ramadan (didn't we see Alya chowing down on a sandwich in the factory last week?). Robert is irritated with both of them, accusing Zee of mooning over Lee. Leanne claims she wants to re-set her life to when she first came to Weatherfield (only without Les) and it looks like she might soon be doing that, in the romance department at least. Sorry, Zee.

Over to you, Jordan!

All original work on the Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

Corrie to air 6 episodes a week

ITV today has announced their intention of producing a sixth episode per week of Coronation Street, likely starting near the end of next year. They are planning to expand the studio to a fifth filming area in addition to the four they have now.

"ITV’s Director of Television, Kevin Lygo, said the news reflected the broadcaster’s commitment to high quality soap for its hugely loyal audience."

They're all very excited at ITV, citing "The plan, which was unveiled to the writers, cast and crew today, will create employment opportunities adding a new and exciting dimension to filming the UK’s longest running soap drama."

Many fans have long complained that the quality of the show has actually suffered for the extra air time it's gained over the past couple of decades. The cast have often said it's a tough job, learning lines and getting ready for scenes when they're trying to fit in so much each week and that's only going to get tougher. I have a lot of respect for the actors under such conditions.

I'm sure some of the fans can't get enough of their favourite show and will be rejoicing. I wonder if they'll continue the double episodes on Mondays and Fridays or if they'll go to singles from Sunday to Friday. That might make more sense.

I imagine it's a matter of keeping up the competition, but how much is too much?

All original work on the Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

Coronation Street the tour - coming to a town near you?

Ever since the Coronation Street tour closed in Manchester, I've been wondering about all those old sets and props. Yes, it's the sort of thing I wonder about. Note to self: must get out more.

Well, news reaches us that some bits of the old Corrie set that were on shown in the tour at Granada Studios might be going on tour around the UK. Note the word 'might' there... nothing has been confirmed yet.

An ITV spokesperson said today: ‘At this stage we have presented an application stating our intent to deliver a touring visitor experience in Glasgow and hope to be in a position to announce further details in the forthcoming weeks.’

Sounds great to me!

All original work on the Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

Preview of tonight's hour long Coronation Street - Weds 29 June at 9pm

Wed 29th June - for one hour at 9pm

JASON’S MOMENTOUS DECISION DEVASTATES EILEEN As Gemma appears from the kebab shop, Jason turns on her, demanding to know which of Callum’s mates torched his van. Gemma denies all knowledge. Phelan sows the seed in Jason’s mind and suggests he should take a break until the Tony scandal has died down. As Eileen, Todd, Sean and Billy ready themselves for Jason’s birthday meal at the bistro, Jason announces he’s leaving and Phelan has kindly offered to look after the business. Phelan furtively phones his mate and thanks him for torching Jason’s van.
LEANNE HAS A GENTLEMAN CALLER Robert continues to goad Zeedan, suggesting he’s got the hots for Leanne. Zeedan’s embarrassed. Tracy calls in the bistro and complains that her kidney is causing her pain. Robert’s dismissive and reckons it’s just a ruse to try to worm her way back in. Nick calls at Leanne’s flat and apologises for his earlier behaviour. He admits to Leanne that he still has feelings for her and tries to kiss her. Leanne resists and Nick heads home mortified. Leanne listens to the messages on her phone from Nick then Robert, then Zeedan. She’s interrupted by a visitor and invites them in. As Leanne’s visitor lets himself out, Leanne sits with her head in her hands, deeply regretful of what just happened.
STEVE’S TICKING CLOCK BLOWS UP IN HIS FACE Steve and Michelle exchange an awkward farewell, neither willing to admit they’re heartbroken. Michelle’s taxi pulls away and Steve watches, devastated.
ELSEWHERE Chesney and Sinead dupe Kirk and Beth into spending the evening together at No.5 in the hope they can sort out their differences. However, their plans are thwarted when Norris calls round and begs Kirk to return to No.3 citing a problem with his electricity. Having looked at Norris’s fuse box, Kirk realises he’s been conned. But when Norris shows Kirk the new board game he’s bought, Kirk feels sorry for him and agrees to stay for a game.

JASON’S DEPARTURE LEAVES PHELAN SMILING Jason reaches a decision and announces to Eileen and Phelan that he’s leaving for Thailand later today. He visits Sarah in hospital and tells her of his plans. Sarah gives him her blessing and insists he must forget about Callum and enjoy himself. Eileen, Todd and Sean bid Jason an emotional farewell. Phelan gives a smile of satisfaction as Jason’s taxi pulls away.
AMY SETS UP STEVE AND MICHELLE Amy berates Steve for letting Michelle go, pointing out she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to him. Subdued Steve admits Amy’s right. Maria lets herself into Carla’s flat and is startled to find Michelle there. Michelle explains that the job on the cruise ship fell through but Steve mustn’t find out she’s back. When Amy tells Maria how much she misses Michelle and how much Steve misses her too, Maria’s conflicted. Michelle heads out of the flat and is taken aback to find Steve waiting for her. Amy admits she set them up. Steve begs Michelle to give him another chance. Will they reunite?
IT’S THE MORNING AFTER THE NIGHT BEFORE FOR LEANNE Determined to make a fresh start, Leanne tells Eva she’s going to look for a new job. She resigns from the bistro leaving Robert flummoxed. Leanne apologises to Nick for messing him about but tells him she’s decided to go for a completely clean break and look for a new job. Nick’s understanding.
ELSEWHERE In the flower shop Tracy suffers a stab of pain and doubles over. Beth takes her to the medical centre where the doctor refers her to the transplant clinic. When Kirk admits that he fell asleep over a board game at Norris’s and that’s why he didn’t come home, Chesney tells him it’s time to choose between Beth and Norris. Kirk finally snaps and tells Norris he’s happy to visit him now and again, but Beth is his wife and he loves her. Beth’s thrilled.

All original work on the Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

Preview of tonight's Coronation Street - Weds 29 June at 7.30pm

Weds 29 June at 7.30pm
TONY’S “GUILT” IGNITES JASON’S DESPAIR As subdued Jason opens his birthday cards, he sees a bank statement confirming that Tony’s money is now in his account. Phelan’s ears prick up and Todd clocks his interest. Jason calls at No.8 and breaks the news to David, Kylie and Gail that the police have found the murder weapon and are convinced that Tony was the murderer. Gemma warns Jason that Callum’s mates are out for revenge now that they know Tony was his killer. Phelan and Eileen are horrified to find Jason writing out a cheque to David Platt with the intention of giving him Tony’s money for Max and Lilly’s future. Eileen talks some sense into him while Phelan rips up the cheque. As Phelan and Jason head back to the yard, they’re shocked to find the van on fire. Has someone torched it?
PASSIONS BOIL OVER IN THE BISTRO Ken encourages Leanne to set up a new restaurant with Nick and offers to lend her the money. Leanne’s touched. She approaches Nick and assures him she really wants to go into business with him and was only paying lip service to Robert. But Nick remains stung and gives her short shrift.
STEVE FACES A TICKING CLOCK Liz arrives back from Spain and is stunned to learn that Michelle is going away. She tells Steve to sort things out. Tim also agrees to try to talk some sense into Steve. Under pressure, Steve agrees to try to find Michelle in a last ditch attempt to save his marriage.
ELSEWHERE Over breakfast, Norris insists on a game of Othello. He’s put out when Kirk unwittingly wipes the floor with him. Determined to get his own back, Norris purchases a particularly complicated board game convinced it’ll bamboozle Kirk.

All original work on the Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

Tuesday, 28 June 2016

Michael's back on Corrie - and ready to face Phelan

Les Dennis is back on screen on Coronation Street next week as Michael Rodwell - and he's going to square up to Pat Phelan.

Off-screen, Les Dennis has been acting in a play in Liverpool. On-screen, his character Michael Rodwell has been living in Brighton. And now Michael is back - should Phelan be scared? Even just a little bit? Probably not, but the dynamics of having him back on the Street will be good to watch.

Inside Soap magazine reveal that Andy and Steph will move in with Michael. I wonder where his heart might lead him this time? Will he fight for Eileen or go back to Gail?

All original work on the Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

Tracy's graveside grief in Coronation Street

It's been almost a year since Deirdre Barlow passed away - July 8 2015. Next week on Coronation Street, the anniversary of Deirdre's death is remembered when Tracy visits her mum's graveside to lay some flowers.

Tracy has to go to her mum's graveside alone, says Inside Soap magazine. Ken and Amy have fallen out with her. Robert has stopped talking to her and Ken even tells Tracy he doesn't want to visit the grave with her. But as Tracy lays the flowers on Deirdre's grave, she gets an unexpected couple of visitors in the form of Robert and Amy who have come to make amends.

You can relive all of Deirdre Barlow's 42 years on Coronation Street with the official ITV tribute book: Deirdre, a Life on Coronation Street.

All original work on the Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

Dev and Mary sleep together in Coronation Street

I just love the sound of this from the previews for next week's Coronation Street. Dev and Mary are going to end up spending the night together. But as you can tell from the preview picture above, all is not what it seems.

Inside Soap magazine tell us that Dev and Mary spend the night together after a mix-up at a spa break hotel. Dev books the break for himself and Erica but when Erica has to pull out at the last minute, she suggests Mary goes in her place. That's when Mary and Dev end up sleeping in the same bed as the hotel only have a double bed left. The two of them go up to the bedroom and get stuck into the mini-bar, drink it dry and Dev passes out on the bed. So when he wakes up the next morning, he can't remember if they did... you know... or they didn't.

Will Mary tell him the truth?

All original work on the Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

Cosy crimes and gritty sagas by Corrie Blog editor Glenda, published by Headline. Click pic below!

Thursday, 30 June 2016

Corrie Overload

Coronation Street and the Joy of Six

Coronation Street Weds 29th June Episode Review (9:00pm)

Coronation Street set to be expanded for 6 episodes

Corrie on Tour - job vacancies in Glasgow

Wednesday, 29 June 2016

Coronation Street Episode Review Wednesday 29th June (7.30 p.m.)

Corrie to air 6 episodes a week

Coronation Street the tour - coming to a town near you?

Preview of tonight's hour long Coronation Street - Weds 29 June at 9pm

Preview of tonight's Coronation Street - Weds 29 June at 7.30pm

Tuesday, 28 June 2016

Michael's back on Corrie - and ready to face Phelan

Tracy's graveside grief in Coronation Street

Dev and Mary sleep together in Coronation Street

GRITTY SAGAS BY CORRIE BLOG EDITOR GLENDA YOUNG, PUBLISHED BY HEADLINE. CLICK PIC BELOW!

You might also like...

Coronation Street Books for Fans

GRITTY SAGAS BY CORRIE BLOG EDITOR GLENDA YOUNG, PUBLISHED BY HEADLINE. CLICK PIC BELOW!