Tuesday, 31 July 2018

Sally Carman interview: Abi gets her revenge on Tracy


How has Abi found fitting in on the street?
Abi hasn’t emotionally attached herself to anything on the street yet because she can’t believe her luck but the more she connects with people like Tracy and Steve, the more she has started to put down roots and so she starts to believe that maybe she could live here.

Does Abi see Tracy as a friend?
There’s a definite spark between them both, Abi recognises a kindred spirit and Tracy actually takes Abi seriously whereas no one else does. Tracy has been open and acknowledges her as a friend and Abi has never had that so it’s quite nice for her.

How does Abi feel when she overhears Beth and Steve’s exchange?
Abi is riding on such a high having been asked to head Tracy’s hen party but equally, just like anyone with a fragile ego, it can come crashing down, and to hear Steve and Beth talking about her, her kids and her being a mum is a real kick in the stomach. Her being a mum is her massive sore point because she knows better than anyone that she has let those kids down.

Abi then aims to get revenge in quite a unique way, why does she decide to do that?
She is angry with Steve but that’s because she is hurt. The opportunity comes up when they are talking about the hen do and she realises that it would be great to embarrass Steve and make him do a dance in front of everyone. She understands Steve so she knows he would really dislike and be bothered by that but that he would have to go through with it so that’s why that little plan comes in to her head.

This is more a mischievous act of revenge than a malicious one, isn’t it?
She has a wicked sense of humour but there is no real harm in her. She has just had to build up these barriers over the years through making mistakes and making bad choices but she is a good person.

Tell us what happens during the home visit
Abi tries so hard to make the home visit perfect for the little ones because it is their birthdays so she tries to bake a cake and she wants to pick up a parcel from the post office but she can’t get there because she is working. Ultimately she ends up letting the twins down because she just unravels. She doesn’t trust herself so she desperately wants to get it right that it all comes crashing down around her ears. She feels like she has hit rock bottom.

Do you think she would be a good mum if she got the twins back?
If she had the right support and was surrounded by people who have her best interests at heart and was allowed to slowly build up a relationship I think she would be a superb mother, yes.

What happens when Steve finds her at the tram station?
Steve finds her and she is not interested in anything he has to say. She is not angry anymore but she is just so heartbroken and he recognises that because he has lost a child, he lost his baby with Michelle. This is really something that clicks with Abi and she sees him properly for the first time. There is an instant bond there after that, he makes her feel like a human being who has just messed up a little bit and she reaches forward and kisses him. He doesn’t expect it but I don’t think he altogether hates it either…

What is going through Abi’s mind when she kisses Steve?
She just feels like she is understood. She feels like she has made a real connection with someone and it’s one of those instant, weird things that happens to people now and again. Maybe it wouldn’t have happened if she wasn’t so fragile and had a drink but she lets her emotions take over, she thinks, ‘Maybe there is something more to Steve than meets the eye…’

Does she feel guilty towards Tracy?
She feels horrendously guilty because she likes Tracy and she is a good person and she is not one to do another woman over either, that’s not her bag. If she’s got it in for anyone it’s men, not women. She does appreciate that friendship so she feels dreadful.

What do you think makes Steve and Abi’s friendship work?
It’s a similar energy; they both have pasts, they both actually are interested in life and what people have to say. They have a similar sense of humour and similar personalities so that will either work brilliantly or there will be fireworks.

What’s it like working with Simon Gregson and Kate Ford?
It’s a dream team, I could pinch myself. Simon Gregson is the most generous actor and so funny and so supportive, so is Kate. They are both gorgeous people and I could not be happier. It’s the best job in the world.

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Sally Ann Matthews interview: Jenny as Rovers landlady


How does the idea about buying the Rovers come about for Jenny and Johnny?
Jenny and Johnny are now at a loose end because they are not going to Spain and they have not got the factory because Johnny doesn’t particularly want anything to do with the factory. But he is a businessman, he is always looking for an opportunity and suddenly they are presented with the possibility of getting the Rovers which Johnny thinks would be a great idea. 

What does Jenny think about the idea?
Jenny is not up for this. Firstly she was supposed to be queen on the factory, secondly she was supposed to be swanning it up in Spain with the villa, the swimming pool and the beach-pine table but suddenly she is going to be working in a poxy backstreet boozer... not what she had in mind for herself. But she recognises that Johnny needs this to take his mind of Aidan and her heart belongs to Johnny Connor so she will do whatever makes him happy.

How long will it take for Jenny to come round to the idea?
Jenny is pretty adaptable, she sulks for two minutes then runs to the moon with the idea so as soon as Johnny persuades her about the Rovers she goes for it big style and she starts to make all kind of plans for it. She wants it to be a cut above everything else. 

What does Jenny think Gemma will make of this?
The one spanner in the works is Gemma because Jenny and Gemma are kind of sisters because they have both been brought under Rita’s wing. She knows how much the Rovers means to Gemma and the thought of telling her is heartbreaking. Jenny can see the pain in Gemma’s face and she feels really bad but Johnny needs this more.

How does Jenny try to smooth things over?
Jenny offers Gemma a job thinking this will make it all better which Gemma is not too happy about. But I am looking forward to working with Dolly behind the bar because it will just be chaotic and fun. 

Do you have a favourite Coronation Street landlady?
It’s got to be Bet Lynch. I joined the show in 1985 and Bet was the landlady and then in the early ‘90s Jenny  worked in the pub and Bet was her boss so for most of my viewing and acting time on Corrie, it’s been Bet Lynch. And I loved Bet and Alec’s relationship.

What was your reaction when you found out you were going to own the Rovers?
I was terrified! I am completely inept… trying to pull a pint the other day, I got more beer on my hand than in the glass! I am getting better but it’s also the timing of pulling a pint, I would be rubbish if I had to work in a real pub.

Did Jenny have to pull pints when she worked in the pub with Bet Lynch?
We only had two pumps, I don’t think we had great big ones like we do now. I am only 5”2, even though I wear heels in the show, so I have to try not get masked by the pumps and be pouring the pint and be saying my lines so it is a different thing altogether.

What sort of landlady do you think Jenny will make?
I think she will be incredibly capable because she became an expert seamstress overnight and when she sets her mind to it she can achieve anything. She wants this and a lot of people wanted her to fail when she first came back to the street so she is not about to look foolish in front of anybody. She will boss it and take no nonsense. 

What do you think the other residents of Coronation Street will make of Jenny the landlady?
Most residents on the street have a healthy disregard for Jenny, they all know she is a nutjob. The secret is, ‘Don't cross her.’

What will buying the Rovers do for Johnny and Jenny’s relationship?
Jenny is going in to it certainly with the intention that it is what Johnny needs and it would be good for their relationship to help heal from what has happened. She is able to understand and forgive all of Johnny’s behaviour because of his grief. She’s not delusional or naive but she is ready to move forward. 







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Rovers Return dream team hits Coronation Street


I could not be happier with the news today that Jenny and Johnny Connor are going to be the new owners of the Rovers Return.

Jenny flaming Bradley behind the bar at the Rovers!  It's going to be great stuff - not easy for her at first, I'd imagine as she takes on a new job in Weatherfield which firmly puts paid to her plans of living it up in Spain.


But not only will Jenny be working behind the bar at the Rovers, ITV also reveal today that she will be taking on Gemma as her barmaid.

And as this preview picture shows, it looks like Liz is back behind the bar too, perhaps to give Jenny some much-needed advice in her new job, I wonder?

I think Jenny has what it takes to become an iconic landlady at the Rovers Return - the hair, the looks, the attitude. I just wonder who she'll bar first! 

And please, Corrie, let there be a lovely scene in the back room of the pub between her and Rita.


Is anyone else as excited as I am about the change of guard at the Rovers Return? I mean, Toyah's done her best, bless her, but landlady material she was not. I wonder where she'll go to live, perhaps with Leanne into her new flat in Tile Street?

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Heartbreak for Rana in Coronation Street


There's trouble ahead for Rana in next week's Coronation Street after she finds out that her dad, Hassan, has had a stroke.  In this week's Inside Soap magazine, they say that Rana her dad's life-threatening condition helps persuade the Habeeb family to give Rana another chance as she discovers she's still considered an outcast in the family over her relationship with Kate.

When Rana arrives at the hospital, her mum bans her from visiting her dad, says Inside Soap. However, when Rana chances her arm and heads to her dad's ward with Imran regardless, she's relieved as he manages to persuade Saira to let Rana attend their meetign with Hassan's consultant. Could this be the start of the Habeeb family welcoming Rana back into their clan?

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Spoilers for next week's Coronation Street, Aug 6 - 10

Here are the major storylines for the week ahead on Coronation Street, all wrapped up nicely in 50 words or less.

Monday 6 - Friday 10 August




Jenny and Johnny buy the Rovers, Steve snogs Abi, Duncan cons Imran over Sally and Alya hears a voice from the grave - but will it change her mind about Underworld?


See the full week's preview with pictures at Corrie.net


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Coronation Street spoiler: Alya hears a voice from the grave


The previews are in for next week’s Coronation Street and Alya announces to the factory girls that she’s bagged a huge new contract. Sarah reckons Aidan would be proud of her.

Handing a DVD to Alya, Sarah explains how a student dropped it in and it’s of an interview she conducted with Aidan to discuss his role as a kidney donor.

Alya watches Aidan’s DVD and realises just how much his family meant to him.

Will she have second thoughts about allowing Carla her share of the factory?

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Coronation Street spoiler: Duncan blames Sally for charity fund fraud


The previews are in for next week’s Coronation Street and dodgy Duncan tells his solicitor Imran that he’s been charged with fraud for stealing charity funds. But, he says, he was coerced into it by Sally!

Imran’s sceptical but Duncan assures him he’s got hard evidence he can use against Sally.

Meanwhile oblivious Sally and Tim host a family BBQ. Gina’s overly enthusiastic and it’s clear she’s getting on Dev’s nerves. Geoff practises his straightjacket trick but finds himself stuck in it when he loses the key. Yasmeen despairs. Imran returns to the office and tells Adam about his new case. Adam warns him that Sally is very highly thought of and he’s playing with fire.

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Coronation Street spoiler: Steve snogs Abi


The previews are in for next week’s Coronation Street and Steve and Abi share a moment after Tracy unwittingly pushes them together.

When Sally lets slip that Tim and Steve each gave themselves £1k bonus from Street Cars, Tracy’s furious that Steve failed to mention it. Tracy demands that he spends it on an engagement ring and suggests Abi helps him choose it.

But Steve finds Abi drunk at the tram station and challenges her when a small bag of heroin falls out of her bag. Telling her about Ruairi he urges her to pull herself together and rebuild her relationship with her children. Grateful Abi kisses him on the lips. 

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