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Gemma Winter arrived in Weatherfield as a rough diamond and she had to work hard to be accepted. As is usual on the street, Rita was the one who saw the good in this character and she has become the mother that Gemma never had. She tried to run the Rovers and failed but now has a 'sister' in Jenny and is part of a family.
She has a best friend in Chesney and it's clear that they both want something more and things look really rosy for Gemma. But, now her twin brother Paul has rocked up - her very foundations might be ripped from beneath her feet.
Paul, played by the brilliant Peter Ash is a breath of fresh air for so many reasons. He has instantly made an impact and you can see why. Many people recognise the actor from Footballer's Wives and theatre goers recognise from him War Horse and fringe productions.
The actor is great at convincing you that Paul is a likable lad about town. And writing him as a close confidante of the local vicar (and far more, very soon) is very canny. This offers him protection and a second chance, but in the meantime he has many secrets about Gemma which he is going to use as a bargaining tool.
Add to the equation that he is about to have a fling with Billy and suddenly we are in a world where stereotypes are being subverted and this is where great drama comes from.
The only downside for me is that this leaves Sean on the shelf again. I would love him to meet someone, instead of hanging around Liz and Eileen listening to their tales of woe about their love lives. Give him one instead!
Peter Ash is a real grafter and I have seen him in many plays in Manchester and it is great to see him invited back to Corrie following his debut a while back in prison scenes with David.
The writers are on a roll at the moment and I think the Paul/Gemma rivalry is going to be a strong story for fans to get their teeth into. Throw in a vicar who believes in helping people like Shona and getting them settled within the community and you have the recipe for some great scenes, drama and comedy over the coming months.
Welcome to Weatherfield Peter and I hope you stick around for a while yet.
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