I’ve never tried to use zoom before, not once. I've never even heard of it until this virus volcano erupted everywhere! I work from home in the day job, and on the internet, so largely autonomous all round. Therefore, just thinking about joining this live corrie press event, with all these people present, plus corrie VIP's - my fear, excitement, and nerves are all over the place! I have a fairly new laptop and strong wifi connection so no worries there at least. But, they will see my face, right? My subtle little twitches, flicks of my lockdown hair, vaping like Liz Mcdonald in The Rovers beer garden - frightening, but oh so exciting! I’m even sat strategically so maybe people can see my framed corrie cast cards/rovers beer mats, on my bedroom wall? I imagine not but it's a load of framed titbits that I've amassed via writing for this blog so why not, eh?
Of course, this press day is all about COVID 19 and we can rejoice that Corrie is back filming (with no break in transmission) from 8th of June. With Nick (Ben Price BP) and Leanne (Jane Danson JD) currently involved in Oliver’s illness storyline, the actors have both filmed scenes this week and are asked how it feels to be returning to the studio after lockdown?
BP “It’s split into two - the bit before the set and once you get on it. As actors we are then back on the home turf - the writing is excellent! The weird part was losing the physical aspect. Jane was doing an incredible job in a scene, beautifully played and my instinct, hand on heart, was for Nick to hug her. We couldn't do that obviously but we shared glances and expressions which works too. It was great being back on the studio floor. We had ten scenes and we flew along, it was nice"
JD - “To echo everything that Ben said, we've worked together for 10 years, so we trust each other. There was an element of excitement and didn't feel too different apart from the physicality. We can read each other so well, and in fact, got through the day in the normal amount of time. We are a family and a team so we've got even closer now’’
You have a huge storyline at the minute with Oliver {played by twins}, how will you act the storylines without a young cast member on set?
JD- “The twins are amazing and rose to the challenge so it’s not ideal but we just have to do our best. The looks are played off the characters – it’s a bit disappointing not to have them as the story is about Oliver but so far so good. I hope we can get them back but safety has to come first”
BP - “I slightly feel the scenes we play with a child anyway are restricted as to when they’re not there, you’re having the real adult conversations. I don’t think you lose a lot really – when we’re around that bed because you’re adults talking about a child who is very ill, it’s watered down and there’s a lot that can’t be said. The scenes are more interesting between Nick and Leanne speaking from their heart”
How does it feel applying your make-up?
BP - I'm not very good with props. I spend hours in make-up normally (laughs). I have to reduce it down to 2 minutes. I’ve had a home haircut – but David runs a barber, I must’ve seen him!
JD - “Because of my storyline I haven’t had much make-up as Leanne is going through a miserable time. But it’s our hair for the ladies – we’re not all blondes! I had to get my husband to do the roots a few times to keep it the same with Leanne – it would have looked strange. It’s just adapting -we’re plodding along really, that’s what it is”
How did it feel when you realised Corrie wouldn't be going off-air due to COVID 19?
JD - “It felt like I was leaving when we first shut down. To go back into a building that was getting fuller again was lovely. Everyone was so courteous to each other and helpful and selfless – they were super kind to us. At the end of the day, unprompted, there was a round of applause and that was emotional. That usually only happens on special occasions like someone leaving or going on maternity leave. It was emotional to get the ball rolling”
BP - “ It means a lot to me, to Jane, the work to get us to that point – I was under no illusion of how many hours that took. I am very proud to get back to entertain and tell these stories. It’s a vital show. It was almost like one of the lives – there were nerves, we did it, it was possible – and so many casts texted me asking how it got on and there was just relieved to be able to say that we’re back!”
So what did you think of that? Keep em’ peeled for part 3 as I divulge the latest on-set gossip, how the older cast will be kept on screen, a post-pandemic stunt, more from series producer Iain Macleod, and how COVID 19 will affect big Britain's Got Talent Final week…
I am @rybazoxo your cobbles connossieur
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1 comment:
Oh dear, there's something in my eye. Very moving to hear from the cast about not losing any time on air for viewers. These are lovely, Ryan. Thanks.
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