As football fever continues to grip the nation, I'm proud as punch that Corrie took advantage of Pride Month, and the superb writing of Damon Rochefort, for Weathy County star striker James Bailey to finally and publically come out. I cannot feign any enthusiasm for blokes kicking a ball around for 90 minutes, but 60 minutes of mid-week Corrie waving the rainbow flag - I'm here for that!
Tonight, and with his career on the rise, Danny’s return seems to have spurred James on in his coming-out story. A black footballer coming out is brave territory (although it shouldn't be) and statistically speaking, you know there must be a few amongst the international players. But with misogyny and homophobia rife in that so-called sacred of sports, I can only commend Corrie for doing this. It's just a pity the real world hasn't caught up yet. Anyway, I did envisage this being terrace hooliganism and James being outed pitch-side but covid put paid to that, so the social media angle and the press conference worked better, I thought.
It is good to see the Bailey squad all back together! Tim and Steve in matching shirts livened it up a bit, and of course, James got a kiss from Danny. Back of the net!
Gail and Natasha are the duo that Corrie really needs, amirite? I must admit, although I love Leanne, I think Nick has got his priorities all wrong in this drugs debacle storyline, and selling his factory shares can only be further undoing too? Tonight, the family stress caused predictable trouble for Gail. What with Sarah's shrieks about the factory development, and David’s persistent pestering, it wasn't a surprise when Gail succumbed to a heart attack. I noticed Sam on the sidelines there too, when Gail took a funny turn. Is he Damian from The Omen? Seemingly poindexter ish, all innocent, but if you think about it since he arrived on the street, it's been utter carnage! I mean he is a Platt (ish) and David is his Uncle, after all. Just putting it out there...
Recovering in hospital, Gail relayed the news via Audrey that she has decided to leave Weatherfield for good! Surely Gail can have a season (or a few episodes) away to recuperate! We need more scenes of Gail and Natasha chewing the fat over a few glasses of prosecco! A Corrie star striker the show can't do without I think.
Tyrone and his mid-life crisis have surpassed any estimations I had about this storyline. Alina’s pregnancy and Kirsty’s death (R.I.P, I had a minor crush on that character) have really taken it up a notch! With his ex accompanying him to Kirsty's funeral, tempers between these two have now cooled. Could a reconciliation be on the cards? The only stumbling block is the pregnancy, and a vengeful Evelyn would be only too happy to stir the pot by telling Fiz. Surely it can't be too long before she finds out?
Elsewhere in tonight's episodes; Jenny and Johnny toast a drink to old times when it's revealed he's moving to Mawdsley Street. Meanwhile, Ryan wants to resurrect his DJ career and is egged on by a flirty Daisy. Does Alya agree with her boyfriend's reignited love of loud techno? I'd be interested to see where this goes, to be honest!...
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In a Corrie game of two halves (half-hour episodes) there were one or two highlights tonight. Surprise return appearances from Audrey and Agie, Ty substituted Alina for Fiz, Sam assists an injured Gail, and James scored a winner! What did you think?
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