This week Coronation Street may be introducing us to the start of Stephen's downfall, as Elaine finally wakes up to her fiance's nefarious ways! Is Elaine about to become his next victim after revealing all to Audrey? For my latest Corrie Summer Storyline press day event, I was elated to be able to join ITV’s Coronation Street Zoom group to listen to (70s sitcom legend*) Paula Wilcox tells us all about this latest development!
Hi Paula - how much have you been enjoying this serial killer storyline?
It's fantastic, isn't it? I thought it was something I could get my teeth into. I liked the idea of being involved. Elaine was interested in Stephen quite a while ago, and then nothing happened for a bit, and then they let it progress quite naturally! I'd heard about the (serial killer) story and I thought it was fantastic. The audience knew the other side of him, and nobody else knew. Todd (Boyce, Stephen Reid) is such a joy to work with!
Do fans question you in the street about Stephen’s character?
They do, They say things like (joking) ‘You need to stay away from that Stephen!’ or women will tell me how bad he is! But I respond as Elaine would. I always say ‘No he’s lovely, charming and a very nice man - kind and polite’ Elaine hasn't seen that side of his character yet, he’s charming because he wants something out of her. Her story is very sad because of the coercive control that she went through with Geoff. It scared her off relationships, but by finding Tim and family around her, she’s suddenly feeling safe again. Coronation Street is quite a community so she has friends around her, she's good friends with Yasmine and has a real sense of security and well-being. Stephen is very presentable, intelligent, smart and appears to be quite gentle. She’s fallen for him hook, line, and sinker, and is focused on this future with him.
How does she feel when she finds out he harboured feelings for Jenny?
I think it made her feel a bit jealous - maybe she wants to strike while the iron is hot. She’s the one (Elaine) who he is living with and I think she’s decided not to take that too seriously. She’s a bit desperate and doesn't question it. I don't think she’s heard that much about it but she has noticed.
Despite any misgivings, she's still going through with the wedding plans. Do you think Elaine is trying to convince herself that all is okay or does she genuinely believe in Stephen?
I think she genuinely believes it. When things start looking flakey she's actually at her strongest. She gets frustrated by him but has this bit between her teeth now, and it's an escape maybe from her previous life. Elaine has somehow convinced herself that everything will be okay. The fly in the ointment is Tim’s letter and that's the one thing she is taking seriously.
In the middle of all this, up pops Gerry the Tai Chi instructor. Could he turn Elaine’s head?
(laughs) I don't know about that! I think it's just Elaine meeting another man who seems nice. Also, being involved in this healthier lifestyle, whilst watching Stephen slightly fall apart with all stress, might help her support Stephen. The whole idea of Tai Chi is wonderful and something that she’s always wanted to do. The fact that Gerry is the complete opposite of Stephen, not at all stressed, and kind of innocent, there’s no question that he is a rival to Stephen, it's just a general fondness she has for someone of this kind. Elaine thinks that Stephen is jealous of Gerry.
Elaine decides to confide in Audrey. What makes her do that?
I don't know, I think it could be a bit of guilt. They meet in Roy’s Rolls. She’s started seeing this other side of him and finally starts to stand up to him. He’s been messing her about, cancelling lunch and brunch plans, so she lies to him, telling him she’s having her hair done at Audrey's. Audrey overhears this and is very kind to Elaine (as she thinks she’s got depression) so she gives Elaine some tips on managing it and insists on going to their flat to chat. Elaine feels she’s pushed into this intimate situation with Audrey. Audrey’s kindness makes Elaine realise that she needs to spill the beans and tell her some home truths about her son.
How does she feel when Stephen offers her this trip to the Peak District?
She's very sceptical and at this point, she's starting to wonder if this is going anywhere or if he's actually just a complete tyrant. Her heart isn't in it, and although she does like the idea she decides not to go! She sees a photograph of Stephen's ex-wife, Gabrielle and realises that she’s seen her face before on the Zoom call business meeting he was having. Elaine realises that it's the same woman, it's frightening, and all of that confusion that she’s had recently suddenly comes to the fore. She realises he’s a liar and a cheat and her reaction is one of horror and shock! Tim and Elaine then find the forged insurance documents and she realises it's all about the money and it's all there in black and white when she sees her forged signature! Elaine is then frightened when she leaves Tim and Stephen alone in the flat!
Thank you Paula for the chat!
*****
So what are we thinking? Does Elaine need to combine Tai Chi with more forceful martial arts? Is Stephen about to murder his fiance, or is Tim going to be the final victim?
I am @rybazoxo, your Coronation Street Blogger and Corrie superfan!
*Ask your Dad. Paula was also in Corrie many years ago, playing Ray Langton’s (Tracy’s Dad) wayward sister! Check out classic Corrie clips on youtube!
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