Leanne, Toyah and Nick Share Ex-mas? Interview with Corrie Producer Kate Brooks

“It's fantastic for the viewer.”

I recently travelled to Coronation Street studios in Manchester for a press conference with new producer Kate Brooks. It was packed with so much news, views and spoilers, that I'm sharing her insights via a series of blogs. 

Here, she talks about what Christmas 2024 will be like for Leanne, Toyah and Nick.

Those who don't wish to be in the know should look away now.

Leanne's dreadful experience with The Institute, and her relationship with Nick, may both be over, but it seems the drama isn't, as he and her sister Toyah continue to hide that they're seeing eachother.       

"You've got Leanne who's got her suspicions about Nick and Toyah, and I felt it was really important to see a different side to Leanne," says Kate.

"She's had a really tough year; she had The Institute, which was all-consuming in many ways. But, she's a Battersby, and she's scrappy and she's feisty - and Toyah is so good, and so brilliant and wonderful. And Leanne sees the life that she had just being taken away from her, and rather than go down the route which is expected, and for her to take it on the chin, or to move on, she really wants to make them pay, and she really is intent on getting her own revenge."

"It can be at the detriment of her own sanity sometimes, but she wants to make them realise what they've done to her. Nick's betrayal is one thing, but the betrayal of a sister is huge."

"And I just love that dynamic between Toyah and Leanne. I think it's fantastic. I remember really vividly them coming on to the Street peak Spice Girls era; they barrelled on to the Street. And just tapping into how they were, and how they were as Battersbys, was really important, and that all comes to the forefront on Christmas Day, and it doesn't end well for anyone.”

Kate's insights here, on other characters central to the festive season, and about Christmas generally, indicates a focus on and interest in personal relationships and stories, as well as a good awareness of the past and who these characters are at their core. 

This is refreshing given that grounded stories and strong characterisation have always been central to the Street at its best, and is hopefully a sign of things to come.

You can read what else she had to say about the festive season and those at the centre of it in the rest in my series of blogs here:

A Classic Christmas for Gail? Interview with Corrie Producer Kate Brooks

Oh Christmas Three! Corrie Producer Kate Brooks Talks Daisy, Bethany and Daniel

Christmas Eves: Carla and Lisa get Festive? Interview with Corrie Producer Kate Brooks

By Emma Hynes

Read all about my recent trip to Coronation Street in A Rover Returns.

Read my recent Corrie interview with Calum Lill

Web

www.emmahynes.com

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