Coronation Street Episode Review; Weds 8th Jan 8.30 pm

Secrets are rarely kept on Coronation Street, and why should they be, we'd have no drama otherwise. Its's a concept that 60 years later hasn't changed - and tonight is no different!

Ooh, I love a bit of Tracy Barlow and to see her squirm, even better. Now that arch-enemy (and also Steve's baby mamma) Leanne has found out about her adultery with Paula, I wonder if she will drop her in it instead? Leanne talks to Amy and tries to help but typical Tracy - she's still scorned by Battersby's deceit and blatant self-righteousness. Seems Leanne can go hell's bell now and tell Steve everything?

Jade has also certainly dropped Fiz in it and plays the social services with her lies as well. A keen manipulator, Jade tells her story of being John's daughter and also mentions that Fiz is dangerous and that she hid the murder weapon in the Christmas day shooting. Although this rue doesn't give Jade access to the girls, the police are still soon knocking at number 9 ready to take Fiz for a trip to Weatherfield cop shop. What a nightmare! Evelyn tries to investigate where Jade is living in hope of helping them out. Returning from the cop shop, Fiz takes note of the address and decides to visit Jade.

At the photoshoot, Chesney wakes up late for work and is slightly distracted by Freshco's fancy treats and the 'green room'. Eventually arriving home, Dev pays them a visit and realises that Gemma isn't poorly at all and that Chesney has been fraternising on work time with Freshco. He gives Chesney an ultimatum; it kebabs or Freshco! I wonder why Dev is kicking off like this when he nearly killed Rita with his dodgy Christmas tree? Anyway, Chesney gets the chop.

Recent Christmas events are also recollected by Aggie's mind as she regales Robert's death to the Weatherfield Gazette's journalist. Aggie reveals that she used to be a nurse - she's just taking a break from the profession whilst working in Roy's. I thought she was a pharmacist?  Anyway, it seems the Bailey's are also hiding (another) secret.

Finding Jade at her flat Fiz makes threats and Jade reveals what she knows about her father John Stape. The majority of her paternal knowledge seems to be peppered with blinkered nostalgia, skirting over the issues of him being a mass-murdering manipulative monster.  Jade certainly seems to have inherited some of John Stape's personality traits that is for sure! Just how far will she to go to break up this family?

Meanwhile, Imran breaks the news that Josh has received a 15-year sentence for rape. It's good news for David and considering this week's national news, it's rather prophetic.

60 years later, Corrie is still raising awareness of real social issues which mirror a modern society - well done all!

What did you think to this Wednesday's Corrie? let us know in the comments section.

If you enjoyed this review give us a follow @rybazoxo over on twitter, your self-styled 'Cobbles Connoisseur'.

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First-look pics: Callum's return haunts Platts and Carla leaves Corrie

ITV have released these pictures from the episode of Coronation Street to be shown on Thursday 26 May.

A devastated Carla Connor says a sad farewell to her father Johnny as she prepares to leave Coronation Street.

With her marriage in tatters before it has even begun and her friendship with Roy Cropper seemingly over, Carla has nothing left to keep her in Weatherfield.

Following her disastrous wedding day which saw her exposed as a cheat and ended in her accidently mowing down Roy’s girlfriend Cathy, Carla has packed her bags and is ready to go.



Will Roy forgive her before she finally leaves the cobbles behind for good?

Meanwhile, as the dust settles on Gail’s annexe following the crash, David ventures into the rubble to find out the extent of the damage.

His worst fears are realised when he comes across the exposed manhole and the stench of Callum’s rotting corpse hits him.

And when the cops come calling on the Platts it seems they finally have nowhere left to hide!

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First-look pics: Carla drives her car at Tracy on Coronation Street

ITV have released these new pics showing the dramatic scenes of tonight’s Corrie

Tracy Barlow is a like a rabbit caught in the headlights of Carla Connor’s car in spectacular scenes to be screened in Wednesday night’s Coronation Street.

With her wedding in tatters thanks to Tracy, a devastated Carla gets into her car desperate to escape the humiliation.

But as she prepares to leave the cobbles she spots Tracy on the pavement and intent on revenge presses her foot on the accelerator…

Also in the episode a furious Nick seeks out Robert and punches him for sleeping with Carla.

The drama continues on Wednesday and Thursday at 9pm when an unexpected sequence of events leads to Callum’s decomposing body being discovered at number 8.

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Coronation Street Blog interview with Tina O'Brien

Ever since Callum's murder, it has been Sarah who has been the most affected. Kylie and particularly
David, have seemed to hold up better than Sarah, not that that is much to be proud of. On a few occasions, it has seemed as if Sarah might just give the game away in her conversations with Billy and also Todd. Sarah has cried the most, worried the most and appeared the most physically and mentally disturbed by the murder of Callum. She is jumpy, nervous, anxious and on edge. Ordinarily perhaps baby Harry's crying would not have troubled her so much, but the knowledge that Callum's body is decomposing under the annexe where her mother sleeps, is just too disturbing. That he is also Harry's father adds a further dimension and it is Sarah's belief that Harry won't settle because he senses the 'presence' of his father.

Throughout the intervening weeks since the murder, David and Kylie have had to warn Sarah to get a grip and to control herself. They have reiterated that she must tell no one, nor act as if anything is untoward. Sarah has struggled, but so far has managed to keep the sinister secret between the three of them.

Would it be fair then to claim that Sarah is mentally weaker than David and Kylie? On the surface, perhaps yes. However, we must take into account the fact that Sarah has had a relationship with Callum and what's more, has carried and given birth to his child.

Tina O'Brien told us that she was determined in her preparation and in her presentation of her role as a woman suffering from post partum psychosis, to 'get it right' - to be as convincing as she possibly could to portray the psychological difficulties of women suffering all manner of problems after the birth of a baby. Tina  added that she went to a Wythenshawe mother and baby group to gain first hand experience from those very women who have struggled after the birth of their babies. I find this so impressive, as it conveys to us Tina's dedication and sense of responsibility to portray as accurately as she can, how it feels to struggle psychologically after having giving birth. And what's more - she has done a terrific job. What could have been melodrama, is, in the capable hands of Tina O'Brien, a convincing depiction of a woman on the edge.

The discovery of Callum's body now ends all speculation that somehow he had escaped and is just biding his time before reappearing and exacting a terrible revenge.


Fragile before the discovery of Callum's body, forthcoming episodes will now see a woman at breaking point. Intriguingly, despite the discovery of Callum's body, Sarah goes into denial as to it being Callum, so her already severely confused mental state will give way to further struggles. Callum's funeral will emphasise the strain Sarah is undergoing.

The Platts will be arrested, excluding Audrey and Nick, Tina said. 'Will they get away with it?' Tina was asked and her reply was that, 'If it is up to David, then probably.' David will cast the net far and wide in an attempt to incriminate others. Todd and Tony burnt out Callum's car in revenge for Callum having beaten up Jason, so it is likely that Todd will be arrested, though it is obviously too late for Tony. There will be several people associated with the drug dealing that will also come into the frame, maybe including Gemma.

I asked Tina about Sarah's friendship with Todd and whether she might confide in him as matters become very serious indeed. Tina replied that she and Todd become closer and he is a great support to her. The death of their child several years ago will always be something which draws and glues them together. Tina said that with Sarah, in her increasingly disturbed psychological state, is unclear in what she is actually saying to Todd, leading him to jump to conclusions and make incorrect assumptions. Sarah also wants to confide in her mother, Gail, but recognises that she cannot.

It was pointed out that EastEnders is running a similar story. Though Tina admitted that it was unfortunate, she was able to point out decisive differences in the treatment of post partum psychosis, in that Sarah's difficulties centre around Callum and the fact that she holds in her arms, Callum's child, half brother to Max and Callum's second son.

Tina was full of praise for new producer Kate Oates, who used to be at the helm of Emmerdale. Tina told us that Kate is 'very much on the ball' and is brimful of ideas. Though Kate is now fully a part of the  Coronation Street team, Kate's episodes will not hit our screens until the autumn

Ruth Owen, twitter @Ruth1722

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Coronation Street Blog Interview: Jack P. Shepherd and Paula Lane

It has been an exciting week so far on the Coronation Street Blog. It started on Monday when my fellow blogger Ruth and I travelled to Manchester for an exclusive preview of Corrie’s big week which starts this Sunday, and since then we have been sharing our experiences of the day and bringing you our interviews with key cast members. Next up, are Jack P. Shepherd and Paula Lane who play David and Kylie Platt. 

Now, I’ve long been a fan of David Platt. But over the last year in particular, he has really come into his own. From deadpan references to his chequered family history to gallows humour at the most (in)appropriate moments, he never fails to make me laugh. I also marvel at his ability to cope, and wryly at that, with the worst situations imaginable as he courses coolly through life with an apparent absence of any discernible conscience. My Weatherfield Psycho blog from a number of months back covered all of this, but suffice to say I love what they've done with the character in the capable hands of Jack P. Shepherd. 

If David Platt doesn’t disappoint, neither does interviewing Jack.

We also now know that Paula Lane is leaving the street. I have very much enjoyed Kylie’s time on the cobbles, and she will be sorely missed. I wasn’t sure about the gobby sister of Becky Grainger at first, but she matured into a complex character with a catalogue of great storylines, and compelling performances, including last September’s live episode, and I am sad to see her go.

I’ve been lucky enough to interview Paula a number of times now, and she is always a pleasure to chat with.

So, on to the interviews.

The Corrie powers that be are remaining tight lipped  surrounding the discovery of Callum’s body, and believe me, you’ll be glad of this as you tune in to see for yourself.

But what could Jack and Paula tell me about what happens after he is found? “The police get involved, and all the main suspects are arrested; Gail, David, Kylie and Sarah” Jack tells me. “It’s a case of which stories are the same and which are different.”

Jack explained that, as you might expect, David is the one who tries to hold it together. “Sarah panics and cries a lot” he reveals, “I’m very evasive, [saying] I haven’t a clue, I don’t know how it got there. I try to shift the blame and say there were a lot of people after him.”

Jack grins as, speaking of David, he says “I’ve certainly gotten over [Callum's death]. I don’t think he’s got much of a conscience to be honest”. He notes that David is alright, Kylie is the middle ground, and poor Sarah is at the other end of the spectrum. 

Paula observed that the writers decided to have the girls respond differently since the live episode, otherwise there would’ve been a sameness which wouldn’t have worked as well. It has certainly been a great dynamic.

So how does Gail react? “She’s really shocked” Jack explains, “and I think she points the blame towards me. She thinks I’ve done it.”

Paula told me how she considers Kylie to be lucky in that she can take comfort from David, whereas Sarah doesn’t have that, but Kylie can be there for her. “I’m just trusting David’s advice” she says.

I asked Jack if he was glad to see the story coming to its conclusion. He explained, “When I first found out about the storyline it was the live episode and the producer, Stuart at the time, said ‘in 5 years time we’ll uncover the body’. I was like, wow, that’s a long storyline. I’m quite surprised it’s happened sooner, but I don’t mind it. I’m glad.”

I noted that many viewers thought there’d be nothing in the manhole, and asked if that was ever on the cards. “Not from us” replies Jack, who was amused at having heard the same speculation.

As Paula prepares to leave the soap, she’s asked if she’s excited, and replies “Yes I am.” Pointing at her baby bump, she continues, “I’m a bit preoccupied obviously with other things at the minute, but I’m sad as well, it’s bittersweet.”

I asked Paula if she had any roles in mind for the future, including theatre.

“It’s mixed to be honest” she told me, “there’s been a few theatre checks that have happened since I’ve announced I’m leaving, so I’ll just watch this space. But I’m kind of mindful of the fact that I need a bit of a mental rest as I’ve had six very very busy years. It’s quite exciting to see what’s on the horizon.”

Jack respects Paula’s choice to leave adding, “They are a good couple and work well together, so that’ll be a shame that will end, but it’s her decision.”

So, has David got his eye on anyone else? “No” Jack confirms, “I think there’d have to be another actor introduced, as I don’t think anybody sort of fits the bill on the Street at the minute, for David anyway.” At the suggestion of Gemma, he grins “Definitely not Gemma.”

This was a very enjoyable interview with plenty of laughs. It will be interesting to see what lies ahead for both the Platts, and Paula Lane as she departs. As I did on Monday in person, again, I wish her the very best of luck.

By Emma Hynes

www.emmahynes.wordpress.com

Twitter: @ELHynes

Read all about our week in Weatherfield and find out more about Corrie's big week, including the official trailer and spoilers, here.

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A Decade in the Life of a Soap Queen
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Coronation Street Blog - Our week in Weatherfield

Our bloggers Ruth and Emma have done a sterling job this week.  Both were invited by ITV to join the press day on Monday 16 May which was held at The Lowry in Salford.

Emma has written about the experience here.

Some of Ruth and Emma's interviews have now been published on our Coronation Street Blog as follows:

 Emma's interview with Kate Ford. (Tracy Barlow)

Emma's  interview with Alison King. (Carla Connor)

Ruth's interview with Ben Price (Nick Tilsley)
 

Ruth's interview with Tristan Gemmill. (Robert Preston)

And if you'd like to know more about next week's Coronation Street of buried secrets being unearthed - all you need to know - and see - is here! 

It looks like it's going to be a heck of a week.
 

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Coronation Street Blog Interview: Alison King

With another big Corrie week on the horizon starting this coming Sunday 22nd May, my fellow blogger Ruth and I travelled to Manchester for an exclusive preview of the upcoming episodes as well as interviews with key cast members, including Alison King, who plays troubled bride-to-be, Carla Connor.

As we know, Alison is leaving the soap, and when we sat down to chat, despite it being three weeks since she had filmed her last scene as Carla, she was still fatigued from the experience. “I’ve been away for five days and come back and yeah, I’m still knackered." she told me. "I’ve a cold now. When you stop, all your ailments kick in don’t they. But yeah, I’m alright, I’ll get there.” 

So just how tiring was filming her final scenes? “Very emotional and very draining" Alison explains, "you have to rev yourself up to do that all day long.” She continues, "that was all emotion and real stuff as well; obviously I knew I was going." While finishing up has given Alison closure, there are still a few more scenes that she has yet to see.

Alison told me that she is both happy with the exit storyline she was given and the fact that they have left the door open for a return, adding, "I’m really grateful for that.”

So, has she anything lined up now? “I can’t possibly tell you" she teases, before laughing and confirming, "no, nothing. I’m just having a rest at the minute, and being Mum and I’ve got a million jobs to do that I haven’t got around to yet."

She is currently nominated for Best Actress in the Soap Awards, and tells me, “It’d be great [to win], the fans have been amazing, and it’s the fans vote, isn’t it.”

With regard to a favourite storyline, she acknowledges that they've all been biggies, but makes particular mention of the 2011 one in which Carla was raped by Frank Foster, noting that Carla's actions saw the statistics change with more men and women in the same situation coming forward. 

Alison says she has loved working with Ben Price, and will miss the people on Corrie most. “These are my best friends and I love them very much" she tells me. "I’ll miss them all and being with them, you know, the cast and crew and production, they’re my family.” 

Asked if she has taken any mementos with her, Alison reveals, “No, just a lot of Carla’s clothes which were mine anyway, and none of the heels.”

Carla has been a huge part of Coronation Street for a long time now, and the loss of such a major character will undoubtedly be felt on the cobbles. However, I do wish Alison the very best, and look forward to seeing what she does next.

Alison says she will definitely keep watching Coronation Street, and our readers should make sure they do the same for what promises to be a compelling week of viewing.

By Emma Hynes

www.emmahynes.wordpress.com

Twitter: @ELHynes

Read more about our exclusive press preview in Manchester here.

You can find more about Corrie's big week, including the official spoilers and trailer, here.

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A Decade in the Life of a Soap Queen
An unofficial Coronation Street companion book

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Coronation Street Blog Interview: Kate Ford

The tension mounts as, like my fellow blogger Ruth making her third attempt to get to Media City UK after two cancelled trains from Sheffield, we hurtle towards another big week for Corrie. We both travelled to Manchester for an exclusive preview of next week’s episodes and interviews with key cast members, including Kate Ford who plays the infamous Tracy Barlow.

With Carla and Nick’s wedding on the horizon, it doesn’t help that scheming Tracy has the potential to derail proceedings. Speaking of Tracy and Robert in a Q&A which we published yesterday, Kate revealed “something happens that puts their relationship in jeopardy”. Could this mean the end for the pair?

“Well I don’t think it’s looking good at the moment” explains Kate. Tracy’s not the only one hoping it’s not over for her and Robert, however, as both she and actor Tristan Gemmill, who was also there on the day, agree that they enjoy working together.

It sounds as if Tracy manages to upset more than Robert, as she reveals, “Amy falls out with Tracy as well and that is really painful for her. She hasn’t really thought through how behaving like that in front of her daughter is going to affect her.”

Kate had an insightful take on Tracy’s relationship with her only daughter. Acknowledging that there’s only one person at the centre of Tracy’s universe, that being Tracy, she adds, “but more recently, since Amy got older, she hasn’t bored her as much, so they’ve spent more time together and she’s more fond of her. She loves her and she’s been a better mother in that sense. When she was a baby she used to try and palm her off all the time on Aunty Emily and that. But she’s proud of her and she’s proud of how conniving she can be." Kate explains Tracy's shock when Amy appears to turn her back on her. "It really hurts her because actually, they’ve been very close, and she thinks she’s been a good Mum over the last few years, compared to what she was anyway”.

When I asked Kate if this was the long awaited turning point for Tracy, and if her character will finally be redeemed, she expressed an awareness that some fans wouldn’t have her any other way. “It’s really tricky” she told me, “because I don’t think anybody would ever want her to be nice, they like Tracy to be like that. But I think she’s going to show some more humanity.” That sounds good to me.

It was interesting to hear how it feels for Kate to play arguably the most despised woman on the cobbles. “She’s been hated for 14 years, and what’s good about it is that it’s paved the way for me to explore something else. Tracy is desperate to win people back around which is something that I’ve never really had with her. The last scripts I’ve been doing have been quite nice because her karma has come a little bit.”

When asked if she’ll miss Alison King, and if her departure has given her itchy feet, Kate had a similarly interesting answer. “We are really good friends, so I’m gonna miss seeing her every day” she acknowledged, continuing, “I can see why she wants a break from the character and I can see why she wants to spread her wings and do all that, but at the moment I’m happy to stay at Coronation Street because I’m still enjoying it, and it’s a good job. I can see why she’s doing it, it’s not unappealing, but I’m staying for now.” I'm glad that's the case, as I'm not ready for a Corrie without Tracy in it.

While Kate doesn’t manage to watch Corrie every day, she isn’t averse to seeing herself perform. “If there’s an episode I particularly enjoyed doing, or a scene that I felt proud of [I will]”, she explains. But, is viewing herself on screen ever a source of discomfort? “It depends on the lighting” she grins which leads to an eruption of laughter around the table.

Kate revealed that her little boy features in an upcoming episode of Corrie in which he’ll be walking past during a scene. “He came to watch me film and he asked whether he could be an extra” she revealed, adding, “he actually asked me yesterday, ‘when’s my episode on TV?’”

Kate was a joy to interview and strikes me as a thoughtful individual with a great sense of humour who would be very good company. Indeed, so different is she from her on screen persona, that it's truly a testament to the quality of her performance as the infamous Tracy Barlow.

By Emma Hynes

www.emmahynes.wordpress.com

Twitter: @ELHynes

Read more about our exclusive press preview in Manchester here.

You can find more about Corrie's big week, including the official spoilers and trailer, here.

NEW!
The Little Book of Carla Connor
A Decade in the Life of a Soap Queen
An unofficial Coronation Street companion book

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Please read our advice for leaving comments on the Coronation Street Blog

All original work on the Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License