I am sad and not a little annoyed that Erica Holroyd is leaving the cobbles. Not for a minute do I blame Claire King for her departure, but I do feel frustrated at the lost opportunities that would have made for excellent storylines with Erica Holroyd at the centre, or at least close to the centre, of the action.
It's been a while now since we've seen Liz and Erica in each other's company and yet aren't they supposed to be great friends? Didn't they work together in Spain, confide in each other and develop a deep affection for each other? While accepting that Weatherfield is not Spain, friendships are surely not dependent on a daily sunshine quota.
Heaven knows that Liz has had her fair share of difficulties, so wouldn't it have made sense for Liz and Erica to get together and for Liz to welcome a sympathetic ear from her old friend? In fact, who are Liz's friends lately? Of course, if much-missed Deirdre had still been with us, I'm confident Liz would have confided in her; but given that, so sadly, she is not, wouldn't Erica have been hotfooting it to Liz's back room?
Erica's storylines on the cobbles seem to have been only half-developed, Her miscarriage seemed to be easily and swiftly confined to the archives. That she was so helpful to Mary seems to have gone the same way - but it would have been great if Mary and Erica's friendship were to become mutually beneficial. Erica could have helped Mary's confidence and modernised her 'look' a little, and in return Erica could have learnt more about how to deal with Dev's children, who are angels for Mary, but not so well-behaved with Erica.
Concerning the relationship with Dev, well, I had to quiz myself as to whether or not this was still ongoing. I believe it is, but I'm struggling to remember the last time they were seen together.
Just three years ago, I interviewed Claire King at Media City and was struck by her efforts to answer questions as fully and as honestly as she could. I remember she spoke warmly of her parents and her worries concerning them as they entered old age. Claire was also absolutely delighted to have answered the call to audition for Corrie and to gain a part. How sad then, that at least for now, she will no longer be around. Of course, the crumb of comfort we have is that the door has not been closed on her and she could return.
For her future, I wish Claire King all the very best and repeat that not for one second do I blame her for leaving. She is a great actress and needs to be honing her craft more regularly than she now is.
Ruth Owen, twitter: @Ruth1722
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