Coronation Street Episode Review; Weds 11th Dec 7.30 pm

I'm starting to wonder whether the Geoff/Yasmeen Vegas marriage plot is a feeder for Tim's Vegas marriage plot, or vice versa? I'm not even sure I like either plot but either way, the pace of things certainly has me wondering where this is all leading too. It's a strange one, to say the least. Sighting the shotgun Wedding as a cause for celebration, Sally's idea of a party is predictably taken over by control freak Geoff. I wish Yasmeen would 'wake-up' already! Geoff's coerciveness was also extended to his new 'grandaughter' Alya, whom he convinces not to attend the party. Predictably, he then tells Yasmeen that Alya isn't interested in attending anyway. Are we even interested? I know it happens in real-life (I've seen it with my own eyes) but surely Yasmeen wouldn't be so easily fooled?

Meanwhile, Tim visits Imran who confirms that his most recent marriage to Sally is actually null and void. 'What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas' isn't the mantra he needs to hear from Steve and Tim, but they decide to help him to track down 'Charlie' the air hostess, anyway. Although you'd imagine she's travelling all around the world, they track her down on social media, to a backstreet bar in Manchester's Northern Quarter.  A convenience purely for drama purposes - I can only guess, yet not really believable. Hoping to annul the marriage on (lack of) consummation grounds. Tim is annoyed to find out that they actually 'did it' yet Charlie is happy to dissolve the union, so Tim can remarry Sally (in secret). Is this humour or drama, do we think?

Daniel's descent into grief-stricken torment continues tonight, as he teeters dangerously close to borderline alcoholism. Ken, Adam, and Peter rally round to support him but his guilt for betrayal with Bethany appears to be eating him up. Adam and Peter decide that Daniel needs a trip to the Bistro!, Bethany's place of work. Yeah, because that's a good idea. Booze and the 'other woman'. It's like a car crash waiting to happen...

Also at the Bistro, Michelle's clandestine approach to seizing control of The Bistro looks to be complete, and Robert's anger makes him go all 'Gordon Ramsay'. Michelle storms the kitchen with Ryan and Ali in tow, demanding that Robert leaves the business immediately, which he does, but not before punching Ali, of course. Must be testosterone on tonight's menu as Daniel drunkenly swaggers out of the Bistro with a stolen wine bottle, hastily followed by Bethany. Drunk and disorientated, Daniel stupidly walks straight out into the busy road, where he is run over by Cathy.

In a slightly surreal piece of production, Daniel awakes from unconsciousness and seems to think Bethany is Sinead. It's very psychedelic, but a tad too 'Hollyoaks' for my liking.
Possibly concussed, Daniel's head is obviously spinning so he steadies himself in the community garden, confiding his woes to Bethany. Admitting his undying love for Sinead, he also confesses to Bethany about what Sinead said on her death bed confession. Its a passionate scene, no doubt, and it makes me wonder whether Daniel and Bethany will become a couple, after all?

Later on, Daniel has a little 'chat' with Baby Bertie, and it looks like some changes are to be made...

At a slower pace, 'Big Garth' is back! and Victoria Market looks to be bang on trend opening a 'winter wonderland'; Lapland for Weatherfield? I'm with Evelyn on this, they largely sell overpriced booze and tat but hey ho ( or ho! ho! ho!) it's certainly a good setting for a festive plot or two...

Big Garth also points out that Maria's 'knock-off' handbag is the real deal. Ali's little truth nugget about him being a loan shark must be ringing in her ears, unlike Gary's furniture shop till, so she seeks an explanation from her fella. Dismissing Fiz's gossip as just that, Gary manages to fool Maria into thinking his profit margins are good, and not that he's a loan shark. He does tell her the truth about Ryan though, which is slippery but it works. I'm a big fan of Gary (I've met Mikey in real life, he's an utter gent) but what are your thoughts on his new bad boy persona?

As ever, Maria is blinded by a manipulating man and disbelieves Ali when he persistantly tries to tell her the truth. Gary meanwhile, plays Ali his ace card and blackmails him with the 'big pharma' secret.

Michelle also plays Robert at his own game and throws him out of their flat. Why IS she so suddenly concerned by Vicky's disappearance? Is she 'in' on this, is this some kind of Michelle/Vicky coordinated revenge on the cheating chef? I think so but then surely the police wouldn't be involved, would they?

That's my round-up of thoughts on tonight's plotlines -what are yours?

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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Coronation Street Episode Review; Weds 2nd of May 2018 7.30pm

Warning - the following article contains discussions that some readers could find distressing.

Welcome to Wednesday's edition of the Coronation Street Blog and tonight's episode is a one-hour special.

Normally tasked with the 7.30pm half-hour slot, tonight I am honoured to be covering episodes that are right in the middle of such an incredible week on the cobbles.

Monday night was sorrowful, morose, emotional, and incredibly real (triggering last weeks media-led spoilers). Many words have been written already, its trended on social media, and raised some important debate and discussion. A lot can be said for 'issue-led' storylines in continuing drama, but for me, this is a story that really deserves every bit of media attention possible. Aidan's death may well be fictional but 84 men a week lose their lives to suicide.

From personal experience, I can tell you that the fall out from such an event in the real life is, well, shattering. Reverbations are felt for a long time after.

So, what are the repercussions of Aidan's final act, for the Connor clan and residents of Coronation Street?.

It's the morning after the leaving party. Late arriving at the factory, the girls stand outside waiting for Aidan and Alya to turn up, the sudden appearance of Carla and Johnny causes concern.
A hungover Johnny, upon seeing the factory girls, heads over to Aidan's flat. He finds the place looking symbolically untidy yet 'boxed up'. Discovering a suicide note from Aidan, Johnny opens the bathroom door. A scene of unseen devastation is unleashed, followed by an unmistakable harrowing howl.

David seems more distant than ever as the plea hearing looms - he's fearing prison & feeling helpless. Gary wants to see him but Sarah wisely warms him 'actions have consequences' an apt quote from Sarah, this early on in the episode.

Johnny phones Carla, she rushes to Aidan's flat and finds her father behind the bathroom door. Seeing the ambulance, Roy enquiries as to what's happened. Carla's stoical reply is haunting 'He's killed himself'.

Is it still the final taboo, an act of selfishness, or a fall from an all-consuming emotional precipice?.

When the factory girls are told the news, Gina and Beth become embroiled in a heated discussion of polar opposite opinions on suicide.  I'm glad Corrie chose to show this scene as conflicting attitudes on suicide are sometimes part of the stigma.


David sat in the car on his way to court, feels the sudden and devastating news engulf his psyche. Upon seeing Josh at the garage, he flees Imran's car, and the court case, on foot.

With the devastating news continuing to reverberate around the street, Gail becomes the voice of the residents and delivers an impassioned and rather haunting monologue. She echoes her own thoughts of life on the street, and Aidan and Davids all-consuming mental health issues. Her voice echoes around the street as the soundtrack to an emotional montage of scenes, a segue of sadness, as various characters are told of Aidan Connors demise.

Eva really can't cope with the reality having shared such close emotions with Aidan, just hours before his death. Sadly we also see Toyah still try to cover for her web of lies. It's now unclear as to what may become of baby Susie?.

Discovered by Shauna in the community garden, Davids finally admits Josh's rape.

The biggest reverberation of Aidan's death then, maybe that he saved the life of David in the process?. The Connors shall never be the same again, that's for sure.

An incredible hour-long episode that gave us opposing ends to two male mental health issues.
A juxtaposition that worked so well, with incredible writing from Jonathan Harvey.

It was also a brilliant team effort by everyone at Coronation Street, ITV, and the various charities that have supported the show in this storyline.

Anyway, that's me done for another week - it has been emotional!.

Take care and if you've enjoyed this - follow @CoroStreetBlog

You can also follow me @rybazoxo on twitter-your self-styled 'Cobbles Connoisseur'.

#ItsOkToTalk

Need support? Contact the Samaritans.

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.

@theCALMzone

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Coronation Street hour-long episode review, Sunday 7 Dec

So far so bad, for the sofa. So will it be leaving Sally’s? The sofa which she first detested then loved when she realized how expensive it was, may well be on its way back to Diane’s. Diane who is, according to Sally, ‘a breath of fresh air’ and who ‘has a summerhouse!’

‘You’ve all told lie after lie – you have deceived me over and over again’ says Diane.  Such strong words – and all for a sofa. 

Shame for Kevin though, as it looked as if he might have found a new romance – unless Diane can see past sofa –gate and laugh at the whole ridiculous business.

Sean is up with the lark on a Sunday, which comes as a surprise to Eileen. Might it be excitement or future plans to get up in time to accompany Emily to join the congregation at Billy’s church. This morning though, Emily is on her way earlier than usual as she is introducing the new vicar.

Eileen quizzes Sean as to the meaning of his early rising. He is though, surprisingly unforthcoming. ‘You’re normally chapter and verse, ‘she says. Sean tells her he met someone. ‘Spill!’ demands Eileen.

‘He’s high up in a global organization and does lots of charity work,’ he tells her. ‘He’s special – I’m playing it cool.’

Tony is very keen for Zeeedan to work for him today and ends up offering him triple time, which, if he doesn’t accept, means that there will be no more work. Zeedan accepts and tells Tony that today is his mother’s birthday.

Later, Kal has a word with Tony. ‘I know what you’re about. An ageing hard man throwing his weight about.’  A fair summary? Or is Tony more than and better than that?

The Community Centre, which seems to be the whole preserve of Yasmeen, seemed chaotic. Sharif is a reluctant Father Christmas and Alya is an even more reluctant elf. Sally wants another photograph because ‘Tim looks confused’ on the first photo. Yasmeen says they can have as many photos as they like, as long as they pay for each one.

Maria has Max run into her and consequently she stabs herself in the eye with a mascara brush. Luke is very solicitous and tells Steph she is not needed.

Kylie is discovered in the Dog and Gun by David and Eva, with Callum and with drugs. Kylie desperately tries to talk her way out of it, but no one is believing her.  Despite Eva telling Kylie all that she has going for her in life, it makes no difference and it seems, for now, that the drugs are winning.

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Coronation Street episode review, Monday 30 June

What is happening to Max? Why is his behaviour deteriorating? At school he is being disruptive and is finding it difficult to concentrate. Kylie doesn't for one second believe that it is Max who is doing anything wrong, but that the school isn't good enough. She thinks it is Max's teachers who just aren't up to scratch. 'I'm not having him blamed because your teachers aren't up to the job.' Kylie tells the head. It seems that Kylie hasn't bought into the idea of partnership between parent and school.

At the garden centre David and Kylie are so busy haranguing Michael, that they do not pay sufficient
attention to Max who disappears for a short while. Anyone else sense a 'difficult child' story coming soon? ADHD diagnosis perhaps? If Kylie does go to Barbados with Max, there will be more trouble from school - a fine for absence in term time.

Gail and Michael do seem to have a connection. She clearly likes him and feels dreadful  at how devastated Michael must have felt when he discovered that the love letter was a hoax and not written by Gail. It feels just a little odd that Kylie and David are so vehement in their protests. Michael is clearly not the most dangerous man in the criminal fraternity, but then again, he is a thief, but a thief with a job, or at least he had a job, until David and Kylie told his boss about the theft. 'Get out before I kick you out,' says Kylie. David points out that the children are upstairs and Gail. quite rightly tells him not to be so sanctimonious. Michael tells Kylie and David that Gail is a wonderful woman who knows her own mind. 'You underestimate your mother,' he tells the pair. True - it seems. 'I'm going to do everything in my power to get Michael back on track,' she tells them.

From one child to another - this time Simon. Poor soul - his mum died, his potential sibling has been miscarried, his dad is an alcoholic who had an affair with the childminder, who Simon loved, and then was murdered, and whose dad is chief suspect for the murder. Simon's dad was also a bigamist. In addition, Nick and Leanne are splitting up and Simon is fond of Nick and no doubt fears he will be out of his life. Who has had it this bad? And at the tender age of, well, pretty young - he has had far too much to contend with.

Maria is back and though she nearly didn't get on the plane home, she knew she had to face the music sometime. Audrey is glad to see her though Fizz is not and is very harsh to her, perhaps justifiably and forgiveness for the text messages in which Maria pretended to be Kirsty, threatening Fizz and Tyrone does not seem likely. She does though now think that it would be good for Marcus to see Liam and it certainly looks as if Liam would love to see Marcus. It's all decided - Marcus will take Liam to school tomorrow morning.

Steve reaching the grand old age of forty seems to have taken its toll. But why is Steve revising now? The exams have finished, haven't they? A glitter ball Michelle? Why not? What's not to like?

Todd is showing his true colours. In the cafe Marcus and Todd notice Sean and Kirk and say that they would make a lovely couple. Kirk points out that he is straight and has a girlfriend to which Todd replies, 'I've seen her - commiserations.' And of Maria, Todd refers to her as 'Miss Fruitloop.' Todd - a real nasty piece of work. Some justice then in that Steve sees Todd wandering around when Todd has pulled a sickie and he is sacked on the spot.


Nick tells Leanne not to be late for her shift in a very brusque fashion. She tries to keep her cool and does reasonably well. He tells her she can't just wander in and out when she feels like it, and Leanne threatens that she'll sue him.

Gary and Izzy are struggling and both realise it. Alya seems to be everywhere Gary is. What is going to happen her? Little Jake was so desperately wanted. Surely they are not going to split...


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Coronation Street Hour Long Episode Review 23 June 2014

The funeral of a young person always carries more poignancy than a funeral for someone who has lived out their three score and ten years (with an added two decades now, we hope). Tina, poised on the brink of her adult life, has had it snatched away in a brutal fashion.

Naturally enough, a sombre mood prevails. Roy and Mary see the flowers left in Tina's memory
and Roy quotes from the poet Edward Fitzgerald.

'One thing is certain, and the rest is lies,
The flower that once blown for ever dies.'

The hearse arrives and reality hits.

Roy and Mary play chess during the funeral, Mary saying she can't possibly go because she 'would never have got through it without blubbering.' As they play, Kylie hammers at the door, asking how to remove glue from a carpet. 'Is it oil or water-based?' asks Roy. Well, truth to tell, I wouldn't know and nor did Kylie. Max seemed to be a bit of a handful and as Mary says, it was as if a tornado had swept through the cafe.

At the funeral, Rita makes a moving speech. Deeply distressed by the way their final meeting played out, it was important for Rita to express her feelings for the young woman she loved. She begins by saying that, 'It feels so wrong that an old woman like me is still here speaking at the funeral of a very beautiful, vibrant young lady with her whole life ahead of her. Tina was taken from us well before her time.' Rita loved Tina, but was well aware of her faults. She ends by movingly saying, 'Tina, rest in peace darling, you're safe now, God bless.'

David's abiding devotion to his ex-girlfriend is there for all to see and even though Tina is no longer a threat, obviously, Kylie has still tolerated David's grief over an ex-girlfriend, remarkably well. Peter's arrival at the funeral is clearly offensive to some people, especially David  who denounces Peter in no uncertain terms. Peter is at the back slugging vodka.  He blames Peter entirely for Tina's death and how Rob must be relishing this. ayPeter says that Tina ruined his life, but she wasn't holding a gun to his head when they got together on Peter and Carla's wedding day. We must also spare a thought for Simon and the terrible time he is enduring.

Carla seems to have separated herself completely now from Peter. 'As far as I'm concerned, he's buried alongside Tina.'

Rob's behaviour is interesting. He manages to keep very calm and shows no guilt, even talking to Tina's mother in a composed way. He's a very cool customer when interviewed by the police and will implicate Peter at any chance he gets. But what about the bracelet? Rob dropped it when running from Tina's flat after having ransacked it to imitate a burglary. Won't that provide evidence? We'll have to see...

No funeral would be complete without two people believing it's all about them when actually it's all about the deceased and a little bit about the mourners. Rob and Peter have a scrap thus losing all dignity and making the occasion a shambles. Could they not have held off just for a brief time, until Tina was laid in the ground?

Steph is profoundly affected by the loss of her friend and she is worried that her pink dress isn't right for the funeral. She goes back to the flat and with Luke and Katy, they have their own service in remembering Tina. They each attach a message to Tina to a balloon and they see them float off into the sky in a sweet and touching moment of sorrow and love.

Gail also spoke fondly of Tina. 'Show her an injustice and she wouldn't let it lie. 'Tina's mum says that where Tina is buried, next to her dad, is where she would want to be.

Tony showed himself to be a good support to a grieving Liz today. He also helped her fob off Michelle's annoying texts. Liz is blaming herself for Tina's death. 'I can't help thinking I let Tina down.' Liz thinks she should have kept her away from Peter, but instead she turned a blind eye, because it was easier to do so. 'I wish she was here being stroppy and giving me lip.' And also no doubt, eating toast and marmite as she went to set up the bar.

Tony seems genuinely fond of Liz and is keen to help her prepare the food for Tina's wake, even
though he was only awarded 5 out of 10 for his butter spreading skills. He did though score 9 and a half for being a boyfriend.

Liz ask him if he thinks there is a heaven and he tells her that he thinks it would be boring as Sunday school was bad enough.

Leanne recognises that life is short and spurred on by Tina's untimely death, Approaches Kal and kisses him. Carpe Diem all round! Mary is going to learn Mandarin.


Kylie wasn't shown in her best light. She tampered with Gail's correspondence to Michael, who has now got a job in a garden centre. To give her her due, she did try to do a bit of tidying and sorting out, but Gail is not pleased because she can't find the teabags.( She's going to be even more displeased when she discovers what Kylie has done letter-wise). A bad-tempered exchange takes place and David has had enough.

 It is often said that animals can sense our moods. So it is with Eccles who is clearly saddened, according to Deirdre. With both Peter and Rob in her house, is it any wonder?




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