Coronation Street Episode Review; Weds 08th July 7.30 pm

I must admit to being gripped during Monday night's episode of Corrie. With the drama ranked up to 100%, we saw Sally's discovery of Geoff's magic box trick lead to a prison visit to see Yasmeen and Tim overhearing That argument, what a cliffhanger! 

Meanwhile, Leanne continuing to project her grief on to (an equally stricken) Toyah was heartbreaking yet exquisitely acted. Confronting Leanne, Nick explains how hard things must be for childless Toyah. Even as an emotional punchbag, Toyah still manages to give Nick a leaflet about a counselling service that could help her sister. Will Leanne see sense and seek help?

It's also testing family times for Geoff and Tim. With Sally’s loyalties slowly dividing, and let's be honest he’s not the brightest of men, so will Tim see through his father's nefarious ways or get the grumps on with his wife? Divulging Yasmeen’s truth’s, Tim is taken aback at Sally and Geoff’s standoff and asks his father to leave. How can coercive genius Geoff get back in control? Tim meanwhile, seeks faith from daughter Faye, and it's obvious that he still sees no wrong in his Dad - maybe with a subtle hint of ambiguity? 

Roy and Evelyn's friendship is one of those rare platonic things that we rarely see on the street between the opposite sexes, right? With the Rochdale canal trip cancelled, Roy realises that he may have been playing the third wheel and encroaching on Evelyn’s date (although she doth protest too much, I think) Erring on the side of caution, Roy’s wise words certainly hit home, so is there more to Evelyn and Arthur’s shared past that us viewers are yet to discover? I mean, with Evelyn now a strong cobbles character, do we expect her backstory to be delved into a little deeper? I’m probably overthinking but that's my Corrie brain for ya. Taking the plunge, Evelyn arranges another date with Arthur, so I guess time will tell...

It wasn’t that long ago either that Ed and Micheal were battling that bistro boss over racist slurs, so why he’d give them any more business, I've no idea. Taking Grace to dinner, Micheal admits he wants to be a proper couple (like they used to be in the past) and a strong parental unit to Tianna, so what's changed for these two? It seems Aggie doesn't like Grace, that's what. I wonder what happened to Micheal’s crazy ‘get rich quick’ schemes, tiny unicorn parties, and comedy banter? I miss that about his character if I'm honest. 

Staying true to his character traits, however, Geoff decides that he needs a prison visit to see Yasmeen too, only to have his plan squashed. What now? 

With Nick and Imran's words heading home. Leanne takes time to apologise to Simon and admits to struggling with Oliver’s condition, which although harsh, I think she’s every right to be if I'm honest. I guess she will take the counselling offered to help her cause. Surely Steve will join it with her, too? 

Another load of top Corrie drama tonight - what did you think? 

I am @rybazoxo your {self-styled} ‘cobbles connoisseur’ give us a follow on twitter!

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Corrie, Covid19 & Cast Chat! Corrie Press Day {Part 2 of 3}

I’ve never tried to use zoom before, not once. I've never even heard of it until this virus volcano erupted everywhere! I work from home in the day job, and on the internet, so largely autonomous all round. Therefore, just thinking about joining this live corrie press event, with all these people present, plus corrie VIP's - my fear, excitement, and nerves are all over the place! I have a fairly new laptop and strong wifi connection so no worries there at least. But, they will see my face, right? My subtle little twitches, flicks of my lockdown hair, vaping like Liz Mcdonald in The Rovers beer garden - frightening, but oh so exciting! I’m even sat strategically so maybe people can see my framed corrie cast cards/rovers beer mats, on my bedroom wall? I imagine not but it's a load of framed titbits that I've amassed via writing for this blog so why not, eh? 

Of course, this press day is all about COVID 19 and we can rejoice that Corrie is back filming (with no break in transmission) from 8th of June. With Nick (Ben Price BP) and Leanne (Jane Danson JD) currently involved in Oliver’s illness storyline, the actors have both filmed scenes this week and are asked how it feels to be returning to the studio after lockdown? 

BP  “It’s split into two - the bit before the set and once you get on it. As actors we are then back on the home turf - the writing is excellent! The weird part was losing the physical aspect. Jane was doing an incredible job in a scene, beautifully played and my instinct, hand on heart, was for Nick to hug her. We couldn't do that obviously but we shared glances and expressions which works too. It was great being back on the studio floor. We had ten scenes and we flew along, it was nice"

JD - “To echo everything that Ben said, we've worked together for 10 years, so we trust each other. There was an element of excitement and didn't feel too different apart from the physicality. We can read each other so well, and in fact, got through the day in the normal amount of time. We are a family and a team so we've got even closer now’’

You have a huge storyline at the minute with Oliver {played by twins}, how will you act the storylines without a young cast member on set? 

JD- “The twins are amazing and rose to the challenge so it’s not ideal but we just have to do our best. The looks are played off the characters – it’s a bit disappointing not to have them as the story is about Oliver but so far so good. I hope we can get them back but safety has to come first”

BP - “I slightly feel the scenes we play with a child anyway are restricted as to when they’re not there, you’re having the real adult conversations. I don’t think you lose a lot really – when we’re around that bed because you’re adults talking about a child who is very ill, it’s watered down and there’s a lot that can’t be said. The scenes are more interesting between Nick and Leanne speaking from their heart”

How does it feel applying your make-up? 

BP - I'm not very good with props. I spend hours in make-up normally (laughs). I have to reduce it down to 2 minutes. I’ve had a home haircut – but David runs a barber, I must’ve seen him! 

JD - “Because of my storyline I haven’t had much make-up as Leanne is going through a miserable time. But it’s our hair for the ladies – we’re not all blondes! I had to get my husband to do the roots a few times to keep it the same with Leanne – it would have looked strange. It’s just adapting -we’re plodding along really, that’s what it is”

How did it feel when you realised Corrie wouldn't be going off-air due to COVID 19?

JD - “It felt like I was leaving when we first shut down. To go back into a building that was getting fuller again was lovely. Everyone was so courteous to each other and helpful and selfless – they were super kind to us. At the end of the day, unprompted, there was a round of applause and that was emotional. That usually only happens on special occasions like someone leaving or going on maternity leave. It was emotional to get the ball rolling”

BP - “ It means a lot to me, to Jane, the work to get us to that point – I was under no illusion of how many hours that took. I am very proud to get back to entertain and tell these stories. It’s a vital show. It was almost like one of the lives – there were nerves, we did it, it was possible – and so many casts texted me asking how it got on and there was just relieved to be able to say that we’re back!”

So what did you think of that? Keep em’ peeled for part 3 as I divulge the latest on-set gossip, how the older cast will be kept on screen, a post-pandemic stunt, more from series producer Iain Macleod, and how COVID 19 will affect big Britain's Got Talent Final week…

I am @rybazoxo your cobbles connossieur 

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Coronation Street Episode Review; Weds 20th May 7.30 pm

This week I prepared to write this review with some trepidation. After Monday's issue-led jam-packed episode of issue raising awareness and doom-laden drama, I'm hoping tonight's episode is a bit of a lighter load. Don't get me wrong, and like I said last week, the writing and acting remain top-notch but Monday's heavyweight content was a little bit too much for this committed Corrie fan.

With that in mind, let's start with the pinnacle of issues; Oliver's illness. With plenty of tears and long hugs around the child's bed, it does feel like I'm watching an episode of Casualty.

Gemma's postnatal depression does seem to be moving into the more positive end of the spectrum, however. Having discovered some much-needed self-awareness from the counselling group, the quad mother seems to be swiftly recovering. With her head held high, she tells Sean she doesn't care who knows about her recent troubles. However, this is Sean we are talking about and the term self-centred was invented entirely for him. Suddenly remembering he was homeless, Sean seems to think recording a viral video to raise awareness of the issue is a good idea. Gemma even gives an impassioned monologue about Freshco's unrealistic tone of the family campaign adverts. Delightful. With her head held high, the issue awareness bar is raised even higher!

At N0.3 the Bailey's are arguing with each other over various issues including; James' sexuality,  Ed's blatant homophobia, Micheal's (unexplored) parenting, and workplace racism. I'm guessing Ed (who's gambling issue seem's less important now) is about to be taught a life lesson in prejudice, ignorance and ill-conceived judgement! It's a very important issue, that's no doubt, but as a true corrie fan, I'm more inclined to enjoy the minutiae of a character, strong dialogue, and the 'kitchen sink' kitsch of the shows longtime lure. I'd actually just like to know how ex-greasy spoon employee Aggie is actually a pediatric nurse? ( one-time pharmacy assistant ?) - it's the little things I'm drawn too.

Are we missing plain old character-driven drama on Corrie?

Our light relief for tonight ( and my favourite for months) is the brilliant Evelyn Plummer. The lady doth protest too much when it comes to her burgeoning relationship with Arthur. I liked Tyrone taunting her though (in jest) and I wonder if Arthur is connected to Tyrone or his real mother, somehow.

Talking of parent issues, Steve and Leanne bond by Oliver's bedside and Nick gets angry as the parents reminisce. Is the factory boss more intrinsic to this storyline than we are being led to believe? 

So many questions for a half-hour episode! 

I am @rybazoxo your cobbles connoisseur

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Coronation Street Episode Review 26 October 2018

Now here is the nicer side of the Street.  Emma wants Chesney.  Chesney wants Gemma.  Gemma has decided to see a lot of Spike (too much of him from Rita's point of view as it is putting her off her chipolatas for breakfast).  So Emma devises a little plan.  She gets Chesney to invite her on a "date" at which she explains to him how he should treat an attractive lady he is wining and dining and later how they should kiss goodnight.  Sadly Chesney has still not got the message by the end of the "date".  I suspect she could invite him to bed and take all her clothes off and he would still not get the message!

Tracy is back but has left Steve behind in the desert and has brought his passport back as part of his punishment.  She hears the police are interested in the damage to Michelle's car and they have reached the conclusion that drug dealer Ronan paid drug consuming Abi Franklin to sabotage the car whilst it was being serviced. (DS MacKinnon is famous for arresting the wrong person).  Abi gets arrested (above).  Earlier Tracy had "lifted" Abi's keys to the garage and Tracy then removed the laptop with the CCTV evidence that she had damaged Michelle's car.  Tracy later returns Abi's keys.  Abi is freed but remains under suspicion as not even Kev will stand up for her.  When Abi punches Kev on the nose in the Rovers he has no choice but to sack her.  Tracy has now really dropped one of her best mates right in the doo-doo.

Following the dramatic return of Nick last week his imminent departure has been the theme of the week, along with numerous phone calls and messages to his phone from "E" who is allegedly one of the chefs at his restaurant in Nottingham.  (Simon gets a look in and makes it clear that he thinks that Leanne still loves Nick).  Shona keeps giving Nick the evils and eventually Nick is told by David of the events with Josh and how that matter is solved.  After a rocky start Nick is also worming his way back into Leanne's good books (and her pants?).  How many times have those two been together, split and later been re-assembled - are we into double figures yet?  Shortly before the phone call above David and Nick had buried the hatchet (consequently Gail is over the moon) and Nick was saying he was off back to Nottingham.  However the phone call above commenced in the flat he has rented for the Battersby sisters whilst he was charming Leanne and it looks like Gail's illness is simply not improving!  Poor "E" is being fed a pack of lies.

Talking of liars Ange is convinced that Jude has gone forever and will not turn up at the hospital for George's appointment.  If Jude can lie about being a marine biologist and so many other things I wonder if like Andy Carver / Gavin Rodwell he was never Mary's son at all?

There is a touching moment where Roy is able to thank Ali for saving his life with the epi pen following the bee sting.  He refuses to let Ali pay and says he considers it an inadequate gesture of gratitude for doing a job for which Roy is sure Ali rarely gets thanked.  Sadly Roy then says a few words about Jude and his lying which inevitably upsets mary who is behind the door screen.  Mary feels she has sent away her little baby for a second time and moves to Roy for comfort who despite having his hands full of plates he manages to hug and pat her.

Now at the less attractive end of Street events we turn to the Barlows.  Sinead has a "turn" and makes light of it to Daniel but word reaches Ken who knows the truth and to help he has also told Claudia.  Sinead is invited around to tea and this gives Claudia (who by the way has the most marvellous hair - my wife assures me is it not a wig)  the opportunity to provide some words of motherly wisdom to the effect that it is Sinead's decision as to what happens. 

I realise that Sinead and Alma are a long way apart in time and telling different stories but given Sinead's decision so far I think there is only one end to her story.  But maybe things will change next week.  I have no doubt that Tracy will find a solution to Abi's problem without dropping herself in the doo-doo.  Who will Chesney end up with - Gemma or Emma?  And when will the mysterious "E" appear on the Street; if (s)he does who will be cooking in Nottingham?  And will Nick and Leanne be back together?  I reckon Steve will have a very deep suntan when he does get back from his sojourn in the desert.

Next week MsKelstar will be here in this slot.  I hope to be back in two weeks providing the medical bits all go smoothly.

Kosmo
@Kosmo100

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