Coronation Street’s Great at Recycling (Stories)

In 2015 Coronation Street was recognized as tv’s greenest show at a fancy awards ceremony, acknowledging efforts to consider and reduce the environmental impact of filming the nation’s favourite soap. But it’s not just the show’s carbon footprint where Corrie considers its resources. Writers also have a reputation for recycling stories.

Digital Spy recently listed seven storylines that Corrie can’t help repeating, which include Lewis Archer’s cunning cons and the knicker factory being in financial trouble. And they make a good point with this list. Can’t Corrie come up with any new ideas?

JAILBIRDS

Don’t put Sal in a Cell 

One major story unfolding at the moment is Sally’s arrest for fraud, something we all know she is innocent of. To make matters worse, Tim appears to have been taken in by Duncan’s lies and suspects Sally may have been having some kind of fling with the villain.

We’ve been here before. Not so long ago Anna was wrongly accused of chucking Seb off a ladder, and accuser Phelan also made untrue accusations regarding their sexual encounter. Anna’s nearest and dearest were taken in, and Anna ending up in prison sparking a public campaign to get her out, and a rather naff campaign by Corrie’s Daniel to the same end.

Back in 1998 Corrie embarked on one of its most iconic and popular storylines when Deirdre was imprisoned after being set up by con man Jon Linsday. The story gripped the nation and was even discussed at Prime Minister’s Questions in parliament, and national campaign “Free the Weatherfield One” is still talked about to this day.

"FREE THE WEATHERFIELD ONE, OR WE'LL BE VERY CROSS"

So if Sally is about to tread the same path as Deirdre and Anna, why should we keep watching? We’ve seen it all before, right? I’m of the opinion that as long as it’s written well it shouldn’t matter. At the moment any scene that Sally is in is tv gold. Actress Sally Dynevor is lucky in that writers give her both heart-rending and hilarious scenes and she carries out both brilliantly. Sally is one of Corrie’s iconic characters and viewers have a great deal of affection for her, particularly so in recent years as her chemistry with Tim has made their scenes together a real treat. I remember posting a Tweet of disapproval when she and Tim first kissed, as in my opinion those lips were only intended for Kevin (and Tim’s for me). I couldn’t have been more wrong. 

A TYPICAL SCENE IN MANCHESTER'S RUSH HOUR

Time Travel

Many other storylines and events have been repeated over the years. To celebrate the show’s 50^th anniversary in 2010, an explosion at the Joinery Bar led to a tram leaping off the viaduct onto Molly Dobbs’s head. The same thing happened back in 1967, trapping Ena Sharples under the rubble. A moment’s peace for the Street perhaps. A tram could come off the viaduct once a month for me, help get rid of some of those characters who are doing nothing more than treading water on the Street.

Carla and Peter had a snog in one of last week’s episodes. That’s novel. They do actually look good together, but surely it will all end in tears again?

 

LIZ GOES THROUGH THE CONJUGAL VISITS RULES WITH JIM 

And once again it’s the return of the Mac. Jim McDonald is about to burst back onto the cobbles. I can picture Liz McDonald now. One minute a look of stress and exhaustion plastered across her face as her ex-husband brings chaos to her life once more.  Quickly replaced with a look of complete surrender as her carnal urges toward her ex-husband take over as they always do. She can’t resist Jim and this time will be no different I’m sure.

Simon Barlow looks set to bring more trouble to the cobbles as he continues down a destructive path egged on by older boys in the neighbourhood. The words “thick” and “ear” come to mind. I sound like my mother.

Nick Tilsley’s on his way back. That character has made so many dramatic departures I doubt anyone will notice when he returns for the four hundredth time. I think he just does it for attention.

And Steve McDonald is set to remarry Tracy Barlow. The idiot.

Coronation Street is going through a really good period for me at the moment. I’m enjoying each episode and there’s loads of comedy which makes me a happy fan. Whether that has anything to do with the change of producer who knows, but whatever storylines we are to expect over the coming weeks and months, let’s give writers the benefit of the doubt when it comes to repetitive or unbelievable plots – watch first then criticize. And in some cases, suspend your disbelief and just go with it. 

Oh and I claim the hashatag #DontPutSalInACell 

@StevieDawson

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Coronation Street Blog Interview: Debbie Rush

Corrie fans were stunned at the sight of Anna Windass emerging from the shadows of the builder’s yard on Thursday’s Coronation Street (31 May). Aren’t such surprises great? Yes! But, wasn’t she supposed to be in jail? Yes! And tonight, Gary’s madcap plan of bringing Phelan back to Weatherfield all made sense – his Mam had been released from prison, and considering all that she had suffered at Pat's hands, there was only one woman who could and should get to bring him down. Gary gave her that opportunity.

We attended an exclusive preview of this week’s episodes last month, and had the privilege of knowing Anna was coming back, and sitting down with Debbie Rush to chat all about it! It felt deliciously secret, and my anticipation of the fan reaction only added to the enjoyment.

Debbie was determined that nobody would find out that she would be returning, so much so that she worried her social media profile would give it away. "Our viewers and everyone have always been so lovely and complimentary” she says, “so I just went quiet for a couple of months, ‘cos I didn’t want to tell any lies to our viewers.”

Tonight we saw Anna deliver the fatal plunge of a knife into Phelan's chest and unflinchingly tell him that people like him never win as he died before her eyes. Asked if she feels it is a fitting end, Debbie says “Yes, she had to be the one to kill him, he was an evil vicious man and Anna was his first victim on that street, so she had to be the one that killed him off, and I think that our viewers and the nation will thank her for it!”

Might there be any possibility for Anna that he’s still alive? “We do see him being zipped up in a body bag. She’s done the fatal wound and she waited till he drew his last breath. So she knows his dead.” confirms Debbie.

Describing what it was like to film the scene, she says “It was great! We have stunt people on the set and we had paramedics. A lot of work went into knowing exactly where Anna had to stab him, without there being too much blood spurting out everywhere, but it would be fatal when he pulled it out.”

Did she feel daunted by the scenes? “Because I know him, no” Debbie says. “But when we’re filming, I go somewhere else, so it always feels daunting and the adrenaline kicks in. It’s my job, and I love doing it.”

We’re told that Anna doesn’t stay around and asked if she would return to the show at some stage in the future, Debbie says, “Never say never. I’ve been incredibly lucky, I had a really great time there. I’m in a privileged position, they seem to like what I do. We’ll see what happens. I needed a break.”

I asked Debbie about her favourite Anna moments. “There are so many.” she told me. “I still like when the Windasses arrived in the van at the beginning. They thought the Clampetts were turning up and it was such a special time for us off screen as well as on. We were doing a dream job, and felt incredibly lucky. So, that would be a standout.” She continues, “When Owen left, I was filming those scenes and literally feeling bereft that one of my best friends had left, and when I watch them back on screen, they were great moments. This will be another one. I’ve really enjoyed doing this. Someone has referred to me as Anna Badass, that’s great! I’ve had too many moments, it’s amazing.”

Asked why she feels Anna’s story has gripped the nation, Debbie says, “When we had Richard Hillman, he was a great baddie and we’ve been waiting for a long time for someone to come along who we know isn’t real but is someone who we can all vent our anger at and shout at the telly. I think it’s been great in that aspect, and that people have really got involved. He’s been so vile to everybody.”

One particular stand out scene in tonight’s episodes (1 June) was the one between Anna and Eileen. Asked if she enjoyed it, Debbie says “Yes, because Anna does not have any animosity whatsoever towards Eileen. Eileen was as much a victim as Anna was, just in a completely different way. When Anna went to prison, she felt let down by Eileen because Eileen didn’t believe her – she nearly believed her but Phelan twisted things – so Anna went off to prison and everyone on the street thought she’d lost the plot. So I think at the end when you see the two women come together, it is completely Corrie. But I also think that in the times we live, it’s completely womanhood. These two women recognise that they’ve both been a victim of a really powerful monster, so we had to see them come together and join forces as heroic women.” With such scenes so important to and inherent in Corrie’s inception, I felt myself that it was a welcome return to see such a powerful depiction of support and solidarity between two women on the street. 

Debbie is still recharging her batteries since leaving Corrie, but says “I’ve absolutely loved being part of this great show. I’ve watched this since I was a little girl. It was something that I really wanted to do and I was lucky enough to do it. I’d never say never about going back. I think it’s a great job. When I came back I just loved it, it was so nice to be part of that family again.”

Mikey North, who plays her onscreen son Gary, was also there on the day, and their closeness was evident. When asked about this, Debbie says, “that’s what is hard, because there’s a good few in the cast that I’m really close to. I get to speak to them all the time. Sue and I have been out for dinner and things. They’ll always be my friends and that won’t ever change.”

I very much enjoyed chatting with Debbie, and thought she put in a brilliant performance in Phelan's final episode. It will be interesting to see where her acting career takes her next, and I wish her every success with it.

By Emma Hynes

www.emmahynes.net

Twitter: @ELHynes

Facebook: @EmmaHynesWrites

Instagram: emmalouhynes

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The Emancipation of David Platt

To say that the last few years have been tough on David Platt would be an understatement.

Even by soap standards (and being part of the 'cursed' Platt family), he's had a tumultuous time. Following the death of his wife on the cobbles, David has fallen for the mother of her killer, watched as his niece descended into the midst of a sexual exploitation ring, and nearly burnt Anna Windass to a crisp, in a suicidal revenge plot.

However, he has also recently managed to go from a rebellious wild child, jail stints, and pushing his mother down the stairs, to becoming an honest hard-working father.

Without a strong male role model in his life, (the brief reappearance and departure of Martin Platt, cemented thus) it was easy to see how David could quickly become accustomed to a 'bromance' with mechanic newcomer Josh. Although appearing innocent, to begin with (I and the Mrs immediately liked Josh), what was to follow in their relationship, was shocking and I think the worst thing that's ever happened to David.

The storyline has been implicit in opening up discussion regarding male mental health and Jack P Shepherd has been consistently brilliant. Coupled with the tragic demise of Aidan Conner, David rallied against his own feelings of suicide, ably assisted and embraced by the real shining light in his life... Shona. Even David's brief romance with ditzy Emma has done little to dispel Shona's devotion.

As #PhelansRevenge comes to its fruition this week, we will also see David admit his recent assault to his family. Finally releasing weeks of anger and unpredictable behaviour, I think we will see a new side to David in future episodes. Josh will be locked up soon, but will David finally be free of all this trouble?.

Coronation Streets recent storylines on male mental health has caused a plethora of positive social media activity and discussion. It can only be lauded.

I just thought I'd put my musings on this subject, online.  Have you enjoyed the recent 'issue led' stories or have you been in the 'too dark' camp?.

Let us know your thoughts!.

I am @rybazoxo your @CoroStreetBlog Wednesday episode reviewer and self-styled 'Cobbles Connoisseur'. Give us a follow.

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Follow the Corrie make-up department on Instagram

Johnny Connor. Very glam.

Coronation Street's make-up department joined photo sharing social media platform Instagram around a year ago, and since then have been posting behind the scenes information about the special effects used on the show with tips for budding make-up artists.

Whilst a lot of the feed concentrates on what the female stars are wearing day to day, many posts give a fascinating look at what it takes to create the scars, burns and blood we have seen far too much of recently.

The scars on Andy's arms from being tied up in Phelan's cellar

It's really worth a look at - and whilst you're at it you may as well follow us too! Corrie can be found by searching up for 'corriemakeup', and we're at 'corostreetblog'.

To the best of my knowledge no such blog has been posted about this yet, but if it has then I won't apologise, as it really is interesting stuff.

...and these are the burns on Anna's leg

You can follow me on Twitter (and Instagram for that matter) by searching for MichaelAdamsUk. Sadly I'm not as interesting.

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Coronation Street Episode Review; Weds 17th Jan 2018 7.30pm

Welcome to your first visit to this weeks Wednesday Corrie blog double!.

Tonight begins with Anna residing in the cells at HMP Norcross. Secretly talking to Gary on her smuggled phone, Anna is still trying to pull strings on Coronation Street and persuades Gary to track down Seb. However, with the warden discovering Anna's phone, and her trial imminent, will Anna be staying in the cells a bit longer?

With Gary on hot pursuit (ably assisted by an off-screen Nicola), it isn't long before he tracks down Abbie & Seb in a greasy spoon café . As Gary pleads for Anna and for answers, Seb reveals that he knows Phelan killed Luke. Gary goes straight to Weatherfield police and Seb goes on the run.

Back on Coronation Street, Toyah is suspicious of Carla's return and the effect it's having on Peter. Clearly hiding his attempted murder of Billy, Peter confides in Adam and he is quickly discouraged from divulging his secrets. Adam however, clearly has other intentions for the damaged vicar. Speaking of which, Billy's recovery is going well and Eileen has heard from Todd. It's good news! but how long will this good news last?. As Eva grapples with her pregnancy news, and with her sisters otherwise engaged, it falls on new confidante Shona to give her a shoulder to cry on. How long before Aidan finds out about the patter of tiny Connor feet?.

Meanwhile, Phelan is smug the factory roofing job is back in his hands, so the good news keeps rolling in for Eileen. No good news for Sean though as he has a disaster with his knickers sample and Craig splits from Bethany. Giving Gary more grief, Bethany has blocked Sarah's calls to him as some kind of revenge. Gary, having told the police about Phelan, lays it on to Tim about the whereabouts of Seb. Revisiting Anna in prison, Tim and Gary reveal all and a concerned Anna tell them they need to find Seb before Phelan does!.

With Phelan carted off by the police, will he have time to find Seb, or is it game over for our favourite scouse serial killer?.

Follow @Glenn_Writes as he reviews tonight's 8.30pm episode and finds out what happens next!

That's me done for another week, I'm off to ruin some more of Sean's samples!.

TARA

I am @rybazoxo
Your Cobbles Connoisseur

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Coronation Street Episode Review; Weds 13 Dec 2017 7.30pm

Welcome to part one of tonight's blog review. A mid-week meander in the goings on down our favourite street. It's December 13th. Will this be an ominous date for any of our Weatherfield residents?

Tonight's episode begins in the kitchen at Robert and Michelle's Victoria Court crime base. It's good news for Robert as the insurance company will be paying out on the faux robbery. With 'witness' Kate still bearing a grudge with Shell, Zeedan remains nervous as he still thinks his wife covered for him with a false alibi. Little does he know Rana covered for 'Kana'. Zeedan's worries continue as his solicitor brother-in-law returns, kicked out by his wife. Has Weatherfield gained a new 'legal eagle'?.

With Kev also returning to the street from Germany, its left to Gary to fill him on Anna's worrying state of mind. With Gary heading to Weatherfield prison to visit his mum, will Anna's fella follow suit?.

A reluctant Kevin appears to had a few thoughts whilst driving on the autobahn, and appears reluctant if not slightly disturbed by Anna's state of decline. Doped up on diazepam, she collapses in Gary's arms and is rushed to hospital, closely guarded by a prison warden (cliché Neanderthal).

Back on the street, Nick's Bistro is reopened for business, and Chesney has booked a table for two. Its a trio of redhead romance tonight, Craig is clock watching for a date with Bethany, and with young Mr. Brown about to propose to Sinead, Flame-haired Fizz is struggling with the girls. After the trampoline fire, Fizz's suspicions are raised when Chez reminds her of Ruby's 'head case' of a Mother. Did Kirsty start the fire?. I for one, would love to see PC Soames back on the street.

As Chez proposes, Daniel looks on in horror (no projectile vomit this time) but our favourite Kebab worker is suddenly feeling a bit 'iffy'. Has Daniel poisoned the posh nosh?.

As Anna is held guard in the hospital recovering from her drugs binge / overdose, Kevin arrives and decides it's time to end this troublesome (unbelievable anyway),tiresome relationship.

Now on a massive downer, the prison doctor tells Anna she has recovered sufficiently to return to the cells. But with this recent revelation, why should she bother?. Seizing a chance, Anna escapes. Just where is she heading?.

Follow my pal @Glenn_Writes  as he reviews tonight's 8.30pm episode and finds out what happens next!


Anyway, I'm off to the Bistro to drop something stronger into Sinead's champagne flute. I've got a feeling she will need it.

TARA!
I am @rybazoxo
Editor at large @Drunkonmusic2
Your Cobbles Connoisseur



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