Claire Sweeney joins Coronation Street as Tyrone's drug-addict Mother!

It's been a busy week, and as I settle down to write this latest cast chat, I ponder a big Corrie-style question: can we have too much of a good thing? Joining another ITV press day (humble brag) to interview the newest cast member, Claire Sweeney, it hits me that this West-End singing stage star (see Jodie Prenger) is playing a troubled drug addict. Seeing the mandatory preview press shots, I'm immediately thinking of Abi Webster, and the plethora of addiction stories, starting with Peter, that Corrie has given us over these past few years. Am I becoming jaded? As a big fan of Brookside, (what happened with Simon O'Brien?) and musicals, it was a pleasure to witness Claire on my laptop screen and looking as glam and gorgeous as you'd expect. However, when she debuts on our screens this coming week, she's in full drug-addict mode - hair scrapped back, scruffy, and looking anything but glam. 

This Wednesday (June 28th), Evelyn has a blast from the past when she's called into Weatherfield A & E to find that her daughter, Cassandra Plummer (Claire Sweeney) has had a heroin overdose. Finding Evelyn at her hospital bedside, she reveals the last time they met, she stole cash from her bag and found her address. Evelyn is then shocked when Cassie says that she called the garage and found out Tyrone is her son, and wants to meet him. By the end of the week Evelyn lies to Tyrone and explains she's leaving the street to see an old friend, but in fact, has rented a flat to get Cassie through recovery. Off-screen Dame Maureen Lipman is starring in a one-woman stage play, and Claire Sweeney told us that she's back on screen as a full-time character in August. She also told us to expect a 14-page two-hander between these two actresses, with some guaranteed superb writing from Corrie's legendary scribe, Iain Kershaw. With the character going full-time in August, Tyrone will have another scouse Mum but this time it's his 'real' one! Let's not forget the superb Margi Clarke who made that role her own.  

Usually, I would write this as a full interview but my laptop is dying a death and I couldn't record the audio. I can only tell you that it's evident that Claire is a big fan of the show, and as a star on stage and screen, she said this was her 'Hollywood role calling.

So, what do we think, am I getting jaded with Corrie? We've seen this drug-addict role/mould before with Abi, who is now a sober Mrs Webster and a Mum to Imran's baby. I hope they take this down a different route, and let the character bed in a bit longer, before she's supping zero in the Rovers and has pulled through the turmoil. I have to admit, the grimness of Paul's disease has taken the shine off this show for me recently. So, instead of a drawn-out drug addiction recovery (which we've seen a million times now) I hope she comes back as a Ruthie Henshall type, gets best buddies with Glenda, and hosts a weekly Rovers Karaoke? 

I am @rybazoxo Coronation Street Blogger and Cobbles superfan!

Cassie Plummer arrives on the cobbles on Wednesday, June 28th. She is in for two episodes then Evelyn takes her away from the street before Tyrone finds out the truth. They will both return on August 16th.

Keep your eyes peeled for a few more Corrie press day chats for July storylines that are still to come. I have recorded Paula Wilcox (Elaine) who's an absolute joy! 

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Coronation Street Episode Review;Wednesday 5th of October 8 pm

Tonight, Billy apologised to Summer for his overreaction and parental panicking. Billy also forgives her boyfriend for his class-c indiscretion, but pseudo-parent Paul can't shift his anger. For Aaron, the problems only worsen when his drunken Dad rocks up at the garage seeking his weed back. As Maria and Fiz tell Tyrone about seeing Tim in his morning glory, the jovial atmosphere is shattered, when Aaron's drunk Dad threatens his son and Tyrone, but Kev soon sends him packing! Kev knows all about alcohol and drug abuse!

Later on, after returning from home, Aaron arrives back on the street to meet Summer and shows her some more bruises, particularly a huge one on his wrist. Paul (ex-jailbird) continues to take his bizarre moral high ground and confronts Aaron about the space cakes, grabbing him on the wrist, and the lad retaliates by punching him one. Billy tries to calm his ex-boyfriend down, and Kevin reluctantly accepts the lad's apology for bringing drugs to the garage. With Aaron admitting the abuse to Billy, Billy relays the info to Paul who decides not to press charges! Later, Paul tells Aaron it may be best to end the relationship with Summer.

Meanwhile, Tim gets ready to celebrate his wedding anniversary! Pretending he’s forgotten the big day, Sally storms off in a huff, and Tim (wearing only a dressing gown) runs out in the street, giving Mary and Fiz a bit of morning glory. Luckily, 'the mouse was still in the house!' - Mary is comedy gold!! Later, Tim catches up with Sally telling her he hadn't forgotten - giving her the gift which Aggie helped him choose. They make up with a hug, which Aggiei sees, she smiles at the loved-up twosome. Later, Tim meets Aggie in Victoria Garden, and thanks her for her help - giving her a gift too. It's a slow burner but, I think we can guess where this is going, right? Later, Sally arranges a special night for Tim, as a thank you. 

Elsewhere in the romance stakes, Ken and Wendy 'Flamin’ Crozier (that's her official title) rekindle that early 1990s flame, as they both realise they’ve been harbouring feelings for each other. Amy finds out (where are Tracy and Steve, by the way?) and promises to keep things a secret from her Mum. Mary isn't best pleased though as Wendy’s presence is causing ructions in the am-dram group (that Yoko line was brilliant). With the romance rekindled, Wendy decides it's best to resign from ‘Roxanna’. Brian also promises to keep their secret too, and Mary becomes the plays leading lady. I love this storyline - it is Classic Coronation Street, in all its glory. 

Over as Speed Daal, Alya is still helping Stu via sneaky DNA mug testing which she's still trying to hide from Zee and Dee-Dee. Dee-Dee and Ayla have become great friends, she tells her that she's not returning to L.A, and she hasn't told her Aggie or Ed, either. However, she's angry tonight, when faced with another lie, finding out that Alya still wants to test the DNA on that mug even though Stu wants it over with. Still concerned by Yas and Stu’s relationship, Alya convinces Zee that her plan is still the best course of action, and he convinces Dee-Dee to go ahead with it. 

Elsewhere, Max gets a great report from the PRU, Shona and David are pleased with his progression, but it's clear he is still getting bullied. David asks Brian for educational advice, and Max avoids the bad boys by helping Maria on a council jaunt.  

 

This past week of Mary-related am-dram comedy, Daisy at the Rovers helm, new gal Dee-Dee, Bernie being brilliant, and some well-written scripts, have made Coronation Street a treat! 

What are your thoughts? 

I am @rybazoxo self-styled cobbles connoisseur & Coronation Street superfan. 

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Coronation Street Episode Review; Wednesday 23rd of February 7.30 & 8.30 pm

Free of son deaths, sinkholes, and shoot-outs, you would think Abi would enjoy the honeymoon period before more drama? Monday nights Corrie saw her admit to Sally that she had a one-night stand with a nameless suitor. We viewers know who it is, but how long before everyone else on the street finds out? With Sally finding out, it was evident that Kevin would soon find out, and tonight that was what happened. We did get to see the first half of the adoption hearing, and the results surprised me! Normally, soaps would have blown through that with a successful outcome, but having been adjourned until March, we get a swift and stark reminder of the substance abuse past. 

Abi's mortified with the outcome, but Kev is upbeat and readies a campervan for their journey away. All was looking good until the van's Bluetooth tuned into Abi’s phone call to Sally (plus pronouns!) that was very clever indeed, and nothing to do with the EE sponsorship, ahem. It was, however, a super soap moment, and Sally’s involvement only added another level to this drama. With Kevin finding out the unsavoury truth, he and Jack headed off on their own. However, Kev leaves thinking it was Tez (Seb’s Dad) and not Imran. Surely the truth will out, eventually? 

A few days back, I tweeted out my fandom for newsboy Stu. He's lost that cough superquick, thankfully, and having been formally introduced to Corrie's patron saint, Ken, it seems he may be sticking around? Tonight, having gained gainful employment and a roof over his head, thanks to Yasmeen, our ex-hobo chef/wine connoisseur has decided to grapple with Tracy too. The wine tasting switch subplot was light relief - I enjoyed it. Is there going to be a romantic courtship with Yasmeen? Drinks with his boss/landlord around their garden heater would suggest so? I think he would make a great pairing with Bernie - we shall see. Meanwhile, Tracy’s face at tasting grape-flavoured paint stripper was a delight. Will this put her at crosshairs with Yasmeen, again? I do hope so. 

Hopefully, Sean will heed Imran’s (Monday night) warning and leave it out, or if we are honest about it, maybe he could just leave altogether? Tonight, he was back flouncing around the factory, and I’m thinking he’d make a great adversary of loony Lydia? He dished out some advice to her tonight which means Sean is officially involved in it now - am I right? We can only hope. Maybe Sarah can sack him? 

 

Joseph’s latchkey kid existence (and in poverty for a quad of siblings) has brought some great drama to the street these last few months. I wasn't quite expecting it to culminate in him flying off with granny Linda to Portugal, but tonight, that seems to be what's going to happen? Great to see Izzy back on screen and I enjoyed Bernie and Dev's meddling, in the process. 

Meanwhile, loves young dream, Amy & Jacob, have officially re-coupled up. A stunningly shot scene on an old wooden boat / dark lighting /candles could easily have been a pastiched rom-com moment, yet, these two fine youthful actors performed a believable courtship, of course, this will lead to more chaos on the street, as Jacobs dubious past comes back to the fore. Could this be a Shakespearean tragedy ala Montagues v Capulets or a violent reprise like West Side Story? I think the latter is where this is going, and I must admit, I’m looking forward to seeing more of Tracy’s (lesser-seen recently) nasty vicious bile. The sour wine will leave a bad taste, but I think Jacob's return will be much more bitter! 

 

Overall, an enjoyable midweek visit to Weatherfield! Again, I must mention how pleased I am to see a plethora of cast back on the screen.

 

Same time, next week then!

I am @rybazoxo your self-styled cobbles connoisseur!

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Coronation Street Episode Review; Wednesday 10th November 7.30 & 8.30

Since Aadi came back into Corrie, events at N0.7 have had a high impact, and it's been a tumultuous year for the Alahan clan. The high impact drama has pushed the family to the forefront of the show, and long may it continue. Ignoring the (quite ridiculous) premise that this is all based on (cars are a motif for this family), Aadi's disgust at Dev's fatherly failings lead to a dramatic showdown, and rightly so. Alongside the outstanding acting, I am interested to see how this will pan out in the long run. With three businesses in the family fortune, you would think Aadi would be happy about his new managerial role - I guess Chesney is still doing the dogsbody duties, unseen off-screen. Money has long been a part of the Dev story arc, he is a businessman after all, but you can't put a price on your kid’s heads! Aadi admitting damaging Dev’s car will surely put another big dent in this father/son relationship. 

And what about Aadi's failed relationship with Summer?  I can't imagine a brainbox like her having some girly crush on her teacher, so I think she’s using that to distance herself from Aadi and his problems. Kelly and Aadi though? I could see that, maybe as a bad boy/girl coupling, just hopefully leaning less on any Corrie crime capers like this past year. Head swaps can be a risky business in soapland, but with Aadi, I think it's definitely paid off. 

 

Here’s an idea. If Nick and Leanne are so concerned about Sam’s silence, why doesn’t she contact her sister, Toyah, who happens to be a professional counsellor?! I miss the little lad dispatching facts like a mini Roy Cropper, so I do hope he talks soon! Clever Corrie for giving Sam a background just like his Father, it’s just a shame we had to lose Natasha in the process. Corrie collateral damage, let's call it that. That said, how beautiful was that scene between Steve and Leanne in Roy's Rolls!!? I watch a lot of Classic Corrie, and even in 1999, she was stealing the show. Take a bow Jane Danson, exceptionally done. 

Talking of brilliant Corrie women, a few weeks ago I mentioned in this blog how Carla may react following Johnný’s demise. I was a bit presumptuous in assuming Corrie would do a sidestep and hide it under the carpet, ignoring the factory boss' mental health frailty in favour of Peter's recovery. The scenes in Underworld with Sarah suggest that Corrie will in fact delve further into Carla's tempestuous psyche. Is it just grief, or is something much deeper in the offing? Peter is looking good following his life-changing (and very serious) liver transplant, so at least there is that. I am glad to see Peter back, but I was more surprised to see another familiar face turn up tonight on the show, too. Did anyone else spot her? The posh parent at the party? I'm 99% certain we've seen her somewhere before? 

Elsewhere in tonight’s Corrie; Adam warns Daniel about Daisy, Tyrone’s got a new love interest, and Kelly struggles to settle into civilian life!

I may have had a 'wobble' recently with my Coronation Street fandom. It's rare, but after 24 years, it can still happen. However, tonight's double was exceptional and I think I'm back to normal again. Superb stuff. 

@rybazoxo self-styled cobbles connoisseur 

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