Tommy O Scores With Tracy M : A Classic Corrie Affair Begins?

It’s been a while, I must admit. With work exams and Corrie's schedule changes, I've been using the weekend to get my Weatherfield fix via the ITV hub. I'm old enough to remember the Sunday morning omnibus, and in this digital age, I guess I'm retreating to old formats as I get a little older. That aside, I’ve been so busy that I don't see Corrie during the week, or on live TV, so my Wednesday episode reviews have stalled. In recent weeks, I've been loving the show, and unlike some online criticisms, I struggle to see any real issues with the drama/comedy/ storytelling balance. Resurrecting a few old characters and sweeping dead wood away is a classic soap trope, (it may be long overdue in some Corrie quarters, I agree that) but resurrecting a character or reintroducing one into the show is also a good start.

With Stephen Reid’s recent return and murderous demise, I think I may be a little offside in assuming the same thing will happen with Weatherfield County striker Tommy O, but it is a soap, so who knows?

Reappearing on Christmas day for a scene with Tracy McDonald, I was already aware of the footballer's return (from a 2023 press event), and that he was due to have an affair with a Weatherfield woman. Still, I had no idea who until I saw that scene. I've already seen some online whinging about another ‘affair’ but without character copulation, subterfuge, scandal, and stolen kisses - you've got no drama, and without the drama, you won't have a show - it's that simple. I would also refer the echo-chamber moaners to the classic corrie affairs of old - such as Mike and Deirdre, Peter and Carla, Kevin and Molly, and the recent Tyrone, Fiz, and Phill affair that prove these scenarios also provide the writers with some dramatic content to work with. 

Wednesday's snog between Tommy and Tracy is only the beginning (I'd guess). And as Steve returns from Paris this week, he'll surely be too blinded by his adoration for the Weathy County star striker status to realise his hero is also scoring with his wife! But for how long?

Can we envisage a classic Mike and Ken battle between Steve and Tommy, for Tracy’s affections, or will this be more comedic (like Tyrone and Phill), as is usually the tone with Steve Mcdonald of late, and what about Amy? Will she side with her mother (who also slept with Adi’s Dad, Dev) or her father? Will Steve react like Fiz (when she found out about Tyrone’s infidelity) and shack up with someone else? I think Steve would be great with Glenda! Will Steve and Tracy reunite after Tommy transfers to another Weatherfield woman? (Toyah, perhaps)? 

Either way, I'm happy to see Tracy get a meaty storyline again ( I adore Kate Ford) and I'd be interested to see how this affair pans out. We may have seen this kind of thing before, but like I say it creates storylines, which we need for the show. As the Corrie (terrestrial TV) schedule changes again this week (football, rugby, or summat), that's worth remembering. Speaking of which, I've got more revision to do.

Ta-ra for now!

I am @rybazoxo Cobbles Connoisseur & Corrie superfan  

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Corrie Canine Chaos Sparks Danger For Evelyn & Cassie!

This week on Coronation Street we saw battle-axe Evelyn Plummer confront the mistreatment of a dog outside Roy's Rolls. As the storyline hit our screens, my mind took me back to October of this year when we (and fellow press) spoke to Corrie producer Iain Macleod, who told us all about it:

Hi Iain, what's this latest Evelyn storyline all about? 

''Evelyn makes herself a bit of an enemy in the shape of a man she sees mistreating his dog. It starts with a relatively small exchange where they cross paths at the precinct, some crosswords exchanged! Iain continued ''it goes from there to a situation of court appearances and trips to the hospital, with some danger for Evelyn and Cassie!''

How did this story come about? 

‘'It was an opportunity to do two things really - N0.1 was to see Maureen (Lipman- Evelyn) be strident, kicking backsides and taking names, but also’’ Iain continued ‘’to give us a chance to explore more, her relationship with Cassie. Since Cassie was a teenager, their relationship has been nonexistent - what has existed has been very bad-tempered with lots of estrangement. This is an opportunity to explore their dynamic and this story puts them on the same team'' 

How does this affect Evelyn's relationship with Cassie? 

''Cassie, as is her preference, takes things too far, which causes serious strife for her'' said Iain, '' and at the end of it, they reach a new level of understanding and equilibrium. They get to know each other in an adult relationship, probably for the first time’’.

What is Roy’s involvement in all of this? 

''the story that starts rather innocuously, almost comically, with Roy and Evelyn facing off with this man mistreating his dog. Suddenly, we find ourselves in a rather serious story! Iain enthused, ''I love stories like that, that starts as an acorn of something, then a forest of bad outcomes for our favourite characters! '' 

Thanks, Iain

So, what are your thoughts? It looks like Evelyn's dog-related drama, which started on Wednesday night, may have some serious repercussions this Christmas! 

Let me know your thoughts on X  #Corrie

I am @rybazoxo your Cobbles connoisseur and Corrie superfan

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Stephanie Davis Joins Corrie! Courtney Causes Chaos On The Cobbles?

Fresh off the back of scouser stage star Claire Sweeney joining the Cobbles, comes another scouse singing stage star as actress Stephanie Davis joins Coronation Street later this month playing Courtney. Courtney is a character who hits our screens on July 19th as the wife of Dev’s business associate Darren, who ensnares (a much younger) Aadi Alahan into an extra-marital affair! 

Already on my 3rd Corrie press day of the year (spoilt by spoilers!) I fired up my laptop and joined a Zoom session for this year's sauciest plotline yet! I’ve got a few of these cast interviews to come this month, with a few shockers in store, but as a former viewer of ‘Over The Rainbow’ (don't judge!) I was very pleased to learn more about Stephanie Davis’s debut! 

Hi Stephanie! How does it feel to be joining Coronation Street?

It’s a dream come true! I’m loving it - everyone has been so welcoming! I've enjoyed working with Jimmi (Dev) who is such a special person, and Elle (Mulvaney, Amy Barlow), and Adam (Aadi Alahan) have been amazing. Helen (Worth - Gail) has been the ''Mother Hen'' settling me in, and seeing Jodie Prenger again. I did Over the Rainbow and she did I’d Do Anything (musical/reality TV shows) so she was made up about me joining, and we were reminiscing. It's an amazing place to work!

You've worked in soap before (Hollyoaks) so you're sure of the pace, and this character hits the ground running as soon as she arrives! 

Yes, my first scene and the first day was in the Rovers. I couldn't wait to be back on set and hear ACTION! I could have cried, I was so happy, everything is filmed so fast, multi-camera, it's done much quicker. It's like being back at home! Growing up watching Coronation Street, I feel grateful and blessed.

Stephanie Davis on the set of Coronation Street

Tell us a bit about Courtney then. She's a bit of a minx, isn't she? 

She’s a bit of an onion - there’s a lot of layers to her. I think she’s very sassy and has a load of confidence but deep down there are loads of layers there. She’s referenced her mum in some of the scenes, only little ones, but you can tell she’s not had a great life. She’s met Darren, who’s got a lot of money and settled for a good lifestyle, but it's a loveless marriage. Courtney in a nutshell is that she longs to be loved. 

Courtney and Darren

So what is that draws her to Aadi? The affair seems to happen very quickly.

She's instantly attracted to him - a lot of it stems from her relationship with Darren. He has cheated on her multiple times, which has affected her self-worth, but a lot of it is to get one back on her husband. She wants someone to love her and he shows that to her. 

Courtney leans in for the first kiss, certain of reciprocation. Is she a character that’s used to getting what she wants? 

Definitely. She’s always got Darren’s credit cards in her handbag and is very spoiled. What she wants - she gets - but it's all a big bravado. She's just a little girl. 

Courtney is a bit older than Aadi! - Does the age difference bother her at all? 

No, definitely not. I think it's because she notices that he’s interested in her and she goes for it. At first, it's a bit of fun, for the thrill and attention, and it makes her feel good. She hasn't felt that for a long time with Darren. It's a loveless marriage. Then she starts to see the other side of Aadi and he sees the other side of her so it gets a bit more serious. Aadi notices that she’s actually business savvy and not just a trophy wife, so he inspires her to try and get away from Darren. They fall for each other but the reality soon kicks in. The money is with her husband but the love is with Aadi - which way will she go? I love the character, as I say, a lot of layers are still to be uncovered. I can't say much more, as they are future scripts, but I've really warmed to this character! I would love to see her stick around!

           

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So, what are we thinking about Stephanie Davis joining the street? She's a former stage and singer, joining Jodi Prenger and Claire Sweeney in Weatherfild. Let's not forget we've also had a guest spot from musical legend Ruthie Henshall earlier this year too. Is ITV about to resurrect ''Street of Dreams'' - the Corrie musical?  

Keep your eyes peeled as I've a few more interviews from this summer storylines press event still to come!

I am @rybazoxo on Twitter - Coronation Street Blog blogger and Corrie superfan 

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Coronation Street Episode Review, Wednesday 17th May, 8 pm

Welcome to another Wednesday Weatherfield round-up and to catch up on the latest goings on, on Coronation Street. Following Monday night's fantastic episode (just me?) and Amy's anguish being posted online, I felt excited as tonight's episode began! There’s a lot to say for girl power on Corrie, and being a confessed feminist, I know whose side I'm on. 

As the post goes viral amongst the residents, it isn't long before Aaron is fired from the garage. Steve tells Tim how guilty he feels, and Tim offers support, explaining how Faye has managed to turn her life around. Aaron’s Dad soon finds out about the blog, visits N0.1, and tells Steve that he can expect a cease and desist letter instructing Amy to take the post down. Steve tells her to leave it online, dragging Tracy to see Dee-dee legal advice, who tells them it could cost hundreds of thousands to contest and they could lose everything. Steve's reluctant yet Tracy is adamant that a fight is on. Tracy goads Steve, bringing Oliver into the argument, and even though I'm a big Tracy fan, I was stunned by that cruel jibe. Steve storms out, going to see Leanne, who tells him that Tracy is right and he should put that same fight into seeking justice for Amy. Aaron then pleads with Amy to remove the post, which she reluctantly agrees. 

Later, at the solicitors, Dee-dee receives instruction from Aaron's solicitor stating that Amy has to write a retraction statement, as a podcast has picked up the issue and broadcasted it to the world. Steve is now up for the fight and Aaron's Dad tells them he will sue them for everything they've got. 

Meanwhile, Craig’s enthusiasm for the C.I.D secondment is seemingly good news for Faye, as she has the day off, deciding to throw him a celebratory surprise promotion party. I was unsure why Izzy was putting such a downer on it, but hey-ho it gave her something to do. 

Faye then gets a surprise visit from Miley and Jackson, and she soon heads to Roys for a family lunch, to help her daughter with her genealogy homework. With all of the family in attendance, Gary quickly spots Faye’s admiration of Jackson. Back at the flat, Faye is getting party pieces ready, and Gary warns her about her ex's intentions. Over at the Bistro, Sally steams in to take charge of decorations, and everyone seems to be bemused by Faye planning a party for this C.I.D promotion. Sally was hilarious! - I loved that.

Craig is soon looking for Faye, and Tim tells him she was out having lunch with Jackson! Craig questions Faye, but it seems his detective skills are a little off.  I can see now why everyone thought that a promotion party was a little bit funny. 

At the STC, Daniel tells Max how worried he is about him and suggests he invites his Dad back for another visit - he needs the family support. David is soon back at the centre and Max opens up, explaining his guilt at getting involved in the right-wing activism and despair at how he may struggle to rebuild his life. David tells his son how much he loves him and how he will get him through it. This was tonight’s stand-out scene for me. Rarely do we see such male emotion like that - superb! Less impressive is the scene with Max’s new friend ‘’singing’’ down the phone. Max tells his pal that he’s not sure about rejoining the real world, it's soon clear that he hasn't told his friend about why he is in the centre in the first place. I can't remember his pal's name but I think we can see where this may be going.

Elsewhere, in the build-up to the wedding, cash-strapped Chesney buys his and Joseph’s morning suits from the charity shop. Linda offers to buy them new outfits and then lends Chesney some more money so can pay for the rest of the wedding. Gemma remains oblivious. 

In other news, Ryan’s back recovering in the hospital and Carla visits - she’s feeling guilty about going away. Ryan’s more positive after another text from ‘Crystal’. Carla questions Daisy about Crystal’s intentions, with the barmaid playing dumb. Later, Daniel surprises Daisy with a date night. 

What did you think of tonight’s offering?  I am @rybazoxo if you want to tweet and let me know!

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