Christmas Eves: Carla and Lisa get Festive? Interview with Corrie Producer Kate Brooks

I recently travelled to Coronation Street studios in Manchester for a press conference with new producer Kate Brooks. It was packed with so much news, views and spoilers, that I'm sharing her insights via a series of blogs. 

Here, she talks about what Christmas 2024 will be like for Carla Connor and Lisa Swain.

Those who don't wish to be in the know should look away now.

Fans of this pairing, of which there are many, will be happy to know that there will be developments in their relationship as they go into Christmas.

Kate spoke of how the the attraction is clear and chemistry palpable between these “very strong, independent, stubborn, brilliant women” who have been circling one another for a while and “find themselves drawn to eachother” with a “connection that they can't deny.”

Kate explained how, for Carla, “this is quite huge,” and while falling in love with a woman “completely blows her mind” after a long and colourful history with men, she feels “it's important for us to show that she's not struggling with her sexuality, she's very confident in her sexuality, but she's fallen in love with a person that she didn't expect to fall in love with, and that presents many challenges.”

While Carla may not quite understand what's happening, we're told she goes with it, whereas it's Lisa who struggles to let down barriers caused by grieving her late wife and her committment to her job, and to allow Carla see her vulnerability.

“Carla's in a bit of a tailspin,” says Kate. “She's like, I've fallen in love with this woman, but she's hard work. She makes Peter look easy! I think that's what the story is really for them two.”

We finally saw them get together on Friday's Corrie, but unfortunately the honeymoon period didn't exactly last too long, with concerns for Lisa's daughter Betsy among the sources of friction. Her presence naturally also brings Carla into a different world, and Kate says, “it's really interesting watching her navigate this because we know Carla, we love Carla, and this is completely alien, and unknown and unchartered waters, but yet she navigates them really well.”

Kate went on to explain, “We want to keep them secure, we want to keep them grounded, we want to make that relationship really believable, and it is. What I'm seeing on screen is fantastic between the two of them. And I think it's really important to tell these stories, and tell these stories properly. At the heart of it is a relationship; it's a love story."

"They will inevitably get a lot of curveballs thrown their way. 2025 is not a quiet year for them two. There's a lot of hurdles that come their way, a lot of obstacles, and things they didn't quite anticipate that get in the way of their relationship, but ultimately they emerge from this strong and united." 

"I'm really excited to be with this couple on this journey, and I think the drama and the story they've given us already is immense, so there's going to be a lot more of that.”

We're told their relationship becomes public knowlege during the festive season. “They are happy during the Christmas period" Kate explains. "Carla initially flinches a little bit at the idea of people gossiping. And it's not about sexuality, but she's a bit unsure. But once it's out there, and she realises that everybody's absolutely fine with it, then it's all systems go.

"Christmas will be when they really commit to eachother, when they declare how they feel about eachother, and when they stop circling eachother and touching eachother's hair.”

Kate's insights here, on other characters central to the festive season, and about Christmas generally, indicates a focus on and interest in personal relationships and stories. This is refreshing given that it has always been at the heart of the Street's best storylines, and hopefully bodes well for the future of the show. 

You can read what else she had to say in the rest of my series of blogs here:

A Classic Christmas for Gail? Interview with Corrie Producer Kate Brooks

Oh Christmas Three! Corrie Producer Kate Brooks Talks Daisy, Bethany and Daniel

Leanne, Toyah and Nick Share Ex-mas? Interview with Corrie Producer Kate Brooks

By Emma Hynes

Read all about my recent trip to Coronation Street in A Rover Returns.

Read my recent Corrie interview with Calum Lill

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Vicky Myers Talks About Carla, Betsy, And D.S Swain Fandom!

Since becoming a series regular, firm fan favourite, Corrie Copper DS Lisa Swain, has had her character's backstory swiftly fleshed out. Following her confession to Carla about her partner's death in service, we've now met her daughter, Betsy, and that friendship with Carla has set X fandom alight with talks of a possible romance.

Last Monday I had the immense pleasure of being in sunny Salford, in a posh ITV Coronation Street media suite* to listen to Vicky Myers tell us about DS Swain's latest investigation: her daughter!  

Hi Vicky, We are now learning more about Lisa's backstory. How important has it been for you to learn about Lisa's family background and her story?

"It's massively important! What we do, it's all about displaying truth and authenticity for the characters we play. To know that, and the tragic death of Becky, the impact it would have had on their relationship. I ask myself, I wonder what it was like before as the three of them, how it has changed, and the impact the death would have had on Betsy, with her being in her early teens. Lisa thought she was doing the right thing by returning to work, but, it appears to have pushed Betsy further away"

You've been in the show a while and we are now getting a more 'rounded' Lisa with the casting of her daughter Betsy. How important was it, and how much were you involved in the casting process?

 

"I was very involved, which was brilliant, and thanks to the team here for giving me that opportunity. It was quite tense, and I was involved in the initial shortlist, the screen test, quite a few screen tests and I also learnt so much about what's potentially going to happen. We did a few scenes we may see - in time to come!"

What is the relationship like between Betsy and Lisa? 

"To put it mildly, it's strained, fractured, and very broken: they are both vulnerable. Lisa remembers being a teenager: if told not to do something, she would have done it, regardless. Lisa is fiercely protective of her now the family dynamic has changed, but she can't be too much of a disciplinarian as she's now 16"

Betsy Blackmails Carla? 

How would Lisa feel if she learned what Betsy has been up to with Joel and Carla? 

"I think she would be furious! Lisa brought her up with morals and because of the profession, she's in. Also, blackmail is contrived, and she would want to know why Betsy felt she needed to do that. She would be disappointed"

Lisa is quite a cool customer and doesn't have many friends, but appears to have made one in Carla. What is it about Carla, that has made Lisa show vulnerability, and a blossoming friendship forming?  

"the car scene (they shared) where Lisa was very vulnerable, Carla showed some vulnerability too and shared a bit of her life, the story about Liam, and with Peter. I think she can see a lot of herself in Carla: they are similar in many ways -she's a powerful woman - opinionated, and a businesswoman with a huge heart. I think it would be lovely for her to have a friend"

What has the public reaction been to Lisa? 

"It's been pretty overwhelming, actually, in a lovely way. I've received many messages, letters, and friendship bracelets. It's been a real privilege and honour to portray this character. People can relate to her. Representation and inclusivity are so important: with that comes responsibility. I do take that on board and not take it lightly. To receive so many letters is quite something"

Thanks, Vicky! 

At the start of this interview, Vicky noticed my 'Roy Cropper Is Innocent' T-shirt and joked that she should have worn hers. She looked across at me (very arresting eyes) and I swear I thought I was heading for Weatherfield Police Station, lol! Jokes aside, she's a fab character/actress and it's clear I'm not the only one that thinks that! 

What are your thoughts on DS Swain's backstory? Let me know I am @rybazoxo on X 

* Do you remember Rowan taking Leanne to that restaurant in last week's episode? I'm 99% certain this was that same room. Keep your eyes peeled for my next cast interview for more on that story!

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Coronation Street Episode Review Friday 15 December 2023

Good evening.  Well if you are going to destroy your relationship always resolve the problems of everyone else before you try and ask for your partner to take you back.  Daisy plays an absolute blinder tonight.  Her betrayal leads to Daniel and Ryan scrapping on t'Street.  Daniel manages to land a decent blow giving Ryan a black left eye - the same side as all his other scars.  Crystal finally twigs that "something" has been going down (and down and down).  For good reason Daisy cannot say that she does not love Ryan to Daniel.  Daisy turns into a swirling dervish - telling Ryan in Victoria Gardens that Daniel knew all along and had wrecked the gym job.  She then pops along to the Bistro where Crystal having demanded some space is told the truth and suggests to Crystal that when Ryan turns she should give him another chance which Crystal does.  Daisy having sorted everyone else then talks to Daniel on his doorstep but are we entirely surprised when he shuts the door in his face.  And for longer term afficionados how much did this remind us of Ken (Daniel) and Mike (Ryan) as generation speaks unto generation?  Daisy will no doubt head to Morocco for a handsome replacement but meanwhile is in tears as Daniel has told her it is over.

In the middle of the above Adam appeared out of nowhere.  Where is he living?  How is it he does not have a new best friend?  Did someone check his contract and see he was short of episodes?  I do think his spasmodic contributions are not making the best of him - but I suppose it does give him the opportunity to turn up with a new haircut every time we see him!

Elsewhere it appears that dog loving Terry has not reported dog stealing Evelyn to the police and has been released from police care.  Having given this some thought Roy and Evelyn come to the conclusion that perhaps Terry has something to hide concerning the little white dog.  Now why would a dog "owner" not want to press charges for theft?  Could it be that he is not the "owner" of said £1500 pooch?  Indeed is there a "dodgy puppy farm" which needs shutting down?

Jenny has gone through Stephen's laptop with fine toothcomb and found a file which he used moments before ripping thousands of pounds out of the factory account.  And unlike every other file it is password protected - even the police could not be bothered to break the file encryption as they did not deem it was related to multiple murders so not their concern.  Jenny dahling you need a hacker or the dark web (if anyone can put me in touch with the dark web please let me know).  Jenny enlists Carla's assistance as it is her money.  Well Jenny is her step-mother.  

Elsewhere there is meltdown in the Platt family as the content of Stephen's dairy, particularly the historic relevations that Sarah was in fact Brian's child and not some other person (Ian Latimer) has upset Sarah - why I am not sure as it all happened before she came along.  Anyway as Audrey tells Jenny and Carla the journal (which looks like a filofax to me - do people still use them in place of their phone these days) has all of Stephen's thoughts and she is going to take it home and read it from cover to cover.  Carla takes a peak and realises that there is a strong possibility that Stephen has passwords hidden in his journal.  (I don't write them down - I save them all in a file on this PC - as would Stephen I suspect).  Much sibling bickering between David and Sarah enlivens events - no room for it all here!  Gail uses PlattChat to set up a Platt family get together for tomorrow for Audrey.  

Does anyone care about Eliza, Yasmeen, Dom and Stu?  Well after the concert where Sam was an absolute whizz on the triangle they return home and Dom hangs around until it is time to go to Germany.  He tries to imply that he is coming back for Christmas but we know he won't and Stu thinks he is finally rid of the man.  But this is Coronation Street and I reckon that Dom will dob Stu in for his payoff to social services to get Eliza all to himself.  Other predictions are readily available.

Which means that Friday night is a wrap.

Tonight in memory of Bob Johnson I have been listening to the "King of Elfland's Daughter" whilst writing this update.  A wonderful guitarist with Steeleye Span and this concept album with Pete Knight - ride softly into your next life.  

Written by Debbie Oates.  Directed by Reece Dinsdale.

Kosmo

@Kosmo100

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Corrie Blog Interviews Alison King : Carla’s factory fall-out?

Two Corrie press days in one month - I’m like a kid at Christmas! Later this week, I will be treating you to the lowdown on what's to come on Coronation Street this festive season and New Year 2024, but before then, I'd like to take you back three weeks to our press day interview with my favourite factory boss (sorry Mike), Mrs Carla Barlow. A very (very) early Christmas present from this blog gave me a chance to see one of my all-time favourite Corrie characters in the flesh, and I found out all about Carla’s state of mind following Stephen Reid’s underworld sabotage. Ideally, I would have written this a few weeks ago, but I think I've only just recovered from seeing her in the flesh. I was the same after I met Jodie Prenger (in Weatherfield Precinct car park) last December!  

Anyway, and as promised, here is our chat with the factory boss. With Underworld nearly taken down (again) can Carla bounce back once more? 

Hi Ali, 

How blindsided was Carla when she found out about Stephen, it must have hit her hard. 

I don't think it hit her that hard. Out of everybody, she was the one that was immediately onto him. As soon as he appeared in the office, she couldn't stand the sight of him, could she? She’s been onto him from the off!

Stephen has played with Carla’s mental health these last few months. How has she been feeling through all of this? 

It’s hideous isn't it - it's been the worst nightmare ever, and to think that she was going to go down that rabbit hole again. She never wants to - Carla has tried looking after herself as best she can, and she keeps dangerous people like him at arm's length. However, because of Sarah, she has not been able to. It was so pre-meditated by him and awful for her. She felt like she was going backwards!

Did she have any idea how dangerous Stephen was? 

No, I don't think she had any idea of how dangerous he was. It's just about the money and business and the fact that he wanted that by any means. I don't think she thought he was violent or anything. 

What sort of Carla will we see emerge from all of this? Will she be tougher, or more damaged than she’s ever been before? 

All of the above! As usual, an influx of all of those things, possibly. I mean, she’s got answers, which is a good thing, but the damage to the factory- that's where you've got to wonder whether things will be solved or not. With Carla, you always get the street against her, or her against the street, and it's normally surrounding the factory, money and people's livelihood. I would imagine that they will be affected by this, and until she can get some money together again. They own 50% of the factory as well, so you think they would be looking out for their money too. 

Have you enjoyed being a part of this storyline? So much drama focused on Underworld!

We love Underworld! - It’s been a nice slow burner and Todd (Stephen Reid) has been such a joy to work with. I like wrapping it all up and how things have come together. It's been a joy, and always a joy to do a big storyline. 

Thanks, Ali! 

Keep ‘em peeled for my interview with Iain Macleod (Corrie producer) later this week as we find out what’s coming up for Carla and Peter this Christmas. 

I am @rybazoxo your (very lucky) Corrie Blog blogger and Cobbles Connoisseur

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