Coronation Street Blog: cast interview. blogpost

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Tuesday, 21 June 2022

Spider returns to Coronation Street. Corrie Blog interviews Martin Hancock

When Coronation Street announced the return of 90s Corrie legend Geoffrey ‘Spider’ Nugent, the Corrie fan fraternity went into a Twitter meltdown! For those of a certain age (aka, me) who’ve been watching the show for 25 years, my heady Britpop memories merge nicely with those of Toyah Battersby's teenage crush on Emily Bishop’s hippy echo-warrior vegan nephew, Spider. For those who aren't, ITV3 Classic Corrie repeats have only cemented Spider's legacy in Weatherfield fan folklore.

I was overjoyed to be invited to an ITV Coronation Street online press event to chat with Martin Hancock (who plays Spider) to learn more about this epic character revival

Hi Martin, Welcome back to Coronation Street!!! How does it feel to be returning after 25 years away?

It is really exciting and a little bit scary. It's lovely and I'm really happy!!

Have you always been interested in a return, and if yes, why did you feel that now is the right time?

I always said if I was to be asked to return, I would always say yes. I’ve gone off and done other things - you'd be amazed the places that Corrie reaches around the world -or not. Then it was last Christmas, Georgia (Taylor - Toyah Battersby) posted a picture up online, an old one, of Toyah and Spider together, arm and arm with each other, and it went in the papers. My mother-in-law, who is the oracle on all things #Corrie, saw it, rang me up, and said ‘Eh ah duck - you're in the papers’ (Martin said this is a faux Yorkshire accent, so I'm assuming she is) I got sentimental upon seeing the pictures, and my wife said 'You’ve always said you’ll go back, and you're not getting any younger, so pull your finger out!' I called my agent, my agent then rang Corrie, we had some toing and froing, and here I am!

How easy has it been for you to slip back into the role of Spider?

Ahhhh! I want to say it's been difficult and challenging, but you know what, part of me is Spider - obviously. I've always carried a bit of that militancy with me, not to the same extent as he has, I'm more Spider-lite. In that aspect, it has been quite easy to step back into it but at the same time, a bit odd. The funny thing is, going through the years, whenever there’s been any sort of echo news story in the papers around the world, it does make me think back to Spider and how he would react. I think to think Spider is my better self!

Were you nervous to start filming again, and what has the reception been like?

Yes, extremely nervous! I did have sleepless nights and I was very nervous. My first day back was for orientation as it's a new studio, and the first person I bumped into was one of our assistant directors, who was my first when I started originally on the show. The first cast members I met were Georgia (Toyah) and Jane (Leanne) That was just brilliant. A huge warm blanket of love was thrown over me! I was near the dressing rooms and saw some of the older cast members, the years just rolled back!

Are there any new cast members that would particularly like to work with?

Well, he’s not that new, but yes, Joe (Duttine - Tim Metcalfe) because I went to drama school with him. In our 30-year careers, we've never worked together. I think his character is brilliant, I love it. It would be great to work with him.

So why is Spider back in Weatherfield?

The story is that Toyah has a protest with the council - about the recycling and them not meeting up to their responsibilities. Toyah puts a call out to the activist community and Spider answers the call. I think he was around, he happened to hear about it and went anyway. He clambers through a crowd of people and just jumps into a bin wagon that Toyah is sitting in, he's next to her and says’ whatcha - long time no see’ very cheerily like he's never been away. I thought it was just what Spider would be like. Toyah asks him what he’s doing there - and he says he's still around and still in the (protesting) game

Is he the same Spider that we’ve always loved, or has changed somewhat over the years?

He’s a bit creakier than he used to be - but aren't we all! No, he will be pretty similar to the Spider we know and love, without giving away anything.

Toyah and Spider have such a long history together. They both left the street together in 2003 but we viewers are unsure as to what happened next. Do you think there is any unfinished business between them?

Whenever they've parted ways, it's always been with love in their hearts and kind words - they've always been friends. Spider thinks the world of Toyah and she’s the same as Spider, they've always been that way. They are a partnership and a partnership for life.

Toyah has been through a lot recently. When Spider hears what she’s been through, is he more than happy to be a shoulder to cry on or is he hoping for a bit more?

Ooh, saucy! I think that Spider is a man who wants the best for everyone and for those he cares about. He’s happy to be a shoulder to cry on and who knows what else? : you never know with Spider!

Thanks, Martin!!

Spider and Toyah were a brilliant on-screen couple who left Weatherfield together for London in 2003. We don't know what happened next but they did split up again, and quite sometime before Toyah's return to the street on Christmas Day of 2016.

Is Spider’s return a retcon? Did something happen, that we don’t know about, during 2003 - 2011 that is now about to reemerge? Is this going to be relevant to Toyah’s mindset and maybe mitigate the death crash? Will Toyah and Spider reunite again in the face of adversity? Spider’s return to Coronation Street airs in Episode 10679 on Friday 1st of July 2022 so make sure you're tuned in!

I am @rybazoxo Coronation Street Blog Blogger and ardent Corrie Superfan

All original work on Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

Tuesday, 31 May 2022

Frank Bardsley is George's School Bully? Corrie Blog Interviews Simon O'Brien

In November of 1982, newly launched Channel Four debuted Brookside to the soap opera genre. Even though it was 22 years old by then, Coronation Street execs would have been hard pressed not to have taken a glance at this Liverpool based drama. Brookside quickly found its feet by portraying a dark yet pragmatic look at life in Thatcher's 1980s grim and fiscally starved North West. Although it was axed in 2003, the soap was a trailblazer in bringing cutting-edge societal issues to the genre, undoubtedly influencing Corrie and their peers.

Simon O'Brien (L) with his Brookside TV family

Even in 2022, edgy and societal impressions of working-class life remain on our TV screens' directed via our favourite fictional characters: alcoholism, marital violence, murder, disease, child death, disability awareness, and much more - Brookside did it all first! I admit to being a massive fan of Brookside in the 1990s and have watched tons of classic episodes on DVD. A standout was the unexpected stabbing and murder of teen character Damon Grant played by Simon O'Brien, who has just joined Coronation Street as Sean's new love interest; Frank Bardsley. It's an ouroboros moment for this soap fan, and it was a surreal treat to join an ITV Coronation Street press day last week, to chat with Simon and to learn all about the latest new character, Frank Bardsley;

Hello Simon! Welcome to Weatherfield! It's been 40 years since you starred in Brookside. How does it feel being back on a soap?

It's a different world being back on a soap. Brookside filmed in real houses, all on one camera, and effectively broke the mould. It made TV look at issues outside of those four walls. 40 years later, and coming into the ITV Studios - what a machine! It's extraordinary how it works, with the purpose-built sets, and a learning curve to get back into it.

Was Coronation Street a programme that you always wanted to be in?

Everyone’s got to have a pint in the Rovers I think, at some point in their acting career. That is the moment, it's a landmark and an icon. To walk in through those Rovers Return doors is brilliant. The cast or director will say ‘well you've had your rovers moment now!’

What was it like when you first walked into the Rovers?

As an actor, even in the TV profession, Coronation Street is an amazing institute. To sit in a booth in the rovers or to stand at the bar is quite surreal. It's that moment where real life and fiction blend into one. You are playing a character but you still get those butterflies!

What can you tell us about your character, Frank Bardsley? He isn't Sean's usual type?

Sean and Frank hit it off as they have a shared sense of humour. It works as the basis for any good relationship but, Frank isn't his usual type. He has no dress sense and is a few years older than Sean. They have a certain rapport. Sean is smitten and does all the chasing. It's a seemingly blossoming romance, but Frank has a bit of history.

This next week we learn that Frank may not be all he seems to be. Can you tell us what happens when he's introduced to George Shuttleworth?

Frank and Sean's romance blossoms. George walks into the rovers one day, immediately recognising Frank, and in turn, he recognises George as an old school friend. Frank is pleased to see George, but George has to hide the fact that the very sight of Frank makes him feel anxious. George has always been meek and mild-mannered, meaning he was the butt of jokes and bullied at school. It seems that Frank was the ringleader in that.

It's often the case that the school bully rarely remembers behaving that way in the past?

Yes, that's exactly the case of what happens here. George confides in Eileen and he has these suspicions that Frank is not what he appears. George had some very bitter experiences and remembers him being a nasty piece of work. But no one takes that on board and Frank himself is aghast and doesn't see himself as the person that George remembers. He is utterly unaware, it's certainly the case with Frank.

Is Frank going to have his work cut out in trying to convince people that he isn't this monster that George remembers?

As it turns out, it's George that has to do the convincing! Frank is very polite, very witty, and treats Sean well. George tries to tell people to be careful and to be wary of him, but, he gets the wrong end of the stick, and that makes people think that George is making things up. It then transpires that what George accuses Frank of isn’t true at all, therefore, all the onus and pressure is on George to prove that Frank is a bully, and Frank just brushes the whole thing off.

Sean’s son Dylan is also going to be around. Do you think that Frank is up for coping with a child, alongside his new fella?

Well, I think what we can see, where the cracks might start to appear in Frank’s character is that he’s jealous of anyone that has a close bond or a pull on Sean’s time. You're not going to get between a father and son, it's just Frank doesn't see it like that. It becomes a tug-of-war for Sean's affections and Frank's facade starts to drop. I couldn't think of a better character to play, we have that corrie comedy, yet below that, a bit of a seriously flawed man. It's great to play it on both levels when looking at how things will develop!

Thanks, Simon!

So what do we think? Frank appears to be a character of charm but with a dark underside. It's not new territory, however, Simon’s Brookside tutelage could lend itself to current Coronation Street? Could things get dark for Sean, and his returning son, Dylan? Simon is also a Liverpudlian, just like Pat Phelan, and just like George Shuttleworth, thinking about it! It will be interesting to see how this develops!

I am @rybazoxo Cobbles connissieur and Coronation Street superfan.

All original work on Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

Tuesday, 21 December 2021

Festive Fisticuffs For Fiz’s affections? Corrie Blog Chats To Alan Halsall & Jamie Kenna, as Phill & Tyrone Fight on Christmas Day!

With Mimi off the scene, and Phill moving out of Number 9, you could be forgiven for thinking the wheels were in motion for Tyrone’s return to the heart of his family (and Fiz's heart) for Christmas? Wrong! In what promises to be a comedic battle for her flame-haired affections, Coronation Street Blog spoke to Alan Halsall (Tyrone) and the (surprisingly cockney) new boy Jamie Kenna (Phill) to learn all about this Christmas Day funny fracas!

Hi Jamie, The relationship will Fiz has gone well so far, but Mimi has soured the nest a bit?

Yes and No. Does it beg the question of whether that has happened in previous relationships? He loves Fiz, really into her, and I think this is the wake-up call to temper that relationship with Mimi. He needs to cut the apron strings a little bit.

How did you land the role of Phill on Coronation Street?

I auditioned for a different part a few years ago. It was a close call, between me, and the guy who eventually got the job. The feedback was good, but you hear that all the time and I disregarded it. Years later, my agent put me up for the part of Phill (six or seven episodes) and offered it straight away. So, I auditioned for this part a few years ago now. And, when mentioning my accent (Jamie is from London) they were unsure whether I would be cockney or do my northern accent. I just got offered the part (without auditioning) and they weren't sure, so they had to call upstairs and decide on it. Getting the job, I mean, it’s Coronation Street, it’s iconic! I've been acting for 22 years now, but to step on the cobbles on that set, is very special! I always remember a scene when Ken Barlow punched Mike Baldwin, that stuck with me, and now I’m on the show. Incredible!

Talking about Corrie love rivals, like Ken and Mike, Alan (Tyrone Dobbs) has joined us for the interview! In the run-up to Christmas, the battle between Phill and Tyrone is now warming up.

Alan, would you say Tyrone has now realised what he’s been missing and wants Fiz back?

I would say that Ty has realised and in the hardest way possible. He thought the grass was greener with Alina, all in his own making, and every time he looks across Coronation Street, he sees the kids and Fiz and realises just what he's missing. He wants Fiz back, but has this very tall stumbling block in the way!

Jamie, do you think Phill is aware of the fight on his hands? Or is he not that concerned at the minute?

At this stage, I don’t think he’s aware, having not witnessed anything directly of Tyrone’s real feelings. He's aware of some animosity, it’s a bit awkward, and that he wants to offer an olive branch. Phill is not quite aware of the full extent of Tyrone’s regret, nor the battle that he faces at Christmas!

Phill has booked a winter log cabin for Fiz and the girls. How does he feel when Fiz tells him she can’t go? Does this set the tone for Christmas Day? Maybe he’s now not in the best of moods?

That's an interesting one. He had it all planned out, he took Tyrone out for a cup of tea and got his permission. He was looking forward to it, and he has taken a shine to the girls, but he’s a nice guy and tries to put a positive spin on it. He is disappointed.

Alan, when Fiz and the girls turn up on Christmas day, does this put Tyrone in high spirits?

Not at the beginning of the day, no, he’s planning discount fish cakes with his Nanna! It’s hardly the greatest of Christmases, his family are away, and he's having to listen to Evelyn telling him it’s all his fault. So when he opens the door and sees his girls there, it makes his Christmas.

What makes Tyrone try and kiss Fiz? Is it the Christmas alcohol, festive reminiscing, or does he just misjudge it, and think that Fiz would reciprocate?

I think it’s a mixture of all of those things! They’ve had some Christmas drinks, he feels settled being back at number 9, and he thinks Fiz has come back because of him. Tyrone is very capable of misreading things! He misreads it, and Fiz puts him straight.

Jamie, How does Phill feel when he finds out about the kiss?

He’s not happy! I think it’s the first time you will see another side of Phill. He's a nice guy but can only be pushed so far. He’s not happy when he finds out. I don’t want to say too much but it’s certainly a tipping point!

Alan, things soon descend into a typical Corrie Christmas. What can we expect to watch?

Rather than it being a typical fight between them and using fists, they use things lying around the house like Christmas decorations etc. Phill uses his six-foot height to his advantage. It was soo much fun, inflatables, marigolds, and we hope it will put a smile on peoples faces at Christmas. We couldn't waste this opportunity. We get on so well in real life - a real bromance!