Coronation Street Blog: july 2023

Showing posts with label july 2023. Show all posts

Tuesday, 1 August 2023

Was That Corrie's First-Ever ‘Gender Reveal’ Party? Corrie Blog Interviews Tina O’Brien

Last night, Adam Barlow found out the truth about his wife's baby's parentage, and in true Corrie fashion!

I’d guess this is the first 'Gender Reveal' party in Coronation Street’s 63-year history, but the subterfuge, extramarital affair, and espionage that went into covering up that paternity letter was a classic Corrie tale!

We viewers already knew it was Damon's baby, and I knew all about tonight's episode shocker about a month ago when I interviewed Corrie actress Tina O'Brien, who plays Sarah Barlow, who told us all about it!

Hi Tina!

Sarah’s got herself in a bit of a mess. Do you think she thought she was going to get away with it, and how does it make her feel?

I'm not sure she fully got away with it, however, it's all gotten out of hand. She was ready and willing to tell Adam the truth but, with Stephen's involvement, it became harder for her.

Do you think she would let him believe the baby was his?

Because she wants the baby (and not the termination) Sarah hopes she can cope with the guilt. Personally, it's not something I could deal with!

Walking into that gender reveal party, did she know what was coming?

Absolutely no idea - a complete surprise! It was an interesting scene to film - a lot of different emotions. Sarah walks in and knows about the gender reveal but has to pretend she doesn't! - a lot is going on.

How did she feel when the balloon goes up in front of all her friends and family?

Shame, devastation, embarrassment, and scared. She doesn't know where it's all come from. She feels sick to the stomach!

Did she think Adam would ever be capable of doing anything like that to her?

No. Adam's a solicitor and very level-headed; she’s usually the one that's kind of up and down. She wouldn't have seen this coming from him!

Thanks, Tina for this great catch-up!

***

It's funny you know. When I first interviewed Tina for this blog I mustered some courage and asked her a direct question about whether she thought Adam and Sarah would ever have a child together (this was just after they'd married). Tina gave a great response. I’m kinda hoping I influenced something there!

Will Sarah carry this child full-term? Is the marriage of the Barlow/Platt clans now over? Will Sarah remember that Harry's father was also a bad boy drug dealer?

The first-gender reveal party, it may have been, but have we seen this all before?

This was the final article in my latest series of summer spoilers cast chats so I’m now returning to my weekly episode reviews. I may also avoid spoilers for the foreseeable. It’s been brilliant getting weeks ahead of the show, but it does take the magic out!

What are your thoughts on Corrie? Let us know in the comments section.

I am @rybazoxo Coronation Street Blogger and cobbles connoisseur!

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

Sunday, 23 July 2023

Corrie Blog Interviews Martin Hancock - Spider Exits The Street! What Now For Toyah?

This week, Spider Nugent left Coronation Street and sweetheart Toyah behind, as he continued his undercover police career off-screen. A sad departure, and ridiculous shoot-outs aside, Spider's year-long revival and entrenchment in the right-wing grooming storyline, has been delightful. With Lauren's Dad getting jailed and Max's redemption, this particular storyline is now over? I was sad to see Spider go this week, without mentioning 'Aunty Em' aka Emily Bishop, or his former number three residency, but equally happy to chat with Martin Hancock (who has played Geoffrey 'Spider' Nugent since 1997) for my latest Coronation Street Blog Interview. June of 2022 was when we last spoke, following the announcement of Spider's return, so it seems only right, and rather ouroboros, that I write up his latest exit interview!

Hello Martin! After this week’s kidnap drama, we've seen the end of Spider and Toyah. What do you think went wrong for these childhood sweethearts?

Life’s gone wrong between them - it's just bad luck and circumstance! What's been happening previously in Spider’s life and what's been happening previously in Toyah’s life have conspired to do them down in the end. They are both committed people but for now, it's just not workable.

Do you think Spider has put his job before his relationship or is it a bit more than that?

I think we've touched on this a few times in the episodes, it was a bit spideresque and naive to think you could work undercover in the community and then stay in the community you were undercover in! His desire to be with Toyah back in Weatherfield overrode his judgement. I don't think he put his career first - he put Toyah first - his career has drawn him back in. He thought he was going to get a second chance at happiness. He will be desperately sad about the way things have ended. Whatever version of Spider we are talking about, he does love Toyah. They've had a 25-year relationship and he will be gutted that it didn't work out this time!

They've both been through a lot before and again this time. Do you think they will always have that love between them?

I don’t think it's the end of this story. These two will always have that bit of love there.

Did you think Spider would have been happy to have settled in Weatherfield?

Yeah, I think the thing with Spider is that he’s such a hothead he loves getting behind a good cause and wants to change the world. I think this time may have been a wake-up call for him. It made him think that he could stay around the one place -his younger self wouldn't have thought that!

How do you feel about Spider's departure? Do you think he’s leaving with unfinished business?

I’d like to think he is leaving with unfinished business, not immediately, but yeah, I think there is some unfinished business for him in Weatherfield.

Have you enjoyed your time back on the show?

I've enjoyed it immensely coming back. When I was younger I was a bit too enamoured by the party scene, so it was nice to come back as an older and wiser person to really enjoy it for what it is, which is a great show with great people, I've really enjoyed it!

You came back as part of Max’s grooming and right-wing extremism. Did you feel proud to be part of that?

Massively! The rise of extremism is frightening - it's so subtle sometimes, the way it works and infiltrates young minds - it will destroy society if we don't address it, so yes massively proud to have been part of that storyline. Working with some very talented young actors, and Michael Condron (who played Griff) was just brilliant.

What's been the best thing about returning to Coronation Street this time?

It's the same as last time - the people. It's a lovely atmosphere - the crew is hilarious they are a funny bunch. I love all that, and the green room. I will miss the banter and the Corrie one-liners, those tongue-in-cheek moments. There is a family feel to it. I will miss the gang.

Did you enjoy playing a more mature version of Spider this time?

Yeah although I did have a few hankerings for the more comedic older version of Spider. There were a few times when Jane Danson (Leanne) and I had some of the old Spider/Leanne rivalries come in, and it would have been fun to wind up Audrey again. Seriously, Spider was great, and we dealt with more hardcore and heavier issues!

Would you consider coming back to the show in future?

Yes!! Of course! I said it the first, second and third time around, and this is now my fourth - I love this show!

***

Thanks, Martin! Let's hope Spider returns to the show soon? My obsession with Corrie really began to take hold in the late 90s. As my teenage years developed, Toyah and Spider's romance and Brian Parks' controversial 'axe-man' era gave the show a much-needed refresher, drawing in the younger audience, AKA me. The youthful injection worked, and nearly 30 years later, a teenage me would be proud to say I've sat in on two cast interviews with one of my all-time favourite characters!!

What do you think about Spider's exit? Where does this leave Toyah's future on the cobbles? The qualified counsellor seems okay working at the Bistro and living in her sister's flat. Not long ago she killed Imran, escaped justice, and seems to have forgotten all about her former life as an echo warrior, ex-Rovers landlady, and staunch vegetarianism. As Spider's now gone - could she be next? Toyah’s flowery dresses and left-wing sensibilities make her one of my fave female characters, so I'd hope not, but you wonder where else she can go?

I am @rybazoxo, your Coronation Street Blogger and die-hard Corrie fan!

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

Sunday, 9 July 2023

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!

***

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

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

Monday, 26 June 2023

Lauren returns and wants Max back? Corrie Blog interviews Cait Fitton

Fresh from his STC release, Max Turner's hardly kept himself under house arrest upon returning to Weatherfield life. He’s riled Alya by letter bombing Speed Daal and gained a new love interest with Bec, the girlfriend of his cell-mate who is still inside. With revelations of his racist past still causing repercussions, you’d think things couldn't get any worse for the troubled youngster, but this week sees the return of his former beau, Lauren Bolton!

In tonight's episode (June 26th) Gav is back at the precinct, having been released from the STC, announcing his intention to marry Bec. When Max reveals that Bec has moved on, and she’s going out with Max now, Gav’s furious. Later, the lovebirds share a kiss but don't realise they are being watched by Lauren.

On Wednesday, Max is shocked when Lauren approaches, revealing that she fell out with her Mum, wants nothing more to do with her Dad (or his right-wing mates), and spent last night kipping in the bus station. Max takes her to the café for a catch-up. He then learns that the CPS want him to make a statement against Griff, which Spider encourages. Lauren then makes a move on Max. Has she returned to try and save Griff, or does she still have feelings for Max?

In my latest Coronation Street cast chat, we spoke with actress Cait Fitton (who plays Lauren) about her character's return. Cait told us ‘I think, deep down she (Lauren) craves attention and wants that affection. It's sad as she’s never had that. She doesn't understand compassion or empathy, because of her background, and how she’s been brought up'

Lauren is also a victim of grooming by her own Dad. Will we see her still under his influence, or has she changed in light of what has happened to Max?

She’s been away for six months, and gone through these experiences that would change a person. I think she just wants to be accepted now. She wants to be taken away from what she was known for, and what her Dad was known for, and she just wants to be herself. But, she can't do that on her own. I think acceptance for Lauren is a big thing and she’s willing to show everybody she has changed.

What does she want from Max?

She’s desperate. Her relationship with her Mum is so toxic, she hasn't got that mother/daughter bond with her. She has no friendship groups and her dad’s in prison. She’s no safety net and needs Max’s help

How does she feel seeing Max with Bec?

It's hard for her because there are so many emotions. She’s a ticking time bomb who puts a front on. She’s instantly hurt, shocked, and betrayed; feelings that are all relevant on this occasion, but she’s suppressing her feelings and there’s a chance she will explode. She wants Max to be happy. Lauren was used as bait in the right-wing plot and feels guilty, but is heartbroken at seeing him with Bec. She’s no malice against Bec, it's just devastating for her!

***

Personally, I'm glad to see her back. Normally (being 40 + years old) I don't get too enamoured with these teenage storylines, but the right-wing grooming plot drew a lot of the ensemble cast together, and I liked it a lot! I may be biased due to my crush on Sair Khan (Alya Nazir) but it is what it is! Anyway, I digress. Could the reformed former bad-boy be drawn back into a romance with Lauren, or (as I suspect) is she being used as bait again in the final hope of somehow mitigating Griff’s sentencing?

Watch Coronation Street tonight to find out - it looks to be another great week on the cobbles!

I am @rybazoxo your Coronation Street blogger