Coronation Street Blog: kevin webster

Showing posts with label kevin webster. Show all posts

Thursday, 28 July 2022

Coronation Street Episode Review;Wednesday 27th of July 8 pm

Relations between Coronation Street and Canada go back 62 years. From Harry Elton to Steve Tanner, through to today's Stephen Reid, even in the real world, Corrie's Canadian fan base is well known, well-loved, and well respected.

Tonight, Kev Webster risks it all by whacking a wrench through Stephen's flash car. Surely this is a culmination of the last few years rather than the past few weeks? I think Stephen’s obnoxiousness and moneyed entitlement ( not unlike Doctor Thorne) is the naked flame to Kev’s metaphorical tinderbox. He's had enough with Jack, Alfie's cot, social services visits, apprentice Aaron, and earache from Debbie, and he explodes in true Kev Webster fashion. I doubt Abi will relapse anytime soon, but nobody thought about Kev, did they? Paul calls Tyrone to the scene resulting in the police arriving too. Kev's then told he's facing criminal damage, which would put Abi’s parental rights in jeopardy. We even had a scene with Abi telling Wendy just how good things are now, which drove the point home.

Aaron’s role in all this deserved a wrenching as well, I thought. The apprentice was more worried about Summer and got mugged, off-screen, which caused Summer more worry. Is it misplaced worry? Something seems off with this young chap doesn't it? Elsewhere, the new factory P.A took a familiar grilling from Beth and her first day was just loads of brewing up. Wasn’t Rosie Webster, another brainbox, a P.A at the factory, too? All very familiar isn't it? Elsewhere, Tyrone manages to smooth things over with Stephen, explaining Kev’s pressures, but will it get Kevin out of trouble? That final scene of Stephen looking angry sat at the cop shop, said it all.

Kev’s sister, Debbie, is in similar trouble as she scrambles to get the money together for Aggie’s compo claim. Instead of resorting to literal violence, Debbie dabbled in verbal vitriol, grilling Leanne with ideas for Bistro theme nights. I doubt a few extra sold bottles of vino would raise £30k that quickly. Also at the Bistro, Audrey tells Nick she's not signing the shop lease, so Debbie won't be getting that cash either! Audrey did look out of sorts tonight but failed to mention her hospital stay to Nick or Stephen.

Meanwhile, Stu bumps into an old friend at Speed Daal and realising his friend is a bit skint, Stu buys the fella a meal, which gives him an idea for a local (not a) foodbank, also getting Roy's Rolls and Dev's chippy involved in selling discounted food. Following last week's ridiculous ransom malarkey (£24K, I'm still not over that) it was nice to see Corrie embrace today's real-world cost of living crisis. I miss Janice and Les in situations like this, maybe Ches and Gemma will be deserving recipients, instead? It did help push Stu and Yasmeen's romance along, which is blossoming, and it gave us a few lovely moments between them tonight. It was great seeing those two together, unlike our Canadian contingent, Stephen Reid, who I can't stand for some reason. I'm glad Kevin whacked his car, but will Kev live to regret it?

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

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Sunday, 29 May 2022

A Happy Future For Abi, Alfie, and Kevin? Corrie Blog Interviews Sally Carman

By the time this goes to press, you will be aware of a Corrie car crash that leaves Toyah unconscious and Imran battling to save her life. Abi’s relationship with the slippery solicitor is acrimonious at the best of times - any cooperation over baby Alfie’s welfare has had Toyah acting as an innocent intermediary, whilst Abi’s recovery and thirst for motherhood are apparent. As the crash causes serious repercussions, I wonder if vehicle mechanic Abi has anything to do with this car accident?

On May the 5th I joined ITV online for a Coronation Street Zoom to chat with Sally Carman, who plays Abi, to learn more about it.

Hi Sally! What has the past year been like for you, with everything that Abi has been through?

It’s like wow, can so much happen to one person! It's been amazing, and then something else happens like surprise births, children being taken away, etc I cant believe I get the chance to have a go at these kinds of storylines, I’m just delighted and I’m rubbing my hands with glee every time I get the scripts!

With the latest storyline, Abi has found out about Imran’s various schemes enabling custody of Alfie. Is she surprised at how low he goes to get what he wants?

No. the one thing about Abi is that she is honest - even if she gets it wrong. She took Imran at his word she believed that he wouldn't fight dirty in the custody of Alfi so when he shows his true colours, using her drug addiction against her and in an untruthful way, it's just gutting. She's trying to build up trust within herself and for other people, and this is as low as it gets for her. He’s not gone about it in the best way.

Is she disappointed at Toyah’s behaviour? She’s been there for Abi and supported her, even though she is Imran’s wife?

I think it's a bit different with Toyah because Abi can recognise that she’s a good person. She has her vulnerabilities, and I believe that Abi thinks that Toyah is trying to do the right thing although the lines are getting blurred. She knows that Toyah has been manipulated by Imran and knows that Toyah has always wanted a child. Abi has proven herself to be unstable, yet Toyah was the one who told her to fight for this child in the first place. Abi did do Toyah wrong by sleeping with Imran. Nobody has come out of this looking good.

This week, in the build-up to the crash, Abi seems to have regained her inner passion and fight and seemingly will do anything to keep her son. Do you think that Abi is the best parent for Alfie?

I think when Abi thinks about her failings, it instils a fire in her belly to try and do things right by carrying on. She has a good heart, and it has to always come from there - the amount she feels things, and she has a desperate desire and craving for a family unit - she has a lot of love to give. When she makes her mind up, and has clarity for wanting to keep Alfie, and has the chance, then yes she does. Abi can get through anything.

Kevin is also enamoured by Abi and her newly found fighting spirit, deciding to help her to leave the country with Alfie. Does Abi still love Kevin?

When Kevin does come up trumps for her, conspiring to get her out of the country, Abi is blown away by his devotion, falling even further in love with him.

Do you think that Abi could co-parent Alfie with Toyah and Imran if that option was on the table?

Yes, she would. There was a scene in Roys Rolls where Roy suggested that to her, which hit home. Abi wants to do what is best for her son.

In this upcoming Corrie week that we are talking about, Abi is preparing to escape with Alfie, when news reaches her and Kevin that Toyah and Imra have had a car crash. How does she feel when the police take them both in for questioning?

Abi’s had many past moments falsely accused of such things. It makes her think that this is the time, and she’s concerned about what Kevin may have done to the car. She gets reassurance that he hasn't done anything, but she does still panic and struggles to rationale the situation.

Is she shocked when Kevin tells her that he wants to fight for Alfie and be a family together?

Yes, she thought that ship has sailed, and that she was blown that big time. It's a bit of a pinch yourself moment for her. She’s talking about fleeing the country and Kevin wants to help her with that, it's very bittersweet, but is determined that nothing is going to stop her from keeping her son this time.

Abi has been at the forefront of some serious Coronation Street drama these past two years. How do you wind down at the end of a typical ‘Abi’ day?

When it's full-on, you're looking at 12 hour days, and reading scripts at the weekend, so when you get a chance to zone out I find it easy to put the telly on and rest up. I’m good at being able to do the scenes and then turn off. I never take work home, Abi stays very much in Weatherfield!

Thanks, Sally!

Abi has been at the forefront of Corrie dramatics these past few years, even torching Ray Crosby's car, in the not too distant past. Could she have tampered with Imran's vehicle, too? No spoilers from us but I would suggest you definitely watch it this week! Some shockers are surely in store...

The accolades and awards bestowed on this actress aren't surprising, and I can tell you something else, Corrie fans, Sally is an absolute delight to interview! It's so good to hear her laugh, unlike the downtrodden Abi Webster!

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Keep your eyes on this blog for more cast interviews, backstage gossip, episode reviews, and storyline previews!

I am @rybazoxo Cobble's Connoisseur and Coronation Street superfan.

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

Friday, 20 May 2022

Will Kevin Help Abi Flee Weatherfield? Corrie Blog interviews Michael Le Vell

Kevin Webster has reeled in revelations recently regarding his estranged wife Abi, yet still harbours the thought of possible reconciliation between them. Even though Kevin found out that Imran fathered her baby, it would seem that he still wants Abi back, and is determined to help her keep baby Alfie, regardless of the consequences.

Will Kevin follow his heart and ultimately reunite with his wife, or will he play it safe to protect himself and his son Jack?

In his 39th(!) year on Coronation Street, it was a huge honour to attend a Corrie zoom press event to chat with Michael Le Vell, to learn about his latest storyline.

Hi Michael! The relationship between Kevin and Abi is something a lot of viewers have warmed to. Do you think that Kevin has ever regretted getting involved with Abi?

You know what, not one bit! I think she’s brought out a different dimension to him. She’s exciting to him, he doesn't know what he’s going to get from one day to the next. It keeps him on his toes.

What does Kevin see in Abi? Sally Carman says that Abi has a huge heart. Do you think Kevin would agree with that?

Yes, I think he sees that and he always sees the flaws in her as well. No one is perfect, but he loves her. When you love someone you see through their faults, and love them, despite those faults. If Kevin ever falls on hard times, he knows Abi would be there for him, regardless.

Most people would simply walk away, if Abi did to them, what she did to Kevin. Yet, this week, he offers to help her run off with Alfie. On that basis, does he feel that Abi has it in her to be a good Mother?

He knows 100%. He’s seen the regret she has over losing the twins, and then what happened with Seb. He knows she’s got it in her to be a good Mum! Kev’s not been perfect in the past either, so maybe he needs to eat humble pie and be there for her.

Next year is your 40th anniversary on the show, and here you are at the centre of another huge storyline. Do you still enjoy playing Kevin after this time?

I love it - absolutely love it! I get different scripts every week and I've been blessed with the actors that I've been put with - it makes a job a lot easier. Working with Sally Dynevor, Sally Carman, and Joe Duttine is not like coming to work at all. I've been blessed with the people around me.

During your time on the show, Kevin has been involved in several huge storylines. Do you feel proud to be involved in another vast Corrie soap week?

Oh yeah, I'm always proud. It doesn't matter what script you get, it's such an honour to be part of the show and the fact they are still using me, gives you good faith in yourself. I just want to do my best, so that viewers like it.

Did you ever imagine, when you started playing Kevin Webster, that you’d still be in the role nearly forty years later?

No, I came in as 'Neil Grimshaw' first, one of Rita’s paperboys, for a few episodes, and then a producer, Judy Hayfield, when that finished, she said they’d find something else for me. I wasn't booked for Kevin Webster, I was in the corridor waiting to audition for a programme called ‘Scully’ and Judy H walked past and asked if I was auditioning for Kevin Webster. I said no, she said to leave it with me. I came back the next day, auditioned, and got the job, which was twelve episodes. I then finished those twelve episodes, went off and did panto at Oldham Collissuem, and then got asked back to Coronation Street. That was nearly forty years ago!

Are there any highlights that stand out for you from those forty years?

It's funny actually, two people came up to me in a supermarket the other day, and they'd been watching classic corrie, an episode where Kevin and Alison lost their baby. It was a scene with Sally when Kevin breaks down and he has a line saying 'what am I supposed to do with all of that love, now the baby has been taken away?' and it was emotional stuff. It reminded me of that moment and it always comes back to me. I love doing the strong storylines with the emotional stuff, like when Sally had to tell Kevin that she had breast cancer. Then there are the scenes, like moving in with Hilda Ogden, even though Hilda hated Sally at the beginning. There have been so many, like saving Bet from the fire at the rovers, and acting in the tram crash live episodes too. Lots of happy times!

You’ve played the character for nearly 40 years. How similar are you and Kevin Webster?

Very similar, yes. You cant play a character for nearly 40 years and some of your personality not come through. It's not like playing a different character every week, your playing the same person. I've been Kevin Webster for nearly as long as I’ve been Michael Le Vell! I was only 18 when I joined the show.

Bill Roache who plays Ken Barlow just turned 90 years young, and said he’d be happy to be on the show until he’s at least 100. Could you see yourself playing Kevin at that age?

Well, it's a nice thought. As long as you can keep remembering your lines, where you work, and getting there every day, why not. That's the thing with our job, you don't have to retire aged 65 as they still want older characters. You don't retire from acting, acting retires you. If I'm still here in 37 years, I'd be happy to still do it!

What an amazing privilege to be sat in a press chat with a true Coronation Street legend. I’ve actually met Michael Le Vell in real life, and on the street set itself (humble brag) and I can assure you, he did remind me of Kevin Webster!

Kevin is obviously still besotted with Abi, married to her, and willing to help her with baby Alfie, but will he risk Jack’s future, too? This story is part of Corrie's BIG SOAP WEEK, with its own shiny trailer, so keep your eye on this blog for more cast interviews, backstage gossip, episode reviews, and storyline previews, ahead of this explosive Coronation Street week!

I am @rybazoxo your Cobbles connoisseur and Coronation Street superfan.

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

Monday, 7 March 2022

Abi’s Shock Pregnancy Kickstart's New Corrie Schedule! - Corrie Blog Interviews Sally Carman

Abi Webster's life is an emotional tinder box of self-destruction - and one usually ready to explode at any given point. She is Coronation Street's go-to character for a plethora of vulnerability, self-doubt, addiction, self-loathing, and grief-stricken sadness. It’s been a rocky road for Abi from the off and the only real calming effect on her life has been Kevin and Jack Webster. Having recently married, Kev and Abi seemed happy and were all set to embark on a glamping honeymoon.

However, this is soapland, and Abi’s secret one-night stand was revealed to Kevin, via his ex-wife Sally and a misbehaving Bluetooth. Corrie viewers know that she slept with solicitor Imran, following Seb’s murder trial, and she even had a pregnancy scare, just to add to the dramatics. It made for an interesting Christmas, and I was super surprised that she wasn't pregnant, actually, but disaster was averted. Imran has told Toyah he was unfaithful (but not who with) and following his recent discovery, Kevin presumes Abi had it away with her ex, Tez. Fuming with his new wife, Kevin has taken Jack away in the campervan and left Abi alone at home. In typical Abi style, she hits that self-destruct button again and embarks on drug-fuelled alcoholic oblivion.

Last night, we saw Kevin return home to find Abi and Dean cosy on the sofa, high on drink and drugs. Kevin orders Abi to pack her things and get out and then Dean steals Kevin’s garage keys. Abi races over to the garage to find Dean revving a customer’s car. She leaps in the passenger seat and makes a grab for the key, but Dean’s too quick and they’re soon careering down a country road in the stolen car. As Abi doubles over in pain, Dean stops the car. She crouches by the side of the road in agony. Dean races off leaving her alone and she calls for an ambulance.

Abi has been in addiction recovery for quite some time now. Will this latest relapse be her final undoing, or is this the pain she’s feeling, something more unexpected? As I say, this is soapland, so I think we can expect a twist or two…

Back at the beginning of February, I was lucky enough to join a Coronation Street press day on Zoom, to chat with actress Sally Carman to learn more about Abi’s latest (and most serious) self-destruction* ;

*Warning - this interview contains spoilers for tonight's episode. If you don't want to know now, please look away and read something else… you have been warned.

The secret about Abi’s one-night stand with Imran is yet to come out. Is Abi confident that she can use Tez as a smokescreen to ensure it stays that way?

‘I think she’s desperately trying to protect Imran, he’s engaged to Toyah now, and adopting Elsie, so she wants to stop this secret from getting out. In her stupid and immature way, she’s trying to do less damage in saying it was Tez. However, when the truth does come out, it’s actually only going to cause more upset and devastation’

Why has Abi hit self-destruction yet again? Seb’s birthday hits her hard, but surely she would have learnt something from her recent past!

‘In fairness to Abi, the truth is, she’s learning so much that she’s not dealing with everyday problems. These are life-changing events that are hitting her, and anyone would go under, anyone! She’s just climbing back up on her two feet after losing Seb and then this all happens, and it's too much for her. She doesn't know what to do. Instead, she does what she does know, which is self-destruction and she’s not thinking that Kev would come back and find her with Dean’

Abi is sitting in the stolen car with Dean but then has to get out as she’s doubled up in pain. Does she understand what is happening to her body?

‘Well, this is the brilliant thing about Abi. For all of the life-knocks, she’s such a fighter. In this instance, she’s got two choices, and she decided to fight and realises that she has to get to the hospital. It doesn't take her long to realise that she’s having contractions, she’s had three kids, but then is surprised that this is happening at all!!’

Why had Abi not noticed that she was six months pregnant?

‘She’d not noticed as she had no symptoms at all. She thought she was when she told Imran but then had her period. She then became preoccupied with all of her relationship problems, so it was pushed to the back of her mind. It didn't even occur to her that there could have been a pregnancy as there weren't any signs. Nothing’

Can you talk us through what happens, when Abi arrives at the hospital?

‘She gives a false name and is full of shame. She’s massively in shock and not thinking straight. Again, she’s reverting to what she knows. When her back’s against the wall, and she’s feeling all of these negative feelings - she panics. That's why she gives the false name, and she’s worried whether the police would be called and was emotionally overloaded and wasn't able to see the wood for the trees!'

How is Abi feeling when she goes into labour, she must know that the baby is being born prematurely?

‘Yes, she's absolutely terrified. Instinctively, she's really nurturing. If she’d had been brought up differently or had a different life experience, she would have been an amazing mother, and she still can be? Every time she gets the chance to embrace and be that person, something happens. She does have a desire but embraces it, and she’s high on drugs and can't see anything, complete distortion, and still too much for her, She doesn't know what to do’

She has the baby, a little boy, but then decides to do a runner! As you say, she is nurturing, so why does she leave the hospital and the baby behind?

‘I think it’s for the same reason that she gave up the twins, It’s because she doesn't believe she can look after him properly. From her point of view, she’s already failed the baby and he’s only just been born. She’s wrecked the start of his life, and in her head, she cant offer him anything. He’s been born too soon so she thinks that's probably to do with the drugs. She has no home, no job, and no prospects, so she decides to give him up’

Surprisingly, she heads back to Weatherfield. She’s in a terrible way medically, both physically and mentally. Does she have a plan, does she try to think this hasn't happened maybe - what is she thinking?

‘It's a bit of both. She's in huge denial and thinks she can just shut down and get away from it, by doing what she’s done before. She is clearly not thinking straight, she’s in a bad way and is out of her mind’

Thanks, Sally!!!

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Soo, Abi unexpectedly gives birth to Imran’s baby and then flees the scene. Kevin doesn't know, Toyah doesn't know and more importantly, neither does Imran! Is Abi going to give up another child, or is the truth about her one-night stand with Imran going to come out? Little baby Alfie (named after Seb’s teddy bear) has a fight on his hands, and so do his Dad and Mum. I can't want to see how this pans out!!

Sally Carman’s palpable and phenomenal portrayal of this multi-faceted and multi-layered character never disappoints and Corrie is 100% correct to utilise her superb acting skills (it’s the same with Jane Danson). As we head towards a new Corrie TV schedule, they are starting it with a twist and this is going to be explosive stuff for a lot of Coronation Street residents.

I am @rybazoxo your cobbles connoisseur