Until Next Time, Mr Phelan

So Pat Phelan has departed our lives for good; or so the residents of Weatherfield believe. Phelan's demise has been promised for quite some time now, and while I'm sure that his eventual exit will be spectacular, the street will definitely be left with a villainous gap.

There have been many ups and downs with Phelan's ongoing storyline. The Whitehaven episodes were so tense; Sue Cleaver and Connor McIntyre were just breathtaking as we were wondering who would return to Weatherfield, if anyone. As Phelan held onto the sea-wall for dear life, in a bid to get Eileen to rescue him, he revealed that he knew where Todd was and if he dies, so does Todd. Screaming "liar", Mrs Phelan Grimshaw kicked him down to his expected death. After we saw the murderous villain plunge into the sea, Phelan somehow managed to get himself to Ireland, where we saw him play doctor and sew up his own leg. Nice. It remains a mystery how Pat got to the Emerald Isle, maybe he swam? Nevertheless, he is now secretly hiding out, masquerading as Mr Frost.

In his rampage of riot throughout the years, Pat has eliminated some characters that, to be honest, I don't miss (sorry 'bout it Andy & Luke). Although, I'm a little disappointed that Phelan deprived the world of reading Andy's novel. But, these things happen when you get on the wrong side of Coronation Street's latest serial killer *insert shoulder shrug*. He even turned on Billy a few weeks ago, which I have to say was an outstanding scene. It was so unexpected and Pat really didn't hold back. It's not very often that I'm sat watching with my mouth gaped open but I was *shook* (as was Billy, quite literally). I think in the end it was only Phelan's doting wife who believed in him, and we all know how that ended. Side note: I'm sure Eileen never used to be that naive; it must be Pat's killer charm.

However, there is a fine line in my opinion between the outstanding, soap-award-worthy scenes, and the ones that don't belong in a soap. Corrie has come under fire in recent weeks/months for being too dark, which I do agree with to some degree. One of the prime examples is, surprise surprise, Phelan massacring Andy and Vinny in a couple of harrowing episodes. Yes, it was dramatic. Yes, it was brilliantly acted. Was it Coronation Street? No. Far from it. They were the kind of episodes you find in a television thriller. Which is great, if you're watching a television thriller. Give me Pat just putting the frighteners on some poor soul any day. I think I'll leave the violent murder to some kind of crime drama.

On the other hand, it's pretty much inevitable that these scenes will go down in Corrie history.

As his reign of terror will soon come to an end, I ask myself; will I miss Pat Phelan? The answer is yes. Lots. Mr McIntyre has been absolutely brilliant, making us quake in our boots every time Pat gives someone that infamous Phelan glare, or every time a red van drives past our house.

Love him or loathe him, no one will ever forget the name, Pat Phelan.

Sophie Williams

Read some more of my general natterings on Twitter @sophie_jw26. 

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All About Alya

This week’s Corrie presented us with an opportunity to say a fitting farewell to the lovely Luke Britton, and to ensure he got the send off he richly deserved for being, well, rather lovely. And of course, murdered in his prime. You would think the only thing that could spoil it would be Pat, the man who killed him, turning up at his funeral to mingle among the unsuspecting mourners. Yes, this happened; ooh that Phelan has some nerve! But he had competition in the form of Luke's girlfriend, Alya Nazir.

Grief is a very personal thing. Everyone deals with it differently, and in their own way. It's not our place to judge, and the best we can do is to be there for those suffering. But, as this is Coronation Street, and not real life, I ask, was I alone in finding myself frustrated that Alya seemingly went out of her way to make Luke's funeral all about her? 

On the previous Friday, we heard Zeedan tell Tyrone that she was feeling “out on a limb” regarding the funeral arrangements, having never met Luke’s parents, but she made sure to rectify that by putting herself front and centre at the service and beyond. And still without ever meeting his parents.

First, though, there was Monday, and by the second episode she was watching cars going around on the television and crying into her duvet, lamenting the fact that “it always ends like this” before needlessly falling out with the caring, prodigal Kate. Just how many boyfriends of Alya's have been run off the road and murdered before going up in flames? The only thing I could deduce was that she was talking about herself losing a loved one, and in truth, she's had her fair share of that.

Wednesday inevitably came around, and it's the day of the funeral. Despite the love and support of Yasmeen, Alya barely looks back at her grandmother, left hovering awkwardly in the aisle as she takes her place in the front row, albeit at Steph's insistence. Without so much as a glance at Luke’s parents, paying any condolences, or thinking it might be more appropriate for her to at least shuffle down the row a bit, she takes the place of chief mourner.

I was already feeling more than a little irked at this stage, when the unthinkable happened. At the very last moment of farewell, Alya ran crying from the service leaving everyone watching her dramatic departure rather than taking one last look and paying those most final of respects as the curtains closed on Luke’s coffin. On a side note, Phelan was the only one focussed completely on his victim disappearing once and for all; ooh that Pat has some nerve, etc.

Back to the Alya show where, now outside, she’s being comforted by her family as she cries “it’s my fault that they killed Luke, it’s my fault that he’s dead”. Yes, she continues to labour under the misapprehension that the racist knicker dealers are responsible for his death. Fair enough I suppose, in the absence of any other obvious candidates. But then she blubs, “I’m not going to the wake. I can’t face it with everyone there” when, in fact, that’s precisely what she should have done. Sometimes the hard thing to do is the right thing. But no, she swerves it for the Bistro where she's surrounded by about as many people as were likely to be at the real one.

When Steph, who was more than understanding in the circumstances, came in and remarked that she didn’t know there was another wake afoot, Alya said, “I’m sorry, that’s my fault. I couldn’t face it. Did your parents think I was rude?” So even Luke's parents are meant to focus on her today, a girlfriend they’ve never met and who never bothered to introduce herself to them, express her condolences, or show up at the actual wake? A likely presumption.

Alya's last act of the day is to disappear and text Zeedan to say she couldn’t have gotten through it without them all. Oh I was annoyed, though there was no doubting that Sair Khan did a great job.

It was also a big day for Kate. She got to do a reading at the service, revealed the whole truth behind Rana’s half confession to Zeedan, and learned that Carla needs a kidney and, pending tests, may be the one to donate it. Yet somehow, it felt like this had all happened to Alya as well. Pat Phelan must have been pleased. Nobody had cause to give him a second look!

By Emma Hynes
www.emmahynes.net

Twitter: @ELHynes
Facebook: @EmmaHynesWrites
Instagram: emmalouhynes

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Coronation Street Episode Review. Weds 31 Jan, 7.30pm

Tonight's first visit to Coronation Street starts on a morose slant; the day of Luke Britton's funeral has dawned. Alya is now grieving longer than the actual relationship and continues to blame herself. The real grieving, of course, comes from the return of Luke's sister Steph (much to Phelan's dismay).

At the crematorium, Luke's ex-girlfriends assemble to mourn, with Audrey at the helm. As Luke's pallbearers bring in the coffin, Eileen and Phelan's presence isn't unnoticed and neither is that of Weatherfield police.

Kate Connor delivers a wonderful eulogy (a funeral mainstay, in fact) which was 'Miss me and Let Me Go' by the wonderful Christina Rossetti. A tried and tested tear-jerker, it was a poem that added some real pathos to the drama. Well done Corrie!

Back on the cobbles, Eva and Toyah's baby swap plan continues to bear fruit. Also at Roys Rolls, Carla is lamenting life and heads 'out and about'... over to the bistro!

Dishing out advice about grabbing life and its chances, its great to see Carla back in the fold but has she had too many coffees?.

With Luke's 'wake' taking place elsewhere, the residents reside between The Rovers Return and Nick's Bistro to celebrate and commiserate the life of the garage lothario.

In The Rovers Return, Phelan's presence is uncomfortably felt. Tim, obviously aware and fearful of Pat, decides he wants to take Faye & Sally to his Dads, regardless of his wife's mayoral duties nor of her feelings. Confiding in Kevin, is a dent about to be wedged in the mayoress's marriage, and is Tim next in line for Phelan's murderous streek?.

Steph returns to her old workplace, having been unable to face the wake. Subtly wondering where Andy, Steph ponders the past and wonders if he was 'the one'. As the moment passes, a shattered KANA (aka Rana & Kate) are sharing lingering glances across the bar.

Unable to handle the sheer grief, confusion and emotional weight, Kate finally succumbs and tells Rana their relationship is all but over!. Rana retreats to number 6.

Zeedan then heads home to find Rana overcome with heartache. Unable to contain her lie any longer, she tells her husband that she's in love with someone else!!. Will Rana finally tell Zeedan the truth?.

And as Carla leaves the Bistro after too many coffees (or rather her deteriorating kidney condition) she collapses. Quick someone ring for Roy!

Anyway, that's me done for another week. I'm off for a whisky and a game of monopoly with Steve McDonald.

TARA!

I am @rybazoxo -Your Cobbles Connoisseur

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We reveal Dean Fagan's next acting role

Dean Fagan, whose character Luke Britton was killed off in tonight's Coronation Street, will be joining a new play in Manchester next month.

The play is called D'Eon and it premieres at the Hope Mill Theatre in February 2018.

Dean will play the role of  Beaumarchais in the play that includes​ celebrity, intrigue and scandal aplenty.

D’Eon is the bizarre and amazing true story of one of the most infamous, outrageous, unsung warriors of history and the first openly documented transgendered person in European history.

The play runs for one week from February 13-17 2018.

More details here

Read more Corrie news, interviews, gossip and spoilers  

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Coronation Street Episode Review; Weds 3rd Jan 2017 7.30pm

Welcome to part one of tonight's blog review.

It's a huge HAPPY NEW YEAR! from me to all you Corrie Blog readers, as we delve into 2018's Wednesday double episodes.

Tonight's episode begins with a reminder of Carla's birthday. Roy wishes to organise a family party for the Connor cavalry, in hope that Carla will choose to stay on the street.Not content with moving Carla into 16a flat above the cafe, Roy is also looking to donate a kidney!.What with Beth's recent trips to Weatherfield General ( a 'casty' new cast), is Roy next?.

After Chez caused Beth's arm break, the irony isn't lost (who needs Alanis Morrissette anyway?) when Sinead realises shes replaced one drama-laden boyfriend for another?. Having overhead their conversation in the cafe, Tyrone heads straight over to the Bistro kitchen to give Daniel some food for thought!.

Will Osborne V Brown feud be over for the wedding or is Daniel playing devil's advocate?.

Another fight in its place though is Luke V the racist Parker brothers. Having lost Alya the factory contract a weeks rent, Luke defends his actions but it isn't long until the police turn up at the garage, and Luke is arrested. Facing a subsequent charge and possible conviction, it doesn't look good for the mechanic.

With Alya now struggling to find the flat rent, a saintly Phelan promises to hold off for another week. As Sophie rallies around to show her friends support (her nudist window cleaning adventures are off), she finds a little model house. Isn't that something Andy used to make?.

More drama at the garage follows with a broad daylight break-in and a car is stolen. Is this the work of the Parker brothers?. Is Roy making a trip down to Weatherfield general, after all?.


Eileen also likes little model houses too but is still showing some concern for Todd's disappearance, and has to put with a lovelorn Seb lolloping around at Number 3. Encouraged by Devs advice of Tennyson and Cheryl Cole, Seb tries to woo Faye and regain their relationship. Faye, however, is now her mother's number one ally and will not resist.

Sharing a pint with Gary, Seb is convinced a new job may keep his mind off of things. With Gary offering an interview on a new building development, will Seb cross Phelan and go back to the Windass clan? Phelan, also in The Rovers, doesn't fail to notice the union.

Follow my pal @Glenn_Writes as he reviews tonight's 8.30pm episode and find out what happens next!


I am @rybazoxo
Your Cobbles Connoisseur

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Coronation Street Episode Review; Weds 6 Dec 2017 7.30pm

Welcome to part one of tonight's blog review. Its another Wednesday double of Weatherfield drama.A mid-week meander in the goings on down our favourite street. Its December 6th, any Christmas treats in store?.

Tonight's episodes begin at 3 Coronation Street, as Jude and Angie prepare to go back to South Africa. A perturbed Norris still hasn't made it up with Mary yet never wains in his defensiveness of his wife, as Angie still blames Mary for George's recent illness. With Mary's reputation laying in tatters, Tracy's decision to hide the families passports doesn't bode well. As Angie heads to the florists in search of Mary, a mischievous Tracy almost admits guilt but decides to lock Angie in the florist cupboard instead!. With Jude on the lookout for his wife, will they make their return trip to Africa?. As Mary's reputation remains in tatters, Sean, Bethany, and Jenny are defending the harassed florist, but her husband decides its time to help his grandchild. Hold on though, just what is Norris planning with the fancy dress box?. It seems he's already given a few outfits to Roy and Alex as Coronation Street plays 'Mr. Ben' (ask your mum). Christmas has come early in the cafe!. Great to see our Jenny Bradley (never Connor) dishing out sound advice about bra's and I certainly enjoyed Sean's humorous dissection of testicles (no selfies, no pun intended).

A drop of 'Carry on Corrie' amongst the gloom always cheers me up.

It's a nice juxtaposition.

As news of Gary's death spreads amongst the street, Sarah struggles to compose herself & David is still weighing up his recent discovery from Nicola. With Gary's death almost now deemed as real and confirmed (they found a St Christopher so it must be true!), Anna needs informing of her son's untimely demise.

Things don't look great for Luke either. With his conscience pricked about Andy's disappearance, Tyrone's (totally coincidental) planned trip to Birmingham means Luke may be able to finally track Andy down?. We know Andy is floating in a canal somewhere and as Phelan hands Luke a false address, it isn't long before you can say 'wild goose chase' and Luke returns to the street angry, and out for answers.With a vague threat to 'find Andy' Phelan passively warns the mechanic to 'mind how you go'. With Phelan's recent dalliances with the devil, its worthy advice to take.

Over at Victoria Court, Michelle is still worried about Roberts testicle and his troubled state of mind. A visit from Tracy and a cactus (no cancer cliches) with meals on wheels from Michelle aren't much to cheer up our silver foxed restauranter. With his recent money woes and cards being declined, how will Robert get out of his latest mess?. He cant buy his health, can he rescue the Bistro?. Unsure as to why Zeedan is bothered if he's getting the daal business moving?.


With Faye still showing zero reluctance to see her Mum, it's up to Sarah, Tim, and a prison chaplain, to visit Anna in 'Prisoner Cell Block Weatherfield'.
Anna takes the news how you can imagine she would. Raging reeling and desperately distraught, has Anna got any fight left, with another devastating blow?.


Follow my pal @Glenn_Writes  as he reviews tonight's 8.30pm episode and find out what happens next!


Anyway, I'm off - I've just booked a night in an Airbnb room above a pub in Weatherfield!
TARA!

I am @rybazoxo
Editor at large @Drunkonmusic2
Your Cobbles Connoisseur




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