The Saddest, the most Heartbreaking Lines...

Coronation Street is known for its fine comedy, its credible conversations and its well-drawn friendships. Some of the best lines ever written have been uttered on the cobbles.

But it’s not just the comedy, it’s also the heart-breaking scenes and the sadness around broken friendships and relationships that are particularly poignant.

The ones I have chosen here are the ones that over my many Corrie viewing years have had a profound effect.
Most recently - Bethany’s words.  The fact that she is so young and has endured so much is what is behind her words when she says to David and Sarah:-

‘Nothing helps. Please hear me. I’m broken and nothing is going to fix me.’

Another is by Hayley, to Roy, who she so badly wanted to understand and support her in her bid to kill herself, before her cancer became too much to bear for herself and others, especially Roy. Typically for Hayley, with no fuss, no drama, even though this would be the most dramatic action of her life, she says:-

‘I love you – always have, always will. I’m so sorry, I have to go.’

In the very first episode of Coronation Street, Elsie has been rowing with her son, Dennis. Dennis is not hunting for a job seriously enough in Elsie’s eyes, but Dennis feels stymied because he is just recently out of prison. Elsie accuses him of stealing £2 from her purse. He didn’t. His sister took it to do some shopping.

Exhausted by the stresses of family life, Elsie gazes at her reflection in the mirror. She ponders her image and comments on the inevitable deterioration that age brings with it and comes out with this famous line:-

‘Eh, Elsie, you’re just about ready for the knacker yard.’

Last year, the incomparable Kylie Platt was murdered in broad daylight. As she lay dying in David’s arms, her children on her mind and the devastating realisation that she must leave them dawning on her, she said:-

‘Whatever mistakes I made, please tell them I never stopped loving them.’

In her early incarnation, many viewers thought Mary was just plain weird, and terms such as oddball, nut- job and loony were cast around. Recently Mary’s evolution has made her a firm favourite on the cobbles.

In those early days, viewers will remember how Mary was very taken by Norris, but he did not reciprocate. In the words which follow, there is mystery, a hint of revenge and a lifetime of rejection. Norris’s enquiries fall on deaf ears.

Mary: You wouldn’t be the first person who rejected me. Even my own mother turned her back on me. I made her pay for that though.

Norris: What did you do?

Mary: Do you like Salade Nicoise?

In this next conversation, we witness the end of a longstanding friendship. Bet Lynch has been away for 7 years. Prior to her leaving, she and Rita had a falling out over a large sum of money. Bet claims that Rita had promised to put £60k towards buying The Rovers with Bet. Rita claims she didn’t promise and has changed her mind – hence the argument.

Now Bet has returned and turns up at The Rovers. Rita is there but neither she nor Bet make the effort to reconnect. The next day though, Rita has a change of heart and goes to see Bet. Sadly, they cannot regain their friendship.

Rita: You’ve turned into a hard, petty woman. I feel sorry for you. Do us all a favour and leave and take that vulgar ring with you.

Bet: You still think you’re a cut above. You can put on all the airs and graces you like – you only run a toffee shop.

Rita: I was a fool to come here and think I could salvage something.

Friendships come and go, but Rita and Bet had been very close over the years. I’d like to bet (!) that in all our lives there is someone, a once valued friend who is no longer in your life. And that fact makes you sad.

By Ruth Owen

---

Please read our advice for leaving comments on the Coronation Street Blog
All original work on Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

Sad Departure of Erica Holroyd - Played by the Fabulous Claire King

I am sad and not a little annoyed that Erica Holroyd is leaving the cobbles. Not for a minute do I blame Claire King for her departure, but I do feel frustrated at the lost opportunities that would have made for excellent storylines with Erica Holroyd at the centre, or at least close to the centre, of the action.

It's been a while now since we've seen Liz and Erica in each other's company and yet aren't  they supposed to be great friends? Didn't they work together in Spain, confide in each other and develop a deep affection for each other?  While accepting that Weatherfield is not Spain, friendships are surely not dependent on a daily sunshine quota.

Heaven knows that Liz has had her fair share of difficulties, so wouldn't it have made sense for Liz and Erica to get together and for Liz to welcome a sympathetic ear from her old friend? In fact, who are Liz's friends lately? Of course, if much-missed Deirdre had still been with us, I'm confident Liz would have confided in her; but given that, so sadly, she is not, wouldn't Erica have been hotfooting it to Liz's back room?

Erica's storylines on the cobbles seem to have been only half-developed, Her miscarriage seemed to be easily and swiftly confined to the archives. That she was so helpful to Mary seems to have gone the same way - but it would have been great if Mary and Erica's friendship were to become mutually beneficial. Erica could have helped Mary's confidence and modernised her 'look' a little, and in return Erica could have learnt more about how to deal with Dev's children, who are angels for Mary, but not so well-behaved with Erica.

Concerning the relationship with Dev, well, I had to quiz myself as to whether or not this was still ongoing. I believe it is, but I'm struggling to remember the last time they were seen together.

Just three years ago, I interviewed Claire King at Media City and was struck by her efforts to answer questions as fully and as honestly as she could. I remember she spoke warmly of her parents and her worries concerning them as they entered old age. Claire was also absolutely delighted to have answered the call to audition for Corrie and to gain a part. How sad then, that at least for now, she will  no longer be around. Of course, the crumb of comfort we have is that the door has not been closed on her and she could return.

For her future, I wish Claire King all the very best and repeat that not for one second do I blame her for leaving. She is a great actress and needs to be honing her craft more regularly than she now is.

Ruth Owen, twitter: @Ruth1722

Read more Corrie news and spoilers 

---

.

Please read our advice for leaving comments on the Coronation Street Blog
All original work on Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

Christmas Corrie: How was it for you?

 

I never really write reviews of Coronation Street episodes, that's the strength of many other wonderful bloggers here. However I wanted to jot a few lines down about this year's Christmas Day episode of Corrie. I watched it later in the evening after it was broadcast and although I'd had several glasses of Christmas cheer by that point, I genuinely enjoyed the hour long episode.

The main theme of the episode was the return of Georgia Taylor as Toyah Battersby. I was really looking forward to seeing Toyah again as I enjoyed the character a great deal during her original stint back in the late 1990s. Georgia has gone on to act in a wide range of productions and has really matured as an actress. She always had tremendous chemistry with her on-screen sister Leanne, played by the great Jane Danson so the chance to see them reunite after thirteen years was one not to be missed. I can't wait to hear more of Toyah's back story in the intervening years and it's already set to be a dramatic time for the character given yesterday's big reveal. Yes Peter Barlow's up to his old lothario tricks again.

 

Another highlight for me was the reigniting of the Nick and Peter feud. Until last night I'd found the whole thing extremely tedious, unsure of how much of this was down to Nick's brain injury and how much was down to him being an insecure, middle-aged prat. I feel little sympathy for Nick as anything that's been done to him over the years we can be sure he's also dolled out to others. He's hardly the innocent party. I don't mind Ben Price in the role, despite the significant ageing up that's gone on, however I can't help but laugh at "Angry Nick". This worked out fine with last night's scenes though as their scrapping in the street was fairly amusing, with Peter destroying Sally's front bush (Matron!) and lamping a retreating Nick on the bonse with her Mr Tufty! It made me laugh out loud and went a long way to balancing out Nick's smugness. Of course Nick has the wrong end of the stick where Peter and Leanne are concerned although the revelation when it comes will not spell the end of their troubles with Peter B. 

Another aspect of the episode I enjoyed was Christmas lunch chez Roy's Rolls. The reintroduction of Brian Packham has been very well received by yours truly and the band of awkward brothers formed of Brian, Roy and Norris is Corrie gold and I love it. I instantly feel more at ease with Roy scenes now Brian is replacing Cathy and Alex, it just works so much better and feels much more Corrie to me. Norris has been shown in a new and more pleasing light in recent weeks as his involvement in Mary's storyline has developed. For too long the writers were taking Malcolm Hebden's character in an extremely unlikable direction as he became nasty, spiteful and plain old rude to all and sundry. Showing the humanity underneath the cantankerous old newsagent has worked wonders and the scenes of late between Mary and Norris have been genuine, touching and beautifully played. The end of last night's episode, focusing on Mary, was great and left a great hook for viewers to see what happens next.

 

Did the Christmas episode feel festive enough? Well there was plenty of classic Corrie drama and touches of down to earth comedy featuring Tim, Sally, Michelle and Steve, but for me the episode lacked enough scenes featuring the regulars gathering in the Rovers for a traditional knees up. I could have done without the Phelan and Andy hospital scenes for a start. Andy is a drip of a character and I'll now be glad when he departs. I'm no fan of Phelan but Connor McIntyre continues to do an outstanding job as the villain of the piece. And I still have absolutely no sympathy for Eileen, ploughing on with her wedding plans like a blinkered overgrown school girl. 

Which brings me to the Sarah and Bethany dramatics. When will Sarah learn that embarrassing, humiliating and shouting at her teenage daughter will not get her to open up and engage in adult conversations? I feel much sympathy for Bethany and Lucy Fallon is doing a great job of carrying this rather difficult story. I fear for where it is heading with the arrival of the creepy Nathan. I found the Shona/Todd/Billy story to be pretty tedious and it felt a bit odd having church scenes in Corrie at Christmas without the presence of the lovely Eileen Derbyshire as the much-missed Emily. I cannot invest in Billy's storyline as I've never bought his character as a vicar in the first place. It just doesn't work for me and I'll be glad when the moment passes.

I did love the extended Barlow family all round the table at Ken's. It was great to see this pivotal house on the street full to bursting again after some lean years and notable departures. The new arrivals will never, ever replace Maggie Jones as Blanche and Anne Kirkbride as Deirdre but they keep the legacy alive. I am loving Rob Mallard's performances as Daniel and see great promise in this very different character for Corrie. Less interested, I must admit, in the return of Adam. I didn't like the character the first time around and I see little improvement so far on his second go at it. I get that they are trying to bring back a touch of the Mike Baldwins but it's nowhere close at present, despite the heavy symbolism of the camel coat, the cigar and the rented Jag. 

Two minor points, where did that choir come from at the start of the episode? Was it ever explained and I just missed it? They were good but it seemed a little out of place. Also, we saw a continuation of the incidental music which has peppered a few other recent episodes. I don't know if the production team are just experimenting with something a little different or if this is a new style for Corrie, but I'm not keen and I don't think it adds anything.

 

Other than these niggles, I really enjoyed this episode and can't wait to see what happens next for Toyah, Peter and Mary. And will Peter fork out for a replacement Mr Tufty?! 

You can follow me on Twitter @GraemeN82


Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Download our free App | Visit Corrie.net


NEW! Coronation Street Blog - the book.
A must for all Corrie fans!


Please read our advice for leaving comments on the Coronation Street Blog

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

The Genius of Patti Clare who plays Mary Taylor

Patti Clare who plays Mary Taylor, lives a life far removed from her Corrie persona. She is 40, has a partner and 2 children and was a stage actress before turning to television. She was working as an office receptionist when the call from Corrie came. From her first appearance in November 2008, I have thoroughly enjoyed her appearances.

What I'd like to ask is this -  Is she still the character who splits opinion in Corrie as much as Jeremy Corbyn in politics? I suspect not and have the sense that viewers  have warmed towards her. The reason for such suspicions is that she has been toned down considerably by the writers since her entry into Weatherfield. Gone (almost) are the psychotic leanings, the disturbed behaviour,  and in their place we have a woman who is more stable, more accepted by the folk of Weatherfield, and therefore more integrated, thus much less likely to kidnap anyone. That said, she is still eccentric, off the wall and likely to ramble about her past, thereby producing confused glances - but she is fundamentally likeable now.

Her role as nanny to Dev's children is invaluable to her, to Dev and to his children. Everyone wins. It was interesting to hear her comments about Erica's attempts to get to know Dev's children better. Asha and Adi had told Erica that they had to have black coffee with breakfast - and told the gullible and desperate to please Erica, that it was a cultural thing. In the telling it was clear that Mary was implying that they would never try such nonsense on her and, in fairness to Mary, she does seem to have the affection and the respect of both children.

Mary is also invaluable to other people, especially those running small businesses. She pops up in The Kabin and she helps Roy and Cathy out in Roy's Rolls. She must be trustworthy or else she would  not be asked time after time to help out.

The person/s who write for Mary, in my view has/have one of the best jobs in the world. There is a 'flavour' to Mary's lines, her words and an immediately recognisable pattern of vocabulary and expression. Mary's delivery or perhaps here I should say Patti is faultless - every time. In Roy's Rolls viewers will remember her comment to Maria who is buying cakes from her. She points out that Maria is lucky to be able to stay slim despite eating cake. She adds, 'I only have to look at a Bakewell and I balloon that much that my popsox cut off my circulation.' Unmistakeable Mary. She then chats to Aidan and Eva, who are house hunting. She tells them that she 'was entranced by Starsky and Hutch as a girl and was determined to see their world' for herself. As is often the case with Mary, the story goes a little off kilter and she says, 'My dream to drive through to the Grand Canyon, the majesty of Mother Earth at her most inspiring, took a wrong turn coming out of Nevada.' She ends up at the Burning Man festival where it appears, clothes are optional.

It may also interest people to know that before Patti Clare got the call to play Mary Taylor, Patti herself had contacted Coronation Street with her idea to be introduced onto the cobbles as Raquel Wostenholme's sister -  Raquel of course being played by the nothing short of brilliant, Sarah Lancashire

So is her mother dead or alive? Alive is what I believe. And what of her father, and any siblings? I don't believe we have ever heard mention of any other family members besides her mother. How interesting that would be - for Corrie to introduce a family member of Mary's. We do hear quite a lot about  'mother' - whose advice apparently to the would-be mother is, 'If a woman wants to get pregnant she should eat 4 raw onions a day, and stand on her head after relations - no wonder Uncle Frank left.' Who is Uncle Frank? A lover of her mother's and an 'uncle' who is not really an uncle but the current lover of Mary's mother?

Patti Clare is a worthy recipient of her comedy awards, which are several, including her most recent one for Best Comedy Performance British Soap 2016.

No longer the rather cruel 'Scary Mary' but now a character who is largely accepted and enjoying her life in Weatherfield. Hats off to Patti Clare for bringing to life this now poignant, tender, cheerful, useful and well-meaning woman.

Ruth Owen, twitter @ruth1722

Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Download our free App | Visit Corrie.net


NEW!
Coronation Street: The Official Colouring Book
Available to pre-order now!


Please read our advice for leaving comments on the Coronation Street Blog

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