Sacha Parkinson, who played Sophie Webster's girlfriend Sian Powers in Coronation Street, is returning to TV. She'll be starring in the second series of Safe House on ITV which returns this week on Thursday 7 September. Sacha plays the role of Dani Delaney in the show. You can read an interview with Sacha, and other cast members of Safe House, at Ian Wylie's Blog here.
Ah Sophie Webster, what has become of you? Unfortunately young Sophie is now neck and neck with Michelle for the award of character most likely to get on my nerves.
It wasn't always this way. Once upon a time Sophie was bright and cheeky and a great foil for her sister Rosie. We felt sorry for her as Sally lavished all her attentions on Rosie and her ambitions at Oakhill. However since Rosie departed for the bright lights of wherever it was she went, Sophie has taken centre stage chez Webster and sadly not in a good way.
I think it was a great decision to have a regular lesbian character in Coronation Street, I just wish it had been someone likeable. Instead we have pouty, shouty, narky Sophie being disrespectful to her mother and boringly self-righteous whenever the mood takes her. Her religious leanings are only mentioned these days when the writers remember.I applauded her Christmas time charity work but unfortunately that has been dropped, only being a segue for yet another tortuous romance.
I didn't particularly enjoy the Sophie/Sian pairing as they were a tad on the screechy side for me. Sophie and Jenna was just wrong from the start. Ms Webster ruined Jenna's career and most probably the characters future storyline potential.
Now we come to Maddie. I am trying to like her but it's all just causing me too much effort. The pair of them sleeping rough should have been thought provoking, instead I found it tedious and I struggled not to fast forward. I just hate the way the pair sneer at Sally and anyone else who disagrees with them. It feels like both characters would be better suited to EastEnders or Hollyoaks.
Sophie, like several other characters, has lost her way. We've had her current incarnation for ten years now and while it is great that young actors stay in Corrie that length of time, I just wish they could focus efforts on taking them in interesting directions. Why can't Sophie better herself, get back to college and move on? She seems stuck in a neverending loop of working in Dev's, chasing Maddie around the place and being nasty to her mother. Enough already!
So do you agree, is it time Sophie Webster grew up?
18. Sophie Webster and Sian Powers 2010-2011 (84 votes)
Corrie’s first lesbian couple.
When Sophie first kissed her, Sian was confused. After a brief time away from the street, Sian returned and they became a proper couple, but in secret. Eventually, Ryan Connor found out. Soon after, the girls told Kevin and Sally that they loved each other.
They had an on/off relationship which included Sophie accusing Sian of having an affair; while Amber Kalirai also plotted to split the two. They planned to marry but then Sophie’s doubts about her feelings towards Sian ended their relationship and Sian left her. Since then, Sophie embarked on a relationship with Jenna Kamara which failed and is now attracted to Maddie Heath.
Were you fans of Sophie and Sian? Should they be in the top 20?
Sophie Webster and Sian Powers (2010-2011) – Corrie’s first lesbian couple. When Sophie first kissed her, Sian was confused. After a brief time away from the street, Sian returned and they became a proper couple, but in secret. Eventually, Ryan finds out. Soon after, the girls tell Kevin and Sally that they love each other. They have an on/off relationship which includes Sophie accusing Sian of having an affair while Amber Kalirai also plots to split the two. They planned to marry but then Sophie’s doubts about her feelings towards Sian ends their relationship and Sian leaves her.
Danny and Frankie Baldwin (2004-2005) – When they arrived, Frankie had already cheated on Danny while Danny enjoyed a fling with Sunita. While Danny became a business partner at the factory, Frankie got a job in the café. In 2005, Danny had an affair with son Jamie’s girlfriend Leanne and Frankie kicked him out. When his relationship with Leanne soured, he tried to win back Frankie but was shocked that she was now with Jamie, her stepson. Failing to cope, he sold the factory and left.
Kirk Sutherland and Beth Tinker (2012- ) – This relationship began when Kirk chauffeured Beth to meet her online date. However, the date didn’t work out and Beth realised that Kirk was the man for her. Since then they’ve been in a relationship and Kirk has become a father figure to Beth’s son Craig.
Martin Platt and Gail Tilsley/Platt (1989-2001) – Although they’d been friends for a few years, it wasn’t until Brian’s death that they became close. To Ivy’s annoyance, the relationship developed and in 1990, Gail gave birth to David. They married in 1991. In 1993, the marriage was tested when they hired Carmel Finnan as a nanny. She was obsessed with Martin and tried to split the Platts up, but Gail sent her packing. As Martin was ten years Gail’s junior, Martin was tempted by other women and had an affair with Cathy Power in 1994. Gail forgave him but wasn’t as forgiving when he had another affair with Rebecca Hopkins in 2000. They divorced in 2001 and Martin was genuinely happy when Gail remarried Richard in 2002.
Stan and Hilda Ogden (1964-1984) – This classic Corrie couple were a part of the nation’s fabric for 20 years and we witnessed their highs and lows. Despite a backstory of Stan’s neglect and abuse towards Hilda and the kids, by the 1970s they had established themselves as the key to comedy on the cobbles. They, with their flying ducks and ‘muriel’, had become TV icons. Stan was a layabout while Hilda worked day and night to bring in the money, cleaning The Rovers and various houses and was also the chief gossip on the street, although she didn’t like being gossiped about. Although they bickered, they loved each other and were married for 40 years. Despite being the street’s cast-offs, it didn’t stop them mingling with the neighbours. By the early 1980s, Stan’s health was failing and he died in 1984, leaving a heartbroken Hilda alone.
Have you got favourites in this five? Well, vote for two of them and we'll see where they'll be in the countdown! The poll closes at midnight on Monday, 13th January.
Sacha Parkinson, who played Coronation Street's Sian Powers, is returning to our television screens.
This week's TV Times says that Sacha has filmed a guest role in Casualty. She'll play Laura, a beautiful girl with a secret, in an episode that's due to air in September.
Sacha left Coronation Street at the end of last year when her Corrie charcter, Sian, was driven away from Weatherfield by her mum after her wedding to Sophie ended in tears.
Friday’s double-bill saw the Alahan clan coming to the fore and the (second) departure of Amber Kalirai.
Now, I know Amber wasn’t the most popular character on the Street but I liked her and I’m going to miss her. Sure, her return was only ever going to be a plot device to split up Sophie and Sian (something that could have been done minus poor Amber getting involved) but I’ve enjoyed her return (along with her added attitude) and I’m sad to see her axed for the second time.
I think one of the reasons why she has gone is because she was never given a chance to do anything bar argue with Sunita and kiss Sophie a couple of times. Amber was cool and savvy and I think that they could have axed several characters before her (Sean and Kirk anyone?) and more importantly they could have at least given her a decent exit. It all seemed very rushed and sloppy (as did the sudden martial problems between Dev and Sunita but that's another story) and not at all realistic at least not as a permanent exit.
So what should have been done differently? Well, I would have liked for her to have integrated more with some of the other younger characters, David and Tina for example. I never really liked the pairing of Amber and deadwood Tommy Duckworth last year but at least it was something. Since then all Amber ever seemed to do was have to endure Sunita being a total cow to her or moan about Sophie and Sian. I never understood was why they paired Amber with Sophie in the first place since they were never shown to be great friends during Amber’s original stint. It felt very forced and I think Amber could have benefited from having her own storylines instead of just facilitating others.
And now we have her exit leading to the affair between Karl and Sunita. I know she wasn’t the strongest character on the show but Amber deserved better and hopefully if she does return in the future she does so as her own character because even now she’s gone she is being used as a plot device to lead to the affair.
I hate to do posts like this where I moan about something, but I felt the need to have a little grumble over Amber’s departure and how she has been wasted over the last twelve months.
Coronation Street is donating Sian Powers’ wedding dress to raise funds for charity. The size 10 wedding dress by Forever Unique was worn by Sian (played by actress Sacha Parkinson) on her wedding day to Sophie Webster.
It will be auctioned off in aid of Ronald McDonald House at their annual fundraising ball on 24 March.
House Director Jan Thomas said: “We are thrilled to receive such an unusual donation.
“We are arranging the auction to allow as many brides and memorabilia collectors as possible to have the chance to own this special gown.”
The episode was to show the Street’s first lesbian marriage but in a dramatic twist Sian found out that Sophie had cheated on her and ran away before the wedding could take place.
The House needs to raise around £500,000 each year to stay open and relies heavily on the many families who have become friends of the House and support its work through fundraising and donations.
Interested bidders should register their interest by contacting Jan Thomas on 01512525869 or emailing ronmchouse1@hotmail.com.
For the second time this year we had an interrupted wedding with tears and accusations.This one didn't end in a romantic scene amid a smoky train station. It ended with one bride in a heap on the cobbles and another crying her heart out in a car.
I have to admit I felt back for both girls but in my doddering old age, I really did think they were too young for a lifelong committment. For once, I am in agreement with Sally and Kevin but what could they do but go along with it in the end?
Sophie and Sian are over just that quick! Kevin and Sunita both knew about Sophie's doubts and Kevin interrupted the wedding when Sophie seemed hesitant. Did he do the right thing?
Well, she was driven away by her mum from Weatherfield and Sophie last night on Coronation Street. But will we see Sian Powers back on Corrie one day? As she's not been killed off, I think it's highly likely she'll be back such has been the popularity of Sophie and Sian's relationship on the show.
Actress Sacha Parkinson, who plays Sian, gives a farewell to fans at the official ITV Corrie website.
You can watch behind the scenes of Sacha's last day filming on Coronation Street as Sian makes an emotional departure and leaves Sophie behind. Sacha shares her wedding day filming secrets, including how the dresses were chosen and her thoughts on Sophie and Sian's relationship. Watch as Sacha and Brooke Vincent, who plays Sophie, prepare to film their final sad scenes together on the cobbles, as Brooke cries during the rehearsals.
Plus see Sacha meet some of her fans, who gathered outside the studios for her last day, and hear her goodbye message in this special video farewell.
I'm right looking forward to watching Sophie and Sian's wedding tonight on Coronation Street. As Rosie asked Rita at the hen party on Boxing Day: "Have you ever been to a teenage lesbian hen party?" and Rita replied, "No, I don't think I have." Well, neither have I (yet) and this lesbian wedding on Corrie is the closest I've come to far to watching two ladies being wed. I've been to a male marriage but not a women's one.
And as it's also the first time we've had a lesbian wedding on Coronation Street in its 50 year history, yes, I'm looking forward to watching it tonight - the make-up, the frocks, the cakes, the tears flowing down Sian's face when Sophie calls it all off.
Anyway, let's go behind the scenes with a picture gallery at the official Coronation Street website at itv.com where they have some wonderful 'making of the wedding episode' pictures. View the pictures here.
And if you'd like to know where Sophie and Sian's wedding dresses and Rosie's dress came from - they're here.
A snog between Coronation Street lesbians Sophie and Sian, played by Brooke Vincent and Sacha Parkinson, has been voted 4th top lesbian kiss of all time.
The poll in The Guardian has been compiled by fab writer Julie Bindel and she says this about Sophie and Sian's kiss:
"Four belongs to the Coronation Street kiss between best friends Sophie and Sian last year. Chatting about their disappointments in love.
Suddenly, Sophie tells Sian: "You are far more important to me than any lad." A shocked-looking Sian gasps and runs out of the house, only to return later to give Sophie a brilliant, heartfelt snog."
Brooke Vincent and Sacha Parkinson, who play Coronation Street lesbians Sophie Webster and Sian Powers, were interviewed on ITV's This Morning today.
The girls talked about how much support they've been able to give via their storyline to young girls and families who have supported their gay children. It's a nice little interview, and there was a montage of Sophie and Sian clips shown. Sacha was a little emotional and burst into tears after watching the montage. "It's so embarassing!" she cried.
Talking about the upcoming on-screen wedding, Brooke said that there will be church scenes involved and it's a happy up and down sort of storyline. There's a clip of the meeting with the vicar - who looks disturbingly like Les Battersby!
Brooke said that she's such good friends with Sacha that they're almost like sisters. Talking about leaving Corrie, Sacha says it's exciting going back to auditioning and she's not scared and that leaving Corrie was just something that she had to do. She's looking for an interesting and different role that she can get her teeth into.
You can watch the full interview, captured by twitter Sophie and Sian fan @SiophieSpain on YouTube, below.
Sophie and Sian's wedding, in perfect soap style, is set to go a bit Pete Tong this Christmas on Coronation Street.
There'll be trouble at the girls' hen party on Boxing Day. And with Amber as their bridesmaid, secrets might surface that Sophie would rather keep quiet from Sian. Sally and Kevin aren't 100% behind Sophie's wedding plan either, so it should be worth watching when it all falls to pieces.
There's no way these two were ever going to live happily ever after, although they do look absolutely gorgeous in their wedding frocks.
Brooke Vincent and Sacha Parkinson, who play Coronation Street lesbians Sophie Webster and Sian Powers, were in Lapland this week.
The girls from Corrie joined other celebrities for a day trip to Lapland organised by the charity When You Wish Upon A Star.
When You Wish Upon A Star is a charity specialising in making dreams come true for children with life threatening illnesses. The charity takes up to 300 children to Lapland every year.
We have two more Christmas spoilers for you today.
First, as you can see from the photo, there will indeed be a wedding for Sian and Sophie. The girls have matching strapless fluffy dresses which look quite pretty. But, with Sophie's growing attraction to Amber after their one drunken kiss the other week, we don't know yet if the wedding will go through. Seeing as Sascha Parkinson is leaving, there's a good possibility it won't or won't be a very long marraige if it does.
Edited to add:There's more information here on the Daily Mail with more pics too. They reckon Sian will leave Sophie at the altar when she finds out about Amber.
There's also more news on the Sally and Frank speculation that we brought to the table the other day. It says here that Frank and Sally will share a kiss under the mistletoe. Sally and Frank grow closer after her recent breakup with Jeff and as we all know, Sally's head gets turned quite easily by someone with a bit of power. I still think she'll end up being instrumental in helping Carla's case against Frank and end up humiliated as usual, having to admit she was wrong. I wonder if she'll go crawling back to Carla for her job back?
Sacha Parkinson, who plays Sian Powers, told BANG Showbiz (who they?) that there's going to be a wedding for Sophie and Sian on Corrie after Sophie proposes to Sian out of guilty feelings she has for Amber.
Sacha said: "We've been told it's going to be a nice glamorous proper wedding. Me and Brooke match all the time so maybe they should [have matching dresses]. You know what Brooke's like she'll want something absolutely massive like off My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding!"
Whether the wedding will go ahead or not, who can say although my guess is that it won't, as Sacha is leaving the Street in early 2012.
The majority of you voted with "Not Bothered" at 61%, with those being "Gutted" at the split in the minority at 38% .
I know feelings about Sophie and Sian run very high on Sophie/Sian fan sites and if this question was asked there, there'd be a very different response, I'm sure. But here on the Coronation Street Blog, it's fair to say - Face? Bothered? No, not much.
Following on from tweeting pictures of the Coronation Street cast planking on the Street, Sacha Parkinson, who plays Sian Powers, has been planking in her hairdressing salon. Maybe we should rename her Sacha Plankinson instead... (groan).
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