Corrie Blog Interviews Joe Duttine. Is Tim Metcalfe Stephen’s Final Victim?

STEPHEN REID IS DEAD! LONG LIVE PETER BARLOW! 

Stephen Reid's death was no biggie for me, as the Coronation Street Press Day on October 2nd revealed the ending, but we were all sworn to secrecy, and of course, I kept my word. In all honesty, though, I’ve no idea what is going to happen to Tim. By the end of this high-octane, thriller-driven, Platt-driven, Peter Barlow-driving super soap week fest, Tim remains stuck in the boot of a car in the middle of the woods, and nobody knows where he is, or even if he is alive.

As part of the Super Soap Week press day Corrie Blog spoke to Joe Duttine (who plays Tim) about this past week's dramatics! 

Hey Joe, 

By the end of this week, we don't know whether Tim is okay or not! Why did Tim suspect Stephen from the very beginning? 

Because he saw his Mum go through such a terrible time with his Dad, any bloke that comes into his Mum’s life - he's going to be suspicious. Stephen’s just too smarmy, Tim could see that from a mile off! He couldn't quite put his finger on it for a long time, but little events made them alert to him. 

Do you think Tim could ever imagine the extent of Stephen’s crimes? 

It's only when he goes down to the canal and discovers the body that the reality of it hits him. That's when his suspicions were confounded. 

Is Tim being a bit daft then going after Stephen, knowing he’s done that? 

Tim just thinks in the moment doesn't he, he doesn't think about the danger of it. He’s turned down two tickets to see Wethy County so it's a big deal! He’s also disappearing from his anniversary celebrations so something has got his goat! 

He’s not scared either, is he? 

No, I don’t think he is scared. I don't think he thinks he’s putting himself in any danger. He just thinks he’s gonna sort Stephen out and then have some Moroccan food with Sally, but it doesn't quite turn out like that. 

What was it like filming those scenes? 

It was great. It was great to do something different and to get out of the building. When you get to film in real-life locations it adds a certain reality to things. It's nice to be with the crew on location and have lunch together, it feels like a sleepover. It was physically challenging, and the volume wall was a first for me. It is great to experience that new technology. It was quite an experience, we had a great time!

Should the viewers be worried for Tim? 

Yeah. I think so! I like the fact that we don't know where he is, or what happened to him! We only got to the scene with the dog sniffing at the car. We had to put a sausage in the car so the dog would sniff the right spot! 

Thanks, Joe! 

Has Stephen claimed Tim as his final victim, or will Tim live to see another Wethy County match? Watch ITV & ITVX this week to find out. 

I am @rybazoxo, your Coronation Street Blogger and keeper of press day secrets! 

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Stephen Murders Elaine? Corrie Blog Chats To Paula Wilcox

This week Coronation Street may be introducing us to the start of Stephen's downfall, as Elaine finally wakes up to her fiance's nefarious ways! Is Elaine about to become his next victim after revealing all to Audrey? For my latest Corrie Summer Storyline press day event, I was elated to be able to join ITV’s Coronation Street Zoom group to listen to (70s sitcom legend*) Paula Wilcox tells us all about this latest development! 

Hi Paula - how much have you been enjoying this serial killer storyline? 

It's fantastic, isn't it?  I thought it was something I could get my teeth into. I liked the idea of being involved. Elaine was interested in Stephen quite a while ago, and then nothing happened for a bit, and then they let it progress quite naturally! I'd heard about the (serial killer) story and I thought it was fantastic. The audience knew the other side of him, and nobody else knew. Todd (Boyce, Stephen Reid) is such a joy to work with!

Do fans question you in the street about Stephen’s character? 

They do, They say things like (joking) ‘You need to stay away from that Stephen!’ or women will tell me how bad he is! But I respond as Elaine would. I always say ‘No he’s lovely, charming and a very nice man - kind and polite’ Elaine hasn't seen that side of his character yet, he’s charming because he wants something out of her. Her story is very sad because of the coercive control that she went through with Geoff. It scared her off relationships, but by finding Tim and family around her, she’s suddenly feeling safe again. Coronation Street is quite a community so she has friends around her, she's good friends with Yasmine and has a real sense of security and well-being. Stephen is very presentable, intelligent, smart and appears to be quite gentle. She’s fallen for him hook, line, and sinker, and is focused on this future with him.

How does she feel when she finds out he harboured feelings for Jenny? 

I think it made her feel a bit jealous - maybe she wants to strike while the iron is hot. She’s the one (Elaine) who he is living with and I think she’s decided not to take that too seriously. She’s a bit desperate and doesn't question it. I don't think she’s heard that much about it but she has noticed. 

Despite any misgivings, she's still going through with the wedding plans. Do you think Elaine is trying to convince herself that all is okay or does she genuinely believe in Stephen? 

I think she genuinely believes it. When things start looking flakey she's actually at her strongest. She gets frustrated by him but has this bit between her teeth now, and it's an escape maybe from her previous life. Elaine has somehow convinced herself that everything will be okay. The fly in the ointment is Tim’s letter and that's the one thing she is taking seriously. 

In the middle of all this, up pops Gerry the Tai Chi instructor. Could he turn Elaine’s head? 

(laughs) I don't know about that! I think it's just Elaine meeting another man who seems nice. Also, being involved in this healthier lifestyle, whilst watching Stephen slightly fall apart with all stress, might help her support Stephen. The whole idea of Tai Chi is wonderful and something that she’s always wanted to do. The fact that Gerry is the complete opposite of Stephen, not at all stressed, and kind of innocent, there’s no question that he is a rival to Stephen, it's just a general fondness she has for someone of this kind. Elaine thinks that Stephen is jealous of Gerry. 

Elaine decides to confide in Audrey. What makes her do that? 

I don't know, I think it could be a bit of guilt. They meet in Roy’s Rolls. She’s started seeing this other side of him and finally starts to stand up to him. He’s been messing her about, cancelling lunch and brunch plans, so she lies to him, telling him she’s having her hair done at Audrey's. Audrey overhears this and is very kind to Elaine (as she thinks she’s got depression) so she gives Elaine some tips on managing it and insists on going to their flat to chat. Elaine feels she’s pushed into this intimate situation with Audrey. Audrey’s kindness makes Elaine realise that she needs to spill the beans and tell her some home truths about her son. 

How does she feel when Stephen offers her this trip to the Peak District? 

She's very sceptical and at this point, she's starting to wonder if this is going anywhere or if he's actually just a complete tyrant. Her heart isn't in it, and although she does like the idea she decides not to go! She sees a photograph of Stephen's ex-wife, Gabrielle and realises that she’s seen her face before on the Zoom call business meeting he was having. Elaine realises that it's the same woman, it's frightening, and all of that confusion that she’s had recently suddenly comes to the fore. She realises he’s a liar and a cheat and her reaction is one of horror and shock! Tim and Elaine then find the forged insurance documents and she realises it's all about the money and it's all there in black and white when she sees her forged signature! Elaine is then frightened when she leaves Tim and Stephen alone in the flat!

Thank you Paula for the chat!

*****

So what are we thinking? Does Elaine need to combine Tai Chi with more forceful martial arts? Is Stephen about to murder his fiance, or is Tim going to be the final victim?

I am @rybazoxo, your Coronation Street Blogger and Corrie superfan!

*Ask your Dad. Paula was also in Corrie many years ago, playing Ray Langton’s (Tracy’s Dad) wayward sister! Check out classic Corrie clips on youtube! 

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Coronation Street Episode Review;Wednesday 12th of October 8 pm

Murder mysteries aren't my thing if I’m honest, and I'm not sure they belong on Coronation Street either, but it has to be said - you cannot fault the characterisation of Stu Carpenter here, a real baptism of fire, and one that I think will cement the character's long-term future in the show. The past few weeks have seen Alya play detective, a fiercely dogged effort to get clear Stu's name, but ironically, the mystery was solved while Detective Nazir was nowhere in sight. Perturbed by the ambivalence of his daughter’s on/off visits, Stu gets a surprise tonight, when Eliza pays an early visit to see her Grandad around at Yasmeen’s house. Bridget remains somewhat muted without Lucy being there, but the kid and Stu get on great together. Yasmeen remains adamant that she’s just friends with Stu, but I think we can guess they are pining for each other. Eliza asks Stu about his prison experience, and the loss of everything, and Bridget storms out into the garden visibly upset. Stu tells his daughter how sorry he is and Bridget breaks down, admitting it was she who murdered Charlie! Der der der!!! Drum roll, etc. I was half expecting Shaggy and Scooby to turn up at the point, but, as a big Stu fan, I can let it slide. 

With her back garden confessional out in the open, Stu learns that Lucy knew all about this murder too. Taken aback by the shock, he confides in Yasmeen, and Lucy is soon knocking at the door of N0.6 trying to get Stu to not tell the police. Later, Stu tells Yas that he needs to keep his family together, and would rather avoid his rightful exoneration, to keep the peace. Unfortunately, detective Alya has got the DNA results sorted, and just in time for Friday's episode! Der der der! Drum roll, etc etc. 

Tonight, Aaron and Summer's toxic teenage twosome of issue-based gloom continues in earnest. Splitting up, after Aaron gave Paul that split lip, Summer spots her ex-boyfriend out on the street and it seems he’s seen Dr Gaddas about his Dad’s alcohol abuse and rehab. I scene we could have seen maybe? I do love Gaddas and we don't see her often enough. Anyway, Aaron tells Summer it's over for good, with Aadi catching a glimpse of her upset as he walked past. Later, Aadi (fresh haircut now he’s single) tells Summer about their mutual sadness and they decide to catch up for a coffee. Later, Billy tries to distract her by getting her involved with a bring-and-buy charity gig, but Summer tells him she hasn't given up on Aaron just yet. 

In last week's review, I questioned whether Queen Tracy Barlow had disappeared, just as Ken reunited with Wendy. I think the writers must have read this blog, or more likely, they were saving her up to go full throttle on Wendy flamin' Crozier! Tonight, Tracy apologised for her outburst and decided to make a meal for Wendy and Ken as recompense for ruining his birthday. It all seemed too nice, and of course, it was! Tracy dishing out the stuffed marrow (r.i.p Dierdre) was a dish she undoubtedly served cold. Wendy retorted with some steely resolve, making Tracy realise that she must actually be serious about Ken. 

Meanwhile, Sally is still fawning over Tim following the romantic anniversary present and remains clueless about his clandestine meetings with Aggie, or the shopping they took together to buy it. Tonight, Aggie tells Tim that Ed has seen the bracelet, but he must not say anything about it. 

Elsewhere tonight, Maria’s fight for the refugees (forgetting her echo crusade) seems to have reignited her online abuse and trolling. Confiding in David and Shona about her online abuse on the Weatherfield gazette site, ‘sadboy55’, is back trolling her, knowing where she works and berating her virtue signalling. I guess Maria isn't on Twitter. David seems intrigued by that particular turn of phrase, telling Shona about his suspicion and deciding to confront his son. Max denies all knowledge whilst Shona tries to cool David down. Ignoring her advice, David calls the police on his son and Max is soon heading to the station, with Maria and Gary in shock. 

Murder confessions, trolling, and stuffed marrow! Another fabulously diverse episode of Coronation Street! I am @rybazoxo self-styled cobbles connoisseur & Coronation Street superfan. 

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Coronation Street Episode Review;Wednesday 3rd of August 8 pm

Following the great Bistro casino heist of 2022 (that's what I'm calling it, anyway) it seems the Corrie romance roulette wheel has gone into another spin, with a few threads woven into tonight's 'whodunnit’ and the fall-out from Weatherfield's latest money-spinning crime plot. Tonight is rather a strange start as keystone cop PC Craig Tinker is unusually quick in determining that it's an inside job! Deciding that Ryan is a witness / suspect, the barman is bothered by the sudden guilt, and Debbie takes it in her stride, as she always does (she is Coronation Street gold)! 

Anyway, with the CCTV not being linked to the electrical outage, (she’s not had much luck with electricity recently, has she) Craig and the Bistro staff are quick to review the footage and Ryan is arrested. 

Whilst being questioned by the police, Ryan makes his legal ‘one phone call’ to Debbie, making light threats about pinning the crime on her, but she barters him down with talk of expensive legal rep and bargaining tools. Talking of which, Ronnie Bailey’s relationship with Debbie is entangled in all of this, and he’s the first to suspect Debbie’s involvement in this safe-cracking farce and comes to a conclusion. Correctly suspecting Debbie’s insurance fraud, Ronnie confronts her about it, and although she exclaims her guilty feelings, he uses that as a tool to break up with her. 

Meanwhile, Ryan gets released on police bail but loses the pub job, his reputation, and Alya's trust in the process. Debbie promises him a way to get out of it, including financial compensation, but then gives ALL of the robbery proceeds to Aggie and Ed, so she is obviously back to square one.

All bets also seem off when it comes to Sally and Tim’s marriage, following the Casino night, Tim's night on the sofa, and Sally discovering his online porn use. Tonight, Tim’s mucky quagmire leads him to engage in another clandestine meeting with Aggie. I'd say that, because, neither Ed nor Sally is aware of these cosy chats, and well, I’m guessing this friendship is only burgeoning - this is soap land, after all. Sally goes on the warpath around Underworld, and after a chat with Carla, she confronts Tim, telling him they need some space apart. Aggie gives Tim spiritual advice, which leads to a mental breakthrough, which he then relays back to Sally. Sally is pleased but Tim fails to tell her where this amorous advice came from! Sally was also online viewing houses (her own kind of porn). Has she had ideas about moving again? 

George’s toothache (caused by Sean’s pork crackling, ooh er!) is still causing him trouble, but death stops for nothing! Tonight, Shuttleworth's is the centre for lighthearted Corrie comedy. George has an argument with a rival undertaker over a potential buyout ( Rest Easy - great name), and a pushy Mrs Pugh to deal with. George is reluctant to sell and is keen to keep good to the family reputation, even with the offer of £400K.  

Elsewhere, romantic odds and relationships are tested, via tonight’s light drama supplied by Daisy and Daniel, Yasmeen and Stu, and Jenny and Leo. Being interviewed by the gazette, Stu’s foodbank idea gives everyone food for thought and the journalist is well impressed. Meanwhile, Leo has had an offer to go to Vegas without Jenny, and Daniel still appears reluctant to return to teaching. A new term is just around the corner, and Ronnie (a Jenny ex) has split up with Debbie! I would put money on both happening pretty soon! 

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

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