Corrie Blog Interviews Alison King : Carla’s factory fall-out?

Two Corrie press days in one month - I’m like a kid at Christmas! Later this week, I will be treating you to the lowdown on what's to come on Coronation Street this festive season and New Year 2024, but before then, I'd like to take you back three weeks to our press day interview with my favourite factory boss (sorry Mike), Mrs Carla Barlow. A very (very) early Christmas present from this blog gave me a chance to see one of my all-time favourite Corrie characters in the flesh, and I found out all about Carla’s state of mind following Stephen Reid’s underworld sabotage. Ideally, I would have written this a few weeks ago, but I think I've only just recovered from seeing her in the flesh. I was the same after I met Jodie Prenger (in Weatherfield Precinct car park) last December!  

Anyway, and as promised, here is our chat with the factory boss. With Underworld nearly taken down (again) can Carla bounce back once more? 

Hi Ali, 

How blindsided was Carla when she found out about Stephen, it must have hit her hard. 

I don't think it hit her that hard. Out of everybody, she was the one that was immediately onto him. As soon as he appeared in the office, she couldn't stand the sight of him, could she? She’s been onto him from the off!

Stephen has played with Carla’s mental health these last few months. How has she been feeling through all of this? 

It’s hideous isn't it - it's been the worst nightmare ever, and to think that she was going to go down that rabbit hole again. She never wants to - Carla has tried looking after herself as best she can, and she keeps dangerous people like him at arm's length. However, because of Sarah, she has not been able to. It was so pre-meditated by him and awful for her. She felt like she was going backwards!

Did she have any idea how dangerous Stephen was? 

No, I don't think she had any idea of how dangerous he was. It's just about the money and business and the fact that he wanted that by any means. I don't think she thought he was violent or anything. 

What sort of Carla will we see emerge from all of this? Will she be tougher, or more damaged than she’s ever been before? 

All of the above! As usual, an influx of all of those things, possibly. I mean, she’s got answers, which is a good thing, but the damage to the factory- that's where you've got to wonder whether things will be solved or not. With Carla, you always get the street against her, or her against the street, and it's normally surrounding the factory, money and people's livelihood. I would imagine that they will be affected by this, and until she can get some money together again. They own 50% of the factory as well, so you think they would be looking out for their money too. 

Have you enjoyed being a part of this storyline? So much drama focused on Underworld!

We love Underworld! - It’s been a nice slow burner and Todd (Stephen Reid) has been such a joy to work with. I like wrapping it all up and how things have come together. It's been a joy, and always a joy to do a big storyline. 

Thanks, Ali! 

Keep ‘em peeled for my interview with Iain Macleod (Corrie producer) later this week as we find out what’s coming up for Carla and Peter this Christmas. 

I am @rybazoxo your (very lucky) Corrie Blog blogger and Cobbles Connoisseur

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Corrie Blog Interviews Ryan Russell : Michael Bailey Arrested For Underworld Fraud?

As Stephen’s reign ends, a few loose threads are still to be tied up by the police, and his quarter of a million quid (!) Underworld robbery is high on Weatherfield cop shops list! This week, Michael is caught in the factory with a bag of cash by DS Swain and the innocent junior manager, fresh from losing his job, is now in the frame for Stephen's robbery?! 

From Corrie Blog's recent visit to Coronation Street, my penultimate cast interview is with Ryan Russell to learn more about Michael's misjudgement of Stephen.  

Hello Ryan, 

Michael has been oblivious to all the goings on and saw Stephen as a bit of a mentor didn't he? 

Yes, he is oblivious. Micheal wants to doodle and do designs. He wants to be a success in Underworld, and the junior manager job gave him that. He looked up to Stephen, and just wanted to impress him and was inspired to be like him. 

When Stephen asked him for Underworld’s bank details, did Michael have any doubts?

No, I think he knew he shouldn't. I think Carla told him not to give anyone the access code. He thought he was doing good and trusted Stephen. It was an honest mistake. 

How will Michael feel when he looks back and realises his mistake? The misjudgement has appeared to rock him. 

He always beats himself up when something goes wrong. He will blame himself before anyone else, especially with the access code - he thinks he costs Underworld a lot. 

How does he feel when he loses his job? It means the world to him, doesn't it? 

Yeah, he felt like he was progressing in life with his designs, he got the promotion and is well-respected in Underworld. Losing that, he will be scared of being back to square one again. He also has the added pressure of being a single dad to Glory. It's going to be hard for him. 

Do you think Carla will forgive Michael, or will he suffer her wrath?

…the wrath of Carla!, yeh. (I think) if he doubles the losses and makes half a million, she might be happy, but until that day she will make him suffer!!

Coming out of this, do you think we will see a harder Michael, going forward? 

I think it will harden him, he has invested a lot in people before, and he's been burnt hard. Hopefully, I think he will fall back into his old ways again. He is resilient - he will bounce back!

Thanks, Ryan!

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Another surreal Corrie superfan moment ticked off my bucket list. Ryan Russell was sitting next to Alison King (Carla Connor) throughout this chat in front of the big 'Coronation Street Experience' cinema screen. Being a big Carla fan (the modern-day Elsie Tanner, in my eyes), my peepers must have been on stalks during this interview, and a chat with the gorgeous factory boss is where we will end this most special (of) press days. Keep your eyes peeled for that one, it drops later this week. 

Watch the story unfold on this week's Coronation Street on ITV and ITVX.   

I am @rybazoxo Let me know what you think on X #Corrie

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

I will start tonight's review with an apology. For the past few weeks, I have slated the Sally, Tim, and Elaine storyline down as some kind of 'carry on' smut fest full of double entendres and role-playing sauciness. A tad overboard, when in my 40th year, Tim's impotence may form some relevance for me, as I hurtle towards middle age! In tonight's episode, Sally presses Tim to seek medical attention, and like all us men, he seems to be delaying the inevitable but promises Sally he will book himself in with Dr Gaddas. Seeking advice from Dev, who seems to have binned Bernie, and is now on Tinder, may not have been the best idea, so he cancels it. Now that Elaine has gone home, I think we will see this story grow more, in scope, and in-depth. I shall look forward to that. 

George and Eileen are like a breath of fresh air! and I’ll fly my fan flag for these two, all day. The comedic element is back in Corrie, and with Todd included - these three are a treat. Tonight, and with his snoring issue out in the open, George has had a successful sleepover at N0.11 with a happy Eileen, Todd, and even Mary, all getting a good night's kip. Later on, George is seen dozing off in his hearse. It transpires that he’s stayed awake all night, to hide his indiscretion. It is funny and so very sweet. Todd had some belting one-liners tonight, and I’d rather see his character involved in this kind of caper, than being in Billy's exes group, supporting Summer. 

As the son of drug dealer Callum, and killer Kylie, adopted son of David (and not forgetting auntie Becky) it's hardly surprising that Max is such a trouble-causing menace. What with Amy's spiking, and Nicky's outing added to his charge sheet, it's no wonder Daniel is riled at his young nemesis. It's been a strong Corrie thread in 2022, and tonight Amy finally finds out the truth about the night of her drug collapse. Amy's passion for young women's issues is already well known and has been portrayed brilliantly by the young actress. Although it did have a dash of ‘Hollyoaks’ about it, you cannot fault Corrie for thrusting such modern issues in front of us viewers, with intelligence and accountability, as opposed to soapy sensationalism, or tabloid titillation. It's all very commendable, and as a 40-year-old, I do feel educated and more enlightened about the younger generation's cultural issues.

Putting Amy’s bae in a job at the factory tonight is also quite inspired when it comes to drama. I'd imagine Mike Baldwin would have baulked at 'Underworld’s latest staffing levels, but it keeps the houses of Barlow and Platt embroiled and at the forefront of current stories. All good stuff. Talking of which, it was great to see factory boss Carla out for dinner with Peter. It’s been so long since we saw these two on-screen together!! Without a doubt my favourite couple on the show, I enjoyed the Bistro scene, and seeing Peter get rankled by Nick was a nice nod to their shared past. Simon Barlow, however, seems to have a shorter memory. How many second chances has young Si, had? You'd think he would get on with Jacob as they used to. Kelly had a bit of point, and certainly knows what it’s like to face such scrutiny. Maybe they could recruit Max Turner, and start some sort of former bad boy support group? Daniel may be an Osbourne, but being part Barlow, he should know that the truth will always come out. Confronted with the wrath of Tracy and Steve, Daniel has now made enemies of his own family and half the street.

Twitter and the soap mags have been throwing online speculation out about Toyah’s real intentions for marrying Imran, and it may seem obvious, yet, I'm still unsure if she is out for revenge? Tonight, she tells Leanne all about the latest developments, and with Alfie due out of the hospital, Toyah seems keen on forging ahead with the adoption. Toyah has a heart of gold and is often the level-headed one amongst Corrie residents, but could Imran have finally broken her counsellor spirit? Leanne’s wise words of warning seem to come as a genuine shock to Toyah, and she retaliates by banning her sister from the proceedings. We can only wait and see.  

Families at war, revelations, lies uncovered, comedy, and true-to-life issues. That, my Corrie blog friends, was a superb hour of our favourite drama. 

What did you think? 

PS - I am on the Corrie Tour this weekend visiting the set. It’s my first visit since 2019, so keep an eye out for my review on that.  I am @rybazoxo your self-styled 'cobbles connoisseur'

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Coronation Street Episode Review; Weds 15th July 7.30 pm

Could Yasmeen's recently acquired resolve be muted again, by Geoff's continued coercive control? Suddenly realising his grip was slipping of course, ‘jiggle it’s’ latest attempt at winning back Yasmeen 

( his Yazzy, Yaz, etc which makes me squirm by the way) appears to be working? Alya’s dogged determination is admirable, but she’s letting him get to her now. Let’s hope she wins through for her Gran's sake!

On the subject of bad boys, Gary is seeking his factory rent increase and takes the opportunity to taunt Adam whilst in the process. Surely his solicitor skills can somehow stop the increase or look for a loophole, somehow? I foresee things in this storyline BUT I always get these predictions wrong so I may leave that for a future blog post!

Abi's appalling parenting skills, (drug addiction, alcoholism, prison stints) have long since been forgotten about since Sally (and separately, Kevin) helped her on the straight and narrow. Since becoming involved with Kev she has mellowed more just lately and now prefers playing computer games with Jack, becoming a surrogate Mum to the lad, almost. But what about her actual son Seb & the adopted twins? The long-haired lothario causes her little concern, but with news of the twin's relocation to Oz with their new parents, Seb swings it with social services for Abi to see the twins before they depart. Will she go through with it?

Desperate to see naughty Nicky again, (£220 a visit, did Sinead bequeath him her beard oil empire?), the usually sensible and bookish Daniel needs to palm off baby Bertie with the nearest babysitter. Is she going to fall for him or is he just another client to her? I'm intrigued by this one.

Also making me scratch my corrie brain, is this Scott subplot at the Rovers. Did it seem to be a slow burner, until tonight at least? He fancies a barge holiday, wears a wax jacket, and cops an earful from Peter from meddling in family matters. Just what is Scott’s game, eh?. I think he could be Carla’s 'real' Dad, maybe? Johnny’s reluctance to return home is some kind of key in this saga, too? I thought he’d had an affair with Jenny or something, but thinking of Carla’s past life and the fact he’s admitted his involvement in the squat assault, I think it's more related to our favourite former factory frontwoman. But in what way? Using Kirk's ball's as a ruse (haha!) it was nice to see Carla in the new factory too! 

Meanwhile, can Geoff cancel the charges, hoodwink the CPS, and get Yasmeen home? Or (my theory, here we go again) is that Yasmeen gets enough evidence together to bring him down herself! Tim and Faye may try to convince him otherwise, but they are less intelligent than Sally, Yasmeen, Alya, and the CPS...

Let's hope so, anyway. 

I am @rybazoxo your {self-styled} ‘cobbles connoisseur’ 

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