Despite all the rumour-mongering and general disatisfaction with some Weatherfield storylines (and those responsible for acting them out) there are reasons to be cheerful on't cobbles. No - really there are! Credit where credit is due. For every painful Tracy McDonald (that name STILL looks wrong when I type it) scene, for every nail driven into the ever-diminishing character that was Sunita, for every prolonged scene featuring Katie/Izzy (let's call them 'Kizzy') droning on about having a 'bay-beh' there is still Corrie Gold to be found.
Step forward Kirsty Soames, you slice of evil in a maternity frock. Admittedly, I don't much like the character and the storyline, in general, makes for uncomfortable viewing.
In lesser hands, the whole thing would be nonsense but Natalie Gumede is an absolute gem. She injects just the right amount of venom and vulnerability into her scenes, helping prevent her from becoming either a one-dimensional spitbag (Cilla) or a deary doormat (Claire). There's a general sense of foreboding about the Kirsty storyline but here's hoping she gets her moment in the sun.
Another jewel in the Corrie crown is the lovely Anna Windass. Her 'journey' (cue lumbering Coldplay soundtrack and slow-mo
'X Factor' style camerawork) has taken her from greasy-haired, low-rent villain's wife to Street everywoman. She's the one who should be wheeling people into the Rovers back room for a cuppa, an Eccles cake and a shoulder to cry on.
Anna carries her burden well - volatile son, sly daughter and a volcano of a boyfriend. Save for Hayley, she seems to be friendless but is always on hand with a ready smile and a fried slice. Debbie Rush, we salute you.
The third of my triumvirate of Corrie Angels is the joy known to us all as Eva Price. Now, I hold my hands up quite happily and admit that, initially, I really didn't like Eva. She seemed to be pointless. Well, like mother like daughter. The powers-that-be at Corrie obviously saw that there was a chance for Eva to shine.
From sulky bint to a rather glorious creation, our Eva tottered over the cobbles with her out-sized back nestling on the crook of her arm. She's a disaster, whether it be behind a sewing machine, attempting to breathe life into a relationship or catching a rat. However, in a Bet/Raquel way, she's back up and at 'em the next day with fresh lippy and that vital ingredient, hope. As with Kirsty, I get the distinct impression that happiness won't come a-knocking at Eva's door. Catherine Tyldesley behind her though, it won't be for want of trying.
So, as summer finally gives up the ghost, as the nights begin to creep in ever earlier and the barbecue is banished to the back of the shed, feast on some classic Corrie performances. Angels - you did well!
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