A good week on the cobbles?

(This post was originally posted by Clinkers (David) on the Coronation Street Blog in September 2013.)

There has been the nagging feeling of late that there has been little to celebrate down Weatherfield way. As a bunch of 'avid-bordering-on-obsession' viewers, we have collectively vented forth on the likes of St Ella and Tracy McBarlow amongst others. It's all been a bit glum to be honest. A week can make quite a difference though.

It's taken one of the Street's saddest storylines in years to highlight the kind of joy exceptional performances can bring. Where to begin? Hayley. There - even the mention of that one name now has the power to cause something to be found in our eyes. Not sure what's making my eyes water - must be a very late burst of hayfever. Anyway we mourn the passing of Hayley while she is still amongst us. We share in the confusion and distress of Roy who attempts to deal with his own feelings whilst offering comfort to his wife. Julie Hesmondhalgh and David Nielson must have been through the wringer several times in playing out these scenes but what a treat they were. Are we ready to climb aboard their emotional roller coaster for the rest of the year? In the safe hands of these two players, we know that whatever comes next will be special.

Plaudits too for Jenny McAlpine and Alison King. The response of Fiz to Hayley's news was both tearful and yet pared back. There was no doubting her sadness but Fiz didn't wallow in her own misery. For Carla, a few private moments when the emotional armour was cast aside before the return of the more practical, pragmatic character we know. Clattering ear-rings and handbags let us know that normal service had been resumed.

Elsewhere, great performances from Lisa George and Colson Smith. Beth seemed angry, worried and confused by the sudden change in her son's behaviour. This adds an extra strand to her character and moves her away from the 'Cilla-lite' category.

Bizarre sight of the week was the ridiculous get-up foisted on Sinead. Is she being dressed by nuns? The poor girl seemed to have been fastened into something hideous from neck to ankles, buttons firmly fastened. When she dragged glum-faced Chesney off for a bit of afternoon delight, you were left with the impression that Sinead would still be unbuttoning her cardy when sun went down.

The week belonged to Roy and Hayley though with their selection of bedside books, Dutch tea mug and brittle jollity. It's going to be a long winter. Damn - I think my hayfever's playing up again!



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