Monday 31 March 2014

Corrie Canada Weekly awards for March 24 - 28

Weird Science award: Curing a hangover by hanging upside down?

Super Builder award: Jason is going to do all the renovations, plumbing and wiring himself? Is he a certified electrician and plumber, too, now?

Blast from the past award: Jason wears Charlie Stubbs' toolbelt.

Red Rag to a Bull award: Phelan is really trying to make Gary lose his temper again.

Takes one to know one award: Owen knows very well Phelan is a bully.

Scarlett O'Hara award: Carla's avoiding the pregnancy test. She'll think about it tomorrow.

Phrase of Doom award: Tina "One minute you've got your arm round me and the next, you look like you could shoot me" (I don't like the sound of that!)

Naive award: Tina really thinks it's all going to end happy families.

Nosy Parker award: Fiz can't seem to keep out of Roy's space.

Coincidence award: Tyrone needs help at the garage and Steph's brother is a qualified mechanic. Sorted. Or soon to be. It's obvious.

Fashion award: Steve and Eileen's paper crowns in the taxi office.

Lines of the week:
Todd "Tony, have you ever read The Female Eunnuch" Tony "What's that like, Game of Thrones?"
Anna "It's a lesser spotted Cropper!"
Roy "Charity isn't without it's own conumdrums"
Sally "I've seen your 'couple of nights', they're like dog years!" (she's right!)
Julie "Right. Blue Sky thinking" Fiz "I'm not jumping out of a plane!"
Carla "Shut up! You sound like the inside of my head"
Steph "I might be a gob on a stick but I know how to be a good mate"
Peter "Do you think I'd risk all this for a bit of fun?" (yes)
Peter to Carla "I don't think I've ever been happier" (naturally, you've got it all, don't you?)


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Sunday 30 March 2014

The Faces of Corrie, 1973

(This post was originally posted by Llifon on the Coronation Street Blog in January 2013.)

If you remember, last year I had a series of posts looking at the top 12 faces of each Corrie decade - the 1960s, the 1970s, the 1980s, the 1990s and the 2000s. For the next 10 weeks or so, I’ll be looking at the top 12 faces of each year between 1960 and 2013.

With thanks to Corriepedia for the information.


In 1973, 105 episodes were broadcast.

1.    Len Fairclough (79 episodes)
2.    Betty Turpin (78 episodes)
3.    Bet Lynch (75 episodes)
4.    Ray Langton (73 episodes)
5.    Annie Walker (72 episodes)
6.    Jerry Booth (71 episodes)
7.    Hilda Ogden (70 episodes)
8.    Ken Barlow (69 episodes)
9.    Rita Littlewood (69 episodes)
10.    Elsie Howard (66 episodes)
11.    Stan Ogden (64 episodes)
12.    Norma Ford (63 episodes)

Average age: 43

Note: This, to date, is the only time Norma appears in the top 12

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Sunday Comments March 30

We've seen the new outdoor set this week and I think they've spruced up some of the interior ones, too. The ladies' in the pub has had a face lift and change around. The loo doors were on the other side of the room last time we were in there.

Faye needs a new bag. They're pretty cheap, really. I think i like Luke so far. Never heard of curing a hangover by hanging upside down. Poor Julie. Small change for charity or save it for the gym? Dev's already trying to sell memberships and Anna has his sales pitch figured out. So what? In anyone's world, 15 pound a month is pretty cheap for a gym membership.

Jenna doesn't seem to be too keen on Lloyd and Andrea's blossoming relationship. They really seem to be setting the Lloyd and Andrea relationship up for a fall, hinting that she actually fancies Steve and he her. But it's been subtle and low key. I do wonder what happened to their night class. Is it over now? It seemed to have dropped off the radar quite suddenly without any final exam or essays due or the like.

Phelan is really waving that red rag before Gary's bullish temper like he's really trying to make him attack him again. To be fair, when the boss asks you to go do something, you should really do it not tell him you're busy. But Phelan is playing games and Owen knows it. Gary is too hot headed and he needs to remember his family and suck it up. If he doesn't rise to it, Phelan will lose interest eventually like any bully. Owen would know that, as well. Takes one to know one. And when Phelan overheard Owen warning Gary, you could see the look in his face, he was determined to play the game!

Nice touch, Owen revealing a bit of vulnerability telling the story when his wife left him and he had to do what he had to in order to look after his children. Owen's method of revenge was a lot more subtle, making forged invoices for small amounts! But after the way Phelan was winding them up and with all that animostity, I really don't believe they'd all then socialize together in the pub like best mates.

Maybe it was all for show but when most of them knew the real deal, it seemed wrong somehow. Katy didn't know that and she gave him a gobful, giving him even more reason to be patronizing and upping the ante on the whole game. Pushing the deadline forward. Winding up Gary and Owen with trivial tasks.

Eva's getting domestic, making Jason's lunch for him. Jason is gearing up to start the conversion and doesn't want Tony's help. How is he going to get it wired? Don't you need to be a qualified electrician? Also for the plumbing, you probably need to be qualified to do the sort of work that would need doing in this project. Don't think Jason is either of those. It's a lot of work for just one person, too. Even Dev thinks so. Seems unrealistic. Tony will worm his way in there, though, with Eva's pressure tactics, too.

But if everyone would stop mithering Jason, he might get something done. And why are they all expecting miracles on the very first day? I think he knows very well that Tony stole those tools to help him.

Steve really doesn't trust Tony and doesn't like his mother getting involved. Sean agrees. Eileen agrees. Jason agrees. Lloyd agrees. The only one that doesn't, it seems, is Liz even if she says she's got the measure of Tony. She took a strip off Steve for rudeness and his attitude towards Tony. Par for the course. Tony's birthday drinks do was bound to be a disaster. But only for Steve after Tony read him the riot act. Nice.

Steph's brother, Luke is a qualified mechanic and Tyrone needs help. Sorted, or it soon will be, that's obvious. Tina is so naive and even Steph can see it. I think she could be a really good friend to Tina.

Peter's mind isn't on his work, Carla's whizzing on French caffeine. Tina's also walking around distracted. Tina is telling Steph a lot of intimate details, pretending it's for her friend. Steph might not be that bright but even she could figure it out. I do find it odd that she and Tina would be so affectionate after last week when Tina could barely stand to look at her new roommate. I guess confession is good for the friendship as well as the soul.

And now Peter knows Steph knows (though not the identity, and Liz knows) which adds on the pressure because let's face it, he doesn't want this to come out, does he? His reaction, and putting her off with "When the time is right" should really be ringing alarm bells but of course it doesn't. Peter didn't want to say those three little words Tina wanted to hear, but he did, and you know he only did it to keep her on side so she doesn't tell Carla. She whined and nagged and he finally said it. Does she feel triumphant, full of joy? or does she feel a little more defeated because she practically had to drag it out of him. I bet it was a bit of a pyrric victory.

You want to ratchet up the pressure even more? Carla's pregnant! Peter doesn't know yet. Carla doesn't think she wants a baby but getting a termination is intimidating, too.

Carla's lost her hated step father but is experiencing mixed feelings. As you do. Plus that pregnancy thing. And it's stirred up a lot of old demons, it seems. She's terrified she wouldn't be able to love a child after her mother's treatment of her. She's terrified a baby would thrown her marraige into the gutter, send him to the arms of someone else. Well it's too late for that, isn't it!? She thinking of maybe having an abortion and not telling Peter but Michelle can see she's conflicted. And Peter's using Carla's stepdad's death as an excuse not to tell Carla about his affair. Tina is determined to tell Carla the truth. I think. Or is she just breaking up with Peter?

I'm starting to like Sally and Tim together. Yes, he's feckless and yes she's snobby but when she's not on her high horse, they do kind of work. Maddie's sorted out her injuries. (Did they really keep her all night for a few scrapes and bruises?) Sophie wants Maddie to stay over a few nights. Sally doesn't want "vagrants" living there and she knows darn well once Maddie moves in, Sophie will insist she stay. But with Tim backing Sophie, (because Sophie knows Maddie was the one that beat him up) Sally's outnumbered.

Maddie was scared silly to go in though, knowing she's got to face Sally's wave of antagonism. And Sally was antagonistic, blatantly hiding her handbag from Maddie, showing her mistrust. And it's probably well-placed considering Maddie is always nicking things, even right under Sophie's nose, probably just to prove a point. And I see that the "one or two nights" seems to be extending, just as Sally reckoned. And though I didn't mind this storyline before, it's starting to get on my last nerve. I really don't buy them as a couple. If Jenna and Sophie had little in common, Maddie and Sophie have even less.

Roy seems distracted and he's not pulling his weight in the cafe. Well, you know, why should they expect him back full time? He's just lost his wife. Give him a break! Roy's buying things and ordering things. Meanwhile, Fiz wants to do some sort of fundraising in Hayley's name. Roy is getting more and more detached. He's letting things go at the cafe and he's not picked up Hayley's ashes yet, as well. They're starting to realize that Roy seems to be keeping to himself a lot, maybe more than is good for him? Thus, Fiz gets another bee in her bonnet and starts to poke her nose in again.

Sean went in to book a cab and left without telling Steve when he wanted it. Peter had been smoking a cig, went upstairs and kissed Tina, a non-smoker and she didn't even flinch! Maybe Michelle Keegan is a smoker? I could understand Todd keeping his relationship with Marcus a secret from Sean as a kindness since they used to be together, but only if Todd were serious about Marcus, which he isn't and only if Todd were a truly kind and thoughtful person. Which he's not. Fiz seems to be a bit curious about Marcus' behaviour especially after seeing Todd follow Marcus out from the ginnel.


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Saturday 29 March 2014

Incorporating Weatherfield's new surroundings

(This post was originally posted by Chewy on the Coronation Street Blog in March 2013.)

One of the big attractions about Coronation Street's new set is that it is no longer surrounded on all sides by towering buildings, giving the show's production team a lot more freedom in how they shoot the show.

Though there is a lot less clutter on the skyline, there are still one or two noticeable outside world structures looking down on the set. These include two skyscrapers across the river from the new set.

I don't think Corrie should avoid showing these buildings, they don't look too out of place for modern day Manchester, they could even be seen as part of Weatherfield Quays, or perhaps just a new development in Weatherfield's town centre.

The show has done this in the past with the Museum of Science and Industry, which is actually Nutall's Brewery in the context of the show, and has followed the Street to its new home.


The other change, the top of the Imperial War Museum North, looks a little peculiar, peeking over the wall of the viaduct. This would be quite easy to explain away as a new community centre that has been built on Jubilee Terrace.

I think it would be worth taking the time to address the surrounding buildings, rather than just try and avoid showing them, since Corrie will based in Trafford for a long time to come.



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Corrie's new era

(This post was originally posted by Chewy on the Coronation Street Blog in March 2013.)

So the new set finally made its debut on screen this week, heralding a new era for the street, we didn't really get any big wide views of the street tonight, though I imagine that was done purposefully.

Though what we did see was noticeably bigger, while still remaining that Coronation Street look, I have to admit I was quite surprised by how much it actually resembles the old street on screen, the people behind it have done a fantastic job.

We didn't just get a new street tonight, the titles were finally updated to reflect recent changes on the street, with Nick's Bistro now appearing at the end of the street, and a new shot showing the Kabin and Viaduct Street, showing off the new full length viaduct (that used to cut off just after R'Terry's old club).

The new shots in the opening titles seemed to be a bit more in focus too, compared to how they used to look. I can't wait to see how they begin to use the new set in the months to come, could we see some new business' crop up? Or some old business' blow up?


For those of you who missed the titles, or live in Canada, Youtube user Corrie Xtra uploaded the new titles for all to see.



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The future of Carla's child

(This post was originally posted by Scott Willison on the Coronation Street Blog in March 2013.)

Carla's finally resolved her Schrodinger's Womb; until last night's episode she was simultaneously pregnant and not pregnant.  Now that we all know, yes, there is a tiny ball of cells gestating inside the fabulous Ms Connor (given the state of her marriage, there's not really much point in calling her Mrs Barlow, is there?) the question becomes: what happens next?

Carla is not maternal.  This has been long established.  She's terrible with Simon, always has been; her idea of parenting is to lump him in front of the X Box with a packet of Frazzles while she thumbs through the fashion mags in the bath.  She doesn't like children.  She had a terrible childhood.  She loves her home comforts.  She is, in short, exactly the wrong kind of person to have a baby.

Babies should be wanted, desired, loved.  In an ideal world every child would be produced from two loving, caring parents who wanted nothing more than to reproduce and who are willing to sacrifice everything for their newborn.  Life isn't like that; life finds a way.  Life creates children out of drunken fumblings, out of unhappy marriages, out of lonely, scared women, and each unloved child is a little story of sadness in itself.


Here's how I'd like Carla's story to develop.  I'd like Carla to feel regret that this has happened, this accident of genetic material (because it was an accident; you can bet your life that she was using contraception of one kind or another).  I'd like her to experience sadness that this decision, this huge, momentous, life altering decision, has been thrust upon her.  And then I'd like her to get an abortion.

Abortions don't really happen in soap operas.  This is mainly because they are a neat, catch all answer that solves a lot of problems, and a problem means a drama.  If a character in a soap opera finds out she's pregnant, she usually persists with the baby, even if she's not sure who the father is (Molly), or she's only known the father for five minutes (Kirsty), or she's pretty sure the relationship is doomed because he's in love with his former sister in law (Maria), or she's had a one night stand that pretty much everyone regrets (Tracy).  SurpriseChild! is a classic soap opera trope and creates years of drama.

When terminations do appear, it's often as a storytelling device, nothing more.  Think of Katie loitering outside the hospital, waiting to see if Chesney really loves her and will come and save her.  His arrival, and her subsequent decision to give birth, was a "romantic triumph" - even if two teenagers having a baby is rarely a good idea, and they've subsequently split up.  Alternatively, there's Tina aborting David's baby; in this instance, a teenage mother was a bad thing because that way David could go off the deep end and be even more psychotic than usual.  Tina was pretty much forgotten after he chucked Gail down the stairs.


I'd like Carla to make a careful, intelligent, logical decision.  I'd like her to decide that there are too many unloved, unwanted children in the world.  I'd like her to explain to Peter that she wasn't ready to devote the rest of her life to a baby she didn't ask for; I'd like him to support her and her decision.  I'd like her friends and family to hold her hand and look after her while she undergoes the procedure. I'd like her to say goodbye to what could have been, and then look forward to the wonderful life she can live without the stresses and pain of a burdensome child with her.  I'd like the abortion to be presented as a positive in the life of a woman who knows what she wants and what will make her happy.

It's a side of terminations that's rarely presented; women in dramas who have abortions are usually shown to be a bit mad, full of regret, sad at what could have been.  I've known a few women who've had terminations, and in every instance, their life is so much better now than it would have been with a child they didn't want.  Soap operas so often talk about "dealing with issues"; how about we deal with an issue where a woman makes a decision to be happy?  It would be a refreshing, adult decision to show something that happens to thousands of women in this country but is rarely talked about, and to not suggest it's a cause of shame or disgust.  It might not be as dramatic, but life isn't sometimes.  Sometimes a soap opera can simply reflect life as it is.



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Conversation Street Podcast 86

Gemma and Michael's podcast for the episodes in Canada that aired up to last night can be heard here. Don't worry, they don't do spoilers so you won't hear anything you don't want to!

This week's episodes focus on Maddie winding up Sophie and Sally, Phelan winding up Owen and Gary and pushing the envelope, Tina putting pressure on Peter and Carla's impending motherhood (maybe). Mark Grant from the Downeast Steeters talks about their upcoming event with Jimmi Harkishin.




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Friday 28 March 2014

Michelle Collins launches her autobiography

Michelle Collins has already filmed her final scenes as Stella Price in Coronation Street.  And now she's  preparing to come to Glasgow next month to launch her autobiography, This is Me, at Aye Write! Glasgow's Book Festival.

Michelle will be talking about her remarkable journey in the industry and the truth behind the tabloids at the literary talk.

Michelle said: "‘Sometimes I think my life has more ups and downs than many of the characters I've played. Writing this book has opened the floodgates and brought back so many memories, good and bad. I've been accused of being a man eater, a child snatcher and on top of all that of having a bad Northern accent…but you know what? I wouldn't change a minute!"

Tickets for the event at the Mitchell Library on April 6 are priced £8.

The ninth Aye Write! Glasgow's Book Festival 2014 takes place from April 4 until April 12.


Here is the listing on Amazon.ca for the Kindle version.


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Corrie Canada sneak previews for March 31 - April 4

Without further ado here is a brief sneak preview of what you'll see on  next week's Corrie in Canada.

Kevin's back and runs afoul of both Maddie and Tim. Maria finds out about Marcus and Todd. Roy's latest obsession is discovered. Carla's trying to decide what to do. Stella and Leanne like the same fella. Maddie and Sophie take the next step.



For more details and photos, visit the Moosejaw Mercury at Corrie.net


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Thursday 27 March 2014

Time to show a different side to Corrie's Steve?


(This post was originally posted by Graeme N on the Coronation Street Blog in March 2013.)

Why is Steve McDonald always portrayed as a comedy character and a figure of fun? Back in the day Steve was a bad lad up to all sorts, and while I don't think we should go back to all that, I am frustrated by the way he is treated by those around him.


Yes I know he has made some big mistakes in his life, but he is now a responsible father and owner of two Weatherfield businesses. Yet Michelle treats him with what can only be described as mild contempt, sneering at him and calling after him like he's a silly little boy. Apart from she of the folded arms, Steve's mother is also short on respect for the son who installed her back in the Rovers Return. 


I caught a glimpse of a sneer from Liz the other night directed straight at Steve as she ushered her latest love interest into the back room of her son's pub. Steve is really just worried about his mum and although he did go about it the wrong way, there was no need for Tony to be so unpleasant to him or for Liz to rub his nose in it. We all know how the Tony and Liz coupling will end and I'm sure Steve will be there for his mother regardless.


Coronation Street is built on a history of strong women, but it wasn't always like this. Yes the men were sometimes feckless, but they had strengths too. There was often affection demonstrated between male and female characters and I see none of that chez McDonald.


Simon Gregson is great at comedy but he is also good with the straight stuff. It's been a while since he's had anything dramatic to get his acting teeth into and I think it's long overdue. It feels like the writers have discovered he's a good comic turn and they've run with the gurns and the one liners, mostly at Steve's expense. I think it's time to show a different side to one of the longest serving male characters in Corrie's history. 


What do you think?

Follow me on Twitter @GraemeN82



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Wednesday 26 March 2014

In the Corrie producer's chair


(This post was originally posted by Graeme N on the Coronation Street Blog in March 2013.)

I haven't played this game for a while so I thought I'd have a bash to cheer myself up. I'm playing armchair producer again. So in no particular order, here's what I would do if I was in charge of Corrie in 2014:

I'd ditch the current, awful updated theme tune. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the old one. It was perfect, beautiful even. Watching old pre-2010 episodes, the theme tune really does make the hairs stand up on the back of my neck. The current tune feels lightweight and jars with cliffhangers at advert breaks.


Having said that, I'd remove the theme tune altogether when a character dies. It used to happen as a mark of respect and I think it is a fitting tribute which should certainly have been used when Hayley died.

I would also ditch the titles - the out of focus shots of what I presume is Manchester really don't do the programme any justice.

Give Deirdre Barlow a storyline!! For goodness sake writers, Anne Kirkbride is an asset - use her!

Send Dev and the twins off with Stella when she leaves. I know Dev has his supporters but he always makes me cringe. The comedy is forced and laboured, the dramatic moments always just miss the mark.

Install a middle aged woman as manager of the Corner Shop - it needs a matriarch character, someone other characters can confide in and gossip with. The Corner Shop used to be a focal point of the show and nowadays we don't see it as much as we should.

Audrey needs a pal. Never mind fixing her up with inappropriate men, I loved her exploits with Alma back in the day, and more recently with Claudia Colby (Rula Lenska). Why can't they bring Claudia back and let's see them let their hair down a bit.

The cast is still too big. I baulked the other evening during the Corrie documentary when a cast of 70 was mentioned. Realistically how can Coronation Street tell 70 characters' stories, even if we are bombarded with five half hours a week?

Cut the episodes back. There are too many and it dilutes the magic. What's wrong with three half hours - Monday, Wednesday and Friday?

More scenes where nothing happens, letting the dialogue dominate.

Get Steve McDonald away from that Michelle! She was no good for him the first time around so who knows why they decided to rehash this one.

Get Gail away from her family, her mop and that awful tabard! Rejuvenate the character!

Put Tracy Barlow back in jail and bring in Blanche's sister.

Get rid of Katy Armstrong. I don't care how, just make it happen.

Do something with the butchers shop - Remember that Sally has money and let's see her do something with it.

Get rid of Sophie Webster. I don't care how, just make it happen.

Don't let Philip Lowrie leave - find something interesting for Dennis to do.

I want to see more of Kal - and I mean that in every sense.

Introduce some interesting older characters.

Finally, spread the action out so more than a handful of characters dominate. I feel that the Windasses, Peter, Carla and Tina are in EVERY scene. Make it stop!


I'm sure some of these will divide opinion, so feel free to add your own thoughts! What would you do if you were in charge?


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Tuesday 25 March 2014

Here's my take on Corrie lately

I thought it was time I had a good, long witter about current Coronation Street storylines. I've enjoyed pretty much all of it, to tell you the truth. I hate the Peter and Tina pairing but it's a classic soap storyline and it's kind of like watching another tram crash.

I'm really enjoying the Windass storyline with the creepy Phelan. The Conversation Street podcast folks made a great comparison between Phelan and another classic villain and I concur.  I'm really interested in where this is all going to end. The Windasses are already starting to implode. It's going to get far worse before it's over.

I don't even mind Sophie and Maddie though it's not for the two of them that I am enjoying watching it.There's been some funny scenes lately and I'm hoping the writing is turning around on that side of things.

You can read all the details over here.




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The Faces of Corrie in 1972

(This post was originally posted by Llifon on the Coronation Street Blog in January 2013.)

If you remember, last year I had a series of posts looking at the top 12 faces of each Corrie decade - the 1960s, the 1970s, the 1980s, the 1990s and the 2000s. For the next 10 weeks or so, I’ll be looking at the top 12 faces of each year between 1960 and 2013.

With thanks to Corriepedia for the information.


 In 1972, 104 episodes were broadcast.

1.    Len Fairclough (79 episodes)
2.    Elsie Howard (78 episodes)
3.    Ray Langton (77 episodes)
4.    Billy Walker (76 episodes)
5.    Maggie Clegg (74 episodes)
6.    Jerry Booth (72 episodes)
7.    Annie Walker (72 episodes)
8.    Alan Howard (70 episodes)
9.    Hilda Ogden (68 episodes)
10.    Emily Nugent/Bishop (67 episodes)
11.    Betty Turpin (64 episodes)
12.    Ken Barlow (62 episodes)

Due to lack of space, Bet Lynch fails to make the top 12, but she also appeared in 62 episodes.

Average age: 44

Note: This is the last time Maggie (to date) and Alan appear in the top 12


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Will Tony be good for our Liz?


(This post was originally posted by Graeme N on the Coronation Street Blog in March 2013.)

So what do we think of Liz and Tony so far? I think Liz McDonald is one of those Corrie women who needs a man. The trouble is some of her choices have been less than clever. I guess that's where the good stories come from though.

Personally, I'd love to see Jim McDonald make a return from the Big House. If the writers can spring Tracy out of jail at the drop of a murder conviction, they can surely get Jim back on the street. Liz and Jim have real presence together on screen and I think it would be great to reunite them.

However, I digress. Tony is the latest in a fairly long line of fellas Liz has dallied with. I think Terence Maynard is doing a good job so far, and it's good to see Jason interacting with his dad again. I did initially wonder why Alan Igbon had not reprised his role having originally played Tony about ten or so years ago. As an aside, it was Alan Igbon who played the young soldier back in the 1970s who informed Bet Lynch that her son had been killed. 

Anyway, I like Terence Maynard in the part and I think it will be interesting to see how Liz and Tony get on. It hasn't taken long to put Eileen's nose out of joint and I doubt Steve will be too thrilled either. What Tony's longterm plans are remain a mystery. He seems to genuinely want to reconnect with Jason, however his recent underhand doings have shown that he's still a tad on a shady side. Perfect for Elizabeth then!

So what do you think of Liz and Tony so far? Are you looking forward to seeing how this relationship develops?




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Monday 24 March 2014

Updated opening titles to be used in tonight's Corrie

(This post was originally posted by Chewy on the Coronation Street Blog in March 2013.)

Digital Spy has confirmed that Coronation Street will be getting an updated set of titles starting with the next episode on Monday, (tonight in Canada) to coincide with the switch to the Trafford set.

I loved the titles when they were first introduced in 2010, but they quickly dated when a tram came flying onto the cobbles, not to forget the Bistro being built and the Rovers getting a new look.

I'm glad Corrie have used the switchover as an opportunity to update the titles, while the bulk of the titles will be staying the same, the two shots showing the street will be updated to reflect the past few years of changes on the street.

I do wonder if the new set will still feature the tram, which has appeared in the opening titles since 2002.



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Corrie Canada weekly awards for March 17 - 21

Reality check award: Tina now has to share Peter with Carla again and she's got a roomie that's going to make things difficult to see him as well. Dev thought Stella was inviting him to hers for a romantic evening. It was his birthday surprise party instead.

Cheeky award: Steph's brother, Luke. But he might be kind of fun to have around on first impressions.

Fashion What? award: Liz's onesie.

No tact award: Tim called Dev out on his big embarassment where everyone else was a lot more tactful.

Doing it the hard way: Why did Peter offer a whole night in a hotel to Tina now that Carla's back? Wouldn't it have been easier to do it while she was still in Paris?

Referee Fail award: Deidre wasn't able to keep Liz and Eileen from a loud scrap in the Bistro.

Ironic award: Todd telling Eileen that Honesty is the best Policy.

Masterchef Fail: Carla can barely open a tin or operate the microwave. What made her think she could cook Indonesian?

Rock and a hard place award: Phelan has video evidence of the attack. Gary and Owen are up against that hard wall.

Lines of the week:
Val "If you see him, tell him there's a warpath and I'm on it" and "He's my husband to slag off, luv, not yours"
Peter to Carla "Let's get you out of them wet clothes" Carla "You're not still using that one?" Peter "Never fails me" (dog)
Tim about charity shop workers "I bet some of them can remember when Stonehenge were a field"
Deirdre to Eileen "We're too long in the tooth to be falling out over fellas" (too right)
Gary "Why make him suffer as well" Owen "Because I can."
Maddie about Norris "He's like Golum without the personality"
Liz to Tina "You are just another bottle of booze to him. And when he's had his fill, he'll chuck you out like all the other empties"
Graham the builder "It's beautiful. Ireland that is, not my wife"




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Sunday 23 March 2014

Corrie cryptic headlines in Weatherfield Gazette

(This post was originally posted by Flaming Nora on the Coronation Street Blog March 2013, reposted to this blog with permission.)

Coronation Street's local paper, The Weatherfield Gazette has in the past thrown up some great headlines.

See, for instance 
When The Weatherfield Gazette gets it wrong
Weatherfield Gazette in typo trouble
Atrocious apostrophes on Coronation Street

And the headline on Friday night's second episode was a cryptic one. Does anyone have any idea what could be going on with Tom the Postie?



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The Faces of Corrie 1971

(This post was originally posted by Llifon on the Coronation Street Blog in January 2013.)

If you remember, last year I had a series of posts looking at the top 12 faces of each Corrie decade - the 1960s, the 1970s, the 1980s, the 1990s and the 2000s. For the next 10 weeks or so, I’ll be looking at the top 12 faces of each year between 1960 and 2013.

With thanks to Corriepedia for the information.


 In 1971, 104 episodes were broadcast.

1.    Annie Walker (76 episodes)
2.    Stan Ogden (75 episodes)
3.    Elsie Howard (75 episodes)
4.    Len Fairclough (72 episodes)
5.    Ray Langton (69 episodes)
6.    Bet Lynch (68 episodes)
7.    Hilda Ogden (68 episodes)
8.    Betty Turpin (68 episodes)
9.    Emily Nugent (66 episodes)
10.    Ken Barlow (65 episodes)
11.    Lucille Hewitt (64 episodes)
12.    Maggie Clegg (60 episodes)


Average age: 42


Note: This is the last time Lucille appears in the top 12




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Saturday 22 March 2014

Marcus and Todd's snog causes Corrie complaints

(This post was originally posted by Flaming Nora on the Coronation Street Blog February 2013, reposted to this blog with permission.)

Marcus and Todd snogging on the soft furnishings on Coronation Street has prompted some complaints from homophobes.

Broadcasting regulator Ofcom has confirmed that it will not investigate.

From PinkNews: According to Ofcom, many of the 100-plus complaints referred to the fact that the topless kiss took place before the 8pm watershed, and that it was too “sexually suggestive’.

An Ofcom spokesperson has now confirmed to PinkNews: “Ofcom can confirm that it is not investigating the scene in Coronation Street as it was not in breach of generally accepted standards.

“Our rules do not discriminate between scenes involving opposite sex and same sex couples.”

See also: Your views on Coronation Street's gay characters 
See also: Glad to be gay? 
See also: What a gay day!



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Conversation Street podcast 85

Gemma and Michael's podcast for the episodes in Canada that aired up to last night can be heard here. Don't worry, they don't do spoilers so you won't hear anything you don't want to!

This week, Gemma and Michael chat about Peter working both sides of the coin with Carla on one and Tina on the other side. Sophie and Maddie are slowly getting closer and Phelan is have a great time winding up Gary and Owen for his revenge. There's a character profile about Bill Webster this week, too.





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Friday 21 March 2014

Coronation Street wins Best Soap at RTS Awards

Coronation Street last night won Best Soap and Continuing Drama award at the Royal Television Society Awards.

Awarding the prize to Coronation Street, the judges said it was:“Beautifully written, blending the funny and the tragic, and with terrific performances. This was drama at its very best.

The winners were announced at an awards ceremony hosted by comedian Tim Vine on Tuesday 18 March at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.

In their best bib and tucker at the awards to represent Coronation Street were cast members Katy Cavanagh (Julie Carp), Antony Cotton (Sean Tully) and Brooke Vincent (Sophie Webster).

All the winners are listed here.



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Coronation Street wins Best Soap at RTS Awards

Coronation Street last night won Best Soap and Continuing Drama award at the Royal Television Society Awards.

Awarding the prize to Coronation Street, the judges said it was:“Beautifully written, blending the funny and the tragic, and with terrific performances. This was drama at its very best.

The winners were announced at an awards ceremony hosted by comedian Tim Vine on Tuesday 18 March at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.

In their best bib and tucker at the awards to represent Coronation Street were cast members Katy Cavanagh (Julie Carp), Antony Cotton (Sean Tully) and Brooke Vincent (Sophie Webster).

All the winners are listed here.



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Sneak Preview for Canadian Corrie for March 24 - 28


Without further ado here is a brief sneak preview of what you'll see on  next week's Corrie in Canada.

Phelan goads Gary and Owen, enjoying his revenge. Tina confides in Steph and puts pressure on Peter. Carla confides in Michelle and takes a pregnancy test. Is she or isn't she? Maddie moves in but is still causing trouble. Jason asks for help. Steve worries about Liz and Tony. Roy's acting mysteriously. Fiz notes tension between Marcus and Todd.



For more details and photos, visit the Moosejaw Mercury at Corrie.net





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Thursday 20 March 2014

Gary 'The Hulk' Windass

(This post was originally posted by Flaming Nora on the Coronation Street Blog February 2013, reposted to this blog with permission.)

With thanks to Coronation Street fan Emma Cameron-Pryde via facebook who has created and sent us this picture of Gary Windass doing his hulk impersonation on Corrie this week.   

"Don't make me angry, you won't like me when I'm angry."  

That Phelan fella had better watch out.



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Wednesday 19 March 2014

A look at the new set: Coronation Street

(This post was originally posted by Chewy on the Coronation Street Blog in February 2013.)

Last week, we took a closer look at the new Victoria Street, to see what had changed, this week, we're looking at Coronation Street itself, probably the biggest change you can see above is the top of the Imperial War Museum North's roof, although, I don't think that will be making an appearance in the show itself.

As you have probably read by now, the street is now wide enough to have two cars passing each other, with enough room between them. I can see this adding a little extra touch to scenes set on the street, we might even see the Wayfarer make it's way down the street now! There's also a new ginnel leading from Streetcars on Victoria Street to outside Audrey's Salon.

The Rovers Return is now much much bigger, boasting two upstairs windows, the improved size, makes the interior seem a little more believable now, though the living room will still be in Rosamund Street, no matter how much bigger it grows.

A nice small touch has been added to the viaduct side of the street,
a 'Coronation Street' sign appears to have been placed on the side of The Kabin, it's nothing major, but it's a nice addition, to commemorate the move to the Trafford studios.

Most of Coronation Street has remained the same, when compared to the other streets, most likely due to it being the most iconic, but the small changes they have made will give the street a much grander look, I'm looking forward to seeing how it looks on screen, and of course, playing spot the difference!


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Tuesday 18 March 2014

The Faces of Corrie in 1970

(This post was originally posted by Llifon on the Coronation Street Blog in January 2013.)

If you remember, last year I had a series of posts looking at the top 12 faces of each Corrie decade - the 1960s, the 1970s, the 1980s, the 1990s and the 2000s. For the next 10 weeks or so, I’ll be looking at the top 12 faces of each year between 1960 and 2013.

With thanks to Corriepedia for the information.


In 1970, 96 episodes were broadcast.

1.    Annie Walker (70 episodes)
2.    Elsie Tanner/Howard (69 episodes)
3.    Ray Langton (68 episodes)
4.    Ena Sharples (68 episodes)
5.    Betty Turpin (65 episodes)
6.    Len Fairclough (63 episodes)
7.    Valerie Barlow (62 episodes)
8.    Hilda Ogden (61 episodes)
9.    Maggie Clegg (60 episodes)
10.    Ken Barlow (56 episodes)
11.    Alan Howard (56 episodes)
12.    Stan Ogden (54 episodes)

Average age: 46

Note: This is the last time Ena and Valerie appear in the top 12



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Time Corrie's Jenna was given something to do?


(This post was originally posted by Graeme N on the Coronation Street Blog in March 2014.)

Isn't it about time the Corrie writers found Jenna Kamara something to do? Since her split from Sophie she has been very much a background character while Sophie has embarked on a whole new storyline helping the homeless and being pursued by Maddie.

I think we all agree that Jenna and Sophie were not a good match and I'm glad the writers split them up. However it would have been good if this decision had been made with some forethought for what to do next with Jenna. 

Instead, Jenna has popped up every so often in the background of the cafe, without even playing a major role in the Croppers' storyline. Her dad Lloyd is enjoying a new romance with Andrea but yet again Jenna hasn't had much to do with that either.

When Jenna first came into the show she was a trained professional. Sadly this side of her character was lost when she sacrificed it for her doomed relationship with Ms Webster. I don't think Jenna is suited to working in the cafe. I think we should be seeing her trying to rebuild her life and career with the support of her father, out of the shadow cast by her now absent mum. Perhaps Kal could take her on at his new gym? It would also be interesting to see Jenna embark on a new relationship.

Krissi Bohn is a good actress and unfortunately I just don't think she's being given a chance to shine. She has a great sparring partner in her onscreen father, played by the wonderful Craig Charles. We just don't see enough of them together.

So what do you think the writers should do next with Jenna? Do you agree she has a lot more to offer?

Follow me on Twitter @GraemeN82



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Monday 17 March 2014

Corrie Canada weekly awards for March 10 - 14

True Friend award: Norris is Rita's rock.

Creepfest award: Phelan.

Economical with the Truth: Gary didn't tell Owen, just as he promised, He did however, give Phelan a right bashing leading to the Panic Stations award.

Coward Award: Dev didn't stand up to Sharif and he didn't even tell Jason he was using a different builder for several days.

Dodgy Cabs award: Lloyd has precious cargo, so why wasn't it in a proper baby seat?

SuperHero Award: Beth gave the thief the boot. Literally!

Happy Families award: The Tinker Battersby-Brown bunch make me smile. (some cracking dialogue with them all this week)


Lines of the week:
Todd "Mom thinks I'm trouble and I don't know why" (Got an hour?)
Norris to Dev "According to Psychic Sally, that's only going to happen if your Venus is rising" Steve "Is your Venus rising" Dev "No, man"
Todd "Sensitive is my middle name" Eileen "Really? I thought it was Trouble"
Mary "I know from personal experience that the cocoa bean can be one's staunchest ally!" (too right!)
Rita about Roy "There goes a man with a right to a broken heart" (Rita,  you're just as entitled)
Audrey "When I went through that thing with Lewis I just wanted to crawl under a stone" Rita "Don't worry, I've been eyeing that stone all day"
Rita to Norris "You drive me to distraction but you're a good man"
Gary "I Promise. I won't say a word to your dad" (Well, he didn't lie, not exactly)
Owen "You get him on his own, beat him half to death with a 3x2 and  you thought *I'd* go mad??!!"
Sinead "Trouble? She is a heroine" Kirk "She's on heroin???"
Tony "I was there when he was little. Now and then."




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Sunday 16 March 2014

The faces of Corrie in 1969

(This post was originally posted by Graeme N on the Coronation Street Blog in January 2013.)

If you remember, last year I had a series of posts looking at the top 12 faces of each Corrie decade - the 1960s, the 1970s, the 1980s, the 1990s and the 2000s. For the next 10 weeks or so, I’ll be looking at the top 12 faces of each year between 1960 and 2013.

With thanks to Corriepedia for the information.


In 1969, 104 episodes were broadcast.
  1. Elsie Tanner (88 episodes)
  2. Hilda Ogden (85 episodes)
  3. Ena Sharples (81 episodes)
  4. Jack Walker (81 episodes)
  5. Annie Walker (79 episodes)
  6. Stan Ogden (76 episodes)
  7. Ray Langton (74 episodes)
  8. Emily Nugent (73 episodes)
  9. Len Fairclough (73 episodes)
  10. Valerie Barlow (70 episodes)
  11. Ken Barlow (64 episodes)
  12. Minnie Caldwell (62 episodes)

Due to lack of space, Maggie Clegg fails to make the top 12, but she also appeared in 62 episodes.

Average age: 48

Note: This is the last time Jack and Minnie appear in the top 12


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State of the Street - February 2014

It was a real creepfest this month on Corrie wasn't it? Phelan is hateful, slimy and a great Corrie baddie and is played really well.

Todd is kind of creeping me out too, but again, he's a good "baddie". Bruno Langley has come a long way.

Dennis is gone, and Gloria's gone with him. Roy's back and trying to find a way to cope with life on his own. It's all part of the State of the Street for this month. 





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Sunday Comments March 16

Gary doesn't think it's so bad working for Phelan but Izzy, knowing Anna's predicament, is circumspect. Phelan catches Anna and Owen snogging and makes Anna admit she's looking forward to dinner tonight but really, she's not looking forward to the group hug at the Bistro tonight at all and we all know Phelan is the reason. She admits it to Izzy, as well, and then plays right into Phelan's hands by texting him to come and see her. She wants to tell him once and for all to leave her alone. Izzy isn't so sure that's a good idea. You know darn well he's taken all this as an invitation and moves in to kiss her. You can see where he'd take that signal and she should have known better and she got herself into a scary situation that could have ended up a whole lot worse. Unfortunately, he's going to hold that over her.

She's managed to beg off the meal so she's avoided the situation for now. She's probably thinking "How could I be so stupid?" I wonder the same thing. Gary seems to enjoy Phelan's company. Izzy knew there was more to Anna's "virus" than meets the eye but Anna wouldn't admit it. Not that night. Izzy has no love for Phelan either, not now and Gary's catching on so Izzy told him that Phelan was coming on to Anna. And we know what kind of hothead Gary is. He's going to mither Izzy until he gets all the details and look what happened? He couldn't hold his temper in, as expected.

Meanwhile, Jake is fussy and it turns out he's not too well. She can't get Gary on the phone and it's off to the hospital. But where is Phelan? He was gone a few minutes to fetch Owen and then told Owen the whole story. Gary's the one with the record, let's not forget. Phelan may not know that but he could go down for a very long time for it.

The baby's ok, but where the heck were you, Gary and Izzy was right to be angry. It would have been superb if Phelan had been sitting in A&E when Gary walked in. Maybe it wouldn't happen, I don't know if they have a separate hospital for children like they do here.

Well now that Owen knows the situation, is he going to believe Anna's side of it or what Phelan said to Gary? You know he's got a suspicious mind, right? He even as much as admitted it's human to think the worst. But he shouldn't trust Phelan and he never did before. Now, it's a disaster on a slippery slope and I don't think they're going to come out of this.

Poor Rita. It's her birthday. Some birthday! Her friends know she's hurting. Everyone offers tea, sympathy and birthday pressies but Rita being Rita, she is putting on a brave front, telling them things could be worse. "Nobody's died" but inside, her heart is crushed and naturally, getting a text from the errant husband saying he's sorry only makes matters worse. That's got to hurt! And why would he want Rita to forgive him unless he's hoping to come crawling back some day?

Probably the worst thing about it is that the gossip is rampant. She's catching everyone talking about it. There were some lovely scenes between Norris and Rita. Norris, for a change, is very kind to her and points out that he knows it gets harder to get over something like this the older you get and though that's a bit less than tactful, he's right and she knows it but he also knows she'll get through it because she's strong. Norris wouldn't say I Told You So even though he probably thinks it. And Dennis did love her and probably still does. She wonders how you can know someone for 50 years and not really know them. But that's not really true. She may have met him 50 years ago but had no contact with him for most of that.

Never mind. Hold your head up high and celebrate your birthday with drinks in the pub. Good girl! And more lovely scenes with Norris walking Rita home.

Todd's sucking up to Eileen making bacon butties but is short with Sean. Todd does admit that him and Sean had no chance of a relationship. Eileen still doesn't trust Todd, though. Marcus is acting quiet and like he's got the weight of the world on his shoulder, which he blames on changes at work when Maria notices. As a result, though, he's working on making it up to Maria for something she doesn't even know he's done with a nice meal and a huge bunch of flowers.

Sean has told Eileen that he never had a chance with Todd and reveals that Todd is in love with someone else. That's news to Eileen but her radar goes up straight away. Todd knew darn well Sean couldn't keep it to himself and as we know, Sean has already told Marcus and we saw the end result of that.

Now Eileen gets to do the math and she's adding it up correctly. She bluffed Marcus and he didn't even have to admit it, which he did, because his face didn't half give it away. Todd pointed out that Marcus wants the family but that's not what he really wants. He's right, of course. Todd is really winding up Marcus, and now that Eileen knows, Marcus is afraid he's going to lose everything.

Roy seems to be functioning as normally as he ever does, maybe, his friends think, he's moving ahead? I think it's a tad too soon to assume that, mind you, but for Roy, a normal routine is what gets him through the day. And when Roy is explaining the history of the Doner "shish" kebab, and of croissants, we know he's at least upright and in the "normal" groove, no matter that he is probably hurting inside. Roy's still getting parcels delivered, too. Mary's more curious about what's in it that Roy is, leading us to believe it's just something he's ordered. Another train model, apparently. Seems Hayley's gift has sparked an interest for him.

But he's not ready to clear out her things yet. And he doesn't need to be, not just yet. Fiz shouldn't push.

Kal has to finance his part of the gym through a loan from his father because the banks weren't too cooperative. No choice or they would lose the location. It was his last choice but his father was happy to stick his fingers in the pie. You know his father is going to want to take over the whole thing from the sounds of it. We now meet Sharif who seems a bit controlling. This could end badly. He's already questioning Jason's estimates and wanting to use his own friend to do the work instead. He's taking over and even Dev can't seem to stand up to him. He didn't even tell Jason about the new builders until days later. Who's running this show, anyway? Not Dev. Not Kal. How do you spell "Disaster in the making?"

Well, Tony told Jason to up his price and now Jason has lost the job because of it. Let down again. But Todd implied that Jason was really more angry at himself than his dad. And Eileen was willing to give Tony a break until she saw him with Liz.

Dev is sobbing on Stella's shoulder and from the look in his eye, he's starting to develop a feeling or two there, I would say. Dev's turning 50 and Stella's going to fix up a surprise party. He deserves it. Laughed at Dev moaning about turning 50 and prodding his face for sags and wrinkles. Nice touch.

Chesney seemed pretty interested in a passing remark Dev made about the ownership of a kebab shop. Maybe he'll buy Prima Doner and start his business empire! Sinead and Beth both had the day off and it looked as if Izzy did, too. Not much work getting done in the factory that episode. Sinead and Beth had lunch on the Bistro, on Kirk's pound. Beth raided his wallet. Is it odd that he didn't have it with him? Off to the Bingo but they didn't win anything. Still, Beth ended up giving a pickpocket the boot, quite literally when she clocked the guy with her boot! Good description Sinead gave but surely there would be CCTV as well?

Liz got all done up and got dumped by Deirdre so why waste a good makeup job and all that cleavage? Tony's free! He protests that relationships are more trouble than they're worth but company, now that's different. Can you see what's coming? A mile away! Eileen certainly wasn't overly pleased to see it. But is Liz willing to see Eileen might be right that Tony is a waster? Does Eileen still have feelings for Tony?

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