Gold Star Corrie

When I noticed the writing credit for tonight's Coronation Street given to Jonathan Harvey, I knew we'd be in for a good episode. He never lets me down and so it was thus. Tonight's Corrie was a joy all around, with wonderful dialogue and excellent acting. I'll try not to do what amounts to an episode summary because that's not my job! It's difficult not to, though.

Jenny Bradley is back and while she might be over the worst of it, she is still shakey and defeated.  Sally Ann Matthews was excellent tonight as was Barbara Knox. I was immediately drawn in by them. You could really feel Jenny's depression weighing her down, and Rita's loving support. I really felt for Jenny and just wanted to hug her!

Brendan found an hour away from the wife and Mary took full advantage for a bit of afternoon delight. (Oh, my eyes!) Brendan really makes my skin crawl and I feel bad that Mary has been sucked in by his false ways. I do like that Erica is so kind to Mary and when this all blows up and Mary's heart is in bits, I think Erica will do her best to help. Can't fault the acting, though,  Ted Robbins  is doing a top job as the love rat Brendan!

Elsewhere, it turns out that Jamie has been nabbed by the police and "sang like a canary". I wonder if he could get charged with attempted murder in addition to assault? I liked that Steph apologized to Carla even though, of course, she had nothing to apologize for, but it was so very Steph, I thought.

The other main thrust of the episode was Audrey and Ken, circling around each other. Sue Nicholls was superb, as Audrey, touchy, out of sorts and feeling awkward around Ken. Ken has  been following her around like a puppy since Nessa left, that should have been pretty obvious to Audrey that he has feelings for her! Then Audrey collapsed with chest pains and was terrified she was going to die without telling Ken she loved him! As you do. Judging from the smile on his face, I don't think he minded at all! Some wonderful acting from Sue Nicholls tonight, especially!

Nobody was shouting, nobody was making a big dramatic mountain out of a molehill, nobody was even plotting revenge, for once. I'm not sure I was even watching the same show that aired on Monday night! I'd like more of this, please! I don't mind a bit of dramatics but when it's 90 miles per hour all the time, it doesn't half wear you down now and then!

Top marks all around to everyone!





Deirdre: A Life on Coronation Street - official ITV tribute to a soap icon. Available here.


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There's something about Mary

(This post was originally posted by Graeme N on the Coronation Street Blog in January 2016.)


I sat watching through my fingers last night as Mary Taylor led Brendan up Dev's stairs. It's not the thought of Mary having a physical relationship that bothers me, more the turn this storyline has taken. I'm still in two minds on whether I like it or not.

Don't get me wrong, it's great that the writers have finally given Mary something more substantial to do. For some years now she has been wheeled out occasionally as the Weatherfield eccentric. Sure she gets her fair share of excellent, albeit rather ludicrous dialogue to deliver, but you always end up wanting more from Mary because we know Patti Clare can do it justice. The hilarious eccentric bit has frequently danced precariously into the sinister and I'm no fan of this. The bizarre Norris kidnap of a few years ago and that awful motorhome turned me against Mary which is deeply unfair on the actress who portrays her. 

Deep down Mary is a rather lonely lady approaching middle age. She has made her home in Coronation Street and her bond with Dev and his children is touching (if we forget that ludicrous subplot with Julie last year). As a viewer, you get the feeling life hasn't been easy for Mary but regardless, she has a youthful, cheerful optimism most of the time and an appealing naivety when all around her stalks the likes of Carla Connor and Kylie Platt. For some reason Mary was always put with the more mature residents of Coronation Street and while her scenes with Emily, Norris and Rita are generally good fun, it does seem rather odd that she's not with characters more her own age. This was addressed in the programme by Mary herself not that long ago before she embarked on her current plot line with the rather rancid, randy Brendan.

Despite the bonkers side to Mary, I care about the character and that is down to Patti Clare. She captures real moments of pathos when give the chance. When Brendan stood her up in that hotel over Christmas, my heart really did go out to her. She knows she's chasing a dream and rather than deal with the reality, she continues to be an old fashioned romantic. I also enjoy seeing Rita and Norris really care for Mary, showing proper concern rather than ridiculing her or sending her up. They are almost acting as parents at the moment and it's a nice dynamic, making a change from the usual nasty Norris. 

We all know Mary is heading for heartbreak as Brendan is not going to do the right thing by her. Perhaps Mary sees this as her one chance for happiness and is therefore going for it despite the truth of the situation. Ted Robbins has been an excellent addition as the slimy, rather unpleasant Brendan. Their scenes together are becoming increasingly unpalatable but I guess that is down to the skill of the actors and the script. I admit I was rather surprised by last night's turn of events as I didn't think our Mary would do the deed with a married man, but there you go. 

The tale of Mary and Brendan is typical Corrie in many ways. It has comedy, pathos and real sadness all bound together. I think we all know how this storyline is going to end. It's inevitable. I hope, as a viewer, that three things come out of it. First of all, I hope Brendan gets a suitable comeuppance as he's truly odious. Secondly, I hope Norris and her other friends rally round Mary and show their support. And finally, I hope Mary retains her dignity and Patti Clare gets material in the denouement of this story that is worthy of her talents. 

You can follow me on Twitter @GraemeN82 





Deirdre: A Life on Coronation Street - official ITV tribute to a soap icon. Available here.


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Interview with Ted Robbins - Mary's new man on Coronation Street

(This post was originally posted by Flaming Nora on the Coronation Street Blog October 2015, reposted to this blog with permission.)

Ted Robbins returns to Coronation Street next week, this time playing Brendan Finch, who'll be Mary's new man.

Can you tell us a little bit about your character?
His name is Brendan Finch and he arrives on the Street as a bit of a mystery man. I think he fancies himself as a bit of a ladies’ man, but the thing about him is is that he’s married, although he doesn’t wear a wedding ring. He likes to wear blue suede brogues and snazzy jackets. He probably wears a fake version of an expensive aftershave.

What does he make of Norris and Mary when he first meets them?
Norris has been in touch with the magazine’s HQ and was very officious with them. So the first thing Brendan does when he comes into the Kabin is put Norris in his place! Mary isn’t unimpressed by that. He has a bit of a backbone and I think Mary likes that. She is also quite feisty when she wants to be. I think she’s instantly taken by Brendan and he is well aware of that.

Can you tell us a bit about the magazine he edits, The Inexplicable?
Brendan is genuinely interested in the topics that the magazine covers. It covers ghosts, the supernatural, UFOs, crypto-zooology and other phenomena of that sort. Mary is fanatical about the magazine and has almost every issue and Brendan sees her as a ‘fellow mind’ in that way. Mary is missing an issue and wants to go out of his way to make sure she has it. It’s a very rare issue that she’s after and he’s quite taken by the fact that she’s as interested in it as he is.

Is he aware that Mary is smitten with him?
Yes, I’d definitely say so. He spies it very early on and thinks he could be in for a bit of fun. There’s certainly an attraction between them there which is a sort of friendship at first. Mary doesn’t know he’s married and she’s very quick to build things up. Norris smells a rat and is very wary of him - as is Rita and Dev. They all want to look out for Mary as she’s been hurt before. They’re really not sure about him.

How has your time on Corrie been so far?
It has been an absolute delight so far. The actors and crew I’m working with - many of whom I have known for years from other jobs at Granada - are an absolute joy to work with. The problem with knowing so many people was that it took me 20 minutes to walk down the corridor when I first started, as I’d see so many people who I wanted to catch up with! My first scene, which was in the Kabin, was on my 60th Birthday. I couldn’t believe it when I got my first filming date and realised it was on my birthday. After I’d finished I walked over the bridge to a restaurant over at Media City and met my family for a birthday meal. And Peter Kay came to surprise me! I felt so lucky to have had such a fantastic birthday. How everything has happened this year has been astonishing.

Is it a show that you always wanted to do?
I have always been a huge fan of the show. I vaguely remember the show starting as a child. It has always been there, that music, that familiarity. My family were brought up in showbiz, I’ve always known Corrie. I had a little part in Corrie a few years ago as the prison officer during the John Stape storyline. I always hoped I would be back one day and you hope the call comes and that you’ll do it service. I’ve done lots of different things but I’ve always loved drama and Coronation Street has an ability to make you laugh, make you cry - and I love that about it.


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How to visit the real Butterthorn Hall

(This post was originally posted by Flaming Nora on the Coronation Street Blog October 2015, reposted to this blog with permission.)

Last night on Coronation Street, May and Brendan went ghost huntung at Butterthron Hall.  In real life, filming for Butterthorn Hall took place at Wythenshawe Hall in Wythenshawe Park, which was transformed into Butterthorn Hall for the shoot.

There are some lovely pictures of Wythenshawe Hall at the Manchester Evening News website.




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