Should auld acquaintance be forgot...?

(This post was originally posted by Flaming Nora on the Coronation Street Blog January 2018, reposted to this blog with permission.)


Our Blogger Stevie Dawson wrote a love letter to Coronation Street this week. 

When I read it I had tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. He managed to say everything I am currently feeling about Corrie.

It's a show that I love. It's a show that I grew up watching and it has always been a part of my life, part of my DNA. I watched it with my grandma and my mam when I was little. Grandma loved Elsie Tanner, as did I, while mam wasn't too keen on the tart with a heart, thinking she was setting a bad example to her daughter. Ooh.. she was! 

I've stuck with the show over the years, through thick and thin, as its producers changed at the helm. And in the past I've compared being a die-hard Corrie fan to that of supporting your favourite football team. You might yell at the manager, you might want your favourite player to be called up from the subs bench, but you never lose faith.  You always renew your season ticket... don't you?

2017 was the year when Corrie went to six episodes, a step too far for this fan, with all that it brought in terms of character personality transplants, stories that hop about without build-up giving fans no chance to invest in them, no chance to care. 

I could go on but I won't. I need to get a grip. I've changed, yes of course I have. But so has the show.  Let's see what 2018 brings.

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Tvor @tvordlj on Twitter

The Big Soap Quiz: Corrie vs Emmerdale

(This post was originally posted by Flaming Nora on the Coronation Street Blog December 2017, reposted to this blog with permission.)


The Big Soap Quiz is back on TV on Friday 5 January on ITV. And as you can see from the picture above, the Coronation Street team consists of Jack P Shepherd (David Platt), Bhavna Limbacha (Rana Nazir), Peter Gunn (Brian Packham) and Julia Goulding (Shona Ramsey).

As the Corrie team take on the Emmerdale team, it looks like ITV brings out the big guns as Bet Lynch is back too!

Yes, Julie Goodyear turns up in full Bet regalia to take part in the quiz.

---

Tvor @tvordlj on Twitter

The changing way we watch Coronation Street

(This post was originally posted by Flaming Nora on the Coronation Street Blog January 2017, reposted to this blog with permission.)

Guest blog post from Rachel Doyle who is on twitter @Rachel_Doyle72 and has a website at  http://www.racheldoyle.co.uk 

Fancy writing a guest blog post for us? All details here! 


"I started watching Coronation Street in the early 80’s when I was around 8 or 9 years old. My parents were avid viewers so it was inevitable that I would also become a fan of this gritty Northern soap.

Being born and raised in Manchester was just another reason why I felt a connection to Corrie. I grew up in a two up two down on a street not dissimilar to Coronation Street but without the cobbles! We had a little back yard like Jack and Vera's with an entry which separated us from the terraced houses in the next street. The entry was cobbled. The rag and bone man used to make his way down the entry shouting for any bits and pieces. The lady who lived next door still had a coal fire and the coal man used to deliver bags of coal into her backyard. It was all very Northern!

Back then I remember the show aired only twice a week on a Monday and Wednesday evening. If Corrie ended with a cliff hanger on a Wednesday well you just jolly well had to wait until the following Monday to find out what happened next.

And you couldn’t miss it. You had to be at home when it was on or you missed out. And missing the show meant that you wouldn’t be able to join in with the conversations the next day with your friends who were all discussing what had happened the night before. That’s how we watched Coronation Street. It was a social thing. It brought people together, it was a conversation starter and we all had our favourite characters.

When I was around 14 or 15 years old some of my friends and I would finish school in the Whalley Range area of Manchester and jump on the bus down Princess Parkway into town. Getting off in Piccadilly we’d make our way through the City Centre to Granada Television on Quay Street.

Standing at the gates at the bottom of Quay Street you could see a tiny bit of the set, the corner shop. Even that was exciting back then actually knowing that the famous cobbled street was just beyond those big black iron gates.

We’d wait patiently at the gates to hopefully get a glimpse of some of the cast coming in and out and if we were lucky enough and they’d stop to chat we’d get an autograph or a photo with them. Many a time I saw the actors who played Alf Roberts, Ivy Tilsley, Mike Baldwin, Alec Gilroy and the like. It was so exciting and we spent many fun filled hours waiting outside Granada TV!

In 1988 fans of the Street were in for a real thrill when the Granada Studios Tour opened its doors to the public. Of course I had to go. I was 16 years old and this was the ultimate experience. It was amazing having my photo taken outside the Rovers Return, Baldwins Casuals and Alfs Mini Market. Seeing for the first time the places we’d only ever seen on television was fantastic.

If you’re from Manchester and spent a lot of time in the City Centre you would without a doubt at some point see one of the cast going about their daily business. I saw a few of them out and about over the years. Thelma Barlow who played the wonderful Mavis shopping in C&A in the Arndale springs to mind!

My mum used to work in Greggs on King Street which wasn’t too far from Granada TV. She used to come home and tell me which of the cast members had popped in that day to buy their lunch!

Watching Coronation Street continued as normal throughout the 90’s. Watching every episode and discussing it the next day with friends. My friends and I often wrote to our favourite cast members for signed photos and we met up and showed each other the signed cast cards and letters we’d received back. All very exciting to us because we’d had a response from someone off the telly! Wow!

Fast forward to the introduction of the internet and in particularly social media and just the way we watch our tv programmes has changed immensely.

Coronation Street is in our living rooms on a much regular basis these days. 5 episodes a week for our viewing pleasure. No panic if we miss it when its aired as it’s waiting for us on the ITV Hub for when we’re ready to catch up with happenings in Weatherfield.

Social media has completely changed the way we watch Corrie. So much so that if you do miss an episode its wise to avoid Twitter until you’ve seen it as people in their thousands Tweet about the current episode not just after the show has aired but during it too!!!!

And it's not just fellow Coronation Street fans that you can interact with on Twitter, it's the cast members too!

Some of the cast have their own Twitter accounts verified with a blue tick so you know they are the real deal. Many Tweet about the show and fans interact with them. Sometimes refering to them as their character, sometimes as themselves. It's all a bit of fun and it just enhances the experience of watching a television programme. It's become very interactive.

I enjoy using Twitter, I must admit. Hardly a day goes by when I don't Tweet about something or other. I do follow all the Coronation Street cast members. And I do join in when there's a Tweeting frenzy after an episode 'acting' like the characters are real, joining in the banter with everyone else.

So times are changing thanks to the internet and on demand services. The way we watch television is nothing like we've ever experienced before.

Follow Rachel Doyle on twitter @Rachel_Doyle72 and visit her website at  http://www.racheldoyle.co.uk 




NEW! Coronation Street Blog - the book.
A must for all Corrie fans!

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'David's Revenge' is Sweet

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So, we’ve just witnessed another major week for Corrie. When I viewed all five episodes in Manchester a short time ago, I thought they were brilliant, and was looking forward to seeing how they would be received by fans. In fact, I was still on the edge of my seat viewing last night’s double in which David made his escape by tricking Gail, managed to get the car started and sped it full of petrol down the street as Lily escaped Fiz’s care. It was the sight of his daughter in the road that saw David jam on the breaks and flip the car over on top of her and the heroic Gary Windass. It was a lucky escape for them, but not for Anna who caught fire in what was a rather traumatic scene. It was gripping, shocking and dramatic and very strong stuff indeed.

A number of us have written about the change in the air, including my fellow blogger Clinkers who has also articulated his thoughts today, and which are very much in line with mine.

It was as if this week was a showcase of what we might come to expect from new producer Kate Oates and while cars naturally won’t be exploding in the street every night, the evidence of a positive shift can be found elsewhere in the drama.

For me, the hallmarks of quality were found in the performances, dialogue, direction, pace, characterisation, the sense of community that was created, the return of Peter Barlow and the lack of spoilers. In fact, the only thing I didn’t like was the music at the end which didn’t feel very Corrie, and I don’t think ever will.

This wasn’t just a big week for Corrie though, but ITV in general with Emmerdale also staging a special set of episodes. Like Clinkers, I found myself watching the latter for the first time which had me pondering if I was proof that hype really does work. I thought the overall idea on Emmerdale was brilliant, and that the week had some great moments, but I think I would need to watch regularly when normal services resume to really know if I’ll be adding it to my appointment to view television. This, I suppose, leaves the jury out on whether 'explosive' weeks succeed in winning new viewers. But, what does it matter? Both Emmerdale and Corrie draw in millions of loyal fans for every episode regardless.

The argument against such weeks is that they are sensational, and a departure from the norm arguably for the sake of hype and ratings. But sometimes the hype is deserved, and I have no objection to them, because they are engaging and enjoyable, and a great excuse to show what the programme and actors are capable of. Also, while they shake things up a bit, it all has to go back to normal. It must. And for me, there was even enough ‘normal’ Corrie in there despite the shocking elements to assure me that, exploding car aside, things are very promising. In fact, there was more ‘normal’ Corrie in there than there has been in some time.

The week leaves some characters in interesting positions. How will Anna fare? Gary and Sarah are close relatives of the injured and injurer, will this allow their love blossom, or prove an obstacle? What is Peter Barlow hiding? What will happen to Ken? You’d have to think from the way it ended that David is cured of his desire to die in the pursuit of revenge for the sake of the kids, but what will the consequences of his actions be, for both him and others? What will Clayton’s verdict be, and how will David react?

There is just so much of interest to tune in for, but more than that, this week and those directly prior to it show that it is all likely to be handled very well.

I'd also like to mention that today marks my three year anniversary of being a member of the team on this wonderful blog. I continue to feel very happy and privileged to bring you my thoughts on our favourite programme, and to share in yours, and long may it last.

By Emma Hynes
www.emmahynes.net
Twitter: @ELHynes
Facebook: @EmmaHynesWrites
Instagram: emmalouhynes

Read my interviews with Chris Gascoyne, Bill Roache, Helen Worth, Jack P. Shepherd and Ben Price.

A new era on the cobbles of Coronation Street?

(This post was originally posted by Clinkers (David) on the Coronation Street Blog in October 2016, reposted to this blog with permission.)

What a difference a week makes. Only seven days ago I served up a healthy portion of pre-weariness at the prospect of another crash, bang, wallop 'explosive' week on t'cobbles. Today I'm feasting on humble pie.

Arise Dame Kate Oates! Well, maybe a bit early for heaping on the awards but by the 'eck Minnie Caldwell, this lady knows how to produce. The best bit of all though, the treat dealt out to us  sometimes cynical viewers, is that the venerable Kate did what she did without signposting every single move. Let joy be unconfined. A few years ago, the TV listings would have carried something on the lines of "... and there's concern for Anna when she erupts in a ball of flame". Instead, we found ourselves gripped by the twists and turns of the story. Okay, it all pretty unfeasible but this is soap and here was a seemingly bonkers story told well.

We've been treated to a number of subtle character changes. Gail discovered a backbone after umpteen years of playing the ninny. Tracy luv stepped up exactly when it was needed. No major histrionics at Ken's bedside, as would have been the case only a few months ago. Instead, a hint of Deirdre as she took control and kicked Peter into touch. Yes he's back and obviously has a story to tell. Who else is looking forward to finding out what that's all about?

Elsewhere, new alliances were being formed. It was lovely to see Eva and Gemma having a bit of a bonding session. Unlikely friends are always welcome in Weatherfield and in true Corrie style, Gemma has transitioned from gobby spitbag to friend and neighbour. Oddly, she seems more stable than Kylie was and so maybe Dame Kate will not have to hit the 'revert-to-type' button. Mary seems to be blossoming too. She provided kind counsel to Tracy and helped Beth out in her hour of need. Bless her, Mary also gave us the one comedy moment of the week as she hurtled headfirst into a wheelie bin.

The element of surprise will, hopefully, not remain a stranger to Corrie. This week, the programme felt much stronger for not having spoon-fed us every plot line and nuance. It altogether felt more 'grown up', leaving us to enjoy the twists and turns as we might in the likes of House of Cards. I haven't watched sister show Emmerdale for many a year (the last time I was a regular viewer it was still called 'Farm' and the most exciting thing to happen was Amos dropping his pipe) but I've just taken a quick peek at their 'explosive' week. Speaking to devotees of the show, I'm assured that it was handled much the same as Corrie - no-one knew what was coming next. Bravo ITV Drama!

What could have been another dire week of tiresome, doom-laden stories turned out to be something much more dynamic and watchable. Maybe you disagree but I'm jamming on my 'hopeful' hat like a well-weaved hairnet and will be keeping my fingers crossed for interesting times ahead. Just don't tell us about them, Kate . . .



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Coronation Street - Pedro Almodóvar style

(This post was originally posted by Flaming Nora on the Coronation Street Blog August 2016, reposted to this blog with permission.)

I'm a huge fan of the work of Pedro Almodóvar, the Spanish film director, screenwriter, producer and former actor.  This week I went to a preview screening of his new film Julieta which I enjoyed a great deal.  

It prompted me to think about an Almodóvar-Coronation Street mash-up blog post... 

Volver.  A woman kills her husband and hides his body in a chest freezer.
Corrie. A woman kills a drug dealer and hides his body in Gail's man-hole.

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown meets Corrie's fellas on the verge of going for a pint.

All About my Mother.  Nothing more to say.

Broken Embraces. A couple take a break by the sea in Lanzarote.
Corrie. A couple take a break by the sea in Blackpool.

High Heels.  An icon emotes.
Ditto Coronation Street.

I'm So Excited meets Mr Gay Weatherfield

Julieta.  Towels at the ready at Audrey's salon for a haircut, please.

The Skin I Live In.  The skin being tiger or leopard print, of course.

There are still a lot of his films that I haven't covered, above. If you have any ideas, let me know!

See also:  
Famous paintings of the world - Coronation Street style

The Sopranos - Weatherfield Style

Mad Men meets Weatherfield

Coronation Street look-a-likes

The Flintstones on Coronation Street

Tales of the (Salford) City



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Coronation Street denies cast holidays cause chaos

(This post was originally posted by Flaming Nora on the Coronation Street Blog July 2016, reposted to this blog with permission.)

There's a report in today's Sun that says Coronation Street has been thrown into chaos as 17 cast members are away on their holidays at the same time.

Well, ITV have denied that it's true. 

A Coronation Street spokesperson today said in a statement:

"There is no issue at all with the number of people on holiday. School holidays are obviously a busier time of year but all cast holidays are booked four months in advance and are spaced out to accommodate storylines and scheduling."
 



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Falling back in love with Coronation Street

(This post was originally posted by Chewy on the Coronation Street Blog in July 2016, reposted with permission.)

It's been a long while since I last posted here, but, I think I've started to fall back in love with Corrie, these last few weeks, while not perfect, are luring me back in.

The show really feels like it is starting to pick up pace again, and I'm getting excited for upcoming episodes. Friday's episodes were nothing short of amazing, and were fantastically written, directed and acted.

The strength of some of the more recent story lines can be boiled down to one thing - we're finally not being told what is going to happen next, it's great to finally see some unpredictable twists, I hope those in charge at Corrie keep this up, as it is more satisfying to watch, when you can't predict what happens next!

I'm also to see what changes the upcoming producer, Kate Oates will be bringing into the show, I hope we will be seeing some new and interesting story lines and characters!

David (Chewy)



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Our Mutual Friend

(This post was originally posted by Emma Hynes on the Coronation Street Blog in February 2016.)

Watching Coronation Street of late, for me, has felt like sitting alone in a room peering at a dear, old friend through the window. I’m certain it’s my friend, as I can recognise them, but something about them has changed, and I’m left feeling rather puzzled and uneasy.

My heart hopes that my kindred spirits share the same concerns and fears for our mutual friend as I do, but as we look on collectively, we do so as individuals in an unusual relative silence, so I cannot be sure. My deflation and fatigue sees me go inward to reflect, and I’m uninspired to pen my concerns.

This is in part because negativity tends to breed negativity, and I am already feeling enough of that. In truth, when our friend is at their best, my words flow like Newton and Ridleys at a Rovers showdown; at its worst, they’re as abundant as the solitary Hobnob languishing at the bottom of the Streetcars biscuit jar.

Another motivation for hovering in the wings is loyalty. No friend worth their salt finds it easy to abandon another, or renounce them utterly to the world, and so we keep the faith as we look and hope for the best. But sometimes that’s not easy. What keeps us going, is that we’ve stuck together through thick and thin, and we know how good our friend can be.

Anyone who reads my reviews and opinion pieces knows I’m not afraid to be critical where it’s warranted, and while I have continued to do so, of late, it felt as if a relative hush had descended about how we truly feel about Corrie at the moment. While we tweeted, blogged and commented about our friend and their current shortcomings, and voiced our despair at the news that ahead lay domestic abuse, drug addiction and assault (yet again), most of us appeared to stop short of verbalising any deep seated concerns. Perhaps, I thought, I’m the only one feeling this way; as above, I couldn’t be sure.

Recently, something changed. Our blogger Graeme wrote his brilliant piece, My Corrie Quandary, in which he provided a very astute account of both the positives and the negatives of contemporary Coronation Street. It felt as if the canal gates were permitted to be opened, and many readers sailed forth to say how they were feeling. I found it to be therapeutic and cathartic, and his second blog concerning Toxic Tracy, had the same effect. I felt liberated by everyone’s words, and assured that I wasn’t alone.

For me, it is absolutely essential that any criticism is balanced and respectful, and so it was a joy to read both of these blogs, and the comments that appeared beneath them. Us Coronation Street fans can be very proud. We are an articulate, intelligent, loyal and perceptive bunch, and it is for these very reasons that lapses in the quality of what we are seeing can be so disappointing and frustrating.

In her 1991 study of prime time soaps, Christine Geraghty observed, “‘Soap’ was a term of derision, an expression which implied an over-dramatic, under-rehearsed presentation of trivial dramas blown up out of all proportion to their importance.” Soap's well deserved reputation as something worthy, of cultural and critical value, has been hard won, and Coronation Street has played a huge part in achieving this. The fact that it attracts people such as ourselves as loyal viewers is a testament to its quality. I personally can’t bear the thought of soap adopting the very lowest common denominator traits it was so unfairly criticised for in the past.

We will always have drama, and we will always need to suspend our disbelief, but the realism and quality derives from the subtle nuances of performance, authenticity of dialogue, faithful adherence to history and characterisation, and believability in the day to day from which the spectacular arises.

While storylines naturally move with the times, Coronation Street should never worry that it needs to change the characteristics and values that lie at its core, the very reasons we love it, in order to attract new fans. It turned 55 in December and continues to draw in excess of 7 million viewers per episode; a phenomenal feat considering the choices 21st century audiences have with regard to what they can watch and the means by which they can view it. Indeed, altering to adapt to a perceived ‘new audience’ could prove damaging and, to my mind, is wholly unnecessary; is it not Corrie's unique qualities that have seen it appeal to and survive through generations to be the longest running soap opera in the world?

So, with my loyalty and faith intact, my final wish for our mutual friend is this: stay true to who you are, and all we know you can be. This is, after all, why you hold such an important place in our hearts, and those of the generations of viewers before us.

By Emma Hynes
www.emmahynes.wordpress.com
Twitter: @ELHynes

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


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Celebs in t'Street- Do Novelty Castings Work?

(This post was originally posted by Jordan Lloyd Beck on the Coronation Street Blog in August 2015, reposted with permission.)

Do novelty castings work?

Hello and welcome to what is not a Wednesday review and my first non-review article.

Recently, there has been a stream of castings within popular dramas, soaps and animated series in order to boost ratings. The value of star casting is extremely debatable. What begun as an American trend in shows like The Simpsons and Glee, the idea of casting celebrities in order to entice viewers has seeped its way across the pond and flooded the Street, The main focus of this article is the issue of 'stunt casting'. Here is the general definition of that term:

"The practice of casting a famous actor or a celebrity in a role in order to publicise or promote a television programme, film or play"

Many famous faces have graced the cobbles over the years. For example, Sir Ian McKellen played conman Mel Hutchwright/ Lionel Hipkiss in 2005 and Sue Johnston played busybody Gloria Price between 2011 and 2014, albeit whilst wearing an odd grey wig. This is not to suggest that star names should not be cast if they are suited to the role. They have studied, worked hard and learned their craft to achieve their celebrity status.


However, this year alone, there have been three very highly publicised incidents of stunt casting. The audience was subjected to the acting styles of popstar Sarah Harding as Robert's vengeful wife, Joni, who tried, and spectacularly failed to be a match for Tracy Barlow. Even more recently, comedian Paddy McGuinness turned up as a wildlife expert, in what was a highly publicised comedy storyline. Only a few episodes later, Michelle's relative Aidan Connor arrived, played by early X Factor winner Shayne Ward. Now, two former reality TV popstars are in the Connor clan and a popular TV presenter/comedian is taking centre stage in a highly anticipated camping storyline.


Fans of Coronation Street are intelligent enough to realise when someone has been shoe-horned in in an ill-conceived idea to win ratings. The recent very brief appearance of Sarah Harding caused a stir amongst viewers. Although she received a negative press, the programme was still discussed at length, which could be considered good publicity. However, had someone else been cast as Joni, the character could have gone a lot further. Given that Ms Harding did not even audition, it was an unfair, unnecessary and ultimately unsuccessful ploy for more viewers.


It was reported at the end last year that Corrie’s viewing figures were at an all-time low, at 4.9m. Many have attributed this to the departure of Tina, who was likely to have brought in a lot of heterosexual male viewers. Michelle Keegan was a complete unknown when she was cast. She has, like Pat Phoenix and many others become famous because of the Street, and has launched a successful career since leaving as herself.

Back in 1987, 26m people tuned in on Christmas Day to watch the bittersweet departure of Street icon, Hilda Ogden. They were tuning in to say goodbye to a character which they, as a nation, had taken into their hearts, lovingly created by Jean Alexander. Of course, this was back in 1987, a long time ago in terms of television, when people had to watch a programme as it aired otherwise they would miss it, but the sentimentality still stands, given that Hilda Ogden was voted the greatest soap character ever in a Radio Times poll in 2004.


Neither Jean Alexander nor Michelle Keegan were stunt castings and they both benefited the show greatly.

All forms of entertainment work on a suspension of disbelief. To enjoy anything, we have to accept what is on screen as real and not a series of moving images. It is hard to admit that Corrie is in fact a work of fiction. It is a reflection of the world we currently live in, It often relies on popular culture references to help the audience relate to it, which is why it is frustrating when, for example, a reference to Girls Aloud is made and then an apparent double of one of the members turns up and nothing is mentioned. Girls Aloud exist in that universe- the factory girls memorably belted out a rendition of 'The Promise'. This makes the suspension of disbelief significantly harder. It could be that the Street has had such a long life because of the characters. The viewers invest in them because they feel like they know them. In 1960, every street had an Ena, an Elsie or an Annie.

The Street probably would not have worked had they cast a superstar such as Elizabeth Taylor as Elsie Tanner. Coronation Street made Pat Phoenix into an icon. She was Elsie and Elsie was Pat. People believed Elsie was real. Fast forward to today and any long-serving character is known largely in real life by their character name to the public. Barbara Knox is known and referred to as Rita, Helen Worth as Gail and Sally Dynevor as Sally (see what I did there?). This re-enforces the aforementioned point that it is the character the public become attached to, not the actor.

Now, reverse that and most Hollywood actors are often known by their real name to the public in any film they star in. Their character names are frequently forgotten. Brad Pitt is often referred to as Brad Pitt by viewers in any film he stars in.

Research for this article has shown that personal opinions are mixed. Some people enjoy seeing familiar faces in the very familiar street but most find it difficult to separate the celebrity from the character, since the celebrity is already well known to them as someone other than their character. Some feel that it takes what is a potentially a very good career opportunity from unknown actors. There are thousands of trained actors out there who are stuck in dead-end jobs, having studied for years only to end up pulling pints in a real pub.

Overall, the general consensus between people of all ages, is that celebrity casting is a negative thing

A celebrity must convincingly separate themselves from their real-life counterparts. Corrie is about down-to-earth, relatable people. That was its original charm. In terms of viewers, Corrie is still the top-rated soap, but still significantly less than it was two decades ago. This, however, begs another question. Has modern technology of catch up and Sky+ got in the way, or have people just lost interest in Soapland?


So- do novelty castings work? No. A celebrity may still be cast but only if they are right for the role, in which case it would not be a novelty casting.


Thank you for reading my non-review post. This is an interesting topic and I look forward to hearing opinions.


Jordan


Twitter- @JordanLloyd39




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Does each generation get the Corrie it deserves?

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

Here's something I've been thinking a lot about recently - does each generation get the Corrie it deserves?

Coronation Street is 55 years old in December this year. It is the longest running TV soap opera in the world. With that legacy to live up to as it faces its future, it shouldn't be bogged down by its past. But it should hold its principles firm.

When I tune into Coronation Street five times a week (or six as is currently being forced on us, (in the UK) more of which later), I want the security and comfort of knowing I'm going to watch something I love. I want that feeling that I'm being served up a nice toasted crumpet on my favourite plate with some hot tea in my favourite mug. I want the cosiness, I want the fun, I want the drama.  And I get all that. I enjoy it still, otherwise I wouldn't continue to watch it and I wouldn't run this site.

But what we also get after 55 years of the show is a soap opera for our time. It's 2015 and Corrie has stiff competition from 'Stenders with its darkness and violence and people who whisper loudly and shout quietly. And then there's Hollyoaks aimed at a demographic I don't understand and programmes like Towie and Geordie Shore with their fake hair, fake tan, fake boobs, fake reality.

Pic: Metro

What we have now in Corrie is a bit of a mix.  We've recently seen Sarah Harding, a pop singer come and go. It wasn't one of Corrie's finest moments but I think I understand why they tried. X-Factor winner Shayne Ward arrived in the show recently. With X-Factor being another of ITV's flagship programmes, who can blame the corprate powers that be for combining both of their golden geese? That's how things work now, it's the business end of show-biz, and this is where I get to mention those six episodes a week that are being forced on us now.

I use the word 'forced' because I don't like the 6th episode on a Thursday night. It's too much. I have a life and I don't want that much Coronation Street in it. You really can have too much of a good thing. I want quality, not quantity. You may well disagree. But why are we having six eps a week now, does anyone know? And when will it end? Maybe it won't. Advertisers must be falling over themselves to book into those coveted extra Corrie slots. 

Perhaps it's an age thing not to want too much Corrie. For me, watching Coronation Street means sitting down in front of the TV, part of a routine. I've never watched it online and wouldn't. I couldn't, not Corrie. This week I've shuddered with horror as people have suggested I watch the live episode on my phone (my phone!) as I'll be overseas when the live episode airs.  I could not be that disrespectful to my favourite show, the cast and crew, to watch their live performance, as part of ITV's 60th anniversary, on a tiny little screen. Anyway, it's more fun to hunt down a foreign bar with English telly.

Anyway, I digress. There are also two comedy actors joining the show - Paddy McGuinness and Ted Robbins. I have high hopes for both. Yes, I would prefer to have some talented unknowns coming into these roles, but I do understand the necessity of bringing in names.  There are things I don't like or enjoy about Corrie but I'm just a life-long fan, I have no say. As a fan, all I can do is take what they give. And what they giving, in the most part, is great.

However, all is not lost. We still have some amazing, talented scriptwriters, some of the best on TV.  We still have some cosy-crumpets-and-slippers-by-the-fire moments. And we still have characters we love ... and while that's the case, I will always be a fan, ready to forgive Corrie anything.

Well, almost.

Oh yeah, and this.  



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Doing a Talk on Corrie

(This post was originally posted by Ruth Owen on the Coronation Street Blog in August 2015, reposted with permission.)

Sheffield, my hometown, is having a bit of a festival moment. As a result, I’ve been asked to do a talk. The only trouble is I don’t know when, but have been told to be ‘ready to roll’ from about 19^th September.

There are several things that I could talk about but only one that I would really like to talk about –Coronation Street, of course, and our wonderful blog in particular, with  much gratitude to Glenda for starting the whole thing off.

My plan for the talk is essentially this -:

·      Beginnings - Tony Warren - his vision

·      Facts and figures – audience viewings, number of hotpots sold etc.

·      Issues raised in Corrie

·      The women  - in general

·      Characters – Elsie Tanner, Ena Sharples, Hilda Ogden, Emily Bishop, Bet Lynch, Rita Tanner, Deirdre, Carla Connor, Mary Taylor – detailed character analysis and their individual speech styles

·      The men – holding back the women – general theme.

·      Details of men and their secondary role – as envisaged by Tony Warren

·      How the show has changed or not, through the decades.

·      Snobbery surrounding soaps, lighthearted comparison to the great dramatists

·      And then finally, some clips – including-: death of Stan Ogden - Hilda and the glasses, Death of Martha Longhurst, rows between Ena and Elsie. And some modern stuff.  There is SO much, it is difficult to be sure that you have the best bits.

I would be very grateful for your assistance here, my fellow bloggers and our much valued and loyal readers. Is there anything that you think is CRUCIAL in a talk about Corrie that I have not touched on?

Btw did you know that in 1990 Hilda Ogden was the 4^th most recognizable woman in Britain, after the Queen, the Queen Mother and Princess Di?

And this – Blanche Hunt – ‘Good looks are a curse Deirdre. You and Kenneth have been very lucky.’

Very much looking forward to your comments. Thank you.

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Top 10 mysteries of Coronation Street

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

I've been wondering about a few Corrie loose ends.

If you know the answer to any of these, do please leave a comment below.  And if you have any more comments you want to air or things you want to point, then do.

1. Where's Eccles?
2. Where are the Renshaw twins getting their hair done these days?
3. Why did Gail's dad Ted Page disappear, never to be mentioned again?
4. Where's Ozzy?
5. Who's looking after Lily?
6. What happened to Todd Grimshaw in that London to turn him so evil?
7. How does Sophie manage to control her grief over the recent death of the love-of-her-life Maddie?
8. Has Sophie forgotten she's a church-going Christian?
9. Why hasn't Mary fought to get her beloved motorhome back?
10.Why is Gail turning into the village idiot?



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39 signs you’re addicted to Coronation Street

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

Reposted with permission. By Alice Wright for Metro

It’s our longest running popular drama series, the soap opera by which all others must be judged and as much a part of our British heritage as the royal family and pots of tea.

Strong female characters, recognisable domestic situations, sharp humour lightening the angst, woven into the very fabric of our society Britain still stands as long as there is Coronation Street.

Most of us love it to some degree, but some of us love it just a bit too much… let’s see if you’ve the signs of a Corrie addiction:

1. When someone mentions ‘the street’ you don’t assume it’s the one you or they live on.

2. The only cat to own is a ginger one. Hilda and Tony and Barlow are good names for it.

3. You ask for a barm in Greggs.

4. When meeting someone French you have the urge to say “Je m’appelle Raquel’.

5. You’ve attempted to make a hot pot.

6. And you’ve tried to track down a real blood sausage.

7. Also, stuffed marrow is a thing.

8. The fact Les Dennis joined the show after Mavis Riley left to run a B&B is one of the world’s greatest missed opportunities. Because… I don’t really know Vera.

9. Ken Morley let you down on CBB.

10. You know the real owner of the Rovers Return was Betty.

11. It’s not an alley, it’s a ginnel.

12. And cabin is spelt with a K.

13. Forget Mr Darcy walking out of the pond… have you SEEN Ken Barlow with his shirt all undone after the classic 1983 fight scene with Deirdre? Well hose me down with Newton & Ridley’s finest.

14. In fact a row isn’t a row unless you’re growling this at each other: ‘I wanted you.’ ‘You never wanted me.’

15. You’d never trust anyone called Tracy. Or Terry.

16. If you’re lucky enough to find a pub with one you’ll always sit in the Snug.

17. You’d never ride a bike down a cobbled street.

18. And you’ve never really felt safe on a tram.

19. You’ve remembered the best Blanche one-liners just so you have a put down for any situation. ‘Good looks are a curse, you should count yourself lucky’ is a particular fave and most useful.

20. The bigger the spectacles the better. This applies to both men and women.

21. You know only one woman in the whole world can rock leopard skin AND a beehive.

22. And hairnets and headscarves were a thing long before the hipsters got their ironic hands on them. Turbans too.

23. OK she has little to do these days but the Street would surely shut down if anything happened to Rita?

24. If your name ends in Y or IE it’s pronounced EH.

25. You know that women over 50 have to cut their hair shorter and style it into a big, wavy helmet.

26. And you know that women called Gail should NEVER EVER marry.

27. You’d never want a child born at Christmas because they turn out to be wrong’uns. Looking at you David Platt and Rosie Webster.

29. You know quite a bit about the stitching on gussets and elasticated lace.

30. There’s not a cat fight in the world that can’t be broken up by snarling ‘Hey lady’.

31. Balding blokes with a paunch and a twenty a day habit are actually quite attractive.

32. You’ve ordered half a mild just to see what it tasted like.

33. You own a Free The Weatherfield One t-shirt.

34. And three flying china ducks grace your walls.

35. Only Jim McDonald gets to call Liz Elizabeth.

36. Brassy. One of the best insults ever.

37. Jack & Vera. Ken & Deirdre. Roy & Hayley. Forever.

38. You know that every single situation on earth can be improved instantaneously by putting the kettle on.

39. But the best time on earth to put the kettle on is when those instantly recognisable lackadaisical trumpets herald the start of the greatest show on TV.



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Spanish hotel with Coronation Street rooms - for pets

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

There's a luxury hotel in Spain that has rooms named after Coronation Street characters.  But before you all rush to book your holidays in the Norris Cole suite (if there is indeed one), hang on a minute. It's a hotel for pets.

The hotel is called Posh Pets and it's a boutique dog hotel and cattery in Alhaurin. It sits in a half acre grove of mature orange, lemon and grapefruit trees and is a riot of smells and colours.

The adjacent dog hotel has its kennels named after Coronation Street characters and each comes with its own pink sun bed. It sounds like a top class doggy experience, one that will make rover want to return. (Groan, sorry, I made that one up before I had my coffee).

The owners have told us here at the Coronation Street Blog that they're fans of the show and three of their dogs are called Norris, Mavis & Rita!

Posh Pets website is here and their facebook page is here.

See also: The alpacas who tune in to watch Coronation Street



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Corrie's Seven Deadly Sins

(This post was originally posted by Emma Hynes on the Coronation Street Blog in May 2015.)

There have been mixed reactions to Corrie of late with some feeling it’s not the best it can be. For my part, there have been some brilliant episodes mixed with those that have not been so great. The pending arrival of pop stars and lamentable departure of some great actors aside, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what may not be working as well as it could, and I present Corrie’s Seven Deadly Sins as I see them.

1. Considering comedy as second to high drama

Corrie is deservedly marked out for its ability to combine the dramatic with the comedic. However, drama seems to be considered more important and it sometimes feels that humour is put in to keep up the show’s reputation for it, thus making it feel forced. Comedy comes via one liners and subplots which is fine up to a point, but it needs to have a more central role. Sally’s sofa and curry night are recent examples of great comedy, but they are little more than temporary subplots while serious stories are prolonged for months on end. Comedy then fulfils the role of light relief, but continuously relegating it to this position is a mistake as it can be just as powerful as drama. I’d love to see a light-hearted, funny story take centre stage for more than a few episodes. It would be essential that it is rooted in character, the reason why Sally’s graffiti worked and Sharif’s chickens didn’t.

2. Overdoing the ‘explosive’

This is a term which comes up again and again. Corrie is brilliant at delivering high drama, and I’ve spent many enjoyable hours on the edge of my seat courtesy of the programme. But I fear relentless fireworks could result in burn out. Viewers crave normality and Coronation Street should never fear that having nothing going on apart from character interaction about the humdrum via the sparkling dialogue we love will see us switch off. I don’t know if any of you have watched Peter Kay’s Car Share over the past few weeks, but it's a wonderful example of the power of great characterisation and dialogue; two people in a car for half an hour talking to one another, and it’s a pure joy to watch. Coronation Street has proven it is well capable of this, so let’s see more of it.

3. Personality transplants

Nobody that watches Corrie should ever have cause to say “ -- would never do/say that”. The show is approaching its 55^th anniversary. Characters that were born on our screens are now married with children. What makes it so special is that we have grown up with these fictional people, and this is the very reason why we expect faithful adherence to who they are. It's frustrating when someone acts completely out of character, and the only reason you can think of is to further a plot. I don’t believe Gail would have failed to tell Michael about Gavin before his funeral or have married him harbouring such a secret. Nor do I believe that Owen would have meekly accepted his daughter dating a drug dealer. It’s crucial that a character reacts faithfully to any scenario faced.

4. Privileging the nasty

From cruel comments to bad apples, sometimes it feels like nastiness pervades the cobbles like a creeping moss and it sours the programme. There are good characters, but even these can be surprisingly cutting at times. We need good natured, big hearted people who do not waiver to infuse the show’s spirit with integrity at all times. It would also be good to see a few more transformations like Maddie’s to assure us that badness isn’t terminal.

5. Undermining the Seldom Represented

The fact that Roy Cropper is in Corrie at all speaks volumes about the programme. He represents those in every community who are seldom televised and his portrayal shows the value they bring and ensures they get the respect they rightly deserve. It’s irking then to see him patronised or made little of. This needs to stop. While they can only dream of being the person Roy is, Mary and Norris are two other examples of such people, but the former has become unbearably unhinged, and the latter’s serpent tongue can be disarmingly cruel. It would be better to celebrate their positive qualities rather than negate them through poor behaviour, otherwise their portrayal does more damage than good and you'd question the value of having them there.

6. Amnesia

As above, we have almost 55 years of rich history to draw from, so let’s do it. It doesn’t take much, and we don’t even have to go that far back. Why does Michelle have nothing to do with her nephew Liam? Why have we not seen a scene between Sarah and Faye considering Sarah's return and Miley's birth coincided? What happened to Nick’s brain injury? Why is the bus crash no longer discussed considering Sinead still suffers? Why has Jenna not been mentioned since Lloyd's return? After a disappointing issue-led literacy storyline, Tim's progress is barely mentioned. Corrie fans don’t forget and thinking of the programme as an intricate tapestry woven over a lifetime enriches our experience. Neglecting to remember can be a big irritant for viewers.

7. Forgetting the source of reality

There are those who like to enlighten soap fans that, “it’s not real you know”. Yes, looking at any long term Corrie character and considering everything that has happened to them can tell quite a tale, but this is not where the true reality lies. When it comes to a programme like Corrie, the reality is found in characters’ reactions to events. If a flying saucer lands on the cobbles tomorrow, we’ll be happy once Norris is phoning the Council to have it removed, Tony is eyeing it up for scrap value, Julie is planning a welcome party, and Sally is wondering if they’re from Hale Barnes. Not quite, but you get the picture. I maintain that the reality lies in how a character reacts to a given situation, no matter how far fetched. It’s thanks to Corrie itself that we know its characters inside out and portraying them realistically both rewards our knowledge and guarantees our enjoyment.

For those feeling a bit of despair at the moment, it is all completely fixable. If there weren't brilliant examples to draw from, we wouldn't know what needs to happen to make it right. I am sure our faithfulness will be rewarded and see us through as it always does.

By Emma Hynes

www.emmahynes.wordpress.com

Twitter: @ELHynes

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