Top 5 Redeemed Characters in Coronation Street

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

Guest blog post by Tiffany Bowman who is on Twitter: @TiffanyZBowman

There are always characters we root for despite their despicable acts, and Coronation Street is no different. In light of recent news, it looks like there won’t be a redemption arc for Pat Phelan. 

However, every now and then some characters do address their troubled ways and make it through to the other side. 

Here are my top five redeemed characters:

1. Tracy Barlow
From bumping off her boyfriend to committing arson, Tracy has always been at the forefront of drama. And whilst there’s very little she hasn’t done to upset her neighbours, it’s nice to see the character going in a new direction. Since striking up a friendship with Mary and reuniting with Steve, we’ve seen a different side to Tracy which is refreshing.

2. Daniel Osbourne 
Daniel is another troubled member of the Barlow clan. He tried to kill off Ken when he discovered that he played a part in persuading his girlfriend to terminate their baby. He also terrorised Chesney by threatening to steal his girlfriend. However, Daniel took a huge U-turn when he realised how far he had pushed Chesney, and has since rekindled his relationship with his Dad. 

3. David Platt
Once known as “The Demon Barber of Coronation Street,” David has caused a lot of trouble in the past, particularly to his own family. He sent cards to Gail from her dead husband, he was responsible for his 7-year-old niece ingesting ecstasy tablets, and he even pushed his own Mother down the stairs! But things seem to have settled down since he got with Shona, grew a beard and inherited a dog.  He’s due to be at the heart of a major storyline next month, which will surely see him evolve further. 

4. Gary Windass
Gary’s come a long way since he arrived on the cobbles. From assaults to robbery to infidelity, he often found himself on the wrong side of the law and was no stranger to fights. It was only when he returned from Afghanistan that we began to see a more sensitive side to him. Ironically, he’s supported the Platts on various occasions recently, despite his previous feud with David. He was an ally for Bethany when she was taking diet pills, and he heroically saved Lily from being hit by a car.

5. Gemma Winter
Gemma played a significant part in helping Callum terrorise the Platts when she first appeared on the street. From blackmailing Bethany into providing a false alibi, to helping bundle David into the boot of a car, there wasn’t much Gemma wouldn’t do to help Callum. But since then, she has changed her wicked ways, becoming a regular favourite on the cobbles. She bravely testified against Kylie Platt’s killer and supported Rita through her recent illness. 

Guest blog post by Tiffany Bowman who is on Twitter: @TiffanyZBowman

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Tvor @tvordlj on Twitter

In Praise of Tracy Barlow

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



Guest blog post by Shaina who is on Twitter @Shaina2111 

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

Of all the characters in Coronation Street who might be praised, Tracy Barlow is not one who would typically come to mind. She’s sarcastic, way too honest, and above all, a murderer. However, since her return to the Street following her release from prison, she has undergone immense character growth, and although some may argue that her changing attitude represents an unrealistic U-turn in her character. When you look beneath the surface it becomes clear that this is still the same person, but one who is - slowly but surely - learning to empathise more with those around her and deal with problems in less controversial ways (i.e. NOT committing murder!). 

One thing that has become clear in recent episodes is that even when Tracy does briefly stumble back into old ways, she tends to do it to try and help those she cares about. Tracy locking Angie in the back of the flower shop in an attempt to give Mary time to talk to Jude is a prime example of Tracy trying to do the right thing, albeit going about it in a morally ambiguous way. This is a far cry from the typical villain, who will often perform seemingly good acts for the wrong reasons, and shows how Tracy is not truly evil, and has simply not received much guidance on how to deal with problems, given her upbringing with the Barlows.

Whilst watching Corrie’s Christmas Day episode, I realised that Tracy, with her many faults and issues, may now be the most sane and logical member of her family. Sitting there amongst Peter- who had just caused Billy to fall off a cliff, Daniel and his obsession with Sinead, and Adam with all his dodgy legal activity, Tracy’s declaration that she’d rather not hang around whilst they discussed what to do with Peter was a refreshing indicator that she no longer gets the pleasure from watching people suffer that she may once have experienced. 

I cannot finish this post without also giving praise to Kate Ford and the Corrie writers for the portrayal of Tracy we now see on our screens. From her impeccable comedic timing to her nuanced facial expressions, Kate Ford brings life to the Tracy we love to watch, whilst the writers allow Tracy to develop meaningful bonds with characters such as Beth and Tracy and demonstrate her three-dimensional existence. Although nothing will ever excuse the murder of Charlie, Tracy can continue to show that she is trying to make amends for her actions, whilst retaining the strong and sarcastic nature that makes her who she is. 

Guest blog post by Shaina who is on Twitter @Shaina2111 

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Tvor @tvordlj on Twitter

5 things I love about Coronation Street right now

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


As the year heads to a close, I'm feeling a bit confused about Coronation Street. I've written a little something to that effect here.

But it's too easy to sit here being a keyboard warrior writing all the things that I think is wrong with the show. All the things that I think are wrong with it are things you might think are right. And if we swapped lists, there'd be things on your list that I couldn't agree with, I'm sure.

What's important is that Corrie still ignites the passion within us fans. We care - a lot - when it's not going well and love it even more when it is.

Trying to brighten my day then before the year ends, here are the five things that I'm loving about Corrie right now.

1. Jenny flaming Bradley

Yes, I know she's Jenny Connor but she'll always be Jenny Bradley to me. Always fun to watch. Bring on the fireworks between her and Carla, please.

2. Gemma Winter

Gemma is a gem. She deserves to be behind the bar at the Rovers instead of drippy Toyah(*) and changed-personality Peter. (*I love Toyah, but she doesn't work with Peter and neither of them deserve to be at the Rovers).

3. Tracy and Steve

I am loving Tracy and Steve back together. It might not last, and it shouldn't, of course. Steve should be with Leanne. But until that happens (if it does), then I'm enjoying every second of these two pretending to play happy families. Tracy's behaviour now reminds me of Deirdre, who's still much missed of course.

4. Michelle Connor

Given the right storyline, Kym Marsh acts everyone else off the screen. The late miscarriage storyline this year had me in pieces and Kym's powerful performance was incredible.  But then.. what? They stuck her with Robo-Robert. Get rid of him, Corrie and give the Bistro to Michelle to run in competition with Liz back at the Rovers. Now that's a fight I'd like to see. And Liz to win, of course.

5. Liz, Sally, Rita, Gail, Audrey

Okay, I know that's five women but please Corrie, let's see more of them. Stop the focus, just briefly on Kate and Rana. Just because there's a noise on Twitter about them, doesn't mean every single one of your viewers is a #Kana fan. It also doesn't mean that every single one of your viewers is on Twitter. Please remember this and don't lose sight of what you are - a television programme - not a social media fad.

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Tvor @tvordlj on Twitter

Coronation Street Blog Interview with Simon Gregson and Kate Ford

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


I had the pleasure of interviewing Simon Gregson and Kate Ford – Steve MacDonald and Tracy Barlow at Media City in early November. It was a real joy to interview them and they had us all in uproar. At times, it was hard to distinguish whether they were being themselves or were being Steve and Tracy. They have worked together for so long and are such self-confessed very good friends, that the shifting in and out of character only added to the fun of the interview.

How surprised were you both when you discovered that you were to be an item again?

Pretty shocked actually! After all that’s gone on between them and all the vitriol that they have each thrown at one another, it really was a surprise when Kate Oates called us in to see how we would react to the plan. Now it’s sinking in, we’re both really excited about the forthcoming storyline. We know each other so well both on and off the cobbles and love working together.

When does it happen?

Well we both go to Amy’s school’s carol concert and we’re both a bit naughty. Tracy smuggles in a full hip flask into the concert and both of us get a bit giggly. Afterwards we sleep together. There’s an element of lonely at Christmas perhaps which brings them together. 

Are both of you ready to take all the criticism that will come your way? From Liz? From Amy?

Yes, we are. We’re both aware that romantically nothing else is doing and so we might as well get together. And we are attracted to each other. As yet, we don’t know how Liz will respond but we can take a good guess. Gobsmacked comes to mind. Remember that Tracy had an affair with Liz’s boyfriend Tony, so apart from anything else, Liz won’t forget that in a hurry.

Amy is very displeased. She discovers that her biological mum and dad have reignited the flames by seeing text messages between Steve and Tracy. Amy thinks that their being together will be a total disaster. It will be endless rows and for her, Amy believes, life will be unbearable. She has witnessed all the arguments and friction between her warring parents and imagines it will be more of the same.

And what about Tracy? How does she feel about claiming Steve as her own?

Oh, she is loving every minute of it and sees herself as getting one up on Steve’s other women; a triumph over Leanne and Michelle. Tracy has never seen eye to eye with these two women, or any of the women except Beth and Mary, so revels in claiming Steve as her own. Leanne is particularly shocked, which really pleases Tracy. Leanne is worried about Tracy’s involvement in her baby’s life.  Besides, remember when Steve’s ideal woman was revealed to him on the computer? Well, it was Tracy, wasn’t it?

Does the relationship between you both run smoothly?

Not exactly… They go to the bistro for a meal and every time Tracy looks at Steve, she finds him looking longingly at Michelle. This does not go down well with Tracy! Steve’s not quite Henry VIII but he is certainly getting there!

How does Carla’s return affect Tracy, bearing in mind that they were arch enemies?

Tracy has moved on from all the Carla aggro, so she doesn’t seem to bother her anymore. There are no plans to revive that hostility. I think possibly it won’t return because it was all a bit overdone, pantomime even. 

By Ruth Owen, twitter: @Ruth1722

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Tvor @tvordlj on Twitter

Why I Adore Tracy Barlow

(This post was originally posted by Sophie Williams on the Coronation Street Blog in November 2017, reposted to this blog with permission.)

This blog post might seem like just a natter but I couldn’t help myself! Over the years Corrie have blessed us with some iconic characters that will reign supreme in the Coronation Street Hall of Fame for years, or decades, to come.

One of the characters that I personally adore is none other than Tracy Barlow, played by the brilliant Kate Ford. I will always have time to watch the ‘Queen Bitch’ making snide remarks, or just watching Ms Barlow and Mary putting the world to rights while arranging some lilies.

With one of the show’s most rich character backgrounds, Tracy has been pushed to the back of the queue where storylines are concerned in recent months but in the last few weeks she has popped up here and there, offering her sarcasm and shall we say, unpleasant, comments. Particularly where Tracy has taken young Chesney under her wing, and I am loving this. It’s about time Tracy took on a protégé and shared her worldly wisdom on pettiness. 

Speaking of being a victim of Tracy Barlow, one of my favourite Corrie episodes ever involves Tracy, Charlie Stubbs, and a certain statue. Yep, you know the one. The whole thing is just brilliant; Tracy (awkwardly) seducing Charlie, the dialogue, the music climaxing just as Tracy picks up the statue and whacks ol’ Charlie over the head.

And who can forget Tracy wreaking havoc on Nick and Carla’s wedding day? The day consisted of Tracy concocting several schemes to cause as much trouble as possible. Admittedly she did end up locked in a cupboard, but when she got out she was out for revenge by revealing to everyone that Carla had done the dirty with Robert. Well, no one ever said Tracy was subtle, did they?

Quick-witted and sharp-tongued, Tracy for me is one of the characters that make Corrie so first-class. Her one-liners are hilarious and her scheming plots are masterful. Please, please, please, never change this!

Just a short post this time but I wanted to pay my compliments to a character that will always allow us to relish in her cynicism. 

Sophie Williams 

sophie_jw26

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Tvor @tvordlj on Twitter

Steve and Tracy back together - Yay or Nay?

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


There's a worrying story in the Metro this week suggesting that Tracy and Steve might get back together again.  Don't worry too much about the picture above - it's an old one, not a preview!

But Steve and Tracy together again? Please say it ain't so!  You can probably guess already that I'm going to vote a great big fat NAY on this one.  They're so wrong for each other, in every, er, conceivable way.  Yes, Steve is Amy's dad and that means there'll always be that connection between Steve and Tracy on the Street. But for the two of them to get back together again, oh, heavens, no!

But hang on a minute... could it just work? I wonder!

After Deirdre died in 2015 and Tracy's character mellowed after the passing of her mum, perhaps now actually might be the right time for her and Steve to get it back on.  Steve is lost without a woman, so lost that he still lives with his mum.  And as much as I'd love to see Steve and Leanne together and running the Rovers, perhaps a Steve fling with Tracy could be fun to watch (from behind the cushion on the sofa, of course).

All things considered, I still say Nay to any possibility of these two reconnecting romantically.

What do you say, Corrie fans?

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Tvor @tvordlj on Twitter

Steve and Tracy Back Together - Yay or Nay?

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


There was a worrying moment at the end of last night's Coronation Street when Mary told Tracy to stop ignoring her jealous feelings towards Steve and Leanne. Mary pointed out that Tracy still had feelings for Steve, deep feelings stemming from their special relationship.  And she said that Tracy was still in love with Steve, too.

Now, that's as may be. And certainly we've seen a new, calmer, nicer Tracy since Deirdre died in 2015.  She's not as shouty and as bitchy as she used to be and hasn't as much as killed anyone either in a while.

I was just warming to Steve and Leanne together and had high comic hopes for them as the new Jack and Vera. But it looks, for now, as if that relationship is off.

But Steve and Tracy back together? Oh, please no. No, no, no. I don't think I need to say any more. It's a great big fat NAY from me.

What say you - Nay or Yay?

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Tvor @tvordlj on Twitter

Why Tracy Barlow's tapes should make a Corrie return

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


For years Tracy Barlow was upstairs listening to her tapes inside No. 1 Coronation Street.

Tracy's tapes even made a reappearance in December last year when Peter found Tracy's stash of cassettes.

And now it seems that cassettes are back in fashion. Not only are old casette tapes being traded on sites like eBay, but music artists are releasing new music on tape too.

Of all the comebacks in all the world, who would have thought that cassettes would not only reappear but be on trend too?  C120 was always my favourite. Anyway, I digress.

Virgin.com explain that cassette tapes were given a boost of publicity when they featured heavily in the 2014 Marvel blockbuster hit, Guardians of the Galaxy, where the lead character Peter cherishes his mixtape given to him by his late mum.

And now, music cassettes are very much back in vogue and back in the shops. This coming Friday sees the long-awaited new release of the album Other by my favourite female singer Alison Moyet - and yup, it's coming out on cassette.

So it's time, I reckon, for Coronation Street to get Tracy's tapes back in the show, only this time it could be Amy who's listening to the tunes. It would be fantastic for Amy to tell her mum that she was heading upstairs to listen to her tapes. Go on, Corrie, please make it happen.

See also: 5 Reasons We Love Tracy Barlow

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Tvor @tvordlj on Twitter