Caz - your time is up! Please pack your kit and leave

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



Yes, you Caz - it is now your time to depart the cobbles. There, that's told her. Now, let me explain why she has to go.

Caz Hammond, who arrived in November last year, has no further reason to remain in Weatherfield. Kate has told her, in no uncertain terms, that she doesn't want to see her any more and that she no longer loves her.  No doubt though, Caz is living in hope that Kate will change her mind, fall in love with her again and they'll get married. It seems unlikely.

Caz has lied repeatedly about her parachute training accident and hobbled around for several months trying to maintain the lie. Both viewers and Kate have now discovered, due to the arrival of the army's representative, who spoke of the forthcoming court martial, that Caz sustained the injury due to a fight. She is due to attend a court martial concerning the incident. According to Caz,  desperate for excuses, the girl she fought was making homophobic comments and so Caz tore into her. Hmmm.

Luke is not at all happy about the fact that Caz is staying at Maria's flat and he has made his feelings more than clear to Maria: 'She's a nutter!'

When Liam was playing with his toy car it ran over Caz's ankle, but Caz reacted as if a truck had run over her foot and not just a child's toy. Luke then informs Maria that he found a painkiller Caz claimed to need, down the sink. No wonder then that Luke is intolerant of Caz's presence. Sophie is also a good deal less than convinced about Caz's parachute training accident.  Maria has been told, in no uncertain terms, that Caz is playing her, but Maria refuses to listen and is all sympathy, telling Caz that she can stay in her flat as long as she needs, to sort herself out.

In the Rovers, Kylie's killer, Clayton, was pestering Kate. Caz, seeing red, rounded on him and fought him off. A good deed in itself but one which clearly revealed that her ankle was perfectly fine. Caz did try to ham it up a bit when she realised she had given the game away, but it was too late. Kate, shortly afterwards gives Caz her marching orders (bit of a pun there!). Caz wails, 'You're all I care about, all I've got left. She adds, 'My love life's in tatters and my career is hanging by a thread!'

What we don't yet know is almost anything about Caz's background. Might there be a clue in her past life which would explain why she seems so deeply troubled? If so, it would be interesting to find out.

Sadly, the relationship between Kate and Caz, in my view, failed to convince. This is not a criticism of each individual actor, just a comment on how some screen relationships don't quite hit the mark of credibility. Much of their time together, unfortunately, appeared forced and contrived.

Ruth Owen. Twitter @ruth1722



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Conversation Street Podcast 210

Gemma and Michael's podcast for the episodes in Canada that aired (up to last night's Canadian Corrie) can be heard here.

The latest Conversation Street podcast this week, looks at Corrie in the aftermath of Kylie's death. David and Max plan the funeral while Sarah comes home and insists on staying. Steve finds himself in an awkward spot when Michelle decides she wants a baby! Jenny and Johnny are on and off and on again and end up keeping their relationship secret so Jenny can spy on the workers as his eyes and ears. There's a classic character profile about Liam Connor. There's always the news and listener feedback as well.




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State of the Street - July 2016

It's always sad when a character dies, especially one that a good deal of fans loved. Kylie will be missed and David may never get over it. Caz's lies were uncovered and she's now pulling Maria into her schemes to get Kate back. Even though it's taken a back seat to the current Platt crisis, Bethany is still suffering at the hands of the bullies. Leanne's ill advised one night stand with a heretofore unknown man ended up in a pregnancy and a reveal that the man was Steve McDonald. He seems to have a habit of getting women pregnant, women that didn't think they could have babies, that is.

If Leanne was going to have a baby, it would have to be with the one person where it would cause the most drama. Nick? She'd only have to contend with Gail. Robert? There's Tracy who'd start a new vendetta up now that Carla's gone, but I'd bet Leanne Battersby would put up a much more convincing fight than Carla did. No, Steve, with his tentative reconciliation to Michelle, is the best candidate for ongoing drama.

In the wake of Jason's exit, Phelan is trying to get his hands on the money while Todd is trying to get his hands on Billy. One has been more successful than the other. Jenny and Johnny are pussyfooting around each other. The Spy Who Loved Me may be their new favourite film.


All this and more on this month's State of the Street.




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Who’s That Pokémon? Weatherfield Edition

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

A wonderful guest blog post written by Michael from Conversation Street, the Coronation Street podcast. 

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And so now, it's over to Michael...

"I can’t be the only Corrie fan who’s been caught up in the Pokémon Go craze these past few weeks. The hottest new mobile app release is sweeping the world so much, I’m beginning to think that the reason we haven’t seen Emily Bishop back from Peru yet is that she’s actually searching the South American jungles for the mythical Mew.

Now this has all got me wondering – if some of our favourite Coronation Street characters were Pokémon, which ones would they be? I’ve drawn up a list of some of my ideas; if you have any of your own, feel free to add them to the comments below!

First up, who’s this flame-maned beauty?  Like Ponyta, Jenny Bradley can be a bit fiery at times, though treat her gently and she may offer you a ride (right, Johnny?) Just be careful you don’t get burned!

You may think that Pokémon’s just for kids, but the strangely alluring Lopunny has her fair share of grown up admirers in certain corners of the Internet. As the Street’s current sexpot, blonde bombshell Eva is certainly the Weatherfield equivalent of this beguiling bunny.

The blue garb, the squinting, pained expression, the hand thrust up to his throbbing temples… In this picture, Nick’s a dead ringer for Wobbuffet. Like his Pokémon doppelganger, Nick is usually fairly docile, but push him too hard and he’ll unleash a powerful counter attack.

When selling flowers in Preston’s Petals, Tracy and Todd may seem all sweetness and light. However, behind their rosy exteriors, these florists pack just as much toxin as the Poison-type Pokémon Roselia and Roserade.

The scowling Electric-type Pokémon Voltorb puts me in mind of Corrie’s latest villain, the chrome domed Pat Phelan. Voltorbs are best known for looking a lot like Poké Balls, but appearances can be deceptive. This is something you should certainly bear in mind about Phelan, who’s currently charming the likes of Eileen and Yasmeen into thinking he’s Mr Nice Guy…

He may be six feet under, but drug dealer Callum is still haunting poor old Sarah Platt, who’s convinced he’s out to get his revenge from beyond the grave. With its evil eyes and sharp toothed grin, the Ghost-type Pokémon Haunter, like Callum, is a fearsome force to be reckoned with.

Poor old Kirk – some people just aren’t as quick on the uptake as others. The same is true in the Pokémon world too, with Slowpoke being the epitome of dim-wittedness. Just look at those big grins, though - ignorance is most definitely bliss! And don’t you just want to give them both a hug?

Onto a few classic Corrie characters now, and one of the Street’s most notorious battleaxes, Ena Sharples. Her stocky frame and permanent scowl remind us of Purugly – you’d better be prepared if you’re hoping to take this one on in a battle!

Hilda Ogden was always going on at husband Stan for being a bit of a slacker, which is why I’ve chosen the ape-like Slaking as his Pokémon equivalent. Slaking is apparently the world’s laziest Pokémon, spending all day lying down and lolling about. I’m sure it wouldn’t say no to a pint of Newton & Ridley’s either!

Finally, we have a creature that’s well-known for being a bit of a dud and a laughing stock, spending most of the time just flopping around and gawping. I’ve paired her up with Magikarp, which at least has potential if you give it enough training!

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Corrie villain stars in new horror at Edinburgh Fringe

 

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


Sean Ward, who played Callum Logan in Coronation Street, will be starring in Darktales, a spooky horror ato the Edinburgh Fringe.

The Sunday Post says that it’s the scary show’s first time back in the capital since it made its debut there 21 years ago – and it left its mark.

“Someone in the audience fainted during the first night because it was so scary,” Sean explained. "Darktales was so successful at the Fringe that it went straight to London’s West End afterwards, which is the challenge we’ve now set ourselves for this version. This is a revised text because it’s tougher to scare people these days, but we have a few shocks and scares up our sleeves."

Not only is Darktales Sean’s first visit to the Fringe and to Scotland, it’s also his stage debut.

“This is probably one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever taken on in terms of acting, since the live episode of Corrie, but it’s good to constantly be pushing myself.”
 

Starring alongside him is fellow Corrie bad guy, Andrew Paul, who played Dan (the brewery man) Jones. He also spent years on The Bill as PC Dave Quinnan.


Darktales, Pleasance One, Edinburgh, Aug 3-29.  Buy your tickets here.



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Fab Photo Friday - The JCB

Here's a fab photo indeed, a very young Steve and Andy McDonald when they nicked the JCB (earth mover) from the building site across from Alf's shop where the "new side" of the Street was being built. The decided to try to drive it and ended up putting the bucket through Alf's shop window!

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Corrie Canada sneak previews August 22 - 26

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


REMEMBER, CBC is airing DOUBLE episodes of Coronation Street this week and next week. 

Sarah leaves the hospital and refuses to return, because her family needs her. Billy conducts Kylie's funeral which Max helped contribute to. David's heart is filled with revenge. Todd confronts David but is shocked when Sarah confesses who really killed Callum. Eileen discovers Billy and Todd's relationship. They promise to tell Sean but he finds out by accident. Phelan oversteps the mark and has some sucking up to do. Sean gives Eileen an ultimatum. Phelan cozies up to Sally to win council favour.

Michelle is excited about her baby plans with Steve. Eileen worries about Jason in Thailand. Macca threatens Gemma but Craig steps up. Robert struggles at the Bistro. Craig makes a change in his career choice. Ken is jealous. Gary decides to reunite with Izzy, but Anna's not best pleased. Nick threatens to open a rival restaurant until Leanne convinces he and Robert to make peace. Beth worries her past might affect Craig's future. Johnny rents a love nest. Eva gets the wrong end of the stick.


For more detail and photos check out the Moosejaw Mercury at Corrie.net.


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Richard Haw­ley on Corrie: "I've wanted this job for 40 years"

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

There was a good interview with Corona­tion Street’s Richard Haw­ley in The Daily Mail's Weekend magazine which I saw at the weekend.

Richard, who plays Johnny Connor in Corrie, says he's been after a role in the show for 40 years!

He says: ‘I’ve been try­ing to get a job on the Street for my whole ca­reer; I’ve been up for jobs at least six times in the past 20 years. When I got the part I went into an emo­tional free-fall. It was the chance of a life­time, so I was in­cred­i­bly ex­cited and full of adren­a­line.

‘Even now I pinch my­self; I look around and get a sense of his­tory, of stand­ing on the shoul­ders of gi­ants. I’m not sure how I got here, but I feel I’ve got the best job in the coun­try.’

Speaking about Jenny and Johnny, Richard says: ‘I en­joy work­ing with Sally Ann Matthews, who plays Jenny, and I think we’ve got chemistry. So I hope they’ll have fun for years and maybe get mar­ried one day.’

Richard’s been mar­ried for more than 30 years and has grown-up twin daugh­ters. The fam­ily home’s in Brighton and Richard heads there when he can, but in the week he shares a Manch­ester flat with Con­nor McIntyre, who plays evil Pat Phe­lan.

It’s a price Richard’s pre­pared to pay for his dream role. ‘I al­ways wanted a job in Corrie that’d be­come a big char­ac­ter like Mike Bald­win. They’re big shoes to fill but it’s a priv­i­lege to be given a shot. If it was up to me, I’d spend a fair old time here.’



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Coronation Street's Sally saddles up for charity bike ride

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

Coronation Street's Sally Dynevor, who plays Sally Metcalfe, is set to swap the cobbles for the countryside by signing up to complete the London 2 Paris Cycle Challenge to help raise funds for Prevent Breast Cancer.

The actress will take on the impressive 320-mile challenge from 21 to 25 September in aid of the Manchester-based charity, which is the UK’s only charity entirely dedicated to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer.

Starting in London, the five-day route incorporates the British countryside en route to the ferry from Dover to Calais and, once on French soil, winds along quiet country lanes and through traditional market towns

Sally is a long-standing patron of Prevent Breast Cancer – formerly Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention – and will be joined by her husband, Tim, as well as 33 other supporters, on the journey. Sally and Tim, along with Prevent Breast Cancer’s executive director, Nikki Barraclough, are cycling in memory of the late actress Morag Siller, who was an avid supporter and patron of Prevent Breast Cancer following her diagnosis of the disease. Sadly, Morag lost her battle in April this year.

Sally said: “Prevent Breast Cancer has been very close to my heart for many years now and is an immensely worthwhile cause, so once I heard about the bike ride from London to Paris, I jumped at the chance to take part. It’s also the perfect way to remember my dear friend, Morag, and raise funds for a charity we shared a passion for.

“I’m in the middle of training and it’s definitely not easy, but it will all be worth it once we’ve reached the finish line at the Eiffel Tower and raised vital funds to protect future generations.”

As further commitment to the charity, and with help from Starley Bikes in Altrincham, Sally will complete the ride on a customised Prevent Breast Cancer-branded bike.

To donate and support Sally’s fundraising efforts, visit: www.preventbreastcancer.org.uk/donate/formorag.




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Charlie Lawson in new TV show - he even sings the theme tune

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



Charlie Lawson, who played Jim McDonald in Coronation Street, will be appearing on Irish TV in a new series called Are We There Yet! Charlie is one of two Irish men who have to get around Ireland on £10, a tank full of fuel, and nothing else but the help of Irish celebrities along the way.

It's a wild and funny programme, Part Top Gear / Part Billy Connolly / Part Interview Program and travel. As with any good telly programme, it has a theme tune, which is now available to download at iTunes.

Charlie sings the song which is called Rare Old Mountain Dew and you can listen to it here.

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A demand for Corrie DVDs

(This post was originally posted by Michael Adams on the Coronation Street Blog in July 2016.)

I've been absent on the blog for an awfully long time, and for a number of reasons. Not only have I had perhaps some of the most stressful months of my life but I've also sat through 300 episodes of Australian soap Neighbours, starting from the very beginning on 18th March 1985, right through to 18th July 1986. How time has flown - and the only thing stopping me from watching anymore is that my wifi is down, and the shabby quality of YouTube episodes. Luckily, most of those that I have already watched were in HQ, due to a fantastic release of 5 volumes of DVDs titled 'From the Beginning'.

From here, and mainly because of the lack of wifi, I moved onto the DVD releases of Emmerdale Farm, which have also been released from the very beginning, covering 5 volumes. The release of Emmerdale got me thinking - why haven't Network released Coronation Street on DVD from the beginning?

The first thing I wondered was whether there was too much of a lack of demand, though following a Twitter poll I created I realised that this was not the case. From the 145 people who voted, 56% (roughly 81 people) said that they would purchase volumes of Coronation Street on DVD 'From the Beginning...' if they were made available. Now don't get me wrong, I personally don't know how it would be logistically possible to do so without charging a great deal per set or without there being hundreds of volumes - after all, there are 8942 episodes.

In some ways I am biased towards the 44% (roughly 63 people) who voted to not purchase Corrie DVDs. I know that I definitely wouldn't have the time or the money to buy each set though if they had been released I probably would try to purchase them.

I'm not sure what the sales for the other Corrie DVD releases have been, though regardless, I would definitely like to see Network consider releasing early episodes. What do you think?

Follow me on Twitter, if you so wish to @MichaelAdamsUk



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Celebrating 42 years of Gail on Coronation Street

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

July 29th 2016 marked the 42nd anniversary of Gail's first appearance in Coronation Street.

Young Gail Potter first turned up in Corrie on 29 July 1974.  She was brought into the show as a friend for Tricia Hopkins, played by Kathy Jones.

When Gail first arrived on Corrie, she lodged with Tricia at the shop flat until they were forced out by new owner Renee Bradshaw.  Then for her first few years on Coronation Street, Gail lodged with Elsie Tanner at No.11, sharing a room with Suzie Birchall.

42 years later, Gail is the most-married woman on Coronation Street - see all her husbands here. 

Steve McDonald holds the record as the most-married man - see all his wives here



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Helen Flanagan says she'd love to return to Coronation Street

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

Helen Flanagan, who played Rosie Webster on Coronation Street, was interviewed on ITV's Loose Women today.

She revealed that she would love to return to the show.  If you remember, Helen left the show in 2012 after suffering panic attacks and anxiety on set.  She gave a nice interview to the Manchester Evening News when she left - read it here.

Helen is now mum of Matilda and was pictured behind the scenes at Loose Women with her little girl today.

There could be a place for Rosie on the cobbles of course, as Sophie is leaving the show on a break as she takes to the stage with Ruth Madoc - read more on that here.

Would you welcome the return of Rosie Webster?



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Fab Photo Friday - a Cropper Moon

To fill in some of the time while the Olympics are on, a little view of Roy and Hayley looking at a Blackpool moon.

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Corrie Throwback Thursday

Let's go back to April 2005. Ken and Deirdre were about to be remarried. This is Ken's stag do in the Rovers, an unlikely group if ever there was one. We have Dev Alahan (Deirdre's ex-one-night-stand), Ray Langton (Deirdre's ex-husband) and Mike Baldwin (Deirdre's ex-lover). Yes, that's right. All of the attendees at Ken's stag do prior to him marrying Deirdre were all men who have sampled the delights of one Deirdre Anne Hunt Langton Barlow Raschid (soon to be) Barlow.


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