Coronation Street Blog

Time to get rid of rancid Rob?

noreply@blogger.com (Graeme N) — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:06:23 PDT

There are characters that we love to hate. And there are characters that we just hate. Rob Donovan is definitely the latter as far as I'm concerned. There are some characters that get under my skin thanks to good storylines, sharp characterisation and brilliant performances. Rob sadly isn't in any of these categories.

I just can't stick him one little bit. Ryan Connor is bad enough, but Rob is just plain awful. i expected a whole lot more from one of Carla's siblings than what's been delivered so far. He's irritating, smug and big headed. The storylines he's involved in are poor and he really does have to go. I keep waiting for something to happen that makes his presence acceptable or worth the screen time, but I'm not holding my breath.

As for his relationship with Tracy Barlow. Need I say more?

I also think these factory storylines are wearing rather thin. Some people question whether a factory like that would still exist in a back street in 2013. Whatever you think of that, what goes on at Underworld is a very poor imitation of the glory days of Baldwin's Casuals. I've always liked Carla, but please spare us any more of the dreadful Michelle. I still don't buy her amazing business acumen. Where did that come from??

Anyway, my main beef is with the truly awful Rob. I say he serves no purpose so the powers that be should get rid. Do you agree? Let's have your thoughts on Rob Donovan.

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Winner announced in our glam gitter Rita competition

noreply@blogger.com (Flaming Nora) — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:52:20 PDT

Congratulations go to Coronation Street Blog reader Jack Benton who has been drawn at random from all correct entries received, to win this fab Glam Gitter Trash artwork of our Rita.

With thanks to Steven Barrett, creator of the wonderful Glam Glitter Trash artworks at http://www.glamglittertrash.com

There's still time to enter our competition to win a bottle of personalised Coronation Street scotch for Father's Day.

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Tonight: Corrie's Jennie McAlpine on All Star Mr & Mrs

noreply@blogger.com (Flaming Nora) — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:00:23 PDT

Tonight in the new series of All Star Mr & Mrs, Coronation Street actress Jennie McAlpine (Fiz Stape) and her boyfriend Chris Farr will compete for big cash prizes for charity.

The show is on ITV1 tonight at 8pm.

Chris and Jennie run Annie's restaurant in Manchester.

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Coronation Street major schedule changes next week

noreply@blogger.com (Flaming Nora) — Wed, 22 May 2013 05:14:53 PDT

You might like to note that Corrie's on almost every night next week.

Starting on Sunday night it's on at 9pm every night, except Wednesday, as follows:

Sunday 26th May at 9pm

Monday 27th May at 9pm

Tuesday 28th May at 9pm

No episode Wednesday 29th May

Thursday 30th May at 9pm

Friday 31st May at 9pm

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Last chance to enter to WIN! Corrie Rita glitter print

noreply@blogger.com (Graeme N) — Tue, 21 May 2013 23:53:09 PDT

Competition closes today, Wednesday 22 May at 5pm.

With thanks to Steven Barrett, creator of the wonderful Glam Glitter Trash website http://www.glamglittertrash.com we have a super glitter art print of classic Corrie character Rita Tanner to give away!

Steven creates canvasses featuring many classic images, made from glitter. As well as producing several classic Corrie characters, Steven has a wide range of other designs featuring comedy characters and Hollywood actors along with many music and sports figures.

I have several of these prints at home - my living room currently boasts glittery Bet Lynch and Rita Tanner from Corrie and Fenella Fielding from Carry On Screaming. They make terrific gifts. Steven also produces these images on other items such as mugs, t-shirts, bags and greetings cards.

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning this fab prize is to answer the following two questions correctly. Please email your answers to glenda.young@btinternet.com with RITA in the subject line. One winning entry will be drawn at random from all correct entries received.

Deadline for entries is Wednesday 22 May at 5pm. Overseas fans can enter.

Here are your questions. Good luck!

Q1: Rita is famous for bursting into song whenever the need arises. Which song did she perform in the Rovers in the aftermath of the tram crash back in 2010, and who accompanied her on the keyboard?

Q2: http://www.glamglittertrash.com produces several glitter prints of classic Coronation Street characters. Which one of the following characters is not currently featured on Steven's website? a) Ena Sharples b) Betty Williams or c) Ivy Tilsley?

Entries from moneysavingsexpert, Loquax and all other competition entry websites will not be accepted in any of our competitions.

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Racism storyline to rock Coronation Street

noreply@blogger.com (Flaming Nora) — Tue, 21 May 2013 23:40:30 PDT

There's a Coronation Street spoiler in today's Daily Star that says a racism storyline will feature when fireman Paul is accused of being a racist by cabbie Lloyd Mullaney.

The paper asys that in scenes to be screened this summer, Paul is talking to Steve McDonald and uses the phrase “playing the white man”.

Lloyd’s daughter Jenna hears Paul’s comment and tells her dad, sparking a row between the two men.

It will cause a bitter divide as some residents side with Paul and believe it wasn’t meant as a racist slur and others side with Lloyd. Paul tries to play matters down but is forced to defend himself. Instead of apologising he digs his heels in and makes matters even worse.

Corrie producer Stuart Blackburn told the Daily Star: “There’s a point when Paul, in a moment of stupidity and stress, makes one wrong remark. It’s a remark he dismisses as nothing but what it takes us into is something of pride, loyalty and principle. It’s a story that’s going to ripple through Weatherfield and jeopardise Eileen’s relationship not just with Paul but with Steve and Lloyd as well."

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Sinead Tinker and Chesney to get close, reveals Katie McGlynn

noreply@blogger.com (Flaming Nora) — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:50:13 PDT

There's a good interview over on Digital Spy today with Katie McGlynn, who plays Coronation Street newcomer Sinead Tinker, or, er, Stinker, for short.

Sinead returns to Corrie tonight, Wednesday 22 May as Chesney tries to shed his Mr Nice image and uses Sinead to try to make Katy jealous. Will it all end in tears or will Sinead be the making of Ches?

Actor Katie McGlynn doesn't reveal too much in the way of storyline for Sinead and Chesney other than saying they will get close, but it's a good read as she talks about working on Coronation Street fresh from her role in Waterloo Road and what those first few days working on the cobbles have been like.

Katie is nominated for best newcomer in the TV Choice Awards 2013.

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Sneak preview of tonight's Corrie - Wednesday 22 May

noreply@blogger.com (Flaming Nora) — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:30:02 PDT

Coronation Street, Wednesday 22nd May 2013

ROB FEELS VICTIMISED AFTER CARLA TURNS ON HIM. Rob resents the fact he’s going back to work for Carla. Fuelling his fire, Tracy reminds him he owns 30% of Underworld and should be Carla’s equal. Taking this onboard Rob walks into a big client meeting but when Michelle tells him to leave them to it (she’s now assistant manager) will Carla back Rob or Michelle?
TINA TRIES TO TALK KATY OUT OF BLOWING THE WHISTLE. Tina tells Tommy that she’s terrified of Izzy finding out about Gary’s pass as it’ll destroy the couple she’s having this baby for. Katy’s in turmoil over what to do but when Tina begs her not to ruin Izzy’s happiness due to a moment of madness on Gary’s part will Katy agree?
ROY REFUSES TO GRIEVE. Roy throws himself into work, refusing to acknowledge his upset at St. John’s death.
Elsewhere as Stella plans a low-key reopening of the pub her heart aches for a struggling Dev. Consumed by guilt how will Karl respond? When Sinead bumps into Chesney on the street she plucks up the courage to ask him on a date. Chesney accepts but is oddly blase leaving Sinead puzzled.

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Vote for Corrie! TV Choice Awards 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Flaming Nora) — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:11:54 PDT

Voting is now open in the TV Choice Magazine awards 2013.

Voting on the longlist will remain open until midnight on Friday 14 June so vote for your Coronation Street favourites now here.

The Corrie nominations are:

Best Soap Actor:
Chris Gascoyne (Peter Barlow)
Alan Halsall (Tyrone Dobbs)
David Neilson (Roy Cropper)

Best Soap Actress:
Julie Hesmondhalgh (Hayley Cropper)
Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntyre)
Alison King (Carla Connor)

Best Soap Newcomer:
Marc Baylis (Rob Donovon)
Krissi Bohn (Jenna Kamara)
Katie McGlynn (Sinead Tinker)

And of course don't forget to vote Corrie for Best Soap!

The first round of voting will close June 14. Shortlist nominations will be announced in July, when voting will reopen You can follow us on Twitter @CoroStreetBlog and Facebook: CoronationStreetBlog

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Truth about Keith Lemon's Corrie cameo 'role'

noreply@blogger.com (Flaming Nora) — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:41:29 PDT

We blogged a few days ago that Keith Lemon had filmed a Coronation Street cameo role as a Newton and Ridley delivery driver. The story had been reported in The Sun, but it turns out it's untrue.

Today in the fab Inside Soap magazine they reveal that Keith Lemon's stint on the Street wasn't filmed as part of Corrie itself.

It was filmed as part of Keith Lemon's reality show Lemon La Vida Loca.

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Fans vote Alf Roberts as their favourite grocer

noreply@blogger.com (Llifon) — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:39:12 PDT

Coronation Street Blog readers have voted Alf Roberts as their favourite grocer. 378 of you voted and 162 (42.86%) of you voted for Alf. I guess this is no surprise as the Corner Shop's golden age was when Alf was behind the counter between 1980 and 1994.

In second place is Fred Elliott who received 68 votes (17.99%). He owned the shop between 1997 and 1998, but the shop was managed by Maud Grimes and Ashley Peacock. In third place is current owner Dev Alahan who received 48 votes (12.7%). Reg Holdsworth occupies fourth place with 38 votes (10.05%) while his wife Maureen occupies fifth place with 18 votes (4.76%).

Renee Bradshaw/Roberts is in sixth place with 13 votes (3.44%) while Maggie Clegg is hot on her heels with 12 votes (3.17%). Florrie Lindley, the first on-screen owner of the Corner Shop, is in eighth place with 6 votes (1.59%), Brendan Scott is close behind with 5 votes (1.32%) and Irma Barlow receiving 4 votes (1.06%).

Ravi Desai received 3 votes (0.79%) while Lionel Petty only received 1 vote (0.26%). Sadly, nobody voted for David Barlow.

Happy with the results? Let's hear your thoughts!

This week's poll asks you for your favourite Corrie double act. You can vote here.

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Alan Halsall joins Forever Manchester Golf Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Flaming Nora) — Tue, 21 May 2013 04:26:33 PDT

This Thusrday 23 May at High Legh Golf Course in Cheshire you’ll get the chance to compare handicaps with Corrie’s Alan Halsall (Tyrone Dobbs). Newly crowned Best Actor at the British Soap Awards, Alan will be hoping his team will add another gong to the Award's cabinet - only this time for golf.

The hard fought competition for this year's trophy is backed by Mace, Inviron, Careys, Preferred Spaces and Imech who are all partners in the build of the new Coronation Street site over at MediaCityUK.

Alan says: “Golf's a serious business, although I don't think it features much in Tyrone's world as I'm pretty sure there isn't a Weatherfield golf club - yet!? Away from the cobbles Thursday will be a great day out at High Legh and I have no doubt that some competitive streaks might show themselves judging by the guys from our sponsorship teams!"

The Golf Day will raise much needed funds for Forever Manchester, who support community groups and initatives across Greater Manchester helping local people improve where they live.

Pictured with Alan Halsall (L-R) are: Jeremy Plastow, Preferred Spaces. Sutart Smith & Jason Hanson, Inviron. Simon Hall, Mace

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Stuart Blackburn: what do you think so far?

noreply@blogger.com (Flaming Nora) — Mon, 20 May 2013 23:35:54 PDT

A comment left on this post by Coronation Street fan Danni echos some of my own thoughts so it's time to get a reaction from fans as to what we think of new producer Stuart Blackburn's work so far.

I know it's early days but I think Stuart Blackburn is doing an excellent job. The scenes with Roy, Sylvia and Hayley have been far and above the usual sort of thing we've had for the last couple of years. The dialogue and acting are at a level of quality the other soaps can only dream of.

Although I'm disappointed that the world is still revolving around Stella, there is other good stuff going on. I even found myself warming to Carla Connor last night in a way I never have done before. When Rob was on the phone to her moaning: "You'll never guess what Peter's done..." and Peter's on the phone to her going; "You'll never guess what Rob's done..." and they're both turing to Carla to wipe their noses for them - and she does - that's a side to her I've never seen before. More please.

However, much has been forgotten. Where's Emily Bishop? And why has Rob Donovan not had any interaction with Tracy's daughter Amy? Speaking of which - where is she? Where's Beth's son Craig gone? And the story with Mary looking after Dev's kids?

Let's hope Stuart stays true to the words our blogger Graeme heard direct from the producer's mouth - that his vision for Corrie "is to maintain Corrie's position as Britain's best television drama, highlighting its down to earth, working class roots and not forgetting the impact it originally had back in the 1960s."

Mr Blackburn, a nation's eyes turn to you, along with our Corrie-watching hearts. Please don't let us down.

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Spoilers for next week's Coronation Street, May 26-31

noreply@blogger.com (Flaming Nora) — Mon, 20 May 2013 23:23:54 PDT

Without any piffle, here's the storyline for the week ahead on Coronation Street, all wrapped up nicely in 50 words or less.

Week of Sunday 26 May to Friday 31 May
Note Coronation Street is on next week as follows:Sunday 26 May, Monday 27 May (1 episode), Tuesday 28 May, Thursday 30 May and Friday 31 May (1 episode).

Tina gives birth and bonds with baby, Rovers Return reopens, Carla suspects Rob of nicking from Underworld, Katy moves in with Ryan and Sally looks for love online.

The full weekly preview, with loads of pictures is right here on Corrie.net

Missed last week's Corrie?
Catch up with the Coronation Street Weekly Updates

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Coronation Street double episode review, Monday 20th May

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth Owen Varley) — Mon, 20 May 2013 23:26:13 PDT

Sylvia's lines tonight deserve special attention. As her daughter-in-law states that it's not good for Roy to keep his feeling about the death of his father bottled up, Sylvia responds with short shrift. She wonders why a nation so keen on analysing itself has ended up in such a mess. So it seems neither Roy nor his mother are great believers in the talking cure.

Sylvia also gave us a glimpse into her past as she pointed out what Roy must have known on some level, but like all children, it is very difficult to think of parents as young people and for Roy it can't be easy to imagine Sylvia as a once attractive 19 year old queuing up to see Bill Haley, attracting the attention of the now deceased St John. She also points out that things were different then. You got on reasonably well, so why not get married?. Society's expectations were such that people did get married without having much experience of life or other relationships. She must have been profoundly affected by St John's abandonment of her and Roy.as she states that she hated him for leaving her and Roy.

Despite the sympathy we must feel for her, she doesn't always help herself. It's not always so much what she says, but how she says it. She points out to Gary that, 'Good manners cost nothing, young man,' and then follows it up by telling him that she'll be having words with his mother.

Peter and Rob put on a good show too tonight. Rob really does think he's something and under Tracy's influence he's not going to get a lesson in modesty. Let's just hope they don't breed. So Tracy and Rob are enjoying some afternoon delight but the coffee machine, Rob's baby (hopefully his only one) plays up in his and Tracy's absence. 'Get here now,' yells Peter on his return. Just like last Monday mops are featured again. Not just any old mops but mops with names on them and apparently Peter has one with Rob's name on it.

Tracy feels that Carla is pushing her luck when she asks Tracy to drive the van due to Kirk's absence. She gives Carla a number of bullet points as to why she shouldn't drive the van. But Tracy is no match for Carla and Carla gives her own bullet points right back at her. As Tracy leaves the office, Carla asks Michelle, 'Whatever possessed me to employ her, again?'

Maybe this isn't everyone's view, but Owen's reaction to Ryan is understandable, isn't it? Ryan has a bad reputation, he is with Katy in the afternoon in Anna's house and Katy, in Owen's head at least, is not doing her best by Joseph. Even Michelle has some sympathy for Owen and recommends that Ryan goes to talk to Owen, hence the apparently legendary vegetable curry. Amusing dialogue between Steve and Michelle was another highlight tonight - so realistic and natural. When Steve offers to intervene in the Ryan/Owen debacle, Michelle tells him he sounds like the Mafia and then adds that, no, he should, 'Never try to help.'

As regards the business about Gary attempting to kiss Tina, well, it's all becoming a bit of a bore and Tina and Tommy are being so ridiculously precious about it. If all couples split because of an attempted kiss by one or the other, then noone would be with anyone, almost. Of course, it's all a build up to rumours that Tina may not be willing to give up the baby. Sadly though, this story doesn't convince.

And why not Chesney? If the boy wants to become ripped or hench, as the vernacular has it, why not? 'Three months from now, I'll be a different person.' Watch out Ryan.

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Coronation Street Weekly Update, May 20 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Flaming Nora) — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:07:53 PDT

GOT KINDLE? GET CORRIE!
Corrie weekly updates from 1995 - 18 years in 18 e-books
All the wit and warmth of Weatherfield, none of the waffle
Available in UK at http://www.amazon.co.uk/Glenda-Young/e/B0077OXHBQ/

and in Canada and USA at http://www.amazon.com/Glenda-Young/e/B0077OXHBQ

Greetings and welcome to the Coronation Street Weekly Update. Find out more about the Coronation Street Weekly Updates and why they've been written for th'internet since 1995 at http://www.corrie.net/updates/weekly

The biggest and best story this week has been Roy seeking out St. John, his father, then finding he died just a few months ago. This has been heart-wrenching stuff with dialogue and acting at a quality of which the other soaps can only dream. The scenes between Roy, Hayley and Sylvia have been golden, truly great. Roy’s trying, and failing, to cope with the fact that the dad he went looking for no longer exists. “I was contented,” he tells Hayley, before she made him read the letter and encouraged him to seek out his dad. “And I’m no longer contented, not now.” Hayley can only apologise, or at least try to: “I’m truly sorry, Roy, if I’m in any way to blame…” to which Roy silences her with: “But you are, Hayley. You are. You are to blame.” A visit to St. John’s grave does little to ease Roy’s mind, although playing with his childhood Hornby trains helps it back on the right track.

Last week Gary tried to kiss Tina on the soft furnishings. Tina tells Tommy and it’s all a bit tense, especially when Ryan overhears Tina and Gary talking about the unwanted kiss. Ryan tells Katy so it’s just a matter of time before Izzy knows. Speaking of Ryan, he’s a joy to watch because he’s as thick as two short planks. He gets himself chucked out by Owen after he’s caught with his shirt off with young Katy after a bit of afternoon delight. I like the character of Owen although I’m not sure I’d like the person. The character is evil, truly horrid, but that evil and horror simmer gently on a soft boil under a pussy-cat smile. When Ryan moans to Michelle about Owen chucking him of the house and wanting his revenge, Steve tells him: “I wouldn’t fancy yer chances, mate.” Wise words there from Mr. Mac. I dread to think what Owen might do to Gary.

Over at the Rovers, the workers are back in after Gloria comes up with the cash to get it renovated. “I’ve just made an omelette out of my nest egg,” she muses. It’s her windfall from Eric’s will, her fella who died a while back, and she stumps up the money to pay for work on the pub to be finished. Karl chips in with some labour and promises anyone who’ll listen that he’ll get a job soon, just as soon as the jobcentre opens, like, just as soon as the work on the Rovers is done, just as soon as Rita Sullivan stops wearing big hair.

At Barlow’s bookies the boys battle it out for top dog. Rob’s distracted in the back room when Tracy pops round (I had to look away, dear readers, it was all a bit yuck when they came back into the betting shop fastening up their undones). And while Rob and Tracy were in the back, the coffee machine leaked and flooded in the front.

Mind you, Tracy’s not best pleased with Carla at the knicker factory after Kirk goes off sick and Carla puts Tracy in the driving seat by making her do the customer deliveries.

And that's just about that for this week. Remember, you can sign up to get these Corrie weekly updates by email at http://www.corrie.net/updates/weekly/subscribe.htm

This week's writers were Jonathan Harvey, Chris Fewtrell, Susan Oudot and Mark Wadlow. Find out all about the Coronation Street writing team at http://coronationstreetupdates.blogspot.com/2008/11/exclusive-all-current-corrie-writers.html

Glenda Young
--
Blogging away merrily at http://flamingnora.blogspot.com

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Corrie A-Z: D is for Double Acts

noreply@blogger.com (Llifon) — Mon, 20 May 2013 04:27:11 PDT

Coronation Street is known for its assortments of double acts or partnerships over the years. They have ranged from married couples to simply best friends and colleagues. The original double act was Jack and Annie Walker back in 1960 and they provided much humour in the show during the show’s first decade. Their success was due to their clashing personalities – Annie the snob and down-to-earth Jack.

Also a wonderful double act in the early years was Gamma Garments team Mr Swindley and Miss Nugent. The backbone of their partnership was Miss Nugent’s admiration and love for an unwitting Swindley. Like the Walkers, the duo had wonderful chemistry and provided the light relief in the early 1960s. Their musings in the snug over the goings-on of the street brought a smile to everyone. While the Swindley and Nugent partnership ended in 1965, the Walkers double act lasted until 1970.

By the 1970s, Stan and Hilda Ogden had established themselves as a great double act. Their arguments over various things provided many laughs and although the residents were exasperated by them, they were much loved by the nation. The Ogdens could do both humour and drama but it is the humour that they’re best remembered for with Hilda doing all the running while Stan sat supping at the Rovers or in his chair doing the pools regularly featured in episodes.

In 1973 another double act was born when feisty Rita Littlewood employed prissy Mavis Riley at the newly opened Kabin. Again it was the chalk and cheese personalities that cemented the partnership and made them well loved. The stationery duo lasted for 24 years and is second to the Duckworths for being the longest running double act on the cobbles. Rita and Mavis were the best of friends and were a rock to each other during their relationship troubles. Although the partnership lasted until 1997, I have to say, its golden age was the 1970s and 1980s.

While Mavis’ partnership with Rita was successful, she also enjoyed a wonderful double act with boyfriend and later hubby Derek Wilton. They first met in 1976 and enjoyed an on/off romance until their eventual wedding in 1988. The duo’s tenure ended upon Derek’s death in 1997.

With the Ogdens’ partnership coming to end in 1984 upon Stan’s death, there was a need to fill the void. And who better than Jack and Vera Duckworth? Echoing the Ogden partnership, the Duckworths were always seen arguing and often publicly, be it in the street or the Rovers. Their hilarious antics provided Corrie with some of its golden moments, be it with their stone cladding or their time behind the Rovers bar. The partnership lasted for 27 years and holds the record of longest running partnership and with the Ogdens, are the soap’s most popular couples.

Grocer Alf Roberts married gad-about Audrey Potter in 1985 and a wonderful partnership began as did happen when Rovers landlady Bet Lynch married bumbling nightclub manager Alec Gilroy in 1987. Alf’s penny pinching was a stark contrast to Audrey’s love of spending money on clothes and provided humour and the Gilroys’ sarcastic banter behind the Rovers bar was wonderful to watch.

When Bettabuys manager Reg Holdsworth and his assistant Curly Watts formed a partnership in 1989, they didn’t disappoint. They provided much humour on the shop floor alongside various staff.

And when Mavis left her post as Kabin assistant in 1997, Rita found it hard to find a suitable replacement. That replacement came in 1999 when ex-stationery rep Norris Cole came to the rescue. Their partnership has become one of the soap’s most successful. Norris also enjoys a double act with his landlady Emily and with Mary Taylor, who pines for him. I have to say that Norris acting the straight man to Mary’s eccentric personality does not bide well with me and I much prefer his rapport with both Rita and Emily.

There have been other double acts over the years that include Ena Sharples and Minnie Caldwell, Bet Lynch and Betty Turpin, Percy Sugden and Emily Bishop, Fred Elliott and Ashley Peacock, Gail Platt and Audrey Roberts, Steve McDonald and Eileen Grimshaw, Steve McDonald and Lloyd Mullaney, Roy Cropper and Becky Granger and Julie Carp and Brian Packham. They are also wonderful in their own way!

Can you think of any others?

Who's your favourite? Vote in the poll below. Voting closes on Monday, 27th May. There's still time to vote for your favourite Corrie grocer as well.

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Sneak preview of tonight's double Corrie - Monday 20 May

noreply@blogger.com (Flaming Nora) — Sun, 19 May 2013 23:29:24 PDT

Coronation Street, Monday 20th May 2013 at 7.30pm

TINA AND GARY FAIL TO KEEP THEIR SECRET INTACT. Mindful of the recent upheaval in their family, Izzy proposes a meal at hers to heal rifts. Throwing himself into his relationship Gary promises to help but when Tina demands he meet her at the yard, where she has a go at him for tackling Tommy and arousing suspicion with Rita, he’s horrified to see Ryan’s walked in on their row. What has Ryan heard?
TRACY AND ROB HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF PETER AND CARLA. Peter and Rob are like a pair of rutting stags at the bookies. Fed up Rob slips into the back for a bit of afternoon delight with Tracy, who’s put out by Carla’s demands that she step in as delivery driver while Kirk’s off sick. But when their absence allows the coffee machine to leak all over the floor how will Peter react?
ROY RETREATS INTO HIS SHELL. Hayley attempts to get Roy to acknowledge his bereavement but he steadfastly ignores her. However when Sylvia insists they visit St. John’s grave together will Roy agree?
Elsewhere Stella plans a bank holiday Monday re-launch for the pub, as she thanks Karl for his support. Chesney decides it’s time to shed his Mr Nice Guy image.

Monday 20th May 2013 at 8.30pm

SECRETS AND LIES TUMBLE OUT AT IZZY’S MEAL. As the group gather at Izzy’s she’s determined to put all the family stresses behind them. But unsure of what Ryan now knows about him and Tina, Gary’s on edge. As soon as he gets chance he pulls Ryan aside, telling him to forget whatever he heard. Under pressure Ryan admits to Katy that he heard something about a kiss. Horrified will Katy blow Gary’s secret?
ROB’S SEETHING WHEN CARLA SIDES WITH PETER. Peter’s had enough of Rob and tells Carla he can’t work with him any longer. Left with little choice Carla tells Rob he’ll be returning to the factory. Bitter, Rob’s fed up of being treated like an underling, not a sibling! Egged on by Tracy, what will he do?
ROY PAYS HIS RESPECTS TO HIS FATHER. Finding St. John’s headstones Sylvia, Hayley and Roy pay their respects.
Elsewhere Karl snaps at Gloria for interfering with the pub’s rebuild, claiming he wants everything to be just right for Stella. Chesney starts pumping weights as he makes plans to bag himself another woman. But is it more to do with his insecurities over Ryan?

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Pics: Coronation Street collect British Soap Awards 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Flaming Nora) — Sun, 19 May 2013 11:25:24 PDT

Well done to Coronation Street for winning eight awards in this year's British Soap Awards, including the award for Best Soap. Read all about the awards here and view red carpet pics of the Corrie cast here.

Below are ITV official pictures from the awards show.

Michell Keegan (Tina) wins Sexiest Female award

The Coronation Street team with Corrie creator Tony Warren next to Jennie McAlpine.

Malcolm Hebden (Norris) clearly very happy at winning the award for Best Soap.

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Pics of Coronation Street cast at British Soap Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Flaming Nora) — Sun, 19 May 2013 02:28:42 PDT

Coronation Street won eight awards at the British Soap Awards, held last night in Manchester on Saturday 18 May.

Read all about the winners here.

And feast your eyes on the pictures below of some of the Coronation Street cast in their best bib and tucker. Don't they scrub up well?

Pics courtesy of Getty Images and Digital Spy who have pics of all of the soap stars.

Alan Halsall and pregnant wife Lucy-Jo Hudson

Jennie McAlpine's dress was made by Antony Cotton's mum, Enid!

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Coronation Street wins eight awards at British Soap Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Tvor) — Sun, 19 May 2013 02:29:16 PDT

The winners are announced in the 2013 British Soap Awards and Alan Halsall and Natalie Gumede came up trumps along with several other awards handed out for our favourite soap.

The eight awards are as follows:

1. Coronation Street won Best Soap.
2. Alan Halsall (Tyrone Dobbs) won for best actor
3 and 4. Natalie Gumede (Kirsty Soames) came away with two BSA awards, Best Dramatic Performance and Villain of the Year.
5. The Best Storyline was Kirsty's abuse of Tyrone.
6. Patti Clare (Mary Taylor) won Best Comedy Performance.
7. Nigel Havers (Lewis Archer) took the gong for Best Exit.
8. Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntyre) won again for Sexiest Female.

All in all, Corrie won eight awards. A full list is available at Digital Spy.

Well done, Corrie! The awards show will be aired on ITV1 tonight at 8pm.

See all the pictures from the British Soap Awards 2013 here.

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Where have you seen Roy's stepmother before?

noreply@blogger.com (Flaming Nora) — Sat, 18 May 2013 06:34:08 PDT

If you're wondering where you've seen Roy Cropper's step mother who turned up on Coronation Street last night, then wonder no more.

The character of Margaret Cropper is played by actor Helen Cotterill.

Helen is a veteran actor from British television and theatre. Her TV work includes other soaps, dramas and her film work even includes Les Mis!

Read her very impressive CV here.

See also: Where have you seen...?
Eric's wife Doris, Audrey's date Henry, Lewis' friend Patrick,The Corrie Registrar, Marcus' friend Aiden, Kirsty's parents, Jenny Sumner, Corrie's prison Governor, Sunita's Aunties, Ken and Deirdre's pottery teacher, Tommy Duckworth, Mrs Hargreaves who died in Audrey's salon, Sally Webster's fella Jeff, Joy Fishwick's investigator, Charlotte's Parents, Ken Barlow's grandson James, Ken Barlow's son Lawrence, Dr Matt Carter, Saucy Charlotte, Izzy's dad Owen Armstrong,The Corrie coppers, Colin Fishwick, Trevor the binman, Connie Rathbone, Uncle Umed,Julie Carp's mum, Luke Strong, Sophie Webster's boyfriend, Eileen Grimshaw's dad, Norris' girlfriend, Graeme Proctor,Molly's Aunty Pam, Maria's mum and dad, Gail's dad, Scary Brian, Tina's dad, Tony Gordon's henchman, Little Simon Barlow

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My wonderful trip to Weatherfield (Part Two)

noreply@blogger.com (Graeme N) — Sun, 19 May 2013 02:40:53 PDT

In part two of my report on my very exciting trip to Weatherfield, I'll be bringing you up to speed on what Stuart Blackburn had to say about Coronation Street under his tenure. I'll also be filling you in on what happened when I joined the journalists for round table interviews with some lovely Corrie actors, and finally I'll bring you one or two interesting (and slightly unusual) titbits.

So to begin...incoming Corrie producer Stuart Blackburn used one word to sum up how it feels to sit in that particular hot seat - awe. Mr Blackburn very obviously has a passion for the Street. He spoke quite movingly about what it means to him and where he wants to take the programme while he's in charge. Stuart said he felt honoured to be working with such an outstanding cast and crew. His vision is to maintain Corrie's position as Britain's best television drama, highlighting its down to earth, working class roots and not forgetting the impact it originally had back in the 1960s.

No major spoilers were revealed, although the next few months will see certain storylines peak. The Platt’s will feature heavily – Nick and Kylie’s secret will grow (poor David!) We will also see more of the Price family as Stella and Karl move their relationship to the next level, although there may be a few surprises along the way. There will also be more of Carla, Peter, Rob and Tracy as well as the development of the major storyline focussing on Roy and his family. I’m sure regular blog contributors will all have thoughts on these!

Now the thought of round table interviews with regular journalists put the fear of god into me I freely admit. We gathered in groups at three different tables while the actors rotated round us in pairs, while Stuart Blackburn listened intently from a safe distance. Unfortunately for me, most of the journalists asked what I would call safe, mundane questions – they were obviously very well-versed in the art of such things. I was slightly awestruck by the entire event, however there were a couple of interesting moments!

First up were Stella and Karl, aka Michelle Collins and John Michie. When the journalists introduced themselves, they missed me out (!) so Michelle locked eyes with me and made sure I was included. When I said I was from the Coronation Street Blog, her immediate reaction was to ask whether I was the nice or the nasty blogger! I was like a rabbit caught in the car headlights! Before I could reply, John Michie stepped in and confirmed that as I was a fellow Scot I must be the nice one! I wasn’t going to disagree!

Next up were Cherylee Houston and Mikey North (Izzy and Gary). I really warmed to both these actors – I could have listened to them for much longer. They both very obviously care about their characters and the street in general and were keen to point out how much they had learned and how far they had developed since they arrived on the cobbles.

Finally we met Michelle Keegan and Chris Fountain (Tina and Tommy). By this point I was becoming a tad frustrated with some of the questions my journalist colleagues were asking so I stuck my brass neck out and asked one of my own! All the journalists were asking the same kind of questions about what it was like to work with a baby, how the actors felt about their characters’ storylines...so I chipped in with the last question of the day. I was keen to hear what these younger actors felt about working with Corrie legend, Barbara Knox (Rita).

I was really impressed by how genuine both Michelle Keegan and Chris Fountain were in their replies. Both actors are clearly in awe of Barbara and rightly so. As you would expect Ms Knox is always on time, always knows her lines and never, ever makes mistakes! She is also a very giving actor, helping these younger actors develop and refine their characters. I got the feeling that although both the actress and the character are legendary and much celebrated, the lady behind the Queen of the Kabin is actually very down to earth and normal, while also quietly demanding a bit of respect. And fair play to her I say! Their final comment was that everyone knows when Barbara Knox is on set! I bet she has the same wonderful aura about her that the Street does when you first experience it.

And finally, some interesting little titbits for you:

Mikey North (Gary) is regularly handbagged by old ladies in the street – regardless of whether his on screen character is misbehaving!
Michelle Keegan (Tina) quite obviously finds Norris hilarious! Every time he appeared on screen, her distinctive chuckle could be heard quite clearly!
Michelle Collins quite frequently wants to give Stella a good shake! This pleased me no end...
Continuity go so far as to give Sally’s garden a name, and update Rita’s intercom to “Tanner” but they leave the Good Luck cards on Stella’s mantelpiece blank!
According to Chris Fountain (Tommy) Michelle Keegan has a terrible singing voice that nobody can bear to listen to!
Stuart Blackburn told a story that involved a pair of speedo shorts. However I doubt our readers are quite ready for that particular denouement...

I hope my blogs have given a good idea of just how thrilled I was to be at Coronation Street. It was such an amazing experience to see the Street, the studios and to meet some of the cast. I really hope you have enjoyed reading about my fantastic adventures in Weatherfield!

Special thanks once again to Joe for the fantastic photos

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When Corrie's good, it's very, very good

noreply@blogger.com (Flaming Nora) — Sat, 18 May 2013 02:41:44 PDT

Last night's Coronation Street ended with Roy and Hayley on the sofa, in a scene that brought a lump to my throat and reminded me why I continue to watch Coronation Street after 40 years a fan.

It was a scene with no fireworks, no hunk with their top off, no cleavage being shoved in our face, no Stella.

It was a scene that sung out with brilliant acting, a moment that could signal the change of one of our favourite characters, showing a chink in the armour of what is one of the strongest marriages and relationships in Coronation Street's history.

Roy opened up his heart, as much as he's ever done, to Hayley, to his mum and to us the viewers about the disappointment he felt about opening up an old wound - at Hayley's insistence. The writer was Susan Oudot.

"I had no desire to read that letter," he tells Hayley.
"No, I know that, but..." she tries to interrupt.
"When one is abandoned there is a void as a child," he continues, "even as a teenager and a desire for that relationship which no longer exists, and there are, as you rightly suppose, many unanswered questions. But all of this I'm glad to say is diluted by age, healed by time and I can honestly say that I was contented."
"I know that but he wanted to see you," she butts in again.
"Yes yes, yes and I, I allowed myself to be intrigued by what he might have to say but now I'll never know."
"But you had to read the letter, how could you not?"
"Very easily, at first very easily, but you pushed and you pushed and well, now.... I'm no longer contented."
"Roy, I'm so, so sorry, I only did what was best for you. If I'm in any way to blame..."
"But you are. You are, Hayley. You are to blame."

Bravo to David Neilson and Julie Hesmondhalgh for a wonderful performance. This is the sort of stuff that should be winning the soap awards for our favourite serial drama.

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Fourth Corrie actor accused of sexual assault

noreply@blogger.com (Flaming Nora) — Sat, 18 May 2013 02:12:21 PDT

From today's Sun

A fourth Corrie star was last night said to have preyed on a girl of 12 hunting autographs at the show’s TV studios. The revelation he faces a police quiz stunned the soap — already rocked by allegations against Bill Roache, Michael Le Vell and Andrew Lancel.

The latest alleged victim confided in a friend: “I didn’t realise what was going on.” The chum told The Sun: “She used to go to the studios to get autographs. It was a real highlight when the stars stood and talked to you. Sometimes they invited the girls into the studios.”

The famous actor is no longer in the ITV1 soap but his long-running character was a household name.

His alleged indecent assault on the wide-eyed schoolgirl is said to have happened in the late 1960s — and her continuing trauma is so severe she even now involuntarily writes his name on scraps of paper.

Now in her mid 50s, the woman has told cops the star gave her lifts home after befriending her.
One of her allegations is that he did something “very inappropriate” to her within the studio complex in Manchester.

She was interviewed for more than six hours on Wednesday by police in Devon, The Sun can reveal.
The star, who the Sun cannot name for legal reasons, is now being investigated by Lancashire Police. Last night Lancashire Police refused to comment.

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