The return of old characters is a familiar ploy when a show wants to inject new life into the drama yet with a breath of familiarity. EastEnders has done it with Grant (several times) and, more recently, Sharon.
One of Emmerdale’s greatest successes has been another return of Kim, who turned up as if she had never been away. And, in a few weeks’ time, we’ll be seeing the fabulous Samantha Giles back as Bernice – always a welcome return for one of the show’s best characters and actors.
Tracie Bennett recently came back to Corrie as the devious Sharon, intent on tracking down Leanne so that her wicked nephew Harvey can threaten her to not give evidence against him.
Tracie is a huge asset, and someone who can bring about laughter with the tiniest of sarcastic expressions; she doesn’t need words.
One of Corrie’s mysteries, however, is why Cilla hasn’t returned; in fact, she hasn’t had so much as a mention.
Wouldn’t Chesney have called on his mum to help out with five screaming infants? Would Fiz not have called her mum as her marriage crumbled? Come on, Corrie: we really need Wendi Peters back on those cobbles.
CORONATION STREET: TRUTH MEETS FICTION
The real-life death of Sophie Lancaster at the hands of a gang inspire Nina’s (pictured) storyline in Coronation Street
AGH, NO! Not Seb! How will we live without that luscious hair? His death came as a shock, and the circumstances are truly horrific. It’s going to be very emotional for Roy when he visits Nina.
Inspired by the real-life story of the death of Sophie Lancaster at the hands of a gang in 2007, it’s been a horrifying reminder of the extremes to which bullies will go. One cannot begin to comprehend the unutterable grief of Sophie’s mother, who advised throughout the storyline.
Although the heaviness of the plot is questionable in these depressing times, we owe it to each other to stand up for others in the face of such appalling atrocities, and the show is sending a powerful social message.
Sam continues to educate everyone on the street, but when he reveals that he’s studying Treasure Island, Daniel suggests that he tutor him. That’s right, Daniel, who is allegedly training to be an English teacher and hasn’t touched a book in a year.
He wouldn’t know a book cover from a duvet cover – the best Sam could hope for is that Daniel will sail away to his own island, never to touch the education system again.
EASTENDERS: BRUVVERLY LOVE
Sharon has a complex relationship with her half-brother Zack (pictured), who ticks all the boxes of a modern-day soap baddie, in EastEnders
You don’t have to go far to find a would-be criminal in Walford, and Zack is ticking all the boxes of a modern-day soap baddie – good-looking, seemingly charming, and in a complex relationship with Sharon, albeit only as her half-brother.
Is her hair getting bigger with every dodgy turn her life takes? What’s she hiding under there? A couple of Kray brothers?
I’m not optimistic about the success of that gym she’s bought; if the size of some of the locals is anything to go by, they didn’t use it before, so why bother now?
And so, finally, the big day arrives. Will this be the one on which Callum’s frown manages to absolve itself of the expression of someone who has just witnessed the drowning of a litter of puppies?
Whitney is secretly pleased when things are not going well for the hapless… I mean, happy pair, as she’s devastated she can’t go to Kush’s funeral in Dubai. Who is at hand to comfort her? Step forward, serial killer Gray.
How many more people is he going to bump off, and is Whitney going to succumb to his dubious charms and enter yet another unsuccessful liaison?
Expect drama when another day passes and she doesn’t manage to take off the previous night’s make-up. Somebody, please, buy the girl some Olay wipes.
Sidebar: please can you tell me where Gray and Whitney buy their kitchen knives? They do a much better job of doing away with people than mine do slicing a tomato.
EMMERDALE: SMIRNOFF TIME AGAIN!
Liv turns to vodka as she worries about whether she should tell Vinny (both pictured) the truth about Paul in Emmerdale
Whenever anyone has a drink problem, it’s always vodka they turn to. Is there a stash left over from when Laurel hit the bottle?
It seems so, because now Liv is on the same liquor big time, worried about whether she should tell Vinny the truth about Paul.
The fallout from the theft of Brenda’s brooch (hold on to your sets, the excitement is overwhelming!) continues when Brenda, mistakenly believing Faith is the thief, insists to Eric that their relationship is over while her rival remains.
It’s all much ado about nothing; Faith has enough tacky jewellery of her own, without having to raid Brenda’s coffers.