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 … Read more
Soapland’s love scenes have taken on a strange look. Because of social distancing, characters cannot be seen to be frantically ripping off each other’s clothes, jumping into bed, kissing, or any other variant of what they used to do in the old days. Corrie’s Alina and Tyrone have fallen in love behind closed doors; EastEnders’ … Read more
The complex relationships between parents and children have been brilliantly explored in EastEnders recently – Jean and Stacey, Suki and Ash, Lucas and Chelsea (which had me in tears). These relationships are so tricky, it’s a wonder parents don’t look into selling their kids on eBay: ‘Brunette, nasty temperament, prone to murder’ (Tracy, Corrie). ‘Youngish … Read more
Why is there so much thuggery in soapland at the moment? After a terrible year and the depression Covid inflicted on us all, can’t we see some nice fluffy bunny rabbits, puppies and kittens to cheer us all up? But no. EastEnders has brought us creepy Caleb, as well as a violent group of alleged … Read more
There are very few beverage choices in soapland in times of stress. What did Corrie’s Leanne say to Simon, after Nick accused him of upsetting Sam? ‘Si, I’ve made a brew.’ That’s pretty much all she does now, but have you ever seen her fill a kettle? Emmerdale has taken to brew-making with the same … Read more
Gray convinces Whitney that they have something special and should live together in EastEnders. Meanwhile in Coronation Street, Gail discovers a photo of a woman in a box of family photos.
Jaci Stephen reveals what we can expect from this week’s soaps including Kaffy insisting that Ian Beale sees a doctor in Eastenders before Sharon tells Phil she can’t go through with their plan.
Who, in soapland, won’t be glad to see the back of 2020? They (like the rest of us) aren’t out of the woods where Covid is concerned, but there’s a glimmer of light in what has been a very dark tunnel. At least some people had a merry Christmas – Emmerdale’s Chas and Paddy, Corrie’s … Read more
As Coronation Street celebrates its remarkable 60th anniversary (I was at the party for the 30th – yes, I’m that old), it’s a good time to reflect upon the enduring nature of soap. When I was a kid, my mum was gripped by Peyton Place, the American prime time soap that began broadcasting in 1964, … Read more
There was a moment, the week before last, when Corrie’s Peter made my blood run cold. The speed with which he turned on Carla in a verbal act of devastating cruelty was one of the best displays of drunkenness I’ve ever seen in drama. It wasn’t loud or physically violent, but Chris Gascoyne (Peter) delivered … Read more