With scenes now limited to fewer characters, safely socially distanced kitchens have replaced pubs as the heart of activity. When EastEnders’ Chantelle met her end on a few dishwasher spikes, I queried why the appliance had never been used for its intended purpose, as Chantelle was always at the kitchen sink, washing the dishes. The … Read more
Why do soapland folk never dress for the weather? Unlike in real life, there are no parents nagging their offspring to wrap up in winter or suggesting that wearing thermals in summer might not be a great idea. Corrie’s Gary was still in his winter overcoat last week – we’re nearly at the end of … Read more
Partnerships, romantic or otherwise, have a tough time in soapland at the best of times; so, imagine being holed up with one other person and being unable to do anything about it. With some of Emmerdale’s pairs in lockdown, enduring difficulties dealing with each other’s problems and foibles, I’ve been pondering the options of various … Read more
The incongruity between real life and soap life has thrown us all into a kind of surreal universe. Not so long ago, soapland was a fictional world that, while rather similar to our own lives, was far removed thanks to its heightened, ongoing drama. Now, as we all struggle with the coronavirus and self-isolation, it … Read more
The Nest Sunday, BBC1 Rating: London Kills Monday-Friday, BBC1 Rating: Friday Night Dinner Friday, Channel 4 Rating: Location, location, location. It’s as important to any TV drama now as characters and plot. Greenery, a cliff (if you’re lucky and need characters to get pushed off/contemplate jumping) but, most importantly, water. Yes, there must be water. … Read more