Neighbours: The Affair Begins…

Tuesday 20^th October – Friday 6^th November 2020

It looked ever so briefly like love was in the air for Toadie and Rose but alas, it wasn’t to be as Rose drifted back to her corrupt husband, James. Oh well, she was nice but she will never be Sonya. We will have to wait for someone worthier to come along.

Aaron, David and Nicolette bonded after a drunken party and the boys invited Nicolette to stay with them permanently. Hooray! I like this friendship. And I like Nicolette, although there is clearly a slightly viscous side to her as she took genuine pleasure in informing Pierce that she was staying put. Oh well. I have never liked him anyway.

Karl and Jane stashed all their bulk buying rubbish on Aaron and David’s roof, causing it to fall in. As sick of the storyline as I am, Susan laid down the law – no more bargain basement hoarding or Jane has to move out. Now, can we move onto a story a little worthier of characters such as Karl Kennedy and Jane Harris? This one has been pretty insulting, quite frankly. Then the story moved onto Susan feeling crowded by Jane…

Thanks to a photo Aaron put online of him, David and Nicolette, an old friend of Nicolette’s suddenly pitched up in Erinsborough and the boys made her much more welcome than Nic did. Her name was Audrey and she turned out to be an ex-colleague of Nicolette’s. They both looked after a patient called Marco who was severely neglected by his horrible family. When he died, they cashed a winning lottery ticket of his and split the winnings. While Nicolette clearly had no issues spending the money, Audrey has been wracked with guilt all this time and not spent a cent until recently, when she bought a fancy handbag and then completely panicked. She now wants to confess and give the money back. Nicolette does not agree and spent the rest of the week trying to stall her.

Working at the hospital together, Audrey dropped Nicolette in it about visiting London two years ago when Jane had no idea she was there. Karl and Jane became concerned about what was going on between Nicolette and Audrey. Susan was concerned about Jane taking over her house. Karl searched through Nicolette’s records and concluded that she had been working in London, just as Audrey had said.

Ned’s life was in tatters as Scarlett continued to make complaints about him to the police and Yashvi’s trust in him was broken. She did agree to attend Ned’s exhibition, along with the rest of the residents in order to support Ned. He ended up winning the Osbourne Prize but not with the portrait of Yashvi that he submitted but with the destroyed portrait of Scarlett that she swapped, ready for the big unveiling right at the climax of the exhibition. She then appeared and announced that he had been stalking her before running off. Ned gave chase, ignoring his loved ones begging him to let her leave. Roxy was left to explain the whole debacle to Paul and Terese.

He chased Scarlett back to the maze, haunted by memories of the stabbing. Yashvi found him (not by the maze), asleep in his car with a cut on his head and no recollection as to what had happened the night before. While Ned suffered nightmares and flashbacks about what had happened, including holding his bloodied pallet knife and someone being locked in his boot, Scarlett was declared missing. CCTV footage then transpired of Scarlett being thrown to the ground by a mystery assailant.

While Ned’s loved ones were certain Scarlett had set Ned up, Ned was traumatised by his ‘memories’ and confessed to murder. The Detective who wrongly charged Tyler of murder, arrived to run the case and correctly stepped Yashvi down. Why on earth was she allowed to get involved anyway?! Ned was charged with murder and let out on bail thanks to Paul and Terese.

Ned is arrested…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

All the while Ned’s life was falling apart, believing he had killed Scarlett, she was actually hiding in The Hive, listening in on his oblivious friends talking all about what had happened. Once Ned had been bailed, she sneaked into the garage and tampered with a car. Meanwhile, Yashvi was certain that Scarlett’s journal, which had been critical in the case of her stalking Ned in the first place. Desperate to help, Shane attempted to get hold of it, only to get caught stealing it and charged for the offence by Levi. This of course landed him in a huge amount of trouble with Dipi, Toadie and Yashvi. Shane then infuriated Dipi further by suggested she be in charge of his decisions so he didn’t screw up again.

Chloe returned from visiting her mother, having reached a decision. She cannot think about the long term future due to her Huntington’s, which is understandable. She needs herself and Pierce to live for now. She and Pierce endured an awkward double date with Shane and Dipi, with Chloe and Shane unaware that their partners have shared a kiss.

When Aaron mentioned that Nicolette had a friend visiting, Chloe was jealous. There is no other word for it. I hope she realises soon that Nic is a much better match for her than Pierce. He was furious to overhear her admitting she missed her friend. When he then thought he saw Nicolette threatening Audrey, he decided to wade in and speak to Audrey himself which only landed him in trouble with Chloe.

Once she had calmed down, Chloe was ready to talk but she was set off again when rather than talking, Pierce presented her with a diamond necklace, feeling like he was trying to buy his way out of their marital woes.

Chloe was not impressed with Pierce’s diamond gesture…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Dipi was upset when Shane decided to quit University and persuaded him not to cancel his future. And that was the moment she and Pierce found solace in each other at the hotel. And I have to say, it was all a bit weird. I know they had to do it social distanced but it was a bit like someone pressed the wrong button and cut in an advert for their affair in the middle of the ‘moment’. However, judging by the obligatory half naked Pierce scene, alongside Dipi in her towel, we can safely assume they are supposed to have now slept together. Determined that it was a one off and they have now got each other out of their systems, Pierce and Dipi were determined to focus on their marriages.

Pierce and Dipi believe they’re getting their feelings out of their system… yeah, right!
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Dipi was jealous when Pierce began to launch a new wine brand and named it after Chloe. However, Chloe was crestfallen when she discovered the wine was called ‘Chloe Greyson’. She chose not to change her name from Brennan and couldn’t help but listen to Nicolette’s opinion that the wine was Pierce’s way of stamping his mark on her after he believe she was trying to take her away from him. Chloe challenged Pierce about the name, prompting a big row and him staying at the hotel yet again.

Chloe sought Nicolette’s friendship over her latest row with Nicolette, prompting Dipi to stand up for Pierce. Dipi reported back to Pierce and the pair raged about their respective partners, Pierce for Chloe’s rejection of the wine and friendship with Nicolette and Dipi for Shane’s latest balls up with the police. Of course, they ended up in bed again.

Meanwhile, Clive tried everything to get back together with Sheila, even dressing up as a gnome, with Kyle getting burned on a barbeque in the process. But when she finally explains her reasoning and confessing to messing with Levi’s results, he agreed that their relationship was over for good.

Neighbours airs Monday – Friday, Channel 5 @ 1:45pm and 5:30pm

Home and Away: Collateral Damage

(Monday 19^thOctober – Tuesday 3^rd November 2020)

There are a few victims in this whole Ross Nixon Murder Investigation Plot. I don’t think I count Ross. I mean, I didn’t watch the show then but he doesn’t sound like a tragic loss. However, the main casualties so far seem to be 1) Dean 2) Ziggy and 3) Taylor. And at some point, probably 4) Bella.

Firstly, Dean had just been about to start a new life as a Dad to the little boy he never knew he had. Then he was under pressure over keeping Ross’s murder a secret. He needed to prioritise Amber and Jai. And now he has lost Ziggy by telling her the truth.

Ziggy’s heart was full of hurt and confusion as she realised that she was the only one out of the loop and everyone in their group knew the truth but her. While Willow went into bat for Dean, Ziggy felt that her boyfriend was now a stranger. She moved into her parents’ house, only able to see things in black and white.

Sadly, Dean’s response was to get drunk and kiss Amber. Well, that’s always the way to win your girlfriend back, Dean! Well done, mate. Thankfully, Amber was sensible enough to back off and decide she was worth more than to be his rebound. She already got pregnant with Jai when he was rebounding with her after breaking up with Willow all those years ago!

Meanwhile, Colby was ploughing ahead with his affair with Angelo’s neglected wife, Taylor, despite his family telling him he was being the world’s biggest idiot. This story is unsettling me. Colby has always been such a good guy and always so kind and eager to do the right thing. I’ve watched Home and Away on and off since I was a child but this stint hasn’t been very long, I admit. So I’ve never seen this side of Colby before. And I don’t like it. I don’t like it at all.

He has manipulated Taylor into believing that he has genuine feelings for her and all the while, he is using her for information on Angelo and the case. She is already in a relationship with Angelo, which must be bad enough. She is also being completely ignored and neglected. Now she thinks this apparently nice guy likes her and wants to give her some attention while her husband can’t be bothered to even speak to her. She is going to be utterly broken when the whole truth eventually comes out.

Things got very intense between Colby and Dean, as the boys argued about their individual actions. Dean couldn’t believe that Colby would start an affair with Angelo’s wife, which is a valid point. And Colby was furious that Dean would risk their secret by sharing it with Ziggy. He had absolutely no compassion for the situation Dean was in. And it was all left to Willow to mediate. And all the while, Angelo was lurking, watching every argument he possibly could.

Colby continues his affair with Taylor…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

When Colby lied to Bella about ending his relationship with Taylor, the teenager decided she couldn’t take it anymore and temporarily moved in with Nikau. He lied to her again after she moved back in and she photographed them kissing on the beach, sending him a photo via text. Furious, Colby deleted all the photos and seriously lost his temper with his sister, pretty much holding her responsible for Ross’s death. What a good big brother.

Bella catches her brother out…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Meanwhile, Ziggy was under pressure to explain Dean’s absence, blurting out the shock news that they had split up. Angelo attempted to use her as a way in but Ziggy wouldn’t budge, not wanting Dean to get into any trouble, despite how hurt she was over what he had done. Colby took things up a notch and barged into Ziggy’s house, indirectly threatening her to stay quiet. He informed her that it was Dean’s idea to bury the body and he persuaded him not to confess to the murder. Therefore, if she were to inform the police, she would be sentencing Dean to years in jail.

When he returned from clearing his head, Dean was allowed to have Jai for the night, only for him to become unwell with an ear infection. The good news was that Ziggy was on hand to help him and they really worked together as a parental team to get him medical help. Amber missed it all because she was getting drunk and having a one night stand and neglected to look at her phone even once until the morning. Do people even do that in real life?! But anyway, maybe there is hope for Dean and Ziggy? And for Dean to be an active Dad? Although with Amber having now lost her job with John (he has miraculously recovered), Dean has now offended Amber by giving her money…

Dean looks after his poorly son…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Having failed to target Colby directly, intimidate Bella and question Ziggy, Angelo set his sights on Dean. He worked out that he knew everything about the murder and possibly that he was involved, offering him a deal in exchange for everything he could tell him. He bargained with the fact that he has Jai to live for and Dean was genuinely tempted to roll over on Colby. Well, with the way Colby is behaving, I’m not surprised. But after another row, the boys kissed and made up again and Dean refused to budge.

Angelo thinks Dean is the weakest link…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Clever Willow pointed out that Angelo has been very busy getting as much background information on them as he could so suggested Colby did the same. Now, what could Colby possibly find out about dodgy cop, Angelo? Could it be that in 2008, he accidentally shot and killed fellow police officer, Constable Jack Holden and then rather than confessing, he lied and was eventually found out, kicked off the force and jailed? Could it be that in 2009, he cut and deal and was somehow allowed back onto the police force, where he was set the task of hunting down a human trafficking ring and deliberately let the culprit escape and was again removed from the police force. No! Manslaughter and human trafficking errors and being removed from the force TWICE haven’t even been mentioned yet apart from Taylor referring to working hard to ‘get back on the force’. Apparently the worst thing that’s ever happened to Angelo is in the case of some guy called Andrew Felton, he sent the wrong person to jail. And that’s why he’s so obsessed with his work and needing to prove himself.

Deciding this was exactly what he needed, Colby made a formal complaint of harassment against Angelo, who immediately became aggressive with him. While Dean couldn’t understand what he was doing, Colby reassured his friends that it was a good plan – discrediting Angelo will make his case much harder to prove. Unfortunately, Taylor was very upset and felt very used by Colby. Because she is being used. She accurately described herself as collateral damage. Spotting them together yet again, Bella took it upon herself to warn Taylor away from her brother.

Angelo loses his cool with Colby…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Meanwhile, Ari was devastated when Mac decided it was time to move out. Things had become too awkward with Tane and Ziggy was lonely in her empty parents’ house so it all seemed perfect. While Ari begged her to stay, she still refused. Then he got wind of this whole Tane situation which I just don’t understand. If you think your girlfriend and your brother have feelings for each other, why are you still in the relationship?! It’s all a bit weird. But, whatever.

Justin had difficult but seemingly successful surgery thanks to Christian (and Tori) and everything so far seemed to be happy in his world. However, Tori was all of a flutter, having now shared two kisses with Christian. She then mistakenly believed that he was interested in Jasmine who very quickly made it clear that that was not the case. Tori also decided to drop the AVO against Jasmine, wanting her to be part of Grace’s life again.

Christian has got Tori hot under the collar…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

After some faffing about, Roo and Owen finally got together and their relationship had the full support of their family, including Ryder. There was a small wobble on Owen’s birthday, which would also have been Evan’s birthday. Owen opted to shut Roo and everyone out at first but they all barged their way back into his life and they celebrated together. How lovely.

Love is in the air for Roo and Owen…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Home and Away currently airs on weekdays @ 1:15pm & 6pm on Channel 5

Sneak peek on 5Star, weekdays @ 6:30pm

These reviews are based on the lunch time episodes

Eastenders: Ghosts of the Past

(Monday 12^th October – Monday 2^nd November 2020)

The big shock these past few weeks was the discovery that Frankie’s Mum, Katie was a carer for the family and Mick was twelve when Frankie was conceived. Of all the places I thought this story was going to go, this was not one of them. I’m also not quite so excited about one of my favourite actresses, Simone Lahbib taking the role! I mean, I am sure she will absolutely kill it. She’s amazing. But I wanted her to be fabulous. Not a sex offender. However, putting that aside, this story is going to be incredible in the kind of way only a soap can achieve. I know it will. I have been so ready to rant about Eastenders changing Mick and Linda’s past and there they go, throwing in the biggest curve ball ever. I can’t even fathom how emotional this story will be.

Mick is struggling…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

For now, Mick has been failing to hide his pain and anxiety and instead, taking everything out on Linda and especially on his mother, Shirley, who left him in the situation to be abused in the first place. And Frankie has vanished in a state of distress over the truth of her beginnings.

In response to her hurt, Shirley had the clever idea of stealing the swanky new car that a Covid-19 patient gifted Sonia. However, her conscience got the better of her and she gave her the money for it.

In some good news, Whitney was found not guilty of murder! Hooray! Although, how Gray was allowed to act as her emergency barrister when at the beginning of the trial, he was physically removed from the court, I have no idea. But anyway… success! Traumatised by everything that has happened (you know, murdering his wife and all), Gray went home and decided that everything had to stop. He tucked the kids into bed and set off the gas. He was just about to flick on his lighter when Shirley barged in to tell him off for having a go at Linda earlier in the day. Realising the depth of pain he was in, Shirley then took Gray under her wing. She failed her son so she wanted to help Gray instead. I have been enjoying their scenes, although I am desperate for someone to realise the truth about Chantelle’s death! It’s not fair!

Martin and Ruby returned from a trip away to announce they were married. Martin better watch himself – he’ll soon have been married as many times as Ian Beale. There’s been Sonia, Stacey and now Ruby. Eventually, he’ll ditch Ruby and remarry Stacey, of course, so that’s four at least…

And tensions are high. Very high. It’s fair to say that Stacey and Ruby hate each other. I am Team Stacey, of course. But it’s sad. Only last year, Stacey was the best friend Ruby could ever have asked for. She got her through the worst time in her life. Now, Stacey believes that Ruby has stolen her husband (they were already split up, to be fair) and has robbed Ruby blind. And while Stacey was at least being upfront about her hatred of Ruby, Ruby was being utterly vile behind her back. She got Dotty to post a rat through their front door. She had Stacey assaulted outside the club. And finally, she teamed up with Suki to use Kush’s gambling addiction to lose them their house.

Ruby teamed up with Suki to try and get rid of the Slaters… Unforgiveable!
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Thankfully, Stacey had already bonded with Kheerat (emotionally and physically) and he persuaded his mother to cancel the bet and in exchange for higher rent, the family were allowed to stay. For now. But it looks like it might be the end for Kat and Kush, as she felt she had been let down by too many men before and he had proved to be just the same. I’m upset, to be honest. I know the actor is leaving but did they have to completely ruin his character on the way out?

Has Kush lost everything?
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

When Lola heard that Phil had been visiting Raymond at the hospital and befriended his grandmother, Ellie, she immediately broke Mitchell Rules and Ranks and did the right thing – she told Denise. With Callum still working ‘undercover’ for the dodgy cop, he discovered that Ellie was not a nice lady at all and actually, the reason her family died was a revenge killing by her enemies.

Phil persuaded Denise to take Raymond back, offering his support but promising not to crowd her. He then forced Ellie’s hand, with Callum’s help. Unfortunately, taking Raymond back spelled the end of Denise and Jack, one of the Square’s dullest couples. Jack insisted that Phil would never stay away from Raymond and he couldn’t have him involved in his children’s lives. He has a point. The first thing Phil did was attempt to pay Isaac to feed him information. Isaac took the money and gave it to Denise, telling her everything. It’s the first time I’ve liked him since he joined the show.

Bobby continued to struggle with OCD. He has also been working very hard on the Lucy Beale Foundation and asked Max and Sharon to be the treasurers, hurting Ian’s feelings. However, I’m sure he felt justified when the truth came tumbling out that Ian had fraudulently mortgaged the café behind Kathy’s back in order to pay back the money he had stolen from Max. I mean, he’s not exactly an advert for strong financial decisions right now, is he?

Peter switched Kathy’s age down by twenty five years on a dating app, not telling her until the last minute. The date went well until she fell over outside and her grandchildren accidentally outed her. Her date, Iain was not very kind.

Honey’s world was left in pieces yet again…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

However, her date was nothing compared to the horror of what poor Honey went through with a guy called Paul. He drugged her drink and when she was suitably incapacitated, he dragged her into an alley when he filmed her. It’s not clear whether he actually assaulted her or was about to when Jay turned up, worried about a ‘drunken’ phone call she made to him. He chased the guy off and rushed Honey to the hospital where she couldn’t remember anything and was heartbroken to discover what had happened. She bravely pressed charges and Jay was absolutely amazing, supporting her through everything. He also talked Billy down when he attempted to go after Paul. Of course, Billy was haunted by memories of what had happened to his ex-wife, Little Mo. I feel so sorry for Honey. She was only just putting her life back together and now this has happened…