I cried during pretty much every episode of Eastenders last week. I felt very affected by Ben’s storyline and I felt that it was very well written, very well directed and all three actors – Max Bowden (Ben), Aiden O’Callaghan (Lewis) and Tony Clay (Callum) really gave stellar performances.
Max Bowden as Ben Mitchell (Digital Spy)
I have been avidly reading Twitter, as I often do, regarding this story and there has been a real mix of feedback. There has been a lot of criticism, a lot of which has been that ‘this kind of story’ shouldn’t be aired at 7:30pm. Well, every soap has now covered the horrific subject of rape and they all air before the watershed. So, reading between the lines, I can only conclude that the people raging about ‘my kids (that should probably not be watching Eastenders anyway) shouldn’t have to see that’ weren’t actually talking about the crime.
Heartbroken Ben and predatory Lewis flirted heavily before the attack… (Digital Spy)
Excluding Doctors for a moment, only two other soaps have covered the issue of rape between two men – Hollyoaks twice and more recently, Coronation Street.
The first time, was one of the most ground breaking storylines, back in 2000. It was so violent and such a taboo story that it was covered in Hollyoaks Later, airing at 10pm. I was sixteen years old and to this day, I still remember sobbing my way through the episodes. I have been genuinely sad, through Gary Lucy’s return to Hollyoaks that Luke Morgan’s story arc, post rape, turned him into an alcoholic, who never recovered from what happened to him as a teenager. Since then, he has developed Frontotemporal Dementia and in the next few weeks, we will see him pass away. But I think essentially, this is the point. Although I wish he had returned to the Village as a superstar, it would have been unrealistic for him not to be haunted by his past so I suppose my sadness is the mark of good storytelling.
The Hollyoaks rape storyline was a ground breaking piece of television… (Radio Times)
Hollyoaks tackled the rape of a male character again in 2014 but this time, it was less graphic and shown in their 6:30pm (Channel 4)/7pm (E4) slot. The story was similar to Luke’s in that it followed months of harassment and bullying. Luke was bullied by fellow footballer, Mark Gibbs and teacher, John Paul McQueen was bullied and harassed by students, Finn O’Connor and Robbie Roscoe. The thing that that made John’s Paul’s situation particularly interesting was that he was an out gay man and the boys’ bullying was based on homophobia. After school one day, Finn pushed things further and raped him.
Finn bullied his own teacher, John Paul (Irish Mirror)
Four years later, over in Weatherfield, David Platt made a new friend in Josh Tucker but on a night out, Josh drugged and raped him. David woke up with very little recollection of events but began to piece together what had happened and eventually, with the support of his family, namely, wife Shona, he went to the police. These were two heterosexual males and it aired between 7:30pm and 8:30pm.
Josh drugged and raped David (Liverpool Echo)
Luke was pinned down and attacked, as was John Paul. David was drugged. With Ben and Lewis, it started differently. It started as a matter consent, before Ben categorically said no and so was pinned down and attacked. And that it why I think that underlying homophobia was the root of so many of the unpleasant comments I read on Twitter after the episode was aired. I don’t believe it was just the rape itself that was the issue, even though that was enough to make me cry my eyes out. I believe it was that they were in an intense, romantic situation first, which Ben very definitely called a halt on, that got the keyboard warriors going.
Ben retracted his consent (Mirror)
But the point is that Ben said no. He put a stop to things and Lewis ignored him. He wanted what he wanted and he took Ben’s choices away. It has been so devastating to see Ben having to live with the consequences of what has happened and that because of his past behaviour, everyone thinks the worst of him. Usually such a bolshy, mouthy character, he has no words to tell anyone the truth of what has happened. I hope that now he is staying with his Mum, who has suffered the same kind of violence in the past, he will be able to speak up and get the help he needs.
I have also heard criticism about an LGBTQ+ character committing a sexual offence and I totally understand that. We are so desperate for positive LGBTQ+ role models and presence on our TV screens and in our literature. And Eastenders have written Lewis as such a likeable guy, I for one was so shocked at how things have turned out. However, domestic violence and sexual assault does exist in same sex situation (and not just between men either). We do need positive representation but just like the Gray and Chantelle storyline must have helped women who needed help or when Linda was raped, that would have helped people too, those of us in the LGBTQ+ community also need to see ourselves in the darker, harder hitting storylines. And it’s not just about us suffering abuse from the straight community. Men do assault men, women do assault women, even when they are meant to love them. There are Queer people out there who need to see it, recognise it and feel they are being spoken to, as much as the heterosexual community are being spoken to.
And the more the keyboard warriors, harbouring underlying homophobia see us on screen in all kinds of scenarios, perhaps they will have no choice but to accept us.
So, with Doctors, Home and Away and Neighbours done for the year, it’s left to Eastenders, Corrie, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks to entertain us over the festive period.
Eastenders
I am so excited for Eastenders this Christmas! This week, Whitney is desperately tying to get to the truth about Gray and to protect Chelsea from him and things look set to get far more intense at Christmas. I will be on the edge of my seat. I love Eastenders for putting Whitney in the hero/rescuer role instead of the victim role. I cannot applaud them enough.
Then we are due the big reveal about Rocky actually being Tom Cotton (although I like him so much that I want everything to be forgiven anyway! If we can forgive Stuart for everything he did…)
I am also very interested to see the first Mitchell/Slater Christmas… I love Kat and Phil together; I just hope that Sharon pining for the granddaughter she completely mishandled the custody of doesn’t mess up the relationship. I am also hoping for lots of Eve!
The only downside to Christmas on the Square is the rumour that Janine and Mick are going to get together/closer. For starters, this is a tired story. The last time Linda disappeared, he went off with Whitney. Plus we’ve already had an affair between Linda and Max. Obviously, they’ve had to create a reason for Linda to leave, as Kellie Bright is on maternity leave but can’t Mick just behave himself while she’s gone instead of this cliché every time? It’s so boring. These two arrived on the Square as the most solid, in love couple who had never been with anyone else and never loved another; I wish Eastenders would just keep them intact. I am really hoping that they have something up their sleeve with this one.
And from reading my beloved Inside Soap, I gather that Eastenders are not letting up after Christmas and the Square will also be bringing in an explosive New Year as well. I cannot wait!
Emmerdale
I am equally gripped by Emmerdale’s plots this Christmas, particularly Meena’s psychotic rampaging through the Village! This week, she has discovered that Billy, her newest obsession just isn’t that into her either! He is still in love with Dawn. And she is not happy about it. She has also fallen out with Manpreet, who is well on her way to discovering some truths about her past that Meena would rather she didn’t.
So I am pretty sure that not everyone is going to come through Christmas alive… Well, I hope not anyway! Honestly, I have never enjoyed a soap serial killer storyline so much – I think there might be something wrong with me…
Whoever created the character of Meena and the people who write for her deserve awards. She is incredible. And I can’t seem to stop saying how wonderful and talented Paige Sandhu is.
The Woolpack will also be left very vulnerable on Christmas Day, with Al’s scheming coming to a head. I called it ages ago that when Chas was being all compliant with him that she was playing him at his own game. She is far too clever to let him come and take her precious pub away from her. And I loved Nicola standing up publicly for the pub and the Village this week as well.
Coronation Street
I confess I am not quite as enthralled by the Corrie Christmas stories as I am for what Eastenders and Emmerdale have to offer this year but I am looking forward to them proving me wrong. You just never know with the soaps; they are full of surprises.
I adore Emma and I have been following her and Curtis’s story very closely. I felt so sorry for her this week when Curtis was arrested on their wedding day. I felt less sorry for him. Then there’s little Sam, who will apparently speak for the first time in weeks over Christmas. I also believe with are due some emotional scenes from Abi, not to mention some shocks! Sally Carmen has been stealing so many scenes recently. She’s just wonderful, as is Mollie Gallagher, who plays Nina.
Hollyoaks
Now, I don’t know about you but I have already blitzed Hollyoaks on All4, taking me right up to the episodes due to air on 30th December. I’m not even sorry. I couldn’t wait!
However, I can report that it is definitely worth watching and there are some really amazing moments. The bit that really got me was Cindy’s desperation to have a positive Christmas with/for Luke and the almost impossibility of it and of the situation. It was utterly heartbreaking.
The Maalik Family confront Ali
The Osbourne Family get a big surprise
Cindy struggles through Christmas with Luke
Ollie’s new relationship with conspiracy theorist, Becky causes problems
Little Sam in Coronation Street is one of the cutest, loveliest characters. Jude Riordan, who plays him is a real talent and he should be so proud of himself for everything he has achieved so far. He reminds me of how we all felt about Alex Bain (Simon Barlow) and Sam Aston (Chesney Brown) when they were child stars. Watching Corrie, we have watched them grow and develop into talented young men who have continued to shine throughout.
Sam (Manchester Evening News)
From his first scene as Sam, Jude absolutely stole my heart! Sam is so clever and so charming. He is absolutely adorable and undoubtedly steals the limelight from all his co-stars! The gentleness with which Sam has handled Leanne after the loss of her baby boy has been heart rendering. And now we are watching a little boy grieve for the loss of his mother, his only constant for his entire life. The scenes where he and Natasha said goodbye to each other had me in tears and when Sam was worried that Nick would be left out if he wrote about it being him and Natasha against the world in her card pretty much finished me off!
Sam had to say goodbye to his mother (Liverpool Echo)
I wonder now what will be the breaking point that will make Sam feel able to speak again. I had hoped that it would be Roy who would come through for him but alas, that was not to be. I miss his lovely voice and all the contributions to conversation he has to offer. I will watch with heartfelt eagerness to see who or what it will be that is able to connect with him and make him feel safe again. But whatever the case, lots more Sam and Jude please!
I remember watching the soaps when I was a closeted teenager, in awe of the likes of Zoe Tate, who was such a rare gem on 90’s TV. Not only had she been out and proud since the early nineties, but her sexuality was also only part of her story. She was a powerful, even formidable character. She had money and knew how to use it. She had her own career as a vet, that she loved. She had a wicked streak. In later years, actress Leah Bracknell portrayed the most heartbreaking scenes as Zoe battled Schizophrenia. When people think back to the nineties in terms of the presence of LGBTQ characters, their minds immediately flashback to Beth Jordache and ‘that kiss’, which is of course important but Zoe came out a year before this and was the first lesbian character in a British Soap. She was also the first gay character to have a wedding/blessing, many years before Civil Partnerships or equal marriage were even dots on the horizon for any of us. I was genuinely saddened in 2019 when Leah passed away from cancer.
‘That Kiss’ in Brookside
Flash forward to present day and this past June when many of us have been marking Pride month with such gratitude that we are here, that so many things have changed and that we have the capacity and strength to try and change the things that still need changing. I have seen so many things online that remind us of why we still need Pride so much. One of things that struck me hardest was a post about while we live in a world where kids are still sat at home believing they would be better off no longer in this world than being gay, then we still need Pride. Pride isn’t a party. Pride is a march of survival. It’s a moment in time where we embrace every single ounce of ‘different’ inside and let it sing. Even if we sing out of tune.
I’ve been that kid, sat at home, scared for my future because I didn’t fit in, because while all my friends were watching the boys on TV, I was watching the girls. And it has been a long road in terms of being and out and proud soap addict to watch these shows change their characters, their storylines and their attitudes towards their characters and their storylines over the past twenty five years or so, when I first started tuning in and I started consciously battling my sexuality.
Lindsey fell for best friend, Shelley in Brookside
I remember, back in the day, that occasionally, a soap would have two dimensional gay man in it to back up another character and have no plot of their own. They certainly wouldn’t have a love life. Then there came the phase of the scandal storylines to boost ratings, where quite frankly, the characters and the LGBTQ viewers were badly mistreated. There was the random storyline of Lindsey Corkhill falling in love with her best friend, Shelley who actually had a thing for her mother in Brookie. Then there was that time that Todd kissed Nick in Corrie purely to pull viewers in to witness a ‘shock, gay kiss’ between two attractive men. And more recently, Tracy Barlow slept with Paula for literally no reason.
Charlie and Joey had a short lived romance in Home and Away #CJ
But Willow and Alex got a happy ending! #Willex
Over in Australia, back in 2009, Home and Away’s Charlie Buckton had a dalliance with Joey Collins, which I confess I got completely sucked into. It ended when Charlie cheated on her with some bloke and Joey left, never to be seen or heard of again. Charlie (the police officer) slept with one criminal bloke after another before she got shot and died. Delightful. They did redeem themselves recently though with Willow and Alex’s relationship, which I also fell in love with – they actually got a happy ending. Off screen, of course. Well, you can’t have everything.
The landscape of how soaps have presented the LGBTQ characters and relationships have definitely changed in a positive way over the years, I think. So many of the partnerships people have grown to love and adore, have not been heterosexual ones. Once upon a time, a soap would have to handle every aspect of gay relationships with ‘sensitivity’, in case they offended the homophobes when really, people like me and fellow members of the LGBTQ community were just desperate to see ourselves and our lives (or the lives we wanted to live), validated on TV.
Tony and Simon in Eastenders
Lana and Sky finally got their happy ending in Neighbours
I remember back in the day when in Eastenders, Tony left Tiffany for her brother, Simon. It was a scandal, not because of the affair but because of the sexuality aspect. I remember Shannon and Mandy falling in love so subtly that you could have missed it. Neighbours attempted to have Lana and Sky get together but the homophobia was so strong, they abandoned the story. They were so proud that for their 35th anniversary to be able to rectify this and have the girls get married. It had always felt for the show and for the actors like an unfinished storyline.
Christian and Syed lived happily ever after in Eastenders (in Birmingham, actually)
Ben and Callum are one of Eastenders’ most popular couples today #Ballum
I also remember the huge story that Eastenders took on when they got Christian and Syed together. It was amazing! Not only were they addressing Syed coming to terms with his sexuality, he also had to work out how this fitted with his religion. And despite the complaints, they became such a loved and popular couple. Since then, one of the show’s most popular couples are ‘#Ballum’ – Ben and Callum – who got together in a very similar way to Christian and Syed (an affair in the lead up to a wedding). And one of the most special moments in the show’s history was the moment that Johnny came out to his Dad, Mick and received nothing but pure love and acceptance in return – no hesitation.
Robert and Aaron were made for each other in Emmerdale #Robron
Throughout the soaps, there have been some amazingly popular couples and characters, which show the strength of writing, performance and on-screen chemistry. Who can forget Robert and Aaron – #Robron – in Emmerdale? Not my favourite, granted, but massively popular and there were a lot of devastated fans out there when Robert was sent to jail. Their counterpart, if you like, are Vanessa and Charity (who I much prefer). I am very hopeful that when Michelle Hardwick (Vanessa) returns from maternity leave, a reconciliation will be on the cards! Charity herself was initially one of those ‘ratings bisexuals’ when she had a random affair with Zoe Tate in the early noughties. So it was brilliant when they revisited this and created what has become a fantastic relationship with Vanessa. Until it all went badly wrong. Oh and let’s not forget that once upon a time, Charity’s daughter, Debbie, had a fling with best friend, Jasmine, played by Jenna Coleman. Jasmine went to prison. I don’t think she’ll be coming back…
I still believe in Charity and Vanessa! (Emmerdale) #Vanity
John Paul and Ste belong together (Hollyoaks)
One of my favourite Hollyoaks pairings is John Paul and Ste. Between them, they’ve had more relationships than hot dinners and many would say that John Paul’s true love is Craig and Ste’s true love is Brendan. But personally, I never subscribed to either of those relationships. Neither of those men ever treated John Paul or Ste very nicely. Brendan was violent and Craig dangled John Paul on a shoestring for most of their relationship. But although I have adored people like Doug and Keiron (RIP) and James and Harry (RIP) have been great players thrown into the mix, I firmly believe that Ste and John Paul belong together.
Aaron and David are the perfect couple in Neighbours
Chloe in Neighbours
Over in Australia, Neighbours has excelled itself in waving the rainbow flag. For me, they have outshone every soap. Years ago, it dipped its toe in the water with the character of Chris and from there, more and more gay characters arrived. Now, it can celebrate one of the best partnerships the show and in fact, soap, has ever seen in David and Aaron who are not only legally married (and walked down the aisle to Kylie and Jason!) but have also been foster parents and are expecting their first child. Aaron’s sister, Chloe is also bisexual and not just telly bisexual where she’s actually straight and goes off with a girl now and again to boost ratings. Chloe is such a vibrant character and has brought so much diversity to show in terms so showing someone who can love and have relationships with people for who they are, not for what gender they are.
Emma and Jasmine in Doctors
In more recent years, Doctors have created some great character development with Emma who now identifies as pansexual after being very surprised to find herself falling for a female friend. Since then, she has had relationships with either gender and a couple of years ago, the show had an extremely harrowing storyline where Emma and her then girlfriend, Jasmine experienced a homophobic attack. It was not dissimilar to that awful story of the girls on the bus in London a few years ago.
The amazing Mackenzie from Neighbours
Neighbours has taken Pride further in recent years with the amazing trans activist, Georgie Stone, who plays Mackenzie. Following Mackenzie’s story has been so emotional and so enlightening. She has been the Hayley Cropper of the millennial generation. But joking aside, it has been incredible to watch this young person, both the actress and the character, essentially explain her journey. She has not only portrayed the character but also been involved in the writing and story lining and I have genuinely wept during parts of her tale, as she had undergone surgery and struggled with acceptance from her family.
Hayley Cropper, Coronation Street. The Original.
I remember years and years ago, attending a transgender workshop and the first thing the trainer said was that they would love to say their charity was responsible for the education regarding trans people but it was actually Coronation Street. Everyone laughed because it was funny and also because it was a little bit true. This is the far reach of soaps and also the heavy responsibility they have to make sure that as well as entertaining people, they are socially responsible. I remember when Hayley first turned up in Corrie and it was such a scandal. I was about thirteen years old and still trying to get my head around my sexuality. I had no idea about gender diversity or anything and I had never heard of being transgender before. But the idea of someone not quite fitting, not feeling like they were who or how they were meant to be, completely connected with me. And Hayley turned out to be this angel, the kindest woman to ever walk the cobbles and they put her together with Roy, the kindest man to ever walk the cobbles… Well, the magic was made.
Sally from Hollyoaks
Since then, of course, Sally has turned up in Hollyoaks and the actress who plays her helped Coronation Street create Hayley so even though Hayley is gone, it’s kind of like she lives on. So even though Corrie was extremely late in bringing in the L, the G and the B, they did lead the charge with the T, something other soaps haven’t always been that eager (or that good) at doing. Currently, it’s only Emmerdale, (alongside Neighbours)who have Matty with any trans visibility. His story is particularly special as we actually knew his character as Holly, years ago. This hasn’t been done before. What’s also been a turning point in recent years with LGBTQ characters is that most of the actors who are playing the roles are members of the LGBTQ community.
So, at the end of this June – Pride Month – I am happy to reflect on how hard our soaps have worked to become inclusive and reflect the society we do or should live in. I am happy that I have all manner of characters and pairings to discuss, enjoy and dislike amongst all the different soaps. I love that I don’t have to cling to the single character that exists in each soap just because they’re gay. Firstly, there are plenty to choose from (except in Home and Away) and secondly, they are written so well that actually, sometimes they’re just not very nice. Because not all gay people are nice! Not all gay men are camp and fluffy. And gay women come in all variations too! Imagine!
Swooning (over) Shannon in Home and Away
When I was growing up, that just wasn’t how it was. You only knew Shannon liked Mandy because she talked about her incessantly. A bit like I talked about Shannon, actually! You were lucky if Zoe could hold hands with her wife. And two guys together were a rare scandal. Now, homophobia on screen is rare and definitely dealt with. I am reminded of a scene in Eastenders where Callum’s Dad was vile to him and Ben and Phil Mitchell to stood up for them. It was such a fantastic and affirming scene.
All the while people are not safe in the world because of their gender or sexuality, there is a lot of work to do. All the while there are people who don’t feel they belong in this world because of their gender or sexuality, there is a lot of work to do. But just for a brief moment in time, it is nice to reflect on how far this small corner of our society has come, even in my lifetime. When I was a teenager, I absorbed every message that these shows delivered to me and I am overwhelmed at how the messages have changed. You couldn’t pay me any money in the world to be a kid today with social media and mobile phones constantly beeping at me and recording my ever move and mistake. But I do think the positive approach to diversity and acceptance is a special thing that I definitely didn’t have twenty (ish) years ago. Soaps are intended to reflect life. They beam their way into our homes on a daily basis and right now, I praise them for doing a good job of positively affirming us, the LGBTQ community.
(Friday 18th September – Wednesday 7th October 2020)
Abi got herself into a bit of a pickle between hiding her addiction issues from Kevin, relying a bit too heavily on Peter, getting some feelings confused, Kevin’s sister, Debbie finding out (where did she pop up from again?!), Kevin finding out that being an addict is actual quite a big deal and you don’t get your kids taken off you for no reason and then it all getting sorted out rather easily.
Actually the romantic casualty of it turned out to be Peter and Carla who have been papering over the cracks in their relationship for a long time. He has been harbouring a lot of resentment over her ‘infidelity’ for a while. Well, let’s call it what it was. Rape. And quite frankly, I thought better of Peter than that. I really do hope that they can learn to communicate better and get things back on track. How many times can these two go to hell and make it back again?
Geoff was physically prevented from going to the wedding… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Tim and Sally’s wedding was never actually cancelled so they decided to go ahead after all but failed to keep it secret from Geoff who was determined to attend, despite being specifically not invited. Good old Abi saved the day by tricking him into the conservatory and locking him in for the duration of the ceremony so he couldn’t ruin the day. As soon as he was released, he contacted the police, only for the wedding party to vouch for Abi, claiming that she attended the wedding. Craig, who was off duty for once, decided he didn’t want to know. And is this the beginning of a romance between Craig and Faye…?
Everyone vouches for Abi… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Daniel and Nicky got closer but ultimately, their relationship was doomed, which, quite frankly was a relief as the storyline was quite boring. However, Daniel did make himself an enemy of Geoff right at the end when he nabbed an opportunity to steal £5000 in cash from him. He handed the cash over to Nicky so that she and her child could go and start a new life together. Geoff caught him out when he spotted her giving some of the money back, having had no idea it was stolen and wanting him to spend it on Bertie. Once arrested, Daniel told the truth and Geoff opted not to press charges so long as he received an apology and the money back.
Michael takes drastic action to keep hold of his family… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Fully committed to Tianna and Grace, Michael got down on one knee and proposed. He was upset when she turned him down and informed him she was already in a relationship and was moving to Spain. In a bid to stop her leaving, Michael abducted Tianna and managed to get himself arrested. At the police station, he was informed that Tianna was not his and Grace’s child. Grace is Tianna’s nanny and she has been lying to him all this time. Now, I don’t like to blow my own trumpet but it’s not often that a storyline completely flaws me. I usually have at least a hint. But I did not see this coming at all!
Grace attempted to sort things out with Michael and explain things to him, including that she lost the baby she was pregnant with when they broke up, the one he assumed was Tianna. She begged him to run off to Spain with her (there was no boyfriend and the whole plan from the beginning had been designed to hurt him, except she developed feelings from him again). Despite clearly being tempted, he did the right thing and contacted the police instead. She never got the chance to tell him she was pregnant again.
Things at the hospital became even more heartbreaking when the clinic in Germany decided that little Oliver was not a suitable candidate for treatment. With the hospital certain that their interventions would not be beneficial to his life, Leanne and Steve were determined to fight them legally to keep their son alive. Nick went along with it for the love of Leanne and of course, Oliver but Tracy could be trusted to give an honest opinion: Oliver isn’t going to get better and sadly, it isn’t in his best interests to fight the hospital’s decision.
Nick, meanwhile, had other things on his mind when he finally met Sam, the little boy he never knew he hand. And gosh, he is a cutie! When a meeting with Sam conflicted with a legal appointment for Oliver (and Nick chose Oliver), Leanne laid into Nick for being distracted. Nick finally told her the truth about Sam and she asked to meet him. She genuinely tried with the little lad but it was clear that his energy and quirkiness and ambitions for the future broke her heart in light of her own son’s tragedy. She later told Nick that she hated him (Nick, not Sam) for having everything she now she didn’t have. Heartbreaking. Utterly heartbreaking.
Nick and Leanne are at breaking point… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
While the police confirmed that Kel’s death was accidental, things have become a little wobbly between Billy and Paul. This is clearly only going to get worse with the imminent return of Todd, who I presume is the person responsible for breaking into Eileen’s…
While professing to Carla that Sarah was ‘the one’, he then ended up sleeping with someone else in his office. Which Sarah overheard. Lovely.
Coronation Street airs on ITV on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays @ 7:30pm and 8:30pm
Things finally came crashing down around vile Geoff this past fortnight with not only him being carted off by the police but his son Tim, also has also had the scales fallen from his eyes and can finally see him for what he truly is – an abuser. It all started after yet another row between Geoff and Alya where Tim was clearly rattled by the way Alya is clearly so broken and so desperate over the way she believes Geoff has destroyed her Gran. He and Faye have both seen flickers of a different side to him and when he mentioned the cameras in the house, Sally bravely took it upon herself to steal Geoff’s laptop and even managed to wriggle out of it, despite her fear, when she got caught.
Tim was clearly uncomfortable but helped her break into the laptop and was satisfied when they uncovered nothing. However, when Fay returned and discovered what they were doing, she had a millennial’s way of examining a laptop and although Geoff had done a good job of deleting the camera footage, there was a link to his phone gallery and on it was that awful, hideous video he took of Yasmeen on the night of the magic show. All three of them watched it in horrified shock.
Faye and Sally examine Geoff’s laptop… (photo credit: Metro)
At home, Geoff realised the computer was missing but it was too late. Sally and Faye had already taken it to the police station, leaving him to come face to face with is heartbroken son. Tim now seems sure that Elaine is his Mum and Geoff is the reason she has disappeared. He even called him an abuser, referencing the video, the red dress, burning Yasmeen’s clothes, how frightened she has seemed for months, locking her in the box – everything is suddenly clear. Then the police turned up to arrest Geoff. Finally, the truth is coming out!
Of course, Geoff managed to squirm out of it somehow and the people didn’t hold him. However, he didn’t manage to win Tim back. Tim located Elaine’s address and attempted to find her but she hadn’t been home for some time.
David lost patience with Shona after an entire day of inappropriate behaviour, including nearly stripping off in the Street, insulting customers, losing Lily and then eating the kids’ dinner. This was a very creative way of dealing with maternity leave! Most people have a row and go to Spain…
Upset about the day before, Shona decided she wanted to leave Wetherfield and start again. It was Nina who pushed her back to David and the family (plus Nina) spent the day in the garden, having a barbeque while Shona annoyingly jumped up and down on a trampoline. That was until a big sinkhole opened up in the garden, narrowly missing swallowing Shona. I mean, that really would be terrible luck, considering everything.
A random sinkhole appears in the Platt’s back garden… (photo credit: Metro)
When the house was declared unsafe, Ray stepped out of nowhere and saved the day, putting them all up in his hotel, which allowed David and Shona the chance to start anew in their relationship. Now, somehow, the whole thing has been set up by Ray, who seems to want to take the house or something. I don’t know. Orchestrating a sinkhole seems a little outrageous but we are in bizarre times… Anyway, he proposed to David, once the insurers wouldn’t have a bar of it, that a friend of his would buy the house. David saw through all his kindness instantly and knew something was amiss but that doesn’t necessarily mean he can do anything about it. Anyway, it’s all a bit weird.
Todd still hasn’t reappeared. A body turned up in the canal, which Billy thought may be Kel. He opted to go the police first and they seemed to agree that it was indeed him, leaving Billy with the task of breaking the news to distraught Paul who had only just started to put the past behind him.
Toyah and Imran were passed to be foster carers. Dev has to sell the kebab shop to cover the kids’ school fees despite the fact that ignorant Asha has started seeing Corey again. She even wants to move out with him, if you please. That weird and slightly annoying storyline between Daniel and Nicky (I thought her name was Vicky, I cared that much) continued. Oh and apparently Ali got four months. I can’t actually remember what he did, he was so boring. Drugs, wasn’t it?
And in an actually important storyline, Leanne’s plans to take Oliver on holiday were scuppered when he was rushed back into intensive care and they were told he may not recover this time. Poor Leanne wasn’t able to process the news and remained fixated on the holiday. Jane Danson is breaking my heart in every scene. Meanwhile, Nick bumped into old flame Natasha (who I vaguely remember) from ten years ago. Keeping the news from Leanne, Nick overheard Natasha talking to the medical staff about her son, who would be just the right age to be his son. Apparently she aborted his child at the end of their relationship (which I didn’t remember). He confronted her and after a bit of faffing about, she confessed that her little boy was indeed his son. Well, that’s bad timing, isn’t it?
Natasha accidentally stumbles back into Nick’s life… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
At the hospital, Leanne and Steve were told that it was only life support keeping Oliver alive. Neither of them could accept that it was the end.
Coronation Street airs on ITV on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays @ 7:30pm and 8:30pm
So, it’s been a huge few months on Coronation Street, with some of their biggest stories coming into focus. We passed through VE day with it’s infamous type of Corrie sing-song (‘We’ll Meet Again’) through the 27th July when we flashforward to all the characters having apparently lived through months of lockdown (and Mary singing opera out the window) and they began to emerge back into socially distanced civilisation. It’s actually pretty cool to watch them learning to live in a new, socially distanced world, the way the rest of us are, from navigating their way round the shop, keeping two metres apart to Jenny serving an empty pub, constantly on the phone to Rita, who never appears as none of the older cast are currently allowed on set. There was also special reference to Aggie, who works as a nurse. Abi lent the family a car when their broke down, we saw rainbows in windows and sadly, Aggie was forced to isolate in a hotel when there was an outbreak on her ward.
So, to the storylines…
One story kind of flared and then fizzled; I think the lockdown may have prompted a rewrite. But during the flare, it was fantastically done and showed Alison King at her best. Two creeps surfaced in the pub and attempted to blackmail Carla for things she had done (and didn’t remember) just to get by when she was on the streets and suffering her mental breakdown. Essentially, they abused her and were now abusing her again. But rather than give in to their demands, she told the pub the truth about what had happened, thus taking away their power. They were then removed from the pub. Later, that bloke, Scott assaulted them and I presume he was meant to have more of a role in the show but when they resumed filming and referencing Covid-19 and the lockdown, Jenny informed Geoff that Scott had left and the B&B was empty. So, who knows if and when he’ll return? Now Johnny has returned and it’s been mentioned that Scott is renting somewhere round the corner so who knows…?
Without Yasmeen to protect him, Geoff really hasn’t been able to conceal his ugly behaviour and by the end of these few months, even Tim, who has always stood up for him, is starting to see his true colours. And Faye, who has also always stood up for him, has now caught him lying to the police and being very cruel to Sally. Sally, meanwhile, has absolutely seen through Geoff. She has visited Yasmeen in prison and understood her story. She has teamed up with Alya and handed over the wedding money Geoff gave them in order to help her buy Geoff out of Speed Daal.
Yasmeen is struggling… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
In prison, Yasmeen was still torn over her feelings for her husband and the pain he had caused her until she spoke to him on the phone and the way he spoke to her finally decided things once and for all. This was helped along by the arrival of Elaine Jones, Geoff’s first wife and Tim’s mother – formerly known as Philippa, who Geoff claimed had died. With a lot of persuasion from Alya, Elaine agreed to testify for Yasmeen (as did Sally) but Tim refused to accept that she was his mother and after a confrontation with Geoff, tragic Elaine vanished. Did he kill her?!
Geoff is beginning to lose control… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Sadly (in another rewrite, I think), the trial was postponed as the stress got too much, Yasmeen ended up in hospital with a heart attack. This story has been utterly gripping. I could watch entire episodes just of this. It has been pitched so perfectly. I hope Corrie get award after award for it. It’s been absolutely brilliant.
Things got intense for Gary when Bernie discovered Rick’s watch in the woods. With Adam obsessed with proving that Gary killed Rick, when she heard the inscription on the watch, Sarah bought it, prompting Gary to desperately try and buy it back. A socially distanced argument broke out, with Sarah running down the Street, calling the police. When she was about to walk in front of car, Gary pushed her out the way and fell in front of it, all without actually touching her. I know a lot of people criticised the stunt but actually, I thought they shot it pretty well, considering the limits on how they could do it.
Things are intense between Gary and Sarah… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Anyway, Gary was hailed a hero. He told Sarah he loved her. She stopped wanting to call the police on him and instead, got rid of the watch, successfully prompting the breakdown of her marriage to Adam, who was furious that not only was she protecting a murderer but she had also willingly become an accessory. Of course, he has no idea that she’s an old hand at this, being that she, David and Kylie bumped off Callum. But Gary knows that and he understood. Adam probably wouldn’t. Even though he’s shadier than a tree.
Anyway, while Sarah and Adam’s marriage was left in tatters, Gary and Maria went ahead and get hitched (in accordance with social distancing rules), despite Gary having just declared his love for Sarah. Oh, what tangled webs these people weave.
In a very bold and very sad story, Leanne and Steve got the worst possible news about Oliver – he does have the life limiting condition they suspected. I honestly never thought they would go so far as to kill a child. How absolutely devastating. But it is providing Jane Danson in particular with the opportunity to act her socks off! She is absolutely amazing at portraying the sheer heartbreak at the prospect of losing her son. It has been such a rollercoaster of emotion as the whole family come to terms with that has happened, each of them heartbroken in different ways.
Toyah and Imran decide against fostering as Toyah felt it would be inappropriate at the present time (a storyline that seemed to come from nowhere anyway) but upon hearing about it, Leanne insisted that her sister’s dreams should not be put on hold because of her pain. Unfortunately, she let them down with a reference when she had to support Steve.
Simon moved in with Peter when he heard Leanne telling Steve that when Oliver dies, she will have no children left, implying that she doesn’t think of him as her son. She didn’t even remember saying it and desperately tries to make it right but it’s not enough.
When Toyah persuaded Leanne to talk to a professional, Leanne found the strength and hope to make every moment of Oliver’s life count. Unfortunately, her confidence was knocked when she bumped into someone from her antenatal group whose child was doing really well and she was also pregnant again.
Shona returned to the Street and moved in with Roy, maintaining contact with David, which seemed to be going well, apart from that time she tried to kiss her support worker, Aaron. She also made friends with Gemma, who of course has history with her from their old estate. Flashforward to post-lockdown and we aren’t seeing Shona anymore but apparently David has been visiting her window every day during in order to maintain contact, as have the kids.
Shona and David begin spending time together again… (Photo credit: Digital Spy)
Daniel accidentally spent the evening chatting up escort, Vicky and despite being offended at first, he ended up spending the night with her. Then he kept going back. However, he hasn’t been sleeping with her. He’s been getting her to wear Sinead’s cardigan and perfume and holding him – for money. And the poor bloke has been pouring his heart out to her. Post-lockdown though, she kept telling him that she was busy and couldn’t see him. He did attempt to see someone else but it just wasn’t the same. It looks to me like there are reluctant feelings there – on both sides. This is turning into quite the sad storyline.
Seb was furious with his mother when she avoided saying goodbye to the twins before the emigrated to Australia. Abi is trying to do her best for them by letting them go and start a new life. She feels like it’s the least she can do for them after all the mistakes she has made. However, she eventually agreed to go with Seb to see them. Unfortunately, right before she was due to leave, she had an accident in the garage, preventing her from saying goodbye and leaving Seb thinking she had flaked on him and the twins. This left her in a downward spiral as she stole morphine from the hospital, attempting to numb her pain. Thankfully, Peter spotted it (he rescued her from the accident in the first place) and threw the morphine away. She was not happy! However, he did persuade her to agree to go to meeting with him.
An accident preventing Abi from saying goodbye to her kids, sets of a terrible chain of events… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Gemma was contacted on her blog by Vanessa, one of the women who was horrible to her in the mother and baby group, her life having completely fallen apart. Despite Bernie attempting to warn her away, Gemma went ahead and befriended her, not wanting her to be alone. She also very sweetly arranged a surprise birthday for her twin brother, Paul, which she couldn’t attend herself due to social distancing. She gave him a signed photo of PJ and Duncan. Cue a fantastic twin dance to ‘Let’s Get ready to Rumble’, much to the bemusement of Summer, who thought PJ and Duncan looked a lot like Ant and Dec… Kids!
Paul and Gemma do their best PJ and Duncan! (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Sean, Mary and Billy were concerned when Todd contacted them, asking them to deposit money at a drop off point. They agreed but then a random girl showed up and took the cash, claiming that she found Todd’s phone and took a chance. So, was it a scam all along? Well, we know Todd is due to return (with a different actor) so, who knows what trouble he will bring and what this beginning storyline means?! Also, what will it mean for Billy and Paul? I do hope they don’t break them up. I really like them as a couple and I am not a Todd fan at all!
Coronation Street airs on ITV1 @ 7:30pm, Mondays, Wednesday & Fridays
Alya really worked hard this week, making one last effort to persuade Yasmeen to plead not guilty to attempted murder. In some really powerful scenes, Yasmeen finally told the truth about what had been happening behind closed doors, including that Geoff killed Charlotte the Chicken and fed her to her. Although she continued to defend Geoff, Alya clearly got to her and by the time she reached court, despite some hesitation, she changed her plea to not guilty. I am so relieved! Now, at least the poor woman has a fighting chance! And it was nice to see Eileen and Cathy in the gallery supporting her. Better late than never.
Yasmeen pleads not guilty! (photo credit: Digital Spy)
With Yasmeen now pleading not guilty, Sally finally made her position clear to Tim – she isn’t comfortable with Geoff and he can’t stay with them anymore. Tim was horrified and the situation is clearly going to cause a rift between them, especially when she told him that he had to be the one to ask his Dad to leave. He was very diplomatic about it but Geoff wasn’t happy. Sally’s card is clearly marked with him. Well, he doesn’t like women calling the shots, does he? But I am so proud of Sally for standing up for what she believes in, for standing up for Yasmeen. She knows what it’s like to be in an abusive relationship and she knows what it’s like to be in prison for something you haven’t done. And I was reminded the other day that Yasmeen came to visit her during that time to pledge her support so their bond is long standing.
Tim has no option but to ask his Dad to leave… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Dev was relieved to see Asha beginning to settle into her new school and looking to the future. My concern here, aside from how on earth he is going to afford everything he is throwing at his daughter’s well being, is that he is quite clearly favouring Asha. Aadi needs love and attention too and I think things are going to sour very quickly. Dev is criticising him, if only in a joke and heaping praise and compliments on Asha, trying to make her feel better about what happened. Aadi is already a very angry young man, as we’ve witnessed in fights with Corey and other boys. I think we have a storyline with Aadi bubbling away under the surface (presumably because they have recently changed the actor) so Dev needs to be careful!
Gary took matters into her own hands regarding Kelly and tracked down her mother, demanding that she took her back into her care. Now, this woman is clearly not fit to look after a child. I’m not a Kelly fan. She was hideous to Asha. But she also has problems and you can see a very vulnerable side to her. So, it was sad to see her being manhandled into the car by her mother when she just wanted to stay safely with Billy and Paul. And anytime Gary gets a win makes me unhappy anyway!
A stranger turns up at the newsagent’s, spinning a line about needing cash to pick her son up. Despite knowing she’s lying, Cathy and Toyah both put their hands in their pockets, only for Brian and Cathy to find her in the pub later. Of course, Brian caused a scene, much to Cathy’s mortification. Now, the reason she was in the pub, was to watch Carla, who is running the pub while Johnny and Jenny are away. After closing, the woman tracked Carla down in the toilets, demanding to talk. The only problem is that while the woman clearly knew Carla, poor Carla had no idea who she was…
New girl, Chelsey has some unexplained history with Carla… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Coronation Street has now resumed filming
It still airs on ITV on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays @ 7:30pm
Imran tried again with Yasmeen who had decided to plead guilty to her charges. What he did get out of her though, was that Geoff had been seeing escorts.
Back on the Street, Sally clearly had her doubts about Geoff, prompting her to have a serious conversation with Alya who filled in some gaps about her father in law’s behaviour – his lies about the trip to Spain and faking his heart condition, not to mention the recent revelations about the escorts. Geoff then walked into the pub, clearly annoyed to spot the two women talking. Stood up by Tim, Geoff was further annoyed to realise that nobody else wanted to have a drink with him. It’s a relief to realise that everyone is starting to have their doubts about the vile bully and are beginning to realise that whatever Yasmeen has done, she must have had a reason, even if they don’t know what that reason is.
Back at home, Sally reluctantly informed Tim about the escorts, to which Tim immediately, disbelievingly told his Dad about the ‘lies’ that Yasmeen was spouting about him. With no options left, Geoff admitted that he had seen two escorts and despite Tim being aghast, he empathised with his Dad for Yasmeen’s neglect, alcoholism and horrific treatment of him. And unfortunately, Sally has now unwittingly provided Geoff with a motive for Yasmeen stabbing Geoff, something she then had to confess to angry Alya. It’s not that often I feel sorry for Sally but in this instance, she obviously knows that Geoff is a bad guy and Yasmeen has been mistreated and clearly wants to do the right thing. And being married to Geoff’s son, she is in an almost impossible situation. I have a lot of faith in Sally at this moment that she will be someone that comes through for Yasmeen though. Let’s not forget that many, many years ago, she was subjected to violence at the hands of Greg Kelly. She might well be a huge saving grace for Yasmeen when she needs it most.
Geoff is under pressure to hold all his lies together (photo credit: Digital Spy)
So, while Tim took Geoff off to the police station to change his story and provide Yasmeen with a much more credible motive for attempted murder, Alya rushed to the prison to visit her Gran and beg her to change her plea. While Yasmeen reluctantly revealed that Geoff had given her chlamydia, she refused to tell the court the sordid details of Geoff’s abuse. We can only hope now that Alya will get through to her and persuade her to be brave enough to tell her side of the story. Geoff has to pay for what he has done to her. Yasmeen’s suffering must not continue!
Alya is horrified over what Yasmeen has to say… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Shona agreed to move in with Roy upon release from hospital. Sadly, this new Shona has no empathy for Roy regarding Hayley’s death and she was very rude to Nina. The gentleness and compassion Shona used to have, that made us love her so much has gone. It’ll take a long time to get used to the person in her place. But it will definitely be an interesting journey to go down, I think. And a great character to do this with, to take such a compassionate, sympathetic character and change her so much, through no fault of her own. It just makes it all the more heartbreaking to deal with.
Asha and Aadi’s first day at their new school didn’t get off to a flying start, with Asha walking out after her third lesson. The appalling video that Corey took and Kelly shared, evidently got as far as this posh, private school and was being shared around merrily as soon as she arrived with all the kids making her life hell there as much as they were in her old school. Epic fail. However, she clearly has a good friend in Nina who has some kind words for her and wise words for Dev. And a fantastic moment came when Asha finally stood up for herself and told Corey exactly what she thought of him. Later, he messaged her to grovel. Hopefully, she will not go back there!
Dev only wants the best for his kids… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Imran’s suspicions regarding Gary looking out for Kelly continued, leading to a somewhat awkward moment when he actually tried to talk to her. I agree with the kid, it was a bit weird. I mean, has he never heard of stranger danger?! Worried that Imran was sniffing around, Gary has clearly decided it’s time for Kelly to move on!
Coronation Street has now resumed filming
It still airs on ITV on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays @ 7:30pm
While David continued down his path of destruction, getting into more close scrapes with local thugs and even getting himself arrested, his family finally noticed and became worried about him. Meanwhile, Shona had a disastrous visit to the prison with Clayton, who filled her head with his troubled childhood as well as lies about her marriage to David, completely freaking her out. Sarah then came to visit Shona and told her the truth about her life and how much David needs her to save him – again.
Shona returns to Coronation Street a very different person… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Shona agreed to a home visit, provided that David wasn’t present. But the Shona who arrived really wasn’t the Shona we used to know (damn you, Gary Windass!) She has of course, forgotten her life with David and the family, including the kids but she has also had a personality transplant, telling little Harry that the drawing he has done for her is rubbish! There was a bit of light when she found she remembered where the teabags were. But then she ran off to the café when she formed a tentative bond with Roy. David eventually asked Roy to take Shona in when she is released from hospital, which he agreed to. Now they just need Shona to agree…
Someone else in desperate need of salvation is Yasmeen, who we haven’t seen in a while. But Alya was finally able to see her Gran last week, albeit briefly. She was the mere shadow of herself as she entered the visiting room and ended up walking back out before the end of the visit. In her desperation for the truth, Alya pushed too hard. Yasmeen was still under Geoff’s control, even after everything and wanted to take the blame for stabbing him, regardless of him pushing her to it.
Alya and Ryan attempt to lock Geoff out of the house… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Back on the Street, Tim brought his Dad home and the pair were horrified to discover that Alya and Ryan had had the locks changed. The police were called and Craig (who seems to suddenly be the most senior policeman Wetherfield have), sorted out the domestic. Although he clearly sympathised with Alya, legally, he had to request the keys be handed over to Geoff. The moment he was alone, Geoff got rid of the camera he had set up in the house and deleted the incriminating footage from the night of the stabbing. When Tim caught him, Geoff easily spun him a lie, which he immediately fell for.
Geoff hides the evidence as soon as possible… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Leanne, Steve and Nick kept a vigil by Oliver’s bedside as they prepared to learn the extent of his brain damage. Leanne persuaded the Doctor to allow Oliver home where she took complete control of his care, shutting everyone else out.
One of the babies accidentally posted Gemma’s vlog, with positive results. James had a generally positive experience on the football team, having now come out. Dev pulled Asha and Aadi out of school due to lack of support over what happened to Asha, transferring them to the local private school. And could we all take a moment to enjoy the comedy genius that is Evelyn?
Coronation Street have resumed filming
It continues to air on ITV on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30pm
The Soap Dish 