Hollyoaks: The Pain of Goodbye

(Monday 1^st – Tuesday 9^th June 2020)

I’ll be upfront with you. This past fortnight in Hollyoaks has been truly devastating. I wept. So, I’ll first write about the other stories and then get to the main plot: the death of Kyle Kelly. And just to be warned, this tackles the subject of suicide and may contain some triggering material. There were some complaints online this week that the show had spoilt the story by revealing the plot. However, I completely disagree. It would have been completely irresponsible for the show not to have pre-warned viewers of what was to come, considering the subject matter.

So, concerning the rest of The Village… Sylver and Mercedes had their vow renewal and it was all very lovely, including John Paul inviting PC George Kiss to be his date, until Sylver’s secret daughter (he didn’t even know about her) crashed the wedding. At first, Sylver denied that she was his but then everything fell into place and he had to admit the truth. It was all a bit awkward as he had previously said that Mercedes was the only woman he had ever been with. Hasty script rewrites, anyone?

Apparently this girl’s mother had been a dental nurse in the prison and they’d had a bit of a fling. Nine months later, Cher (yes really) had come along. Now, she has had a big row with her Mum who is taking the kids abroad with her and leaving Cher to get to know Sylver and his family. And probably Romeo who is desperately in love with her. Just like he was recently in love with Celeste. And just like he was in love with Lily before her. He is so fickle. But what looks like it will be a lovely relationship is the one between Cher and Mercedes as Mercedes is already training the young woman up to be a true McQueen, the most fabulous soap family since The Slaters!

Meanwhile, deluded Peri really thought her relationship with vile Jordan was actually going somewhere, little realising that he was far more into her Mum. Now, I confess that it had actually escaped me that their relationship had been kept a secret so, I apologise. I did think it was a bit weird that Leela had been happily flirting away with Jordan when he was dating her daughter but now, it’s all clicked into place! Jordan broke up with Peri, explaining that he couldn’t, in good conscience date her when Leela had been kind enough to allow him to live in the house. Just the idea of him having a conscience is laughable, really! Especially as he then promptly made a move on Leela who put up the weakest piece of resistance anyone has ever put up ever. I am getting flashbacks of Rhys sleeping with Sarah’s mother behind her back from years gone by! Well Jordan, he didn’t end up with either of them and he’s dead now, so…

And so… to Kyle… Last week began with Kyle begging Darren for help in winning Nancy back but with Mandy so worried about Darren’s own mental health, she persuaded him to abandon his friend in order to get well himself. Despite his own misgivings, Darren ignored Kyle’s pleas for help and completely cut him off, something that would later come back to haunt him. When Darren continued to refuse to see a Doctor, Mandy went to the GP on his behalf who suggested she found a friend for him to talk to himself. Overlooking Kyle, who desperately needed Darren, Mandy asked Luke to be there for Darren, which turned out to be a massive mistake. Luke said the absolute worst thing someone could possibly say to someone suffering with depression. He told him he had nothing to be depressed about, compared his situation to his own and literally told him to man up and get on with it. Really helpful, Luke. Really helpful.

Kyle’s death will have a huge effect on Darren…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Kyle was able to get things back on track with Nancy without Darren’s help eventually. It was actually Oscar who resolved things between them via his family tree project. He included Kyle on his family tree, labelling him as the ‘best step-dad ever’. Both Kyle and Nancy were overwhelmed by the inclusion, allowing Nancy to thaw and hear Kyle out as he promised no more drugs, even offering to hand over full control of his finances so he would have no capability to buy any. She agreed to give him another chance but it’s during this scene that I wonder if he decided to end his life, when Nancy wondered aloud if she and the kids would be better off without him.

It’s the ultimate question, isn’t it, for someone who already wonders if their life is worth living? So for the woman he loves to suggest that she may be better off without him, when he is already on the precipice of severe depression and suicide, it feels like it could be the thing to push him over the edge. And it’s so sad because if only Nancy knew and understood what he was going through, we all know that she would have been there for him. All she understood in this moment was that he had let her down and he smoked too much weed. She thought he was a raucous, naughty boy. She had no depth of understanding of everything he was going through and so many of the uncaring things, the criticisms and harsh words she has delivered to him over these weeks are going to come back and haunt her for years to come. And that, amongst many things, is a tragedy.

This Monday (on E4), we saw Kyle arrange one last perfect day for Nancy and the boys, calling in sick to school for them. They had a lovely day at home watching films before he took Nancy out for a romantic dinner at The Hutch, just the two of them. He had also booked a holiday for the family to Disneyland Paris. At dinner, Nancy still couldn’t quite trust that everything will go right for them, although they did have a good time. The script is just brilliant as Nancy told him she needed someone she could rely on and he replied that he knew what was expected of him. Knowing what he was about to do, that line is just heartbreaking; the idea that he truly feels he has no choice.

Kyle arranges one last perfect day for Nancy…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

While Darren tried and failed to contact Kyle, upset about Luke and regretful of rejecting his friend, Kyle and Nancy’s evening was cut short due to the kids. Nancy left Kyle to clear up, both saying I love you before she left. In the most devastating moment of the episode, Darren found Kyle in The Hutch. Hollyoaks were very good about not actually showing anything but it was enough just to hear Darren’s voice, saying his friend’s name in absolute shock and devastation before he ran out of the building and phoned for help, explaining that his friend had killed himself.

The next episode solely covered the aftermath of Kyle’s death, beginning with Darren and the police visiting Nancy and breaking the news. Nancy was understandably in shock. She had no idea of any of Kyle’s mental health problems and was heartbroken, devastated and furious to discover that Darren had known about it, was also suffering from depression, had confided in Mandy and nobody had bothered to tell her anything. Suddenly, Kyle felt like a stranger to her.

Nancy cannot cope…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Jack was equally distraught to learn that his son had been suffering with depression alone for so long and hadn’t told him. Their conversation was so moving. With the phone number of Kyle’s parents in his pocket, he begged Darren to get help. He did not want to be the recipient of the same phone call one night.

Jack supports his son…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

They also had to tell the children what had happened. Ollie was a wonderful support to Brooke and also had kind words for Nancy. And by the end of the episode, all three children – Brooke, Charlie and Oscar were all huddled up in bed together for comfort, with Nancy curled up at the end. But not before Jack had to break the news to Kyle’s parents and Nancy finally listened to Kyle’s heartbreaking voicemail from the week before, breaking down and begging her for help.

The episode was so perfectly paced, not rushed or overdramatic. It followed this cloud of shock and grief as the family began to attempt to deal with this suicide that seemingly came out of nowhere. I wept from beginning to end. I have to heap so much praise on the writers, the whole cast and everyone involved in this. This story took me completely by surprise. When they began it, it seemed to be about Darren and of course, it still is but the introduction of Kyle’s story has been so overwhelming and so moving. It’s been done amazingly well. Yes, it’s potentially triggering, which is why I think it was very important that they pre-warned everyone about what was going to happen. But it has been sensitively handled with so much patience and compassion and for personal reasons, this story has touched me more than any story has in a very long time.

Due to the Coronavirus, Hollyoaks has had to suspend filming

Hollyoaks now airs Mondays & Tuesdays, 6:30pm on Channel 4 (sneak peek on E4, 7pm)

These reviews are based on the E4 episodes

In place of normal episodes, Hollyoaks airs ‘Hollyoaks Favourites’, Wednesdays-Fridays, 7pm on E4

Neighbours: Freedom!

(Tuesday 2^nd – Tuesday 9^th June 2020)

Shane attempted to contact Grant for Mackenzie, only to discover that he has been injured at work and is in a lot of trouble both with his health and financially. He confided in Dipi but kept things secret from Mackenzie and against Dipi’s wishes, sent money to Grant to help him out. In one sweet moment, Dipi had a photo from Mackenzie’s party framed and put in pride of place, confirming her as a member of their family. I adore Mackenzie and I am so happy she is a fully fledged member of the cast with such great relationships with so many characters, including the Rebecchi family, Harlow and Roxy. Now she has turned eighteen, I think we’re about to go on a hugely educational journey as she embarks on having her operation and all the different challenges that will involve. I love Neighbours for doing this story and I love Georgie Stone (who plays her) for prompting them to create this character.

Harlow became despondent after the party, feeling like she and Hendrix are too different in their interests and are therefore doomed. She then decided to rebel and behave badly but Hendrix didn’t like the idea at all, pointing out that he didn’t want to date himself, he wanted to be with her. Could these two get any cuter? However, we’ll soon see if he is up to the task of creating a memorable (in a good way) eighteenth birthday for her like Ritchie did for Mackenzie… No pressure!

Toadie and Dee finally decided it was time to be intimate. After a lot of faffing about, not to mention some tears at the enormity of being together after so many years apart, they finally did it. I mean, I am starting to accept this. Dee is nice and I want Toadie to be happy. He deserves it. But I just… I miss Sonya, okay?

Chloe and Aaron overheard Claudia talking in the hotel lobby with a guy who turned out to be a dodgy policeman (thanks to a call to Mark) about getting rid of evidence, which they immediately concluded must mean that Claudia was behind the fire during Finn’s trial. Now, I’m sorry. I love Neighbours. It is one of my most favourite soaps. But I take so much issue with this. Why on earth would Claudia be chatting away to a dodgy contact in a busy hotel lobby? And more than this, why on earth would she be chatting about the fire now? That whole thing was done and dusted a million moons ago. So many things have happened since then, not least that Finn has regained his memory, gone bonkers and murdered two people and accidentally drowned in a grave intended for Susan. Why be chatting about the fire now? Why would it happen? Apart from a lazy way to move the story on. And an unnecessary way. There were so many ways for the truth to be unearthed.

Anyway, Aaron opted to confront Claudia who rather outlandishly attempted to buy his silence by offering to ‘get’ him and David a baby! Despite their utter shock, they kept Claudia talking while Chloe, Bea and Susan took the opportunity to search her hotel room for any possible evidence that she is rancid with guilt. When she did return, she bumped into the women stepping out of the lift, all of whom were terrible at giving a reason as to why they were there. I mean, you’d come up with a reason ahead of time, just in case, wouldn’t you? She became even more suspicious when she saw a couple of things out of place, phoning Sam in panic as she had just had a phone call from the police – Mark had reported the dodgy cop Chloe and Aaron saw her with earlier.

Meanwhile, Toadie was heartbroken to have to tell Elly that her appeal had failed. However, he refused to let things lie and investigated the judge who sentenced Elly. He has overruled the prosecution recommendations a handful of times and each time, Sam was the lawyer involved. After a bit more digging, he discovered that the judge was indeed being blackmailed due to gambling debts. Sam and Claudia are now under investigation. Hooray!

However, this didn’t immediately help Elly, who was still trapped behind bars with Andrea who was making her life hell. Frightened for her life, Elly hid a weapon under her mattress, which she ended up pulling out when Andrea forced her into a ‘paid’ fight with Patrice.

Susan, Bea and Chloe charged over to the hotel to confront Claudia but she had vanished – with Aster! Immediately contacting the police, Susan and Bea attempted to track down Claudia to her private plane, fearful that she intended to illegally leave the country with the baby, which of course was exactly what she planned. At the airport, Claudia was all set to depart when, in the least shocking plot twist to ever happen in the history of soap, who should turn up but… Shaun! Who would ever have imagined that he wasn’t dead after all? Apart from… everybody. It would have been more of a shock if he had actually turned out to have died. Basically, they ‘killed him off’ so that Elly and Finn could have their ‘Buffy and Angel’ moment in order to turn Finn evil and create this whole story. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the whole Finn plot. I am not complaining. But Shaun being alive was the worst ‘shock’ comeback ever. Also, he is meant to have been to hell and back and yet he was able to get out of the hospital and fly to Australia from Switzerland all within two days? Really?! And he’s not even jet-lagged? And there’s no physical sign of injury? Come off it.

However, it was a very sweet moment when he was able to meet his daughter for the very first time. And he forced his mother to confess all and turn herself into the police. Susan and Bea (not to mention everyone else) got the shock of their lives to see him – unlike the viewers. With Claudia having had no choice but to confess, Sam abandoned her like a rat on a sinking ship. Shaun couldn’t forgive his mother for her actions.

While Toadie succeeded in getting Elly’s sentence reduced back to a suspended sentence, it really was just in time as she was in the middle of having to fight Patrice. Andrea was utterly livid. Before heading home to see her daughter, Elly confronted Claudia but her anger dissolved into unwanted pity. While Claudia continued to accuse Elly of murdering Finn and being an unfit mother to Aster, Elly got the last word – if anyone is unfit, it’s Claudia, look what she turned her son into. That’s what I’ve been saying all along!

As Elly returned home, she was delighted to see Aster and overwhelmed to see Shaun, although things were not as easy between them as we would have hoped. Everyone in the Kennedy house has been through so much and everyone is processing what happened with Finn in different ways. While Shaun offered to leave, Elly asked him to stay. His family put her family through hell but it wasn’t his fault and he deserves to be a father to Aster. Now, with Jodi Anasta about to depart the show, perhaps it would be nice for Elly, Shaun and Aster to have a fresh start together?

A family reunion…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

One thing that isn’t going well right now, is Karl and Susan. Through this whole thing, the gulf between them is getting wider and wider. They worked on the Elly and Claudia situation separately and although Karl tried to communicate with Susan, she did not want to communicate with him. And even at the end, she clearly wanted nothing to do with him. It’s very, very sad. And it’s also very worrying that his first port of call is to call this Olivia woman and talk to her instead. Karl and Susan are the best! I can’t go through them breaking up! I just can’t!

Dee was deeply concerned when Aaron mentioned that Claudia had paid money into Andrea’s account in prison, prompting her to confront her twin. Andrea admitted everything, sending her into an angry rant about how easy Dee’s life has been (so easy, driving off a cliff and being ‘dead’ for however many years) and how hard it was for her to be dragged up by a crazy woman and have to fight for everything she has. Subsequently, she was pulled away by a guard.

Across the Street, Naomi struggled to keep her feelings for Pierce under control almost as much as Pierce struggled to keep his clothes on at inappropriate moments. Eventually, when Naomi made it clear that she didn’t want to work closely with him, ‘oblivious’ Pierce challenged her, wanting to know what he had done wrong, forcing her to confess her true feelings for him. I think this situation is going to go from amusing to murky fairly soon…

Things get intense between Naomi and Pierce…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Speaking of feelings, Kyle finally got his act together and ended things with Jess in order to try and make things work with Roxy. Unfortunately, it’s too little, too late and Roxy had had enough of being heartbroken and gone to stay in Darwin to try and heal her heart. Kyle, you are a bit rubbish sometimes. That girl has done nothing but try to be there for you and you’ve treated her so badly. Let’s just hope she still likes you when she gets home!

Neighbours has returned to filming

Episodes air on Channel 5, Monday – Friday, 1:45pm and 6pm

Home and Away: Doing it For the Kids

(Monday 1^st – Tuesday 9^th June 2020)

Bella meets her horse, Bullet
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Colby and Willow took Bella to an amazing looking equine therapy centre where she was given her own horse to work with (she was very reluctant about this), which she had to care for and learn from, alongside group therapy and counselling and all those kinds of things. Colby was even more on edge than Bella was and took a lot of persuading to actually leave her there. It was a really lovely moment when Bella actually got the hang of communicating with the horse after being really resistant to doing anything with him at all. But it was really sad when she realised it was time to say goodbye to her brother and literally chased the car down the drive as he and Willow drove away. Colby was so devastated that he nearly turned around and went back for her but thankfully, Willow persuaded him that he would not be doing Bella any good. Bella has a lot of problems and Colby is a huge part of that. Sadly, in trying to help her, he has not done her a lot of good and their attachment to each other isn’t just one way. Or very healthy.

Bella chases after Colby…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Back in Summer Bay, Nikau was distraught to discover the truth about why Bella was hospitalised but after a lot of rowing with his family, John was really kind to him and helped him make up with both Ryder and his mother. This is yet another credit when it comes to healing John and Marilyn’s relationship so yay for that! Angry about the discovery that Tane has been involved in Nik’s life recently, Ari aggressively confronted him and warned him away.

Ari warns Tane away…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

That night, Mac stood Ari up in favour of comforting Colby over having to send Bella away. Things abruptly came to an end with Ari soon after that when he realised he had been used. I feel sorry for him. She went to such a lot of effort to win the guy over and then dropped him the second Colby had his little lost puppy look. I’m sure Ari has feelings too! Having forgotten all about Ari, Mac caught Colby attempting to sneak off and visit Bella and persuades him to change his plans. The therapy centre then returned his call and reassured him that Bella is doing well.

Hurt over the situation with her mother, Ziggy moved in with Dean and Colby, prompting a lot of ‘third wheel’ feelings for Colby at a time when he probably really didn’t need it. But Dean has been a star of a boyfriend. I like him. Anyway, the paternity test results arrived and… hooray! Ben is Ziggy’s Dad! Yay! Marco made one last desperate play for Maggie – emphasis on desperate – who made her position very, very clear. Sending Marco packing once and for all, Maggie is now tasked with trying to win her family back. Good luck, Maggie. Good luck.

The results are in…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Douglas faced court and was sentenced to twenty five years, fifteen without parole! Excellent! We get both justice and a future storyline they can pull out in fifteen years’ time! Or sooner somehow if storylines get thin on the ground. Leah was grateful to be able to start moving on and move on, she did. She helped Justin create a beautiful nursery for Grace, complete with photographs of her loved ones on the wall – including Robbo and Mason. She and Justin also took the next step in their relationship for the first time since her ordeal.

Leah and Justin grow closer…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Poor Jasmine was still convinced she was pregnant until today, not helped by everyone being so very excited that Robbo’s memory will live on not just through Grace but now through his and Jasmine’s child. Willow swapped their rooms over so she would have more space and Tori handed over a load of old baby clothes and the cot that Robbo made for Grace. Wendy turned up for the twelve week scan, was very rude to Tori about going back to work so quickly (I’d stand up for her but I am still smarting about Alex’s departure – no, I won’t be over it for a very long time) and then tried to elbow her out of the scan herself.

Thankfully, Jasmine insisted that they all went to the scan as sadly, it was discovered that Jasmine was experiencing a phantom pregnancy. Her brain her persuaded her body that it was pregnant, meaning that she had all the symptoms, even so far as giving her a false positive pregnancy test. Wendy was awful, expressing sheer frustration and even accusing Jasmine of making the whole thing up. Tori was amazing and so kind to Jasmine, calming the situation down and explaining everything. Of course, Jasmine was absolutely devastated, as it confirmed that her last possible connection to Robbo truly was gone. Later, Tori and Willow had to pull her out of the sea, as she had walked in, fully clothed. What a sad, sad storyline. But just as an aside, how cute is baby Grace?

Jasmine falls apart…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Home and Away has now resumed filming

It currently airs on weekdays a week @ 1:15pm & 6pm on Channel 5 with a sneak peek on 5Star, weekdays @ 6:30pm

These reviews are based on the lunch time episodes

Emmerdale: The Brilliant Sam and Lydia

(Monday 8^th June 2020)

Emmerdale began their series of Lockdown episodes this week, starting with a particularly brilliant two-hander, starring James Hooten and Karen Blick as Sam and Lydia Dingle, living in lockdown together as a newly married couple with Lydia’s potential Huntington’s diagnosis hanging over them.

The episode covers twenty five days living alone in the house and all the familiar issues we have all endured, making the characters and the episode so relatable, such as Sam spotting Brenda ‘panic walking’ despite never usually going walking in ‘normal life’, the stress of supermarkets and click and collects (including silly substitutions), fretting about other family members, Sam being furloughed, a long discussion about everything they miss, the Clap For Carers and journaling about the situation.

I think everyone would have expected this to be the ‘happy’ episode, being that Sam and Lydia are one of the most solid couples in soap. However, it was filled with the right amount of tension. I think many homes up and down the country and indeed all over the world have endured a lot of this kind of Covid-19 fuelled anxiety, particularly if one partner is more vulnerable than the other.

Sam was so worried about Lydia going out that he found himself unwittingly trying to control the situation (and Lydia) by trying to do everything for her. He was horrified any time she tried to go for a walk, to which she responded that when she had, she licked everyone she saw! I think a lot of people will be able to relate to the communication between them. Sam isn’t trying to be unkind. He is trying to care for Lydia because he is so scared of her becoming unwell or even dying. And Lydia is frustrated by him trying to stifle her; she wants to cling onto her independence.

Sam is desperate to look after his wife…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

But the love between them is clear. There are some fantastic moments. When Sam mentioned wanting to start his own business, she was so encouraging. Perhaps a little too encouraging for dinner time! Ahem. And the episode has the most stand out moment when Lydia gives a truly fantastic speech about people who are enduring so much worse than they are. And those who are in a much better position, for that matter. It covers so many emotions and thoughts and feelings and genuinely makes you stop and take stock of what is going on. The writer of this episode (and Karen Blick for her delivery) have to be praised for this.

Lydia wants to remain independent…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Then it was at the end of the episode when Lydia found an old version of Samson’s best man speech that both she and Sam were reduced to tears. To know just how much the young man loves both his father and his step-mother was enough to move anyone. Sam begged Lydia to take the test.

Sam and Lydia are moved by Samson’s speech…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Emmerdale has resumed filming and is showing special isolation episodes

It now airs on Mondays & Wednesdays @ 7pm

Emmerdale: Star Crossed Lovers

(Wednesday 3^rd – Friday 5^th June 2020)

Jamie tried desperately to explain himself to Andrea but the tables quickly turned when she accidentally let slip that she knew about the affair before the big showdown in the pub and he worked out that she had orchestrated the whole thing so that he would dump Belle. Oops. She was so close! He rushed out to try and make things right with Belle but alas, lashing out at someone with a history of mental health problems by labelling them ‘crazy’ in public might just have been a step too far. Fingers crossed that Belle has enough self-esteem to sending him packing for good. I genuinely liked Jamie when he first arrived but he has slowly unravelled into someone actually worse than his mother. At least Kim is upfront about being a deceitful bitch. Jamie acts holier than thou and yet he is happy to betray everyone he is supposed to love. The apple clearly does not fall very far!

Jamie is worried about his wife and daughter…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Staying the night with his mother, Jamie was out of his mind with worry and when Tracy confirmed she hadn’t taken any money or her car, he called the police who escalated the matter into a high risk missing persons case. Of course, Andrea was just holed up in a hotel with Millie, eager to make her husband suffer.

Meanwhile, back at the pub, Bob and Wendy talked at completely cross-purposes when she bravely approached him about the letter he mistakenly thought was for Rishi. He very unkindly informed her that she was deluded and was embarrassing herself. He even said he could no longer look at her in the same way. Manpreet stepped in and had a strong word with him when she found Wendy crying in the toilets and together they realised what had happened. Both of them were mortified.

The next day, Bob finally managed to explain everything to Wendy, who was terribly embarrassed but the good news is, that they were honest about their feelings and it looks like they are going to make things work. Hooray!

Nate persuaded Rhona to work with him on the restaurant contract that Kim has given him. I mean, this has mistake written all over it. For starters, Moira is cranky enough with Rhona (and everyone) so when she finds out that Rhona has lied to her, she is going to really angry, especially when she discovers that she has teamed up with Nate of all people. Secondly, this only has one of two outcomes (or a mix of both). One, Nate is helping Kim spy on Moira and Rhona. Two, Emmerdale are setting Nate and Rhona up as the next new couple. They already kissed on The Big Night Out, way back when Nate first turned up in the Village and Rhona was dating Pete and we had ‘no idea’ that Nate was Cain’s son. Things got a little tense at the end of last week when Moira caught Nate at the farm and threw him out, nearly catching the pair out in their lie. When Moira worried that Kim had sent Nate to spy on them, surely this should raise some alarm bells for Rhona re: my initial theory.

Rhona is making a big mistake with Nate…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Kerry challenged Amelia about egging the café. Amelia continued to be angry with Brenda about Dan’s condition but after what happened with Frank, Kerry is much more compassionate over Brenda’s mistake. This woman has become the epitome of zen.

Amelia took her anger out on Brenda…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Emmerdale has resumed filming and is showing special isolation episodes

It now airs on Mondays & Wednesdays @ 7pm

Doctors: The Girl From the Churchill

(Tuesday 2^nd – Monday 6^th June 2020)

With the BAME organ donor campaign being such a success, Ayesha was stunned to get an amazing job offer from an old friend, giving her the chance to work abroad with Malaria patients and to earn a LOT of money. After much debate and a huge argument with Zara after she asked for a financial reason to stay, she decided to quit The Mill, widen her horizons and move onto her new position.

My first thought was that although I was sad to say goodbye to Ayesha, I was so pleased that the girl from ‘the Churchill’ was leaving on such a high. My only disappointment is that towards the end of the week, she seemed to have let the job offer go to her head a bit. She was so rude to Zara about not working her notice, who granted, was rude to her first, that she got herself fired. And then basically told Bear that she wanted him to be her Plan B. Now, we all know that I am not a fan of Bear but it was a bit rude, arrogant and thoughtless.

Bear doesn’t want to be Ayesha’s back up plan…
(photo credit: WhatsOnTV)

So, while Ayesha and Bear called it a day, it was a pretty poor turnout for her leaving party, considering just how dedicated the nurse has been to The Mill for so many years. About four people showed up to say goodbye. Charming! Thankfully, Valerie has enough energy and enthusiasm for about ten staff members. Although, maybe Ruhma would have come if she had bothered to let her know she was going. One person who did make a cameo appearance though, was Zara who made peace with her before she left (and un-fired her). Then with The Mill a nurse down, Zara joined Aunty Em on her radio show and appealed for any qualified nurses to apply. Daniel was not thrilled by her impulsivity.

Goodbye Ayesha!
*(photo credit: WhatsOnTV)*

Ruhma was called for a meeting regarding the complaint that Deborah made about her for her appearance at Tanya’s labour. Tanya burst in to defend her friend, which was amazing but it was clear that the man in charge had already made his mind up. Ruhma made things ever more awkward when she rushed Tanya and the baby to see Zara when the baby was poorly. It is also becoming abundantly clear that Tanya is ready to move on but doesn’t want to let Ruhma down after everything she has done for her.

Al considered leaving Letherbridge (noooo!) in order to move in with Eve and look after her. Eve was having none of it, however and insisted that although one day, it may come to this, now is not that day.

Daniel spent the day looking after poorly Joe and between him and Zara, when she returned home in the evening, the GP became more and more put out by the family’s attachment to ‘Harper’ (Doctors’ version of Alexa).

Emma got to the bottom of a sexual violence case involving a vile driving instructor. Al bonded with a teenage cheerleader trying to work out how she feels about her complex family. It was really a very charming, insightful, well done story. Sid treated a champion in Rock, Paper, Scissor for Carpel Tunnel. No, I didn’t make that up. It’s an actual thing! Look: https://www.wrpsa.com/rock-paper-scissors-world-championship/

Sid’s patient has unusual career plans…
*(photo credit: WhatsOnTV)*

How does this show find such random things?! Their story liners and researchers have the most epic imaginations!

Despite Doctors ceasing filming due to the Coronavirus, the show does appear to still be airing every weekday on BBC1 at 1:45pm

There will be a special isolation episode on 12^th June

Coronation Street: No Motive for Murder

(Wednesday 3^rd – Friday 5^th June 2020

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

Emmerdale: Hypocritical Harriet

(Wednesday 20^th May – Monday 1^st June 2020)

Will and Harriet’s relationship was in a lot of trouble in the wake of all his lies and getting involved in Malone’s drug plots and general criminality. But for some reason, her anger over this has driven Hypocritical Harriet into the arms of Malone himself and, not content with hooking up at the church, after trampling all over Will’s attempt to make things right, she ended up in a hotel room with him. I mean, it’s like Moira and Nate in that mucky caravan all over again. I’m sure this plot makes sense to someone somewhere but not to me. If Harriet is so furious with Will for telling lies, committing crimes and generally being shady, why on earth is she hooking up with Malone, who is a million times worse? Will has got involved in all this because he is a muppet. Malone is just a bad person. What’s wrong with the woman? Maybe it’s the muppet thing…

Anyway, Will panicked after Harriet stayed out all night (with Malone) and even Dawn pleaded her Dad’s case. But while Malone was sure that he and Harriet could make a go of things, Harriet told him their fling was a mistake and she ended up accepting Will’s marriage proposal. Is she having some kind of breakdown or something?

Tensions flared between Liam and Leanna when he burst in on Jacob comforting her over her relationship with her Dad. You can kind of understand it, given their history but they genuinely weren’t doing anything this time. For a flash of a second, I felt a bit sorry for Leanna. Only for a flash though. Blink and you’d miss it.

Liam sides with his daughter…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

When Leyla’s office got trashed ahead of a big meeting with a future client, she automatically accused Leanna of being the culprit, leading a HUGE row, some very cruel words on Leanna’s part and Leyla slapping Leanna. Of course, this gave Leanna all the ammunition she needed to end Liam and Leyla’s relationship for good (too many L names, I think), telling her Dad exactly how she felt, that he never chooses her as his number one – there is always a Maya or a Bernice or a Leyla to get in the way. With sadness, he ended his relationship with Leyla in order to commit to his daughter. Great! Can we move onto some more interesting stories now such as Arthur and Laurel and Charity and Vanessa? Liam, Leyla and Leanna just aren’t doing it for me. Nor are Priya and Al. Or Harriet and Malone/Will. Are they doing it for anyone else?

Andrea sets up her revenge…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

When Andrea got wind of Jamie deciding once and for all that he was going to leave her for Belle, she proved just how manipulative she could be by, during the pub quiz, slipping a whole file of Jamie and Belle’s texts to each other up on screen. The texts were from Belle’s phone so it looked like Belle, frustrated by Jamie’s dithering, was responsible, pushing Jamie away from her for good. Now he will have no choice but to try and make things work with Andrea and she will have everything she wanted. I mean, I’m not sympathetic to any of them, personally. Also, just as an aside, every time I write about Jamie and Belle, I just end up with Billy Elliot in my head…

Everyone is stunned by the latest revelations…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Moving on… Vinny discovered the truth about Paul being his Dad and after a bit of upset, forgave him and Mandy for all their lies. All was not going smoothly up at the farm between Moira and Rhona, largely due to Moira being unreasonable. I think it was more about Cain than Rhona, to be honest. And Manpreet persuaded Wendy to write Bob a letter telling him how she felt about him, only for it to go astray, terrifying Rishi into thinking she like him instead. Cue the hilarity.

Rhona and Moira are not getting along…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Emmerdale has resumed filming

It continues to air on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on ITV1 at 7pm

They are filming a series of special isolation episodes

Coronation Street: Hiding the Evidence

(Wednesday 27^th May – Monday 1^st June 2020)

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

Doctors: Harping On

(Tuesday 26^th May – Monday 1^st June 2020)

Temporary midwife, Deborah started working at The Mill (and the hospital) and I’ll say it now. I don’t like her. I wasn’t sure to start with but by yesterday, I concluded that I don’t like her. You are no Ruhma, Deborah. You are no Ruhma. Not that Ruhma has been doing herself any favours at the minute, to be fair.

For starters, Deborah blurted out to the rest of the staff exactly what she had heard had caused Ruhma’s suspension. I mean, has she never heard of confidentiality? Isn’t she supposed to be a nurse? Bear was understandably furious and when Ruhma realised what has happened, she was absolutely mortified.

She was then Tanya’s midwife at St Phil’s when she went into labour. Ruhma persuaded her to let her be her birthing partner, being how frightened Tanya was after everything she had been through. None of the rest of the staff were bothered. Why would they be? Everyone loves Ruhma. But of course, on Monday, Deborah told tales to Zara and Daniel about what happened. Zara had to awkwardly confess to her partner that she knew all along that Tanya has been staying with Ruhma, expressing frustration at her indiscretion.

Ruhma is devoted to Tanya, no matter to cost…
(photo credit: WhatsOnTV)

A home, Tanya was ready to move to her Mum’s house with the baby, worried about getting Ruhma into trouble but Ruhma didn’t want her to go. I wonder if she is going to start overstepping like she did with the couple she gave that money to…

Meanwhile, Ayesha and Bear kicked off a fantastic BAME organ donor campaign (once Zara finally gave it the green light), with the help of Sid, Shak and Jimmi with the tag line #DontOptOut. Yet another worthwhile campaign. I love Doctors for using its platform to highlight important things like these.

Ayesha and Bear present their campaign idea to Zara…
*(photo credit: WhatsOnTV)*

Zara went to buy a new phone and ended up being seduced by the Doctors version of Alexa. His name is Harper and he’s very posh and chatty! It’s all quite amusing. By the end of the week, she had ended up in quite a pickle when a patient gave her a gift – a stuffed owl. Rather horrified, she found out (via Harper) that she could sell it for a few hundred quid (and then buy some shoes!) Of course, after she’d posted it to the dealer, the patient came rushing back with her actual gift (which, frustratingly, we never found out what it was), explaining that he had mixed up the boxes! Oops. There was one moment during this episode where Emma scared Zara with the bird that was so funny, I actually had to rewind it to watch it again! I love these two; I would watch an entire episode just of them! Consider it a suggestion!

Another good friendship on the show is Jimmi and Al but they came under strain this week when Al, deeply concerned about his mother, criticised Jimmi’s new ‘minimalist’ house. Jimmi was offended and support was withdrawn. They sniped at each other for a few days before Al eventually apologised, they made friends and all was well in the world again.

Despite Doctors ceasing filming due to the Coronavirus, the show does appear to still be airing every weekday on BBC1 at 1:45pm

There will be a special isolation episode on 12^th June