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

Neighbours: Sheila VS Susan

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

The Kennedys found Sheila in their back garden, grieving for Gary the Pigeon but once they got hold of Kyle (and she accused them of killing Gary all over again, they realised that he wasn’t dead, just drunk on fermented berries and he was soon restored back to life. But sadly, things between Sheila and Susan were not restored.

When Claudia brought Aster to see Elly, she let slip her long terms plans for custody, prompting Elly to suggest to Chloe that she did indeed sell her The Island and agree to work with her in order to find out what she was really up to. Just as an aside, Elly seems to be living it up in jail! In one day, she saw Claudia and Aster, then Chloe and then Susan. I mean, that’s more people than most of us have seen in months recently! Aaron immediately caught Chloe snooping on Claudia but ever the innocent, approached the monster directly about what his sister had found, meaning she was able to easily explain it away rather than allowing Chloe it gather it as evidence!

With The Island plan going ahead, Aaron set up a focus group of Harlow, Hendrix and Mackenzie to help them with ideas going forward. While the kids were happy to help out, especially for some cash ahead of Mackenzie’s 18^th birthday, Susan was not happy to see them spending time with new nemesis, Claudia. Meanwhile, things at home between Karl and Susan were not improving. In fact, they seem to be getting worse! After a row, Karl stormed out, resulting in him staying out all night and chatting to former fling, Olivia Bell from days gone by (and exchanging numbers), although not before asking Dee to go and support Susan at home. He then suggested that Dee move in with them, which Susan readily agreed to. Just as an aside, if Karl cheats on Susan again, I will not be in a forgiving mood!

Dipi was just as unhappy as I was about Dee wading in on Sonya’s turf with Toadie and the kids, as if Sonya never existed. She was also worried about being pushed out herself, when she has been so involved in the kids’ lives for so long. But there’s a really sweet moment with Nell, which makes her thaw, alongside Dee assuring her that she isn’t trying to take Sonya’s place. When Toadie and Dee visited Elly and were informed of Andrea’s plans to get custody of Hugo, Dipi was actually the first person to comfort Dee who felt guilty about letting Andrea back into their orbits. I’m still not sold on Dee myself but it was sweet moment of friendship.

Elly’s life behind bars got somewhat more intense when she realised that her warning for Toadie and Dee had put her firmly on the wrong side of Andrea and that is not where she wants to be! Andrea began consistently bullying Elly, including having her beaten up, although she knew better than to tell anyone the truth about her injuries. Not that the Kennedys believed her lies anyway.

Andrea is gunning for Elly…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

With Sheila’s obsession with Gary the Pigeon spiralling out of control, Kyle made an urgent call for help and within moments, who should waltz through the door but Naomi?! I am so excited! I adore Naomi! I was so sad when she left and I hope she is back for a good long while. She is like a breath of fresh air to the show from the moment she appears.

Naomi Canning returns…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Thankfully, Naomi does not hold Susan responsible for Gary’s death, which is a good place to start in healing her mother’s pain. Kyle hasn’t been able to make any progress really because a) he is in too much pain himself and b) he blames Susan at least in part for what has happened. Naomi’s argument is that it wasn’t just Susan who was responsible for ‘rehabilitating’ Finn and Toadie agrees – if Susan is to blame then everyone is. She talked to Susan directly and was concerned that she blamed herself as much as Sheila blamed her. Then she did some most excellent plotting with Paul and Terese, locking Sheila and Susan up in the Willis house together and forcing them to talk. When Karl got wind of it, he immediately objected but by the time he arrived, the two women were genuinely connecting. They finally achieve peace!

With that resolved, Naomi was immediately distracted by Party Boy Pierce. She rushed home to tell Kyle that she thought she had met the one, a guy she clearly has a complex history with. While swooning over and old picture of ‘Party Boy Pierce’, Naomi then had a meeting with Chloe, with whom she has just scored a job, taking over her duties temporary at Lassiters while she works on The Island project with Claudia. I mean, that’s not going to be awkward at all… Thankfully, at least Naomi didn’t reveal all her cards before Pierce turned up to the meeting. Kyle begged Naomi not to be responsible for Chloe getting her heart broken.

Chloe and Naomi bond…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Meanwhile, Mackenzie was freaking out about her birthday party, which Kyle and Roxy had been thrown together to organise. However, all went well, including a big romantic gesture from boyfriend, Ritchie. It even survived Kyle ditching to go and get the cake but thinking he was going to see Jess, Roxy ditched the party as well. Aware that Mackenzie was upset over her Dad’s neglect of her birthday, Shane called him on her behalf.

Neighbours has returns to filming, while observing social distancing

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

Home and Away: Destruction of the Self

(Monday 25^th – Friday 29^th May 2020)

Willow and Dean returned early from their trip away after Willow’s stand in got her shifts mixed up, leaving the gym shut for a morning. Although Jasmine wasn’t bothered in the slightest, Willow was furious and ended up firing Stella for her mistake. Ouch! She then threw the little Manager sign that Alex had made for her, away. Sad times.

The truth about Maggie and Marco came tumbling out, as Maggie confessed in order to end Marco’s bid to blackmail her. Ben was understandably devastated. She has been lying to him for over twenty years and for their entire marriage. While Marco played the victim, insisting that Maggie was the one to blame, sleeping with him when she knew he had feelings for her, personally, I’d call into question the ethics of sleeping with a girl who was drunk and utterly heartbroken.

Of course, there were more revelations to come after a deliberate ‘off-hand’ remark to Ziggy about the timing of her birth, prompting the question over whether Ben is really her father. Already distraught over her mother’s lies to her father, Ziggy was distraught over the idea that Ben might not really be her Dad. Dean was a tower of strength to his girlfriend and certain that Ben would always be her Dad, no matter what, pointing out that blood wasn’t essential to family. Together, Ziggy and Ben decided that a paternity test would settle things once and for all so next week, we should have the results. I so want Ben to be her father! I would be so sad if they destroyed that bond. I love Ben and Ziggy as a father/daughter duo and I am so annoyed by this whole storyline. Can no couple be left untouched by the Summer Bay curse?

Ben and Ziggy support each other…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

With Douglas pleading guilty, Leah was asked to make a victim impact statement for sentencing, which at first, she refused to do, not wanting to relive it all or face him in court. But when, on her first day back at the Diner, she freaked out over a customer complaining about an order and calling her ‘sweetheart’, she decided she needed to make the statement in order to get closure and attempt to put Douglas behind her for good. With Justin by her side, Leah made her statement and was heartbreakingly honest about the impact the experience with Douglas has had on her life, including that she can’t even have her boyfriend touch her anymore and she doesn’t know if that will ever change.

Leah makes her victim impact statement
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Colby was upset to discover that Mac has moved on with Ari and took his grief out on Dean, feeling that he told him to move on for Mac’s sake, not his. Dean has quite a profound argument – he ended up in jail because of Colby whereas he came out of jail the person he is now because of Ari.

Colby is heartbroken to discover that Mac has moved on with Ari…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Nikau and Bella had a rather amusing first date, fleecing a couple of cocky lads at a game of pool! These two do genuinely seem to make a lovely couple so what happens next is very sad. And it’s done pretty well. I was genuinely emotional. I have made no secret that I’m not a huge Bella fan but she broke my heart during Friday’s episode, as did Nik.

Having got closer to Nik recently, Bella asked Willow for sex advice. Concerned, Willow decided to be honest, telling her that she would know when the time was right and not to rush into anything. She pointed out that to sleep with someone, you have to completely trust them. What she didn’t realise was that she was giving such immediate advice and that that very afternoon, Bella decided to get all dressed up and invite Nik round for some alone time.

It’s worth noting that Nik was extremely hesitant and he asked her multiple times if she was sure. He was so worried about doing the wrong thing, aware of what she had been through with Tommy. But she insisted that it was what she wanted. Unfortunately, when they got into bedroom, Bella panicked and threw him out. The bewildered lad panicked, more for Bella than himself and ran off to find Ryder to get Bella some support. When Ryder found Bella locked in her room, he found Colby and Willow who eventually burst in and found that she had self-harmed, cutting up her arm.

Nik ran scared to his mother…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

While Ryder automatically blamed Nik, Bella was quick to exonerate him. Terrified, Nik heartbreakingly begged his Mum to help him run away. Gemma was brilliant though, pointing out that if he liked Bella enough to sleep with her then he liked her enough to visit her at the hospital. She took him to see Bella where the poor lad was so frightened that Colby would blame him. Thankfully, he didn’t, although he didn’t think it was appropriate for Bella to have visitors, having just been told by Tori that with it having been her second incident of self-harm, she would advise admission to a mental health facility. Australian health care must have a lot more funding than here in the UK!

That aside, this was a really significant episode and the pain and the anguish surrounding a really difficult subject was covered really well. Everyone involved goes through all different emotions, from Bella, to Colby, to Willow, to Nikau, to Ryder and the episode dealt with them all. It’s not an easy subject. I do hope though that it’s not a case of patching Bella up and she’s fine. Self-harm is so much more complex than that and I hope Home and Away are ready to represent that now that this is the storyline they have started.

Meanwhile… John and Marilyn began to get things back on track again, both apologising to each other and Marilyn beginning to explain how she felt about everything she went through during the siege. It looks like early days but it’s definitely a start. Hooray! Jasmine was extremely peppy, overwhelmed with joy at her pregnancy as she settled back into work at the hospital. She plans to call the baby Ryan if it’s a boy. Aww. Sadly, I don’t think this is going to go as well as she thinks…

Home and Away has returned to filming & airs five days a week, Channel 5, 1:15pm & 6pm

There is a sneak peek episode on 5Star at 6:30pm on the same days

These reviews are based on the Channel 5 episodes

(Mondays 25th & Tuesday 26th May 2020)

Sharon returned from Australia, seemingly ready to take her life back. She reunited with Phil and confirmed with Linda that it was alright for her and Phil to buy the pub. She also firmly sent pathetic Ian into the ‘friend zone’ by informing him that she loved him like a brother. I have no sympathy after what he has done. How he can lie about his role in Denny’s death after the loss of Lucy, I have no idea.

Speaking of Denny… he provided Sharon with her Damascus moment from beyond the grave when she discovered a gift he had bought for the baby, prompting her to realise that she did want to keep him after all. The only problem is that it’s unlikely that Phil will want him and she wants to be with Phil. Also, Ian has paid Karen off to move away and she’s just about to get packing. Well, let’s hope that Sharon gets moving on getting her baby back! Mostly because I want Karen to stay.

Sharon finds a gift for Kayden from Denny…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

As for the rest of the Taylor Family, Keegan ended up in yet more trouble when he declined to sell drugs from his van and Tiffany mouthed off to the guy who asked. Subsequently, the guy returned with his gang and held Keegan back while they absolutely trashed the van, destroying his business (which has no insurance) and stole Shaki’s trainers, which of course were extremely sentimental. Keegan blamed Tiffany for everything, further jeopardising their marriage. Perhaps Keegan should pop over to Casualty where Shaki is now an ED nurse. He’ll probably have a spare pair of trainers he can keep…!

Things continued to fall apart, concerning Jean, as she lived alone in the house, believing that Daniel had returned for her. Kush did what he could but the mental health team, who Ash had advised him to call for help, refused to do anything unless she was a danger to herself or others. Brilliant. So very helpful. But sadly, the result of no funding and a lack of resources.

Jean became more and more desperate to bring Stacey home, eventually getting dressed up and throwing herself at Phil, thinking that sleeping with him might persuade him to let her daughter return. Confused and awkward, Phil phoned Shirley to take her friend home. Shirley demanded that Kush contact Stacey but the moron assured Stacey that Jean was fine when he spoke to her. Why?! He is not coping. He needs help from someone who can handle Jean when she is in crisis. Kat is ‘away’ and he can’t even get through the front door!

Jean’s misguided attempt at bringing Stacey home…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Max was not impressed when Ruby hired Martin to work security at the club. Ian was also not impressed, as it meant he quit he job on the stall. Max stopped Dotty and Vinny selling drugs at the club. Phil and Ben continued to waffle on about this ‘job’ their going to do and Ben continued to treat Callum like crap. So, all in all, a very cheerful visit to Walford this week!

Ben begs to join Phil in raising cash to buy The Vic
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Eastenders will resume filming in June after shutting down for the Coronavirus Lockdown

It currently airs on only on Mondays (8pm) and Tuesdays (7:30pm) on BBC1

Hollyoaks: Crash and Burn

(Monday 25^th & Tuesday 26^th May 2020)

It’s been a really powerful couple of episodes from Hollyoaks this week, tackling mental health and addiction in a very serious way through Kyle, who has massively evolved as a character, both through the writing and through Adam Rickett’s portrayal. He began as such a cheeky, naughty guy, always there with a quip or two. He misbehaved and really held as much water as a colander before but Hollyoaks clearly knew what they had with the actor and the character and have developed him into someone so gripping to watch. His battle with depression, his dependency on weed, his desperation to be loved by Nancy and devastation at rejection is breaking my heart.

Nancy can be quite a harsh character at times but ultimately, she is a very kind character too and retrospectively, I think she’ll be shattered to look back and think of the way she has cut him down and spoken to him over these past weeks, knowing how far it has pushed him and added to his dark thoughts. At a time when she would have wanted to love and support him, she has only pushed him away, deeper into his sadness and sorrow.

Kyle makes some bad choices…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

This all came to a head this week when Nancy completely dismissed the idea of him looking after Oscar but after Charlie rather astutely picked up on how he was feeling (and was feeling rather grateful that he didn’t dob him in over the drugs), Darren intervened. Unfortunately, the writing was already on the wall. Kyle had already arranged to buy from Jordan and he couldn’t resist the temptation to smoke before he got into the van – with Oscar. He then ended up in an accident, with none other than Jordan himself.

Kyle crashes into Jordan’s car…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Of course, Nancy was absolutely furious with Kyle, which of course is understandable, as he had put her son in danger. However, she was compassionate enough to take the blame for the accident (despite not even being there at the time) so that he wouldn’t get into trouble with the police for driving under the influence. She took a very hard line with him – weed or her and tragically, he didn’t choose her. Later, in a truly heartbreaking moment, he left her a voicemail attempting to explain himself and begging for help. Now, I just hope that next week, Nancy will step up and support him and help him find a way through this darkness. There are some things that Hollyoaks do really well and this is the kind of story that really hits the mark. Well done to all involved.

Things come to a head between Nancy and Kyle…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Leela was on duty at the time of the crash and helped to free Jordan from the car. At the crash site, she discovered that the usually cocky lad has been sleeping in his car, forming a bond with him and inviting him to move into the house. How many bedrooms do they have exactly or will he just be flitting between her room and Peri’s?! I think they’ve got eight people living in that house now (Leela, Peri, Daniel, Leah, Lucas, Sid, Juliet and now Jordan)!

Speaking of Peri, she too was in the car but Jordan sent her away from the scene as they weren’t meant to be together at the time. She arrived back home, pretending she didn’t know anything that had happened. The irony was that she truly was oblivious to the fact that she had just interrupted a near-kiss between her boyfriend and her mother. Oh well, she’ll be snogging Juliet by the end of the year!

Tom proved himself to Misbah and she agreed to go away on her trip, leaving the kids unattended at home. Mercedes was suspicious of Sylver’s odd behaviour, prompting him to admit that he had arranged a surprised wedding vow renewal. Little does he know, his long lost daughter is lurking round the corner!

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

Coronation Street: Jokes Are Supposed to be Funny

(Wednesday 20^th – Monday 25^th May 2020)

The focus shifted to the Bailey Family this week and they really proved their worth as relatively new additions to the Street. Now, we already know that Lorna Laidlaw is incredible, having previously played St Mrs Tembe in Doctors but the rest of the actors in the family have also proved to be pretty awe inspiring, particularly in Friday’s episode, as Ed finally stood up for himself and his loved ones against vile Ron. I mean, where the hell did this guy even come from anyway?

Ed had been putting up with remarks for days while working for him and Ray. Eldest boy, Michael, just couldn’t understand why he was just taking the things he was saying. When the Street turned out for the Bistro launch, Ed finally had enough, overhearing Ron making a vile racist joke. All I can do here is applaud the writing of what is an amazing speech, as well as Trevor Michael Georges for his perfect delivery. I would recommend that everyone watches this episode and particularly this moment. It’s as emotional as it is challenging.

Ed had some powerful words to share…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

When the horrified partygoers filed into the Rovers, it led to some really interesting ‘woke’ discussions on racism, particularly between Dev and Kev(in). It also forced Ed to confront his own homophobia and he finally, properly supported his son in time to not give up football.

In the locker room the next day, when James received some hassle from one of his teammates about his sexuality, not only did others stand up for him but, inspired by his Dad, he was able to stand up for himself. It’s a proud moment.

While Leanne and Steve kept a vigil by Oliver’s bed, the rest of the family were dutifully worried. Tensions flared between Leanne and Nick when he lost his temper over her and Steve’s determination to be positive about the situation, despite the likelihood that their son has a very serious, possibly life limiting condition.

The pressure is on when it comes to Oliver…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Thankfully, they did sort things out because really, who needs to be fighting with their partner at such a crucial time? Steve, Leanne and Nick were by little Oliver’s side when he finally woke up but unfortunately, he was largely unresponsive, sending Nick rushing out to track down a Doctor for help.

And Julia Goulding has returned from her maternity leave! We saw Shona at a progress appointment at the hospital, not seeming herself at all, what with her memory loss and all that, demanding to go home to Clayton. Seeming not for the first time, she has to be told that Clayton is in prison, to which she demanded to see him there. But of course, when she met her son, she freaked out, not recognising the man he has become. Well, it’s probably not the first time she’s felt like that.

Shona doesn’t recognise her son…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Meanwhile, news of Shona’s latest ‘progress’ hit David had and off he went to the park to start another fight with some kids. Very mature,

Sean suggested that Gemma created a vlog about her post-natal depression and he and Cathy helped her create her first post but she was very hesitant to post it. Although, it looked to me like she had actually posted it. I’m not sure… I’ll keep you, um… posted.

Coronation Street intends to resume filming in June

For now, it airs on ITV on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30pm