Previously on Home and Away…

(Monday 15^th June – Wednesday 16^th September 2020)

Well, a LOT has been happening in Summer Bay these past few months! I hardly even know where to start!

Ben and Maggie bid farewell to Summer Bay…
(photo credit: WhatsOnTV)

Firstly, Ben and Maggie had split up when Ben found out that twenty odd years ago, when they were on a break (hello, Ross and Rachel), she slept with his brother, Marco. Bad form. But the good news is, that they eventually found their way back to each other. The bad news is that they decided to start afresh in Italy. Great for the characters, sad for the show as the Astonis’ were a great asset, as were the actors. Ben gifted his Board Shop to Dean and they offered him and Ziggy the house for cheap rent, although they stupidly decided they would prefer their cramped house share with Colby and Bella. I mean… why? And who will move into the house…? I have one idea but we’ll see how that pans out.

The Parata Family have been at the centre of a lot of storylines recently. They’re kind of like a palatable version of the Braxtons’ from ten years ago. Speaking of, I hear they’re bringing Heath Braxton back next year. I really hope they’re not just pulling Home and Away back into that hideous period of criminal gangs. It was awful back then. I had to stop watching. It’s much more interesting watching families and friendships. If I wanted to watch The Sopranos, I would.

Anyway, Tane Parata arrived in the Bay, wanting to look after nephew, Nikau and suddenly produced a house without any legal income for them, Ari and Gemma to move into. He immediately struck up a flirtation with Mac, who was already seeing Ari and while nothing has happened between them, Mac has struggled to control her attraction to her boyfriend’s brother. More recently, he has started sleeping with new girl, Amber so Mac, who has given Tane a job at Salt, hasn’t been able to control her jealousy. She admitted her feelings to Ari but they decided to make things work and Mac has since put every effort into her relationship.

Mac throws herself into her relationship with Ari
(photo credit: Metro)

There was a break in at the Diner, setting Colby on the case of the Parata Family. He was utterly convinced that Ari was responsible because the intruder, who terrified poor Leah was wearing a generic black hoodie and hey presto, Ari along with almost everyone on the planet, also owned a generic black hoodie. Mac tried and failed to provide him with an alibi. Borne out of jealousy, Colby seriously targeted Ari but was unable to prove he was responsible. When the anniversary of her husband’s death came around, Gemma and her family were required to return to New Zealand to scatter his ashes in their family’s tradition. However, Colby put a stop on all the boys’ passports so on Gemma managed to get through security, trapping the boys in Australia. I believe the actress who plays Gemma has now left the series completely (which doesn’t really make sense for the character) and the rest of the characters are staying put.

Meanwhile, Bella returned from therapy a changed person. She is actually likeable! She is mature, calm and thoughtful and currently makes Colby look like a complete and utter mess. She immediately set boundaries between her and her brother. Well, someone had to! And she was able to reconcile with Nikau and so far, they have developed a lovely, caring relationship, which both of them are happy to take slowly. Aww.

Poor John collapsed with a stroke, leading Marilyn to end up as his carer. For a moment, it looked like they might get back together but it soon became clear that she still wasn’t in love with him. They just couldn’t get along as she struggled to look after him and he struggled to cope with his condition. So now, Marilyn has moved in with Alf, Martha, Roo and Ryder and John has remained at home, which has all the adaptations they made for Jett with Amber as his carer. She seriously pushes him hard to improve his health. It’s sad. I really wanted John and Marilyn to work out. But the siege really destroyed their relationship.

John and Marilyn face reality…
(photo credit: Metro)

Ryder got a real shock when his Dad, Evan showed up wanting to develop a relationship with him. More shocks were in store when he found out that Evan was dying. The pair were able to make some lasting memories before Evan left town, not wanting Ryder to see him die. Roo left with Evan, not wanting him to die alone and clearly having developed feelings for him, even if that was unsaid. Ryder was devastated when Roo returned alone and broke the news to him. She brought Evan’s guitar with her, with a plaque on it: For My Son. Poor Ryder. What a sad story.

Ryder spends all the time with his Dad that he can…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Jasmine has become seriously unwell over the past few months. She became obsessed with Grace, posing as her mother online at times and implying that Tori is a bad mother at other times. She drunkenly kissed Colby as well as attacked him, was aggressive towards Tori and awful to Willow who remained her faithful friend. When Tori was car jacked with Grace in the car, Jasmine went as far as reporting her to the police and contacting a lawyer, blaming innocent Tori for the whole thing. What had happened was that she had jumped out of the car to help John who had fallen out of his wheelchair. Nikau, scared of being fitted up for the break in at the Diner, as Colby was gunning for him and his family, stole the car in a bid to run away, not realising the baby was in the car. As soon as he realised, he called Tane for help. Tane returned Grace anonymously and so far, nobody knows who robbed the Diner and nobody has discovered who stole the car.

Jasmine became quite the keyboard warrior…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

After the truth came out about Jasmine’s online life, stealing items belonging the Grace and generally weird, obsessive behaviour, Tori was left with no choice but to take out an AVO against her as well as to try and get her some mental health support. Jasmine ran off to stay with Robbo’s parents but as soon as they discovered the truth, they sent her back to Summer Bay to try and get the help she needed. Tori and Jasmine finally made a breakthrough and hopefully, she is now starting to get back on track.

Dean got a shock when an ex-fling, Amber showed up (John’s carer) and immediately hit on him. He didn’t get time to warn Colby, who didn’t quite the same reception. She punched him in the face! So, the story goes that Colby, Dean and Amber’s brother, Jai were all attempting to rescue Bella from Ross when there was a car accident. Colby left Dean and Jai for dead on the side of the road without even checking if they were okay. Dean survived by Jai died. Amber has hated him ever since and it took a long time for Dean to forgive him.

Amber is not happy to see Colby…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Willow was thrilled to see Amber, who was a little unsure as she was worried about having slept with Dean after they split up. Willow didn’t care. A lot has changed since they last saw each other! The pair have since been going on a lot of wild nights out, with Amber pulling Tane and trying to get Willow to hook up with someone/anyone too, although Willow isn’t interested. All the Willex fans, including myself are still hoping that she is still too hung up on Alex to think about dating anyone new! Oh, and Ziggy’s divorce came through. Hooray!

Willow enjoys having Amber back in her life…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

But just as things began to look up, disaster struck – Ross Nixon’s body was discovered. And who best to investigate his murder but Angelo Rosetta, the police officer who was sacked from the force twice, once when he was jailed for murder and once because he deliberately let a human trafficker escape. I mean, why wouldn’t he allowed onto the police force a third time and be made Detective? That’s completely realistic! Honestly, I don’t think there has ever been a character I have disliked more than him so please excuse my tone in all future blogs. I won’t be able to help myself. Ugh! Vile!

Angelo returns and is somehow a Detective…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Anyway, Angelo arrived in the Bay and like me, Alf could hardly believe he had been let back onto the police force. He interviewed Colby and Dean about Ross, trying to ascertain what happened the last time they saw him. The boys held it together and stuck to the stories they gave at the time, although Dean was clearly rattled. At the time, he returned to the scene of the crime repeatedly, strung out on sleeping pills. Colby pretended he was holding things together but really he was haunted by memories of shooting Bella’s Dad on that awful night he found and rescued her. I didn’t watch the show then but I gather that Ross abused Colby and he suffered a great deal. It was in a moment of great distress that trauma that he chose to kill him.

When Angelo wanted to interview Bella and Willow, everyone panicked, Colby drilling the story into Bella, determined that she get it right. When Bella overheard Colby and Dean discussing a backup plan, which was basically Colby rightfully taking the blame (he committed the crime) and Dean, Ziggy (who is oblivious to the actual truth) and Willow taking care of Bella, she panicked and decided to run away. Shocked by the truth of what really happened and desperately in love with Bella, Nik stole Tane’s stash of cash and ran away with her.

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

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

These reviews are based on the lunch time episodes

Coronation Street: The Monster

(Friday 28^th August – Monday 14^th September 2020)

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

Eastenders Returns!

(Monday 7^th – Monday 14^th September 2020)

The Walford gang have been living in lockdown like the rest of us these past few months and we have a hell of a lot to catch up on! And one of the best things to report is that Kat is back! Hooray!

When we last saw everyone, Ian and Sharon had just bought the Queen Vic together, with Ian having pinched Max’s money from the restaurant on the pretence of looking after it for him while he divorced Rainie (Ian is just getting darker and darker, isn’t it?!) Well, it turns out that during lockdown, they have been cosily living together at the pub, with Ian having apparently forgotten all about his Mum and Bobby back at home. It’s all about Sharon and Albie (the baby, who used to be called Kayden). I’m not sure which name is worse.

Sharon has a lot to deal with…
(photo credit: Metro)

Having got off her drugs charges but with Ian still lording everything over her, Dotty finally lost her temper and revealed everything about Denny’s death to Sharon. But with no proof, Sharon couldn’t believe that her dearest friend would ever do such a thing and threw Dotty out of the pub. Undeterred, Dotty decided that the pair deserved each other and wound Ian up by convincing him that Sharon had feelings for him. Having harboured feelings for Sharon for months (probably years, to be honest), the moron finally made his move, only to be turned down. Awkward. Very awkward. Oh and now Max’s divorced is through and he wants his money back…

Ruby is has had her credit card stolen and is being rinsed. I can’t remember if we know who by… But she and Vinny planned an insurance job that went wrong. Before Ruby could call it off, Vinny was chased down by Martin who ended up getting smacked in the head with a fire extinguisher, which was a bit extreme! Suki covered it all up and got him sent off to hospital. I was quite impressed by how well it was all filmed, actually. I’ve been impressed by how almost everything has been filmed – in all the soaps. They’re doing amazingly well in the circumstances.

Vinny knocks Martin out…
(photo credit: Metro)

One thing that did let Eastenders down though was one scene in the Chantelle and Gray storyline and it’s such a shame as this story has been utterly flawless since the beginning and of course, the news has been released that this week, Chantelle will be murdered by Gray. I am absolutely heartbroken that this is the way the story will end, not to mention shocked. But I have to applaud the show for being honest about how these situations do pan out sometimes. Not everyone gets a happy ending and it’s important reflect that. In a horrific and heartbreaking way, this plot may save lives.

However, while every step of this abuse plot has been chilling and uncomfortable and genuinely upsetting, last week’s bath scene was just weird. I’m sorry. I know it must have been really difficult to film but it was just so weird. It made no sense at all. For starters, if, over lockdown, Gray had started this kind of breath play abuse, why, when she knew he was furious with her and wanted a divorce and her out of the house, would Chantelle have ever thought, hey, I’ll go and have a lovely bath? Absolutely ridiculous.

I just hope the next few episodes live up to the truthful, clever storytelling we have witnessed since it began. And it truly has been clever. If we think back, we knew there was something up with Gray long before they ever showed anything. We never saw inside their home for weeks and weeks. The only version of themselves we ever saw was what they presented to the outside world so we knew there was something not right before it was ever explicitly shown to us. As horrific as the next few episodes may be, I hope they do the story justice.

At the point we have left them, Chantelle so nearly made her escape, turning Kheerat, who had fallen in love with her, down and planning a holiday with her parents and siblings, from which she didn’t plan to return. Of course, Gray got wind of it and banned the children from going. Chantelle was left with a dilemma – abandon her children and escape her husband or stay behind? Well, it’s obvious what she will do and what the consequences will be…

Gray thwarts Chantelle’s plan of escape with her kids…
(photo credit: Metro)

In other news, Ben’s operation finally went ahead and his hearing returned. But more trouble lay ahead when Callum saw the CCTV footage, identifying Ben at the warehouse job. Cue: Ballum tension. However, Callum agreed to tackle the problem at work if Ben persuaded Phil to roll over on Danny Hardcastle, the person that the police are really trying to nail. Phil refused.

Tina grew closer to Frankie when Kathy gave her a job at The Albert, once she had offended and then corrected herself over some thoughtless words about her being deaf. Linda teased her mercilessly when she brought her for some drinks at The Vic, with it being quite clear that Tina fancied her, although it’s not clear as to whether Frankie feels the same way. What is clear is that Frankie is attached to Ollie, who reminds her of her little brother, Harry who died when he was very young. Later, Frankie, a photographer, took secret pictures of the Carters while they played football in the Square. I can’t decide if she is nice or strange. Time will tell…

Frankie bonds with Ollie…
(photo credit: Metro)

Eastenders airs on BBC1 on Mondays @ 8:05pm, Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 7:35pm & Fridays @ 8:30pm

Neighbours: The Sorrows of Shane Rebecchi

(Friday 28^th August – Friday 11^th September 2020)

Roxy continued to try and support Shane by herself, without telling anyone what was really going on and ended up becoming the victim of his temper when she threw his drugs away and her shoved her about. Kyle rescued her and told Dipi about her husband’s behaviour. Dipi turned to Karl for support, believing that Shane was suffering with depression. Shane refused to defer his course but decided to go away for a few days, lying that he was visiting his brother, Stonefish. Unaware of the gravity of the situation, Stonie covered for him, leaving Shane to hide out in his hometown in an abandoned shed to try and go cold turkey until he panicked and phoned Roxy for help. Roxy finally told Kyle and Toadie the truth, sending Toadie to go and sort his brother out and bring him home.

Toadie tracks Shane down…
(photo credit: Metro)

Shane, Dipi (and Toadie) were the only people unaware that Mackenzie was very sweetly arranging a party to celebrate Shane and Dipi’s 20^th wedding anniversary, which, after a lot of stumbling blocks, she changed to a romantic dinner for two. However, she found out from Ritchie at the last minute about the drugs, which he claimed to have found. I don’t buy it. Remember the hushed conversation he and Shane had weeks ago? And he has known for days that there has been something wrong, clearly more than he has been letting on. I like Ritchie but I haven’t trusted him for a little while now. Those drugs originated from the school, remember? Well, we’ll see.

Chloe brought Fay home to live with her, Pierce and Hendrix, plus Nicolette, their new live in nurse and I wouldn’t say it has gone smoothly. Basically, even without knowing that Nicolette has feelings for Chloe, Pierce is jealous. He’s jealous because he doesn’t trust Chloe’s bisexuality. He doesn’t even know the full story yet. Although, Hendrix has since found out more information. Now, I think I like Nicolette. She’s good with Fay and she is clearly sincere when it comes to Chloe. And I cannot stand Pierce. But she is a bit interfering, I do agree with him there. She pushes a bit too hard. Also, isn’t a bit weird that Aaron and David are taking Fay on holiday without her nurse? Isn’t that the point of her? I would assume it’s lazy story telling so they can focus on Nicolette, Chloe and Pierce? Anyway, one nice moment that has come during these past couple of weeks is that she has finally turned to Jane for support over it all so hopefully they will continue to reconnect.

Nicolette plays a trick on Pierce…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Things began to look up for Emmett with Terese giving her a job at the hotel but she promptly lost it for stealing booze. Soon enough, a previously never before mentioned aunt moved back into the country (all orchestrated by Jenna) and was deemed a perfectly suitable candidate to care for him and off he went. Suddenly what had been a very prominent storyline seems to have been hurried away and although Aaron seemed fairly accepting, David did not take it well at all.

David and Aaron say goodbye to Emmett…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

In other news

Harlow, Hendrix, Mackenzie and Ritchie staged an eco-protest to persuade Paul to make changes at the hotel
Tensions between husband and wife led Terese to go and visit her kids in L.A.
Bea and Levi fake dated – fated?!
Kyle was jealous of all the attention Sheila lavished on Levi to make up for her guilt
Ned made some very questionable ‘art’ to earn cash
Toadie almost dated Angela Lane! Eek!

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

Hollyoaks Returns!

Monday 7^th – Thursday 10^th September 2020

Hollyoaks returned after a couple of months break, now four days a week (with a ‘Favourite’ episode every Friday on E4) and flitting between previously filmed footage and newly filmed footage. The story picked up on Scott and Mitchell’s wedding guests giving police statements regarding a missing person. So, who’s missing? Well, Mitchell, Lisa and Martine are definitely not giving statements. And over the summer, during the BLM debates, both Rachel Adedeji and Imran Evans resigned…

So, the wedding went ahead with the miracle of all miracles – Joel persuaded Walter to attend and be supportive of the happy couple. This further enraged bitter Toby who ended up in a vicious row with Mitchell, as he’d only informed Walter about the wedding so that he’d kick off and cause trouble. After the fight between the boys, both Mitchell and Lisa ended up in their rooms (Mitchell because he was upset and Lisa because she was waiting for Felix who appeared at this point to be bedding her, Martine and Grace!) Twisted up with rage, Toby found the hotel master key and beat Mitchell to death in his bed. Except it wasn’t Mitchell. It was Lisa. They had swapped rooms.

Celeste tries to rescue her brother after he murders Lisa…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Horrified, Toby left the room, only to bump into Celeste who was distraught by this turn of events but it looked like this wasn’t the first time she had bailed him out of a horrific situation. She created a distraction and they got rid of the body, meaning that for the past few months, it looked like Lisa was missing (or in Ibza – you decide!) Bearing in mind she had no suitcase, ticket or any kind of social media presence apart from one brief message of congratulations to the boys.

Now, I totally get they wanted a dramatic story and exit and everything, not to mention a dramatic relaunch after being off air but it seems like a strange character to do this with. I mean, it seems strange to me that after a lifetime of Lisa being missing, her mother and brother would vanish from her life forever anyway. But now she’s missing again and what? They don’t come running? There’s no kind of reaction from the family members that loved her, lost her and missed her for years? And when it comes out that she’s been murdered, let me guess, they’ll be too busy to come back for the funeral, yes? Even if they recast them, honestly, for the sake of some kind of continuity, you would have thought that the ‘missing girl’s’ mother and brother would give a crap that she’s vanished again. Or that she hadn’t for the past few years, for that matter.

Meanwhile, Verity was shocked to find Tony living in the caravan in The Dog car park, having not been able to control his angry outbursts thanks to Edward doubling the dose of testosterone. Well, you know my feelings on the details of this particular storyline. I am hoping that Verity will bring some sanity to proceedings soon.

So, PC George Kiss doesn’t like PDAs but he was jealous when John Paul spent time with James who was utterly gleeful at the idea of winding the situation up, getting himself and John Paul arrested and thrown into a cell together so John Paul could decide what he really wanted. While John Paul decided it was George he wanted, despite a compelling case from James, it turned out that safe, gorgeous, moral George may not be all he seems. While John Paul and James were thrashing it out in their cell, the policeman was meeting up with his ex, Dean who was in rather a sorry state. He had been in therapy and was on medication, having been left utterly broken by his relationship with a somewhat unrecognisably heartless George. Why can’t anyone just turn out to be nice in these programmes?! I am devastated!

George laughs at his ex’s upset…
(photo credit: Metro)

Hollyoaks airs Monday – Thursday, 6:30pm on Channel 4 (sneak peek on E4, 7pm)

These reviews are based on the E4 episodes

Hollyoaks airs ‘Hollyoaks Favourites’ on Fridays, Wednesdays-Fridays, 7pm on E4

Previously on Hollyoaks…

(Monday 15^th June – Tuesday 21^st July 2020)

With the news of Kyle’s death having spread, Nancy was overwhelmed with visitors, all paying their respects. Two of those were Leela, joined by Jordan, one of the people that nobody knows was Kyle’s dealer and is generally a very bad person. But somehow, he managed to use the visit to prove himself worthy of Leela really giving him a chance, although their relationship continued to remain under wraps for now. You know, with him having previously been sleeping with Leela’s daughter and all. In secret. Didn’t we have a very similar story between Leela, Tegan and Ziggy once upon a time and I’m sure there was a dodgy love triangle involving their Dad once as well. There must be a gene. But it’s all very murky. Very murky indeed.

But what Kyle’s story has done is provide an incredible talking point regarding depression and suicide. Kyle’s death was absolutely devastating and Adam Rickett carried the story so incredibly well. Now it’s time for Jessica Fox to take the helm, portraying the role of the confused, broken partner, left behind, having had no idea of the pain her partner was enduring. And she is doing a marvellous job. This story has been done so well, as Kyle’s suffering slipped under the radar, as does depression and mental health itself in so many ways. We were all so focussed on watching Darren’s struggles, I for one didn’t even notice Kyle until he said the words out loud. And that’s been the genius and the heartbreak of this story.

While Nancy’s grief almost kept her from the funeral, it was her loved ones who persuaded her to be there and supported her through it. Darren very bravely told her the truth about his own depression and that Kyle saved him from ending his own life. She laid it all on the line, forcing him to tell Mandy the truth. I just hope that with the lockdown, this story isn’t one that gets forgotten and pushed to the side. All the lessons from it need to be learned more urgently than ever now.

John Paul and PC George Kiss started to get closer, much to the annoyance of James who decided that John Paul was the love of his life and he wanted him back. To be honest, I can’t keep up with James. Not so long ago, it was Harry who was the love of his life. Now he can’t live without John Paul. Personally, I like George. But let’s face it, this gorgeous, kind, lovely policeman is likely to turn out to be a psycho for all the previously mentioned reasons. Because nobody in soap is ever who they appear to be. Apart from Valerie in Doctors.

Meanwhile, Evil Edward continued to drug Tony with testosterone, sending him into angry rages that he couldn’t control. He even blamed poor Nancy for Kyle’s death when she set up a memorial for him outside the restaurant. Diane and Tony were devastated when Edward confirmed that this state of affairs was permanent, having persuaded them not to get a second opinion about his condition. I still think this is flawed story telling. Firstly, I just don’t buy that after all their history, including Edward sleeping with his wife, Tony would have him as his surgeon, plus I am pretty sure it’s against hospital ethics to treat a member of your own family. Secondly, why is he medicating him? Why isn’t this being done at the Doctors/hospital/pharmacy instead of just casually in the lounge? And why hasn’t someone noticed a load of T is going missing? And why would Edward have such easy access to it as a neurosurgeon? This story is a bit silly, to be honest and it doesn’t make much logical sense.

And in the story that the lockdown must have seriously panicked the show about… Jordan decided to release the pressure on the kids when it came to selling at the school but after a visit from his ‘boss’, Victor, he quickly changed his mind. It’s interesting to see him, who acts so in charge of everything all the time, under the control of someone else. Of course, they got caught, Sid taking the fall for Juliet and ending up getting thrown out of school. I feel sorry for Sid. Nothing has ever gone in his favour. Awful family, from his Dad right down to his cousin. Trapped in this situation, selling drugs when he doesn’t want to but he’s too scared to say no and now he’s having to recruit younger kids like Charlie. Plus the girl he’s in love with, is swooning over someone else. I know he said he was supportive but she could be a little bit sensitive! Of course that’s all taken a bit of a turn now that she’s found Peri in bed with Jordan (who is still secretly sleeping with Leela). I mean, complicated isn’t the word!

Speaking of complicated situations, Sienna, Brody and Liberty (and a little bit Warren?) found out they were having a baby girl. How lovely. I mean, that’s a weirder family than the Lomaxes. Sienna and Brody are a couple. Liberty is the surrogate, sister of Sienna, in love with Brody but also quite fancies his best friend Damon who has a very complicated history with Maxine. Then there’s Sienna’s ex Warren, with whom she has two children who she used to hate but recently kissed (and did he go out with Maxine at one time too…?) I think I need to sit down.

Also, Warren recently revealed that Toby, Celeste and Mitchell’s Dad, Felix bullied him at their children’s home (what a coincide that they knew each other as kids, happened to be arch enemies and also happened to show up in the Village at exactly the same time). It all traced back to a staff member who physically abused Felix, meaning he took everything out on Warren. Horrified, Brody reported the guy to the police.

Warren and Felix have a chequered past…
(photo credit: Digital Spy

While Felix managed to open up to Martine about his past, he also found himself hooking up with both her and Lisa. Lovely bloke. Meanwhile, Scott and Mitchell returned to reveal they were getting married. Well, they more whispered it because Mitchell was scared of the disapproval of Walter, making up this story about a charity event in order to get him there. Of course, Toby stepped in and told Walter the truth in a bid to ruin the big day… And then the show went on a two month break!

Hollyoaks airs Monday – Thursday, 6:30pm on Channel 4 (sneak peek on E4, 7pm)

These reviews are based on the E4 episodes

Hollyoaks airs ‘Hollyoaks Favourites’ on Fridays, Wednesdays-Fridays, 7pm on E4

Neighbours: Mothers and Daughters

(Wednesday 5^th – Wednesday 12^th August 2020)

Jane’s daughter, Nicolette Stone turned up in Erinsborough, almost tragically eager to see her mother and hoping that she had asked Terese to contact her. Of course, Jane is still in Perth and hasn’t done anything of the sort. So, the story goes that their relationship is pretty fractured. When Nicolette came out as gay, although Jane was supportive, she kept her deep in the closet as far as Mrs Mangel was concerned, which I totally get was hurtful to Nicolette. It made her feel like Jane wasn’t supportive at all. And it drove a huge wedge between them, especially knowing the relationship we know that Jane and Mrs Mangel had. But thinking that Jane had asked for her, Nicolette came rushing and was crestfallen to realise her mother wasn’t even there.

Terese pointed out that if Jane knew that Nicolette wanted to sort things out, she would undoubtedly be delighted but Nicolette was doubtful and also unconcerned about her mother getting her heart broken for the millionth time. In the meantime, she bonded with Chloe and became quite smitten, assuming she was gay and not realising that she would flirt with a post. When she made the bold move of asking her out, Chloe awkwardly explained that she was married – to Pierce. Later, she explained that she was bisexual and she had really enjoyed spending time with her.

Nicolette is smitten with Chloe
(photo credit: Yahoo)

Unhappy Nic accidentally bumped into Paul, letting the cat out of the bag regarding Terese’s communications with Jane. Paul was horrified to hear of the breakup but even more upset to realise that he has been left completely in the dark. He is possibly the biggest busy body soap has ever seen! Terese had no choice but to contact Jane and admit that she contacted her daughter and just as Nicolette is all set to leave town, Terese informed her that Jane was on her way, desperate to repair their relationship. Unfortunately, things didn’t go terribly well as while Jane apologised for throwing her out of the house after Nicolette told her and Des exactly what she thought of their relationship (which prompted the breakup), Nicolette was unrepentant and clearly carrying a lot of hurt from the past. While Nicolette prepared to pack up and say goodbye, Jane asked newly returned Karl and Susan for a place to stay.

Nicolette and Jane have a tense reunion…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Well, I have to say, I am thrilled that Jane has returned as a regular cast member at last and Nicolette definitely has the potential to be a good character, I think. Her first scene with Jane was brilliant. Their relationship will be a very interesting story to tell. And now that Elly is gone and we can see serious cracks in Chloe and Pierce’s relationship, Nicolette could very easily be the answer!

Across the Street, Aaron and David have had all kinds of trouble with Emmett and his brother, Brent but their compassion won out when they realised what it was like for Brent in residential care. They agreed to take Brent on for a week’s trial and to look after the two of them. The first day seemed to be going well with lots of fun, games and doughnuts. However, when Aaron was busy, Brent persuaded reluctant Emmett to climb onto the roof with him. When they were getting down, Emmett struggled and fell! Ouchy.

Sheila finally broke and admitted the truth about what happened to Levi. She had popped out for some milk when some thugs broke in and attacked him as a child, causing a head injury that also caused seizures. She admitted that the thugs had been the lads that Kyle hung around with; she had sent him away to turn his life around and get him away from them. She never told the police, meaning Levi never got justice and so suffered with nightmares for many years. Instead, she sorted things out quietly with the boys’ parents. Kyle was horrified, having had no idea he was responsible for what happened and Levi was devastated that Sheila essentially chose Kyle over him.

Kyle is devastated to be partly responsible for what happened to Levi
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Storming out, Levi turned to Bea for support. There is definitely a romance brewing there, I think. And quite frankly, Bea deserves someone nice for a change. Kyle turned to Roxy over his guilt. He attempted to plead Sheila’s case to Levi but the boys nearly ended up fighting instead. While Levi decided to move out, Roxy persuaded Ned to help her cheer Kyle up with some ‘classy’ nude pictures. And she and Sheila finally made amends. Hooray! Sheila admitted to Kyle that she loves him like a son because she raised him like one; essentially she does love him more than her other grandchildren.

Dipi was becoming more confused and frustrated by Shane’s erratic moods. One minute he is pulling and all-nighter and not even calling, the next he is sleeping like the dead, then he can’t concentrate, then he is very grumpy… Alongside the drugs Harlow and Hendrix have now found in the school and Yashvi is investigating rather well for a rookie, plus that weird conversation he and Ritchie had the other day, I’m assuming… well, drugs.

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

Coronation Street: I’m Coming Out!

(Monday 17^th – Friday 21^st February 2020)

Ray is determined to make Abi pay for torching his car. Scared, Abi asks Sally for an alibi, which of course she refuses to provide. Paula acts as Abi’s lawyer but she is clearly frustrated with her during the interview. Kevin then steps up as Abi’s alibi but when his car is spotted on CCTV, he is found out to be a liar, getting him into legal trouble himself. Sally is furious. Kevin tells Abi how much he likes her.

James and Danny end up in bed and are almost caught out by Ed but manage to distract him. Over breakfast the next morning, James blurts out to Ed that he is gay. Ed is shocked but tells his son that he loves him no matter what. James later tells his family about Danny. To his face, Ed does his best to be supportive but he later confronts Danny, telling him exactly what he thinks and accusing him of corrupting his son. James overhears everything and is devastated to learn what his Dad really thinks. Ed tries to explain, pulling out that awful line that LGBTQ folk get bashed over the head with at least once in their lives: ‘hate the sin, love the sinner’. Aggie is angry with her husband for letting James down.

Ali feigns congratulations when Maria and Gary announce their engagement. Ryan stops Ali from telling Gary about his one night stand with Maria.

Fiz is left completely shut out of the craft session with Jade and Hope when Hope draws a picture just of her and Jade. Jade persuades the little girl to add in the whole family but Fiz is certain that Jade enjoys her being excluded. She makes excuses as to why Jade can’t see Hope again at the weekend.

The Frescos launch does not go well. First, they refuse to delay so that Chesney and Gemma can take Aled to a hospital appointment about his hearing. The appointment is a bust anyway as the baby needs to be asleep. They make the launch but Gemma and Chesney are made to stand at the back while the babies are displayed at the front. They watch themselves on the TV screen, telling the audience how amazing Frescos is and aren’t allowed to tend to their babies, including Aled who is struggling. Frustrated, Chesney rushes forward and tends to his child, telling the gathered audience the truth about Frescos and the campaign. They lose all their money.

Harassed and busy the next morning, trying to juggle work, the babies and attending a last minute hearing appointment for Aled, Chesney fails to take Joseph right to the door of his football club. He is horrified later to realise that football club isn’t actually on and races back to collect him. He finds his son, sitting sadly on a bench, having had his trainers stolen by some older kids. Joseph accuses his Dad of only caring about the babies. Chesney is full of regret, although he still lets him get on with his day and rushes to Aled’s appointment, where he and Gemma learn that their little boy is indeed profoundly deaf. Gemma tries and fails to win the Frescos campaign back. She is left feeling like a bad Mum for not realising her son was deaf.

Coronation Street airs on ITV on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30/8:30pm

Emmerdale: The Flowers

(Monday 17^th – Friday 21^st February 2020)

Mandy continues to campaign for Marlon in some somewhat questionable ways, including a rather gross egg eating competition. Some of the Dingles mark what would have been Lisa’s birthday. RIP.

Charity is bereft without Vanessa, believing that she has gone off on their honeymoon without her. Unfortunately, Vanessa is not off sunning herself somewhere, she is locked up in Laurel’s house at the mercy of Pierce who is keeping her from her son who is being kept upstairs under sedation. And that’s not even the worst of the poor woman’s week. Pierce listens to a voicemail from the hospital, prompting him to delve into her bag to find a letter from them, confirming that she has just been diagnosed with bowel cancer! What??? No!!! This is just unacceptable, Emmerdale. My only hope is that as Michelle Hardwick is married to one of the producers, her job is secure. My only issue really is that she seems to be tied to a drawer. Drawers are flimsy at best. Sure she could pull it out? I don’t know. Maybe it’s one of those false drawers? But to her credit, she never gives in to him or stops standing up for herself.

Pierce opens up to Vanessa about his Dad dying of cancer but it ends up in a row. He’s vile, pretty much telling her that she’s going to die and leave her son behind. It’s pretty horrific, uncomfortable viewing. He agrees to let her see Johnny if she helps persuade Rhona to see him. He steps away from Kim and Jamie, claiming to have got a job down South.

Torn up with guilt, Ryan brings the stolen money to Rhona and tells her the truth about what he and Charity got up to on the night that Graham died. Rhona confronts Charity, who feels less guilty but Rhona is persuaded that if they were stealing from Graham, they couldn’t have killed him. Charity admits that Vanessa found out and that’s why she has left her. Rhona tells the police that she found the stolen money in the house and believes it’s motive for Kim to have hired Al to kill Graham. The police head straight round to Kim who struggles to talk her way out of it. Charity texts Vanessa to say she has done the right thing and that ‘Rhona knows’ but Vanessa refuses to enlighten Pierce as to what it means.

At home, Rhona finally finds the card that dropped out of Pierce’s flowers! Panicked, she contacts the police and discovers that her ex-husband was released from prison weeks ago but she never got the message (thanks to Graham). It doesn’t take long for her to twig that he is responsible for Graham’s death and she reports her theory immediately. Pierce overhears the police sending out a search for him.

Dawn has what she believes to be a successful weekend visit with Lucas, despite a momentary panic when a den that Billy has built for him collapses on top of him. She shouts at Billy, scaring Lucas but everything is resolved and they all have fun together as a family, including Harriet and Will. They have a Nerf type gun fight (I’m not sure what brand it was supposed to be!) When Dawn pops out for hot chocolates, Harriet, Will and Billy are shocked to find themselves facing Lucas holding a real gun! Billy talks him down and they hide the gun in time for Dawn to take her son out for a playdate with Priya and Amber. Will has a lot of explaining to do… Apparently, since embarking on a relationship with Harriet, he has been scared of his old ‘colleagues’ coming after him. Harriet is understandably livid. The trio keep the incident from Dawn. Against Will’s wishes, Harriet asks Cain to get rid of the gun.

Moira and Cain have signed their divorce papers but it’s clearly not the end of their relationship, despite their claims. Tracey and Nate briefly fall out when well intentioned, she sends him off to try and help Moira with the rustlers, only to be rejected. Nate advocates for Moira, prompting Cain to threaten him, just as Cara returns to the Village. However, taking Nate’s words on board, Cain helps to look out for Moira on the farm, still denying that he has any residual feelings for her. Taking Will’s gun, Cain guards the farm but things go wrong when he spots an intruder and fires. He has shot Nate! Oh well. Never mind.

Nate is rushed into surgery with Cain, Moira and Cara all waiting anxiously at the hospital where sadly, he will be just fine. When the police conclude that rustlers wouldn’t have used a handgun, Cara is certain that Cain is responsible for the shooting, although of course, he denies it. Nate claims not to know what happened and lies for Cain even after he confesses to truth to him. Moira looks on as father and son finally begin to bond.

In the continuing boring story of Liam and Leyla, the new couple continue to try and keep their boring relationship from Leanna. Marlon refuses to be Eve’s Godfather. Also, Brenda does some weird, awkward flirting with Nate. It’s uncomfortable for everyone, including the viewers.

Emmerdale is on at 7pm Monday to Friday with a second episode at 8pm on Thursdays

Hollyoaks: Bye Bye Baby (Baby Goodbye)

(Monday 17^th – Friday 21^st February 2020)

Cindy gets carried away with the opening of the Bazaar. On opening day, Cindy and Luke are dressed in weird matching outfits and Tom is dressed as an anxious magician. For the most part, the day goes well. They have some brilliant names for different parts of the market, bringing back Mobs Juice Bar as a tribute to Max and OB and a vintage clothes stall called Sweater Thunberg! The only thing that goes wrong is Luke messing up the burger stand due to his illness but Darren rescues him and takes him to an appointment (which of course he gets within moments, not like in real life when you’d have to wait months to see a Consultant). Luke is told that his condition is potentially hereditary and could be passed down to his children.

Ollie is over the moon when Luke agrees to help him raise his baby. However, as the stress of the situation begins to get to him, Luke’s symptoms increase and while his son is busy making plans, Luke has to come to terms with letting him down. Nancy, Kyle and Ollie are on hand to support Brooke when she goes into labour. In one pretty excellent scene, Brooke gives one of the nurses a dressing down when she doesn’t speak directly to her due to her autism. Well done, Brooke! Brooke spends a brief moment with the baby before handing him over, explaining that she desperately wants him to have a better life than she can offer.

Ollie is heartbroken to overhear Darren and Luke discussing Luke’s condition and that he is dying. Darren has to break the news that Luke won’t be able to raise the baby with him and it’s time to say goodbye. Later, they share the news that the condition is potentially hereditary and Ollie, DJ and the new baby could end up with it. This makes Ollie even keener to look after his boy but he is forced to accept it’s not possible without the right support. He and Brooke pass the baby onto his new parents along with a memory book Ollie has made. He is devastated when they leave the book behind.

Feeling utterly broken by the loss of his son and the news of his father’s illness, not to mention, rejected by Brooke, Ollie dismisses Imran’s friendship in favour of a night out with Sid. He gets drunk, leaving him vulnerable to Jordan who offers him ketamine at The Loft, which he accepts. And so Ollie’s ‘flashforward’ storyline begins…

Kyle is keen to try for another baby but Nancy shuts the idea down. He buys more weed from Jordan and is caught out by Nancy when he falls asleep on the couch as he stinks. He lies that it’s the first time in years and was just to manage his MS pain. She accepts it but warns him not to smoke in the house. She also sees it as proof that they should not be thinking about kids.

Maxine is excited about becoming the manager of the salon and reluctantly gives Lisa a job. But her new income isn’t enough to keep her menacing landlady away and she arrives to take away all her belongings and demand payment of rent arrears. She is then caught out in another illness lie in front of Damon, severing the friendship they have only just started to rebuild. With nowhere left to turn, Maxine agrees to let Liam pimp her out to Clayton but again, Damon catches her out, thinking that he has been left to look after Minnie so she can go on a date. Broken, she tells him the truth but between the lies to her landlady and disbelieving that she didn’t see the demand letters, he doesn’t believe the awful mess her life is in.

Liberty and Brody continue to grow closer as they prepare to become parents to their baby, unaware that Sienna has been watching them on a camera from the doll’s house. They pledge to forget about her and become a family and remain oblivious when she sends them flowers.

Mercedes and Warren are the new couple of the moment, although Joel and Goldie give them a run for their money when Marnie catches them at it at the café. Yas is delighted to get her hearing aids fitted, allowing her to hear for the first time since the explosion. Romeo and Juliet agree to take Nightingale as their surname.

Channel 4 at 6:30pm or a sneak peek 7pm on E4

These reviews are based on the E4 episodes