I have to confess, that over the past few years, I haven’t really been feeling Emmerdale. The plots just haven’t quite been there and it just hasn’t been doing it for me. Then along came Meena…
Meena is secretly killing off the Village… (Leeds Live)
I didn’t really notice her at first. I think that was the point. She crept up on me, doing these strange little things, winding people up for no reason and seeming to really enjoy it. Telling stories. Getting attention. Manipulating people. Enjoying the power.
Then she started killing people and suddenly Emmerdale has turned into one of those Netflix dramas you just can’t miss. In Meena, I am positive that we have seen the creation of the best soap serial killer ever. She’s amazing and once she’s caught and dispatched, which I really hope won’t be for a long time, Paige Sandhu will have a very long career ahead of her (I’m thinking Suranne Jones, Katherine Kelly, Jenna Louise Coleman level). She’s so incredibly talented.
Meena killed Leanna (WebsiteFriend)
She hooked me in when Meena killed poor Leanna on her 18th birthday. After she pushed her off the bridge and she attempted to cry and… nothing! Then she laughed. That laugh! It was just brilliant! I hold my hands up. As sad as it is to lose Leanna, Andrea and now Ben, I don’t want Meena to be caught anytime soon! I love watching her and I can’t wait to see what bonkers thing she does next. She is so engaging, so soulless, so psychopathic and so dangerous. Whoever created her and this story is a genius! And Paige Sandhu is so fantastically talented for bringing her to life!
Right now, with Meena having moved on from David to Billy, I think Dawn had better watch her back!!! And I am not convinced she’s finished with Victoria either. She doesn’t strike me as someone to let grudges rest…
The rainbow bunting came out in my house recently when Eve marched onto our screens in Eastenders and what a march it was! Honestly, when Heather Peace announced on social media that she had joined the cast… well, it was actually more exciting than the day that Simone Lahbib made her announcement (but only because my wife and I both adore Heather and with Simone, I stand alone). In fact, for the entirety of Simone’s stint, I sensed an undercurrent of jealously – lots of ‘your Simone is on screen’ – that sort of thing. It was all very unbecoming.
Heather Peace as Sam in Lip Service (insidemediatrack.com)
But my wife and I were both smitten with Heather since the ill-fated Lip Service, the Scottish version of The L Word. Then she popped up in Waterloo Road. We have seen her twice in concert, including going to see her in Eastbourne for our first anniversary. So yes, you can imagine the excitement at the thought of her being on TV again several times a week!
As for her character, I have to say that Eve made possibly the best entrance I have seen in a very long time! To turn up, flirt with Shirley and then punch Martin and Zack is quite the entrance! I already love the dynamic between her and Stacey (who I suspect she does have feelings for) and since her departure and return, I can see a slight glimmer of her and Jean beginning to bond. It was a great twist that she is actually a solicitor, which adds to the layers of her character (as opposed to the lack of layers when she was wandering around in her pants!)
Eve and Stacey: Reunited fashionmodelsecret.com
I was very disappointed that Sean and Jean scared her away, although those scenes were brilliant – Heather Peace, Rob Kazinsky and Gillian Wright were just dynamite together. I was thrilled to see her back, drunk and causing merry hell with Suki. Now I am very much looking forward to seeing what havoc she might cause and to what connections she will make. Heather Peace and the character of Eve are most definitely a great addition to the show!
I remember watching the soaps when I was a closeted teenager, in awe of the likes of Zoe Tate, who was such a rare gem on 90’s TV. Not only had she been out and proud since the early nineties, but her sexuality was also only part of her story. She was a powerful, even formidable character. She had money and knew how to use it. She had her own career as a vet, that she loved. She had a wicked streak. In later years, actress Leah Bracknell portrayed the most heartbreaking scenes as Zoe battled Schizophrenia. When people think back to the nineties in terms of the presence of LGBTQ characters, their minds immediately flashback to Beth Jordache and ‘that kiss’, which is of course important but Zoe came out a year before this and was the first lesbian character in a British Soap. She was also the first gay character to have a wedding/blessing, many years before Civil Partnerships or equal marriage were even dots on the horizon for any of us. I was genuinely saddened in 2019 when Leah passed away from cancer.
‘That Kiss’ in Brookside
Flash forward to present day and this past June when many of us have been marking Pride month with such gratitude that we are here, that so many things have changed and that we have the capacity and strength to try and change the things that still need changing. I have seen so many things online that remind us of why we still need Pride so much. One of things that struck me hardest was a post about while we live in a world where kids are still sat at home believing they would be better off no longer in this world than being gay, then we still need Pride. Pride isn’t a party. Pride is a march of survival. It’s a moment in time where we embrace every single ounce of ‘different’ inside and let it sing. Even if we sing out of tune.
I’ve been that kid, sat at home, scared for my future because I didn’t fit in, because while all my friends were watching the boys on TV, I was watching the girls. And it has been a long road in terms of being and out and proud soap addict to watch these shows change their characters, their storylines and their attitudes towards their characters and their storylines over the past twenty five years or so, when I first started tuning in and I started consciously battling my sexuality.
Lindsey fell for best friend, Shelley in Brookside
I remember, back in the day, that occasionally, a soap would have two dimensional gay man in it to back up another character and have no plot of their own. They certainly wouldn’t have a love life. Then there came the phase of the scandal storylines to boost ratings, where quite frankly, the characters and the LGBTQ viewers were badly mistreated. There was the random storyline of Lindsey Corkhill falling in love with her best friend, Shelley who actually had a thing for her mother in Brookie. Then there was that time that Todd kissed Nick in Corrie purely to pull viewers in to witness a ‘shock, gay kiss’ between two attractive men. And more recently, Tracy Barlow slept with Paula for literally no reason.
Charlie and Joey had a short lived romance in Home and Away #CJ
But Willow and Alex got a happy ending! #Willex
Over in Australia, back in 2009, Home and Away’s Charlie Buckton had a dalliance with Joey Collins, which I confess I got completely sucked into. It ended when Charlie cheated on her with some bloke and Joey left, never to be seen or heard of again. Charlie (the police officer) slept with one criminal bloke after another before she got shot and died. Delightful. They did redeem themselves recently though with Willow and Alex’s relationship, which I also fell in love with – they actually got a happy ending. Off screen, of course. Well, you can’t have everything.
The landscape of how soaps have presented the LGBTQ characters and relationships have definitely changed in a positive way over the years, I think. So many of the partnerships people have grown to love and adore, have not been heterosexual ones. Once upon a time, a soap would have to handle every aspect of gay relationships with ‘sensitivity’, in case they offended the homophobes when really, people like me and fellow members of the LGBTQ community were just desperate to see ourselves and our lives (or the lives we wanted to live), validated on TV.
Tony and Simon in Eastenders
Lana and Sky finally got their happy ending in Neighbours
I remember back in the day when in Eastenders, Tony left Tiffany for her brother, Simon. It was a scandal, not because of the affair but because of the sexuality aspect. I remember Shannon and Mandy falling in love so subtly that you could have missed it. Neighbours attempted to have Lana and Sky get together but the homophobia was so strong, they abandoned the story. They were so proud that for their 35th anniversary to be able to rectify this and have the girls get married. It had always felt for the show and for the actors like an unfinished storyline.
Christian and Syed lived happily ever after in Eastenders (in Birmingham, actually)
Ben and Callum are one of Eastenders’ most popular couples today #Ballum
I also remember the huge story that Eastenders took on when they got Christian and Syed together. It was amazing! Not only were they addressing Syed coming to terms with his sexuality, he also had to work out how this fitted with his religion. And despite the complaints, they became such a loved and popular couple. Since then, one of the show’s most popular couples are ‘#Ballum’ – Ben and Callum – who got together in a very similar way to Christian and Syed (an affair in the lead up to a wedding). And one of the most special moments in the show’s history was the moment that Johnny came out to his Dad, Mick and received nothing but pure love and acceptance in return – no hesitation.
Robert and Aaron were made for each other in Emmerdale #Robron
Throughout the soaps, there have been some amazingly popular couples and characters, which show the strength of writing, performance and on-screen chemistry. Who can forget Robert and Aaron – #Robron – in Emmerdale? Not my favourite, granted, but massively popular and there were a lot of devastated fans out there when Robert was sent to jail. Their counterpart, if you like, are Vanessa and Charity (who I much prefer). I am very hopeful that when Michelle Hardwick (Vanessa) returns from maternity leave, a reconciliation will be on the cards! Charity herself was initially one of those ‘ratings bisexuals’ when she had a random affair with Zoe Tate in the early noughties. So it was brilliant when they revisited this and created what has become a fantastic relationship with Vanessa. Until it all went badly wrong. Oh and let’s not forget that once upon a time, Charity’s daughter, Debbie, had a fling with best friend, Jasmine, played by Jenna Coleman. Jasmine went to prison. I don’t think she’ll be coming back…
I still believe in Charity and Vanessa! (Emmerdale) #Vanity
John Paul and Ste belong together (Hollyoaks)
One of my favourite Hollyoaks pairings is John Paul and Ste. Between them, they’ve had more relationships than hot dinners and many would say that John Paul’s true love is Craig and Ste’s true love is Brendan. But personally, I never subscribed to either of those relationships. Neither of those men ever treated John Paul or Ste very nicely. Brendan was violent and Craig dangled John Paul on a shoestring for most of their relationship. But although I have adored people like Doug and Keiron (RIP) and James and Harry (RIP) have been great players thrown into the mix, I firmly believe that Ste and John Paul belong together.
Aaron and David are the perfect couple in Neighbours
Chloe in Neighbours
Over in Australia, Neighbours has excelled itself in waving the rainbow flag. For me, they have outshone every soap. Years ago, it dipped its toe in the water with the character of Chris and from there, more and more gay characters arrived. Now, it can celebrate one of the best partnerships the show and in fact, soap, has ever seen in David and Aaron who are not only legally married (and walked down the aisle to Kylie and Jason!) but have also been foster parents and are expecting their first child. Aaron’s sister, Chloe is also bisexual and not just telly bisexual where she’s actually straight and goes off with a girl now and again to boost ratings. Chloe is such a vibrant character and has brought so much diversity to show in terms so showing someone who can love and have relationships with people for who they are, not for what gender they are.
Emma and Jasmine in Doctors
In more recent years, Doctors have created some great character development with Emma who now identifies as pansexual after being very surprised to find herself falling for a female friend. Since then, she has had relationships with either gender and a couple of years ago, the show had an extremely harrowing storyline where Emma and her then girlfriend, Jasmine experienced a homophobic attack. It was not dissimilar to that awful story of the girls on the bus in London a few years ago.
The amazing Mackenzie from Neighbours
Neighbours has taken Pride further in recent years with the amazing trans activist, Georgie Stone, who plays Mackenzie. Following Mackenzie’s story has been so emotional and so enlightening. She has been the Hayley Cropper of the millennial generation. But joking aside, it has been incredible to watch this young person, both the actress and the character, essentially explain her journey. She has not only portrayed the character but also been involved in the writing and story lining and I have genuinely wept during parts of her tale, as she had undergone surgery and struggled with acceptance from her family.
Hayley Cropper, Coronation Street. The Original.
I remember years and years ago, attending a transgender workshop and the first thing the trainer said was that they would love to say their charity was responsible for the education regarding trans people but it was actually Coronation Street. Everyone laughed because it was funny and also because it was a little bit true. This is the far reach of soaps and also the heavy responsibility they have to make sure that as well as entertaining people, they are socially responsible. I remember when Hayley first turned up in Corrie and it was such a scandal. I was about thirteen years old and still trying to get my head around my sexuality. I had no idea about gender diversity or anything and I had never heard of being transgender before. But the idea of someone not quite fitting, not feeling like they were who or how they were meant to be, completely connected with me. And Hayley turned out to be this angel, the kindest woman to ever walk the cobbles and they put her together with Roy, the kindest man to ever walk the cobbles… Well, the magic was made.
Sally from Hollyoaks
Since then, of course, Sally has turned up in Hollyoaks and the actress who plays her helped Coronation Street create Hayley so even though Hayley is gone, it’s kind of like she lives on. So even though Corrie was extremely late in bringing in the L, the G and the B, they did lead the charge with the T, something other soaps haven’t always been that eager (or that good) at doing. Currently, it’s only Emmerdale, (alongside Neighbours)who have Matty with any trans visibility. His story is particularly special as we actually knew his character as Holly, years ago. This hasn’t been done before. What’s also been a turning point in recent years with LGBTQ characters is that most of the actors who are playing the roles are members of the LGBTQ community.
So, at the end of this June – Pride Month – I am happy to reflect on how hard our soaps have worked to become inclusive and reflect the society we do or should live in. I am happy that I have all manner of characters and pairings to discuss, enjoy and dislike amongst all the different soaps. I love that I don’t have to cling to the single character that exists in each soap just because they’re gay. Firstly, there are plenty to choose from (except in Home and Away) and secondly, they are written so well that actually, sometimes they’re just not very nice. Because not all gay people are nice! Not all gay men are camp and fluffy. And gay women come in all variations too! Imagine!
Swooning (over) Shannon in Home and Away
When I was growing up, that just wasn’t how it was. You only knew Shannon liked Mandy because she talked about her incessantly. A bit like I talked about Shannon, actually! You were lucky if Zoe could hold hands with her wife. And two guys together were a rare scandal. Now, homophobia on screen is rare and definitely dealt with. I am reminded of a scene in Eastenders where Callum’s Dad was vile to him and Ben and Phil Mitchell to stood up for them. It was such a fantastic and affirming scene.
All the while people are not safe in the world because of their gender or sexuality, there is a lot of work to do. All the while there are people who don’t feel they belong in this world because of their gender or sexuality, there is a lot of work to do. But just for a brief moment in time, it is nice to reflect on how far this small corner of our society has come, even in my lifetime. When I was a teenager, I absorbed every message that these shows delivered to me and I am overwhelmed at how the messages have changed. You couldn’t pay me any money in the world to be a kid today with social media and mobile phones constantly beeping at me and recording my ever move and mistake. But I do think the positive approach to diversity and acceptance is a special thing that I definitely didn’t have twenty (ish) years ago. Soaps are intended to reflect life. They beam their way into our homes on a daily basis and right now, I praise them for doing a good job of positively affirming us, the LGBTQ community.
Although I was expecting the awful attack on Seb and Nina (the Internet and my favourite magazine, Inside Soap had prepared me); I wasn’t expecting the tragic outcome. I don’t know why but it just didn’t enter my head that it would result in death – in murder. It shocked and distressed me so much, as it should have. I was expecting it to be upsetting and then I was expecting a really interesting story about a hate crime assault. This story about a hate crime murder has been so overwhelming and I mean that in a good way.
Nina and Seb are attacked (pic from Express)
To start with, the social distancing in this story actually improved it. We were not brutalised by the violence we may have seen in non-Covid times. In fact, it was more emotional to see those poor kids on the ground, shadows towering over them and the attack left to our horrified imaginations.
And assuming that they would survive, wondering if they were drift apart or pull together, how they would cope with their injuries and face their attackers in court meant that Seb’s tragic death was all the more upsetting. I suppose the clue was that he and Nina were so deliriously happy before the attack and busy planning their future. No couple in soap are ever allowed to be that happy. It surely means one of them is about to be killed off.
I can’t confess to have been a massive Seb fan myself. I mean, he was alright. He must have been desperately in love with every single girl he ever met, including Nina. And let’s not forget Faye, Alina, Emma… But his death, especially in such a terrible way did make me shed a tear. Watching his mother fall apart has been awful, especially when she doesn’t know where to direct her anger. And seeing Nina so very shaken and blaming herself when she was the victim.
Seb is murdered (pic from Daily Star)
It’s also important and interesting that she and Seb really did nothing to provoke this attack. They weren’t mouthy or argumentative. They were just there. And they were running away when they were attacked. They saw the danger of the situation and they left. They didn’t want any conflict. Corey has always been an awful character, from the first moment he turned up and shared that video of Asha. What on earth she was thinking getting back with him, I have no idea but at least she can see the truth about him now.
I cannot find a single thing to criticise about this storyline. It has been written, directed and portrayed so perfectly. Everyone involved should be so proud of themselves. It has been utterly excruciating to watch but that’s the point of it. It shouldn’t be easy.
One moment that really stands out to me was when Roy put Evelyn in her place, telling her that it’s people that highlight other people’s differences that cause these kinds of attacks. Roy’s whole response to this and in fact his entire relationship with Nina is such a beautiful thing. When Hayley died, we lost something so special in their relationship, this constant reminder of love beyond measure. Coronation Street have replaced that love not with a romantic relationship but in the most ingenious way with Roy’s love for his niece. She doesn’t fit society’s ‘rules’ and she doesn’t try to. Roy sees past her ‘differences’ unblinkingly and without question. And that has never been more evident than his devotion to her now.
Let’s just take a moment to remember Roy and Hayley – may she rest in peace (pic from Daily Star)
So, well done, Corrie. You have impressed me and devastated me in equal measure and I look forward to justice being done (although I am sure it will not be straightforward).
Well, everything went rather sour between Ziggy and Tane when she discovered his van of stolen goods at the garage. Her disappointment in him when she had been so pleased with his efficiency and been praising him so much to Ari, was massive. He did sort everything out and Justin suspected nothing but Tane is going to have to work pretty hard to make things up to her.
Tane is up to his neck in stolen goods… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Justin decided to have radiotherapy rather than surgery on his returned tumour. Tori was more concerned with her fledgling relationship with surgeon, Christian. She has become exceptionally annoying. It’s embarrassing. The writers should actually be ashamed. This is a strong, independent woman who survived witness protection, a coma and goodness knows what else that I’m not aware of because I haven’t watched the show for long enough. She’s not only a Doctor but the Head of the ED. She decided to have a baby on her own. And yet they’ve turned her in a quivering wreck of a woman because a handsome Doctor has given her a second glance? Really?! I mean, I know Jasmine’s issues with her talking about Christian are her own but I don’t blame her. Every time she comes on screen at the moment, I want to turn the TV off! Home and Away really do tend to push women back rather than propel them forward sometimes. It’s a problem.
Tori is all of a flutter… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
So, Bella and Nikau got back together and were happy for all of five minutes until Nik’s mother, Gemma called from New Zealand. She finally remembered she had a son who she previously adored and would never have been apart from all this time and now that she had decided to stay in New Zealand, wanted him to come and live with her. I for one, am very disappointed she left the show. She was a great character and a very stabilising influence on those boys. But like Bella, I also hope that Nik doesn’t go off to live with her, although he is seriously considering it. He even got the restrictions lifted off his passport.
Clever Detective Rosetta finally twigged that Colby and Taylor have been having an affair right under his nose for weeks! Half the Bay already know. Well, he always was a bit slow to catch on. Remember when Belle Taylor cheated on him all those years ago? And remember when Charlie Buckton actually wasn’t cheating on him and he got so obsessed that he started stalking her and fell out of a tree outside her therapist’s office? Pillar of the community we have here!
Anyway, first he failed to officially label Colby as a suspect in the murder investigation because he didn’t have enough evidence. Then he rooted through his wife’s phone and found all her calls and texts had been deleted. So he got hold of her phone records and found all the calls she and Colby had been making to each other. He then began asking questions of colleagues (who dutifully gave Colby the heads up and gave Angelo a good report) about Colby’s character.
Angelo is suspicious… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
He took things further by telling Taylor that a witness had come forward, confirming Colby’s guilt. As he expected, Taylor rushed to Colby with the news and Colby denied everything. Angelo photographed them kissing. The next day, Angelo was very nice to Colby. Weirdly nice. Creepy, even. He then gave Taylor a necklace, apparently to apologise for all his long hours. The necklace turned out to be bugged so that he could listen in on her clandestine conversations with Colby.
Colby and Taylor just can’t help themselves… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
After yet more arguments regarding Jai, including Amber and Mac almost coming to fisticuffs, Dean reluctantly decided to take Amber to court to put formal custody arrangements in place. In a fit of anger, he drove over to Francesca’s house, he found Jai alone.
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
At the end of next week, my soap blog (as it currently stands) will be coming to an end/pause, as it is just taking up so much time that I am not getting a chance to work on any of my other projects. I will continue to write blogs regarding various storylines but weekly reviews of episodes will cease, at least for now.
So this week as been the last review for Coronation Street, Doctors, Eastenders, Hollyoaks and Neighbours. I’m afraid I fell behind with Emmerdale quite some time ago! As this week is the last week of Home and Away in the UK for this year, I will just finish that one off and that will be my last ‘review blog’ for now.
Apologies, it’s been a few weeks since my last Corrie update and a fair bit has happened on the Street…
Things finally moved on with this whole Johnny and Scott storyline. I’m grateful, to be honest. That Scott is very annoying and I don’t really care about Johnny’s ‘dark past’. Anyway, Scott carried out an armed robbery on the Bistro but rather than join him, Johnny, who was suffering MS symptoms from the stress, called the police instead. Craig, who has feelings for Faye, charged in against advice and ended up getting shot but thankfully, he is alright. And Faye who has recently been dumped by Noah (who the hell is Noah?!), asked Craig out.
Craig gets caught in the crossfire… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Todd resurfaced and attempted to persuade Eileen to identify a random dead body as him to get the guy he owed money to off his back. As it turned out, the guy was someone he was having an affair with and after some aggression, fighting and waving a gun about, all it really took to sort things out was a) returning the money and b) Eileen giving the bloke a bit of counselling and he went off with his husband.
Todd was then back on the Street, eager to derail Paul and Billy’s relationship. He scored a job at the factory and generally popped up at any given moment with an opportunistic comment to either get Billy very flustered or upset Paul. I’m not happy. I cannot stand Todd. He’s horrible. And Paul and Billy have been through so much together. It’s such a shame that they are very clearly going to break up because of this.
Alya reported to Yasmeen that Abi locked Geoff in the conservatory in order to prevent him from attending Tim and Sally’s wedding. She laughed her head off! It was a lovely scene. Alya was thrilled to report back to Geoff. Imran also happened upon the possibility of charging Geoff with fraud after they discovered Yasmeen’s terrible credit score but Yasmeen unhappily admitted she probably signed for loans without knowing what they were. She then admitted the depth of the financial abuse and control she suffered.
There were definitely some teething problems when Shona moved back into the family home, as David struggled to have to look after her as if she was a child. He struggled with patience and she struggled to feel loved. This is such a sad storyline. She has to learn everything new every day, what to do, what not to do. I’m impressed that the show hasn’t miraculously cured her like soaps tend to do when they get bored of stories like these.
Gary reluctantly got involved in Ray’s plot to take over the whole Street with his building development plan. He persuaded David to sell up on the promise that he would be allowed to rent the house back. For now. It was also revealed that Debbie, who randomly turned up after lockdown and has been hanging around like a bad smell, is there for a reason – she is working with Ray. She set her sights on Sally and Tim’s house, winding Geoff up into smashing up their garden and persuading them that they shouldn’t have to live next door to such an angry man. But Ray swooped in too quickly with an offer, making Sally think she could hold out for more.
Debbie manipulated the fragile situation between Tim and Geoff (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Things got very heavy in the story surrounding little Oliver and it really is so heartbreaking. Leanne and Nick have now been torn apart, as the truth came out about his own feelings regarding whether they are doing the right thing, fighting the hospital to keep him alive. I feel ever so sorry for Nick. He never wanted to give his opinion. He only wanted to stand by Leanne and support her. And he loves Oliver like his own son. I am not sure how he and Leanne will get through this. It’s so sad after everything they have already been through.
I have to say though that Tracy has been amazing throughout this storyline. She has made her own opinion clear – she doesn’t think putting Oliver through the courts is the right thing – however, she is committed to him and to Steve and the family and she has been nothing but supportive. Even when Leanne hit on Steve, she charged over to the hospital and offered Leanne kindness, compassion and friendship. Something has really changed in Tracy over the last year and it’s for the good. She’s still witty and funny. She hasn’t lost that. But she’s developed a lot of heart. Long may it continue.
Tracy is kind to Leanne… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Simon also stepped up for Leanne, Oliver and his family, giving his testimony in court and fighting to prolong Oliver’s life and attempt to save him. But it doesn’t look likely, in my humble opinion. Oliver’s team only have their love on their side. The medical team have the medical opinions and actual evidence. As much as I want a happy ending and for that little boy to recover and live, I don’t think it’s going to happen. It’s so very sad. I am still a bit shocked that Coronation Street have gone so far with this story.
Emma made things a bit worse when she accepted stolen money from Scott after she caught him with a load of cash from the Bistro and a gun. Bless her, she used the money for Oliver’s legal fees but eventually, she had to confess and was arrested for handling stolen goods and fined.
On Friday 13th, everyone waited with baited breath for the judge to deliver her verdict. And as expected, she sided with the hospital and the medical evidence they had provided, that it would not be possible for Oliver to recover in any way and that it would not be the right thing to continue to keep him alive. I was expecting it. I thought I was prepared for it. To be honest, I thought there was something wrong with me in that I haven’t been as affected by this story as I know others have been. But I was not prepared. I was a mess. A weeping mess.
The family wait for the verdict… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
It was just so sad, watching each of Oliver’s loved ones receive the news. Utterly heartbreaking. And then it only got worse at the hospital when Leanne took everything out on the Doctor. And then when Steve finally had to tell her the truth – they couldn’t appeal, they had to let their son go. The way Leanne broke down and begged him absolutely broke me. Jane Danson is absolutely incredible. My only criticism of this story really is that they could at least have attempted to make it look like the kid was lying in the bed during scenes!
Leanne doesn’t want to hear what Steve has to say… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
In other news:
Sean struggled to bond with his son, Dylan, during a visit. Who even remembered he had a son?!
Michael was in turmoil when Grace told him she was pregnant.
Dev and the twins made peace and he attempted to accept Corey.
Billy lost a promotion due to Paul’s drunken antics.
Adam set his sights on Alina but after advice from Carla, she backed off, not wanting to get in between Adam and Sarah.
Evelyn and Arthur split up when he revealed that he was married but that his wife was in hospital, unresponsive with brain damage after a stroke.
Coronation Street airs on ITV on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays @ 7:30pm and 8:30pm
Pierce and Dipi continued their affair, apparently without guilt. They were almost caught out by Hendrix, who I feel incredibly sorry for. He really believes in his Dad and he adores Chloe. He is going to be so hurt when the truth comes tumbling out. He was further concerned when he found Chloe getting drunk with Nicolette but Harlow persuaded him to keep his cool. However, he did persuade his stepmother to focus on her marriage and set boundaries with her friend. Little do any of them know, she needn’t bother.
Things became even more fragmented between the couple when they heard the news that Pierce’s ex, Lisa has had her baby. While it gave Chloe food for thought about the future, Pierce (with a new face) completely shut her down regarding any kind of serious conversation about their relationship.
Pierce has a new face! (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Dipi wasn’t best pleased when Shane suggested a camping trip. Nothing he suggests is going to be good enough now, as if it were good enough before. I feel sorry for him. I know he messed up but he is trying. And he is a lot more interesting than Pierce. Dipi is making a huge mistake.
David and Aaron told supportive Chloe about their surrogacy plan. Nicolette is looking more and more besotted with Chloe in every scene. It’s quite sweet.
Karl couldn’t help sticking he nose in by telling Jane that Nicolette was working as a nurse in London when she claimed she wasn’t. The truth came out that Nicolette visited Mrs Mangel and came out to her, upsetting her on the day she died. In one fell swoop, interfering Karl has ruined the fragile relationship Jane and Nicolette have built up. And also ruined Susan’s cunning plan to get rid of Jane and have her move in with Nicolette and the boys. Nicolette made no secret of her fury with Karl, who breached confidentiality by looking through her records and passing information onto her mother. Ever kind and thoughtful, Chloe attempted to advocate for Nicolette with Jane.
Janes struggles with the latest revelations… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Some humour for the week involved Roxy secretly and very naughtily taking Ned’s portrait of Paul all around the town for people to tag themselves with it on social media. This only infuriated Paul more, as he already hated the portrait and it was becoming even more infamous. Unfortunately, when Terese was bringing it home in Bea’s van, she ended up running Kyle over, as Scarlett (who is not dead – what a non-shock), had cut the fluid to the steering wheel.
Terese accidentally runs Kyle over… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Between this victimisation of Bea and Ned thinking he has seen Scarlett at the garage, the police – well, Yashvi and Levi – thought that Scarlett may well be still alive. Yashvi and Bea staked out the garage, little knowing that she was at The Hive, where Ned was camped out for the night. While Ned implored Yashvi not to fall into danger, Yashvi happened upon a plan to smoke Scarlett out – a fake wedding. Of course! What else?!
Ned and Yashvi trick Scarlett out of hiding… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Kyle was left a paranoid wreck, convinced he was going to get struck by a third accident after the barbeque burn and then being hit by the van. So, who knows what the outcome will be now he, Roxy and Terese have got wind of the wedding plans?! With Scarlett sufficiently alerted to the wedding, she has battered Bea and locked her up and as the credits closed on Friday, she was charging towards the altar with a jar of acid in her hand…!
Scarlett launches her attack… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Bella warned Taylor to stay away from Colby or risk her husband destroying him, prompting Taylor to at least temporarily end their affair. But it was actually Bella and Nikau that were for the chopping block, as the couple couldn’t cope with the pressure of the Colby situation or agree on how best to handle things. It’s a shame. They are a lovely couple. And when she finally did decide she wanted to spend time with him, quite rightly, he had had enough of her picking him up and putting him back down again.
Meanwhile, Angelo finally began to notice that something was up with his wife who knew more about his murder investigation than he did. What a good Detective! Over a rare meal together, she accidentally let slip some details of the case she shouldn’t have been aware of, making her husband a little bit suspicious of where she might be getting her information. And his response was to hang around Colby’s apartment like a stalker. Not weird and unprofessional at all.
Angelo becomes suspicious of Taylor… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Colby and Bella had a huge argument, with Bella being the grown up one in the conversation. How times have changed. I still can’t work out why Colby thought that having an affair with the wife of the Detective investigating him for murder seemed like a good idea. But anyway, Colby finally did something sensible and ended the affair. Taylor was not happy. And I can’t work out if Colby really does have genuine feelings for her or not.
Mac and Ari were on again off again yet again as Ari wanted her to move in permanently and she decided to move out permanently – and in with Ziggy. Tane got the blame, being that he hated living with the girl he is in love with – and her boyfriend/his brother. But really, the whole situation is just weird, quite frankly. Ari pressured Mac for an answer about where their relationship was going and whether she loved him. She begged him to just be happy and less intense and eventually, they agreed to go at her pace – after a brief breakup. It’s Ziggy I feel sorry for. They are going to be so annoying to live with, especially post-breakup with Dean. Come on, we’ve all be the third wheel in a house share situation. It’s beyond crap.
Mind you, it looks like Ziggy may be moving on from Dean with Tane so who even knows what will happen next?! After he quit his job at Salt, she bagged him a job at the garage (who needs qualifications?!) But there was definitely some flirtation there, I think. I’m Team Dean all the way, just for the record. Tane was irritated when Ari brought him lunch on his first day, believing he was just coming to check up on him. And despite bonding with Ziggy and making a good impression, he was of course immediately up to no good and using the garage to commit crime.
Tane’s fresh start is heading in the wrong direction… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Willow stepped up for Dean when Amber shut him out of contributing financially, when actually, she really needed the help. He was adorably excited to be celebrating Jai’s birthday but he and Amber argued over Amber’s refusal to allow his mother to be part of Jai’s life, especially when her unpleasant mother is an active part of his life. Eventually, he accepted that Amber would find it hard to accept that Karen has changed and sacrificed her in order to stay in his son’s life himself.
Dean will do anything for Jai… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Justin and Leah were worried when his symptoms began to return. They sneaked into the hospital to see Christian, almost without Tori noticing but not quite, who confirmed that the tumour had returned.
Justin gets bad news… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Owen decided he needed to get out of Summer Bay and go travelling again and while at first, Roo was heartbroken, she spontaneously decided to go with him and get to know him better. Who knew teachers could just take time off in term time whenever they liked? Just as an aside, why did Owen need to rent a caravan if he already had a campervan?
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
(Monday 19th October – Thursday 12th November 2020)
The McQueen’s were having BIG problems with their blackmailer, not least the fact that the blackmail was coming from that freaky looking doll. That alone would be enough to give me nightmares. Seriously, I have a real thing about dolls that move/talk. These episodes are like watching a horror film.
The McQueen’s are being blackmailed by a very scary doll… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
So, the first sin was wrath, exposing the fact that Sylver killed Breda. Well, to be fair, it wasn’t really as simple as that, was it? She’d murdered goodness knows how many people, she’d let him go to prison for murdering his Dad when he was innocent and she was trying to burn them both to death at the time. So, I think he could probably plead self-defence. However, he was arrested, thanks to the doll recording his confession. George stepped in and got rid of the evidence, setting Sylver free. At first, John Paul was angry that his boyfriend had been ‘corrupted’ by his family, hurting George’s feelings, as he had been trying to help but eventually, John Paul was relieved and grateful. I remain upset that with everything George does now, I know it’s with an ulterior, dark motive.
Sylver had to explain to Cher what happened with Breda, prompting her to fear that he had passed his ‘badness’ onto her. She then revealed that she killed her sister – after a feud, she pushed her into a swimming pool, knowing she couldn’t swim. She drowned. Sylver is nothing but supportive and Cher called him Dad for the first time. It was a sweet moment but I’m pretty sure the scary doll was listening.
Silas Returns… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Sylver accused James of being responsible for the blackmail but it clearly wasn’t him. In fact, thanks to the fact that he shot Mercedes, he ended up helping her. The doll offered the McQueen’s the chance to cancel the debt if they could work out who is responsible for their current predicament. They couldn’t. And I was delighted to discover that the person responsible is Silas Blissett! How fab to bring that psycho back for such an important anniversary! He is working with an unknown so obviously this story goes deeper than that and I am looking forward to it unravelling. Determined not to stress about the blackmailer, Mercedes announced that she was pregnant and it may have saved her life, as it diverted Silas away from pouncing on her.
Theresa wants to keep her sin a secret… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
The next sin was greed, sending Theresa into a panic. Apparently, in her time away, she has worked as an escort and got herself into some real trouble. When she begged John Paul for help, he took it upon himself to resolve the situation himself. First, he and James attempted to catch the blackmailer but it was George who came to collect. He had caught John Paul out in a lie and seeing him and James together, he concluded that John Paul was cheating on him. With their wires crossed (or could this be a double bluff and could George actually be the blackmailer?!), they broke up. And with the debt still owing, James would only pay it off in exchange for sex. Feeling like he had no option left, John Paul reached a new low and stole Kyle’s watch from Nancy, gifted to her by his parents, breaking his friend’s heart.
James always has an ulterior motive… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
However, this only meant this his sin was next: pride. With no options left, John Paul confessed everything to George. The boys got back together and George paid off the next debt with his savings – but John Paul cannot see James anymore. Again, I am very cranky now I know that every nice thing George does isn’t actually him being nice. Why couldn’t he just have been nice?! He just seemed so lovely at the beginning!
… but unfortunately, so does George (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Tony and Diane, who was fully in the grip of Edward, to the point that she has now dyed her hair red like his late wife, began to settle their divorce arrangements. Tony’s world was then thrown into a spin when he received a note from ‘the love of [his] life’. I mean, who could it be? Diane? Julie? Mandy? No! Of course not! It’s Kurt Benson! Yes, the one who died at sea in the late nineties. But it’s Hollyoaks so it’s fine to just change the past. Apparently, he didn’t die. He went into hiding and has wanted to come home ever since. Now, he presents himself as some kind of entrepreneur millionaire, which is clearly a lie.
Kurt Benson – Back from the Dead! (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Kurt had a new business plan he was eager to get Tony, Darren and Mandy involved with and very quicky snatched Verity away from upset Sami, an extra point scored when he realised she was Tony’s sister (after he discovered that in his absence Tony had slept with both Ruth and Lucy). He also got Verity swept up in the business plan, despite Sami nearly derailing things, having discovered he had set the business up in Tony’s name. Kurt explained that a bad deal meant his name has been blacklisted but promised that the business was going to be a big success. All the while, he took constant phone calls, promising the caller their money.
On the plus side, despite Kurt clearly being a con man, I do think he will be very good for Tony. Plus, you know, Hollyoaks legend back on screen. Hooray! But right now, Tony needs love, support and confidence. His life is being ruined by Edward and there is nobody to protect him. Kurt can do that. If anyone is going to call Edward out on his behaviour and catch him out on his lies, surely it will be Kurt? And he will help Tony win Diane back, I am positive. Those two are meant to be together!
Yazz refused to let go of her relationship with Tom who was sure that their relationship would only hold her back and restrict her dreams. She put together a video of all of Tom’s loved ones to tell him how loved he is. Actually, it was a beautiful message from every single member of the cast, thanking the audience for our support, marking their 25th anniversary. It was a genuinely lovely moment and made me feel quite emotional. I’m big enough to admit it.
And to top it off, Yazz then proposed to Tom. Hooray! We’re going to have a New Year’s Eve wedding, guys! Our little Tom, who has grown up with us, who has lost so much, is happy with such a lovely girl and he is getting married! How lovely!
Yazz and Tom Engaged! (photo credit: Digital Spy)
While Tom and Yazz were busy getting engaged, they were shocked to discover Ste had returned to the Village, having failed to make a new life elsewhere when people began to find out about his racist past. Yazz was incredibly compassionate and kind to him after everything he and those thugs put her through, terrorising them and causing her to lose her hearing. When Misbah returned home, she reunited him with his family. James, of all people, took pity on Ste, although he couldn’t help but try and set the situation up to try and make John Paul jealous. And failed. Mostly.
And it is lovely to see Tom and Yazz as a strong, happy, loving couple who are not mixed up in all this drugs madness, which has completely taken over the whole show right now. It feels a bit like when the River Boys took over Home and Away and it was more like Gangster’s Paradise than Summer Bay. Or when Eastenders was focussed on The Mitchell’s latest crimes and every episode was like The Sopranos. Well, I’ve never been sold on this County Lines storyline, to be honest and I admit I hope it finishes soon. For starters, these kids are literally taking ketamine all over the village. They’re dealing, they holding it, they’re using it and not a single adult has noticed? No parent, no teacher, no policeman? No ex-addict? Nobody? Come off it.
Juliet is at the top of the tree and has pushed Charlie and Ella into the mix as a couple of her underlings. Peri decided that Jordan was not the one for her after all and that she quite liked Juliet after all but things hit a roadblock at Romeo’s party (which he never actually made it to but did finally get together with Cher anyway), when she discovered that Juliet was also a drug dealer.
Sid was extremely worried about Juliet getting in so deeply with Victor and the gang but it’s like a switch has been flicked somewhere. She doesn’t think she is worth more than this. It’s very sad. But Sid had bigger problems as Victor was on Jordan’s case big time over catching the ‘grass’. Jordan was under big pressure to find out who snitched on him to the police and eventually, he did discover it was Sid. He risked a huge beating by not giving Sid up to Victor, who decided not to batter him but keep him under his control instead. Jordan cut all ties with Sid forever, feeling utterly betrayed.
Meanwhile, Ollie returned to the Village with a different face but no better attitude. He reunited with Brooke who was elated to be back together, only to be ditched the next day for Romeo’s party. Ollie was furious to discover that Brooke had asked Juliet to look out for him at the party and with Juliet also upset that Peri had stormed out on her, the pair went off to take ketamine together and ended up having a one night stand. While they instantly regretted it and vowed that nobody should ever hear about it, Peri turned up to declare that she wanted to make a go of things with Juliet. She was utterly disgusted to realise what she had walked in on. Well, you would be, wouldn’t you?
Juliet and Ollie make a big mistake… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Sid was devastated to discover that Juliet had slept with a boy when she had always told him she was only interested in girls and if there would ever be a boy, it would be him. After a row with Ollie, Sid found himself taking ketamine and collapsing, completely off his face. In a state, Peri wasn’t concentrating as she drove, distracted by tears and constant phone calls from Juliet. In a particularly hideous moment, she drove over Sid’s leg without even realising he was there. Thankfully, Luke, who had been picking Ollie up from a heap on the floor, also off his face on ketamine, saw what happened and called an ambulance for Sid.
Sid’s world fell apart around him… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Ste informed Peri what happened to Sid and she quicky concluded that she was the one who ran him over. With Ste’s reaction to both Peri and Jordan and his protectiveness of Sid, I am reminded of exactly why I’ve been missing Ste all this time! I hope he is going to be pivotal to this storyline and sort some things (and people) out. Ste had to explain to Sid that his leg will need to be amputated. When Juliet found out, she came straight to the hospital to support him. She later tried and failed to back out of her ‘job’ with Victor. Marnie spotted them together, which could either be really good or really bad.
Things got even worse for Sid after he was run over… (photo credit: Digital Spy)
Brooke was honest about how much Ollie has hurt her and telling Luke about the drugs. Ollie in turn was honest about cheating on her with Juliet. I miss the old actor who played Ollie but it’s almost a good thing as he was so sweet and I don’t like the direction the character has taken.
The other big storyline these past few weeks involved Sienna backing out of running away at the last minute, unable to bear leaving Liberty. Brody broke up with her, believing that she was actually unable to leave Warren. The couple were horrified to then have Liberty announce that she was keeping baby Faith. Between Liberty and Brody, hurt Sienna found herself in bed with Warren, just as Brody was buying flowers and set to make things right with the woman he loved. Unfortunately, unwell Liberty took Faith and jumped in the car, ready to run away with her, running Brody over in the process. Sienna came to her senses, insisting that her slip with Warren was a big mistake; Brody is the person she wanted to be with.
In other news, Walter was shocked when Martine bought their flat and invited Mitchell and Scott to move in. At first, Walter offended the boys by offering to tolerate them but Mitchell gave him a talking to. Despite Toby’s best efforts to wind the situation up, Walter did make an effort and even bonded with Scott over The Golden Girls!
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
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