MSN TV Blog: A Slice Of Soap

Hello and welcome to today's edition of A Slice Of Soap.

According to the Daily Star, EastEnders bosses are apparently on the lookout for more hot male characters (ones with a body like the pic below, perhaps?). This is down to departures that has seen the likes of Matt Di Angelo (Deano Wicks) and, errrr, Mohammed George (who played our hero Gus Smith) leave. In addition, they're losing Aaron Sidwell (daft pantomime villain Steven Beale), Rob Kazinsky (Sean 'Shout!' Slater) and, eeeee, Joe Swash (Mickey Miller).

Had to laugh when I read the Press Association write-up about this: "Joe, who plays Walford's resident dodgy dealer Mickey Miller, is the latest in a long line of attractive males to quit Albert Square..." I'd call Joe Swash's Mickey a lot of things (beginning with useless), but "attractive male" isn't really one of them. EastEnders executive producer Diederick Santer told the Daily Star: "It does mean we need a new 20-something fella. I'd like to see a new Wicksy style man arrive in Walford. A real charmer but a bit of a rogue at the same time. "It's a real shame to see Rob go, I would love him to stay and of course we will always welcome him back. He will go out in spectacular style."

It's a bit ironic that they're looking for a 'hot new man' because the best characters, the ones that fans still talk about to this day, weren't exactly what I'd call hot, stunning conventional lookers: the likes of Dirty Den, Grant Mitchell and even Alfie Moon are brilliant, charismatic characters but you'd never call them sex symbols. Anyway, it will be interesting to see who they come up with. Let's just hope that whoever it is, they make them a great deal more realistic than rent-a-villain Steven Beale.

First Friday without Gus Watch and I'm thinking of a replacement. I've had a suggestion for Dev Watch, which I'm considering. If you've got any ideas or preferences, let me know.

Official Sites
Coronation Street
Emmerdale
EastEnders
Hollyoaks

That's it for now. Join me on Monday for a preview of all the week's soaps. Got a comment about your favourite soap, this blog or anything else? Share it with me.
Ms Bubbles
MSN's Eye On Soaps
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Hello and welcome to A Slice Of Soap. I'd like to live in Albert Square or t'cobbles of Coronation Street. If only because youth violence only seems to happen there once a year.

Remember EastEnders' 'E20 gang'? The group of idiots Jay fell in with that terrorised Dot? They were about as realistic as a Sharon Osbourne threat to quit The X Factor. Did the wannabe gangsters walk off the set of Grange Hill by accident? Talk about mega-rubbish! I bet real thugs were laughing into their 2L bottles of cheap knock-off cider when they saw that. Clearly, the EastEnders writers are as useless writing convincingly about youth culture as they are writing convincingly about ethnic minority characters.
Anyway, I couldn't help suppressing an inward groan when I read that Coronation Street are about to have a go.

Possible spoiler ahead:
Teenage gangs are reportedly set to hit the streets of Weatherfield, according to the Sun. Norris (played by Malcolm Hebden) and the Kabin will be targeted as the gang go on their crime spree (in a little back street?). A source told the paper: "The writers want to reflect the growing problem of gang crime in our cities." The Kabin isn't the only Weatherfield business on the gang's radar; Roy's Rolls is also hit and that sparks a dramatic chain of events that sees Sinbad/Jerry (actor Michael Starke) hospitalised. He chases the gang but suffers a heart attack during the pursuit (well that I can believe). The insider apparently added: "The storyline will bring the Mortons back into the frame." Yawn. What's the point when we all know that they're going? This all sounds like desperate, desperate stuff.

Years ago, Coronation Street was character-driven, not plot-driven. Circumstances came out of the lives of the characters and that's what made it all so good and believable. Now the soap is going to extremes and getting it all wrong; remember when they announced the terrible baby swap storyline? We all said it wouldn't work and that's what this feels like. EastEnders went wrong by jumping on the bandwagon, contriving a storyline of convenience, rushing it, hiring the most unconvincing gangsters ever and then making them do things you just know no real gang would do (Dandy Dan's gang in Bugsy Malone had more menace). I hope Coronation Street doesn't make the same mistake but I won't hold my breath. However, I do think new London Mayor Boris Johnson should ask EastEnders writers for advice about dealing with gangs cos the E20 gang ain't been seen since.

Official Sites
Coronation Street
Emmerdale
EastEnders
Hollyoaks

That's it for now. Join me on Friday for more soap news and gossip. Got a comment about your favourite soap, this blog or anything else? Share it with me.

Ms Bubbles
MSN's Eye On Soaps
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Coronation Street w/e May 9

It's the week after the British Soap Awards and although Corrie picked up a couple of gongs, I'm sure the people behind the soap will be very disappointed with the pickings at recent award ceremonies. Terrible storylines (baby swap) and bad casting decisions (kebab family, Sinbad/Jerry excepted) has cost them dear. The old soap needs to improve but it's not going in the right direction with this credit crunch/house swap Ashley and Clurrrrrrr storyline. Booooooorrrrrring.

Liam and Maria finally discuss the funeral details and a name for their baby. Their grief brings them together, although Maria is gutted to see Carla hug Liam.

Gail is determined to get to the bottom of her mum's meetings with Ted Paige. Fiz and Julie are still battling it out to be the one who works out whatever it is that is troubling Chesney. Gail is surprised by a visit from Tina who tells her that she has been to see David.

It's the day of the baby's funeral and Maria insists she won't attend. Will she change her mind? Carla is alone with her thoughts as Liam grieves.

Also on Coronation Street this week:
Clurrrrrrrrrr is dellighted that Ashley agrees to the house swap
The funeral of baby Connor is an emotional time for everyone
Gail and Ted make plans to meet up

Emmerdale w/e May 9

At the British Soap Awards, Emmerdale took away a couple of awards - literally. They got Best Single Episode (for 'Heartbreak' which saw the sad and tragic cot death of baby Daniel) and producer Tim Fee got a Special Achievement Award. So what's happening in the Dales this week? Well, Mel gets a call to say that someone will visit later to discuss Greg's DNA results. Fearing the worst, she decides to flee the village with Arthur. Has Val discovered the identity of Pollard's blackmailer? Hilary is gutted when Laurel says that she can't find it in herself to want Arthur in her life. Gennie and her mother Brenda witness a drunken Shadrach being led home by Lisa and Zak. Will Gennie introduce her adoptive mother to a drunken Shadrach or will she snub the Dingles?

In the Woolpack, Nicola jumps at the chance to cover for Chas at the vets whilst she's on holiday. Will Paddy be pleased to hear that Chas has agreed to give Nicola her job? Donna tells Viv that there is still no news on Freddie and Viv is distraught. She creates a wanted poster with a photo fit of Freddie on. Will her poster only lead the villagers to cast doubt on her further?

Also on Emmerdale this week:
There's a catfight between Val and Rosalind 
Hilary tells Laurel that she is going to have to leave the village
Nicola jumps at the chance to cover for Chas 

EastEnders w/e May 9

Quick! Get ready to boo and hiss as pantomime villain Steven Beale unravels. I'm sorry, but what planet are the writers on? Steven Beale gets more and more ridiculous. He's not a character - he's a caricature. In a face-off with Corrie's 'Damien' David, the villain on't cobbles would win every time because he's better written. Anyway, the big questions this week are: what lengths will Steven go to in order to keep Lucy away from Ian? Will Phil find out about Ben's dancing exam? Can Bianca ever find another job in Walford? Oh, it's a must-see week on EastEnders - I can tell. And what's up with Pat? Will she recover after the accident? Turns out, her leg is seriously broken. Elsewhere, in the café, hapless Arnold declares his undying love for minx Clare, who is only interested in him for his money.

Sinister things are about to go on in Pat's A & E cubicle (get ready to boo and hiss at pantomime villain Steven Beale!). It seems that Steven has slunk in. He calmly closes the curtains around him and takes off Pat's oxygen mask...Ian finally realises what's happened to Lucy. At The Vic Roxy's acting oddly (this is news?). Peggy tries to reassure Ben that real men do dance. Will cheating Clare get her comeuppance where Arnold is concerned? And, where will Roxy's unwanted hospital examination lead? Well, as sources inside EastEnders have already let the cat out of the bag, you don't need to be a genius to figure it out.

Also on EastEnders this week:
Bianca and Ricky are concerned about Pat's welfare
Clare has tricked Bradley into a very dodgy visit
Can the Miller’s stand up to Sean Slater? 

Hollyoaks w/e May 9

Well, well, well! Although EastEnders walked away with Best Soap at the British Soap Awards, for me, the real story was how brilliantly Hollywoodoaks did. They took home a great haul of gongs and it's fair to say that this soap has finally come of age. This week, it's time to shake Amy as she decides to go along with Ste's plan to pretend that Leah has recovered from leukaemia. Jacqui and Dom remain uncomfortable in each other's company. Darren tries to cheer up Jack by thinking of inventive ways to make some more money. The village is in shock as a terrible truth finally emerges.

Steph is determined to prove that she's the best mother in the world. Myra encourages Niall and Kieron to compete in the quiz night at the Dog. Aware of his dad's money problems Darren tricks the punters into spending more money than necessary. John Paul tells Kris that he can't stop thinking about Kieron. Darren is upset to see his dad in such a state and vows to help him. Jacqui isn't happy to see Tina and Dom reading a baby book. Steph's portfolio goes missing. Amy feels a pariah at school and Russ insists that he can't protect her anymore.

Also on Hollyoaks this week:
Max presents Steph with a fab portfolio of pictures
Nancy prepares for Charlie's homecoming
Newt and Lauren skip school

Official Sites
Coronation Street
Emmerdale
EastEnders
Hollyoaks

That's it for now. Join me on Wednesday for more soap news and gossip. Got a comment about your favourite soap, this blog or anything else? Share it with me.

Ms Bubbles
MSN's Eye On Soaps
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Hello and welcome to A Slice Of Soap! It's the Bank Holiday weekend and, in a special edition, we're bringing you news and reaction from The British Soap Awards 2008. Held on Saturday, ITV1 will air the ceremony this Wednesday (don't ask me why they're doing so days later when we'll all know the results).

As expected, EastEnders walked away with the big prize of Best Soap. However, it was Hollyoaks, the show we've jokingly dubbed 'Hollywoodoaks' (cos it's the soap with all the beautiful people) that led the way, scooping six gongs. The Channel 4 drama claimed Best Actor and Actress awards, as well as prizes for Sexiest Female, Best Exit and Spectacular Scene Of The Year award. Hollywoodoaks has finally come of age.

Coronation Street weighed in with five awards, including a well-deserved Lifetime Achievement award for Liz Dawn, the legendary Vera Duckworth. She first appeared in the soap in 1974 and bowed out this year due to illness. Accepting her award, she said: "I wish I was young again, I could do it all over again. It's only when you leave that you realise what a lovely life you've had. It's been fantastic." She paid tribute to her co-star Bill Tarmey who plays husband Jack in the show. "I won the Lottery when I got Bill," she said. "We've worked so hard together and he's a lovely man."

So Hollyoaks is finally getting the recognition it deserves; it's tackled some serious subjects such as anorexia, incest and drug addiction and it is hugely popular with youngsters. I'm pleased that Corrie's Maggie Jones, who plays monster mother-in-law Blanche Hunt, got the Best Comedy Performance because she's brilliant. If it hadn't been her, I would've liked Katherine Kelly (Becky in Corrie) to get it. If she stays for a few years, she'll become a Corrie legend - you heard it here first. Best Exit rightfully went to Hollyoaks for Clare Cunningham's cunning departure (loved the look to camera!) and there could only be one winner as far as Best Villain is concerned - for his excellent performance as 'Damien' David Platt, Corrie's Jack Shepherd took home his latest award. It won't be his last...

Full list of winners and pictures from the night here: are you happy with the results? Unhappy? Think your favourite soap was robbed? Leave a comment... 

British Soap Awards - Winners
Best British Soap - EastEnders
Best Actor - Chris Fountain (Hollyoaks' Justin Burton)
Best Actress - Emma Rigby (Hollyoaks' Hannah Ashworth)
Sexiest Male - Rob James-Collier (Corrie's Liam Connor)
Sexiest Female - Roxanne McKee (Hollyoaks' Louise Summers)
Best Newcomer - Michelle Keegan (Corrie's Tina McIntyre)
Best Exit - Gemma Bissix (Hollyoaks' Clare Cunningham)
Best Comedy Performance - Maggie Jones (Corrie's Blanche Hunt)
Best Partnership - Matt Littler and Darren Jon Jeffries (Hollyoaks' Max and O.B.)
Best Dramatic Performance - Jo Joyner (EastEnders' Tanya Branning)
Best Young Dramatic Performance - Jamie Borthwick (EastEnders' Jay Brown)
Best Villain - Jack P. Shepherd (Corrie's David Platt)
Most Spectacular Scene - Hollyoaks for Clare and Katy drive off a cliff
Best Storyline - Max Branning's affair with Stacey (EastEnders)
Best Single Episode - "Heartbreak" (Emmerdale)
Special Achievement Award - Tim Fee (a line producer in Emmerdale)
Lifetime Achievement Award - Liz Dawn (Vera Duckworth in Coronation Street) 

    

Official Sites
Coronation Street
Emmerdale
EastEnders
Hollyoaks

That's it for now. Join me on Tuesday for a preview of all the week's soaps. Got a comment about your favourite soap, this blog or anything else? Share it with me.

Ms Bubbles
MSN's Eye On Soaps
Don't miss a trick - Add MSN Reality TV Agent to your IM contacts

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