MSN TV Blog: A Slice Of Soap

EastEnders' Hunt For Hot New Man

Fri, 09 May 2008 14:50:43 GMT

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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Fancy Being MSN's Big Brother Blogger?

Thu, 08 May 2008 16:16:10 GMT

MSN's reality TV blogger is taking some time off so we're looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Big Brother fan to keep MSN users up to date with the latest news and gossip.

The successful candidate's duties will involve:
Posting up-to-date Big Brother news and gossip
Writing live blog entries, complete with opinion and reaction, as the daily highlights show airs on Channel 4
Detailing Big Brother spoilers, and recaps
Reporting on the content of sister shows (Big Brother's Little Brother, Big Brother's Big Mouth, Diary Room Uncut etc)
Conforming to MSN's editorial style

The successful candidate will have:
Good writing skills, including a grasp of grammar and the ability to proof and sub-edit your own copy
An informed opinion
A sense of humour
Initiative

This is not an office-based role; you must have the ability to work from home (i.e. computer with suitably fast internet connection) as most of the work will be out of office hours. Previous writing experience would be advantageous, but is not essential.
To apply candidates must write a short piece about Big Brother contestant Shanessa's time on the show, in no more than 200 words.

Applications, complete with name, age, contact details and occupation, should be sent to: msnukTV@hotmail.co.uk with the subject heading of Big Brother Blogger. The position will last at least four weeks from the first week of June, but there may be a possibility of more projects. Please bear in mind the level of commitment this show will demand before applying. Applications submitted without the required sample piece will not be considered and only the successful candidate will be contacted. The deadline is May 22, 2008 and applications will not be accepted after that date.

Good luck!

Gang Violence Heading To Corrie

Wed, 07 May 2008 14:13:25 GMT

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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Burial For Baby Connor

Tue, 06 May 2008 22:40:04 GMT

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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British Soap Awards 2008 - Winners

Sat, 03 May 2008 23:42:13 GMT

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
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Top Soap Plots

Fri, 02 May 2008 11:39:20 GMT

Hello and welcome to A Slice Of Soap!

As some of our best-loved TV stars prepare for the British Soap Awards 2008, we look at some of the top soap storylines from the past year.

:: EastEnders

Viewers couldn't get enough of the happenings in Walford over Christmas when the affair saga came to a dramatic head. The show got one of the highest ratings for 2007, when more than 13 million viewers switched on to watch Bradley Branning (Charlie Clements) find out his wife Stacey (Lacey Turner) had been cheating on him with his father Max. Lauren gave Bradley a DVD of his wedding, which showed Stacey and Max kissing. The Branning and Slater families watched in horror before Bradley hit his dad.

:: Emmerdale

Over on ITV1, Emmerdale provided a tearjerker with Ashley (John Middleton) and Laurel's (Charlotte Bellamy) little son Daniel dying. It also tackled a difficult issue with the domestic abuse drama involving Jo Stiles (Roxanne Pallett) and Andy Sugden (Kelvin Fletcher).

:: Coronation Street

There wasn't a dry eye in the house when Vera Duckworth died, and actress Liz Dawn left the soap after 34 years. But probably the most gripping Weatherfield storyline has involved David Platt's (Jack P Shepherd) evil ways. We all gasped when he threw his mum Gail (Helen Worth) down the stairs because he was mad at her involvement in his girlfriend Tina's (Michelle Keegan) abortion.

:: Hollyoaks

The only soap to have two nominations for Best Storyline at this year's British Soap Awards - for Hannah's anorexia and John Paul and Craig's affair.

JP (James Sutton) and Craig (Guy Burnet) had long been best pals, and it was only after Craig became jealous of JP's relationship with Spike that he realised his true feelings. The pair snuck around behind Craig's girlfriend's back and eventually Craig had to confront his sexuality, but ended up hurting JP in the process.

The show and actress Emma Rigby have been praised for the way they have handled character Hannah Ashworth's anorexia.

:: Doctors

The newest of the soaps, which launched on BBC One in 2000, kept us on the edge of our seats this year with its car crash plot. When Nick (Michael McKell) won a place to train as a police surgeon, he went drinking to celebrate. George (Stirling Gallacher) drove him home and in Nick's drunken state he admitted he fancied her, which messed up her concentration. The car went smashing into a tip and Nick was left paralysed in hospital, whilst George had to confront her guilt.

Gus Watch

The national grid came to a complete stand still last night as millions of viewers tuned in to watch Mohammed George's last scenes on EastEnders. Fans of Walford road sweeper Gus Smith are said to be inconsolable over the departure of Albert Square's most celebrated character; he was here, he was there, he was everywhere (he wasn't...but you get my drift).

Meanwhile actor Rob Kazinsky, who plays Sean 'Shout!' Slater, has gone into hiding after receiving death threats from die-hard Gus fans. Here are some of their comments (or at least, what we imagine they might've said if we'd asked them for their views):

"We're just glad that Gus made it out of Albert Square in one piece...there'll never be another character like Gus Smith! He's irreplaceable! EastEnders fans will never forget....who are we talking about again?"

"That final moment when he dumped the bag of drugs in front of Sean 'Shout!' Slater...that took real guts man! He's such a hero - he could win a world war on his own. He's so brave!"

"I will no more watch EastEnders without Gus Smith...we love him. He's big celebrity back home in Ukraine!"

"Gus Smith for Mayor!"

"Gus Smith for President!"

"Gus Smith for Fight-A-Hoodie week!"

Mohammed George, aka Gus Smith, you've really kept us entertained here on A Slice Of Soap (it's just pity that wasn't always the case on EastEnders) we salute you and wish you every success in your acting career (really...we do!). Now that Gus Watch is no more - I will think of a replacement. Unless you've got any ideas?

Official Sites
Coronation Street
Emmerdale
EastEnders
Hollyoaks

That's it for now. Join me on Sunday for reaction to the British Soap Awards 2008 and on Tuesday for a full preview of all the week's action in the 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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The British Soap Awards Nominations

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:13:03 GMT

Hello and welcome to A Slice Of Soap!

Hey guys, it's that time of the year again! The stars of our favourite soaps will be putting on their glad rags for the annual British Soap Awards. This year it's the 10th anniversary so you know it's gonna be special. Who's gonna come away as top dog (Best Soap) this year? My money's on 'Enders - yet again. Take a look at the list of nominees below. Who gets your vote? I'll be giving my reaction to the awards on Sunday...

:: Sexiest male

Coronation Street - Rob James Collier (Liam Connor), Ryan Thomas (Jason Grimshaw), Gray O'Brien (Tony Gordon)

Doctors - Matthew Chambers (Dr Daniel Granger), Matt Kennard (Nurse Archie Hallam), Michael McKell (Dr Nick West)

EastEnders - Robert Kazinsky (Sean Slater), Stephen Lord (Jase Dyer), Scott Maslen (Jack Branning)

Emmerdale - Tom Lister (Carl King), Joseph Gilgun (Eli Dingle), Matthew Wolfenden (David Metcalfe)

Hollyoaks - Ricky Whittle (Calvin Valentine), Jamie Lomas (Warren Fox), James Sutton (John Paul McQueen)

:: Sexiest female

Coronation Street - Samia Smith (Maria Sutherland), Kym Ryder (Michelle Connor), Alison King (Carla Connor)

Doctors - Elizabeth Bower (Dr Melody Bell), Donnaleigh Bailey (Nurse Michelle Corrigan), Stirling Gallacher (Dr George Woodson)

EastEnders - Tiana Benjamin (Chelsea Fox), Samantha Janus (Ronnie Mitchell), Rita Simons (Roxy Mitchell)

Emmerdale - Sammy Winward (Katie Sugden), Roxanne Pallett (Jo Stiles), Adele Silva (Kelly Windsor)

Hollyoaks, Roxanne McKee (Louise Summers), Jennifer Metcalfe (Mercedes McQueen), Zoe Lister (Zoe Carpenter)

:: Villain of the year

Coronation Street - Alison King (Carla Connor), Jack P Shepherd (David Platt), Helen Flanagan (Rosie Webster)

Doctors - Louise Bangay (Alex Haverley), Ken Bones (Tyrrel), Catherine Hamilton (Ocean Kennedy)

EastEnders - Robert Kazinsky (Sean Slater), Sophie Thompson (Stella Crawford), Jake Wood (Max Branning)

Emmerdale - Joseph Gilgun (Eli Dingle), Matt Healy (Matthew King), Nicola Wheeler (Nicola De Souza)

Hollyoaks - Kieron Richardson (Ste Hay), Jamie Lomas (Warren Fox), Barry Sloane (Niall Rafferty)

:: Best Actor

Coronation Street - Rob James Collier (Liam Connor), Jack P Shepherd (David Platt), Antony Cotton (Sean Tully)

Doctors - Stephen Boxer (Dr Joe Fenton), Sean Gleeson (Ronnie Woodson), Adrian Lewis Morgan (Dr Jimmi Clay)

EastEnders - Charlie Clements (Bradley Branning), Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell), Jake Wood (Max Branning)

Emmerdale - Kelvin Fletcher (Andy Sugden), John Middleton (Ashley Thomas), James Hooton (Sam Dingle)

Hollyoaks - James Sutton (John Paul McQueen), Chris Fountain (Justin Burton), Jamie Lomas (Warren Fox)

:: Best Actress

Coronation Street - Kym Ryder (Michelle Connor), Alison King (Carla Connor), Katherine Kelly (Becky Granger)

Doctors - Diane Keen (Julia Parsons), Stirling Gallacher (Dr George Woodson), Anita Carey (Vivien March)

EastEnders - Jo Joyner (Tanya Branning), Lacey Turner (Stacey Branning), June Brown (Dot Branning)

Emmerdale - Charlotte Bellamy (Laurel Thomas), Roxanne Pallett (Jo Stiles), Verity Rushworth (Donna Windsor-Dingle)

Hollyoaks - Emma Rigby (Hannah Ashworth), Jessica Fox (Nancy Hayton), Gemma Merna (Carmel McQueen)

Panel voted categories: The final four nominations are listed in soap alphabetical order.

:: Best comedy performance

Coronation Street - Katherine Kelly (Becky Granger)

Coronation Street - Maggie Jones (Blanche Hunt)

EastEnders - Cheryl Fergison (Heather Trott)

Emmerdale - Charlie Hardwick (Val Lambert)

:: Best dramatic performance

Coronation Street - Jack P Shepherd (David Platt)

EastEnders - Jo Joyner (Tanya Branning)

Emmerdale - Charlotte Bellamy (Laurel Thomas)

Hollyoaks - Emma Rigby (Hannah Ashworth)

:: Spectacular scene of the year

Doctors - George and Nick crash

EastEnders - Landrover in lake

Hollyoaks - Car off cliff

Hollyoaks - Justin run over

:: Best dramatic performance from a young actor or actress

Doctors - Tread Softly/Up Close And Personal

Coronation Street - Brooke Vincent (Sophie Webster)

EastEnders - Jamie Borthwick (Jay Brown)

Emmerdale - Eden Taylor-Draper (Belle Dingle)

Hollyoaks - Ellis Hollins (Tom Cunningham)

:: Best single episode

EastEnders - Christmas

Emmerdale - Daniel's Death

Hollyoaks - The Revelation

:: Best exit

EastEnders - Sophie Thompson (Stella Crawford)

Emmerdale - Peter Martin (Len Reynolds)

Hollyoaks - Guy Burnet (Craig Dean)

Hollyoaks - Gemma Bissix (Clare Cunningham)

:: Best newcomer

Coronation Street - Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntyre)

EastEnders - Stephen Lord (Jase Dyer)

EastEnders - Rita Simons (Roxy Mitchell)

Hollyoaks - Nico Mirallegro (Barry 'Newt' Newton)

:: Best on-screen partnership

Coronation Street - David Neilson (Roy Cropper) and Katherine Kelly (Becky Granger )

EastEnders - Cheryl Fergison (Heather Trott) and Linda Henry (Shirley Carter)

EastEnders - Samantha Janus (Ronnie Mitchell) and Rita Simons (Roxy Mitchell)

Hollyoaks - Matt Littler (Max Cunningham) and Darren Jon Jeffries (Sam OB O'Brien)

:: Best storyline

Doctors - Nick in a wheelchair, George's guilt

EastEnders - Max and Stacey's affair

Hollyoaks - Hannah's anorexia

Hollyoaks - John Paul and Craig's affair

To be announced on the night:

Lifetime achievement award

Special achievement award

Best soap

Official Sites
Coronation Street
Emmerdale
EastEnders
Hollyoaks

That's it for now. Join me on Friday for more soap news and gossip and a Gus Goodbye! 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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Corrie's Kebab Family Axed

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:56:23 GMT

Hello and welcome to another week in A Slice Of Soap. Big news in soapland as some of Corrie's deadweights are finally going. If you're a regular here, you'll know that I'm dead against Corrie's older actors getting dumped. A while ago, I listed the Corrie characters that should go - guess what? The Corrie producers have listened! Goodbye to the kebab family (sorry to see you go Sinbad/Jerry), Vernon and the boring bookies - hooray! More on this soon. Here's what's going on this week in the soaps.

Coronation Street w/e May 2

Liam is horrified when he wakes up on Carla's sofa. Marcus is concerned about Maria's baby and events take a devastating turn. Poor Maria. Over at the cafe, Roy's furious with Becky for staying out all night and not telling him. Molly and Tyrone are concerned about Jack's health after Paul's shocking news. The manure really hits the fan when the police step up their investigation. Audrey is nervous at the thought of meeting Ted. Paul tells Jack, Molly and Tyrone that he's been charged and will be up in court.

He's convinced he'll go down. Tyrone can't hide how pleased he is but Jack wants to pay for a better solicitor. All alone with her grief, Maria breaks down. Vernon is excited about the cruise trip, but is gutted when Liz tells him that she can't go. Elsewhere Claire is confused when her debit card is refused and calls the bank to investigate.

Also on Coronation Street:
Janice is furious with Leanne
Bill is concerned about Audrey's strange behaviour
Clurrrrrrrrrr's confused when her debit card is refused

Emmerdale w/e May 2

They're really pulling out all the stops to celebrate the 5,000th episode of the old rural soap which airs in June. Loads of treats are planned including the return of former regular Sharon Lambert, played by Victoria Hawkins. She will be seen trying to make amends with half-brother Paul (Mathew Bose) and mother Val (Charlie Hardwick) prior to her wedding to Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell). Yeah, good to see her again - but there's only one woman I want back on Emmerdale: superbitch Kim Tate! So to the action and TJ is sent home ill from playgroup. Terry and Jamie are fuming when Environmental Health suggest that Jo's cheese may have caused the E. coli. Gray is horrified to find Perdy living in a shabby bedsit. Katie is suspicious and argues with Gray over his whereabouts. The Kings and the Dingles lock horns again - this time, over manure. Hilary offers to baby-sit Arthur but does a runner. Matthew tells Zak to keep a log of the hours he works or else face the sack. Elsewhere, Gray shocks Katie.

Also on Emmerdale:
Lily inspires Belle to begin selling organic manure
Laurel and Ashley argue over Arthur's parentage
Matthew's car gets covered in his own manure

EastEnders w/e May 2

The Stacey/Steven/Christian thing rumbles on this week. For the life of me, I can't get into it. For my money, this is a really contrived storyline. Oh! Let's make Ian's tormentor Steven. Oh! let's make him a nutjob. Oh! Let's make Steven confused about his sexuality. Oh! Let's make Steven snog his step-uncle (ewwwww!). It's called bad writing....Anyway, Steven's still chasing Stacey...or is he chasing Christian? Yuck. Sean is on a mission and has Gus in his sights. Roxy is consumed with guilt – will Ronnie see through her lies? Ian gets a call to go and see a girl in a run down block of flats – could it be Lucy? Has anyone else completely forgotten about her or is it just me? Steven is spurned by Christian (yuck!) so he turns the tables on him.

Our hero Gus is well into his last week on EastEnders; savour every moment! He feels trapped in Walford despite having slammed the door on evil Sean 'Shout!' (what a pantomime villain he's been turned into). However, escape turns up in a pretty package - it's Keisha and she offers a way out. So that's the end of Gus. What will we do without our favourite waste of space? Sigh. Ben has a secret new hobby supported by Peggy but dad mustn't know (think Billy Elliot people - or Benny Elliot). Christian is ousted from the Beales (but not from the soap? Damn!) when Ian takes Steven's side. Speaking of the troubled teen, he's got yet another big secret that he's hiding!

Also on EastEnders:
The Slaters see another side to Sean's life
Roxy takes the morning after pill
Zainab and Bianca get off to a bad start

Hollyoaks w/e May 2

The British Soap Awards isn't far away now (the ceremony is this Saturday) - the question is, can Hollyoaks bag some of the big awards? It certainly hasn't shirked from some of the bigger storylines, has it? Anyway this week, Leo wants the whole family to help Sasha get off drugs. Louise clings to the hope that Warren will find a solicitor to save her. Sarah arrives home to find Zoe and Mike in a compromising position. Amy's futile attempt to cover up her bruised nose is interrupted by a contrite Ste. Steph's uncomfortable around Niall so Kieron reckons he doesn't stand a chance. Of course, that's never going to stop him from pursuing her…

Zak lies low, keen to avoid Warren. Mike is fuming that Sarah invited her lecherous older boyfriend to stay over. Ste is getting ready for a job interview. Michaela is worried about her HIV test; she tells Josh she's not sure if she wants to know the results.

Also on Hollyoaks:
Warren offers Zak £10,000 to walk away following Louise's arrest
Roger makes a pass at Zoe
Tony and Jacqui celebrate their first anniversary

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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Hankies At The Ready For Corrie's Maria

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:03:34 GMT

Hello and welcome to A Slice Of Soap. It's time for more gossip and the big news is that a devastating storyline is coming to Coronation Street in the next few days. Now I've got to admit, I really wouldn't miss hairdresser Maria if she wasn't in Corrie anymore. I'm still mourning the terrible loss of Vera Duckworth and the brilliant Cilla Battersby-Brown, but I've always found Maria a bit of a weak character. It's almost like she's there to make up the numbers. Well, actress Samia Smith's finally got a chance to show her acting chops with a massive storyline.

I don't think I need to add a spoiler as Corrie producers haven't exactly kept it a secret that Maria's pregnancy takes a tragic turn. Already aware that her baby is in trouble, she goes through an arduous labour (is there any other kind?) and gives birth to a stillborn baby.

Actress Samia Smith said: "I was really pleased that they trusted me enough, to give me a big storyline like this. But at the same time, I was quite scared about doing it. I wanted to do justice to the thousands of women who go through this experience every year. It's been a really draining experience because you can't fail to be moved by the story. Just reading the script is tear-jerking."

Maria is too scared to tell hubby Liam (Rob James Collier) the truth, so she goes through the ordeal alone. "She tries to tell him," the actress says: "But he's so busy telling her what a wonderful dad he's going to be and how much he's looking forward to life with the baby, that the moment just goes. She's just so heartbroken by what he's saying. Then the next day she has to go and give birth to the stillborn baby on her own."

Without a doubt, this is the most challenging thing she's ever done on the soap. She acknowledges this too: "Probably the hardest scene was the one where I had to give birth. That's something that all mothers go through so I wanted to get it just right. We had a midwife on set to help me. The funeral scenes were hard too. I really rely on the scripts, which are incredibly well researched and written, because thankfully I've never had any personal experience of what Maria's going through." In real life Samia is lucky enough to be part of a stable and happy relationship. She married property developer Matt Smith two years ago, and says that after a long day's filming, she loves going back to their home.

Incredibly, lovely Samia has been in the soap for eight years now. Eight years! Eight years! What's she done in all that time? I can barely remember any of her storylines - apart from the fling with psycho Charlie. Contrast that with Becky Granger (played by Katherine Kelly) - she's only been in the soap two years but she's made a huge impression. Samia girl, you need to get those writers to give you meatier storylines more often...

Gus Watch
There once was a binman named Gus
A character easy to suss
He's good with a rhyme
But a real waste of time
So he's goneski without too much fuss...

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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Holby City Better Than EastEnders?

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:29:01 GMT

Hello and welcome to A Slice Of Soap. This is the little world for soap fans, but not even the best writers of the genre could've come up with the continuing fallout from Sunday's Baftas Awards.

Firstly, if you missed the Sunday night ceremony and haven't yet read the entry in the TV Blog, the Holby City cast and crew are probably still celebrating their success at the Baftas.
For some, there was still shock at Corrie not even being nominated (but with yawners like the baby swap storyline dragging on longer than the Obama/Clinton thing, who's surprised?). The remaining big guns, including Emmerdale and EastEnders, must've thought they were a shoo-in to take the prize, but Holby City snatched the glory. Hugh Quarshie, Robert Powell, Amanda Mealing and Jaye Jacobs represented the show to pick up the award (from Dallas legend Patrick Duffy - Bobby Ewing!!!!!).

Debonair actor Hugh Quarshie said: "To beat the best at their own game is very satisfying." I bet it was. Last year, sister show Casualty romped to victory, so maybe in 2009 we can expect to see Hollyoaks bringing home the bacon? EastEnders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale - you have been warned.

And there's more! Secondly, Babs Windsor is said to furious at being left off the guest list for Sunday's star-studded gala night. A source said: "Of course, all the cast in the Christmas episodes were going to be invited. But Barbara wasn't so happy - and rightfully so - because she's the matriarch of the show." However, an EastEnders spokesman said: "The BBC had a restricted number of tickets." Babs wasn't the only one feeling left out; other cast members were angry that only the actors in the ratings-topping Christmas storyline, including Lacey Turner and Charlie Clements, were asked along. Funnily enough, there was room for recent returnees Patsy Palmer and Sid Owen...Talk about favouritism!

I guess that means the actor who plays our hero Gus wasn't in attendance either. Still, I'm sure Mohammed George is used to it. I mean, he was barely on the show so why's he gonna be anywhere associated with it? Only one more week of Gus magic left and then it's the end of an era...

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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Will Minty and Heather Get Married?

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:19:07 GMT

Hello and welcome to A Slice Of Soap. Time to find out what's going on in soap-land this week...

EastEnders w/e April 25

So how are we feeling about the Steven-Christian thing then? Does it feel (ever so) contrived or are we buying it? Personally, it doesn't work for me; it feels like a tacked-on storyline of convenience. But then, I can't get past the fact that Steven has snogged his step-uncle. I know there's no blood between them but...ewwwwwwwwwwww! I had to cover my eyes when they kissed. Yuck. It's no surprise to see Christian trying to get Steven to open up about what happened but Steven is still in denial ('I did not kiss my step-uncle! I did not kiss my step-uncle!'). Minty and Heather have a stag and hen do. Heather confronts her feelings for Minty, but will she be able to tell him? Sean gets under Roxy's skin and Jack and Tanya get closer. Guess who's back? OK I'll tell you - Hazel!

Well it's Minty and Heather's wedding day so there has to be some drama, innit? A soap wedding is never ever allowed to go smoothly - it's an unwritten law. So, who will Minty choose? Jack accompanies Tanya to the wedding rather than Ronnie. Roxy and Sean embark on a dangerous liaison. Stacey and Steven hit the duvet – but will he do the deed? Shirley is having relationship trouble. Queenie returns to moan at her daughter and Sean is still playing games with Gus. Ronnie is very concerned about Roxy's drug taking - yawn. Meanwhile, Sean tries to teach Gus a lesson for getting involved in his business...

Also on EastEnders this week:
Dot preaches the sacrosanctity of marriage to Minty and Heather
Mo quizzes Stacey about the bedroom action with Steven
Vinnie asks Shirley to move in with him

Emmerdale w/e April 25

Heard the news? Celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson will play himself as part of celebrations to mark the 5,000th episode of Emmerdale. He'll appear as a judge at the fiercely-contested Pub of the Year competition in the episode that will be broadcast in June. I'm still laughing at the memory of his Footballers' Wives cameo...Back to the action and Paddy invites Gennie to Eli's party. Brace yourself for baby swap saga stuff: Laurel can't handle being in the same house as Arthur and Hilary begs Mel and Greg not to move away, but her behaviour arouses suspicion. Chas is jealous as she witnesses her father and his prodigal daughter Gennie bonding.

Shane threatens Eli when he searches his house for drugs, leaving the naughty Dingle angry. Lexi and Carl start to get close in the office and it makes her confused. Caught between two brothers, will Lexi choose her head or her heart? Vaughan informs Donna that as they can't prove her allegations against Shane, she should withdraw her complaint. However she's at breaking point, especially when Shane threatens her once again. Marlon, Eli and Zak wait at the barn wearing balaclavas, calling Ross with instructions to lead Shane into their trap. They're gonna dish out their version of justice...Ross acts friendly with Shane so he can gain his trust, but will the plan work? Nah, I'm not gonna say. I won't spoil it...

Also on Emmerdale this week:
Lily opens Pearl's post and discovers she's won a competition
Val is annoyed that Diane won't agree to her plans
The Dingle clan blacklist the Woolpack

Coronation Street w/e April 25

We're outside of the domain of the famous cobbles as we follow 'Damien' David struggling to adjust to the routine in the young offenders institute. Gail visits her son and is utterly relieved to find him in one piece; he's also pleased to see his mum. Tony and Roy continue to fight over bats and I'm just gonna roll on past this batty storyline...Becky and Jason reconcile over a bacon butty. Audrey is stunned when Bill reveals that a man called Ted Page has called for her. She later tells Rita that he's an old flame and...Gail's father [rolls eyes]. I tell you what Corrie, you'd better make a better job of this 'Luke, I am your father' storyline than the previous one when Auf Wiedersehen, Pet actor Tim Healy turned up as Sean's dad - what an anti-climax that turned out to be.

There's more trouble and strife involving the Leanne, Dan and Paul triangle and some (non)drama with the insurance and the cheque and the police but frankly, I really don't care so I'll move on. Kirk returns from holiday; he met a young lady named Julie and he's in love. Audrey has decided not to do anything about Ted and goes to visit David with Gail. Maria complains that she feels ugly and fat so Liam buys her a designer maternity dress. After too much booze, Liam ends up spending the night at Carla's...

Also on Coronation Street this week:
Vernon loses all his money on a dud horse
Harry goes to the Rovers and has a laugh with Liz
Chesney is upset over a part in the school play

Hollyoaks w/e April 25

Apparently, Chris Fountain is overwhelmed at the support he is receiving on the Dancing on Ice live tour. He told The Daily Star: "I'm getting a massive reaction from the public on the Dancing on Ice tour we're doing and yet that televised final was a public vote so I'm thinking: 'Why didn't they all vote for me?'" They did vote for you Chris - but more voted for Suzanne Shaw. Simple arithmetic really...So this week, Sasha Valentine is set to risk her life when she injects herself with heroin. When soaps do a drugs storyline, there is always a terrible consequence. Funnily enough, nothing I've seen on a soap has quite had the impact of Grange Hill's Zammo being found in the toilet by Ro-land...

So this week, the Ashworths are in turmoil after Rhys and Beth's departure, in particular Hannah, who finds herself slipping back into her old ways. Calvin is horrified by Sasha's desperate outburst but it's Carmel's PCSO training that arouses her suspicions that Sasha is hiding something. Rhys gets a hostile homecoming when he returns from hospital. Louise is shocked to hear from Sean's mum. Calvin and Carmel take a stroll through the village, but the romance of the occasion is ruined when Carmel's worst nightmare comes true. Sasha's desperate decision to go to Ste for help ends with disastrous consequences. Louise returns from Sean's mother's wracked with guilt. Warren tries to reassure her but Louise is arrested on suspicion of murder.

Also on Hollyoaks this week:
Danny bites the bullet and calls round to see Hannah
Max refuses to set an official wedding date
Amy is stressed with the lie about Leah's leukaemia

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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Best Wishes To Corrie's Blanche

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:31:28 GMT

Hello and welcome to A Slice Of Soap. We start off with some bad news.

Coronation Street favourite Maggie Jones, who plays battle-axe Blanche Hunt, was in hospital after injuring herself in a fall. The 73-year-old actress hurt her shoulder and knee as she took a tumble at Manchester's luxury Marriott Manchester Victoria & Albert Hotel, where she lives when she is filming the soap.

As you all know, she's the on-screen mother of Deidre Barlow. Apparently, she limped from the hotel to the nearby Granada studios to see medical staff but was then sent to Accident and Emergency because her injuries were more serious than first thought. She is now recovering in a private hospital and is expected to be back at work in around two weeks, said a Corrie spokesman. Everyone, cast and crew, sends their best wishes to her.

I'd like to add that I wish her a speedy recovery and hope to see her terrorising her neighbours again soon. Blanche is a very popular character and the soap is poorer without her. Rumours that some Corrie stalwarts face the axe have been greeted with dismay on this blog and many of you have spoken out in support of the older characters. Not one comment is in favour of Blanche Hunt getting the chop. Here's a sample of what we'll miss while Blanche is recuperating...

"Good looks are a curse Deirdre. You and Kenneth should count yourselves lucky."

"You're going to have to start taking pleasure in the misfortune of others Kenneth, or you're going to have a long and unhappy old age."

Emily: "I wish I was three again."
Blanche: "Oh yes - rickets, TB, rationing...those were the days!"

[on The Croppers] "He's a looney and she's a man. What judge in his right mind would give a baby to them couple of freaks!"

[on Liz McDonald] "Skirt no bigger than a belt, too much eyeliner, and roots as dark as her soul!"

Get well soon Maggie...

Gus Watch

As time ticks on, we fast approach the day binman Gus Smith packs up his broom for the last time on EastEnders. However, we've been considering alternative career paths for the Wordsworth of Walford and here's how he could look as the sixth member of flop boyband One True Voice...fits right in, doesn't he?

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
Don't miss a trick - Add MSN Reality TV Agent to your IM contacts

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