Plus, Jane Danson wants Toyah Battersby to return
We’ll begin today’s Corrie new round up with a report in the Sun which states that the show’s bosses have been branded “miseries” for not depicting the show’s characters being excited about the forthcoming Olympics.
Media commentators have made the accusation after Corrie’s BBC rival soap EastEnders confirmed that they’re dedicating a good deal of air time to the event, and will feature character Billy Mitchell running with the Olympic torch through Walford.
A Corrie insider told the paper, “Any references (to the Olympics) will be in passing and relevant to how it affects our residents, so not overt or heavy at all.
“Its different for EastEnders as it’s on their doorstep.”
However, another TV source said, “It’s bad form because the Olympics is a national cause for celebration, not just a reason for the East End of London to be happy.
“In the past, the Street has caught the public imagination by recognising things like the World Cup and Royal occasions…
“Millions of fans love Corrie for its sense of humour, but the execs are being a load of miseries over the Olympics by refusing to join in.”
Are you bothered one way or the other about the lack of Olympics coverage in Corrie? I can’t say I am because in all honesty, the whole shebang is of absolutely no interest to me whatsoever, but let us know what you think.
Also making Corrie news today is a report in The People which claims that anti-smoking groups have blasted the show for featuring cigarettes on sale in Dev Alahan’s corner shop.
Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) has accused the soap of exploiting a loophole in legislation surrounding the advertising of tobacco products, and it’s not only Corrie that’s come under fire, EastEnders has as well.
Ash research manager Amanda Sandford said, “We would like to see these free advertisements ended as soon as possible.
“Millions of people watch these programmes and they’re using these negative props to advertise products known to cause severe damage to health.
“Tobacco is not allowed to be advertised on TV but this loophole continues to offer companies the opportunity for their brands to be seen on television.
“We know the display of these products encourages younger people to take up smoking which is why the legislation was passed, so we hope that television companies will stop this practice soon.
“While they don’t have to do so until 2015, the sooner it is stopped the better. In the past programmes such as Coronation Street introduced the smoking ban legislation to storylines and we would hope that this new legislation would be reflected in programming.
“The code of practice for smoking on television is working well but we do believe this loophole should be closed.”
However, an ITV spokesman said of tobacco products featuring in Coronation Street, “Our programmes comply and will comply with the Ofcom Broadcasting Code and relevant legislation in their depiction of tobacco products and smoking.”
And a BBC spokeswoman added, “Our continuing dramas EastEnders, Holby City and Casualty will reflect the changes in the law.
“But it is too early to say whether they will feature as a storyline.”
Finally, a Department of Health spokeswoman said, “We have made the broadcasters aware of the legislation.”
What’s your view on cigarettes featuring in soaps? Is it wrong or is it merely reflecting real life, because of course, people do smoke, and soaps are supposed to reflect real life?
Finally today, Jane Danson, who plays Leanne Barlow, has told Digital Spy that she’d love it if Georgia Taylor were to return to the show to reprise the role of Leanne’s half-sister, Toyah Battersby.
When asked if it was likely that Georgia would return, Jane said, “As an actor, I’m sure she’s keen to explore other things…
“But if the opportunity came up and it was the right time, I’d be really hopeful that she would say yes.
”Hopefully one day – I’d just like Leanne to have somebody around who would be really on her side 100% of the time! From my point of view, it would be fantastic.”
The last time we saw Toyah was back in 2003, and since leaving the show, Georgia has of course starred in BBC medical drama, Casualty.
More Corrie news soon!
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