Coronation Street Catch Up: the Northern Grit edition

your one stop update on what happened last week on Canada's Coronation Street...

 

 

It was the week of the big event.

(No not the Olympics, I'm talking about the crossover episode of Emmerdale and Corrie)

 

They called it 'Corriedale' (as opposed to 'Emmerstreet'). For fans of both shows, it was probably more engaging than for regular watchers of strictly Corrie or strictly Emmerdale. 

 

But either way, the key story was a multi-car crash with many casualties and one death.

 

Reverend Billy was driving the minibus that was taking wedding guests home after Debbie and Ronnie's wedding. The minibus was one of many vehicles involved in a horrendous crash and wound up on its side and on fire. All passengers escaped except Billy who could have been rescued by Theo. Instead, Theo simply re-attached Billy's seat belt ensuring that Billy would remain trapped in the minibus and Coronation Street's beloved vicar perished. 

 

May he rest in peace.

 

No-one knows about Theo's callous actions and everyone assumes he did his best to rescue Billy. Summer is devastated by the loss of her Dad. Todd is similarly devastated, more so when Theo suggests that Todd is to blame for Billy's death (because Todd wanted to leave the reception early). Unbelievable!

 

Lisa, Betsy and Becky were also in a car that was part of the multi-vehicle collision. They are rescued from their car just as Kit and Carla arrive on the scene. As Becky tries to comfort Lisa in the ambulance, Lisa takes the opportunity to snap on a pair of handcuffs and Becky is arrested.

 

Meanwhile, in another car, Carl and Debbie are also in a serious accident as Carl has been driving recklessly in a drunken state. It also seems that Carl's car was responsible for sideswiping the minibus driven by Billy.

 

Carl is taken to hospital after suffering not just injuries, but also a heart attack. Debbie is taken to hospital with a concussion. Following the crash, Debbie insists that it was she (not Carl) who was driving the car and she is subsequently charged by the police. Kevin is livid because he knows it was Carl driving the car (and, BTW, also responsible for Ty's hit and run). Kev can't understand why Debbie is taking the blame for Carl (neither can we).

 

A little ray of sunshine as Shona's emergency operation goes well and both Mom and baby are recovering nicely. The baby is in neonatal intensive care and awaiting an operation to remove a tumour as soon as she is strong enough for the surgery. Hovering in the hospital is Shona's sister who seems to be hanging around unbeknown to David and Shona.

 

Interestingly, the surgeon (Dr. Harper) who operated on Shona came from Bristol and seems like an affable fellow. We certainly got to know him fairly well (new cast addition?) and David and Shona named their newborn after him (Harper Platt). 

 

And now for a few lines from the week that was: 

 

A grieving Summer to Todd:

"The only one left of the three dads"

(hopefully he will be around for a while) 

Lisa to Carla after Becky is arrested:

"I don't know what to say"

(how about: "sorry you got locked in a shipping container by my psycho ex-wife"?) 

Theo to Todd:

"I need you like Summer needs you"

(actually only Summer needs you)

David explains Shona's resilience:

"Northern grit we call it"

(as opposed to Fred Elliot who preferred Northern girth) 

Carl to Debbie:

"Kevin thinks I'm the devil"

(if the shoe fits...)

Theo to Todd re: Billy's death:

"I know some people are blaming you"

(only Theo actually) 

Kevin to Debbie re: taking the fall for Carl:

"You'll go to jail because of him"

(One wonders why) 

 

***

Well fellow Corriedale colleagues, so ends another week. Making a crossover episode with Corrie and Emmerdale is a challenging undertaking and the writers and producers did a commendable job of combining the two shows - with mixed results.  Many complained that the episodes were quite dark (both literally and in terms of content). Oh well. Now we turn our attention to Theo and Carl. When will they get their comeuppance?  

 

Thanks so much for dropping by and I hope you (and Canada's Olympians) have a great week! 

Coronation Street Catch Up: the facial yoga edition

 your one stop update on what happened last week on Canada's Coronation Street...

 

Well, I think we can all agree that Debbie and Ronnie's wedding went swimmingly... except for Kevin and Carl's violent standoff, Carl's accusations directed at Debbie about his Mum, Billy's viewing of video footage showing Theo's toxic control of Todd, and Tracy locking Cassie in a hotel room toilet.

 

But, apart from that, everything was great (and Ronnie can certainly cut a rug).

 

Let's dig a little deeper.

 

Kevin now knows (thanks to Jack's drone video footage) that Carl was driving the car that hit Tyrone. Unfortunately Kev decides to show the damning video at the wedding reception (whatever happened to a traditional speech with Dad jokes?). However, Carl seems to have replaced the 'gotcha' video with a clip of Jack and Kev doing a faux BTS dance routine. Fun stuff but it sends Kev into a rage and he has to be restrained as Carl continues to deny his culpability.

 

Later on, Carl confronts Debbie about not telling him that she was in contact with Carl's Mum and knew Carl's Mum was dying. Debbie is distraught by the accusations. 

 

Meanwhile, Carl has other deceitful fish to fry. 

 

He dodges the hit and run accusation by breaking the laptop containing the video evidence and, when confronted by Abi, just shrugs off his deceit and lies. Then, in a drunken state (and with a bag of cash), Carl drives off. 

Back at the wedding reception, Billy has now seen video footage that confirms what he has been thinking about Todd's toxic relationship with Theo. Billy convinces Todd to return with him (in a minibus that Billy is using to bring guests to and from the wedding). Unfortunately Theo manages to get on board at the last minute and the three are in the minibus together.

 

Far from the wedding, Kit is feverishly trying to find Carla. 

 

Some speedy DNA testing identifies hair in the flat (where Becky has been keeping Carla prisoner) as Carla's and the race is on to find her. As the police locate Becky's abandoned car, Kit races to the location and hears Carla banging from inside an adjacent shipping container. Carla seems to be in remarkably good condition (considering her ordeal) and, after a swig of water, accompanies Kit in the desperate quest to stop Becky from fleeing to Spain with Lisa and Betsy.

 

Kit makes a call to Lisa's cellphone and reveals the truth to her as Becky is driving the threesome en route to a planned escape. What will Lisa do as she discovers that Becky is a corrupt cop, a kidnapper, and a dangerous felon? 

And now for a few lines from the week that was:

 

Lisa's voicemail to Carla:

"I really thought we'd be together till death do us part" 

(the 'death' part almost happened)

 

Sally shares her skincare secret with Debbie's hen do: 

"It's facial yoga every day"

(trying doing a downward dog with your chin and nose) 

 

Kev previews his 'gotcha' video of Carl at the wedding reception:

"I don't want to bring down the buzz"

(...but I'd like to show you a video about hit and run driver)   

Tracy to Amy re: Cassie:

"She uses emotional chloroform" 

(but she may also use actual chloroform if necessary)

 

Mary to Kevin re: his dance video: 

"You have the hips of a much younger man"

(move over John Travolta) 

Abi to Carl:

"I thought it was just relationships where you were heartless and selfless"

(no, he's pretty well heartless and selfless all the time)

 

Abi tells Carl she knows about his fandangos with James:

"Wasn't just cars you were tinkering with"

(yes, he was also tuning up his libido)

 

***

Well, fellow wedding watchers, so ends another week. With virtually everyone on the road, driving fast (some drunk) and in diverse tense situations (i.e. Carl, Abi, Billy, Todd, Theo, Carla, Kit, Betsy, Becky and Lisa), what could possibly go wrong?  Thanks so much for spending time here at the Hip. Have a great week!

Coronation Street Catch Up: the chafing would be horrendous edition

 your one stop update on what happened last week on Canada's Coronation Street...

 

 

Phew! 

Just came back from a vacation at the Rhubarb Hill Hotel (spoiler alert: no rhubarb on the premises and it's not on a hill either). 

 

It's certainly not a vacation for poor Carla who tried to give Betsy a secret hint as to her whereabouts as a captive in crazy Becky's flat.  Carla almost makes her escape but is thwarted by evil Becky who is now cutting off Carla from her vital medication.

Meanwhile Asha is helping Kit solve the 'Rhubarb' puzzle as she finds out (from a hospital colleague) that Costello was saying: 'Rhubarb Hill Blessing'. Turns out that it's a three-word address that can zero in on a specific location. Kit figures it out and speeds to the location only to find no-one there, but he finds Carla's empty medication packet. 

 

It looks like Becky is one step ahead of Kit and is moving Carla (jn the trunk of her car).

 

Meanwhile Betsy is trying to convince Lisa to go to Spain and it looks like Lisa might actually agree.

 

Over at the Rovers, it's New Year's Eve and the place is hopping as the punters down a variety of bevies. Poor Todd is trying desperately to please Theo. Despite being stranded in the rain by Theo and forced to walk back to Weatherfield, Todd puts that behind him and proposes to Theo in the Rovers only to be scolded by Theo later on. Billy is sure that Todd is in an abusive relationship but Todd is in denial.

 

Abi is finally wise to Carl's many deceptions (i.e. legover with James, amassing a large sum of money, one-way plane ticket to Germany) and gets advice from Tracy (so you know she's desperate). Tracy tells Abi to take charge of the situation and Abi then pretends that the relationship with Carl is fine - while planning her revenge. 

 

Over at the Chariot Square Hotel, Ryan also has his suspicions about Carl's shady financial dealings but is reluctant to tell Debbie until he has proof. En passant, Ryan and Leanne seem to be getting rather chummy these days.

 

Meanwhile, old Carl seems to be in a bit of fragile state after learning about the death of his mother. Maybe that event has made him a bit more reflective and a bit less...um Carl-ish? Ronnie kindly lends his support to Carl while Carl deals with his Mom's passing.

 

We now know that it was Will who coshed Daniel in the head and left him lying in the ginnel. We also know that Moira witnessed the event, covered up the assault, and is protecting her grandson.

 

Some good news. 

 

After some deft reverse psychology from Evelyn, Ty is motivated to resume rehab and is now walking with crutches. He even manages to console Kev who is still gutted at losing Abi to Carl.

 

And now for some lines from the week that was: 

 

Brian to the Rovers crowd about New Year's in Times Square:

"In America they have a massive ball"

(just one?)

Mary tells the Rovers crowd about the downside of wearing her lucky red underwear:

"The chafing would be horrendous"

(try getting that image out of your head) 

Becky tells Lisa to forget about Carla:

"Carla's moved on"

(...in the trunk of a car driven by Becky)

Moira to Daniel after he was attacked in the ginnel:

"Did you get a look at the perp?"

(call Law & Order SVU) 

Carl to Abi:

"Am I in the doghouse?"

(is the Pope American?)

Abi to Evelyn, who's sticking her oar in:

"Luckily for you I don't punch pensioners"

(someone tell Rita and Audrey) 

Tracy wants Abi to confide in her:

"Trust me, I'm a sister"

(more like a Twisted Sister) 

Tracy to Abi re: men:

"Today's pothole is tomorrow's sinkhole"

(especially in Montreal) 

Abi opens up to Tracy:

"It's Carl. He's cheating on me"

(...with a man) 

***

Well, fellow Corrie compatriots, so ends another week. It's now 2026 on the Street and let's hope for some good stories and great characters. Let's hope that Carla escapes from Becky (and is healthy), let's hope that Todd escapes from Theo (and is healthy). Most of all, all the best to fellow faithful fans of Corrie and I hope 2026 brings you nothing but good things. Cheers!

Coronation Street Catch Up: the peripatetic noshers edition

 your one stop update on what happened last week on Canada's Coronation Street...

 

 

We definitely need some kind of hero to deal with the Carla-Becky situation and I can only think of one person suited to the job.

 

That's right. We need Peter Barlow to swoop in and rescue Carla, deport Becky, marry Lisa and introduce Betsy to Simon. There. Problem solved.

 

Of course that's not going to happen (pity) so Carla continues to remain bound, gagged and living in a closet thanks to evil Becky. Becky also tells Costello to keep his mouth shut or his family will be in danger. At the same time, Becky continues to smooth talk Lisa into resuming her wifely role and plans on establishing her old (pre-dead) life with Lisa and Betsy.

 

Elsewhere a lovely Christmas dinner at the Rovers is the setting for Moira to take a swipe at Eva by reading, out loud, a letter that Eva wrote to her terminated child. Moira thinks that Eva was - and is - having it off with Adam. Ben subsequently punches Adam. Eva later explains to Ben that she had the termination while she and Ben were estranged and insists that she is not having if off with Adam.

 

Ben then banishes Moria from the Rovers. Moira then commandeers poor Roy to take her to the Chariot Square Hotel. Ben and Eva make up while 'Fairytale of New York' plays in the background.

 

Sad news. Carl's Mom has passed away. 

Not so sad news. Carl decides to have a therapeutic legover with James. 

 

The randy twosome almost get caught red-handed by Abi but James makes a miraculous escape just in time. However, Abi gets suspicious when she finds a neck chain on the coffee table. 

Carl says he found the chain in the couch. Not very convincing. 

Next time say you had a surprise visit from Snoop Dog. More convincing.

 

David is not chuffed to be attending ante-natal classes with Shona and manages to insult the class instructor. Meanwhile, he is celebrating his birthday (which falls on Christmas day) and Gail remembers the occasion (via video call). David, BTW, is 35 years old (in dog years?) 

 

Over at Todd and Theo's it's more of the same old, same old. Theo makes Todd cook Christmas dinner for a whole whack of guests (surprise!). Todd meekly accepts the task and their friends enjoy the meal. Theo starts yawning as a signal for everyone to get lost... pronto. Afterwards, the Olympic head games continue as Theo verbally harasses Todd. 

 

And now for a few lines from the week that was:

 

Bernie tells the hen do her weirdest legover location:

"I have done it in a Glastonbury loo"

(...while Oasis was playing on the main stage no doubt) 

James to Carl re: his hidden sexual nature:

"Secrets have a habit of coming out"

(the sooner the better) 

Moira is delighted at the prospect of homosexual dinner guests: 

"I do love a gay Christmas"

(Really? Try stopping by at Todd and Theo's and get back to me) 

Evelyn to Roy re: the house of Carla and Lisa:
"What's been happening at the lesbian ranch?"

(Becky seems to have been doing some lassoing of Carla) 

Adam accepts Moira's dinner invitation:

"We Barlow's would do anything to avoid Tracy's crusty nut loaf "

(even listen to Ken's rendition of 'Feliz Navidad' on the bells?) 

Brian assures David he is not intending to stay for Christmas dinner:

"We're not peripatetic noshers"

(Isn't 'Peripatetic Noshers' the name of a techno-punk band?) 

Christina at Todd and Theo's Christmas dinner:

"That is one hell of a moist breast"

(Let's keep the conversation civil, shall we?") 

Eva to Maggie:

"You bitch!"

(le mot juste) 

 

Eva to Moira:

"Why do you hate me so much?"

(how much time do you have?) 

Evelyn to Lisa re: Carla:

"Maybe she's just not cut out to be a lesbian"

(It's not like the Girl Guides, you know)  

George shares his thoughts out loud:

"Who doesn't have the hots for Alya?"

(put your hand up)

 

***

Well, fellow festive followers, so ends another week. Please! Someone rescue Carla from the surly bonds of...Becky. Thanks, as always, for dropping by. Cheers! 

Coronation Street Catch Up: the finesse my tablescaping edition

 your one stop update on what happened last week on Canada's Coronation Street...

 

Phew!

 

Finally some relief from the Todd and Theo story and the Lisa, Carla and Becky saga.

 

Yes, Christmas is coming to Coronation Street and it's only a matter of time before Ken brings out his traditional Yuletide bells and plays a stirring rendition of Despecito... er, I mean Silent Night.

 

However, first there is the small matter of the police intervention into the Todd and Theo domestic violence incident. It seems that their heated argument escalated to the point where Todd pushed Theo and he fell backwards, smashing through a coffee table. 

 

Todd is interviewed by the police and Theo is taken to hospital. Turns out Theo is fine and the two concoct a flimsy explanation about a family dispute that got a little physical. Neighbours are shocked to learn of the violent incident. 

 

Later, Theo discovers that Todd has recorded past events with hidden video cameras. 

Theo, of course, is outraged and uses his video editing skills to make a short movie depicting Todd as the abuser in their relationship. Think of it as an evil variation on a Scorsese oeuvre. Call it Raging Bulls***.

 

George and Christina pop over for lunch with Todd and Theo but are convinced by Monsieur Smarm (Theo) that everything's tickety boo. 

Anyway, let's move on to the seasonal events.

 

Over at Sally and Tim's house, Sally is trying to create a perfect Christmas for Joanie and Shanice (and I guess Brody too). Then Joanie steals a bottle of wine from Dev's (as a gift for her Mum). Sally and Tim manage to smooth things over but Sally blows a gasket when Joanie tries to swan off to a party with a sketchy pal. Joanie, in turn, gives Sally a rollicking and then tops the Christmas tree for good measure. All this just as Fiz and her daughters pop in for some Xmas cheer.

 

Over at the pub, it's Will's 16th birthday and preparations are underway for a surprise party. However, Will has birthday plans of his own which involve shagging his coach in a room at the Chariot Square Hotel (used on all occasions by all Corrie residents - Trip Advisor's rating is four and half hotpots). 

Will and Megan are almost caught in flagrante delicto by Ben and Ollie who arrive at the hotel room.  Will manages to concoct an explanation while Megan hides in the bathroom. Later, Will and Megan are invited to join Eva and family for Christmas festivities. Awkward! How long before this inappropriate relationship is discovered?

 

Carl gets a suggestive text from James but manages to lie about it to Abi. James later apologizes to Carl for his racy text but advises Carl to be honest with Abi about his um... 'sexual appetites'. 

 

And finally, it's goodbye to Dee Dee and Laila. Dee Dee is off to a fancy job in Singapore. James is bitter at first but then reconciles himself to Dee Dee's plans and wishes her a fond farewell. She leaves in a Black Cab (not a Street Cars taxi) so you know it's a fond (and probably final) farewell.

 

And now for a few lines from the week that was:

 

Bernie re: the Todd-Theo commotion:

"You don't know what goes on behind closed doors"

(only Charlie Rich does... ask your parents who Charlie Rich is)

 

Todd to Kit re: his flight with Theo: 

"It got physical"

(and not in the Olivia Newton-John way... ask your parents again) 

Theo jokes to a police officer re: his CT scan:

"They found a brain"

(are you sure?) 

Tracy to Cassie: 

"Talk about a stupid, mouthy slapper"

(hey, she's not stupid) 

Sally invites Fiz over for a visit:

"I've been wanting to finesse my tablescaping"

(it's like landscaping with napkins) 

***

Well, fellow Will watchers, so ends another week. We can't help but notice that the Corrie Banishing Corporation (CBC) has shortchanged us with only one episode on Friday (instead of two). I refuse to take this lying down (but if I do, it will be in a suite at the Chariot Square Hotel). Thanks so much for the pleasure of your company and have a great week. 

Coronation Street Catch Up: the Fireworks or Turtle Doves edition

 your one stop update on what happened last week on Canada's Coronation Street...

 

 

Happy New Year?

 

Not so much for Carla, Lisa, Shona, Kev and especially, Todd.

 

Over at Carla and Lisa's place, it looks like Carla has given up on her relationship with Lisa. Looks like she has also given up on her investigation into Becky's suspicious activities. Carla has one last visit with Costello (who's still in hospital and barely conscious) and elicits a clue from him ("Ravensgill"). However, a nurse advises Carla that Costello's random words probably don't mean anything and are simply par for the course for someone in his condition.

 

Carla subsequently gives up on her quest to discover the truth about Becky much to the dismay of Kit who is determined to continue the investigation.  Carla decides to take off to sunnier climes and heads for the airport. Lisa suddenly decides that she wants to get back together with Carla and decides to intercept Carla at the airport but it looks like she may be too late.

 

Over at David and Shona's place, Shona has planned a baby shower but didn't tell David until he arrived at their house to see several women drinking out of baby bottles (don't ask). Davey is surprised (not in a good way) that Shona is celebrating the arrival of their baby when both Shona and the baby are at risk.

 

The shower doesn't end well as Shona reacts badly to a gift exchange receipt that she interprets as a sign that the baby may not live. Afterwards, Shona admits to David that she is scared about what might happen.

 

Debbie continues to plan her wedding and invites Kevin as well as Abi and Carl. Kev refuses to attend but some wise words from Jack convince him to change his mind.

 

Last, but certainly not least, a full episode was devoted to the deteriorating relationship between Todd and Theo as Theo becomes more controlling and more violent by the minute. A couple of cameras (which Todd placed in the flat) record a frightful record of the abuse and violence culminating in a call to police by neighbours who hear a terrible commotion coming from the flat.

 

The police force their way in only to be confronted by an ashen-faced Todd.

 

And now for a few lines from the short week that was:

 

Debbie quizzes Ronnie about his preference for the wedding:

"Fireworks or turtle doves?" 

(...but not both or you might have a horrible accident) 

Shona raises a toast at her baby shower:

"A toast to our little fighter" 

(are you talking about David?)

 

Kirk ponders the misnamed reindeer:

"They should be called snowdeer"

(call Rudolph and let him know)

 

***

Well, fellow chagrined Corrie watchers, so ends another short week of Coronation Street episodes. I have communicated my displeasure to the highest echelons of the CBC but to no avail. Hopefully regular scheduled episodes will resume this week on CBC and continue... until the Olympics. Thanks for stopping by and have a great week.

Coronation Street Catch Up: the cup of euphemism edition

 your one stop update on what happened last week on Canada's Coronation Street...

 

 

It's neither very 'Feliz' nor 'Navidad' over at Carla and Lisa's place as Becky continues to drive a wedge between Carla and Lisa while dredging up tiresome memories of old times (i.e. before she pretended to be dead).

 

Carla's fed up with Becky's shenanigans and decides she wants to spend Christmas with Roy rather than hang around with Becky, Betsy and Lisa rehashing the good old (pre-Spain) days.

 

Carla does have one trick up her sleeve. She pretends to be drunk and prompts Becky to confess her devious plan to win back Lisa. Carla records the conversation and plays it back to Betsy and Lisa but Lisa has simply had enough of the fight between Becky and Carla and insists she is not a prize to be won.

 

Meanwhile Kit is working overtime trying to discover the truth about Becky's evil deeds. Carla is on the case too. She brings her steno pad to Costello's bedside in hospital but only manages to elicit a word or two before Costello returns to an unconscious state.

 

A smidgen of Maggie's past is revealed through a couple of flashbacks and show her to be fiercely protective of her two young sons (Ben and Finley) and contemptuous of her husband who falls down the stairs after a push from Maggie. Maggie continues to waltz around the neighbourhood inflicting her particular brand of aggressive non-charm to one and all. 

 

Perhaps the producers wanted to introduce a character in the tradition of Blanche Hunt or Ena Sharples but sadly (so far) Maggie has neither the wit nor likeability of either.

 

Over at the Chariot Square Hotel, Debbie has erroneously booked her wedding venue for 2027 instead of 2026. However Carl and Abi manage to book another suitable venue for the correct date.

 

Will is getting more and more cheesed off as Megan gets super chummy with Daniel. Even more problematic for Megan and Will is the fact that Lauren spies the two of them at a cafe being all touchy feely. It was only a matter of time before someone in Weatherfield saw the inappropriate twosome in a compromising situation. What will happen now?

 

At Tim and Sally's house, the couple are delighted to learn that Joanie has invited some friends over for a party but sadly none show up.

 

George remains very concerned about Todd and Christina tries to encourage him to take the initiative and see Todd.

And now for a few lines from the very short week that was:

 

Carla encourages Becky to return to Spain pronto:

"Feliz Navidad and all that"

(hasta la vista, Becky) 

Carla to Lisa re: her recording of evil Becky:

"I had a lovely little chat with Lady Lazarus"

(good one) 

Christina's description of George's legover prowess:

"Sex machine"

(way too much information) 

Carla to Lisa and Betsy re:Becky:

"She is devious and dishonest"

(and those are her good points) 

Carla to Becky:

"I've got to warn you. I'm a stubborn cow"

(So,Becky, why don't you moo-ve out) 

Daniel to Megan:

"Would you like to come up for a cup of euphemism?"

(you mean sex?) 

 

***

Well fellow Festive Followers, so ends another (very short) week. Thanks so much for the pleasure of your company throughout the year and I wish you nothing but health, happiness and high quality Corrie episodes in 2026. All the best and have a Happy New Year!