[BigSister]

LOL at graham singing realight my fire and "Who got the job ashley butcher"

[DamonJ]

Youtube video

LMAO.
My Kevins got a black willy.

[Scarlett.]

LOL I watched the ages ago, its brilliant

[Scarlett.]

Coronation Street factory boss Carla Connor - played by Alison King - is all set to become Carla Gordon next week, as she prepares to marry her long-term life and business partner Tony Gordon (Gray O'Brien). However, following the death of Carla's brother-in-law Liam (Rob James-Collier), she's struggled to come to terms with the loss of her soul mate. Unaware that her fiancé masterminded the murder, Carla prepares for her lavish no-expense-spared wedding. However, with so many Weatherfield residents with grudges, will their wedding go without hiccup? Here, DS chats to Alison about Liam, the wedding and her real-life pregnancy.

Will Carla ever be able to forgive herself for her final words to Liam?
"That's a good one. It's a growing thing. She doesn't know anything's her fault. Nor does she know anything about Tony's involvement. As far as Carla's concerned, it was an accident. So in that way it's tragic. Little does she know, had she changed those words and gone off with him, it could have saved his life."

Was Liam Carla's one true love, or does she love Tony but in a different way?
"I don't think she does love Tony in the same way as she did Liam. Liam was somebody who she fell deeply in love with. Her first true love was Paul, Liam's brother, and that was a commitment which came to her quite easily. Paul worshipped her. With Liam, though, it was a forbidden love. I think Carla feels safe with Tony, she just doesn't know him as well. Carla loves him, but it's more security. They spark together quite nicely, too."

Does Carla at this point suspect that Tony killed Liam?
"No, she's completely wrapped up in Liam and whether she's going to go through with the wedding. It's quite difficult remembering which wedding we're at! It's like Jesus, but instead, it's before and after Liam! Carla's just returned fresh from Los Angeles to make a new start with Tony and she realises that Tony didn't deserve all what she did with Liam. As far as Carla's concerned, she told Maria to go and have a happy life with Liam and the baby. Then when Liam died, Carla just had to go off and decide whether she could go through with her marriage to Tony or not."

So, during wedding week, Carla invites someone that Tony's not expecting, doesn't she?
"Yeah, she invites Tony's brother Pat. Jamie [Lee], who plays him is wicked. Pat turns up and nearly throws a spanner in the works. Tony's left thinking whether he's going to get away with what he's done. He's worried who Pat's going to end up speaking to throughout the day. Then Tony worries what stories he's told, what lies he's told. I don't think he can even remember what lies he's told and in what order. Tony's bricking it, while Carla's completely oblivious and says she wants to see more of Pat! Carla's really trying to do the right thing by Tony now. She's trying to move forward."

Does she switch her wedding dress from the one she romped with Liam in?
"Yeah. I think she feels that it'd be a bit bad, what with Liam having been under the old one!"

Is the wedding trouble-free? Do they make it down the aisle?
"Carla's completely unaware as to what Tony's going through, while she just has a lovely day. Essentially, you're left wondering whether all of those loose ends will end up in a knot anywhere along the line. There are so many people that could ruin the day - Sally, Kevin, Rosie, Maria, Pat... And even though Jed's not there, he could easily barge in. It's a case of will they actually make it down the aisle? If they do, will they make it to their honeymoon? Or will something happen just before they leave?"

It must be fun filming weddings because it gets most of the cast in one place!
"Yeah, it does. They're also really long and tedious! They have to get everyone's reaction on camera, while I'm wearing a really uncomfortable dress for three days! At the start you feel like a princess, but by the end, you just want to burn it! It was a wicked dress, though."

You're expecting a baby. You must be excited about becoming a new mum?
"Yeah, I'm big and fat at the minute. I'm just getting fatter. It's a competition between my boobs, my bump and my ass! I think my bum's slightly ahead at the minute! I'm just really tired at the moment. Everybody's been great, though. I just have to remember to put my feet up between scenes. It looks a bit weird on set - I get myself into some ridiculous positions, like on my hands and knees and I end up apologising to people, saying 'sorry, I've got wind!'"

Have they had to start covering your lower half up yet?
"Yeah, they do and they don't but it's getting a bit ridiculous now, though. I look like Humpty Dumpty with leggings."

However, if you've been wondering about Carla's friendship with Leanne; Carla's screen family, including her brother, Darren; and when Alison finishes filming before she goes on maternity leave, then read on.

I've asked a number of people about Carla's brother Darren and have had the same response - they'd all love to have him around. Corrie's producer Kim Crowther also mentioned him last month in my interview with her.

We already have a clear picture of who he is and where he is currently. If you don't know, Darren is currently residing in Strangeways prison serving an eight-year sentence at her Majesty's pleasure for armed robbery.

So I'll make a bold statement here and now - we'll be seeing Darren at some point in 2009.

And if Alison has her way, I think we'll meet Carla's sister, too. Don't forget to let me know your views on the potential casting below.

For now, here are those extra bits:

At one point, Carla hated Leanne. Are you surprised at the producers making them pally?
"No, not at all. They're quite similar. Before when they were friends, they were trying to out-do each other and show each other who was the best with a business. Then Leanne crossed Carla [by sleeping with] with Paul, so they didn't speak for six months. Leanne did go up to Carla a couple of times and try to make friends, but Carla wasn't having any of it. Eventually, Carla had the crisis with Liam and when Leanne tried to make friends again, they both realised that they're close whether they like it or not. Leanne's a good confidante and says it how it is. I think it really works actually."

Would you like to see Carla's brother Darren turn up in Weatherfield?
"Yeah, for sure. I think she's got a brother who's absolutely brilliant with her. I think he'll be stunningly charming, but a complete minger inside. He'll be as rough as old boots because Carla's mum was rough, too. Carla's from a really rough family, but she's tried to put all that behind her. It'd be good to have someone there like Darren who wants to sponge off her or embarrass her all the time. Or maybe he just loves her to death and idolises the ground she walks on? I also think Carla could have a sister that she's not spoken to for years."

When are you due to finish filming?
"Around Christmas time."

Can you give us any clues as to how Carla's going to leave?
"No way, José! "

You must be proud to have become such an established character in such a relatively short period of time?
"Yeah, it's brilliant. I've been really fortunate to have storyline after storyline. I suppose the sad thing about that is that my boys keep leaving me! I don't think that's anything to do with me, though! It's been great to play, every which way. It's allowed me to show a bit of range, which is always good in a soap. All the storylines I've had just keep adding new layers to Carla as a character."



Digital Spy

[BigSister]

Yay thanks for that Chewy. Will be good to see him

[Scarlett.]

Aye, especially with his history

[Scarlett.]

Hour long tonight

[BigSister]

haha whem Blanche came into the court that was so funny

[Scarlett.]

Aye!
Stecky works better than Micheve!

[Scarlett.]

Eighties actress Stephanie Beacham has joined the cast of Coronation Street, it has been confirmed.

The 61-year-old Colbys actress, who appeared as Sable Colby in the US show, auditioned for the ITV soap last week and has now been cast in the role of Martha, an eccentric potential new love interest for Weatherfield veteran Ken Barlow (William Roache).

Ken bumps into Martha by the canal while walking Blanche's (Maggie Jones) dog Eccles. He soon learns that Martha is a theatre actress who travels from performance to performance via the UK waterways on her barge.

Beacham has played Bad Girl Phyllida Oswyn for three years in the ITV prison drama, before going on to star in last year's series of Strictly Come Dancing.

She begins filming with the Manchester-based soap next week and will first appear on screen at the end of January. She will remain with the show for at least three to four months.

[Scarlett.]

Peter (Chris Gascoyne) has gone AWOL – no one has seen him since his drunken escapades yesterday and Ken (William Roache) is getting worried. Leanne (Jane Danson) eventually finds him at the flat sleeping off a hangover and unable to remember much about the previous day’s events. She persuades him to get his act together and take teddy round to Simon (Alex Bain) at Ken (William Roache) and Deirdre’s (Anne Kirkbride). Peter is ashamed as his son proudly performs his lines from the nativity play. Upset Peter escapes to the back yard where he breaks down and tells Ken that he doesn’t think he can cope with being a dad.

Maria (Samia Smith) is furious when the police call round and tell her that they don’t have any evidence to lead them to think Tony (Gray O'Brien) killed Liam. But she is intrigued when later in the day Jed (Kenneth Cope) arrives at the house and tells her he wants to talk to her about a murderer.

Christmas is coming and Lloyd (Craig Charles) and Steve (Simon Gregson) are getting fat. Michelle (Kym Ryder) decides it's about time the pair of them lost a few pounds and sets them a slimming challenge – prompting Liz (Beverley Callard) to invite Lloyd along to her Brazilian Crunch class.

Tyrone (Alan Halsall) is not looking forward to Christmas without Molly (Vicky Binns) so he’s pleased when she tells him that she has decided to move back in.

Elsewhere plans are being made for Christmas dinner across the street and when Norris (Malcolm Hebden) wins a Polish Christmas hamper Emily (Eileen Derbyshire) decides to invite Vicki (Wanda Opalinska) for lunch. Norris also invites Mary (Patti Clare) along but is less than impressed that Jed will be there too.

This episode is written by Joe Turner , produced by Kim Crowther and directed by Pip Short.

****

PI for Week 52 follows. Please note, all times and dates are currently TBA, so PI is listed by episode number. When the dates and times are confirmed, this page will be updated.

Ep6973

Peter (Chris Gascoyne) tells Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride), Ken (William Roache) and Blanche (Maggie Jones) that he wants to be a real father and they tell him that they will care for Simon (Alex Bain) until Peter gets himself sorted out. Peter than has some groveling to do with Leanne (Jane Danson) and thanks her for helping him find Simon’s teddy. He invites her round to the flat but she tells him she has some shopping to do, her attitude has softened though and he is left with a spark of hope. Back at the flat he finds a present Simon has left for him and opens a bottle of whisky – is he going to fall at the first hurdle?

Maria (Samia Smith) finds an unlikely ally in the shape of Jed Stone (Kenneth Cope) who tells her that he believes her theory that Tony killed Liam. Audrey advises caution and tells Maria that she should stop looking for someone to blame. Meanwhile Tony (Gray O'Brien) is rattled when Jed sees him talking to Jimmy (Robert Beck) - will Tony be able to buy Jed’s silence?

Michelle (Kym Ryder) asks Steve (Simon Gregson) if it is ok if she does a gig on Christmas Eve – Steve (Simon Gregson) feigns disappointment and tells Becky (Katherine Kelly) that this is the last Christmas she will be alone.

Rosie is up to her old tricks – she is flirty with Gary Windass, telling him that she has just done a photoshoot for a newspaper and inviting him to her 18th on Christmas Eve.

Elsewhere Colin and Rita have hit it off and Lloyd suffers following the Brazilian Crunch class.

This episode is written by David Bowker, produced by Kim Crowther and directed by john Anderson.

***

Ep6974

It’s Christmas Eve on Coronation Street and everyone is in high spirits. The factory girls are in party mood and Carla (Alison King) tells them to go home and come back in their glad rags for the Underworld Xmas Bash. Tony (Gray O'Brien) stays to get the party ready and finish off some last minute wrapping but he’s surprised by a visit from a slightly tipsy Jed Stone (Kenneth Cope) demanding more cash in return for his silence.

Angered by the pensioner’s belligerence Tony snaps and using the negligee he has bought Carla for Christmas he throttles him. As he stands over a motionless Jed on the floor of the factory he panics realizing that Carla and the factory girls will be on their way back any time. Spying an empty storage hamper he crams Jed’s lifeless body inside it just in time. The next few hours are a nightmare for Tony as the drunken factory girls conga and dance around the hamper unaware of its grizly secret. Will Tony’s latest evil deed be discovered?

Rosie (Helen Flanagan) is looking forward to celebrating her birthday and having her first legal drink in the Rovers. She has planned a party at home but decides to cancel it and spend the evening with Gary Windass (Mikey North) instead. Kevin (Michael LeVell) and Sally (Sally Whittaker) are less than impressed when they return home and discover she and Gary have polished off the champagne the family were going to open to celebrate her birthday.

Joe (Reece Dinsdale) is not feeling very festive having discovered that he has been evicted from his flat. He confides in Kevin who advises him to tell Gail (Helen Worth) but Joe is a proud man and doesn’t want to burden her with his problems.

At the Rovers Michelle (Kym Ryder) kisses Steve (Simon Gregson) under the mistletoe but Steve tells Becky (Katherine Kelly) he would much rather be kissing her.

This episode is written by Simon Crowther, produced by Kim Crowther and directed by John Anderson

****

Ep6975

Christmas Day dawns in Weatherfield with everyone preparing for the day ahead. One man with more to do than most is Tony Gordon (Gray O'Brien) who has the small matter of a body to dispose of before he can get down to celebrating. He tells Carla (Alison King) that there has been a break in at one of the properties and he heads for the factory. But there is a surprise awaiting him when he gets there.

Meanwhile preparations are under way for Christmas dinner at Emily (Eileen Derbyshire) and Norris’ (Malcolm Hebden) but Emily is not happy starting without Jed, whose bed hasn’t been slept in all night. Tony is desperate to make sure it looks as though Jed has done a runner and he sneaks into the house to remove his belongings – will he manage to get everything out without getting discovered?

Over at the Platts the day has got off to a good start with Joe (Reece Dinsdale) surprising Gail (Helen Worth) with an expensive watch. Gail has planned a party for later that day but as the Platts settle down for their Christmas dinner they are invaded by some early arrivals – the Windasses have got the timings wrong and turn up with party food forcing Gail to invite them to stay for Christmas dinner – much to Joe’s annoyance.

By the time the Websters arrive for the party things have gone downhill somewhat and when Gary (Mikey North) turns up David (Jack P Shepherd) is seething as is Kevin (Michael LeVell). It isn’t long before the whole thing has descended into mayhem and Joe walks out – another typical Christmas Day at the Platts.

Christmas is a time to spend with your loved ones and Steve (Simon Gregson) is desperate to get some time alone with Becky (Katherine Kelly). He makes his excuses to get away from the Rovers and arranges to meet Becky at the cab office. She is delighted to discover he has decked it out as a Christmas Grotto and they settle down to share a few snatched moments unaware that Michelle is on her way over to try and find him.

It’s a sad day for Maria (Samia Smith) who tells Fiz (Jennie McAlpine) that she wants to go to the cemetery to visit Paul and Liam’s grave. She is shocked when she arrives and finds that someone has beaten her to it and laid flowers already. She is disgusted when she realizes they are from Tony and Carla and destroys them before returning to the Street and letting Tony know exactly what she thinks of his gesture.

Things are a lot quieter at Roy’s Rolls where the dinner goes off without a hitch – thanks to a last minute donation and some help from Aunty Pam (Kate Anthony).

This episode is written by Chris Fewtrell produced by Kim Crowther and directed by John Anderson.

****

Ep6976

Maria (Samia Smith) is still seething and scared after her encounter with Tony (Gray O'Brien) and asks Fiz (Jennie McAlpine) to go to the police station with her. Fiz explains that she hasn’t seen or heard anything that she could tell them leaving Maria frustrated. Still desperate to prove to everyone that Tony murdered Liam, Maria resorts to desperate measures and armed with a pot of paint daubs the word ‘murderer’ across the factory walls. Has she gone too far this time?

Gail (Helen Worth) still hasn’t heard from Joe (Reece Dinsdale) but he turns up at the house with a bouquet of flowers by way of an apology for his behaviour. He promises her he won’t do something like that again but still doesn’t come clean about being evicted.

Dev (Jimmi Harkishin) is like a bear with a sore head when Amber (Nikki Patel) asks him to make himself scarce so she can spend some time with Darryl (Jonathan Dixon). Amber realizes the only way she is going to get a love life is if she sorts out Dev’s first so she gets on the phone to Tara.

At the Brazilian Crunch class Liz (Beverley Callard) saves the day when the instructor fails to show up – all they need now is some music – queue Lloyd (Craig Charles).

Elsewhere Emily (Eileen Derbyshire) is sure that Jed has returned as his bedroom door is closed and it was open yesterday until she discovers he has gone and so have all his things.

This episode is written by Debbie Oates, produced by Kim Crowther and directed by John Anderson.

***

Ep6977

Maria (Samia Smith) is hysterical as the police try to speak to her about the graffiti and Audrey (Sue Nicholls) tries desperately to calm her down. Tony (Gray O'Brien) intervenes and tells the police that he isn’t willing to press charges. Maria is convinced that this proves he has a plan but Audrey and Fiz (Jennie McAlpine) are worried about her and tell her it must stop. Tony realizes that it isn’t going to stop until Maria is out of the way and suggests to Kirk (Andrew Whyment) and Fiz that they get her away from Weatherfield and he offers to pay. Carla (Alison King) is confused by Tony’s behaviour.

Lloyd (Craig Charles) warns Steve that he is playing with fire and that it won’t be long before people start to notice the sexual tension between him and Becky (Katherine Kelly). Steve is convinced he can handle it meanwhile Lloyd finds himself the centre of attention following the Brazilian Crunch class.

Tyrone (Alan Halsall) is pleased that Molly (Vicky Binns) is back at home but he’s got a stiff back from sleeping on the sofa. Molly offers to give him a massage but they are interrupted by Aunty Pam (Kate Anthony).

Elsewhere Dev (Jimmi Harkishin) and Tara (Ayesha Dharker) realize they have been set up by Amber but Dev seizes the moment and offers Tara the flat above the corner shop.

This episode is written by Mark Burt, produced by Kim Crowther and directed by John Anderson

[Scarlett.]

Thurs 27th Nov
Corrie’s factory girls are in for a surprise in 2009 when they get a new boss.

He comes in the shape of mystery man - Luke Strong.

But no one is more shocked than Tony Gordon, who finds himself having to answer to cool hand Luke, who turns out to be the majority shareholder of Underworld!

Mancunian actor Craig Kelly has been cast to play Luke – an old business associate of Carla Gordon’s.

Carla leaves Tony and Weatherfield in February after their marriage breaks down and actress Alison King goes on maternity leave.

Tony has no idea where she has gone and is stunned when Luke arrives in the factory and starts calling the shots.

But Luke soon wins over the factory girls with his charm and good looks and Tony finds himself on the back foot.

Carla has asked Luke to look after her business affairs and it isn’t long before he decides to buy her share – making him Tony’s boss!

A Coronation Street spokesperson said: “It looks like Tony may have met his match in Luke Strong. He’s a bit of a mystery man and Tony doesn’t know what his motives are for buying into the business or how he knows Carla. Luke is certainly going to make things difficult for Mr Gordon.”

Craig’s credits include Queer as Folk, Waking the Dead, Casualty and Clocking Off.

Corrie bosses have also just announced the casting of actress Stephanie Beecham. Click on the link below for more details.

[BigSister]

ooooh that looks intresting

[MrGaryy]

AWWW! I was hoping for someone really hot.

[Scarlett.]

^^^Lol


You never know, he could make himself look a bit better

[Jackie]

I think Steve and Becky go well together.

[BigSister]

Yeah same ^_^. I just love becky shes great

[Scarlett.]

Aye, better than Michelle and Steve, she just squeezes the life out of Steve's character

[Jackie]

Although I can't stand Beckys over acting.

[Scarlett.]

[Scarlett.]

Graeme Proctor - Legendary character!

'nuff said

[BigSister]

LOL i agree Chewy

[Scarlett.]

I just saw'ed teh advert

[Scarlett.]

First up this week, we head to Coronation Street, where the Windass clan - Eddie (Steve Huison), Anna (Debbie Rush), Gary (Mikey North) and Len (Conor Ryan) - arrive on the Cobbles and take root in the Mortons' old house.

After ridding themselves of Teresa (Karen Kenthorn), who decides to barricade herself in the house and claim squatter's rights, they come face-to-face with the Platts. It's not exactly the welcome the Windasses had expected, but Anna hopes she can set the situation straight with Gail (Helen Worth) as soon as possible and suggests that both families go for a drink. David (Jack P Shepherd), Joe (Reece Dinsdale) and Tina (Michelle Keegan) aren't pleased in the slightest.

[Jen]

Originally posted by Chewy

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