August 23rd 2024.
Recently, Corrie has been receiving a lot of negative reactions, and this is not the first time that such an outcry has been heard about the popular British institution, Coronation Street. Being the most-watched soap in the UK and holding a legendary status, the show is often under intense scrutiny and has faced challenges in the past, leading some to speculate about its future. However, despite all these speculations, there is very little chance that Corrie will be axed by ITV anytime soon, and there is no reason for us to even consider such an outcome.
That being said, it cannot be denied that the show is going through a troubling period. Negative news has been surfacing, from the sudden departure of returning star Sean Wilson, which has caused chaos for Helen Worth's character Gail Platt, to reports of budget cuts and declining viewership. As the Soaps Editor, I can attest that Corrie is one of my all-time favorite shows, just like millions of others. I, like all fans, want nothing but success for the show. However, it is impossible to ignore the significant problems and growing frustration among fans.
After 50 years on the show, Helen Worth is retiring, and both she and the fans who have adored her character for half a century deserve a perfect ending for Gail. It is more important than ever to get this storyline right, and Helen was thrilled to hear that Martin will be returning to facilitate a happy ending for Gail.
The departure of Sean Wilson is still shrouded in mystery. The actor had only been filming for a few weeks when he suddenly left the show, leaving Gail's exit up in the air. As a result, there was a hasty re-write, and a minor character from the past, Jesse Chadwick, played by John Thomson, was brought back instead. However, Gail and Jesse have no real connection, and he was previously a love interest for Eileen Grimshaw during his brief stint on the show from 2008 to 2010. Many fans struggle to remember Jesse, who was mainly used for comedic purposes, and there is a fear that his comeback is a ploy to recreate the Gail and Eileen feud, which seems like it belongs in the past.
But even before this difficult situation, the negative responses from fans had already started. The show has been running multiple dark and depressing storylines simultaneously for several years now. From acid attacks to stillborn babies, bullying to rape, murder to missing teenagers, wrongful jailings to paedophiles, revenge porn to motor neurone disease, cancer to far-right terrorism, and drug-pushing gangsters, it has been an exhausting and overwhelming experience for viewers. While the acting and writing have been commendable, it has been too much to handle all at once, often at the expense of the show's signature humor and community-based storylines.
However, there have been shining moments, such as the exceptional performances of Cait Fitton and Calum Lill in a recent episode that resolved Lauren's story, and the emotional journey of Paul Foreman in a format-breaking episode that received critical acclaim from all directions.
It is clear that Coronation Street needs to reconnect with its roots and focus on organic character development and relationships, rather than being solely driven by plotlines that are often quickly resolved with little consequences. For instance, the decision to retcon Toyah's storyline, where she gave birth to a stillborn baby after being raped in 2000, sparked national outrage. Similarly, the repeated use of classic storylines, like Roy Cropper being wrongly accused and thrown in jail, or introducing yet another male serial killer like Stephen Reid, who fails to live up to the infamous Richard Hillman, is not the way to go. Bringing back the Gail and Eileen feud would also be a mistake, as it would only highlight the inability to replicate the success of the past and open the show to more criticism.
Moreover, there is a sense that the show has lost its community feel. With a large cast, many characters disappear for weeks or even months at a time, and the iconic Rovers pub often feels lifeless. It is unclear whether this is a result of cost-cutting measures, with location filming becoming a rarity, but the heart of Corrie lies in its community-based drama, which sets it apart from other shows.
At its best, Coronation Street is unbeatable. In my opinion, the solution is simple - tone down the darkness, focus on relationships and humor, and bring back the charm that made the show a fan-favorite for decades. And most importantly, give Gail the exit she deserves. Does she really need a man to end her time on the Street?
Some may call this a crisis, but that feels too dramatic of a word. It is a label that is often attached to all soaps during a less popular era. However, Corrie's resilience is unmatched, and it will undoubtedly bounce back. While the overnight ratings may not be what they used to be, this is a common trend across all mainstream TV due to changing viewing habits and competition from streaming platforms. Nevertheless, Corrie is still the most-watched soap and one of the most popular shows on UK television. With a talented cast and crew and a loyal fanbase, I have no doubt that the show will overcome this troubled period and emerge stronger. And before we know it, it will be another soap's turn to be labeled as in crisis. But for now, there is work to be done, and I have faith that it will be fixed.
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