Soap Spy: Saying goodbye to Coronation Streets Anne Kirkbride Coronation Street confirmed the death of Anne Kirkbride (January 19), prompting an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, friends and viewers. In the latest edition of our fortnightly soaps column Soap Spy, Ryan Love reflects on the week gone by as rivalry between the soaps took a backseat in honour of a screen legend. Its been a strange old week in the world of soap. Since Tuesday Ive been going backwards and forwards on what topic to focus on for todays blog. Mondays Coronation Street double bill featuring the mini-bus crash had glimpses of the Corrie I love that have been missing, Tuesdays exceptional EastEnders was a masterclass from Kellie Bright, Charitys exit and Rachels return provided quality drama in the Dales and Hollyoaks broke new ground with Stes HIV diagnosis. But as shown at the National Television Awards, this is the week the soap families were united in tribute to the late Anne Kirkbride. Deirdre Barlow was like family to millions of us. After 44 years on the cobbles, Anne was one of the family. Our own sassy aunt wed all love to have popped to the Rovers with. On Monday night I, like many, found myself watching old clips online, revisiting some of the classic moments we so often forget about until these tragic moments occur. The outpouring of grief, not only from the Coronation Street cast and crew, only served to highlight how loved Anne was, both as a person and as an actress. Anne was one of a small number of the cast I never had the pleasure of meeting over the last few years, something I felt quite sad about this week. I would have loved to have been able to spend just a minute in her time, to experience the warmth and humour so many people have spoken about this week. But after 44 years, we have no shortage of iconic Deirdre moments to enjoy over and over again. Even what will now serve as her final scene is everything I loved about Deirdre. Worn out by the stress of Peters trial, the brilliant moment of the dessert being thrown against the wall was only bettered by Deirdres cry of: Jelly shouldnt run, it should wobble! Im smiling even as I write this! Bill Roache has not had the easiest of years, so I was full of admiration watching him speak so passionately for his TV wife. His appearance at the National Television Awards was the perfect tribute. I cant imagine how difficult that was for him but, as he so fondly called her, his Annie would be proud. After a remarkable 2014, I was delighted to see EastEnders pick up Best Serial Drama. However, fans of all soaps could put rivalry aside and be united in Adam Woodyatts perfectly-judged dedication to an icon from their shared genre. Albert Squares longest-serving cast member was rightly commended for his touching speech. Deirdres famous affair with Mike Baldwin was making headlines before wed even heard of Ian Beale, something beautifully highlighted by Adam. The Coronation Street team will no doubt soon begin conversations on how to address the situation on screen. I have no doubt it will be a wonderful celebration of an iconic character, and hope that we can look forward to seeing colleagues both past and present reunited on the cobbles to say goodbye. For now though, I have no doubt that Blanche and the Weatherfield One are enjoying their reunion with a healthy amount of sherry, sarcasm and eye-rolls. Cheers ladies.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 00:59:29 +0000
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