Issue #0018

Coronation Street’s Romanian Holiday

A new spinoff movie went on release recently; it is called Coronation Street: Romanian Holiday. The movie is a light-hearted, fun comedy featuring Roy and Hayley Cropper and Becky (last name withheld to avoid a spoiler). Blighty’s Corrie Fan Newsletter got a sneak preview of the movie which we don’t believe has been released in Canada yet.

Roy in a Risque Romanian BBQ Apron

Don’t expect a Hollywood blockbuster, but if you enjoy Corrie you will find this movie entertaining. As you can see from the picture, the movie is a little risque in places. But don’t worry, Roy’s barbeque apron is as naughty as this movie gets.

The plot revolves around an invitation to attend Frankie Baldwin’s wedding in Romania. Roy discovers that he can save £600 on the airfare by travelling on the morning of the wedding instead of the day before. The Croppers are due to arrive 2 hours before the wedding.

It is no surprise that Roy’s carefully laid travel plans go awry. Let us just say that we don’t actually see Frankie Baldwin in the movie. We’ll let you watch the movie when it is released here to find out why.

Roy and Hayley meet another couple in Romania who are there for the same purpose. However, the other couple’s personalities are far removed from the staid and reserved Roy and Hayley. What follows is a series of zany adventures in the land of Dracula.

To their great embarassment, Roy and Hayley are unexpectedly joined by Becky halfway through the movie. Becky is, of course, a party animal and raises the fun index quite considerably.

The movie was filmed entirely on location in Romania and contains many scenes of the beautiful Romanian countryside.

If you find the picture of Roy offensive you may want to give this movie a miss. On other hand if the picture gives you a sly grin, then pick up a copy of the DVD when it comes to Canada. You will have a good laugh and a couple of fun hours watching some of your favourite actors in a setting far removed from the rainy cobbles.

Hayley’s Romanian Parties

Julie Hesmondhalgh, who plays Hayley Cropper in the show, told the British press that the cast of Corrie go home to their families after filming at Granada’s Manchester studios in England. But the 39 year old actress said that, in Romania, it was party time every night.

Julie, David Neilson (Roy) and Katherine Kelly (Becky) all got to know each other a lot better on the trip. Surprisingly, David fell asleep on the long car journey from Transylvania back to Bucharest. His character Roy would have had a written itinerary of places to see on the trip.

The Long Arm of the Law Reaches Ryan

Corrie actor Ryan Thomas (Jason Grimshaw) was apprehended by Manchester police recently following a single vehicle motor collision. Manchester’s finest pulled the 25 year old actor over at 4:00am after a vehicle hit a lamp post.

The police statement was very cryptic and did not reveal whether Ryan was the driver of the vehicle involved in the collision. Ryan was later released without charge but another young male was detained and charged with driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.

Say Goodbye Kelly

Actress Tupele Dorgu, who plays Underworld knicker stitcher Kelly Crabtree on the show, has announced her decision to leave the show at the end of her present contract. The multi-talented actress wants to move onto other challenges in showbiz.

Tupele joined Coronation Street in 2004 and has been a prominent and popular character. In an interview she stated that she has thoroughly enjoyed her five year tenure on the Street but feels it is now time to move on.

Her exit from the show will centre around office politics involving returning character Nick Tilsley (played by new actor Ben Price). Fans will remember Nick’s previous appearance on the show. He will clash with more than one of his ex’s when he returns.

Blighty’s Corrie Fan Newsletter wishes Tupele all the best in her future career and we are sure that all Canadian fans will miss her when she leaves our screens in the fall of next year.

Kym’s Tough Past & Future Fears

A mother at age 19, then struggling to bring up her first and second children while living on the dole left Kym Marsh (Michelle Connor) unable to heat her home. Shivering in an overcoat in her living room she learned how to cope with the hard life before showbiz success came her way.

Fortunately for Kym she was blessed with a good singing voice and good looks. These talents brought her career success and now she can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

But Kym is still haunted by the loss of baby Archie last February. She fears getting pregnant again in case she loses another. Baby Archie died within minutes of being born 20 weeks prematurely.

Some good news came Kym’s way recently. First, her on/off relationship with new partner Jamie Lomas is on again. Then she won a “Celebrity Mum of the Year’ award. Kym is also working as a spokesperson for charities supporting premature babies.

Tony’s Choice of Three

Granada’s Corrie screenwriters have penned three scenarios for a future storyline centering on our favourite character Tony Gordon. Let us just say that Tony’s “difference of opinion” with Roy leads to a dramatic new twist involving the health of both characters.

The outcome of the ensuing confrontation could take any one of three possible turns and all three scenarios have been filmed. If you want to know more all you have to do is click onto our spoilers page – or wait a year!

Maggie’s On The Mend

Actress Maggie Jones (Blanche Hunt) may be a sharp-tongued battle axe on-screen but in real life she is in a very fragile condition in a Manchester area hospital recovering from an emergency operation to fix an undisclosed life-threatening condition.

Now reports from the hospital say she is recovering nicely and her condition continues to improve. She has been taken off the ventilator and can breath on her own again. Fans will be breathing a sigh of relief.

Misdiagnosis: “Jed is Dead”

They say that art imitates life. In the show Tony Gordon  has been taunting Maria with a false confession about having murdered Jed Stone. Fans know that Tony’s murder attempt failed and that he gave Jed a new apartment to buy his silence.

In real life, actor Ken Cope who plays the role of Jed Stone was diagnosed with cancer in 2000. Ken had to deal with the fact that he may not have long to live – a terrible burden for anybody to carry. But then Ken found out that he had been misdiagnosed – but his doctor had failed to tell him!

We all know how persistent Jed was with Tony in the show – hounding him for money. Actor Ken was just as much a thorn in the side of his incompetent doctor in the UK. Instead of expressing regret for the mental anguish he had caused to Ken the doctor simply fired him as a patient!

If that real life scenario had been a scripted storyline on the show – and Tony had played the part of the doctor – who knows what might have happened.

Ken Cope appeared in early episodes of Coronation Street then took a 42 year break before returning recently to torment Tony Gordon.

Prizes

Remember we hand out prizes for the best feedback. Our next draw for a $20 gift voucher redeemable for fan merchandise at Blighty’s will be held on December 1st. You could win something for Christmas!

To send us your feedback use the “Leave a Reply” comment box at the bottom of this newsletter or our fan feedback form.

Administrivia

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Fan Souvenir Gifts

Don’t forget to order you fan souvenir gifts in time for Christmas! We still have lots of “Complete Saga” books, 50th Anniversary official calendars, coffee mugs, travel mugs, glasses and T-shirts.

Fan Feedback

Cathy in BC writes:

I’ve been a fan for over 20 years (and thats all I’ll say on that). My favourites now are Steve and Becky, I live in B.C. and we don’t get the stars out this way. Of course Tony is the big Villain with David coming in second. David may have got some bad genes and is suffering from dad being gone …. or is just BAD.

Tony is the BEST villain! … John

Anne in Brampton, Ontario writes

Comments = Thanks for the great news letter and all the interesting articles. I grew up up near Manchester and watched the very first episode when I was a teenager and watched it from then on. After emigrating to Canada 41 years ago I have been able to continue to watch although 10 months behind. Now you have given me added enjoyment by looking forward to your Newsletter. Keep up the good work.

Thank you for the very kind words Anne. It was a pleasure to meet you in the store recently … John

Beth in Kentville, Nova Scotia writes:
fave = Jim McDonald, so it is!

Comments = John, I have to tell you what a joy it was to find Blighty’s and YOU…You do so much work for we Corrie fans and I want to express my appreciation. I have ordered so much from Blighty that I am always on the lookout for new Corrie stuff and good things to eat! Such a treat for a woman longing to get over the pond for a longer visit. I recomend to everyone on this site to get the 50th anniversary calendar as I have gotten a Corrie calendar for the past few years and they are wonderful gifts (and to keep on your own fridge). I have read the Corrie Saga over and over again with each update and it is great to jump into the pages. Anyway John I just wanted to thank you for your work and if I were in Ontario I would come by your cardboard box at the back of the store and share a nice cuppa with you!

Thank you so much for the kind words Beth. My cardboard box is kind of cosy! … John

Christine in Winnipeg, Manitoba writes:

There is going to be a huge party/pingfest in Manchester next May, and Corrie fans all over the world are invited.  We are going to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Street, but didn’t want to wait until December, as it’s too cold over there then, and the Australians didn’t want to leave their beautiful summer for the English climate!

So far, we have about 50 people signed up.  We are also having the party to help Fred Whyment (Andy, who plays Kirk’s Dad) celebrate his 60th birthday.  (He and his wife are friends of mine, and are huge Corrie fans)

It’s not a structured tour, everyone is on their own for travel arrangements, and they can go wherever they please over there, except the 14th & 15th of May, when they should plan to be in Manchester!

On the 14th we have a guided bus tour planned for the day.  Our guide is taking us around a lot of the sites they use for their ‘on location’ Corrie scenes.  I have done this tour before, and it is fascinating.

The party is on the 15th, but the location for it is not settled yet. We are trying to find a hotel where we can get a group rate for staying there too, not that it is mandatory to stay in the same hotel, but the more Corrie fans in one place makes for more laughs I should think! Once people are signed up with me, they will be kept in the loop as things are arranged.

I have been trying to get us into the studios, but no luck so far, as they say there are too many of us.  However, I don’t give up easily, and don’t plan to admit defeat until I am on the plane coming back to Canada!  Even if we can just persuade them to let us walk down the cobbles of the outdoor set, it would be wonderful for those who have never been to the studios!  But no promises there!

We are also hoping Andy Whyment will attend the party and sing for us – ever heard him sing?  He is wonderful!  That possibility will depend upon his schedule though, so we won’t know that until nearer the date.

Anyway, if you are planning a trip to the UK next year, mid May would be a very good time to go!

Nobody is making any profit out of this.  All costs, like the bus tour etc. will be split between those attending.  Likewise for any expenses incurred for the party/ping.  The more people, the cheaper it will be.

Hope to see you there!!

Wow! Thank you Christine. You are working so hard to make the big anniversary something all Canadians can be so proud of … John

CHRISTINE IS OUR NOVEMBER PRIZE DRAW WINNER – contact us to claim your prize Christine.

Kay in Newmarket, Ontario writes

I married a Canadian and came to Newmarket Ontario in April 2000. At that time here we were 6 WEEKS behind with Corrie. Now we are 10 months behind. What is going on? Well I remember there being no Corrie over Christmas the first year and then none for 2 weeks when the Olympics were on. Then other things pushed it our of the way. At last CBC have realised that in the case of other events that they publish it daily onliine and then the omnibus at the weekend. At least now it is on 5 days a week but personally I could watch it 7!! I’ve been told I “sound” like Coronation Street by Canadians. How can I be offended? My family are from Oldham although I was born in Blackpool! I love how they visit Blackpool on the show too!

Thank you Kay. I have spent a lot of time in Oldham myself. If you come to the store you will see my Latics scarf on the wall … John

Susan writes:

I have watched Corrie since the sixties and absolutely love the “flavour” of the show, the characters,the humour and storylines although in recent years the storylines have begun to echo a little too much of American soap operas.. My sister and I have been to the actual street at Granada Studios a couple of times ..I felt like falling to my knees to kiss the cobbles I was that overjoyed. We used to subscribe to the original Coronation Street magazine but this magazine disappeared. I am very happy to receive my Corrie newsletter from Blighty’s to fill in the void left behind..I visited Blighty’s just recently and stocked up on all sorts of UK goodies..Thank you.

Thanks for the feedback Susan. Did you bring your camera and have your picture taken in front of the big Rovers Return picture at the store?