Bright Eyes

Westbrook was one of the highlights of Kirkwood's tenure. I have serious doubts I'll like her as much this time around, unfortunately. With Jack on canvas, I wonder if she'll bring their kid along.

I doubt most people will be comparing them, other than as actors who have played offensive stories making light of mental illness. I didn't want them compared. I was mostly just speaking on behalf of Steph Waring's underrated performances. She's always must see for me. I've had my fair share to say about Charlie Clapham's acting skills, but I have to give him props. He has been looking damn fine, having bulked up a bit since his return.

Seeing all the Dingles in the same room is truly the most horrifying image I've ever seen. It haunts me. The "repeatedly raped" line was way too extra for me. As is Adam's hatred of Robert. He needs to reign the attitude in. On another note, I think I'm going to really enjoy Nicola working with Adam. I really can't even picture her in a scene with Aaron though. But if it does happen, I would die if she told him that she took Robert's virginity. Or maybe one day she catches Aaron/Robert "reuniting", and mentions how she taught him a certain move or something. The possibilities are endless. It would be nice, though, if Adam/Aaron actually grew to respect Nicola in the end. It would have been great if, when Nikhil asked Leyla if Jai was the best sex she ever had, she quickly retorted that it was David. I guess the whole "uglier guys have to try harder" thing could be true, but this is a woman who has had some fantastic pieces of ass in Justin (Jacob's Dad), David, Nikhil, Adam, and even Nathan Wylde.

The countdown to Victoria's comeuppance has officially begun! It was months and months ago I remember twigging that she may be headed for a breakdown of sorts, but I never imagined I'd be gifted with a scenario like this. Like I said before, I'll be severely disappointed if Margaret doesn't get to batter her. I am surprised, however, that she hasn't grassed on Curtis about breaking his parole to get him off her case. Maybe it's just the greasy hair and how he's always so soft spoken, but George still gives me shady vibes. I don't like him. I hope with Mo backing the wrong horse (Victoria), it's actually Margaret who leaves him in the end. I've been fantasizing how interesting she could be with poor, single Jimmy. She deserves some fun, and he'd certainly light up her life. He feels like too much of a spare part these days, and I need that to be rectified soon. He's become my favourite male character on the show.

Under no circumstances should Beth be going anywhere. She has been one of the main highlights the last few years. And her and Kirk are the best couple on the show, next to Tim and Sally, of course. Her friendship with Tracy is a particular highlight. However, I don't know how long you've been watching (or returned) to come to such an irredeemable opinion, but it I can only imagine it's because she hasn't been any prominence for awhile. I don't agree necessarily agree with getting rid of Sophie, either. She's been a strong supporting character the last couple of years, except for this unsympathetic turn they've taken her down in regards to Jenny. I'm guessing by Jimmy, you mean Johnny? I agree with the rest of your list and would add Norris, Liz, Steve, and Anna. The McDonalds are the epitome of played out, Norris adds nothing to the show, and Anna has always been an insufferable shrew. The Nazir grandparents could leave and not miss a beat, leaving Zeedan, Luke, and Gary to all live together in a lads pad. It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever that the show has Luke living with Tyrone and Fiz. What 20 something would do that themselves? In fact, I wish they'd make Tracy get her own place, too. It's embarrassing now. As for Ryan, I liked Sol Heras. He was hot as hell, and it reminded viewers Sophie was more than just the resident lesbian. His affair with Katy was also the only time anyone in the Armstrong family was ever interesting.

They should never have gotten rid of Gary Lucy (Danny Pennant). He had the makings of a fantastic character, but DTC is one of the most short sighted producers I've ever seen, so they just threw him away.

It sounds to me that in 2016 the Dingles will be more insufferable than ever before. God, this is going to suck.

The news is very upsetting, indeed. She was one of the true bright spots of the show in a myriad of ways. I will mourn her absence for some time to come.

Steph Waring was fantastic in tonight's episode. People will probably fawn all over Danny Miller's performance from Emmerdale, and he was great, but I actually felt more for Cindy tonight than Aaron.

Jeff Hordley really paid his dues before Emmerdale.

An absolutely brilliant episode. Kassius Nelson is a wonderful find.

I'm convinced the show is punking me by keeping her around longer than Evan. With the truth seemingly out about Margaret, I hope she's given the opportunity to slap the hell out of Victoria. She is a deliciously nasty cow. Does Shortland Street have form for lying to the viewers? The promos say it will definitely be Curtis/Margaret/Victoria/Virginia who shot Drew, but they be faking us out and have it be someone that's not even a suspect? Like Millie or something?

I've submitted my top 20 as well. I started watching the show with James Sutton's first episode in 2009, following him Hollyoaks. I've also seen the first 50 odd episodes, and other favourites come from watching episodes/clips, mostly from the early 2000s ... with Kim Tate being an entity unto herself. Of course, there are countless others I wish I could include, and I'm sure I'll debate with myself about who I wish I had and/or hadn't included, but c'est la vie! My top 20! 1. Kim Tate 2. Steph Stokes 3. Zoe Tate 4. Charity Dingle 5. Annie Sugden 6. Robert Sugden 7. Betty Eagleton 8. Viv Windsor 9. Bernice Blackstock 10. Carl King 11. David Metcalfe 12. Scott Windsor 13. Sandy Thomas 14. Edna Birch 15. Leyla Harding 16. Emily Kirk 17. Nikhil Sharma 18. Andy Sugden 19. Janie Blakey 20. Amos Brearly

I know his father is already established, but I wonder if Kirkwood is going to retcon himself at make Sally St. Clair John Paul's father.

I feel like David and Leyla are going to get closer again because of Jacob, and sensing their connection, Nikhil will gracefully bow out of both their lives so they can get together. Or they will go the betrayal root of David and Leyla cheating on him. That will be devastating if that's the case.

This was actually really hard. But after some soul-searching and a few walks down memory lane I think I'm pleased with my list. 1. Kathy Bates-Merrick-Tate-Glover 2. Annie Sugden-Kempinski-Brearly 3. Dolly Acaster-Skilbeck (she would be #1 if I only counted the Katharine Barker years) 4. Betty Eagleton 5. Viv Windsor-Hope 6. Sam Pearson 7. Edna Birch 8. Val Lambert-Pollard 9. Amos Brearly 10. Kim Tate-Marchant 11. Laurel Potts-Thomas-Dingle 12. Matthew King 13. Joe Sugden 14. Henry Wilks 15. Jessie Renfrew 16. Matt Skilbeck 17. Caroline Bates 18. Zoe Tate 19. Ashley Thomas 20. Alison Gibbons (Honourable mentions: Diane Sugden, Bernice Blackstock, Jackie Merrick, Elizabeth Pollard, Frank Tate, Steph Stokes) I know varying levels of things about the rest of your list, but who is Jessie Renfrew?

It was really nice to see both of them. Evan really came into his own by the time he left. Jasmine ... well, it'll be good to have her around for a short time. However, a petty part of me is bitter that they returned for Wendy, when Daniel never did for Sarah's funeral.

Oh, wow, that was indeed so cute! I had a huge smile on the whole time. Now I want to swim in balloons. lol Very Joe Sugg and Caspar Lee. Not to compare, even if I think there's is better. Still here's the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_XhavukMh0 And for a fun soap connection, the fellow YouTuber in that vid, Oli White, is now dating Wallis Day, who played Holly Cunningham on Hollyoaks. She's in the following YT vids. In the previous prank alluded to in the video above: And at the beginning of this video with her boyfrend, Oli.

I guess Gordon won't be sticking around long. It's a damn shame, as the actor could be plugged into any decade of the show and fit perfectly.

Meg Mundy (Mona Aldrich) has passed away. This obituary gives little more than confirmation, however. http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/nytimes/obituary.aspx?n=MEG-MUNDY&pid=177363656#sthash.oG8oYfEf.dpuf

I don't think his ouster is anything nefarious beyond plot. A plot I hate because I really enjoyed Cameron, too, and now they've stupidly made him irredeemable. Plus, once the affairs with John Paul and Mercedes were over, so was any story Lockie had. They should have given him and John Paul a fair shot, brought Spike back to liven things up. Maybe a threesome like they should have done with Ravi/Nancy/Kris. Him and Nancy weren't doing anything for awhile, so maybe they could have been thrown together for the interim period. Really, they could have thrown him in to play with anyone and it probably would have worked. I also really liked the few glimpses we saw of his friendship with Lisa. They should have played that up more, but one of Kirkwood's hugest failings has always been genuine friendships, unfortunately. Still, at least he was a likable bisexual character. Never meant to be a psycho or confused about his sexual orientiation. Plus, he downright rejected Ste out of disgust when he first came on. Small mercies.

So pissed that they got rid of Lockie. Nick Rhys has so much natural charisma and charm and he had great chemistry with anyone he shared a scene with.

I was truly shocked when they revealed Wendy had been shot and now she may be dead. She was probably one of the last people I expected to be in the firing line. Victoria and Kylie both realizing Harper clearly had stronger feelings for Drew then she'd like to admit were great small moments. Bella's reaction to Dayna getting married was perfection. Bella seemed so done with her the whole episode. Victoria making sure to get all her nudges in on Margaret ... what a bitch. On one hand, if Margaret is the one who shot Drew, then more great material for the wonderful Debbie Newby-Ward. However, on the other, if she is the culprit, I hope she finds some way to get out of this. I do not want to lose the actress. She's too good. Speaking of good actors, this very recent interview with Amanda Billings suggests it wasn't completely her decision to leave. One of those show business "mutual decisions."

It can get annoying whenever they compare her to her great Grandma Blanche, because of how forced it comes off, but compared to the utterly intolerable Simon Barlow, her cousin, she is a gem.