I Am A Swede

Great! I watched the episodes with Henry's death recently, and finally got an answer to why Marian didn't come to his funeral. Jack said that he hadn't been able to get in contact with her since she was on safari somewhere in Africa. It was just a throwaway line, which is probably why I didn't remember it. But it was a relief to finally have an answer, because it just struck me as very odd that she didn't attend her own father's funeral. It was flimsy excuse by the show of course just so they wouldn't have to cast a Marian (if neither Gail Harrison nor Debbi Blythe was able/willing to do it) but at least it was explained.

So true! But I should have known that she would leave sooner rather than later. She's an established actress with an already successful career and those usually only stay for a limited time on shows like Emmerdale.

Well, I guess I must try to keep more up to date with spoilers, because

I hope that Arthur discovering the footage of Emma and Ashley isn't the beginning of the end for Emma, but I fear it might be. Crimes have gone unpunished on this show before though, and Gillian Kearney is so fascinating to watch that it would be a shame to lose her.

I know it was wrong of me, but i have to admit I enjoyed Paddy making a fool of himself by storming into Pierce's office and hitting him. I hate that they're trying to use this story to push Paddy and Rhona back together. With the exception of the Dingle clan Paddy is my least favourite character on the show nowadays. I wish they would write him out. On another note. Today 39 years ago, June 29th 1978 (which coincidentally also was a Thursday), in episode 460, Matt Skilbeck and Dolly Acaster were married. Joe Sugden was best man, and Amos Brearly gave the bride away.

Trump is making the US more unpopular around the world, except in Russia and Israel..... http://www.pewglobal.org/2017/06/26/u-s-image-suffers-as-publics-around-world-question-trumps-leadership/ According to this survey the confidence in the US president has dropped here in Sweden from 93% to 10% since Barack Obama left office. It's the biggest drop of all countries. Compare that to Russia where the numbers go in the other direction, up from 11% to 53%.

It's really a sad reflection on men's tennis that Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are still dominating. The younger generation have obviously failed to grab their chance when the two big ones were out of action for most of last year.

R.I.P Sandra Reemer (1950-2017)

I never thought that Geoffrey Burridge would reprise his role, even though that would have been nice if he hadn't died so prematurely. As for a recast, I really have no idea. But I'm certain the casting director would be able to find someone. There's usually no shortage of competent actors in the UK. ETA: I just had an idea about a possible recast: Anthony Andrews. I think there is enough resemblance between him and Geoffrey Burridge to make it work. I'm not sure he would do it though, It wouldn't have to be a regular role, just bring him in to introduce his children and grand-children and re-establish the family in the village. Of course, I'm not sure anyone would care about any resemblance to the previous actor since the character was only on screen for a few weeks 44 years ago, and probably 95% (if not more) of those watching have no idea the Verney family ever existed.

My dream for Home Farm is that the Verney family would return to it. Next year it will be 40 years since they sold the estate, then known as Miffield Hall, to NY Estates after the death of George Verney. I wish that they could bring back the Verney family now and have them reclaim their ancestral home. The perfect person would be Mark Proctor, the nephew of George Verney. He was on the show for a brief stint in 1973, then in his late teens. So he should be in his early sixties now, and could easily have a few children, and even grandchildren, to bring with him. Mark Proctor (played by Geoffrey Burridge)

The French crowd apparently exhibited unsportsmanlike behaviour again during the match between reigning champion Garbine Muguruza and home player Kristina Mladenovic. Not for the first time, and most likely not the last either.....

Whatever they do I do not want her back with Marlon!

I really, really, really hope they're not thinking about putting Laurel and Marlon back together.....