Tamzin Outhwaite and Sean Mahon (Ray) did a great job in those episodes (especially Mahon), even if I never liked Mel much and still don't understand why she returned beyond perhaps giving Jack a 'name' love interest. I have no idea how big a career Outhwaite has ended up having or not having post-EE. Her being clearly more weathered now - physically and mentally - suits the character. I actually just rewatched the full episode where Steve dies from 2002, when he calls Mel on her moral hypocrisy, saying she is just like him and that's why they love each other. I think that material was compelling and holds true to the Mel of today's storyline, who clearly never walked away from a shady life (she keeps Steve's name, married a bent cop, and didn't she come back on as an associate of Irish gangsters?).
The cute but fairly dim Hunter has been let go, which is no loss. The show is still very well produced. They almost managed to walk back the Kat/Alfie stuff; I don't care about the pairing so much as I just think both actors did great work the last few days (I haven't seen yesterday), and I have no clue who the hell else they could pair Kat with going forward.
Honey Mitchell's new beau the dentist is clearly meant to be abusive and/or controlling, another cheery 2019 plot waiting to happen. I wish I couldn't predict this stuff. It's just tiresome. WEHT Bex? Is she still on the show? Where is Sharon? Didn't she develop some sort of instant addiction?
I like the girl playing Bernadette but I can't begin to tell you how much I am not here for another gay character pining for a selfish str8 friend story, especially on the UK soaps. That to me is DOA before it begins. Is Tiffany Ricky and Bianca's? I just don't care about these teen stories they're pushing; this thing with the gangster girl or whatever means nothing to me.