Ben

Wow, how things have changed. Once Ronnie and Roxy were said to be the best EE characters in years...

Some people still think that - more so about Ronnie.

I like Roxy. I did post a long explanation over at DS several months ago about why I love her character... Maybe I'll go see if I did it up, as I can't be bothered to explain it here. I will say though, that they have/are slowly ruining her character, which I think started around the time they introduced Archie.

As for Ronnie - I like the idea of who she's supposed to be, but she's been bogged down in too much misery, which has drowned her character.

I forgot all about the Ben stuff - there really wasn't much of it. But what I did realize, is that there seems to be a parallel line between Phil Mitchell's and Paul Robinson's (Neighbours) lives. Both were absent fathers. Both have had children return, only to be beset with issues/problems that make them so unlikeable, nasty or annoying. Both have ex-wives who seem(ed) incapable of raising good kids, even though they had the makings of a good parent. Weird.

Danny had potential to be pretty good, but they've ruined him. I'm still surprised that they chose to have Glenda play such an inconsequential role in this story; she could've been used to a much greater effect. @ Danny's pathetic attempts to list Roxy's erratic spending - shoes, clothes, bags, a car, and a cell phone - yeah, that really demonstrates her frittering away millions of pounds.

^ I know that. But some people don't, and associate the two. I've never thought of her as witch, but if she does have witchy qualities, then I don't think they're a negative. (Not that you said it is a negative.)

I don't think Zainab's a witch. I actually think she represents a lot of Muslims (not in the OTT sense, which has all been ramped up for the sake of drama and soapiness), in how her culture influences her actions, and props her religious beliefs. I think it's interesting to see the distinctions between Masood and Zainab, and how he follows his religion, but doesn't allow his culture to dictate how he runs his life - he's happy to take Syed back in, while Zainab freaks out at being ostracised from the Muslim community.

I don't think she'd ever want her so to die, just for the nightmare to be over. If Syed had died, then she wouldn't have to deal with loosing the respect of her friends, or having to face up to the fact that Syed is gay, and it totally goes against everything she's been brought up to believe in. She doesn't know how to deal with that conflict.

Yesterday's ep demonstrated how many selfish characters this show has (Ronnie, Max, Christian, Syed) and still managed to be ironic, by having Roxy pay for Jack's treatment at a private clinic. I still can't get over the ridiculous price of £30,000 per month - they'd have no patients at that price! Why didn't they just transfer Jack to the private sector of the hospital? Also, Ronnie wanting to list Billy as the electrician was stupid, especially knowing that he's not qualified - they'd never pay-out, and listing Billy would've simply landed him in trouble. Does she not have any brains?

Wow, Ben, is this really happening? You and I agree on something!

And Wendy Richard really played it all superbly. She really created a unique personality, and the descent to hell was masterful.

She did, and it was. I've always found it interesting that she believed Pauline should've stayed mourning Arthur for all eternity, instead of moving on, and falling in love with someone else. Not everyone can be eternally miserable all the days of their lives, and a happy ending for such an embattled character, would've been nice, but WR put paid to that. Instead, we got that terrible death scene - shame, as by that time, I no longer cared for the character.

I think I know what you mean about the weather; day-to-day it's not over done, just when something big happens, like snow. There was frost in May, but that really isn't all that surprising, considering our changeable weather. I used to know someone who was obsessed with the weather; he would be hooked to the weather channel, checking reports on the Internet, etc. It's was kinda endearing, in a weird sort of way.

I am so glad they got rid of Pauline, you have no idea. Awful, vile, nasty woman.

Agree!

So happy they didn't leave the door open for a possible return.

Well, I've seen a ton of British news programs and weather reports and not a single one was the lead story and not a single one made a "big deal of the smallest of exteme weather".

Then you weren't watching when we had the snow for several months. It made the lead story on the BBC's news for several days, even though there wasn't anything new to report, except more stupid motorists driving out in heavy snow, and abandoning their vehicles.

I just feel disappointed seeing them make Zainab the villain to try to generate pity for other characters. They seem to think they can do to her what they did to Pauline. It was annoying enough to watch what happened to her, much less seeing Zainab turned into a harridan for the likes of Syed or this weird Jane/Masood stuff.

I get that, but even without them making Zainab the villain, she's still a difficult person to live with. I do think a lot of it has been rushed. I'm not sure that they're purposely making her the villain, but showing us that her personal beliefs are causing her to ruin her family. Once Syed was gone, that should of been it; but Zainab likes to takes things to their extreme, and push situations to the breaking point. I think the only person her actions generate sympathy for, is Masood. I don't feel any sympathy for Syed, or Jane, or anyone else, and I don't think they justify Masood hitting on Jane. And yes, the Mas/Jane stuff is weird, especially when he said he hasn't stopped thinking about their kiss - seriously, that was a WTF! moment. Terrible writing.

And why was Janine so worried about what the customers think of Syed? I didn't understand any of that scene, with Charlie and the randoms whispering about Syed. He's gay, where's the scandal? And Janine has done far worse, so if anyone's reputation was to turn customers away, hers should.

+1.

Weather updates rule.

Meh. It all becomes annoying when you live in a country that makes a big deal of the smallest of extreme weather. And even more annoying when they're made the lead news story, which is basically a recap, dressed up as something new. Now, if we were prone to getting an earthquake or two, that would be different.

As for coming with Jane to Florida, I think he was just depressed and shocked after Zainab basically told him she wanted a divorce.

Zainab did not ask Mas for a divorce, she told him she wanted to dissolve their partnership with the Beales. Split-up their business, and basically leave them in a financial bind. She's being irrational, even if Mas is being too premature with Jane. He'll remember he has a baby, at some point. But, it must be so difficult living with someone like Zainab.

I think that Kym Marsh's personal problems last year might have something to do with Michelle being backburned for a while too. She did after all tragically lose her baby shortly after birth last year, suffer from depression, split with her partner (though they are now back together) etc etc so the producers probably decided to keep Michelle low key for a while until some time had passed before they began using her heavily again.

I had forgotten about her tragic loss, last year. Was her summer hiatus the reason for this? I seem to remember her barely being used before the summer, as I'm sure she had time off during the spring. Either way, I don't think you can say she's been used heavily at all - she had that fling with the handyman guy (or whatever it was he did); disappeared; popped back up for Tony being revealed as Liam's killer; had a few scenes with Ryan; became the crush of Ryan's best mate Ben, and has since disappeared again.

Networks generally don't like to pre-empt shows - they avoid it at all cost (unless it's a filler show - but it's rare). It's not like in the US, where news reports interrupt shows about anything and everything (OK, that may be an over generalisation).

But seriously, some people need to chillax, and realize that EE was pre-empted for a very important reason; it's not like it was for a weather update, or something equally unimportant - it was for a change in government, and a pretty major, historical change at that. Some people need to get some perspective.

The first thing I thought, was that I've never seen so many characters smoking in a soap before, and then I realized that I've never seen anyone else smoke in any other soap, either (bar EE's Dot, who hasn't had a smoking scene in ages). It's one of those things, that soaps don't like to portray. I think the only character I've seen smoking on a US soap, was Deacon, on B&B. Oh, and didn't Days' Princess Gina used to smoke as well? I don't watch Emmerdale or Hollyoaks, so maybe they have characters who smoke, too?

Why does Casualty get nominated, but Holby City doesn't? Personally, Holby is the stronger of the two - it has better writing, and better day-to-day episodes. They have strong characters, and some good character driven stories. Casualty has good production values, with its big stunts, and shock and awe plots, where people get blown-up, trapped in a crashed car, sawn in half with lots of blood and gore (which happens in every episode); the writing is clumpy, contrived, and sometimes cliché. I avoid the show at all costs.

The Bill, IMO, is probably b/c its been cancelled.

Corrie doesn't deserve to be nominated, much less win. EE aren't that much better, but probably more deserving than Corrie.

Betty's not leaving after all...

Coronation Street's new producer Phil Collinson phoned show veteran Betty Driver yesterday evening to assure her about her future with the show.

A Sunday tabloid reported that the 89-year-old - who won this year's 'Lifetime Achievement' trophy at the British Soap Awards - had expressed her intentions to retire after the show's 50th anniversary celebrations in December.

However, Corrie bosses were quick to ensure that Driver knew her job was safe and that she is "very much" a part of their golden year.

A source told The Mirror: "She told him she hadn't been saying anything about wanting to retire. She's obviously not as fit as she used to be but she loves the place and everybody loves her."

They added: "She was assured by Phil that she is very much part of our 50th anniversary plans later in the year and she was pleased with that."

Over the last few weeks, Collinson has axed Claire and Ashley Peacock (Julia Haworth and Steve Arnold) and crimper Natasha Blakeman (Rachel Leskovac).

Other departures this year will include Bill Tarmey (Jack Duckworth) and Vicky Binns (Molly Dobbs).

To be honest, I don't know Michelle from a ham sandwich. The two times I've watched the show long-term or with any sense of regularity (now and last summer), I don't think I've seen her on screen at all.

She was placed on the backburner for the majority of the summer - they shipped Michelle off on some tour with a band, while I presume, they figured out what to do with her. Now, she hasn't been on screen for a couple of months.

You are so fortunate to not have had to endure the terrible baby switch storyline, with Michelle's son Ryan, and some other kid, called Alex. It was badly executed, plotted, structured, paced, acted, written - you name it, and it was all kinds of bad. They didn't know who to focus on at any given point in the story, which had no direction. As soon as they realized it was despised by viewers, they abruptly ended it, and now pretend it never happened.

ETA: I think they should go all the way, and turn Michelle into their version of Brooke Logan. Sometimes she feels like she's close to that type of character, what with her many men; it might make her more interesting, too. Although, they'd have to make sure they don't over do it, like B&B have with Brooke; but it could work. Anything to make her more engaging and interesting.

I thought you wanted Stacey gone?

Of course, Lacey and Tiana opted to leave on their own.

I get the feeling it might've been a more mutual decision between Lacey and TPTB. And probably with Jean, too.

Tiana (Chelsea) is no big loss, considering her half-baked plots, and (mostly) wooden acting.

Carl: I truly believe the all black episode, was never supposed to be hyped the way it was; they were going for subtle, but the tabloids made a big thing about it, which wasn't necessary. Yeah, the story sucked (it had big potential, as I thought they were gonna make Patrick the one who started the race riots, but they didn't, and it was all forgotten about), but it was supposed to coincide with Black History Month, so they did have well intentions, however misguided the actual story was.

Interview with Pete McTighe (writer/Supervising Script Editor).

Note: It does contain a few spoiler teasers.

After first chatting to us a year ago, Neighbours writer and Supervising Script Editor Pete McTighe returns to share some thoughts on the 2009 season, and a few hints on the dramas set to hit Erinsborough in the coming months...

Which were your favourite stories from the past year?

I loved the Susan Kennedy surrogacy and how that tied into Dan and Libby's marriage falling apart. Writing the episode where Dan and Libby separated was a gift - then we got incredible actors doing amazing work. And then the Dan/Steph shag which of course set in motion an epic 2010 story, and will have repercussions for years to come! Also really enjoyed (if that's the right word?!) Bridget's death and that whole block. Each and every department worked even harder than they normally do to pull out all the stops and make that week a truly memorable piece of serial drama, and we were all very proud of how it turned out. We had a cast & crew screening of that block in a cinema and it truly was worthy of being on the big screen. They had to shut the place down afterwards for the floods of tears.

Were there any stories that you didn't like, or would have handled differently with hindsight?

Speaking personally, Lucas' crash and subsequent recovery moved way too fast for my liking. I also feel we spent too much time focussing on purely-teen stories (like the Deb) and am very happy that we have found more of a balance this year. Neighbours has always been an inter-generational show and it's at its best when there is that balance between the younger characters and the adults.

The main arrivals in 2009 were the Ramsay kids - are you pleased with how they've slotted into the cast?

The Ramsays were a great addition. Unfortunately we had to farewell Harry, which was a great shame, but all three of those actors brought a real warmth and some fresh energy to the show. There's plenty more in store for the Ramsays in 2010.

You've mentioned Susan's surrogacy as one of your favourite plots of 2009 - did Brett Tucker's departure affect the ending, or was it always planned that she would lose the baby? Did you ever consider a different exit for Dan?

It was always intended that Susan would lose the baby, but we had originally envisioned a different ending for the story - she would've lost it over the 2009 cliffhanger. But once Brett decided he wanted to pursue work in the States, we needed to rework the entire Kennedy story. Brett's departure actually gave us more to play with, and dovetailing the baby drama into the breakdown of Libby and Dan's marriage worked very well. Those Kennedy actors are just gold - no matter what we throw at them, they embrace it and run with it. Dan and Libby splitting was really the only way out for us - we didn't want to kill another of poor Libby's husbands - that really would've sent her over the edge!

Steph and Dan's one night stand and her pregnancy has proved to be a controversial plot. Are you worried about the position this has left Steph in, and will she continue to be a sympathetic character, despite carrying the baby of her best friend's ex?

Absolutely not worried at all. We needed big stories for 2010, and this is one of them. Obviously Steph will continue to be a sympathetic character - and she will pay dearly for what she's done. Ooooh she will pay. There are many twists and turns to come, so enjoy the ride.

Bridget's death was another highlight of 2009 - was it a difficult decision to put Declan into a new relationship with Kate only six months later?

Not at all. Having Declan single and moping forever would have bored everyone to tears. Although he's begun a very tentative relationship with Kate, in no way is he forgetting about Bridget - her presence will be felt as long as Declan and India remain part of the show. And it's his soulmate connection to Bridget that complicates this new relationship - that may even destroy it...

The return of Andrew Robinson is already proving popular - will Andrew's behaviour continue to be so manipulative, or is he going to calm down a bit as he settles further into Ramsay Street?

Andrew is very much Paul's son, yet he's constantly having to try and prove himself. It's this need to be accepted by his father, and a desire to be seen as successful by his peers, that drives Andrew and will continue to do so. Those fans who have warmed to Andrew will have plenty to look forward to over the coming months. And for those who have been wondering - his slight Scottish accent is real!

With Harold gone and Lou only appearing for half the year, the over 60s age group is almost completely unrepresented in the regular cast, for the first time in Neighbours history. Are there any plans to address this in 2010?

Yes there are.

The departure of Will Moore (Harry) was recently announced – are you disappointed to be losing one of the Ramsays so soon, and will there be any new arrivals to bump up the numbers at 24 Ramsay Street?

Absolutely, it was very unfortunate that we had to lose Harry. Will brought so much vulnerability and heart to that role and he'll be sorely missed. But the Ramsays will cope without him - it's a new and interesting dynamic. And yes, there will be an addition to Number 24 later this year.

New cast additions Michael and Natasha Williams were also announced in the last few weeks – what can we expect from these new faces? Will they be the only additions to the regular cast in the coming months?

We feel it's important not to bombard viewers with too many new faces at once, so Michael and Natasha will have some time to settle in before we bring in any other new characters.

2010 marks Neighbours' 25th anniversary - we've already seen new opening titles and ad bumpers to mark the occasion - will there be any episodes to celebrate, as with the 20th anniversary week in 2005?

Absolutely - our 25th Anniversary culminates later this year with Block 1200, the Friday of that week will be Episode 6000 which is absolutely cause for celebration. That week will revolve around one central story which we will have been building to for some time, and kick off months of fallout for many of our most popular characters. And no, it's not Steph's secret.

Will any old faces be coming back as part of the celebrations?

You'll be seeing a few old faces on screen this year, yes. But they've been chosen because they work for story, we're not wheeling past characters in for the sake of it. Our characters don't know it's an anniversary! As it happens we're doing a day of filming later this week with one particular blast from the past, who ties into the Ep 6000 story and will be seen across four episodes.

Finally, can you give us any other hints about what's to come in 2010?

The Neighbours staples: drama, heart, humour, the awful and shocking reveal of Steph's secret and subsequent fallout, a major Paul Robinson story, a big well-deserved wedding (or two), the wonderful Jane Badler guesting as Paul's nemesis, romance - for both the older and younger generations - and a shocking turn of events that sees death come knocking once more on Ramsay Street. One final word - spoilers! Try and avoid them for the anniversary year. If you don't know what's coming, you'll be rewarded with some great shocks over the coming months.

ETA: Thanks to Perfect Blend

I do like Becky, but last year she was overexposed, and became obnoxious. This year, her stories have all be rushed - off-screen death of her mother; 2 episodes of mourning; 2 miscarriages, and aftermath dealt with in 2 weeks; now she's applying to adopt a baby! The social worker said it best - Becky has not mourned the loss of her babies, and now she's throwing herself into the adoption. But, it seems Kim Crowther believes it's OK to mention this, and move on, even though it wasn't an intentional plot point, and is simply her addressing fans concerns.

She is "feisty," as the cliche goes, but not too harsh, and she works well with Kirk.

Don't say that - we want to get rid of Kirk, not have him propped by the newbie!

Won't miss Molly, at all. But Trevor, I kinda thought he had potential - again. They should really have just paired him with Janice, instead of the silliness with Carla; like she would fall for a guy like Trevor.

At one point, they were building Tyrone & Molly up, as the next Jack & Vera - but the horrendous Molvin affair has ruined all that. I really hope Tyrone leaves, too, as there really isn't much more they can do with his character, and we can finally put this period to rest. Otherwise, I can see him becoming another spare part, like Kirk and Sean.

I'm gonna miss Betty. Maybe her recent health scare forced her to make some changes? Re: Betty's family - she does have a son and daughter-in-law, but when we saw them last, Betty retired, moved in with them, feuded with the DIL, who subsequently tried to con her out of her money, by manipulating the son into sending her into a retirement home, and signing everything over to him. The only way I can see her leaving to be with her son, is if he's grown a back bone, and dumped her gold-digging ass.

So, Sean has gotten his yearly story, by randomly wanting to find his son. *yawn* No build up, just one day, he suddenly remembers that Dylan exists... Why must we put up with Sean and his dull storylines? I know this could have some good emotional impact, but when it involves a character who I don't care about, and is played by an actor who is simply playing himself, and would have to be the worst "actor" to grace Corrie's canvas, it all feels pointless and contrived.

OK, so Ben and Lauren are leaving... I know the girl that plays Lauren, wasn't that good, but surely she could've worked on a supporting basis? These are two legacy characters, and in their place, we've been given Fatboy, Leon and Zsa Zsa, and the soon-to-arrive Mercy. Doesn't seem right.

As for Mercy...

I like the idea of a new black family, but I really don't want it to be at the expense of Denise. She's one of my fave characters, and I was hoping they'd bring back her sister, Kim, who had depth; she was comedic, and kooky, and really needed more time to explore her relationship with Denise.

When Angela Wynter (ex-Yolande) left, she mentioned about there being a quota, so I hope if Mercy gets a family, it won't be the kinda size that would push Denise out. I do agree, that Jordan isn't needed, but I think it could be interesting seeing Denise raise him, after all the murderous acts his dad has/will have committed. And Patrick is awesome, and I really wish they'd have more scenes with him and Jim - even if they are short and sweet.

I see my rant about Billy the loser, has disappeared - shame. His financial woes really don't make any realistic, logical sense, and until they do, I'll continue not to be interested in any Billy is broke, storyline.

I gotta mention this: That private clinic for Jack, would *not* cost £30,000 ($44,000) a month! That is a joke. Who the hell could afford that ridiculous price? And, to make things worse, they have that sparky charge Ronnie, £3,000 to fix her dodgy electrics! It's not a complete rewiring - no-one charges that ridiculous price. Come on show, a little research, please.

It doesn't feel like Natasha's character at all. I really hate it when they turn decent characters into uber bitches, or psychos, just to give them a big exit. It seems like they're going to throw Nick back into Leanne's orbit, as Jane Danson said that there is going to be turbulent times ahead for Peter & Leanne, and I assume, that means Nick.

I wish they'd just get rid of Nick. Kim Crowther should never have brought him back, especially not knowing what to do with him. Originally, he was supposed to be Carla's love interest, but that went nowhere; then he kissed Tina, which again, went nowhere; then came Kelly, who quit the show, and now he's sniffing round Leanne, after Natasha leaves. If they really want to throw him back into an ex's life, then why not Maria? She'll have zero to do, once Tony's return is over.

It's strange how Neighbours has now said they can't have anything that will scare viewers, or something like that. Was this some network mandate?

Yeah, it's all b/c of the 'G' rating, and the restrictions it poses. They've actually got stricter over the years. It's stupid having a soap under a General Rating, given that the 'G' means that anyone of all ages can watch the show, which has made Susan Bower steer the show towards kids, instead of its intended 18-49 demo. But judging from a couple of up-coming storylines, it seems maybe she's willing to push the boundaries, like the show used to do (and is finally listening to viewers).

Like, Kate takes a dancing job in a strip club. I wonder how they'll pull that off in their G timeslot?

Rosemary Daniels Returns

With filming underway this week on the 6,000th episode of Neighbours, The Herald Sun reports that Joy Chambers has flown to Melbourne to reprise the role of Rosemary Daniels as part of the ongoing 25th anniversary celebrations. Joy played hard nosed businesswoman Rosemary - daughter of show legend Helen - on a recurring basis since 1986 and last appeared in 2005. The Perfect Blend can confirm that Rosemary will appear in four episodes, due to air in August.

I love Rosemary, so it'll be good to see her again. Glad that she's getting four episodes, and it isn't just a one-guest-ep.

This is a Neighbours Skit that they produced for the Logies, which was deemed too risqué to air. It's from the 7PM Project, and is a parody of Neighbours and Underbelly.

It's hilarious, and similar to the Two Libby's skit.

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Major Natasha exit spoiler...

Suicide plot for axed Corrie character

Coronation Street's Natasha Blakeman is to commit suicide in a forthcoming storyline, it has been revealed.

The Weatherfield hairdresser, played by former Holby City actress Rachel Leskovac, will take her own life after suffering a series of personal setbacks in her final few weeks on the cobbles.

According to reports, Natasha is left heartbroken after her romance with businessman Nick Tilsley (Ben Price) runs into problems. She is also expected to face difficulties at work.

It is thought that the soap's scriptwriters have not yet reached a firm decision on how Natasha will end it all.

A show source told The Sun: "Viewers will be shocked by the storyline, but it will be handled with sensitivity."

Insiders said that Natasha is to show a nastier side before the gritty plotline airs. It is thought that she will tell Nick the truth about Leanne Battersby's (Jane Danson) past as an escort after realising that he still has feelings for his ex-wife.

Meanwhile, Natasha has also been tipped to scheme against boss Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls) by trying to convince her that she is too old to run her salon - a plan which later backfires.

Leskovac's departure from Coronation Street was last week announced by the programme's new producer Phil Collinson.

I think they had Mas throw Zainab out into the rain, b/c it gave them the opportunity to recreate the classic scene of Pat being thrown out of the same house, in the pouring rain, scrabbling to pick up her clothes.

And did anyone else notice the soap cliché of suitcases always spilling out when thrown to the ground? Why are they never closed properly?

The problem I had with this rant was that it wasn't long ago Lucy was happily smirking and blackmailing over this relationship. Lucy doesn't care about anyone but herself, so having her as some moral voice seems a bit questionable. Then there's Jane, who makes herself look like a hypocrite for saying that all Christian did was fall in love. This is the woman who refused to speak for Christian for many years after he fell in love with her husband.

I look at Lucy's blackmail attempts as being a way for her to help her Uncle Christian. She knew he was miserable, and that Syed was breaking his heart, so she did what she thought was right by making Syed suffer. She also thought it would all lead to Syed falling out of the closet, and him and Christian being together. You have to remember that Lucy couldn't understand Syed's plight; she sees being gay, as no big deal, and something he shouldn't be ashamed about. Lucy runs by her own morals, so blackmailing Syed was her way of doing good; but she's like her mother, Cindy, so of course she'd enjoy turning the knife in Syed. Lucy fronting up to Masood and Zainab fit perfectly with her character - it's what she does.

I see Jane as someone who has changed her opinion of Christian, and what he did to her marriage. I think she understands the situation differently, and sees it as being in the past. I do like that someone is pointing out the romance of it all, as there's always one person who sees the love story, but really, they need Christian and Syed to have an epiphany, and realize how horrible they've behaved. Balance is needed.

On another topic, I know this happens with all shows, but a few of the scenes that were cut, if anyone wanted to know about them. These scenes were cut, right?

Were those scenes cut? I know that next week, some Ben/Abi/Jordan stuff happens, and the Jane/Ian holiday stuff also climaxes. Or they could happen at the end of this week. Adam blurting out Chelsea's pregnancy seems odd, as I don't see where that would've gone. Chelsea's not in any of this week, and that story was wrapped up last week, so I don't see where it would've gone.

Natasha Blakeman to leave Corrie

Natasha Blakeman is to be written out of Coronation Street later this year, it has been announced.

The hairdresser, played by former Holby City actress Rachel Leskovac, will bow out from Weatherfield in dramatic circumstances in the build-up to the soap's 50th anniversary celebrations.

An ITV spokesman told The Sun: "We can confirm that Rachel Leskovac will leave Coronation Street later this year. Her departure will be the culmination of a dramatic storyline which will be seen on screen this summer and into the autumn."

Coronation Street's new series producer Phil Collinson added: "Rachel is a really talented actress who has been an asset to the show. Her character will be involved in an exciting and dramatic storyline which will be an integral part of the build-up to Coronation Street's 50th anniversary.

"She will leave behind a trail of devastation - a real testament to the impact Rachel as Natasha has had on many lives in our community. We wish her much success for the future."

Natasha joined Coronation Street in 2008 as a new recruit for Audrey Roberts's (Sue Nicholls) hair salon. She later became embroiled in the programme's dramatic Tony Gordon (Gray O'Brien) storyline by starting a relationship with the villainous businessman. More recently, she has focused her attention on Audrey's grandson Nick Tilsley (Ben Price).

News of her departure follows last week's announcement that the Peacock family are to leave the long-running soap later this year.

Why does it feel like these departures are in the wrong order? The deadwood are still hanging around, while characters with potential are being fired before them - Natasha has potential, and the Peacocks were good supporting players, that were never used to their full advantage. I can understand letting Ashley & Claire go, but to me, they wouldn't be #1. When you look at the show, there are several that are pointless - Sean, Kirk, Michelle, Ryan...

Carl, that scenario is puzzling, as I remember there was Sean Steel, who was stabbed on New Year's Eve, and died, but I don't remember him being involved with a cop, who dated his best friend. Sean was one half of the Will & Grace pairing, and his best friend was Tanya, who was carrying his IVF child. Sean dated closet case bisexual Brendan Boulter, who ended up marrying Melanie Costello - he was way in denial about the whole thing, and even had numerous one-night-stands. They did make a point of labelling him bi, which Melanie came to understand; she later regretted it, after he continued to lie to her. Brendan, thankfully left for a new life in France; the guy was seriously wooden, and pairing him with self-centred, whiny Mel, didn't do any of them any favours. I was never really a fan of this story, as it all felt a bit like, yet another gay storyline, and Brendan had no charm. He was dull, and felt very unimportant. It also made Melanie a victim, and she had enough to whine about, without adding a cheating bi boyfriend. What also bugged me, was that they made a point of Brendan being bi, but he was only ever with Mel - all of his flings were with men. It felt like they wanted to give him this label, to show how they were representing bisexuals, but really, it felt like Brendan was simply gay.

But I've done some research, and found that there was a gay cop, called Adam, who dated Clive, and slept with his best mate, Gabby. This happened in the early days, and I think Clive was FA's first male gay character (Holly being the first lesbian). I don't remember him at all. Clive was really annoying; he bugged me for some reason, so whenever he had storylines, I tended to tune out. I also wasn't a regular viewer at the time, so that doesn't help. But I did like Clive's friendships with Gabby and Declan (who he crushed on at one point). They made a nice little trio. Adam, though was a guest character, so they didn't delve all that much into his storyline. I think it was as simple as being exposed for a cheat, and leaving town. IIRC, Clive was never meant to be happy at all.