I stopped watching for a bit. How did that end, anyway?

It was forgotten about - literally dropped from the writer's minds. I think the last we saw of Abi, was when Nathan threatened her with his assumption that she was shagging Ryan. After that, she was never seen again. And Ryan forgot she existed.

I'm still disappointed we didn't get any bare-assed Oz-type shots out of that story...the actress certainly got her cleavage out enough in the press articles.

Emmerdale's Moira on Eastenders, as one of Max's many pieces of ass.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY_adHWKz0s

Vintage clip with the one and only Jacqueline Pirie, Tina Dingle, also with the woman who played good girl Jessica McCallister.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHEYnLn91V8

Anyone else have the feeling that all this Amy crap is to phase out David?

Anyone else have the feeling that all this Amy crap is to phase out David?

They have moved him out of Eric's story for a while now, but I wouldn't be surprised. Why give a story to an interesting character when you have a Tang-covered 30 year old trying to be a teenager?

For a blast from the past, 1 of 9 videos featuring Shane McGann, who played the patriarch of the doomed Reynolds family. I didn't know he was Paul McCann's brother. They were even in some early 80s pop band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmonBAnGUz0

James Sutton to leave 'Emmerdale'

Emmerdale star James Sutton is to leave the soap in the spring, it has been announced.

The actor has played the role of mechanic Ryan Lamb on the Yorkshire-based serial since 2009 but is now bowing out to pursue new projects.

In a statement released on Emmerdale's website, Sutton commented: "I've massively enjoyed the last two years playing Ryan and been blessed to have worked with a group of such talented and supportive actors.

"I feel that Ryan's storylines have drawn to a natural conclusion and, although I'll be sad to say goodbye, I'm excited about what the future holds."

He added: "Having trained in theatre I'm looking forward to getting back to my roots and exploring new opportunities."

Meanwhile, Emmerdale's executive producer Steve November said: "James has been a much valued member of the cast and we wish him all the best for the future."

Ryan was introduced to the soap in June 2009 and soon became embroiled in the drama surrounding the Wylde clan, who have all since departed the village.

Sutton's screen mother Kim Thomson (Faye) is also leaving Emmerdale this year.

No big surprise there, then. This means that everyone associated with the Wyldes will now be gone... except for Declan.

Even though day-to-day episodes are OK, there really isn't much going on, with a lot of stories that don't seem to have much impact, while several characters are pointless, or are not doing much of anything. The Henshall thing is seriously clichéd; the Alicia/Justin custody battle has gone nowhere; the Barton drug story petered out on a whimper; Lisa's rape started off well, but has developed into nothing; this Cain/Charity/Jai story has been dragged out with little movement, fizzing-out along the way - I can't believe this is the story they wanted to tell a year ago, but shelved due to Charlie Webb's maternity leave; why was Debbie needed so badly that they couldn't use any of her initial scenes off screen? She's not done anything! And that fire was the worst blaze out of all the soaps I watch - even Neighbours did a better job!

I don't no if all this mediocrity is down to GB's death, but something needs changing fast.

This was predicted for a while, and the show has never really used Sutton. I think that Blyth was happy to have him because he was a Hollyoaks name - and I do think this probably did help bring new and younger viewers to Emmerdale - but that he had no idea what to do with Ryan. All logical stories for Ryan ended when they killed Mark off. I don't believe that it is down to wooden acting, that's not exactly tough to find in starring roles on any soap. I think they just lost all momentum for this story a long time ago.

I wonder how much longer Declan will be around. They rewrote his personality to bring in his family, a forgettable daughter and a horrible wife and father. None of them serve any purpose other than to point out that Home Farm has become a dinosaur.

I struggled to emotionally connect with Emmerdale during Blyth's time as producer and I think that now the bottom has fallen out because the stories he produced - which generally had good moments in the short term but no real long-term planning - have faded, with nothing to replace them. I really would love to know the idea behind the Katie and the evil cop storyline. Everything about it has baffled me. Giving such a story to mediocre actors, making it so obvious, killing off core characters and then shrugging at their deaths, and finishing with what will probably be a whimper. How many times has Katie had this story and I still don't buy it.

I also have to say how entertaining some of the "please he can't go back to Hollyoaks that would ruin JP/Craig forever" stuff is. I have loved some soap couples, although it seems like a long time ago now, so I guess I can understand that, but to me that dud reunion and the way Craig behaved during the affair were more damaging than any offscreen breakup could be. I don't know if James Sutton would even go back to Hollyoaks if asked, although I doubt they will ask him. I wouldn't mind seeing the old, fun JP again, with the twinkle in his eye, especially if he replaces Bart, the world's oldest teenager who has ZERO connection with the McQueens, but considering Mandy's disastrous and Lee's forgettable return, it might not be for the best. I do hope he goes on something which involves nudity...

To the surprise of no one, the latest Danny Miller weepfest will next have, according to The Sun anyway,

Jackson commit suicide after he convinces his mother to crush pills into his drink. This has nothing to do with trying to tell a story about assisted suicide and all to do with yet another melodramatic situation for Aaron. Oh poor Aaron how he suffers, because of that dead guy. They have never done a thing to make viewers care about Jackson. They repeatedly treat serious subjects as nothing more than some type of angst porn for the weeper. It's all so crass, like a lot of the show's recent decisions, but what gets me the most is that only last spring Aaron almost killed himself. He has done nothing but be miserable and bring misery on people (and his poor dead dog) since then. Why shouldn't Aaron kill himself too?? Isn't that what the show is saying?

I think he should leave the show. He's clearly an afterthought and personally I'd love to watch him take hold of other characters. Good for him for getting other work either way.

I don't know why but I really enjoyed today's episode.

Poor Nikhil. He and Gennie, I hope they go there. I think today was a chem test, LoL

This amnesia story is actually pretty interesting too.

And the Rhona triad didn't annoy me today, but that's probably only because Paddy and Marlon barely had any lines.

I haven't watched much of Let's Dance for Comic Relief this year (the first week was so flat) but apparently Emmerdale daddy James Thornton was a viewer favorite with his tap dance routine with friend Charlie Baker. They and the judges usually only support comedians who try to be daring by dressing in drag (which was daring...fifty years ago) and has-beens/zelebrities, so for the viewers to vote for this shows how much appeal he has. Too bad Emmerdale would rather waste him as they waste anyone with talent or charisma.