The Weatherfield Recorder - back issues, Jan

Corrie wins charity's praise
31 March 2003

Corrie's new storyline, which has seen Katy Nelson being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, has earned high praise from Diabetes UK.

Katy (Lucy-Jo Hudson) was rushed to hospital after collapsing in the Rovers. She had earlier complained of being extremely tired and very thirsty - both typical symptoms of diabetes. And as with anyone who is recently diagnosed with diabetes, Katy is confused about the implications of having the condition. However, Martin Platt, who is a nurse at Weatherfield General, reassured her that she can come to him with any questions.

Simon O'Neill, Head of Care Developments at Diabetes UK said, "It is great that Coronation Street is including a character with diabetes. "There are about 1.4 million people in the UK diagnosed with diabetes and covering the subject in such a popular programme will help to raise awareness of the condition. "We're looking forward to seeing how the storyline develops."

The main symptoms of diabetes are increased thirst, going to the loo all the time - especially at night, extreme tiredness, weight loss, genital itching or regular episodes of thrush, and blurred vision. Type 2 diabetes develops slowly and the symptoms are usually less severe. Type 1 diabetes, which Katy has been diagnosed with, develops much more quickly, usually over a few weeks, and symptoms are normally very obvious.

Cop Kate to the rescue in real life
30 March 2003

SEXY EastEnders star JILL HALFPENNY was at the centre of a real-life drama when she rushed to the aid of a collapsed man.

The Geordie stunner - undercover cop Kate - was enjoying a night out with pals when the man passed out. A quick-thinking drinker raised the alarm and the emergency services were soon on the scene. But not before Jill, 27, had checked he was breathing. One witness at the trendy Goose pub in Brixton, South London, said: "Jill seemed very concerned about the man's condition. He wasn't conscious and was slumped in a chair.

"She checked his airway was clear and placed him in the recovery position before an ambulance crew arrived. "Jill moved all her friends out of the way so the emergency services could get to him and she was very concerned. "She stood watching while the man was carried out by an ambulance crew with the help of firefighters and the police. "She was really down to earth and not stuck up at all - it made you think how other celebrities might have acted."

The actress later told friends she used the first aid skills she picked up when she appeared in rival soap Coronation Street as man-eating nurse Rebecca. She told one: "Even though I was only acting the role of a nurse the producers thought I should learn first aid so I looked authentic on screen. "I never would have believed that one day I'd get to use that training for real. But I'm really glad I did because I was able to help this man."

Bouncers pounce on Sean
30 March 2003 by Ben Dowell

BOUNCERS pinned Coronation Street star Sean Wilson against a wall after he leapt over a nightclub bar.

Fellow cast members looked on in astonishment as Sean, 38 - who plays Martin Platt in the soap - headed for the beer pumps himself after having to wait to be served in the club's VIP lounge. Bar staff set off an alarm - and red-faced Steve was bundled out of the exclusive area in Manchester's trendy Lucid bar.

An onlooker said: "The bar was really packed and Sean was a bit worse for wear. I think he lost patience and thought it would be funny to try and get a drink himself. "But you don't go around doing that - the bouncers were not at all pleased. Sean got a real shock when he got set upon and was bundled away."

Sean and fellow Street stars Thomas Craig (Tommy), Michael Le Vell (Kevin Webster), Kate Ford (Tracy) and Sally Lindsay (Shelley) had been chatting with Phoenix Nights comic Peter Kay before the incident. The group - at the club for a live concert by Irish pop superstars Westlife - had at first been refused entry to the VIP area because they didn't have wristbands. A Coronation street spokeswoman said: "It was a simple mistake - Sean got round the wrong end of the bar. There was nothing malicious in it."

Rears to you Emma!
30 March 2003
CORRIE copper ANGELA LONSDALE walks a different beat - out shopping for clothes.

Angela, 32, who plays WPC Emma Watts, was already an arresting sight in combats with the words "Less Delux" on the back. And after nipping to the cashpoint she extended her funky wardrobe at a Manchester department store.

The actress - who split from EastEnders star PERRY FENWICK last year - later sped off in her MGF sports car. As Emma, she has more to worry about than fashion - choosing between husband Curly or her police career.

Jonathan Wrather
JONATHAN WRATHER has been inundated with saucy job requests since his Corrie character Joe Carter started running Underworld. He says: "I've received a few letters from women saying, 'Give us a job' along with pictures of themselves in underwear.

Les Battersby faces jail after a fight with estranged wife Janice's policeman boyfriend.

Les, played by Bruce Jones, gets into a scrap with Pc Mick Hopwood after being stopped for jumping a red light. Les is kicked by his love rival as he lies helpless on the ground before Curly Watts' Pc wife Emma manages to intervene. But it is Les who ends up in trouble after Mick, played by Ian Gain, arrests him for assaulting a police officer.

Emma has witnessed the whole incident and knows that Les is innocent. But Mick persuades her to lie for him and give a false statement - and when Curly finds out what she's done, it threatens the foundations of their marriage.

A spokeswoman for the ITV1 soap said: "When Mick confronts Les, the red mist descends and he puts the boot in. "Emma knows he was in the wrong but she backs him up by providing a false statement. She has a real crisis of conscience over the decision and when Curly finds out he is furious. "Meanwhile poor Les is left facing jail even though Mick is the one in the wrong."

Both actors were trained by fight co-ordinators for the scene, to be screened on Monday night.

Your chance to vote for your favourite soap
27 March 2003
The British Soap Awards 2003 gives the fans the chance to decide who will carry off the top prizes. Everyone who votes will also be entered into a competition to win tickets to the glittering event hosted by Des O'Connnor and Melanie Sykes.

There are six awards in the public categories; Best British Soap, Villain of the Year, Best Actor, Best Actress, and the What's On TV Magazine awards for the Sexiest Male and for the Sexiest Female in soapland. Eight soaps are taking part: EastEnders, Coronation Street, Brookside, Hollyoaks, Emmerdale, Doctors, Crossroads and Family Affairs.

You can vote using ballot papers in What's On TV magazine or The Sun or you can vote online and view the full list of nominees at soapawards.itv.com.

Bitter truth for Corrie's Lucy
26 March 2003
The truth finally dawns on newlywed Lucy Richards in Coronation Street - her new husband Peter Barlow is a rat.

Pregnant Lucy, played by Katy Carmichael, genuinely believed that Peter was telling the truth when he said he'd broken things off with ex-girlfriend Shelley. She thought he was keeping their relationship secret to protect the feelings of the heartbroken barmaid. But in a forthcoming episode Lucy becomes increasingly suspicious about the number of calls on his mobile from Shelley and finally decides to confront him. To her horror she discovers he hasn't finished with her at all and has been lying all the time

Desperate to win her over Peter tries to explain how things got out of hand and he promises to tell Shelley that their relationship is over. Lucy is unconvinced and says she is leaving Weatherfield for good. When Peter turns up at the florists to make one last appeal he finds Lucy has gone and left no contact details. The shameless womaniser simply turns his attentions back to Shelley - but still doesn't tell the truth about his double life.

Fans warn Sally about love rat Peter
26 March 2003

Confused soap fans are having trouble distinguishing reality and TV fiction as the latest Coronation Street storyline hots up. Actress Sally Lindsay, who plays barmaid Shelley Unwin, says she is continually stopped in the street by fans eager to tell her that boyfriend Peter is a two-timing rat.

Peter Barlow, played by Chris Gascoyne, is romancing both Shelley and pretty florist Lucy Richards, played by Katy Carmichael. He snook off to marry pregnant Lucy in secret even though he is still engaged to Shelley. When Lucy discovers his duplicity she dumps him and departs from Weatherfield, leaving Peter to try to rekindle his passion with Shelley.

Sally says she is enjoying the love tangle storyline even though she has been amazed at the fury of fans outraged on her behalf. "They think I'm the wronged woman and actually sympathise with me on the street," she said.

Soccer man's cure is a dose of Corrie!
26 March 2003

A professional soccer player has been given an unusual order by club doctors - keep watching the soaps!

Chesterfield defender Kevin Dawson has been told to sit back on the sofa and take a regular diet of Coronation Street. Kevin, 21, was diagnosed with diabetes after blood tests showed high sugar levels. He expects to miss the rest of the season. But physio Jamie Hewitt hopes recent Street storylines lines will help the young star cope with the condition.

He explained: "We have asked Kevin to watch Coronation Street for some tips, because there is a new storyline with a character Katy Nelson who has been diagnosed with diabetes." The plot has received praise from the charity Diabetes UK for helping raise awareness of the condition. Katy, played by Lucy-Jo Hudson, is rushed to hospital after collapsing in the Rovers. She has recently been extremely tired and very thirsty - both typical symptoms of diabetes.

As with anyone who is recently diagnosed with diabetes, Katy is confused about the implications of having the condition. However, Martin Platt, who is a nurse at Weatherfield General, reassures her that she can come to him with any questions. Simon O'Neill, Head of Care Developments at Diabetes UK said, "It is great that Coronation Street is including a character with diabetes. There are about 1.4 million people in the UK diagnosed with diabetes and covering the subject in such a popular programme will help to raise awareness of the condition. We're looking forward to seeing how the storyline develops."

In Coronation Street (ITV1), Peter Barlow, who is engaged to two women at once and loath to get on the wrong side of either, was yesterday committed to accompanying Shelley, the buxom barmaid, to a funeral at 11am and marrying Lucy, the posh florist, at 1.30pm. The funeral was in Yorkshire and the wedding in Lancashire. Peter was, he conceded, cutting it a bit fine. Hamlet was caustic on this very subject, the funeral baked meats coldly furnishing forth the marriage table. A decent interval between the two is often considered desirable.

It is hard to put your finger on Peter's elusive charm, unless it's something to do with the large selection of tattoos he acquired in the navy. If sex were to fail to come up to expectations, one would always have something interesting to read. Though he can hide at will behind a spiral staircase, Peter might reasonably point out that his father, the preternaturally upright Kenneth, has had three wives and 23 girlfriends. But not, Ken could counter, all at the same time.

The funeral felt like flypaper. Shelley's mother was in low spirits ("It's five years and two months since we buried your dad") and Uncle Len's conversation was oddly hypnotic ("At least they put the clocks forward next weekend. Be lighter in the evenings. Darker in the mornings, of course.") Peter tore himself away with a noise like velcro, wildly claiming an appointment with Customs and Excise, and arrived a mere 20 minutes late for his wedding. "This is him, then, is it?" sniffed the well-corseted woman in the register office, implying that a heavily tattooed and travel-stained bookie was hardly worth the wait.

It's all Greek to Matthew
25 March 2003

Former soap heart-throb Matthew Marsden is swapping the rainy streets of Weatherfield for sunny ancient Greece in his latest film role. And instead of Sally Webster his new love interest is Helen of Troy!

Matthew, who played hunky mechanic Chris Collins in Coronation Street, has landed the lead role of hero Paris in a new film version of Helen of Troy, which also stars Brad Pitt. It is the latest film part for Matthew, 30, who has also starred in Black Hawk Down and Shiner, but he admits that many soap fans in the UK will always fondly remember him as Chris.

His Corrie character attracted a legion of female fans after conducting a passionate affair with Sally. He was voted Best Newcomer in the British Soap awards in 1998 but quit the soap soon after to concentrate on his film career.

My marriage is on the line says Tracy
24 March 2003

TEARFUL Tracy Shaw is fighting to save her marriage to TV producer Robert Ashworth. The ex-Coronation Street star, 29, looked upset as she took a mobile phone call and then told friends: "I am devastated. He thinks we've gone too far and it's over, but I want us to stay married."

The actress revealed her emotions to the cast of The Blue Room, in which she is starring at the Devonshire Park Theatre in Eastbourne, Sussex.

Gun battle in the Street
24 March 2003
Violence is to rear its ugly head again in Coronation Street when the Nelson family find themselves the target of armed gangsters who have tracked them down to their Weatherfield hideout. And according to the Daily Star, the Nelsons' life on the run explodes in a hail of gunfire when their secret identities provided by the police are blown wide open.

The Daily star reveals the Nelsons tell police they are coming off the witness protection programme because they are fed up looking over their shoulders 24 hours a day. The ear-shattering attack draws a line under the Nelsons' past lives, but it also opens up the soap to a host of possible new storylines.

Corrie fans will see Tommy get shot and then a hospital vigil as he clings to life before pulling back from the brink of death. As for the baddies? They get their just desserts and end up doing a long stretch of porridge.

Archie set to leave Corrie
24 March 2003

Street undertaker Roy Hudd has quit the soap, reports the Daily Star, because he fears stress could take him to an early grave. The comedy legend, who plays cheeky Archie Shuttleworth, says has has been find the Street's busy production schedule too demanding.

The star, 66, is loved by Street fans as he gave Audrey Roberts a shoulder to cry on during the tricky Dickie storyline. Hudd's character will be phased out gradually. Daily Star says that Archie will not be killed off, according to a Street insider. The character will be wound down, but will still appear occasionally.

Corrie: The first gay
23 March 2003 by Polly Graham
CORONATION Street chiefs are introducing the first gay character in the show's 43-year history. Executive producer Kieran Roberts is planning to turn teenager Todd Grimshaw, played by heartthrob Bruno Langley, into a homosexual.

Sensitive Todd will shock his Street pals when he ends his romance with Sarah Lou Platt after developing a crush on a man. Scripts have yet to be written but bosses hope to introduce the storyline in a few months' time. "There have been meetings about Todd wrestling with his sexuality," a source confirmed. "Nothing is written in stone yet but it looks like it is going to happen. The Street never shies away from the big issues."

It will be a challenging role for 19-year-old Bruno, who joined the show two years ago. In real life he recently split with co-star Tina, 19, after a 14-month romance. The pair's characters have already been at the centre of a contentious plot. TV watchdog the ITC received nine complaints over scenes in which Sarah Lou celebrated her 16th birthday by making love to Todd. But the ITC praised the programme for the way it handled the subject.

Husband is divorcing TV's Tracy
23 March 2003

FORMER Corrie babe Tracy Shaw is being divorced by her husband Robert Ashworth - not the other way around, The People can reveal. Despite some reports, Tracy - who played Maxine Peacock - is now battling to save their rocky 21-month marriage.

TV producer Robert, 30, is feeling the strain of being at their Manchester home while te actress is away baring all in sexy drama The Blue Room.

A pal explained: "The rest of the world is seeing more of her than he does. He's had enough." Tracy, 29, staying in Eastbourne, has told friends: "I'll fight tooth and nail for Robert."

Never chear on me, boys, says Sally
23 March 2003 by Ian Hyland

WHEN a soap actress arrives for an interview flashing a sparkling engagement ring you could be forgiven for thinking your luck was in. But before the word 'exclusive' has even entered my mind Coronation Street's Sally Lindsay pulls it off and tosses it across the table. "Better get rid of that," she says. "It's not mine, it's Shelley's. As if I'd wear that. It looks like it fell out of a Christmas cracker."

Turns out Sally has just finished filming some scenes for the end of next month and is wearing the ring because Shelley is still planning to marry Peter Barlow. Of course what the Rovers Return landlady doesn't know is that Peter is set to marry his pregnant bit-on-the-side Lucy the florist. Tomorrow.

No wonder Sally's a bit tired. "I'm exhausted, but it's great. There's a helluva lot going on in Shelley's life at the moment and there's also been a lot of action in the Rovers. And I have to be there so that there's someone serving the drinks. "But I'm not complaining. Besides, the perks are good. I mean, I get to sit here talking to you after a full day's filming don't I?"

Yes, she's a funny one is that Sally Lindsay. But what do you expect from one of Peter Kay's best mates? "As if I'd have an engagement ring anyway," she says. "I've got to find a fella first." Sally's been single since splitting with a partner of four years in December 2001. And by her own admission it's been a fallow 15 months on the man front, with not even the whiff of a date since Christmas. "Am I single now?" she says, repeating my question. "Why? Are you asking?"

"Am I looking for man? I don't know - where do you go looking? I haven't got a clue. "You know what, I'm Bridget Jones," she says. "It's so ridiculous. But I am her. Whenever I've got any free time I just go out with my friends. Meanwhile they try and set me up on dates. But I get introduced to blokes and I suddenly turn shy. I'm like 'ooh, hello' and it doesn't go much further. I'm all mouth me. Suranne (Jones, who plays Karen McDonald) tried fixing me up recently but nothing came of it. "I have had the odd date over the last year or so but nothing major. Look, I'm 29," she explains. "My brother said to me when you're getting on a bit you can't afford to mess around. You know when something's not working. It's not like being 22."

She hasn't resigned herself to being a spinster just yet but I have to admit I'm slightly alarmed when she tells me about the new house she's just bought - a picture postcard cottage with roses around the front door. I can just picture her in 40 years sitting in the living room all on her own. Still wearing Shelley's wedding dress. She can see the joke but Sally laughs off a recent story that her search for love has become so desperate she consulted a fortune teller. "Oh, as if," she says. "Anyway I'm so busy at the moment I haven't got time to get my nails done never mind have my palm read. I should get round to getting a man, because it's worrying my friends. My grandad's like 'is she one of them Libyans?" He's always asking me if I'm gonna get married."

Much is made of actresses being unable to hold down a relationship because of the pressures of fame. Well, Sally's been in the show for almost two years now and you'd be hard pushed to find anyone less touched by the pressures of fame. "I'm a really crap celebrity," she says. "I wish I was more interesting. I drink in the same local, I've the same friends from school. I came to it late. So it's no big deal. I'm still not used to being recognised though. Some people are quite rude and blokes can be really foul-mouthed. What gets me is when people risk their lives trying to cross a busy road just to say, "I don't watch the show but I think it's shite'. What's all that about?"

Sally won't accept that she's changed much since joining the show. I tell her she's definitely glammed up a bit, which is perhaps my polite way of saying she's lost a bit of weight and had her hair done. But she's not having any of it. I always think, who wants to take my picture anyway? Most mornings I go to work with wet hair. "I suppose if you're in bed with Tom Cruise and you both get in the car in the morning that would be interesting. Actually that would be very interesting. Anyway, I've not glammed up really. I had a fringe cut, that's about it. I usually look a tramp. I hang my washing out in my nightie."

Maybe she's just not used to taking compliments. When everyone in the Coronation Street office remarks on how good she looks in our photo shoot Sally's response is a sarcastic, "I know, but it's not fair on the other girls, they won't be able to show their faces at work once they see these pictures in the paper." Defence mechanism maybe, but very funny nonetheless.

She's equally self-deprecating when you mention the fact that Shelley became the youngest-ever landlady of the Rovers when she took over after the summer. "Aw, I only got it because there was no one else around," she says. "There were no other busty blondes so they just said," Give it her for a week and see what she's like". It's the best gig on the show though. If there's a scene in the Rovers I'm usually in it." Sally should also be getting a lot of scenes outside the Rovers over the next few months. Surely it can only be matter of time before Shelley finds out Peter is two-timing her big time with Lucy, played by Katy Carmichael. "Shelley will find out eventually but I think it's going to be a while yet," Sally admits - rumour is Shelley actually goes through with the wedding in July. "I'm actually having a bit of a dilemma over how to play it when she does. I think the old break down in tears, on yer knees, banging on the hearse is a bit old hat. "It's never happened to me in real life - or at least I don't think it has. If a bloke cheated on me I'd feel like I'd been stabbed through the heart. But one thing's for certain, there would be another funeral...his! " "Thing is, what Peter's doing is so meticulously planned I can't see Shelley forgiving him. It's not like it's a drunken Christmas snog.

"I'm not into revenge myself, I don't see the point. It might make Shelley feel better to hide rotten prawns in his curtains and cut up all his clothes. But she will be heartbroken. She's built her world around him."
Which is all good for the sympathy vote with fans. For his part, Chris Gascoyne who plays Peter is already getting abuse in the street. Before long he will become more loathed by the viewers than Richard Hillman. "Chris gets shouted at all the time," says Sally. "It can't be easy for him." On her love rival, she says: "It's really weird that even though Katy and I are both part of this massive storyline we've hardly ever worked together on screen. So it'll be interesting to see how it goes when we're finally in a scene together because a lot of hair-pulling may ensue."

Sally's not so sure whether things will get easier once the affair is revealed, but she's sure Shelley won't be running away from Weatherfield to nurse her broken heart. "I love it here. Shelley's a fantastic role and I'm staying for the foreseeable future. But the thought of it being over one day doesn't fill me with dread. It wouldn't break me in two. I get offered other stuff all the time. During my break at Christmas I did two weeks of The Vagina Monologues in Dublin and really enjoyed it. "The Street's a bit restrictive but Shelley's such a great part I'm not gonna complain."

At least she's getting paid well. Her first showbiz gig only earned her a 50p book token. Sally was part of the St. Winifred's School Choir who had a Christmas No. 1 in 1980 with There's No One Quite Like Grandma. If you ask me Sally I'd say you were overpaid, love. By 50p.

Tracy marriage on rocks
23 March 2003
FORMER Corrie star Tracy Shaw has told friends that husband Robert Ashworth wants a divorce from her. The actress was devastated when she learned Robert had approached a solicitor about getting a divorce. But the couple, who wed just 21 months ago, have decided to give it one last go before they head to the courts. The marriage has been under strain since Tracy, 29, quit the ITV1 soap and toured the country in exotic play The Blue Room. The friend said: "The marriage has been suffering since Tracy left Corrie. Tracy was upset when there were reports that it was her seeking the divorce when it was Robert who spoke to a lawyer."

Soap spot - Samia Ghadie
23 March 2003
CORRIE babe SAMIA GHADIE isn't as sweet as she looks - especially where boyband Westlife are concerned. Samia, who plays maneater Maria, says: "I can't stand to hear them or even see their unattractive faces. I hate Westlife so much that if I'm at a friend's house and spot one of their CDs I leave."

DIY project for Street's Reg
23 March 2003
For five years, Ken Morley was one of Coronation Street's most successful characters. As Reg Holdsworth, soapland's most eccentric supermarket manager, he won the hearts of the nation. The role made him a millionaire but, by 1995, he had decided enough was enough and quit the world's longest running soap to concentrate on other projects.

Now he's back from a successful series of pantos and stage shows to appear in Hardware, a new Sunday-night ITV1 sitcom penned by Men Behaving Badly's Simon Nye. "It's basically a series of satirical comic pieces about the old Do It Yourself industry," remarks Morley. "As you will see, it turns out not to be as simple as you may imagine. I can speak from experience, having drilled several of the wrong holes and drilled through the wrong pipes and nearly electrocuted myself."

Ken Morley, 60, still lives in his home county of Lancashire with wife Sue. He developed a passion for entertaining at an early age and eventually appeared in a string of comedy shows. The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin, 'Allo 'Allo and Red Dwarf kept the wolf from the door before Coronation Street made him a household name in 1989. He's had more than his fair share of TV offers in the seven years since he left but while many were sub-standard, he found there was more to the Hardware script than met the eye. "I've never worked with Simon Nye before and like most people, I thought Men Behaving Badly and Wild West were a real treat. I think he's a comic genius."

The show follows the trials and triumphs faced by the staff of Hamway's Hardware, a traditional DIY store manned by best friends Mike (The Office's Martin Freeman) and Kenny (Peter Serafinowicz), manager Rex (Morley) and student Steve (Ryan Cartwright).

Millions of people are wondering if he has any plans to return to the show which made his name. While Hardware is keeping him busy for the moment, he doesn't rule out the return of Reg Holdsworth.

Paul English: Ken, how on earth are you?
Fine thanks Paul, I've just watched the tapes of Hardware for the first time and it's very funny. So that's...

Hello?
Ken, that was almost the shortest interview in the history of time there.

I know, I've no idea what went wrong. Anyway, as I was saying, I just got the tapes from Thames TV today and I'm really pleased.

This looks like being your highest profile TV role since leaving Corrie?
True, but when I left Corrie I went and did a Paul Nicholas by going into theatre and maximising the potential as they say. After I left, I went touring with Jason Donovan on the Rocky Horror Picture Show. It sold out everywhere, and we ended up extending the tour circuit for months. I didn't get bored once.

Bored? That's the last thing you'd be on that show surely? Especially with all those costumes. We hear you got trussed up?
Absolutely. And you should have seen some of the costumes the audience came in. In towns across the country blokes over six- feet tall were turning up in size 11 high-heeled shoes. I want to know where they found them.

Sounds like a riot...
It was. I remember one night in Leeds and this big guy in a blonde wig and bra was in one of the boxes with a gorgeous woman. They got a round of applause from the audience as they took their seat, but the applause continued longer than normal and we realised the couple were getting frisky on the floor.

Good grief. Anyway, back to Hardware. Your new character Rex works in a local DIY store. Is the show a poke in the eye for the big DIY outlets?
Absolutely. You have to go into these big places and suffer first, because you hope the staff can tell you what you want. Half the time they can't, because they haven't been trained to deal with the questions of the average punter.

You're teaming up with Martin Freeman, who was Tim in The Office. Did you see much of it?
Yes, some. I thought it perfectly showed the condition that exists in the British worker's mind. Americans go wholeheartedly for the business ethic with no guilt complex. With the Brits, I think we have a feeling we should be doing something heroic, like wandering through the wilds of Canada shooting moose and taming the Indians. Not selling toilet paper to old ladies.

Have you been watching Corrie recently?
Sure have. Richard was gripping, wasn't he? Brian Capron carried the whole show for weeks. There's been such huge tension.

How would you see Reg fitting in with all this mayhem on the street?
I think Norris is closest to what Reg would be - concerned, pontificating yet incapable. No one would take him seriously in all of that. But they had a really good idea a few years ago to do a spin- off with Reg and Bet Gilroy. The idea was that Reg was in Calais flogging dodgy wine and cheese, while Bet was in Majorca where she's married a rich German, with both of them ending up back in Weatherfield.

Do you think Corrie is too serious now?
Not really, it was a conscious decision to change things. Jack and Vera are in it more again, which is good for the comedy side. The great thing about acting in Corrie was you'd be doing comedy one minute, and something emotional the next.

Will you ever go back?
You have to go back with something better than you left with. The idea of Reg coming back from Calais to a supermarket with all the EEC regulations about straight bananas and pink apples would be hysterical. We'll see.

Could love be in the air for tragic Ashley?
21 March 2003
HE has suffered the heartache of his wife being murdered - but just weeks later there is a new woman in Ashley Peacock's life.

Coronation Street favourite single dad Ashley decides to hire a nanny for baby Joshua. And Ashley (Steven Arnold) chooses Claire Casey, played by soap newcomer Julia Haworth, as the best nanny for the job when he sees her with Josh. But scriptwriters will keep us all guessing if butcher Ashley will fall head over heels for Claire. An insider revealed: "Viewers will be left wondering whether love is in the air for him so soon after Maxine's death."

A source at the ITV1 soap said: "Claire will bring a bit of baggage with her, which Ashley doesn't know about, and there will definitely be a few emotions ahead for him." Street fans have seen Ashley struggling to cope since evil Richard Hillman murdered Maxine (Tracy Shaw).

Street's Tracy 'to try blackmail'
21 March 2003

Coronation Street's Tracy Preston is reportedly about to try her hand at blackmail. It's set to help scheming Tracy, played by Kate Ford, land a top job.

It all starts when Tracy puts pressure on her stepbrother Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) after he marries and then loses bride Lucy Richards (Katy Carmichael). Lucy leaves Wetherfield when she realises Pete still can't ditch his official fiancee Shelley, played by Sally Lindsay. Lucy closes her flower shop, which means her assistant Tracy is out of a job. Tracy pesters Peter for work, threatening to reveal all to unsuspecting Shelley.

A Street insider told the Daily Star: "Tracy has become the biggest soap minx in Corrie. She's the girl the viewers love to hate and blackmailing her stepbrother is a new low. "Pete's relieved that she wants something from him though."

He hopes that giving Tracy the job will ensure she stays silent and his secret remains safe.

Tricky Dicky in new role
21 March 2003

ITV is looking to cash in on the success of notorious Coronation Street killer Richard Hillman aka Tricky Dicky, by finding a new role for actor Brian Capron on the network.

Both Granada, producer of Coronation Street, and ITV have been talking to the 54-year-old actor since his character Hillman's murderous antics massively boosted ratings. Capron met Granada Content chief executive Simon Shaps last week to discuss ideas. However, ITV director of programmes Nigel Pickard is keen to get Capron back on screen quickly and he could take a role in existing returning dramas.

Capron, who rose to fame in BBC1's children's serial Grange Hill, has also reportedly been wooed by the BBC. He has featured as an evil serial killer who bumped off Maxine Peacock and attacked Emily Bishop. The storyline climaxed when he kidnapped wife Gail and the children and attempted to drown them all by driving into the canal. They survived but he didn't, bringing his Coronation Street career to an end.

Corrie crime wave
20 March 2003

Coronation Street's young mechanic Tyrone Dobbs finds out that crime doesn't pay when he clashes with Mike Baldwin. Hapless Tyrone - played by Alan Halsall - finds himself in trouble when he gets caught using factory boss Baldwin's flat and car to woo his teenage sweetheart Katy Nelson. And, in a twisted bid to avoid going to jail, he tries to commit a second offence.

Tyrone thinks his luck is in when Baldwin goes on holiday and leaves his car - and house keys - at the garage. He invites pretty Katy - Lucy-Jo Hudson - to join him at Baldwin's penthouse,and the pair are soon enjoying the high-life - sharing cosy meals at the flat and using Mike's motor to drive to Sheffield. But the game is up when Baldwin - actor Johnny Briggs - comes back two days early and catches them at his place.

And things go from bad to worse when he tells them £1,000 in cash has disappeared and he wants it back by the weekend - or the couple will face jail. After desperate Tyrone has pleaded with friends to lend him the cash to no avail, he decides the only option left is to steal a car and sell it. He targets a motor and is on the verge of breaking in when his mobile rings and the owner chases him down the street.

And just when Tyrone thinks the only option left for him is jail, Baldwin reveals it was all a wind-up to teach him a lesson.

Streets ahead once more
20 March 2003

Coronation Street has raised the stakes in its claim to being Britain's best-loved soap following another major prize success. BBC News Online looks at how it did it.

Its honour for best soap at the Royal Television Society awards on Tuesday night crowned a recent rebirth for the ITV1 drama. It is riding on a wave of public and critical acclaim following the storyline involving evil Richard "Tricky Dicky" Hillman. At least 17.5 million people tuned in to see the serial killer played by Brian Capron confess his crimes to wife Gail. Audiences are up to an average of more than 15 million per episode - a million more than EastEnders.

The show has emerged from the shadow of its Albert Square rival to regain its status as the UK's most popular TV programme. Last week it was named best soap at the Television and Radio Industries Club awards. And judges at the Royal Television Society said it had "found its touch again" to regain top spot. Now producers are hoping it can take the Bafta for best soap from EastEnders when the two go head-to-head in the industry's most prestigious awards ceremony next month.

Critics say its re-emergence is due in part to the writing talents brought together by the show's producer Kieran Roberts. He had come to Weatherfield from Emmerdale at the end of 2001 on a mission to reverse its declining fortunes against EastEnders. Roberts, Emmerdale's producer at the time of its Bafta win for best soap, replaced Jane McNaught in the hotseat.

His first move was to re-sign writers John Stevenson, Jan McVerry and Ken Blakeson - all of whom had previously left the show - in an effort to sharpen up the scripts. Roberts also brought in John Fay - the man behind the main Tricky Dicky plotline - and Carmel Morgan, known for her writing skills on dramas such as BBC One's Clocking Off. Between them they managed to arrest the programme's ratings decline and - perhaps more importantly for the cast - gain a psychological advantage over EastEnders.

Programme-makers Granada admit to a sense of well-being in the Weatherfield camp following its recent triumphs over its BBC rival. "It's a friendly rivalry - it's created by the media - but you can't help but get embroiled in it," said a Coronation Street spokeswoman. "No one wants to be in second place." She said strong writing and characterisation was paying dividends and attracting back "lapsed" viewers.

Coronation Street is now on four nights each week - Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday - often doubling up with two episodes on Mondays. However, the spokeswoman dismissed reports that it was due to be aired over five nights.

Street killer in Heaven and Hell
19 March 2003
SOAP villain Richard Hillman, the Coronation Street killer who came to a watery end last night, is to be resurrected in Huddersfield.

Viewers saw his wife, Gail, and her children cheat death as Street psychopath Richard, played by Brian Capron, drove the family car into the icy waters of the canal. But Richard, the most dastardly villain in TV soap history, died in the storyline, which attracted millions of viewers.

Brian, however, will be shaking off Tricky Dicky's death and will make a personal appearance at the Heaven and Hell nightclub in Huddersfield on Friday, March 28.

Top award for Corrie
19 March 2003
Coronation Street has been named Best Soap in this year's Royal Television Society Awards held in in London. The prize marks a remarkable turnaround and a return to form for the northern soap. A year ago, it failed to even make the short-list, but this year triumphed over fellow nominees Emmerdale and Doctors.

The Street is currently enjoying a huge ratings success with the storyline featuring Richard Hillman and his on-screen wife Gail. Nearly 20 million viewers tuned in to the soap as Tricky Dicky's killing spree reached its climax this year.

Executive producer Kieran Roberts paid tribute to the "crews and wonderful actors who work very hard in Manchester to make Coronation Street week in, week out". He added: "This award is for all of them."

Jealous Steve lashes out
19 March 2003
Corrie Casanova Joe Carter is set to get the hiding of his life. Jealous husband Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) lashes out when he becomes convinced that Joe's having an affair with his wife, Karen (Suranne Jones).

For weeks insecure Steve has been worried that Joe (Jonathan Wrather) could be trying to steal his wife. So far Karen has resisted his charms. But Steve will finally lose his self-control, burst into the knickers factory and punch Joe.

A Coronation Street insider told the Daily Star: "It's up there in the great fight tradition of the show. "Steve really goes for Joe hammer and tongs. You can see the pure venom on his face as he lashes out. He fully believes his wife has already committed the dirty deed behind his back."

But the paper says Joe isn't going to give up his quest for Karen. He persuades Karen to go to a trade fair in Wolverhampton when Mike Baldwin pulls out. He tries to make a move when they stay overnight in a cosy hotel. Karen faces a crisis of conscience while Steve feels certain that his marriage is heading for the rocks. In the depths of despair, Steve finds himself looking elsewhere for comfort.

New battleaxe for Corrie
18 March 2003

Coronation Street is to get a new battleaxe, and her arrival could well make Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) quake with fear. Bev Unwin, played by Susie Blake, is the fire-spitting mum of Shelley Unwin (Sally Lindsay).

According to the Daily Star, she'll have locals cowering with her acid tongue. She'll have plenty of things to get worked up about.

News is soon to leak out that Peter is marrying bit on the side Lucy Richards (Katy Carmichael) and not her daughter. It seems Peter's problems are only just beginning as he is torn between the two women.

Five nights a week Corrie on cards
18 March 2003
Coronation Street could be broadcast five nights a week. The soap, which is currently on air four times weekly, is stepping up its ratings battle with EastEnders. Street producer Kieran Roberts told the Daily Star: "It's entirely up to ITV. If it wants five a week, we'll supply five a week. We wouldn't stand in the way of an extra half-hour if ITV wanted it."

Mr Roberts, who joined the Street 15 months ago from Emmerdale, is one of the bosses credited with transforming the soap's fortunes. The saga involving serial killer Richard Hillman (Brian Capron) has proved a massive ratings success. Mr Roberts told the paper: "I probably avoid getting too close to my actors. Who knows which of our characters that I think is irreplaceable might come to the end of the line in terms of their story?"

Mr Roberts is confident the soap will carry off a string of awards, which is a far cry from when he took over. He added: "A lot of people felt Corrie was in crisis. There were times when EastEnders appeared to be on top and there were certain awards ceremonies where it was very much on top. "I remember coming back from the Soap Awards when it got 10 and we got one. I shared the sense of despondency. "Now the viewing figures have arrived and hopefully the awards will this spring."

Deayton returns on ratings high
17 March 2003 by Jason Deans
Just five months after he was ignominiously sacked following tabloid sex and drugs revelations, Angus Deayton has made a spectacular return to the BBC. Deayton presented BBC2's Comic Relief University Challenge on Friday night, which proved a big success, attracting nearly 6 million viewers, according to unofficial overnights. Deayton has not presented a BBC show since he was sacked as host of Have I Got News for You in October, after BBC bosses decided revelations about his private life made his position untenable. On Friday night 5.9 million watched Deayton's return on BBC2 between 10pm and 10.35pm as host of Comic Relief University Challenge. Deayton's comeback more than doubled the channel's average audience share, to 26%.

Comic Relief University Challenge easily beat Channel 4's V Graham Norton, which could muster only 1.3 million viewers. BBC1's Comic Relief Big Red Nose Night also proved a big ratings winner on Friday night, with more than 11 million viewers sticking with the fundraising extravaganza for three hours. The audience for Red Nose Night peaked at 13.9 million viewers at 8.15pm, when viewers found out that none of the six contestants taking part in Celebrity Driving School had managed to pass their driving test. Overall BBC1's Comic Relief programme was watched by 11.6 million viewers between 7pm and 10pm. That was 1.6 million up on the audience for Comic Relief two years ago, when it was last broadcast. On Friday night Comic Relief attracted an impressive 46% audience share over three hours from 7pm.

BBC1's Comic Relief show undoubtedly put a dent in the audience for the denouement of Coronation Street's Richard "Dick Dastardly" Hillman story line. At the end of the previous episode Hillman had driven his people carrier, containing wife Gail and her three children, into a canal. Friday night's Corrie featured Hillman's body being pulled out of the canal, while Gail and her kids survived, and was watched by 14.7 million viewers. This is still a bigger audience than any other show - including EastEnders - gets on a regular basis at the moment. But by Coronation Street's recent high standards, with previous episodes featuring Hillman's murderous antics watched by more than 15 million viewers, this was slightly disappointing.

Emmerdale fails to make BAFTA shortlist
17 March 2003
Emmerdale has failed to make the soaps shortlist for the BAFTA television awards for the second successive year. The shortlist is the same as 2002, with EastEnders battling it out against Coronation Street, Doctors, and Hollyoaks.

Over the past year all the major soaps have tried to win viewers with dramatic storylines. Coronation Street has been dominated by the murderous villainy of Richard Hillman (Brian Capron). Over at Albert Square, viewers were gripped by the tragic death of Jamie Mitchell (Jack Ryder). Hollyoaks has featured a bonfire party that got out of hand and a guest appearance from Boy George. Doctors has built up a loyal following among daytime soap fans. Emmerdale fails to make the shortlist despite featuring a number of shock storylines. Perhaps the most surprising was the revelation that schizophrenic lesbian vet Zoe Tate (Leah Bracknell) had become pregnant.

In other categories, Asian comedy The Kumars at No 42 has proved it's streets ahead with three nominations in the shortlist. The BBC2 show, where celebrities are subjected to an unscripted grilling by the Kumar family - granny Sushila, mum Madhuri, dad Ashwin and son Sanjeev - has proved a hit since it was launched in 2001.

Licensed to thrill
16 March 2003

She's hot on screen. And she's just as hot off. Whether the Corrie cracker is having a pint of bitter in the Rovers, or attending a star studded bash in real life, Suranne Jones just can't help but live up to her sex-siren image.

Nominated as sexiest female for the British Soap Awards last year, the raven-haired beauty may have been pipped to the post by EastEnders' Jessie Wallace, but she certainly pulled admiring glances from onlookers in her chic black suit with a red and black bead encrusted bra. Now she's drawing admiring comments for her electrifying portrayal of factory-flirt Karen McDonald, whose antics rival even those of Richard Hillman. In fact, there's even talk that the 24-year-old actress and her co-stars might return triumphant from the British Soap Awards this year. "It's so exciting at work at the moment, as everyone's so pleased with how well everything is going," she says. "Brian Capron, who plays Richard, deserves every single bit of praise he gets. "I won Best Bitch at the Inside Soap Awards last year, and it's nice to gain some recognition. They're great fun to go to and yes, it'd be lovely to pick up a few awards this year. Fingers crossed!"

It's no wonder Suranne can't stop smiling - not least because her computer- programmer boyfriend, Jim Phelan, 28, proposed to her on Christmas morning in the most romantic fashion. "He made me close my eyes, walked me into the lounge, and when I opened them he was on one knee among hundreds of beautiful candles and he just went: `Suranne, will you marry me?' "It's an amazing feeling that the man I'm in love with is as committed to me as I am to him. I'm looking forward to the rest of my life with him."

The pair met at a celebrity soccer match where Jim was playing on the Coronation Street team with his best mate Chris Bisson, who played Vikram Desai in the soap. But it took them six months to pluck up the courage to kiss for the first time. "It was Valentine's Day, two years ago, and I went out for a meal with friends. Jim was there, too, and being the perfect gent he bought Valentine's cards for me and my good mate Mikyla. "Mine had a big pair of lips on it and the slogan `Kiss me if you dare!!'. And as Mikyla's just said `Happy Valentine's Day', I decided to take him up on his offer. After loads of flirting, he grabbed me and snogged me by the fridge at Chris's house afterwards. "Jim is a real romantic and he often surprises me as he's a lads' lad. He doesn't mind me being a big flirt on screen; he just laughs."

While Surane is blessed by romantic bliss at home, her on-screen character's marriage to Steve couldn't be stormier. In fact, ever since Karen tottered on to Weatherfield's cobbled streets three years ago, trouble and strife have followed her. Now she's torn between love for her husband and lust for her boss. Fans of the hit ITV soap are already aware of the sizzling sexual chemistry between the saucy seamstress and her ruggedly handsome boss, Joe Carter (Jonathan Wrather). Mutual loathing turned into mutual attraction at Christmas after a steamy mistletoe moment. And the will-they, won't-they plotline has been running ever since. "Karen is such a minx: and I love reading the script to find out what she's getting up to next, but I think this time she's really confused," reveals Suranne. "She loves flirting with Joe. But she just wishes her hubby wasn't so possessive as she'd never do anything about her lustful feelings."

Or would she? Trouble is Joe's on a mission to seduce the feisty Karen, and old mates Janice and Fiz waste no time stirring it up with Steve (Simon Gregson). In fact, the green-eyed monster gets such a firm grip of Steve that viewers will see him punch Joe in a jealous rage. "Steve doesn't know whether she's slept with Joe, but imagines all kinds of things." But Steve unwittingly drives his wife straight into her boss's arms. "When she goes to apologise for her husband's violent behaviour, she ends up giving Joe a steamy kiss," admits Suranne.

So could this be the end of the road for the Street's most passionate couple? Suranne admits: "I was devastated that they're splitting up. But that's what happens. You get a good partnership and then the writers don't know what to do with them so they split them up." Whether or not Steve will take his wayward wife back, Suranne's not saying, but she warns that she could never put up with a cheating partner in real life. "No, I couldn't forgive them," she states firmly.

Not that there's any chance of that happening with Jim and Suranne. Suranne says she couldn't be happier. "I've just got engaged, I've got another contract with Corrie and my home life is great. Life doesn't get much better."

Coronation Cheat
16 March 2003 by Sara Nuwar, James Weatherup And David Hudson
CORONATION Street star Jimmi Harkishin is an even bigger love-rat than the mother of his two children knows. Jimmi, 39, who plays bed-hopping shopkeeper Dev, has already been caught out three times cheating on long-term partner Susan Beaton.

But the Sunday Mirror can today reveal he had ANOTHER fling - with a girl half his age. Jimmi picked up 20-year-old travel agent Kim Lee in a nightclub and took her to bed. But the party lifestyle seems to be catching up on the star - he boosted his performance in bed by sniffing the sex-aid drug amyl nitrite. Kim said: "I was shocked and a bit insulted. He took two sniffs, one in each nostril. Then he jumped back into bed, but it was all over very quickly. I wasn't impressed."

The pair's fling started more promisingly when they met last December. Kim, who lives in Blackpool had gone to a Manchester nightclub with two friends. She said: "I knew who he was at once but that's not why I was attracted. He's just my type - tall, dark and handsome. He was wearing a terrible flowery shirt and dark Gucci glasses but I was still drawn to him." Kim, who on the night was wearing a short black skirt, knee-high boots and fishnet stockings, said: "He came over and we sat together. He's charming, confident and has a gorgeous voice. He's also very flirty and touchy feelie and his hand would brush my knee or leg."" They exchanged numbers before Jimmi asked: "Can I get a kiss too?"

Kim says: "We started kissing and his hands were on my thighs and bum. He's a great kisser and has lovely soft, full lips. I left the club with him and my two friends tagged along."" Jimmi walked round the corner to his red Jaguar and drove the friends to another club. "It was a gorgeous car with cream interiors and he was showing off trying to tune the TV in," said Kim."

They continued drinking with Kim sitting on his lap. "As we talked he was pinging my fish-nets playfully. He was getting turned on and asked me to go to the bathroom to take my tights off but I said no."" At the end of the evening he begged Kim to stay the night with him but she wouldn't. "I didn't want to sleep with someone I'd just met," she said. To Kim's surprise Jimmi called the next day. "He told me 'I'm so missing you' but we couldn't meet over Christmas."

So Jimmi sent her text messages signed with his nickname Nino. One sent at 4.16am on December 22 reads: "Always. Merry Christmas baby". One sent on New Year's Eve at 22.18 says: "Wishing you everything. Lets make it a good one! Luv Nino x x x xx " At 20.16 on January 22 he wrote: "Big fat wet Mwaaaa! for you"

On January 11 the pair met up again and went back to Jimmi's hotel room. Kim said: "He stripped naked and strutted around before getting in to bed. He's obviously proud of his body. He did look great and has a lovely hairy chest. Plus, he's got a very large supporting actor if you know what I mean. "For a man of his age he's in good shape and he knows it. He's the sort of bloke who walks past a mirror and can't resist having a sly look at himself. I climbed in next to him still wearing my red dress. He said he loved my slim figure and bum. Then he leaned forward and starting kissing me. He kissed every inch of my body before we made love." Kim added: "He was adventurous trying lots of positions. We made love four times and I barely got a wink of sleep."

In the morning, they made love again. "He's got so much stamina and a huge sex drive. I think he would have gone on all day if we could have stayed in the room. "After I got dressed I was standing at the window when Jimmi put his arms round me and starting hitching my skirt up. He was begging me to have sex with him right there. I'm sure people going past on the trams could see in. I eventually moved him, but then he started asking me to have sex in front of the mirror. "He was touching me all over and didn't seem to want to take no for an answer but I was absolutely exhausted. He wore me out."

Last week the Sunday Mirror revealed Jimmi's affair with TV producer Hayley Smith. He had already been exposed for cheating with 25-year-old shop assistant Caroline Jones. And before that he was caught with a beautiful Asian actress who had his child. However, he was happy talking to Kim about his family. She said: "He said he had five kids - one who lived in America. He also mentioned his 'ex-wife' Susan, the mother of three of his children, but he never told me they were still together."

Kim said Jimmi's partying had also been noticed by his Street bosses, who were furious when he once failed to turn up for filming after a big night out. The star admitted he did not get on with some fellow actors, including Simon Gregson, who plays Steve MacDonald. "But he gets on really well with Shobna Gulati, who plays Sunita," said Kim. "Once she left a message saying she really needed to meet for a coffee and chat. "He likes Kate Ford (who plays Tracy Barlow) too. He said she was under a lot of pressure and found the pace of the Street hard to adjust to."

After their night at the hotel, Jimmy took Kim for a pub lunch but all he bought her was a cheese sandwich and a drink. He said he couldn't see her very often because he spent most weekends travelling to London to see his family. But at the beginning of February he got in touch and asked if she would spend a weekend with him. "I don't drive and was hoping he would offer to pick me up in Blackpool but he told me to take the train," she said. Jimmi, who was drinking with friends, kept Kim waiting for 20 minutes, before arriving at the station and then driving her to his home in trendy Salford Quays.

Kim said: "It only had basic furniture. The TV wasn't working properly and there was no video. "It was around 9pm and I hadn't eaten, but he didn't offer any food. My head was splitting, so I asked if he had any painkillers. He made me look for them myself. "It's hard to imagine Dev from the Street acting that way. "Then he got started asking me what I wanted to do with my life. He was comparing me to his 'ex-wife' Susan and asking why I wasn't going to university instead of wasting my life as a travel agent. He said Susan was a teacher, helping people and I should do the same. But I enjoy doing what I'm doing."

They ended up kissing on the sofa and then taking a shower together. It was very cramped and a bit uncomfortable but we lathered each other and starting kissing and rubbing each other down. He was complimenting me on my boobs, but I was too squashed so we moved back next door. He laid me down on the bed and we made love for an hour." It was then, in the middle of love-making, that Jimmi took the poppers and they had sex again. He rolled over and went to sleep, snoring loudly. But the next morning they made love again.

"He's got an unstoppable sex drive and it the only thing he seems to think about," said Kim. "As Jimmi showered he insisted she tidied the living room for him. Then he then took her out for another sandwich lunch - and began dropping hints about her leaving. She said: "He asked if I wanted him to check the train times and I was disappointed he wasn't going to drive me home." The couple went into a music store and he spent £5 on a budget Marvin Gaye CD, which he handed to Kim in the plastic bag. They were due to meet again nine days ago, but Jimmi cancelled it.

Kim was amazed when she read our story about his cheating last week. "I felt used and stupid. I fell for his smooth-talking when all the time he was lying. I'm just another notch in his bedpost." Last night a Coronation Street spokeswoman said: "Jimmi denies all aspects of this story."

Gail's ordeal ends with hug for children
15 March 2003

Coronation Street's Gail hugs her family as their nightmare ordeal at the hands of her evil husband Richard reaches its dramatic end. Viewers were left fearing the worst after the crazed killer tried to take them with him to a watery grave by driving their car into the canal. But his plan failed as Gail and the children - son David, daughter Sarah-Lou and granddaughter Bethany - all survived.

In last night's nail-biting episode, Martin Platt and neighbour Tommy Nelson arrived at the canalside moments after the car plunged into the water. David and Sarah-Lou, with baby Bethany clutched in her arms, managed to battle their way to the surface and Martin pulled them to safety.

But Richard was determined that Gail would die with him and grabbed hold of her as she tried desperately to escape from the car. She appeared doomed - until Tommy dived into the freezing depths to save her. Tommy went back to rescue Richard but he was nowhere to be seen. Police later recovered his body from the water. As a shell-shocked Gail struggled to take in the enormity of what had happened, she had to take one final look at her husband as she identified his body.

A Coronation Street spokeswoman said: "These are some of the most dramatic scenes in the history of the Street. "The shockwaves will reverberate around Weatherfield for a long time to come and Gail now faces the hard task of trying to rebuild her life."

Mean Street
15 March 2003 by Nicola Methven and Brian Roberts

THERE will be more bloody scenes on the mean streets of Weatherfield after Coronation Street bosses decided to go for stories with sex and violence. They want to capitalise on the success of the Tricky Dicky plot and have told their writers they want storylines that will shock.

Evil Richard Hillman's efforts to wipe out his family, gassing them in their car before plunging it into a canal pulled in 20 million viewers trouncing soap rival EastEnders. Now Corrie fans are set for two new violent and gripping tales.

The first involves the Nelson family who have been secretly living in the street under a witness protection programme. The second sees Les Battersby and love rival PC Mick Hopwood battle it out in the bloodiest punch-up in the show's history.

A source said: "Coronation Street is going to be cosy no longer. The bosses have realised that it has to come bang up to date with adult stories to be able to compete with EastEnders." He added: "It's crucial to the success of ITV1 that the Street is the most popular show in Britain and the writers have been told to come up with more sex and violence. "The Richard Hillman story was the turning point, but now we are going to see a much tougher and more relevant Street."

The new Corrie kicks off next month when a pair of thugs arrive in Weatherfield determined to bump off key court witness Angela Nelson (Kathryn Hunt). Armed police surround the Nelson's home and there's a siege. Daughter Katy (Lucy-Jo Hudson) is grabbed at gunpoint. But her brave dad Tommy (Thomas Craig) breaks through the police cordon and rushes to save her. Two shots ring out and Tommy lies bleeding. The rest of the Street discovers that the family was in a police protection scheme. Some are outraged.

Meanwhile Les Battersby (Bruce Jones) is in trouble. Taxi driver Les jumps a red light and is pulled over by PC Hopwood and colleague Curly Watts's wife Emma (Angela Lonsdale). Les, furious that his ex-wife Janice (Vicky Entwhistle) has moved in with Hopwood (Ian Gaine) believes he's been targeted. There's a horrific brawl choreographed by fight co-ordinators hired to make it as realistic as possible.

A source said: "A violent fight ensues, arguably the most vicious ever and certainly the worst since the Jim McDonald wife-beating scenes years ago. "Mick thumps, knees and boots Les about while he is helpless on the ground. He's like a snarling dog and Emma manages to pull him off fearing he is going to kill Les." Later she is persuaded to lie to protect Hopwood who arrests Les for assaulting him. The source said: "These are exciting times and those who have read this scenario reckon it's one of the all-time great plots".

Saying bye to Tricky Dicky is murder
15 March 2003 by Frances Traynor
WE were breathless with anticipation. We had sweated from Wednesday to Friday over whether the Hillman avenger had committed the ultimate horror and taken innocent babes in arms (and Gail) to a watery grave. For one heart-stopping moment, as the silver people carrier sank beneath the inky blackness of the Weatherfield Canal, we wondered if anyone would emerge alive.

But, come on, this is Coronation Street. Having a serial killer who butchered a young mum, offed his ex-wife and was generally the baddest, meanest mutha in town has used their quota of shocks for the next decade. So, no surprise to anyone that the good guys survive - hurrah (yeah, even for Gail) - and boo, hiss, the ultimate soap bad guy dies.

Gail, her toby jug chin quivering with emotion, had bravely returned to the canal banks to identify her now- deceased mass murderer of a man. Earlier, she'd been hauled to shore by reluctant hero Tommy Nelson.

Actually, he was a lot less reluctant than Martin Platt, dad of one submerged wean and stepdad of another. Martin looked as though he didn't want to get his sweater wet as he gingerly plopped into the canal and looked at Tommy for help.

Plaudits to cast and crew for the underwater scenes, which were realistic. The actors - Brian Capron, Helen Worth, Tina O'Brien, Jack Shepherd and two- year-old Emily Walton - performed their own stunts. Of course, the production team brought along some dummies just in case.

But no gripes - this was a fantastic climax to one of the best-ever Corrie plots. What a pity that Tricky Dicky had to die. It would have been fantastic to see him rampage around Weatherfield like a sneering Grim Reaper, despatching those cast members who have outlived their usefulness. Instead it's RIP, Richard - but thanks for the memories.

Corrie climax to bring Britain to halt
14 March 2003

Supermarkets are planning to install special screens to ensure customers doing their Friday shop don't miss the thrilling Coronation Street climax. Britain is expected to grind to a halt as a predicted 22 million viewers tune in to watch Richard "Tricky Dicky" Hillman get his comeuppance. Roads, pubs, restaurants and shops across the country will be virtually deserted as viewers make sure they are safely at home to find out who dies in Richard's car plunge into the canal.

But those who don't make it home for 7.30pm don't need to worry. Staff and shoppers at Asda's 24-hour branch in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, won't miss a second of the action as Corrie is beamed in at the check-outs. And almost all television sets at Heathrow Airport will be tuned in to the soap.

Elsewhere, punters hoping to catch the latest sporting action will be disappointed at the giant Sports Cafe chain, which will have retuned to Corrie at its flagship branches in London, Manchester and Birmingham. And police forces are getting ready for one of the quietest Friday nights they have had in years.

On Wednesday, fans saw evil killer Richard drive his car - with wife Gail, her children Sarah and David, and Sarah's daughter Bethany - into a canal. And this vital cliffhanger episode - which has left the nation on tenterhooks - will reveal who lives and who dies in what Richard planned to be his final killing spree.

Street's cliffhanger is up there with the best
14 March 2003 by Frances Traynor
IT has been the greatest Coronation Street cliffhanger of them all - who will survive Richard Hillman's death plunge into the Weatherfield Canal? On Wednesday, we saw serial killer Tricky Dicky drive his car, with his family bound and gagged beside him, into the canal. And tonight's rescue scenes are guaranteed to have millions of viewers on the edge of their seats.

THE CLIFFHANGER: In 1967, the Street was already an institution when it was decided a tragedy would boost the ratings. A train crashed and the apparently lifeless body of gossip Ena Sharples was found nearby.
THE OUTCOME: Fans were relieved when Ena was found to have suffered only cuts and bruises.

THE CLIFFHANGER: Emily Nugent (now Bishop) organised a bus with nearly all of Weatherfield on board. The coach's brakes failed and it ploughed off the road into a tree.
THE OUTCOME: The driver died, but Jack and Annie Walker, Ena Sharples, Stan and Hilda Ogden and Minnie Caldwell survived. Ray Langton was temporarily paralysed.

THE CLIFFHANGER: A lorry crashed into the Rovers while Tracy Barlow was in her pram outside in 1979. Thinking her baby was dead, Deirdre went off to commit suicide.
THE OUTCOME: The police discovered the toddler had been taken for a walk by Deirdre's friend.

THE CLIFFHANGER: In 1983, femme fatale Deirdre had to choose between husband Ken or love god Mike Baldwin. Oh decisions, decisions.
THE OUTCOME: Deirdre dragged it out for two episodes, before plumping for our Ken.

THE CLIFFHANGER: Brian Tilsley was living it up after divorcing Gail in 1989 - then he was stabbed after a night on the tiles.
THE OUTCOME: Brian died on the cobbles.

THE CLIFFHANGER: Deirdre had fallen for conman Jon Lindsay, who convinced her he was a pilot. He worked in the airport's Sock Shop. She signed up for all manner of credit while he made off with the cash. Several fraud charges later, Deirdre was in the dock and going down in 1998.
THE OUTCOME: Even Tony Blair felt obliged to intervene in the case of the Weatherfield One. Deirdre got released early when old lover Mike discovered the truth about Jon.

THE CLIFFHANGER: Sworn enemies Mike Baldwin and Ken Barlow made it up during an armed raid on Bettabuys in 2000. One of the robbers was Linda Sykes's brother.
THE OUTCOME: Curly's cop wife Emma shot dead Linda's wee brother while the rest of the hostages ran free.

THE CLIFFHANGER: In 2001, Sarah Louise Platt got a date with a teenager after meeting him in an internet chatroom - but he turned out to be a sinister older man.
THE OUTCOME: Mum Gail rushed to the pervert's house, aided and abetted by nice guy Dennis, to save Sarah from the beast's clutches.

THE CLIFFHANGER: Les Battersby, crushed that wife Janice had fallen for Dennis, tried to kill himself in his cab in 2002. Dennis rode to the rescue. As the pair drove to Weatherfield, a drunk driver smashed into them. Les had few injuries, but Dennis was rushed to hospital and put on a life support machine.
THE OUTCOME: Dennis managed to tell Janice he loved her as ex-girlfriend Eileen hovered outside. Then he died, robbing the Street of a hero.

THE CLIFFHANGER: Killer Richard Hillman, taking the "till death do us part" bit of his vows too seriously, packs wife Gail and the kids into a car. Chased by a Weatherfield posse, he plunges the car into the canal.
THE OUTCOME: All will be revealed tonight.

IS this the end for Dick Dastardly? Will a plunge into the Weatherfield Canal kill Richard Hillman AND his adopted family? The tension is almost unbearable as Corrie's mad, bad and dangerous to know serial killer finally cracks.

Richard - Brian Capron surely guaranteed every soap gong going this year for best baddie - has already made clear his intentions to wife Gail. He's packed her and the kids - Sarah, David and Bethany - into the back of that expensive people carrier and taken them on a murderous mystery tour. Richard has no intention of going to jail because he reckons he won't be able to live without his ready-made family. So it's destination canal.

Corrie chiefs have filmed four alternative endings to tonight's grand finale, so we'll all be on the very edges of our seats until the last possible moment tonight.

Stay tuned to ITV for Tonight With Trevor McDonald which tells the story of the real Richard Hillman. The programme meets Eunice Chapman who lived with a murderer and conman for more than a decade before discovering the truth about him.

Granada scheme to help soap stars
13 March 2003 by Joanna Taylor
Soap stars stand to benefit from a new scheme set up by Granada designed to combat the pressures of gruelling schedules, traumatic storylines and excessive public exposure.

The initiative is in direct response to discussions with Equity in which problems faced by actors in regular series, particularly those who are young or new members of the cast, were highlighted. Programme producers will now have routine meetings with the cast of Granada soap Coronation Street and new members will be given regular medicals. Specific guidelines on the use of child performers and the particular needs of young actors have also been issued.

A Granada spokeswoman said that although the scheme is in its early stages it is hoped it will help prevent cases similar to that of Michelle Ryan, who plays Zoe Slater in BBC soap EastEnders. In June last year the actress was granted indefinite leave after suffering from extreme nervous exhaustion. Her illness was blamed on her workload.

Equity's head of television Andy Prodger praised Granada, saying he was delighted it had treated concerns about the pressures on soap actors with such seriousness.

Corrie victim Gail chills out after Tricky Dicky horror
13 March 2003 by Nicola Methven
IF anyone needs to get away from it all it's Coronation Street's Gail Hillman. Actress Helen Worth relaxed topless on holiday, looking for all the world like the latest victim of evil screen husband Richard. The soap star is taking a well-earned break in Mauritius with her family.

In the Street, Gail went through hell this week when she and children Sarah-Lou and David were kidnapped and terrorised by the demented Tricky Dicky. But last night his reign of terror ended when he drowned after his people mover plunged into the Manchester Ship Canal. The fate of Gail and the kids, who were with him in the car, was not revealed.

And Helen, snoozing on her beach lounger, looked in no state to spill the beans.

Pete the cheat ditched by new bride
13 March 2003

Heartless Coronation Street Romeo Peter Barlow gets his come-uppance when new wife Lucy leaves him just days after their wedding. The pregnant Mrs Barlow goes wild with anger when she discovers her love rat husband still hasn't told his fiancee Shelley Unwin that their engagement is off!

Heartbroken Shelley leans on Peter for comfort after the shock death of her sister, with the two-faced ladykiller even attending the funeral on the day of his wedding. Corrie's Casanova (Chris Gascoyne) then goes on honeymoon with his new bride (Katy Carmichael), who is blissfully unaware he is regularly phoning Shelley. But each time he calls, he loses the nerve to tell grieving Rovers manageress Shelley (Sally Lindsay) his shock news.

Inevitably Lucy finds out about the calls and goes ballistic with rage, especially when on their return home, bitchy Tracy lets her know Shelley has no idea Peter has left her and got married! Ignoring Peter's pleas, Lucy decides to move away from Weatherfield and bring up the baby on her own.

It will be no surprise if the callous Mr Barlow then re-focuses his attentions back on Shelley in an attempt to worm his way back into her affections. Whatever happens, it's going to be a rough ride for Peter Barlow and the ladies in his life over the next few weeks.

Corrie killer's final smirk
12 March 2003

Coronation Street killer Richard Hillman lies grey and lifeless in the last scenes viewers will see of him. The murderous conman is zipped up in a body bag after being fished from the canal after his bid to wipe out his family. Tonight viewers will see him take his kidnapped wife and children on a terrifying high speed chase before plunging his car into a canal.

The killing spree has put Corrie back at the top of the ratings, drawing huge numbers of viewers. On Monday night, Richard was seen returning to his home in the Street where he took hostage wife Gail, her children David and Sarah-Louise and granddaughter Bethany. Their lives will be in his hands as he takes them on a white knuckle ride, tearing through the streets of Weatherfield.

Hillman's final scenes will be seen on Friday after helpers are seen frantically scrambling to reach the stricken vehicle. Capron said of his swansong: "I have had a ball playing Richard but it is time for him to go. I was thrilled with the exit storyline because it surpasses everything he has done before. "But getting into that bodybag was a really gruesome and terrifying experience."

Following Friday's edition of the soap there will be a Tonight With Trevor McDonald special profiling The Real Richard.

Shaw stars in blue show
11 March 2003 by Tom Bourton

If anyone thought Tracy Shaw would follow the well-trodden path from soap opera to C-list obscurity, she has proved them wrong so far. A few months after quitting Coronation Street, the actress is not assessing her panto options, but is half-way through a gruelling national tour with one of the most talked-about plays of recent years.

The Blue Room, which features full-frontal nudity, shot to notoriety in 1998 when Hollywood superstar Nicole Kidman - under the direction of Sam "American Beauty" Mendes - starred during its West End run. "I was very nervous at first with the thought of having to do it, but the play is about sex and relationships," said Shaw, as the play nears Cardiff's New Theatre. "Now it is just part of what we do onstage each performance to make the show work," she added.

The play, which features a series of sexual liaisons in pursuit of love and lust, has attracted controversy since it began. At its debut in Germany in 1921, La Ronde - the original Arthur Schnitzler play - was shut down by police and the actors were put on trial. And this latest adaptation by David Hare, which co-stars Jason Connery, is proving no exception.

The opening night saw a herd of photographers leap up during Shaw's first nude scene, taking their pictures and then running out, with the results plastered over the next morning's tabloids. And last week, Shaw walked into a set, suffering concussion and cutting her eye-brow, forcing the cancellation of two shows.

Connery and Shaw, who each take on five characters each, had actually tried to rearrange the play in an attempt to shift its emphasis away from the nudity. "We thought, if the audience is able to see us both naked early on, it makes the play more about the search and the characters," said Connery. "People were so in anticipation of Nicole Kidman being naked, it altered the dramatic impact," he added.

And Connery, who praised Shaw's bravery in agreeing to follow Nicole Kidman, is not worried that the attraction of seeing a former soap star and a former Robin of Sherwood naked is keeping the turnstiles spinning. "People are coming in a voyeuristic nature - as long as they are coming to see it," he said.

Corrie escapes rap over teenage sex story
11 March 2003

Coronation Street producers have been cleared of breaching TV guidelines with a controversial storyline about teenage sex.

TV watchdogs received nine complaints over scenes in which Sarah Lou Platt celebrated her 16th birthday by making love to boyfriend Todd Grimshaw. But the Independent Television Commission praised the programme for the way it handled the subject.

Scriptwriters were commended for the build-up to the episode - shown last month - and for getting the couple to talk sensibly about their actions. In their judgment, the ITC said: "We could understand some viewers' concerns, especially parents of teenagers, who may question the appropriateness of a sexual relationship at 16. "However, having viewed the episodes, the ITC took into account the development of the relationship between the characters. "Both had shown some maturity by deciding not to sleep together as they were too young. Now that legally they can have sex, they do so in the context of a loving and committed relationship. "Given the lack of any sexually explicit behaviour or language, the ITC believed that the concentration on the emotional aspects of the issue made the episode suitable for transmission during family viewing time."

Street stars back City of Culture bid
10 March 2003

Coronation Street stars have showed Manchester's support for Liverpool's European Capital of Culture bid by abseiling down the Granada Television building to unveil an 82ft banner. Simon Gregson and Suranne Jones, who play married couple Steve and Karen McDonald in the hit show, unfurled the banner bearing the message "Manchester supports Liverpool".

They were cheered on by fellow cast members and joined by Philip Olivier (Tinhead) and Suzanne Collins (Nicky Shadwick) from Brookside and members of both city councils. After abseiling down the 100ft building a shaky Suranne said she had felt "sick" when she first looked down. "My stomach went," she said. "I didn't realise how much I loved Liverpool." Simon said it was important to support Liverpool's bid and he "loved every minute" of the abseiling. "We are neighbours," he said. "The one thing that stops us getting on is football, so it's time to put that aside."

Liverpool is one of six British cities bidding for European Capital of Culture status in 2008. The decision will be made in June. Sir Bob Scott, chief executive of the Liverpool Culture Company spearheading the bid, said Manchester and the North West had "a huge amount" to gain by supporting Liverpool's renaissance. "Liverpool has phenomenal potential to be a major European city and is investing £2 billion in its cultural facilities and infrastructure for 2008 to achieve that vision," he said.

The region is already benefiting from the partnership between the two cities. More than six million visitors have flocked to museums, galleries and theatres in the last 12 months, up four million from the previous year.

On-run Corrie killer contacts us
10 March 2003
IN this astonishing plea for mercy, Coronation Street murderer Richard Hillman exposes his delusions over the killings of ex-wife Patricia and Maxine Peacock. The deranged fugitive tells in his letter to readers how he did the crimes in the name of love. Love for his wife Gail and her children. He says he regrets his actions and would love to turn back the clock. But with chilling words that will have Gail reaching for the wine rack in despair, Tricky Dicky, back in Corrie on TV tonight for a thrilling finale, declares the couple will be together in heaven.

TV soap Crossroads axed
10 March 2003
Daytime TV soap Crossroads has been axed over poor ratings less than three months after its relaunch, it has been announced. It will be dumped from the schedules after its current run ends in the summer.

ITV bosses pulled the plug after the soap's audience slumped to a low of 1.3 million viewers despite a revamp. Staff at Carlton, which makes the programme, were told the news at its Nottingham offices. Director of programmes Nigel Pickard said: "Carlton and ITV have worked extremely hard to establish Crossroads but despite the best efforts of all concerned it has attracted disappointing audiences since its return earlier this year."

Crossroads returned to TV in 2001 after a 13-year absence and pulled in an average two million viewers. ITV bosses decided to boost ratings by giving the show a glitzy revamp in January this year, masterminded by former Soap Stars judge Yvon Grace who promised to transform it into a "Dallas for teatime" which would appeal to gay audiences. Jane Asher played the new hotel boss and John Major's daughter-in-law Emma Noble was signed up to give the show some added glamour. But the camp new look and over-the-top storylines proved a turn-off for audiences and ratings have been averaging around 1.5 million, with a low of 1.3 million recorded last week. The soap will move from its current 5pm slot to a new time in the early afternoon in the next few weeks.

THIS is the chilling moment when Coronation Street baddie Richard Hillman attempts to take his family to a watery grave. Our heart-stopping images show Gail and her children battling for life after the killer drives the family car into Weatherfield canal. But will Tricky Dicky - actor Brian Capron - succeed in taking anyone with him to the murky depths? Soap insiders are staying tight- lipped but promise one of Corrie's most exciting plots ever.

The actors did all their own stunts for the underwater scenes, filmed at a naval training base in Fleetwood, Lancashire. It was an amazing achievement - particularly for non-swimmer Helen Worth, who plays Gail. She had to take lessons before the cameras started rolling.

Helen, 52, told the Sunday Mail: "I'd never even got my hair wet in a swimming pool before and next thing I knew I was fully submerged in this tank, fighting with Brian Capron and having to hold my breath for a minute at a time. "We were all terrified at first. But once the adrenalin started pumping it turned out to be a fantastic experience. "I loved it so much that I've booked to go on a scuba-diving holiday."

In tomorrow night's double episode viewers will see Richard returning to the Street, where he kidnaps Gail, her kids Sarah and David Platt and baby grand-daughter Bethany. On Wednesday, fans will witness the madman drive into the canal. The underwater scenes will feature in Friday's episode, when fans will finally discover if Richard's killing spree claims more victims.

He's already murdered his ex-wife and hairdresser Maxine Peacock, left business partner Duggie Ferguson to die and tried to bump off his mother- in-law Audrey Roberts and pensioner Emily Bishop to get his hands on their money. During Friday's dramatic episode he grabs hold of Gail as she struggles to get out of the vehicle. Sarah battles to rescue Bethany as water fills every inch of the people carrier. And young David desperately grapples to get out - but finds his door is stuck.

Corrie had one of its biggest audiences for years when nearly 20 million viewers tuned in to see financial adviser Tricky Dicky finally confess his crimes to Gail. She memorably dubbed him: "Norman Bates with a briefcase." And almost 17 million viewers tuned in to see the conman kill Maxine. The sensational storyline has shot Corrie back to the top of the ratings over BBC rival EastEnders. A TV Times poll voted Richard as the top soap villain of all time - beating EastEnders wife-beater Trevor and JR from Dallas.

My underwater car terror... by Corrie's Sarah-Lou
9 March 2003
CORRIE star Tina O'Brien told last night of her real-life horror at filming soap's most sensational scenes. Tina, who plays schoolgirl mum Sarah-Lou, said she was TERRIFIED after being driven into a freezing canal by evil Richard Hillman. She told The People in an exclusive interview: "There was so much tension. "We did our own stunts and were plunged underwater for real. We had to swim free...and I was petrified."

The dramatic scenes unfold on ITV1 this week as serial killer Hillman takes his family on a chilling journey. But Tina, 19, revealed the dramatic story behind the cameras, including how:

In Friday's episode, panic-stricken Sarah-Lou, mum Gail, brother David, and little Bethany struggle to escape the sinking vehicle. Tina revealed: "We spent three days filming under water. I've been lucky enough to get some big storylines on Corrie, but this is without doubt the most dramatic I've done. "At one point during rehearsals we were all plunged into the water from a replica helicopter and we had to try and swim out. "When we started filming for real they plunged the car 2ft into the water and we had to dive under and film all the scenes. I was petrified. "Helen Worth had learned to swim especially for the storyline. She did so well and we were all really proud of her. "After each take we swam to the top and looked at the recording. We were shocked with what we saw. I thought how amazed viewers will be with the final edit. "Because we wanted to do our own stunts, we had to get special training at a naval centre. Stunt experts who worked on the James Bond film Die Another Day were also drafted in."

Emily Walton, two, who plays Bethany, did her own stunts along with the rest of the cast. Tina said: "She was fantastic. She even did the gasps for breath. "I had to keep hold of her, but we had a giggle because Emily loves swimming and she kept shouting 'Again, again' when the director shouted cut. Then she kept wriggling from my arms because she wanted to show me how she can swim on her own." Tina added: "Quite apart from anything else, the sound effects of the cast gasping under water are really chilling."

The high drama starts on Monday when Hillman (Brian Capron) returns to Coronation Street after going on the run. By Friday, fans will be left wondering if Sarah-Lou and the others escape or drown. But it will be the end for Hillman. Tina said: "We''ll miss Brian - he's been a lot of fun, even if it doesn't look like it on screen!"

Coronation Cheat
9 March 2003 by David Hudson And Emma Cox

LIKE his Coronation Street character, love-rat Jimmi Harkishin just can't help himself. The handsome star, who plays bed-hopping Asian shopkeeper Dev, is cheating on the mother of his two children...again.

This time Jimmi is having a fling with Hayley Smith, a pretty 25-year-old TV producer. Now the 39-year-old actor is dividing his time between Hayley, who lives near the Coronation Street studios in Salford, and his partner Susan Beaton, who lives in London with their children. Jimmi has recently moved in to Hayley's three-bedroom flat - although he has told Susan that he is simply helping her out by paying the rent because she has lost her job and they don't live there at the same time.

Hayley's neighbours, however, say she was around until a few days ago and Jimmi had been seen coming and going "for several months". And the couple have been spotted cuddling on a string of dates and when they are apart they speak constantly on the phone to each other. Last night a Street insider revealed: "Tongues have been wagging for ages. "They've been out on the town a lot and are accepted as a couple."

It's not the first time Jimmi has been caught playing away. Three years ago Caroline Jones, a 25-year-old shop assistant, told a newspaper how she had stripped to only her red thigh-high boots for a sex session with him. Jimmi denied it. Before that he was caught cheating on his long-time partner with a beautiful Asian actress. She had his child, but he eventually dumped her to move back home with Susan.

Assistant producer Hayley first met Jimmi three years ago while working on the satellite TV channel Men and Motors. When confronted about his tangled love life by the Sunday Mirror he claimed he had only moved in to her flat last week after she went to stay with her parents in Newcastle Upon Tyne. But her mother Shirley told the Sunday Mirror: "I don't know where she is." She refused to talk about her daughter's relationship with the actor.

Last night Jimmi admitted that he knew Hayley - but insisted they were just friends. "I've known Hayley for a while. She worked for Granada on Men and Motors and was made redundant," he said. "She's basically found herself in a really tough predicament. "Her family and friends are in Newcastle, but she's got no job and can't pay the mortgage."

Jimmi and Hayley's lovenest is a former council flat in Langworthy - a far cry from the upmarket pad he once shared with fellow Street star Brian Capron (murderous Richard Hillman) on the city's stylish Quays. Jimmi said: "The lease on the place where I was living in Salford Quays was up and I just didn't think I could sit by and let something like that happen to a friend. "If you are saying you've seen me with my arm around her, all right. She's a good friend. It could have been because she was upset or I could have just been saying, 'Hello'."

He went on: "If I wasn't in Coronation Street no one would question it. I used to share a flat with a guy who was gay - but no one then suggested we were a gay couple. "It's not like I'm living with her. I've got family in London. I'm trying to do the right thing here." He insisted: "She's never been a girlfriend, she's just a friend I met at Granada. If she was here (at the flat) I wouldn't be. As soon as she gets a job I'm out of here. "The flat wasn't being used, she had no one to take it over. I thought I'd pay the rent and help her out. "If I really wanted to have some sort of illicit relationship I would buy a place of my own. I can afford to do that. I've visited Hayley here. I've known her for three years, so I can't say I haven't been here. "If I say, 'Do you fancy going to a movie or something?' then I'd come and pick her up. "People can say whatever they want. If I wanted to carry on I wouldn't have made it so obvious. I haven't hidden anything. "I told my wife I was living here and she's comfortable with it."

Yesterday Jimmi was at his North London home prepare to celebrate his son's birthday tomorrow. "I suppose I will have to put up with three days of it if my wife reads this in the papers," he said.

Barmaid Shelley: I can't pull!
9 March 2003

SHE has pulled more than a thousand pints, but Corrie favourite SALLY LINDSAY still can't pull her perfect man. Sally, who plays besotted Rovers barmaid Shelley Unwin, DREAMS ofsettling down with her Mr Right and starting a a family. But she FEARS that she may end up being left on the shelf. I can reveal the bubbly actress - about to have her heart broken on screen by two-timing fiance Peter Barlow - consulted palm readers and Tarot experts in her search for happiness.

Sally, 28, tells me: "Settling down would make my life complete. I recently visited a palmist who predicted I would marry and have a baby soon. "But the trouble is there is no Mr Right on the horizon, and at times I think I'll never find him. "I think you get choosier as you get older. I've definitely got more and more selective. Nowadays I'd rather not have a boyfriend then have the wrong one. "Whenever I do find a fella I like, I start wondering what our children would look like. If he's got big ears or a funny nose, I worry our kids would have them too."

Sally confides that she had her first boyfriend - "who shall remain nameless" - when she was just TWELVE. She says: "I had my first snog at the pictures when he took me to see Ghostbusters - but 16 years later I've still got a lot to learn. "I'm not lonely, though. I enjoy going out with my girlfriends from school - Jane, Charlotte, Clare and Katie - to the Comedy Store or a bar. "But I don't like clubbing - that's too noisy for my liking."

Here are a few tips for fellas who fancy their chances with this really funny lady. Sally prefers Pimms to pints, and country pubs with real open fires to dingy backstreet boozers. Her ideal man would be "a cross between Richard E. Grant and Bryan Adams". Sally insists that she would NEVER consider placing a lonely hearts advert, but if she had a change of heart she would describe herself as "funny, considerate, outgoing and down to earth."

On screen, Shelley is planning her wedding to boyfriend Peter Barlow - blissfully unaware he is also engaged to Lucy the florist, who is pregnant with his child.

Suranne Jones
CORRIE stunner SURANNE JONES has no plans to wed in real life.

Suranne, who plays sexy Karen McDonald, says: "I've watched my screen wedding a few times and it's scary seeing someone put a ring on my finger. At 22, I don't feel ready for that."