My 1996 Soap Catastrophe Premonition
Below is a clip of me on Channel 4's 'Right To Reply', screened in December 1996, which predicted the demise in quality of the UK soaps. How right I was (unfortunately!) #RightToReply #Brookside #EastEnders #Emmerdale #Channel5 #FamilyAffairs #soapopera #deathofsoapopera #decliningviewers
BROOKSIDE: A WARNING FOR MODERN BRITISH SOAP OPERA
This month as UK soap fans well know, a helicopter crashed into Emmerdale causing untold death and destruction, much tabloid media coverage, and a temporary spike in ratings. But whilst the ivory tower ensconced television producers of Emmerdale will no doubt have been celebrating, this sensationalist grab at a summer ratings boost hails yet another nail in the coffin of what was once the great British television soap opera. How do we know? Because ‘Brookside’ – that pioneeri
EastEnders: Years of Neglect, Somebody Call Social Services
I've been watching for a while and I've absolutely no idea what has suddenly turned Bobby Beale into a mini Damien, unless it's the fact he's addicted to Minecraft and video games.
The only plausible fact I can see is the years of neglect. The fact that whenever he's in a scene he's quickly asked to leave the room or go upstairs.
I suppose that would get to you after a while. (As published on Digital Spy: http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2097686&highlight=)
The Pain Of Watching Modern Day Soaps
I grew up watching and absolutely loving the soaps before they were recognised as big ratings winners, being addicted to Aussie soaps Neighbours and Home & Away and enjoying EastEnders in its early years.
And in my late teens/early twenties I became completely enthralled by Brookside and its body under the patio saga, which to me continues to be the best soap storyline I have ever seen.
Having lived through what was clearly the golden age of TV soaps, it's agonizing to s
EastEnders: Which characters do you actually give a toss about?
I've watched EastEnders for years, was really into it when it first started, but I've gotta say of the current cast I don't think I actually care two hoots about any of them, with the exception being Pam Coker who until recently has always put on a smile for everyone but is now struggling with Paul's accusations.
The hallmark of a great soap is that you really care about its characters and in years gone by I can honestly say I did: Pauline and Arthur Fowler, Lofty, Angie Wa
EastEnders: Kathy's Return - My Bet
I predict Kathy faked her death as part of a life insurance scam, but after years away can't live with the lie and now wants to return. Gavin is going to put the blame for the scam all on her and it's gonna result in a huge court battle with Kathy facing jail for deception. Otherwise it's a case of - after a few shock episodes when the truth of her return sinks in - Kathy being back in the cafe serving bacon butties with zero else to do.
Gavin is described as 'a new evil'
Being Murdered in Soapland has Become as Generic as Leaving in a Black Cab!
So the big news is that Lucy Beale of EastEnders is soon to meet her maker in the next few months. So while quite shocked that TPTB can be so casual in their slaughter of a young character with a promising future ahead of them - even if the actress currently in the role is less interesting than a stale roll on sale in Ian's cafe - I can't but feel this again is sensational storylining gone mad, which has led to a massive decline in the quality of a hugely powerful media.
Be
How Powerful Would The TV Soaps Be If They Were Solution - Not Problem - Focused?
Watching EastEnders this week, which had fantastic acting, writing and directing all round, I can't help thinking that the viewers have been massively cheated by having Lauren's 'recovery' taking place off screen.
And this has got me thinking. How powerful would these shows be if when picking up the huge social issues like they like to deal with, that they dramatized the problem and then the solution, potentially educating millions of viewers in how they too could potential
