Please keep emailing your comments to us. We love to hear from you and will try to put as many as we can on the blog.

Gail Platt's biggest fan, Chris H, wasn't happy about recent comments from Kathy R, who described Gail as "pathetic and idiotic": "I think she was very rude," he says. But he's also been noticing a possible brewing romance: "the rumor a few months back about Kevin and Molly - there's signs or hints that could be true - in scenes they're in lately they seem to be getting along greatly." I've noticed that, too. Could the unthinkable be about to be thinkable?

Meanwhile, Mags is getting annoyed at the way no-one can keep their mouths shut. "I agree with Old Ena, I too am getting annoyed at the mindless way that they are opening their mouths and blurting out. OK , may be you can understand Audrey having a go at Ken and trying to get him back on the right tracks but as for Poppy...

Recent emails to us have revealed that Luke Strong has quickly won a place in our hearts. Even people who haven't seen him yet love him already - Pearl emailed to say, "Have just read Babe's description of Luke Strong on the last comments post. We have yet to meet him in Canada and now I'm looking forward more than ever to his arrival." On the other hand, Kathy R is hoping that justice won't come too soon for Tony Gordon: "I know that all the evidence we have points at Tony being responsible for Liam's murder, but I hope the writers can find some way to keep him on Corrie. He is my favorite character! Gray O'Brien is a marvellous actor, and he plays Tony with so many nuances. He's ruthless, yet can be gentle; cold but capable of warmth and tenderness, and he can be very funny in a snarky way. Plus I LOVE his accent! I could listen to him all day. I can't imagine Corrie without him any more."

So let's have a little poll!

Thanks to everyone who has emailed us with comments, and continuing apologies (and teeth-gnashing frustration) about the comments link still not working.

On Friday's episode: "I am so glad now that their is a real family unit around Dev. The Alahans have established themselves as a strong family unit now and as much as Tara is a spoilt brat I like her. Because she is spoilt she gets what she wants and she knows how to get it. When she doesn't, her perspective on life is shattered just like that of a 10 year old child. I am glad Poppy told her because it shows a sign of trust in her growing friendship with Tara and is also developing her on screen character. I am glad she is being brought into the show more and I really look forward to seeing her character evolve and us as a viewer discovering more about her. I like her. Back to Tara and I can't see her ever being happy long term with Dev. She jumps in quickly and is in a need to be in a relationship. As a result she places trust in someone easily and it is no surprise that this is shattered in an instant. Though in this case she has a right to be devastated! Dev should have known better but we know that a leopard never changes its spots." [Peter]

"I really enjoyed Friday's episode, mainly because of the comedy - firstly Dev rushing around like a headless chicken making sure Tara doesn't find out about his fling. Then we have Teresa and Umed - the slap was hilarious and so unexpected, laughed out loud! Then we have Ashley and Claire...

In addition to Thumbs Up and Down, this week we're giving out award medals.

Visuals of the week!
Gold: Blanche in an aviator's hat and goggles! "I stayed on the coach with me sudoku"
Silver: Teresa lounging on Maxine's bench with tatty boxboard over her, looking as pathetic as she can muster.
Bronze: Simon in marigolds after cleaning Blanche's room!

Line of the week!
Gold: Peter "Oh well we can't all live up to the high standards of Saint Ken of Weatherfield"
Silver: Darryl about Dev "Who? Grocery Man? Faster than a carton of milk and stronger than a week old cheese?"

Chuckles of the week!
Gold: Molly winding up Tyrone when he thought she'd baked Jack's pigeons in a pie.
Silver: Teresa slapping Umed's face when he was trying to chat her up! About time someone did!
Bronze: Dev scurrying aross to the shop as fast as his little legs would carry him so as not to leave Lisa alone too long with Tara. But Tara already knew about his indiscretions!
Click through to see another round of "Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down"

Old Ena has been noticing some strange friendship combinations in Wednesday's episode. "Can anyone keep their mouth shut in Weatherfield? Firstly we have that very contrived 'haircut' with Peter Barlow. Would he really go to a salon like Audrey's? And why on earth is she taking it upon herself to tell on Ken, she doesn't have any relationship with Deirdre that I have seen, and has hardly led a blameless life herself. Then Maria blurted out to Luke's 'friend' Tom (Eh? when did they suddenly become best buddies?) that Tony was having him investigated - dah! Then we have Poppy telling her 'friend' (another friend, who she hardly knows), Tara , about Dev and Accounts Lady. A prerequisite of a barmaid is to be discreet; she hasn't been there five minutes. I hope Liz fires her."

Meanwhile, Chris H was pleased to hear about Betty. "I'm thrilled that Betty is getting a storyline in Corrie, even though it might be small, it would be nice if the writers gave her a bit of the drama, she's a Corrie legend, and not just for her hot pot!"

Comments? Email us!

Once again, thanks to all who've been in touch via email. Here are a few of your comments.

On Ken Barlow's Easter rant: "I live in the USA and I watch Corrie via YouTube. My first thought on the Easter show was Hurray! This show has got it right! I even showed my non Corrie watching boyfriend the episode and I told him how our American TV shows would NEVER have the guts to show anything that criticized Christianity and religion in general, and he agreed. Religion is usually treated with kid gloves in the media, and so it was refreshing indeed to see another point of view expressed by an intelligent, educated character. I say keep it up, Corrie! And yay for Ken for speaking sense!" [Kathy R]

On Tony and Maria: "At first the Tony and Maria thing did seem a bit far fetched, but it is being quite cleverly written, especially as Leanne has moved to Leeds rather conveniently what with Jane Danson being on maternity leave also, therefore there is no one in contact with Carla to tell her what is happening on the Street regarding Tony and Maria when that eventually comes out. So it will surely be a big surprise for Carla when she returns in he Autumn! Will be well worth watching I'm sure." [Scottskis]

On yesterday's news about Samia Smith and Mikey North: "Firstly, so sorry to hear about Samia's sad news. Thoughts and prayers are with her and family. I was also sorry to hear about Mickey North, hope he has a speedy recovery." [Chris H]

"Controversial" is not usually Ken Barlow's middle name, but apparently his Easter Sunday criticism of Simon being taught creationism as a fact haven't gone down too well in some quarters. "Dozens" of people have apparently complained to the media watchdog Ofcom about the scenes in which he said that religious pictures on the walls at Simon's school were indoctrination, and he made a ham-fisted attempt to explain that Christianity was just one particular way of interpreting the world. This ended in failure when he was unable to contradict little Simon's view that his dead mummy was in heaven with the angels.

An ITV person countered the criticism by saying, "At the moment we have a very positive story involving Sophie Webster and her new found interest in religion, Emily Bishop has also always been seen as a very positive representation of Christianity. Likewise Ken Barlow's different views on religion have always been a strong aspect of his character".

Comments? Email Corrieblog!

I wasn't going to do this. I swore I wasn't. But one line in particular made me laugh... "And I've got to get back to The Priory". What am I talking about? Red Dwarf, of course. Let me start by saying I was never a fan, and I never really "got" Red Dwarf but I had to watch it for the Coronation Street bits. Anyway, as we know, the new Red Dwarf three part special, Back To Earth, featured a Coronation Street segment in Part three, where the four RD characters came looking for the person that created them, either the producer or actors, to find out their fate. I won't get into details, either you've watched it already or you probably won't bother.

Thank you to all who have emailed us recently - keep the comments coming! Here are some of those we've received:

On Blanche and Peter moving in together: "Perfect! I love these two together they just rub off one another perfectly and the comedy/banter is fantastic. If anyone can give Peter the kick up the backside he needs it is Blanche, at the end of the day they have mutual respect for one another and really care. Also it will give Blanche lots more screening time! Yippee! The Barlows are definitely my favourite Corrie family without a doubt, I never fall asleep when they have their air time, well maybe sometimes when Deirdre goes into one!!" [julsemb]

On Friday's episode: "It's funny but I still miss Alf Roberts. One of my favourite ever characters. I long to hear him say in his exasperated voice "Audrey!". But alas, those days are gone. Something on tonight's episode annoyed me a touch. Why did the writers not have Peter at least thank Luke and Tony for their rescue? Instead he assumes Michelle and Luke are getting cosy in the Rovers and has a go at both of them! Never mind." [Darren]

On Thumbs up/Thumbs down: "Alright, agreed with THUMBS DOWN on John Stape. I don't see why Fiz does not deserve to find a better guy. At least someone new! With Mary? Yes, SHE is THUMBS UP, but I really have a hard time with her "romantic" story line with Norris, as it seems as though the two of NOTHING in common, except for the joy of entering contests out of mutual boredom. I just don't see them together. She's a sweet, hapless dreamer. Norris is the opposite. How 'bout THUMBS DOWN for Gail Platt? She is SO pathetic! Just begging Joe to stay there with her. Why can't the writers have a character actually love and admire Gail? She's always so pathetic. It's hard to watch." [Blue Dog]

Here are some comments we received via email about last night's episode:

"Perhaps the writers should read Clarissa Dickson-Wright's biography if they want to portray someone "recovering" from alcoholism. The one thing you can never ever do is go into a pub, or restaurant. When she was filming Two Fat Ladies Clarissa couldn't stay in the hotel with the rest of the cast and crew because of the bar. Instead she would look for a quiet B&B. What a depressing episode! Where have those comedy moments gone? Ken's mind was on Martha, Dreary was angry with Ken; Sally was cross with Sophie as was Norris, Michelle was fed up with Peter, and Peter was fed up with Peter. I think the whole Sophie confessing her sins from the past issue was rather silly, and...

A selection of your recent emails to us (so sorry that the comments still aren't working).

On last night's episode: "I liked the Joe and Gail stuff - but I really think it's high time Helen Worth had a happier storyline, some fun and comedy - like getting drunk with Claire and Sally, remember the fence scene at Darryl's party last year? I enjoyed the episode, and the Norris and Mary story, they're a great double act, and imagine a spin off DVD with them travelling around the world - classic Corrie!" [Chris H]

On Sophie Webster possibly being Corrie's first lesbian character: "I think that'd be really great actually. That'll bring just all the more drama that the street needs. It gives more diversity, and interesting sub-plots. Plus, it'll put a knot in Sally's knickers over her 'perfect' family." [Blue dog]

On Friday's episode: "What a remarkable moment of self-knowledge we were treated to last night from Me-Me-Me-Michelle: 'I may be smug and judgemental, but I'm not cruel,' she informed us! Could this be the glimmering of a new direction for the character? I do hope so. Instead of trying to back pedal...

First a comment on the lack of comments: "Do you think this problem of not being able to post things on your website is permanent? Surely it can't be that difficult a thing to fix by Shiny Media if that's who is responsible. I'm sure this is very hard for you, but it is also frustrating for those of us who enjoy checking everyone's views each day for fun and information (and contact with each other)." [Margaret B]

Yes, it is very frustrating, and all we can do is apologise. We have all our fingers and toes crossed that, by this time next week, all will be back to normal. In the meantime, please keep emailing us with your comments.

On Michael Le Vell: "I wasn't able to make the event Tuesday night in Halifax, but had the best surprise Wednesday morning! I had just come off the harbour ferry after reading The Metro newspaper article about Michael being here in Halifax with his wife and 2 children. I cut through the Marriott hotel on my way to work and saw 2 children standing outside. My immediate thought was, kids not in school, no holiday breaks right now, might be Michael's children, so as I walked up the stairs I tried to listen to see if I heard an accent from them. Lo and behold a few feet away ... there was "Kevin Webster". Typical stunned response when I saw him was "There is Kevin Webster ... Hi ... did you enjoy your stay in Halifax?!?". Made my day!" [Christine B]

On Uncle Umed: "O boy do we agree with you. This guy is revolting and totally pointless. He is an archetypical caricature of an Indian/Pakistani and we cannot bear to watch him. Did you notice when he first appeared on the set how Dev copied his stupid lilt-y voice and suddenly became like him? Thank goodness he has dropped this now and talks normally again but why he allows his uncle to criticize everything I just do not know. Please, please let him disappear into the ether from which he came - there is nothing to love about him - even the dreadful people next door to Gail (cant remember their name) are preferable and I never thought I would say that!" [PeeDee]

Here are a few of your recent emails to us. Many thanks to all those who've been in touch, and sorry that the comments link still isn't working on Corrieblog - it's out of our hands, unfortunately.

On the (re)return of John Stape: "I think the return of John Stape is a bad mistake, the story of his 'exit' was spot on and it felt right that Fiz should move on, I think its a bad move, but, we'll see what happens!." [Chris H

On Michael Le Vell's visit to Canada: "Thanks Tvor for this write up and the links. Any news to come will be much appreciated. Kevin is a favourite." [Pearl]

On Uncle Umed: "I have no idea as to why he's there. But I do have to say that I find him incredibly funny. I watch episodes online, and during the last episode he was in where Tara's photographs had been delivered to D&S Alahan, he was hilarious. The way he stuck his tongue out and pushed them away. I re-watched that and laughed about 100 times. I have no idea why he's there, but he's funny. Currently, the only person on the street with a sense of humour these days is Blanche Hunt. It was nice to see another funny character. I like that he's a stupid old bubbling boob too. Everyone knows someone like that." [Blue Dog]

"He's foreign, awkward and benign, and I'm sure he has a purpose we haven't seen yet. It's nice to have a new character without his agenda thrown in our faces right away. For now, the more screen time Umed gets, the less there is for Michelle and the Windasses. That's a big plus." [abbyk]

"He is the most annoying person. Get rid of him he is spoiling Corrie, I hate watching it since he came and all my friends agree." [stage hand]

"I enjoy Uncle Umed, he is quite hilarious in a sense and I hope there's more comedy with him and we'll be exploring him further." [Chris H]

On Ashley and Claire: "Hoping they get a bigger storyline before too long, they're probably my favourite couple on the Street. I read about Josh's football storyline, but don't see that going very far somehow!" [Craig]

This is what you've been emailing us about today...

On last night's episode: "Great episode tonight, fully enjoyed the drama - Corrie at it's finest! The main story of Peter, Simon and the fire went down very well on screen, I think the writers did a superb job with this event. Chris Gascoyne, Anne Kirkbride and little Alexander Bain gave great performances. I enjoyed the sub-stories with the slow breakdown of Kirk and Julie's relationship and Dev and Tara's argument too. A nice mix of stories and characters in tonight's ep, easily my favourite episode of the month. A nice way to finish March on the Street." [Craig]

"What a spoiled little Madam...

Creepy Colin is creepy but at least we know there's a reason for him, as an entire plot is about to come spilling down around his ears. But Uncle Umed? Has there ever been a more pointless Corrie character? Has he said or done anything that couldn't have been said or done by someone else? He got his wires crossed about Tara and Jason, a tedious little sub-story that didn't really go anywhere. He hangs around the shop chucking in his two penn'orth about Tara and life in general, but never in any way that adds anything much to the scene. It's hard to know what his function is at the moment, and he isn't coming across as a fully formed character at all. Possibly there are big plans for him to take centre stage at some point and he's just being eased in gradually, but at the moment he just seems like a waste of space.

What do you think? Agree or dis-? Email me with your thoughts.

It's official. And officious. Tara, that is. I've probably mentioned before how I feel she's just like her mother, Nina and she's proving me right. Uncle Umed didn't like her from the start, feeling she's using Dev for what she can get out of him and I tend to agree. Nina was pushy, spoiled and vain, striving to collect as many admirers as she could find, right under her husband's nose. She wanted what she wanted and nobody was going to stop her and Tara is proving to be exactly the same, though perhaps not in the admirer category just yet. She wanted to buy Amber a car and she did, even though Dev didn't want her to. She wanted to open a gallery and she did, using an empty shop of Dev's and a good chunk of Dev's money. He's going to tire of it soon, and we already know he has a fling in the offing after an agrument and temporary breakup. He will then spend the next few weeks trying to make sure she never finds out. Which she will. Presumably. It hasn't happened yet but it's a standard soap opera plot.

Thanks to everyone who has taken the trouble to email us with comments about Corrie. Here's a selection:

On Ken Barlow: "A few musings on Ken, and how selfish and self occupied the man is and poor kind beautiful Martha who he is totally taking advantage of. He barges into her water home without a bye your leave, never brings anything, a bunch of flowers or a contribution -to anything he constantly consumes there, soup, coffee, wine. Surely she must be wising up to him soon and meanwhile poor old Deirdre the drudge tries to sort out his drunken sot of a son, just to be told You're not the granny!" [Old Ena]

On the spoiler about Becky being framed for possession of drugs: "Can't they just leave the poor girl alone? If anything bad is going to happen at the moment it seems to happen to poor Becky. I can't believe the number of times she's been publicly humiliated. Does no-one care about her?" [Sue B]

On Kym Marsh: "I'm glad she's staying around. She's been through a lot, but her character is in need of change and I think Corrie know that and are planning some good, funny plots and developing the character more and in a fresh direction." [Chris H]

Following yesterday's episodes, Corrieblogger Peter offers this assessment of the current trials of the Barlow family.

It is when the Barlow's are at the centre of a decent storyline that you realise just how integral to the show they are as a whole unit. They put other families such as the Platts, Websters and Connors into the shade with their screen presence and either unity or disunity!

Anne Kirkbride stole the show for me tonight. She was so desperate to keep the family together by trying to (blindly) make Peter face up to his problems. Yet all she achieved was the opposite, forcing Peter further away from the people he needs most during these dark days of drink addiction. Simon doesn't understand the complexities of his dad's problem...

Continuing apologies for the total uselessness of the comments link on Corrieblog at the moment. It's an ongoing problem but the powers that be have promised they're going to sort it out soon. In the meantime, you can always email us with your thoughts, and that's exactly what these good people did:

On Wednesday's episode: "My heart sank when Letterbox mouth Pam turned up again and disappointed that she is still up to her Del boy antics and is still one dimensional. Selfish Peter Barlow and his drinking is now becoming tiresome IMO. Recoiled for some silly reason at Ken snogging Martha." [Old Ena]

On Sean's new romance: "How depressing and how predictable that yet another relationship will end in heartache. I suppose Sean's going to go completely over the top, just like he has countless times before. " [Sue B]

On a possible connection between Luke Strong and Carla: "On the comment that Luke could be Carla's long lost brother, surely Michelle would have recognised him being as the Connor family supposedly were brought up with Carla's family on the same tough estate, or perhaps that piece of history will be re-written." [Maria]

"I think the storyline surrounding Luke Strong and Carla will be great viewing when Alison King returns, I'm sure they have a great plot dreamed up, well of course they do!" [Chris H]

I saw a news blog from New Zealand recently. The writer was wondering why Coronation Street events seem to happen so quickly these days, as opposed to the early years when it was the slowest thing on telly. He's got a point. Things happen fast on Corrie now. Steve and Becky decided to get married and the whole thing was booked in days and they were at the Registry Office in two weeks (even if the marraige didn't happen). Holidays are planned and booked on the spur of the moment. Steve and Eileen chucked everything to go to Malta, Liam and Maria upped and took off to both the Lake District and another vacation away after their baby died and that was decided and the car packed by the end of an episode.

And not only that. How many times have you seen someone at home or in the Rovers and in the very next scene, they are miles away at a church or hospital bedside or vice versa? When Sarah and Jason got married, David was driving into the canal at the start of the ceremony and the police were at the church before the end of the vows to tell Gail about the incident. That one even had *my* head spinning! You'd think that with more episodes a week, the plot would move along slower, wouldn't you? But it's not the case and it does indeed often move along at breakneck speed. Corrie certainly has sped up in the past 10 years or so and that's not necessarily a bad thing overall.

Things you've emailed us to say...

On Natasha the hairdresser: "It really is our first real chance to see her in a major storyline and it still puzzles me why we have had to wait so long to see her character become established in the show. I would like her to be given a base on the Street and seeing as the salon flat remains empty it seems like the perfect place! I am also looking forward to seeing her develop her friendships on the show with Maria for instance. I would like to see her develop a more serious long term relationship with somebody like Tom but I hear today she has publicly voiced her fears about being axed due to potential cut backs at ITV. Let us see how this week pans out and what the viewers reaction to her character is like though, before we can really form an opinion on her." [Peter]

"It is wonderful to see Rachel on Coronation Street! I saw her in Spend Spend Spend and have always thought she would be excellent in Corrie. She was so fantastic in the musical that we went back to see it again. It is rare to have such natural talent. The problem with a many young actors on Corrie...

Further to Tvor's piece about Luke Strong earlier today, Corrieblog reader Paul has just drawn my attention to a poll running on Digital Spy, about whether or not Luke Strong could actually be Carla's brother. Have a look here and see what you think. Personally I think it makes a lot of sense and is a very interesting theory!

Thank you for your patience while we're without a proper comments facility. We're hoping to get back to normal soon, but in the meantime thanks to everyone who has emailed us with their thoughts. Here's a selection:

On Friday 20th's episode: "Regarding Friday's episode's I rather enjoyed Luke well and truly putting Tony's nose out of joint, I felt a wee bit sorry for him as well actually. However got two major niggles, one, there is no way that the solicitor would have told Tony any info that she 'wasn't allowed to' a bit implausible methinks. Secondly I am a huge fan of Gray O'Brien but his shoddy attempt at portraying a panic attack was well below par!" [Clare]

"3 weeks ago Joe was shown a derelict warehouse and now he is being badgered for not being on site. Kitchens are the last thing to be installed and I doubt if the developers have even swept the floor in the warehouses in these 3 weeks, let alone built 19 flats. Do the writers have any idea of realism in Corrie anymore?" [Steve C]

On Dev's relationships: "For crying out loud, what do they put in the water in Weatherfield? First Ken, now Dev. Neither of them (especially Dev) is particularly handsome, and both are old enough to know better. Yuck! Isn't it about time Uncle Umed did what ever it is he came to Weatherfield to do? If he's Dev's uncle then he must be the brother of one of Dev's parents. Has he even been to visit them? Do they even know he's in the country? Why is he here anyway?" [Sue B]

"Dev cheating on Tara - he's just a right dipstick if he does that! But then again, Corrie is Corrie!" [Chris H]

Thanks to everyone who has emailed us with comments. Here are a few:

On yesterday's episode: "Great episode tonight, hilarious scenes with Becky and Liz, and Jonathan Harvey is a brilliant writer, also liked the Natasha stuff, she's turning out to be funny and fitting in, in a way, some good scenes with her tonight, and drama and romance from her next week, Platts were good tonight even though they were short scenes they were in, good episode well written." [Chris]

"I am sorry but I am getting sick of Becky and Steve. It is getting more and more ridiculous. I was getting to like Becky before she picked up with Steve. Now I can't stand her. Once again it is a ridiculous storyline. Why on earth would Steve just stand by and let Becky insult his mother the way she did. Becky was rude, crude and behaved like a common tart. I am sorry but I would like to see the back of her. I hope she leaves soon."[Mags]

On the Rovers' photos: "Those two collages are great, aren't' they? The first one was put together for the Millennium. I remember we saw Ken looking at it and hearing voices from the past from some of the various characters. I notice over the years a second collage has sprung up next to the original one."[Tvor]

"I can see: Betty Turpin, Norman Watts, Terry Duckworth, Kevin Webster, Bet Lynch, Gloria Todd, Sally Webster, Len Fairclough, Percy Sugden, Phyllis Pearce, Maud Grimes, Concepta Hewitt, Ena Sharples." [Llifon]

"Great to see the notice board Sue, brings back great memories, and it's especially nice to see characters that we loved, that are gone, but a few are still there, great to see, Looking forward to the drama next week!" [Chris]

I noticed while perusing the Sunday papers that Coronation Street is so well-known that it's quite often used as a metaphor. For example, did you know that the Coronation Street of music is Kate Nash? Now, we who love and know Corrie would probably take this as a compliment - surely Kate Nash must deliver consistently high quality entertainment and be beloved throughout the world? Well, possibly, but the person making the comment (someone called Little Boots - no, me neither) was being derogatory. "Who wants to sing about making a cup of tea?" she said.

Meanwhile, the "sporting equivalent of Coronation Street" was apparently Brian Clough's term as manager of Leeds United. Former Leeds player David Harvey is using the term here to mean that it was a completely mundane period (he's arguing against the sensationalised version in David Peace's brilliant novel The Damned United).

Meanwhile a political blog was described as "the Coronation Street of the political blogscape," and the author of the piece explains: "it may occasionally be banal but it is gathering a large following."

So there we have it. When Coronation Street is a metaphor it means banal, dull, uneventful but popular. That hardly seems fair, does it? Have you spotted any other Corrie comparisons? Let us know.