DS Forums

 
 

Longevity of Corrie Actors.


Reply
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old 14-07-2015, 19:22
vaslav37
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: London
Posts: 26,708

I am not talking about the likes of Ken, Emily, Rita etc but the others who are long past their sell by date.

Why do not want to leave the show?
vaslav37 is offline   Reply With Quote
Please sign in or register to remove this advertisement.
Old 14-07-2015, 19:45
AuntieSoap
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,609
I am not talking about the likes of Ken, Emily, Rita etc but the others who are long past their sell by date.

Why do not want to leave the show?
The longevity of characters is one of Coronation Streets greatest strengths. This idea that some are "past their sell by date" is a production cop out. Good writing and creative storylining can give any character a new lease of life. Admittedly we havent seen much of that but as soon as Corrie starts axing long running characters such as Tyrone, Fizz, Maria, Kirk, Beth, Nick etc is the day the show will turn into terminal decine.
AuntieSoap is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14-07-2015, 20:00
actual_soap
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: locked in the diary room
Posts: 4,976
I'm quite looking forward to Maria, Fiz, Kirk, Ty, Jason, David etc becoming the next Emily, Rita, Norris, Audrey etc
actual_soap is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14-07-2015, 20:01
vaslav37
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: London
Posts: 26,708
I'm quite looking forward to Maria, Fiz, Kirk, Ty, Jason, David etc becoming the next Emily, Rita, Norris, Audrey etc
Tyrone, David & Jason are fine but the others need to collect their P45.
vaslav37 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14-07-2015, 20:07
Hank1234
Inactive Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,677
I'm quite looking forward to Maria, Fiz, Kirk, Ty, Jason, David etc becoming the next Emily, Rita, Norris, Audrey etc
yeah i'm they're sure there looking ahead to old age to...
Hank1234 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14-07-2015, 20:17
davads
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 5,403
I am not talking about the likes of Ken, Emily, Rita etc but the others who are long past their sell by date.

Why do not want to leave the show?
I'm not sure whether there's a word missing there but are you asking why do *they* not want to leave the show?

Just for starters I'd imagine it's a fairly cosy little pension to have in their later years, for - especially in the case of the likes of Eileen Derbyshire - a relatively light workload. Plus I'd imagine they've made some good friends in their fellow cast members over the years; I don't think they'd keep schlepping into work years after they'd normally have retired if they didn't enjoy the work to some extent...
davads is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14-07-2015, 20:48
David the Wavid
Forum Member
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 2,026
It's one of the most appealing things about Coronation Street. In how many other shows can you watch episodes fifty years apart containing people who are recognisably the same characters?
David the Wavid is offline Follow this poster on Twitter   Reply With Quote
Old 14-07-2015, 20:53
Hank1234
Inactive Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,677
It's one of the most appealing things about Coronation Street. In how many other shows can you watch episodes fifty years apart containing people who are recognisably the same characters?
Make the most of it because the oldies are dropping like flies.... We have lost Jack'Vera, Blanche,Betty, Deride in the past few years
Hank1234 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14-07-2015, 20:58
boogie woogie
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,750
There are some long term characters like Maria and Fiz who need to go. They barely use Maria nowadays anyway- Her much hyped breakdown story last year was a total cop - out and has long been forgotten about now.
boogie woogie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14-07-2015, 21:01
David the Wavid
Forum Member
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 2,026
Make the most of it because the oldies are dropping like flies.... We have lost Jack'Vera, Blanche,Betty, Deride in the past few years
New ones will come along to replace them, just as they replaced the generation before.
David the Wavid is offline Follow this poster on Twitter   Reply With Quote
Old 14-07-2015, 21:09
vaslav37
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: London
Posts: 26,708
There are some long term characters like Maria and Fiz who need to go. They barely use Maria nowadays anyway- Her much hyped breakdown story last year was a total cop - out and has long been forgotten about now.
These are the characters I mean not the wonderful Eileen Derbyshire.
vaslav37 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14-07-2015, 21:13
JohnDoe14
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 510
Agreed, the really old cast are fine for familiarity but deadwood characters who have stated for around 10 years and outlived their use like sean (well he was never needed), Fiz, Kirk, Jason, Maria and a few others are so pointless and just go round and round having failed romance after failed romance. Infact at this point I think that Kevin, Liz, Gail and Eileen who have been on for donkeys years have gone the same way, especially Gail who is pretty pathetic now.

They don't leave because the producers are too soft to axe them and they aren't good enough actors to make it elsewhere so they stay in a comfortable job doing mediocre work.
JohnDoe14 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14-07-2015, 21:15
vaslav37
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: London
Posts: 26,708
Agreed, the really old cast are fine for familiarity but deadwood characters who have stated for around 10 years and outlived their use like sean (well he was never needed), Fiz, Kirk, Jason, Maria and a few others are so pointless and just go round and round having failed romance after failed romance. Infact at this point I think that Kevin, Liz, Gail and Eileen who have been on for donkeys years have gone the same way, especially Gail who is pretty pathetic now.

They don't leave because the producers are too soft to axe them and they aren't good enough actors to make it elsewhere so they stay in a comfortable job doing mediocre work.
I totally agree although I would keep Gail.
vaslav37 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14-07-2015, 21:57
David the Wavid
Forum Member
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 2,026
I think the reason it seems incredible that these characters have been around so long is that most of them are still written the same way they were as teenagers. Jason has just been thrown at different women for 15 years now and still lives with Eileen. Following some huge dramatic life-changing storylines, Maria went back to being exactly the same character she was before.

For comparison, look at Kevin Webster, Curly Watts and Terry Duckworth, the young crowd of the 80s. Whatever you think of the actors, when you go from them being teenagers in 1983 to young men in 1993 the characters truly felt ten years older. Aside from Jason owning his own business, he and Maria seem to be frozen in time. If the writers just allow them to grow up, they'll gain a whole new lease of life.

As for Fiz, she's always felt like a natural Corrie character to me. She was nearly ruined by the gloomy John Stape saga, but putting her with Tyrone was a good move as they're in many ways the successors to the Duckworths. Even though I say that, before they go any further really need to get out of the shadow of Jack and Vera by doing up No.9 and getting rid of the stone cladding. They've been out of the limelight for a while now which I hope isn't a sign that the writers can't think of anything to do with them - with two good actors who have shown they can play comedy and drama, a ready-made family, and plenty of history to draw on, they should be one of the bedrocks of Corrie at the moment.
David the Wavid is offline Follow this poster on Twitter   Reply With Quote
Old 14-07-2015, 22:12
notdebbiedingle
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: whitby , n yorks
Posts: 10,143
There are some long term characters like Maria and Fiz who need to go. They barely use Maria nowadays anyway- Her much hyped breakdown story last year was a total cop - out and has long been forgotten about now.
There's absolutely no reason why either character needs to go anywhere!! Fair enough Fiz is unpopular on DS but I'm sure she has her fans elsewhere!! Maria was a great character in the 00's when she was growing up & has had some great storylines!! It's neither the fault of the actor or the character if the producer decides not to use them!! Maria for one has an obvious future taking over the Salon when Audrey retires, let's face it she's waited long enough!! I have far more grave reservations about the recent new characters & even worse the two returnees, Sarah & Todd!!

I know Vaslav is always harping on about this subject but I'm actually really disappointed in you on this one bw! I thought character continuity was one thing we agreed on!!
notdebbiedingle is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 14-07-2015, 22:31
notdebbiedingle
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: whitby , n yorks
Posts: 10,143
Agreed, the really old cast are fine for familiarity but deadwood characters who have stated for around 10 years and outlived their use like sean (well he was never needed), Fiz, Kirk, Jason, Maria and a few others are so pointless and just go round and round having failed romance after failed romance. Infact at this point I think that Kevin, Liz, Gail and Eileen who have been on for donkeys years have gone the same way, especially Gail who is pretty pathetic now.

They don't leave because the producers are too soft to axe them and they aren't good enough actors to make it elsewhere so they stay in a comfortable job doing mediocre work.
Ok so you axe all the characters you mention , then the 'really old cast, fine for familiarity' pass away then what????
You're left with a show with no heart, no history no continuity & fifty odd years of building up a cast of familiar characters is wasted!!
Nope, don't buy it!! They need to get off their backsides, use their imaginations & come up with great storylines to bring these characters back to life, not axe them simply because they can't be bothered thinking what to do with them!!
If the writers & producers can't come up with the drive & imagination to do that then it's them that needs to go & be replaced by someone who can!!
The long term success of this show has always depended on the familiarity of it's cast & characters imo, and will continue to do so long after the current ptb are consigned to the history books!!
notdebbiedingle is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 14-07-2015, 23:49
AuntieSoap
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,609
Ok so you axe all the characters you mention , then the 'really old cast, fine for familiarity' pass away then what????
You're left with a show with no heart, no history no continuity & fifty odd years of building up a cast of familiar characters is wasted!!
Nope, don't buy it!! They need to get off their backsides, use their imaginations & come up with great storylines to bring these characters back to life, not axe them simply because they can't be bothered thinking what to do with them!!
If the writers & producers can't come up with the drive & imagination to do that then it's them that needs to go & be replaced by someone who can!!
The long term success of this show has always depended on the familiarity of it's cast & characters imo, and will continue to do so long after the current ptb are consigned to the history books!!
Exactly!!!

Take Deirdre who became an icon of Coronation Street. She wasn't one from day one. In fact the Deirdre of the 1970s is not unlike Maria.

Enevitably the older cast members will no longer be in the show so the likes of these familiar long running characters are the heart of the show.

Its up to the production to use them well.
AuntieSoap is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14-07-2015, 23:57
AuntieSoap
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,609
I also agree that Fiz is a great character - they need to pay more attention to her and Tyrone
AuntieSoap is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15-07-2015, 00:14
Hank1234
Inactive Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,677
I also agree that Fiz is a great character - they need to pay more attention to her and Tyrone
They have a story coming up
Hank1234 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15-07-2015, 02:43
dd68
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: London
Posts: 16,810
The older ones do get a lighter workload and I am guessing it must be like being in a family, Eileen Derbyshire and William Roache have been colleagues for 55 years!
dd68 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15-07-2015, 04:43
Mel94
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Coventry, Warwickshire
Posts: 4,930
I actually quite like it when we see the same familiar faces during hen/stag nights that have been together for years. It makes the characters' friendships more genuine. The same with Emmerdale. Plus it's nice to watch clips on Youtube and see the characters still there today.

Although saying that, if you happen to be a member of the Corrie team and you're considering getting rid of Fizz, allow me to nudge you in the right direction!
Mel94 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15-07-2015, 08:51
Foxster Hotpot
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Martin Fowler
Posts: 11,362
I think the reason it seems incredible that these characters have been around so long is that most of them are still written the same way they were as teenagers. Jason has just been thrown at different women for 15 years now and still lives with Eileen. Following some huge dramatic life-changing storylines, Maria went back to being exactly the same character she was before.

For comparison, look at Kevin Webster, Curly Watts and Terry Duckworth, the young crowd of the 80s. Whatever you think of the actors, when you go from them being teenagers in 1983 to young men in 1993 the characters truly felt ten years older. Aside from Jason owning his own business, he and Maria seem to be frozen in time. If the writers just allow them to grow up, they'll gain a whole new lease of life.


As for Fiz, she's always felt like a natural Corrie character to me. She was nearly ruined by the gloomy John Stape saga, but putting her with Tyrone was a good move as they're in many ways the successors to the Duckworths. Even though I say that, before they go any further really need to get out of the shadow of Jack and Vera by doing up No.9 and getting rid of the stone cladding. They've been out of the limelight for a while now which I hope isn't a sign that the writers can't think of anything to do with them - with two good actors who have shown they can play comedy and drama, a ready-made family, and plenty of history to draw on, they should be one of the bedrocks of Corrie at the moment.

I agree with this completely, especially Maria needs a good storyline, to be used more and have something new to do IMO. But by the same token, not a complete personality transplant for the sake of a storyline (Todd).
Foxster Hotpot is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 15-07-2015, 09:17
Pete Callan
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 22,354
I love that they have an entire group of characters, all good friends, that are almost all in tact after 15 years. Of the younger cast at the time I think the only ones missing are Toyah and Candice!

I definitely think Corrie should draw on their shared history far more than they currently do, and certainly taking what David has said, allow the characters to grow. I like that Kirk is now married for one, though I'd like to see more of him playing dad to Craig. I want Jason to have kids, to move out, get his own place, same for Maria. I'd like her to get a bigger place, a new man (not Luke, he doesn't look long term), and maybe have a bit more ambition to move on from Audrey's.

Fiz and Tyrone, I want them to get married, and do up the house so it has their stamp on. It's like a Duckworth museum right now. Not sure about the stone cladding removal, I like it, it adds character. I hope there's a lot more from them, but they do find it difficult sometimes telling stories for a happy family.
Pete Callan is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 15-07-2015, 10:23
joe gillott
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Master of all fit EE males
Posts: 6,529
1) they are now typecast in the roles
2) they don't want to explore other roles
3) security
4) keep familiar faces in the show

I think they have too many who have been their for years. I find it odd but it does reflect life
joe gillott is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 15-07-2015, 12:09
VoodooChic
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: I am MALE
Posts: 8,267
I think the reason it seems incredible that these characters have been around so long is that most of them are still written the same way they were as teenagers. Jason has just been thrown at different women for 15 years now and still lives with Eileen. Following some huge dramatic life-changing storylines, Maria went back to being exactly the same character she was before.

For comparison, look at Kevin Webster, Curly Watts and Terry Duckworth, the young crowd of the 80s. Whatever you think of the actors, when you go from them being teenagers in 1983 to young men in 1993 the characters truly felt ten years older. Aside from Jason owning his own business, he and Maria seem to be frozen in time. If the writers just allow them to grow up, they'll gain a whole new lease of life.

As for Fiz, she's always felt like a natural Corrie character to me. She was nearly ruined by the gloomy John Stape saga, but putting her with Tyrone was a good move as they're in many ways the successors to the Duckworths. Even though I say that, before they go any further really need to get out of the shadow of Jack and Vera by doing up No.9 and getting rid of the stone cladding. They've been out of the limelight for a while now which I hope isn't a sign that the writers can't think of anything to do with them - with two good actors who have shown they can play comedy and drama, a ready-made family, and plenty of history to draw on, they should be one of the bedrocks of Corrie at the moment.
It feels like Jack and Vera are going to come in at any moment - that house is like a bloody shrine.....ditto other houses - Becky smashed in the Barlow front door with an axe and it was replaced by an identical one.
My biggest annoyance is the shop - THE. WORST. SHOP. LAYOUT. EVER. Dev's had so called empire of shops before Maya - he would surely be aware of how to present a successful shop. Things are bunged anywhere with tatty shit hung on the walls.
Alf Roberts had the best looking shop when he re-opened as Alf's mini-mart. It was ruined by Brendan Scotts weird Victorian layout and never recovered.
VoodooChic is offline   Reply With Quote
 
Reply




 
Forum Jump


All times are GMT. The time now is 12:37.