SOAP WATCH

JACI STEPHEN’S ultimate insight into the week’s soaps

Any chance you get to make an impact in acting must be grasped with both hands clawing. The problem for producers is when a character is introduced as a bit part and then the actor does such a brilliant job, the show must find ever more complicated plots to keep him or her in the role.

Take Coronation Street’s Pat. Introduced to compromise Anna’s marriage, he is now very established – and a serial killer to boot. That’s down to the brilliance of Connor McIntyre, and while the storylines are utterly ludicrous, it is the actor’s skill that is ensuring the longevity of the monster.

Moira’s another one. Originally the rather dull nemesis of Liz, Louiza Patikas transformed her into the hilarious seductress of newsagent Colin (Jim Moir). I hope they don’t run off into the sunset as it’s another brilliant comic pairing for which the Street is renowned.

Of course, not all part-timers want to blossom. EastEnders’ Tracey has been behind the bar of the Vic since 1985 with barely a hint of scandal – or a life, come to that. If she speaks, she has to take a nap. Let’s hope her ambitions stay muted.

SO LONG, FAREWELL?

Can Woody go a day without arguing? That’s the big question as the Carters plan a farewell party for him and Whitney (pictured), the notso-happy couple, who are off to Spain. Walford residents have yet to learn planes go to other countries (heck, they don’t even know there are cities outside London). Inevitably an argument almost spoils it all, but things are soon back on track after amateur counselling from Mick and Linda – which has to come second only to asking Henry VIII for marital advice.

Whitney donates her unused wedding gifts to Mick and Linda to raise money for the Vic.

Hmm. Given the quality on offer, they’ll be lucky to raise a tenner. Will it be plain sailing into the ether as the pair head off for their new life in the sun, or will Woody’s mood make the clouds descend? Actually, this man could eclipse the sun with his endless misery. As Whitney says her final goodbyes, she has another idea for Mick – alas, not one involving two more one-way tickets to Spain. One can but hope it’s a voucher for a salon to repair the leaning tower of Pisa that sits permanently perched on Linda’s head. Somebody buy her a decent hairbrush for Christmas, please. It can double as a weapon to whack Mick with.