“Fans hate Phelan – but don’t want him to go!”
Soap lovers far and wide let out an almighty gasp when it was revealed that Corrie’s Andy was alive after all! And this jaw-dropping moment was thanks to villainous Pat Phelan – played by actor Connor Mcintyre, who has scooped the Best Bad Boy prize for a second time…
How did you react when you found out about the Andy reveal?
So much work was put into it, and even though I knew what was going to happen, I still went “Wow!” when I saw it on screen. I’m thrilled that it’s won Best Shock Twist!
And congratulations for being crowned soap’s baddest bloke once again! How does it feel?
I was humbled to pick up Best Bad Boy last year because there are some really good villains in soapland, and Phelan was only just getting started then! Winning this prize again reflects what I hear on the street: “We really hate you, but we don’t want you to go just yet!”
Is anyone in Weatherfield safe?
Well, his arch-nemesis Anna Windass has become a right pain, and he’s resentful and angry – so we’ll see that unfold. Kevin is embroiled with Anna, Daniel is poking around, and where do young Seb’s loyalties lie? The only person who is safe is Roy!
Do you have any advice for Phelan going forward?
I’d say, “Hand yourself in before you kill anyone else!”. Interestingly, viewers think he’s killed loads of people, and fans don’t believe me when I say it’s just one.
How might Phelan finally get his comeuppance?
You’d think the writers would have to offer an Eileen and Phelan confrontation. The only people that could get Pat to sit down and confront his behaviour would be Eileen and Nicola. That would be lovely, but I trust the Corrie team implicitly. I’ll be there until there is no more need for Pat Phelan – and of course
I’ll miss him!
As if murdering James wasn’t bad enough, deranged Emma Barton then moved on to further twisted activities – which included terrorising a child, stealing a baby and shooting her own son! Although Emma met her maker when she was pushed to her death, we’re delighted to have actress Gillian with us to pick up her Best Bad Girl Award…
Congratulations on the win, Gillian! How does it feel knowing Emma is so popular?
I’m so grateful, and it means a lot knowing that readers enjoyed what I did with Emma.
Obviously her actions were a bit dodgy, but there was a lot of love in her. Anyone who has the capacity to love is going to be more watchable, and you’ve got to have some sympathy for someone like that.
Can you give us any clues about Emma’s murder?
You’ll need to watch the flashbacks to find out what happened to her! Nobody knows what went on, and you won’t find out until it’s aired next month. As the f lashbacks keep coming, the audience will think, ‘Oh, that’s something that we never thought about…’
How did it feel filming your exit?
I loved falling off the bridge!
I had to be put in a harness, and fall through the air with a green screen underneath. That’s when I felt the most support from my friends in the crew, and realised how lucky I was to have played this character.
Which cast member would you like to present an award to?
I have a very special relationship with
Joe Gill [aka Finn] and he should get an award for being the best son, as well as my other two boys. It was so great working closely with him, and I think he’s going to go so far. He’s still only 23!
“You had to have sympathy for Emma!”