Bowl a maiden over!
NEWCOMER IDA IS HIDING A LITTLE SECRET…
Corrie was rather late to the party with sexuality – by the time Todd launched himself at Nick,
Brookie, Emmerdale and
EastEnders had been gaying things up for years. Yet, they did lead the way with transgender characters, when the world was introduced to the iconic, wonderful Hayley Cropper in 1999. However, we’re not sure if this week the show takes a step forward or two big ones back, as we meet Jack Duckworth’s
female alter ego, Ida Fagg!
No, Jack isn’t having a belated rethink of his whole identity. His new alter ego comes from the Street ladies’ bowling team’s desperation to win the championship – and Jack’s simple desire to win a £200 bet if they do.
When Hayley finds herself disqualified after it’s discovered she’s still registered to a different guild from when she was Harold, the girls at the factory run up a frock for Jack, teach him feminine ways and Ida is born, the very definition of a handsome woman.
However, there’s a twist in this tale. As Ida goes to take her first shot, she locks eyes with arch-rival Edie Bagshaw and a memory stirs for both. Jack knows Edie… or Eddie, as she was back in their national service days! Quickly, the pair come to an agreement – they’ll keep each other’s secrets and may the best girl win!
We’d like to think Jack’s tact came from knowing Hayley, having learned tolerance and respect. Sadly, it was probably the cash, but it’s a nice thought so we’re holding onto it…
SEAN’S SHOW
Talking of the LGBTQ+ community, Sean moves to the Street this week, following a first appearance the previous year. Sean is now soap’s longest-serving openly gay character by far, bringing representation to the Street for over 20 years and more than 2,000 episodes.