SOAP WATCH

Whenever soaps want to up the ante in terms of comedy, they introduce an older female character who behaves with complete insensitivity to everyone, in particular her children and/or grandchildren.

Corrie’s Evelyn arrived with a torrent of insults, criticising everything relating to grandson Tyrone, his relationship with Fiz, and their children. The show’s latest hilarious feud is between Tim and mum Elaine, who seems intent on her son never having sex again. The exchanges between Sally and Elaine are a masterclass in one-upmanship.

Now Rhona’s mum Mary has joined the throng in Emmerdale. Manipulative and often cruel, she’s gone from criticising the bags under her daughter’s eyes to telling Marlon, in a very backhanded compliment, ‘She could do a lot worse than you.’

The matriarch who hides her kind heart has long brought the best humour to Soapland. Who can forget Maureen’s wonderful wheelchair-bound mother Maud in Corrie?

These harridans may be too honest for their own good, but we still love them, and wish them a very happy Mother’s Day.

IN A RIGHT STU

There’s bad news at the hospital (no change there) when, after finally being persuaded to attend his appointment, Stuart learns that his cancer has grown. Determined to stand by his holistic approach, he has to cover when Bernie questions his supplements. Naturally, Foghorn Sonia (I swear the trumpet was invented just to shut her up) tells Bernie about his cancer; but when Bernie goes to confront him, her waters break (pictured, inset). I never know why TV drama has to share this moment with us – way too much information – but after the tide subsides and

a baby boy enters the world, Rainie comes clean about Stuart (pictured, with Rainie) refusing treatment. Will Bernie hand over the baby? Let’s hope so; there are already too many Taylors in Walford.

Comedy moment of the week must surely be the interview for Pearl’s scholarship. What next? Mick signing up for Mastermind? On a sadder note, but potentially laughable as well, Mick asks for Janine’s help in planning Tina’s funeral. Shirley is none too happy at Janine returning, but then she’s never too happy about anything; she has misery Etch-a-sketched into her face.