Latest news with #BeautifulThing
Metro
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Coronation Street legend confirms return with tongue in cheek swipe at the show
Award-winning Coronation Street writer Jonathan Harvey has confirmed his return to the ITV soap. Having penned 331 episodes over more than two decades, he announced in September that his final episodes were due to air. 'I took a step back from writing Corrie back in April,' he wrote at the time. 'After 20 years I wanted a break! The way the show works means I still have 2 episodes to air. Penultimate one is tonight and I'm v proud of it.' Fans were quick to tell him to 'hurry back', with another commenting that Jonathan is 'one of the most talented writers on that team.' Starting his career as a secondary school teacher, before branching off as a playwright in 1987, one of his most notable pieces is Beautiful Thing, a story following two gay teenagers that live next-door to each other on a London social housing estate. It was later adapted for screen in 1996, with future soapstars Linda Henry and Tameka Empson taking on lead roles many years before appearing as Shirley Carter and Kim Fox in EastEnders. He found later success with BBC sitcom Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, which starred Kathy Burke. Yesterday he took to Instagram to reveal he's written an episode that will air next week – and it's bound to be packed full of comedy. Dev Alahan's (Jimmi Harkishin) wedding to Bernie Winter (Jane Hazlegrove)! Jonathan couldn't help but poke at the soap's recent reliance on police and hospital scenes, writing: 'My first episode of Corrie since I came back will air soon. 'Dev and Bernie's wedding! But this being modern day Corrie it wouldn't be a proper episode without the arrival some blue lights.' More Trending One viewer commented: 'Thank goodness you're back, that's really, really great news.' Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! Another added: 'So glad you're back.' Jonathan was invited by Granada Television to join the Coronation Street team in 2004, though was initially reluctant. After guiding Todd Grimshaw's coming-out story, he became part of the regular pool of writers. View More » He also wrote Corrie!, which toured the UK throughout 2010-11 to coincide with the 50th anniversary celebrations and was the genius behind online spin-off series Ken and Deirdre's Bedtime Stories. MORE: Reunion hopes grow in Emmerdale as Robert and Aaron share warm scene MORE: Grinning Coronation Street newlyweds Jack P Shepherd and Hanni Treweek emerge after wedding party MORE: EastEnders legend Rita Simons making major body change after having 'regrets'
Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Coronation Street newcomer Ollie's past TV roles as he makes move on Dee-Dee
Coronation Street fans were introduced to new character Ollie in tonight's episode, as he insisted on buying Dee-Dee a drink, but where have fans seen actor Raphael Akuwudike? There was another new face introduced in the cobbles tonight, as Coronation Street fans were introduced to new character Ollie, played by actor Raphael Akuwudike. Ollie was a regular punter in the Rovers, who came over to Dee-Dee Bailey and insisted on buying her a drink. As he tries to chat her up, Dee Dee can't help being charmed, although reluctant to get to know him at first. Is happiness finally on the horizon for Dee-Dee or could Ollie be bringing even more trouble into her life? Although Dee-Dee may not have seen Ollie before, many Coronation Street fans would have, as it's not Raphael's first soap, or TV role. Although his roles may have been small, fans may be scratching their heads as they wonder where they've seen him before. Murder mystery fans may recognise the new character for his role as Kit Harcourt in The Marlow Murder Club. The star played the role as Kit Harcourt, alongside stars including Samantha Bond, Jo Martin and Cara Horgan. In the small role earlier this year, Kit's was found at the Marlow Yacht Club, and he was killed by a blow to the head. Coronation Street isn't his first soap role however, as he starred in an episode of Doctors in 2019, as he starred as Beni Cameron. The actor has also starred in a number of theatre shows, including The Player Kings (The Noel Coward); Beautiful Thing (Stratford East); Romeo and Juliet (The Almeida) and Sons of the Prophet (Hampstead Theatre). It's been a tough ride for Dee-Dee this year - and she's certainly not had the best of luck in her love life. She thought she found the love of her life with fiancé Joel Deering, however, his sick crimes came to light last year and he was killed shortly after. While with Dee-Dee, Joel attempted to kill Lauren Bolton, before she went on the run for months - only to return pregnant with his child. Lauren later got her own back as it was revealed she was the one who pushed Joel into the river. However, Dee-Dee's nightmare didn't end there, as she later found out she was pregnant with Joel's child. Will she ever find her happy ever after?
