Following the death of his partner David, the Rev Richard Coles has spoken about the portrayal of alcoholism on TV. He has also written a wonderful book about David’s battle with the disease.
To be fair, soapland is one place where alcoholism is never glamorised. Far from it: if Emily Bishop had ever consumed two small sherries in the Rovers in Corrie, they’d have had her whipped off to AA quicker than you could say Harveys Bristol Cream.
The Street’s Peter regretted his drinking as his liver went into decline while awaiting a transplant. Carla has become the voice of reason, having been on the wrong end of a bottle on many an occasion.
In Emmerdale, Laurel’s struggle to stay sober has been a breathtakingly honest insight into the mental and emotional struggles alcoholics face, in addition to the physical aspects. And EastEnders’ Phil has seen his life descend into chaos on several occasions owing to the demon drink. Now he ODs on orange juice.
In soapland, alcohol is never seen as an answer to anything, only as a drug to blot out reality – and the results are never pretty.
CORONATION STREET: COPPED IT – AGAIN
When Paul is suspected of having stolen a heat pump, it’s left to Craig to take him in for questioning (pictured)
Are there no other coppers in Weatherfield? Poor Craig is always rushed off his feet, arresting anyone who stands still long enough. Let’s hope he’s had a pay rise because he hasn’t slept more than an hour a night in two years.
Todd gets the upper hand over Paul again, and when Paul is suspected of having stolen a heat pump (it’s a really long, boring storyline; you don’t want to hear the finer detail, trust me), it’s left to Craig to take him in for questioning. So when is Todd going to be caught out for how he has manoeuvred his way back into Billy’s life?
There’s big news in the Weatherfield Gazette when Fiz participates in an article about women who’ve been dumped for a younger model (it’s a very slow news week). Alina’s not happy. Neither would I be if the only dressing-gown I get to wear is one that makes me look like a pink yeti.
Bottlegate update: they’re back! When Nick
