Perdita
28-03-2009, 12:13
Coronation Street star Craig Charles has praised the ability of the soap's writers.
The former Red Dwarf actor, who plays cab firm owner Lloyd Mullaney, claimed that the writing team deserve more credit for the ITV1 show's continuing success.
Asked why the programme remains so popular, Charles replied: "I think it's because Corrie has that common touch and can paint in broader strokes, but never loses attention to detail.
"You've got a lovely comic scene, which is followed by a scene of real trauma and emotion. In many ways it's like Red Dwarf - the secret is in the writing.
"The writing is like 70% of it, and as long as you've got the writing right, then it's not that hard for the actors to play [it] because it's there, you've just got to bring those words into life."
Charles also suggested that comic scenes form a major part of the long-running soap's appeal.
"I think it's the funniest thing on telly," he explained. "Its comedy traditions are long established, but they've got some of the best comic actors in this country, like Malcolm Hebden, who plays Norris, Maggie Jones, who plays Blanche, and Simon Gregson, who plays Steve McDonald, and is such a classic comedy actor."
Charles was criticised earlier this year after reportedly complaining about the programme's fans.
The former Red Dwarf actor, who plays cab firm owner Lloyd Mullaney, claimed that the writing team deserve more credit for the ITV1 show's continuing success.
Asked why the programme remains so popular, Charles replied: "I think it's because Corrie has that common touch and can paint in broader strokes, but never loses attention to detail.
"You've got a lovely comic scene, which is followed by a scene of real trauma and emotion. In many ways it's like Red Dwarf - the secret is in the writing.
"The writing is like 70% of it, and as long as you've got the writing right, then it's not that hard for the actors to play [it] because it's there, you've just got to bring those words into life."
Charles also suggested that comic scenes form a major part of the long-running soap's appeal.
"I think it's the funniest thing on telly," he explained. "Its comedy traditions are long established, but they've got some of the best comic actors in this country, like Malcolm Hebden, who plays Norris, Maggie Jones, who plays Blanche, and Simon Gregson, who plays Steve McDonald, and is such a classic comedy actor."
Charles was criticised earlier this year after reportedly complaining about the programme's fans.