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Will ITV stop at nothing in forcing the useless and unliked characters down our throats. Since the arrival of Ms Collins and her brood she has featured in every major storyline going. For someone who has only recently arrived in the street she seems to have to stick her nose into everyones business and giving them the benefit of her advice. Rubbish character
Coronation Street fans have seen a whole new side to Karl Munro in recent weeks as his desire to win back Stella Price has driven him to shocking measures.
Last week, over 10 million viewers watched Karl set fire to the Rovers Return in a desperate bid to sabotage Stella's relationship with Jason Grimshaw. The destructive blaze led to the death of firefighter Toni Griffiths, while Sunita Alahan remains critically ill in hospital after being caught up in the incident.
We recently chatted to John Michie, who plays Karl, to hear his thoughts on his character's recent antics and where things go from here.
How do you feel about Karl turning to the dark side?
"Well, the first thing is that it's really interesting to play. Karl now has these strange thoughts in his mind all the time. There's a lot more going on in Karl's head, so I'm enjoying that side of it.
"I suppose it's also enjoyable because it creates great situations with the other characters. At the moment, the audience knows what's going on but the other characters don't, and I think that's always fun for the viewers."
Were you surprised at this change in direction for Karl, or do you think this dark side was always lurking beneath the surface?
"I was surprised, because it was quite a radical and quick change, but I think it was always beneath the surface in some ways. For example, Karl thought it would be acceptable for him to go and have an affair, but not for Stella to move on with somebody else. As soon as Stella was with Jason - who's the type of person Karl used to be 20 years ago - then the jealousy and the middle aged angst all kicked in, and he just had to get his woman back.
"I can see that Karl would want to get Stella back at any cost, but the cost has been much, much greater than he thought. He wouldn't ever have wanted to be responsible for anyone's death, but he's in a situation where he is, because Toni has just passed away. Karl is finding that very hard to deal with, but he's just selfishly surviving as best he can."
Did you have much prior warning that Karl would start the fire?
"Yeah, I knew in advance that Karl would end up starting the fire and that he'd be driven to desperation in his attempts to kill the relationship between Stella and Jason. Once I knew what was coming, I had to try to build up the thoughts of the character to make that believable."
With Sunita fighting for her life in hospital, is Karl actively hoping that she will die?
"It's strange, because like I said, Karl doesn't want to be responsible for anyone's death. However, at the same time, he knows that Sunita has the knowledge to put him down. If she exposes what he's done, he'll go away for a long time - if not for life. Karl is struggling within himself and he is prepared to let Sunita go to save himself."
Have you had much reaction or feedback from Corrie fans since we saw Karl start the fire?
"Mostly it's been from people saying that the show is really buzzing at the moment. They've been really excited by watching it. Obviously there's a bit of a negative response from some people when you're playing a villainous character! (Laughs.) But you just have to let that go over your head. The general response is just that people are loving the show."
Will Karl find it easy or difficult to hide his guilt as the story moves forward?
"Karl's an operator - he always has been and always will be! He actually doesn't find it that hard to physically hide his guilt. The only thing is that he is suffering incredible emotional turmoil from the guilt that he feels."
That guilt must be particularly difficult for Karl to handle when he sees Dev and the kids…
"Really, really difficult! I just imagine Karl crying at night with the devastation that he's brought onto that family, and that's the hardest thing for him."
With Jason suspecting that Karl started the fire, can we expect more tension between those two?
"Jason tries to wind Karl up a bit, which is a bit dangerous considering the state that Karl's in! He's definitely someone who Karl is beginning to hate more and more. I think Jason needs to watch his step!"
Do you think Karl is becoming irredeemable, or does he still have some redeeming qualities?
"I always play it so that Karl does have redeeming qualities - he's just caught up in events. The trouble is how serious those events are, so we'll have to wait and see whether he can stay in the show or not. Obviously there has to be some moral retribution.
"I actually don't know myself how villainous Karl will become. Whether he'll ramp up his campaign to keep Stella at whatever cost, I don't know. I'll have to wait and see what the writers come up with!"
Karl and Stella will soon start growing closer again. Is Karl making the moves on her, or is it more of a mutual thing?
"Karl is definitely making the moves on Stella, in a slightly obsessive way. He's trying hard to calm himself and be as normal as possible. However, because he's in such an emotional state, he finds it hard to approach Stella in a natural, normal way."
If Karl did get Stella back, would he treat her better this time around?
"Definitely. Well, that's his intention anyway!"
Will Eva warm to Karl now?
"Yes, Eva comes round to seeing Karl as a potential stepfather who she can get along with. In the past, Eva and Karl have always disliked each other, mainly because they've been vying for attention from Stella. But Eva thinks that her mum needs a good man, and she's starting to think that maybe Karl is the right person for Stella after all, so she chills out a lot.
"Leanne, on the other hand, goes the other way and is very suspicious of Karl, his motives and him generally!"
How do you feel about being nominated for 'Best Actor' and 'Villain of the Year' at the British Soap Awards?
"It's great to be nominated. It's always good as an actor to have your work recognised, so I'm really, really chuffed. The other two Corrie guys who are up for 'Best Actor' - Alan [Halsall] and Jimmi [Harkishin] - are good mates of mine, so it'll be good fun.
"I've been to the Soap Awards once before and I remember that I had such a ball. It's a great night out."
Is there anything you'd say for why our readers should be backing Corrie in the voting this year?
"Well, it's the only soap that I've ever watched. I've dipped into it all my life. I think it's the writing - the writing team here at Corrie are fantastic. We've got very, very strong writers who tend to stay here for a long time, because they love the show. Of all the shows that I've worked on, this is definitely the happiest bunch of people that I've ever worked with.
"The writing is everything on this show - all of us are only as good as the writing. I would definitely doff my cap to the writers!"
Coronation Street star John Michie has revealed that Leanne will become suspicious of Karl's motives.
Last week, viewers saw Karl set fire to the Rovers Return in a desperate bid to sabotage Stella's relationship with Jason Grimshaw. The destructive blaze led to the death of firefighter Toni Griffiths, while Sunita Alahan remains critically ill in hospital.
Stella and Karl will start growing closer again next week, with even Eva beginning to warm to Karl since he has been hailed a hero for rescuing her mum from the fire. However, Leanne will not be so trusting of him.
Speaking to Digital Spy, Michie said: "Eva comes round to seeing Karl as a potential stepfather who she can get along with.
"In the past, Eva and Karl have always disliked each other, mainly because they've been vying for attention from Stella. But Eva thinks that her mum needs a good man, and she's starting to think that maybe Karl is the right person for Stella after all, so she chills out a lot.
"Leanne, on the other hand, goes the other way and is very suspicious of Karl, his motives and him generally!"
Michie also revealed that he is enjoying playing a darker side to Karl.
He added: "It's really interesting to play. Karl now has these strange thoughts in his mind all the time. There's a lot more going on in Karl's head, so I'm enjoying that side of it.
"I suppose it's also enjoyable because it creates great situations with the other characters. At the moment, the audience knows what's going on but the other characters don't, and I think that's always fun for the viewers."
It will probably drag on for a year or two ending with Peter saving Leanne just as Karl is trying to kill her for discovering the truth
In an explosive Christmas Day episode that will rock the cobbles.Quote:
Originally Posted by tammyy2j
In an explosive Christmas Day episode that will rock the cobbles.Quote:
Originally Posted by tammyy2j
Coronation Street's Stella Price may be forced to sell off a 50% share of the Rovers Return in order to reopen it in an upcoming storyline.
The landlady - who was injured in last month's fire at the pub - will turn to builder Owen Armstrong (Ian Puleston-Davies) for help, the Daily Star reports.
Viewers will see Stella, played by Michelle Collins, face a tough decision when she is discharged from hospital and realises the extent of the damage at the Rovers.
The cost of getting the pub open again will force Stella to consider going into partnership with someone.
Owen is employed to repair the damage, upon which Stella makes him an offer.
In scenes to be aired this month, Owen tells Stella: "Let me get this right, are you saying to me that if I cancel your debt and finish the repairs you'll give me half of the Rovers?"
"I've already got a business. How do I pay for all the materials and the lads?" Stella admits: "It's the only solution I can think of. Maybe you could ask the bank for a loan?
"They might say yes if they know you're investing in a second business. That's all I can offer you, I'm doing my best here - do you think I want to lose half my profit?"
It is rumoured that Owen will refuse to give Stella an answer, leaving the future of the ITV soap's iconic pub in doubt.
Recent rumours have suggested that Michelle Connor (Kym Lomas) will become the new landlady at the pub when it reopens.
A show insider said: "Stella has got her back against the wall.
"Owen is offered the deal first but if Michelle is set to be the new landlady then maybe Stella goes into business with her instead.
"Only time will tell."
Maybe Steve will buy it back and make Michelle the landlady.
Michelle Collins has revealed that her character Stella Price refuses to be pushed around by daughter Leanne Tilsley in an upcoming storyline.
Stella is in dire need of financial help from Leanne (Jane Danson) next week, as her insurance company decides not to pay out for repair work at the Rovers Return following the recent fire.
Leanne is happy to help her mum, but adds a shock condition to the mix by ordering her to dump Karl Munro (John Michie) if she wants the cash.
Corrie fans know that Leanne doesn't trust Karl and is looking for any way to get him out of Stella's life again.
Collins told All About Soap of Stella's troubles: "It's not looking good. Her insurance company is refusing to pay out because it seems Sunita started the fire, and she used keys to get into The Rovers - and if so, that means Stella hadn't stored the keys in a safe place.
"Stella's horrified, because she has already had Owen doing the refit work and she owes him thousands.
"Leanne's not happy about Stella and Karl being back together, or Karl being involved with the pub. Leanne says she will help Stella, but only if Karl is not on the scene. Basically, she's telling Stella to dump Karl in exchange for the money!"
The actress added: "She will not be blackmailed! She tells Leanne to stick her money. The thing is, Stella loves Karl and because he saved her life, she's totally blind to all his faults. She doesn't want to listen to anyone who tries to remind her of all the things he did to her."
Coronation Street continues tomorrow (April 24) at 7.30pm on ITV.
Crickey! Looks like another big storyline for St Ella. Who'd have thought it?
ME:crying::crying::sick:Quote:
Originally Posted by parkerman
CORONATION STREET bosses have decided the Price is right – and plan to make the Rovers family the top clan on the cobbles.
The family members, Jane Danson, Sue Johnston, Michelle Collins and Catherine Tyldesley have been rewarded with one year contract extensions.
And producers have started writing a host of new storylines which will make them the most heavily-featured characters in Weatherfield.
The family are currently at the centre of the Rovers fire drama — with Michelle’s character Stella rekindling her romance with arsonist Karl Munro (played by John Michie).
And when that plot runs its course, Stella, Eva (Tyldesley), Gloria (Johnston) and Leanne Tilsley (Danson) will be thrust even further into the limelight.
Last night a show source said: “Leanne has been on the show for years but the rest of the Prices are all pretty new and, after some early teething problems, have become a real success story.
“Gloria’s meddling behaviour is hugely popular with viewers.
“Eva’s great and Catherine has turned into one of the biggest stars on the Street now.
“Michelle got a lot of stick over her northern accent when she first arrived. But she’s come into her own and everyone is delighted she’s staying.”
The source added: “The Price family are a proper Corrie clan. There are three generations under one roof. They’ve all got stuff in their past and are in and out of relationships which makes them an absolute dream for the writers.
“The possibilities are endless and they are going to become central to the show, hopefully for years to come.”
Michelle, who played EastEnders superbitch Cindy Beale for ten years — and Catherine joined Corrie in April 2011 as mother and daughter, with Sue signing up as Michelle’s mum last year.
Jane joined in 1997 but discovered Michelle’s character Stella was her biological mother when she arrived on the Street.
(c) The Sun
WHAT A DISASTER THIS WILL BE
Everyone - that must include you, Alan! :DQuote:
Originally Posted by alan45
i'm not sure they are that good? and EVa is bit dull, Gloria is good and it's gr8 to see an older person with opinions some of which reflect how life has changed and not necessarily for the better, but Karl and Stella? oh please, boring, and not abit real, I can't buy into this romance at all, Karl has nothing bout him!! may if stella cottons onto his tricks and plays him, then we may have interest, but glad I record so I can fast forward.
Lets hope they give Scary Mary some more years, she's a hoot
CORONATION STREET bosses have decided the Price is right – and plan to make the Rovers family the top clan on the cobbles.Quote:
Originally Posted by parkerman
The family members, Jane Danson, Sue Johnston, Michelle Collins and Catherine Tyldesley have been rewarded with one year contract extensions. Jane Danson and Sue Johnston yes of course
And producers have started writing a host of new storylines which will make them the most heavily-featured characters in Weatherfield. I thought they already were
The family are currently at the centre of the Rovers fire drama — with Michelle’s character Stella rekindling her romance with arsonist Karl Munro (played by John Michie).Naturally as thehey lived in the pub and were involed in the storylineAnd when that plot runs its course, Stella, Eva (Tyldesley), Gloria (Johnston) and Leanne Tilsley (Danson) will be thrust even further into the limelight. Is that actually possible??????
Last night a show source said: “Leanne has been on the show for years but the rest of the Prices are all pretty new and, after some early teething problems, have become a real success story.Dream on.“
Gloria’s meddling behaviour is hugely popular with viewers. Fair Comment
“Eva’s great and Catherine has turned into one of the biggest stars on the Street now. Surely they mean Biggest Egos
“Michelle got a lot of stick over her northern accent when she first arrived. But she’s come into her own and everyone is delighted she’s staying.” Not everyone, and her accent as well as her acting is still crap
The source added: “The Price family are a proper Corrie clan. There are three generations under one roof. They’ve all got stuff in their past and are in and out of relationships which makes them an absolute dream for the writers. Who cares about the viewers so lonag as the luvvies can indulge themselves in writing inane crap
“The possibilities are endless and they are going to become central to the show, hopefully for years to come.” Lord help us. Looks like Corrie will become my new Deadenders
Michelle, who played EastEnders superbitch Cindy Beale for ten years — and Catherine joined Corrie in April 2011 as mother and daughter, with Sue signing up as Michelle’s mum last year.
Jane joined in 1997 but discovered Michelle’s character Stella was her biological mother when she arrived on the Street. In a really believable well though out storyline
Leanne will always be a Battersby to me, bring back Toyah
Really?Quote:
“Gloria’s meddling behaviour is hugely popular with viewers.
.
I'm a fan of Gloria's, I must admit :ninja:Quote:
Originally Posted by tammyy2j
I like Sue and sometimes Gloria has good moments but most have been bad imoQuote:
Originally Posted by Dazzle
I agree, tammy. I think her character is overdone. But that's because the family are involved in everything that goes on in the street. A little less air time and a little more subtlety wouldn't come amiss.
Do producers/scriptwriters read forums like ours? Where do they get the info from that characters are much loved by the public????
Obviously not. It would seem that these delusions about St Ella are brought about by the consumption of too much alcoholQuote:
Originally Posted by Perdita
Thank you but I would maybe like a more unbiased viewpoint and what would be even better, from somebody in the soap opera business, no offence Alan x
and les and janice and cillaQuote:
Originally Posted by tammyy2j
why do corrie believe stella and her clan are popular?
See aboveQuote:
Originally Posted by lizann
See aboveQuote:
Originally Posted by lizann
As Stella faces financial ruin, a furious Owen demands payment for all the work he's carried out on the Rovers. With an ultimatum from Leanne weighing heavy on her shoulders, what will Stella choose: the money or Karl? Michelle Collins reveals Stella's predicament...
(Warning, this interview contains storyline spoilers)
Question: Why is Stella in such a financial mess?
Answer: The insurance are refusing to pay out because they think that Sunita used keys to get into the pub to start the fire, meaning the keys were not stored in a safe place. in the meantime she has already had Owen doing the work, so she owes him thousands.
Q: Leanne offers her the money, but gives her an ultimatum. What’s her ultimatum?
A: Leanne is still not happy about Stella and Karl being back together. Leanne says she will help, but only if Karl is not on the scene. Basically she is telling Stella to dump Karl in return for the money...
Q: How does Stella react to that?
A: She tells Leanne to stick her money, she loves Karl and is totally blind to his faults so she doesn’t want to listen to anyone who tries to remind her of what he did to her. Since the fire she has blocked out the bad things he did in the past and tried to rewrite history a little.
Q: How does Owen react when Stella tells him she can’t afford to pay him?
A: He reacts in typical Owen style. He is shocked and furious, he immediately tells Gary and the lads to down tools and starts to remove fixtures and fittings from the pub.
Q: Why does Stella decide to offer Owen half the Rovers?
A: She is left with no choice, she doesn’t have the money. If he doesn’t finish the pub refurbishment she is ruined. The only way forward is to go into partnership with him so at least she will still have a roof over her head and a chance of making a go of the business.
Q: What’s his reaction?
A: He just wants his money really but he also faces ruin so he is left with no choice either, it is not an ideal situation. He decides he is going to go with it but then he finds them all celebrating Karl and Stella’s engagement at the Bistro and he is furious because she has told him she is broke. The whole deal is thrown into doubt.
Q: Why is Stella so willing to forgive Karl after everything he’s done?
A: Well she doesn’t have the benefit of knowing what the viewers know. All she sees is someone who loves her and makes her feel safe, who saved her life and seems to have changed for the better.
Q: Do you think Karl can be trusted?
A: Stella clearly thinks he can. Karl has always been her weakness and he has of course got her at a time when she is very vulnerable. She nearly died. It is one of those great soap stories where the viewer knows exactly what is going on but the people involved have no idea! I am sure I will have lots of people coming up to me and telling me what a bad lot he is!
Q: What advice would you give Stella about her relationship?
A: She isn’t willing to listen to advice. It is one of those situations where someone has made their mind up and even Leanne can’t get through to her. It doesn’t help of course that Gloria thinks Karl is great so he has a good ally there. And whilst people may not like Karl no one actually knows he started the fire - that big secret is sitting there just waiting to be revealed!
John Michie will leave the soap later this year, reports have revealed.
The actor, who plays Weatherfield villain Karl Munro, has recently signed a six-month contract extension to see his character's storyline out to its rightful conclusion, according to the Daily Star.
Karl's exit is understood to be a storyline-led decision as fans will naturally be expecting a comeuppance for the schemer after he set fire to the Rovers Return and killed Sunita Alahan.
The pub blaze and its aftermath has become one of the year's biggest storylines, so show bosses are now busy planning a dramatic ending for the tale.
Meanwhile, the Daily Star also reports that Sunita's former partner Dev Alahan (Jimmi Harkishin) will find himself in danger in an encounter with Karl.
Upcoming scenes see Karl left in a panic when Dev slowly starts to realise that Sunita may have been framed for the Rovers blaze.
As a 'friendly' Karl urges Dev to let go of his suspicions, he picks up a golf trophy and hides it behind his back - leaving fans to wonder whether he is about to strike again.
Karl is quoted as saying: "Raking over the coals like this is just not helping. The kids have already lost their mum, if you don't get a grip then they might be in danger of losing you as well."
Michie joined Coronation Street two years ago as part of a new era for the Rovers Return. His on-screen partner Michelle Collins (Stella) will be sticking with the soap for the foreseeable future along with the rest of the Price clan.
Good news all round then....er....Quote:
Originally Posted by Perdita
+-+-+-+-+-+-
Would have better to have Karl kill Stella before he is caught out
At least there are some things we agree on :pQuote:
Originally Posted by tammyy2j
Stella Price will stand by Karl Munro when faced with an ultimatum from daughter Leanne, Michelle Collins has revealed.
Collins, 51, admitted that Karl has always been Stella's "weakness" in an interview with the ITV soap's official website.
She explained: "Well, she doesn't have the benefit of knowing what the viewers know. All she sees is someone who loves her and makes her feel safe, who saved her life and seems to have changed for the better. Stella clearly thinks he can.
"Karl has always been her weakness and he has got her at a time when she is very vulnerable. It is one of those great soap stories where the viewer knows exactly what is going on but the people involved have no idea."
Viewers have already seen Stella's daughter Leanne Tilsley warn her against her reunion with Karl. Last week, Karl threatened Leanne and told her to keep her opinions to herself.
However, when Stella faces financial troubles this week, Leanne offers her mother a loan but tells her she needs to choose between the loan and her relationship with Karl.
Collins admitted: "I am sure I'll have lots of people coming up to me and telling me what a bad lot he is!
"She isn't willing to listen to advice. It is one of those situations where someone has made their mind up and even Leanne can't get through to her," she said.
"Whilst people may not like Karl, no-one actually knows he started the fire - that big secret is sitting there just waiting to be revealed!"
It was confirmed earlier this week that Karl Munro actor John Michie will bow out of the soap later this year when his current storyline reaches its conclusion.
I'm convinced Gloria has some money tucked away; would have been interesting to see what happened if there was no other alternative. Sure that Leanne will be saying I told you so at some point but I wonder if this will impact on Leanne's relationship with Stella in the meantime :hmm: Either way, if Leanne finds out about Nick and Kylie around the same time as Stella finds out about Karl, I think that would bring them closer again.
Gloria gave Eva money for her holiday in Ibiza so maybe she hasQuote:
Originally Posted by Kim
I like to see Leanne as the new landlady and owner of the pub
.
So Stella says Yes to Karl , please god noooooooooooo. I can see it now, do you Karl take Stella, no no I can't do it, it was me I burnt down the pub whatever her name was tried to stop me and I killed her too and planted the keys on her, and the assembled guests are all a gasp with Norris saying I knew it was him all along.
Absolutely right. I just posted something similar (only not as graphic) on the Coronation Street Latest Episode thread before I read your post. Soap weddings - don't you just love them!?
Coronation Street star John Michie has revealed that Dev Alahan should be careful of his character Karl Munro.
Dev (Jimmi Harkishin) is currently realising that Sunita may have been framed for the Rovers blaze, leaving Karl in a panic.
Speaking at a Coronation Street press day yesterday, Michie said: "Dev starts to get an idea in his head about what went wrong with the investigation and Karl realises that Dev will start to stir up a tornado.
"He is capable of anything. He has nothing to lose now. He is a desperate man. He has gone that far that he can't turn back now, so beware anyone who gets in his way.
"He feels incredibly guilty for what he has done to Dev and the children. He has killed their mother. He feels really bad about it. But everything Karl says to Dev is a lie."
However, Michie defended his alter ego's actions, insisting that Karl isn't evil, just desperately in love.
The actor said: "Karl will do whatever he can to be with Stella. He's not a monster. He is just obsessed with her. He's in love with her. He will do anything to be with her. It's all out of love."
Michie continued: "He has to justify everything he does, otherwise he would kill himself. He is not a killer. I am not keen to play an evil killer.
"He is going to have a struggle with himself. He gets caught up in a mess and he does the wrong thing but he does it out of a psychotic obsession from his love for Stella."
It has been confirmed that Michie will leave the soap at the end of the year, once his character's storyline has come to its conclusion.
Speaking about his exit, Michie said: "I am leaving once he gets found out but I don't know when that is going to be. The scripts aren't written yet. But I am leaving."
Coronation Street boss Stuart Blackburn has promised an exciting summer for the soap.