Big Brother: Week One woes

Well, week one in the Big Brother house certainly went with hitch after hitch. 

Of course I'm not talking about the live content but of course the antics in (both!) of the houses. 

The Others were shaken to the core to see that some of them have more than just the connection of a wall between them.  

If I'm honest, there are so many of them in there, that I still haven't gotten my head around who I certainly like or dislike, but each person in that house is a character. 

Let's start with the Mains. Marco - I don't like him. I didn't from the moment he stepped into the house. I thought he was a show off - which is fine to an extent but he's very cocky and sure of himself and I don't like when people cross the fine line. I doubt the public will take to him either. Fair enough if he's in an open relationship with his fiancée and he and Laura certainly seem to be making the most of that. But it's the way he looks to the camera whilst with her... He's a creep. 

Whereas I think that Laura is playing the person who she thinks she has to be. She and Marco are trying to be the Steph and Jez of last Celeb BB. 

I like Jackson, he seems sincere, and Alex too. I think they will both pass their tasks now in the Other house and will gain their housemate status once more. Chelsea, however, not too sure about yet. 

The twins were strange ones. Especially Victoria and her reason for leaving. What did she think was going to happen living in a shared house? Of course there were going to meat eaters... 

Her line of opening the fridge to find a corpse inside is the line of the show so far. 

As for the Others.. They're a feisty bunch! 

Ryan I'm not sure about.. He could easily turn into someone you love to hate. But I'm wondering if his issue with Sam could be because he's attracted to him? 

As for Andrew, he could very easily ruin the undercover mission now he's in the main house for a while. He kind of already did! He likes to think of himself as a bit of a Mastermind. But in my experience know-alls are sometimes only No-alls... 

I don't actually dislike any of the other Others, they're just all very good game players. Which I suppose is why they were chosen! 

I like the thought process behind having a second house but since some of the housemates broke out and claimed to see Alex in the glass window of the Other house, and the Others shouted hello to the twins on their escape, maybe BB didn't think things through as much as they thought. I hope it won't ruin whatever else they have in store. 

I also think that once you break free and run through the chicken coops of backstage, you shouldn't be allowed to return to the house. End of. 

On Tuesday night, apparently, another twist will be revealed. What it will be who knows. 

It is a brand new game after all... 

What are your thoughts so far on the new series? 

Big Brother: Who are these Others?

Big Brother has revealed its biggest secret for the new series, so far, in announcing that the rumoured two houses is a fact, and the second of the homes will be populated by 'The Others'. Sounds like a terrifying movie, doesn't it?

Before I go into that, though, today was the day that BB released new house photos. It's certainly bright and reminded me of an 80's neon club! 

That said, it also has something 'spacey' about it which could coincide with 'The Others' theme. The Unknown... 

We've had secret bedsits or rooms in Big Brother before, but never two houses. Some may say the concept is the same but this series excites me. 

The housemates will apparently have no idea that there's another house, containing 'The Others', or that these Others will be fighting to replace them in the main house. Even if one or two housemates get an incline about another house, they or the Others surely won't realise that some of them are connected in more ways than just the walls of the BB house. I reckon it'll be family members, friends, enemies..? 

"Neither the housemates nor The Others are aware that some of them are already connected to each other," Channel 5 teased. "And these connections could turn both houses upside down. But what are these connections, and how will Big Brother use them to keep everyone on their toes?"

More may be revealed over the weekend - but we'll definitely have a bigger insight at Tuesday's 9pm lunch night... 

I'm back with Big Brother...

When I say back, I mean blogging back - not appearing on the summer series of BB back!

In 11 days - that's Tuesday 7th June - Emma Willis, who's practically JUST given birth to her third baby, Trixie Grace, along with BBBOTS' Rylan Clarke-Neal will be welcoming a new host of Big Brother contestants, aka Our New Best Pals for the summer! 

I'm actually more excited about this series than I have been about any other in recent years, because so far it hasn't been given a 'name', like Timebomb for example. 

Rylan has already said it'll be a "brand new game" and it's been described as 'unpredictable'.  That there is one of my favourite words, as its sub-meanings could be 'exciting', 'shocking' and...'OMG'. Exactly what we crave from BB, right? 

Channel 5 have also teased that from (perfect Marcus voiceover voice!) 'Day One in the Big Brother house' the housemates will be "under attack from an unseen ominous dark force that will have a dramatic and divisive effect on the house. Whilst things may appear to be straightforward, Big Brother will ensure that no-one will have the entire picture. There may even be deeper connections at work. The housemates are not alone and they should be prepared for paranoia and suspicion." Ooo-err! 

There have been rumours of a split house, or two separate houses, after planning permission was received to extend the plot. Other whispers are that celebrities and us mere civilians may share one house... I'm not sure about the celeb rumour because CBB is fab in its own right, and has been promised to follow right after the summer series. 

We also haven't had any house pictures yet, which is always a highlight of any Big Brother build-up, so who knows what other surprises are in store? 

But those teasers at Channel 5 have also revealed that the house has been "transformed into a slick, stark monochrome world. Whilst everything may appear to be black and white, that certainly won't be the case. Viewers should prepare for a 'yin and yang'-style force to evolve Big Brother for a new generation. This force will affect the housemates for better or for worse."

Have those tit-bits got you geared up for the new series, and what do you think is in store this year?

HOLLYOAKS: Major hearts for 'Trienna'...

Okay, so Sienna is possibly my fave Hollyoaks character (apart from Brendan Brady, obvs...).
Even in her crazier days, I was championing her.

And now I'm champing her new, possible relationship with Trevor Royle. Oh yes. The pair have been sharing a few close chats, as Si-Si helps Hollyoaks' hardest man come to terms with PTSD, following an attack on him by Sienna's fiance, Ben, his son Dylan's death at the hands of Gloved-Hand Killer, Lindsey, and a stint in prison for being framed for the Gloved-Hand killings himself.

Now, Sienna's friendship with Trev was met by a few 'WOAH'S' on social media, and over the weeks we've seen them strike up a closer bond, with Trevor especially looking like he's falling for arch-nemesis Ben's girl.

I think the pairing is genius from the writers, and the chemistry between Anna Passey and Greg Wood is electric.
It's also genius, especially with the messy situation revolving around Ben believing that Trevor killed his daughter, Carly, when actually it was Sienna's daughter Nico (who's set to turn even more murderous, herself, if the rumours be true...)
I also think it will give us another layer of Trevor, who's always been the 'scary' one in the village.
Sienna has (somehow!) managed to redeem herself after her crazy plots against Nancy Osborne, and pretending to be pregnant. Now she's softer somehow, and her relationship with Ben turned her into a family woman... but after Ben's erratic behaviour of late, it's easy to see how even Trevor, who's showing his softer side with Si-Si, looks appealing.

Anna Passey, who plays Sienna, has tweeted a pic of the two with the quote 'Trouble.'
Trouble, yes... But brilliant trouble at the least! And so many questions...

This week, things take a turn, as Sienna is stabbed, but who does it?
Both Nico and Grace are in the firing line - as Trevor finds Grace over a lifeless Sienna while Nico does a runner. With Trevor looking worried about his new love interest, just how far will their secret relationship go if Sienna pulls through? And how far has it gone already?
Sienna just has to pull through the attack on her, because this is a plot which could run and run. WIth Trevor on her side, will Nico's dramatic behaviour be reigned in and how will the teen cope if she learns of her mum's deceit on her step-dad, Ben, who she seemingly adores. Seemingly, because I also wonder if Nico is a little obsessed with Ben and wants to replace the daughter he lost. The daughter she killed. How will Grace behave if she finds out?
Ben has already attacked Trev once, so he may well do again if he catches the pair in the act.

But then, if Sienna and Trevor do fall head-over-heels, will it be the making of them both?

Forbidden love... Triena forever... But then again, look what happened to Freddie and Lindsey Roscoe!

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Hollyoaks: Get ready, Freddie!

I was devastated when Freddie Roscoe was killed by his wife, Lindsey (aka The Gloved Hand) but it didn't last long as the good people at Hollyoaks didn't keep his survival secret from us for too long. 

Fred has since been holed up in Police Witness Protection, and will soon be let loose back into the village, when DS Thorpe - who is possibly the worst copper, ever, in soap land! - realises that Trevor couldn't ever have been the serial killer. 

While Freddie has been away, the Roscoe's have said a final farewell to poor Ziggy (still can't get over it, *sob*) and Lindsey has managed to get her claws back into her 'safe place', that is Joe. 

While things begin to look up for Lindsey, in more ways than one, and Kim is happy that her sister (probably!) won't kill again, Freddie phones his wife... 

The conversation will surely go one of two ways...

'Hey honey... I'm home back from the dead!' 

It's this one that would prove to us that Fred doesn't have a dolly-donut that Lindsey is the one who almost bumped him off. 

But seeing as she's now 'pregnant' with Joe's baby, and we know from secret squirrel soap sites, that Freddie will be sleeping on the Nightingales' sofa, it doesn't look like Frindsey will be back together any time soon. Fred had best have eyes in the back of his head, as of course, when Linds goes to meet him, she brings along her trusty killer kit, to syringe him once more! Luckily for Freddie, his brothers walk in just at the right time, so he's safe from Hollyoaks heaven. For now...

Ellie Nightingale had also better watch out, as her feelings for Freddie also grow, and the pair end up getting it together. 

I'd bet that Lindsey will hate Freddie moving on without her, even though she sees Joe as her saviour. She's obviously a 'cake and eat it' kinda gal. 

The second way the conversation could turn is...

'Guess what, you didn't manage to really kill me, you psychotic crazy lady!' 

I doubt it'll be this one. If only for story progression. I can't help but wonder though, if Freddie does know deep down that Lindsey is the killer. 

He loves her, so is he protecting her, even though she was after his blood? And if he's not keeping schtum because of his feelings, has he got an ulterior motive, of revenge?
We know that Fred loves to dice with danger, so either way, it could work. 

We also know that Lindsey will be unmasked to her fellow villagers this year, and if Freddie isn't the one to prove her guilt, maybe it will come from little Charlie, who saw her kill Dr S'avage?

Failing that, there's also dastardly old Silas, who's returned to crack the Gloved Hand case himself. 

And like the old saying goes... It takes one to know one, if you know what I mean... 

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CBB - Time to be loud about it...

I've not blogged about this series of CBB, even though there has been loads to shout about! But I shall now break my silence, at what I'm hoping is just the right time...

Last week was the first full week in the house, even though it feels like we've been watching the drama-filled abode for about a month already!
I wasn't sure if this bunch of housemates would bring the entertainment of previous series' but I think it's actually been the best bit of BB telly in years. Tiffany's meltdown over the wrong David dying was actual gold. It was that uncomfortable I-know-I-shouldn't-laugh-but-I-have-to moment. It was here, too, that I began to change my views on certain housemates I thought I liked. John, for example. The worm turned here, as he headed up the 'get Tiffany out' brigade. The girl made a genuine mistake, and yes, she was shouting still at Angie afterwards, but I think it was more embarrassment than nastiness. We've all been there. I also don't understand why Kristina felt unsafe being around Tiffany, unless something happened which we weren't allowed to see by the people that be.

When you thought that David-gate couldn't be topped, off kicked Megan! Many girls have promised to show their boyfriends the video of her almighty blowup during future domestics. Megan's rant would make even Katie Hopkins shudder, I'm sure! But she did tell the truth, about John especially. And there was no need for him to correct her, or antagonise the situation, but he did.
John hasn't done himself many favours over the last few days, and nominating Darren Day proved that he wasn't actually that good a mate.
I also had respect for Megan, for when she walked back into the house, she remembered the whole argument, some word-for-word, so alcohol couldn't have had that big an affect.

But then, it was over to Stephanie Davis. Now - I don't agree that Jeremy is all innocent, as he shouldn't have pursued someone who had a boyfriend. But, he has tried to pull away, a number of times, and that's only what we've actually seen in an hours show. Steph crying in the diary room about upsetting Sam (her man) and then ten minutes later popping off to see Jeremy and jumping into his bed proved that she wasn't 'misunderstood' or 'naive' - she is actually a bit of a tartypants. And that's being polite!
Jeremy even said to her that she wants to have her cake and eat it, and I agree. The girl hasn't once accepted that her behaviour is the reason she's doubtful that Sam will still be by her side on the outside world. It's been Big Brother's fault, Jeremy's fault, other housemates' fault for mentioning about it... Everyone but her!
And on Sunday nights show, Stephanie didn't like Jeremy pushing her away, so she got him on the sofa, and told him that she loved him! 'Of course you don't, it's been ten days', Jeremy told her. And that's where he should have left it... Platonically until they leave the house. But Jeremy seems to me, a weak man, who can't refuse Steph's advances.

Stephanie's row with Gemma, who can't help but involve herself in everyone's drama!, really showed her colours. Gemma only said aloud what everyone else was gossping about. I loved Scotty T, who had revealed to the house that Jeremy and Steph HAD snogged, hiding under the duvet. It was his fault the house knew the truth!
Gemma was in the right throughout her argument, and Steph still couldn't admit her actions were the problem. No it wasn't Gemma, or the other housemates' business, but hearing someone cry about their relationship, only to do no favours to themselves five mins later must be annoying. I think I'd of said the same as Gemma in that situation. Twitter went into meltdown, and even Steph's ex-Hollyoaks castmates had no nice words about her... She's exactly what she says on the tin. But I can't wait to watch more!

And we may not have to wait much longer, as the CBB Facebook page has asked this question...

Yes, that is Sam Reece. Stephanie's 'boyfriend.' 

As it came from the official page, I'm thinking that there could be some truth... David Gest (who I'm gutted about leaving!) needs replacing, right? 

But would Sam have been a choice if there was no Steph/Jeremy fling? I hope it's not all been staged, on Steph's part. I think Jeremy is being completely honest about his feelings. 

Sam going in, however, would be AMAZING telly. I'd love him to go in, shake Jeremy's hand and say 'good luck...' and then crack on to make friends with everyone else, leaving Steph ignored and in the corner! 

It might be one of the best reunions of BB history, but will it cause too much trouble? 

In the excitement of the rumour, there's also an eviction tonight... John, Daniella, Tiffany and Kristina. It;ll be between John and Kristina I'd imagine. But to be honest, all I care about is getting Sam in that house!! 

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EastEnders: Beautiful tears...

Last night's double bill of my favourite soap blew people away. It was highly emotionally charged and both the writing and acting were award winning.

In the first episode we said goodbye to dear old Charlie Slater, which was a lot more heartwrenching than I expected when I first heard that he was going to Walford's heaven in the sky. I think maybe Kat's heartache, upon finding out that she has a secret son, and the betrayal by her mother and Mo, made it all the more poignant.
Kat had screamed blue murder at Mo, and Charlie, too, before his attack came on. In the shock of what was happening, the Slater secrets were swept under the carpet.

I thought it was so clever, that one of Charlie's last lines was all about Brian's secret family and the the fact that he had 'three girls'. The seed of doubt was planted in Kat's mind that Kyle was lying to Stacey about being her brother. Of course, we know that Kyle is Transgender, and hasn't yet managed to tell Stacey the truth.
This might well be a good thing, as Stacey's Post-Partum Psychosis escalated to frightening lengths during the second episode last night.
Convinced that baby Arthur is the son of God, Stacey thinks that everyone is out to take him away from her. And innocent remarks from those around her spurred this on.
I especially felt for Carmel last night. She's heartbroken for Shabnam and Kush, after discovering that they can't have any more children, and knowing that her one hope of having a grandchild is just across the Square was too much for her to keep quiet about. Bonnie Langford has slotted straight in to Alvert Square and I really like her character. The secret about Kush being Arthur's real dad was also revealed to Shabnam last night, as she overheard an upset Kush breaking down to Carmel, after he and Martin frantically tried to track Stacey and the baby down.
It's a complicated situation, where I feel for everybody involved, even Kush and Stacey, because although they did betray Shabnam and Martin by keeping their one night stand a secret, as far as I remember, that it happened while neither party was in a relationship with their now partners.

It was a sad goodbye to Uncle Charlie...

Talking of secrets, Phil and Alfie's hospital scenes were also a breath of fresh air to watch, as the two men opened up to each other about their health worries. Alfie has been told that his brain tumour will need operating on in the future, but with Charlie's death, and once he finds out abut Kat's secret son, how long will it take Alfie to tell the truth?
I'm looking forward to the Ireland spin-off, where the Moon's head off to find Zoe's lost twin, Luke. The social media rumour mill has said that not only could Sean Slater be the boy, but also Stacey's ex, Luke, played by Matt Willis (remember?!) The only evidence is that the two share the same name, but as Sister Ruth said - adopted baby's names are more than likely changed.
If Kat does find her son, then another character may well be introduced to the Square - and that's never a bad thing. I assumed when the plot was announced that he would be someone already living in Walfiod (I love a Soap coincidence!) but as it's gone on, I think the likelihood of that has shrunk.

The second episode of last night ended with Stacey on the roof of the Queen Vic, but before getting there, she believed she'd found a 'sign' from her dad, and called Kyle to meet her, as she thinks that her dad sent him, as the only one she can trust. It was a heartwarming scene as Kyle, who seems so desperate to be accepted by his sister, went along with Stacey's erratic plans, promising to looks after her and Arthur, even though his face told that he was concerned about Stacey's behaviour. Once the penny finally dropped for Kyle, that Stacey wasn't well, he called Martin, who then subsequently told Stace that Brian had never had a son...
Stacey was now even more petrified, and a worried Kyle watched as Stacey ran with Arthur, into a cab, where she had a vision of Charlie, telling her to go home. For EastEnders, this was a risky scene, but worked, as it took us into Stacey's mind.
As Stacey went upstairs at The Vic, I found it strange that Nancy didn't seem worried that she just went up to their home, and didn't immediately go to find out what Stacey wanted in the flat above The Vic.

Anyhow, Stacey wanted to go on to the rooftop to be closer to God.
The episode's end was filmed beautifully picturesque, as the camera zoomed outwards and upwards, leaving Stacey teetering at the point where her beloved Bradley fell to his death. Lacey Turner was astonishing during these episodes, and her acting shone. She was even praised on Twitter for an 'Oscar Winning Performance'!

Lacey Turner's performance was award winning... Surely!

Next week we will see Martin rush up to rescue her and Arthur, but Stacey then drops the bombshell that Martin isn't Arthur's dad. God is...
Martin will then realise that something is seriously wrong with Stacey's frame of mind, but how will he help her? And now that Shabnam knows the truth about Arthur's paternity, and with Stacey suffering with her Post Partum Psychosis, will she reveal the truth to Martin straight away?
I think the secret will stay hidden for a while longer, at least. One thing I will be surprised about is if Kush and Shabnam's marriage survives. I just don't think that Shabs will be able to stay, knowing the truth. I would like to actually see her moved in with Shirley, Buster and her daughter, Jade. The relationship building between Shabnam and Jade has been a nice, slow-burning one to watch, especially with the circumstances surrounding, and I think that Shirley and Shabnam could actually be a  good partnership with bringing Jade up, as they are so polar opposite.

EastEnders has surpassed its Christmas and New Year surprises, and it's only one week into the New Year. Looking ahead, I'm excited to see what's next... especially with Phil's cirrhosis storyline and him tracking down long-lost Louise... Roxy will also almost certainly have to return at some point, and Ronnie's life will be flipped once more with Jack's permanent return.
I definitely think it's time for a full-on Mitchell comeback over the coming months!

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Oh Hollyoaks, you've gone devilishly dark...

The reason Hollyoaks always has its praises sung by viewers is the way it doesn't do things by halves. I've said it before and I've said it again - the boundaries are always pushed by the soap.

And last night's first look over on E4 did that once again, bringing us into the New Year with a bang.

My favourite part was how the writers had me, along with many others it seems, feeling sorry for one of the most horrid men in soap.
When Patrick Blake's Motor Neurone Disease storyline was announce, I thought it was a clever way to take a character who had done so many unforgivable things, and put him into a position where you would easily have empathy for him.
Of course, over the last few months, and with Maxine back in his life, we saw Patrick's dark side once more. He's been setting Maxine up, to frame her for his murder, after begging her to help him die when he was ready. Patrick thought that Maxine was with him again in pity and believed that she truly wanted to be back with Darren Osborne. But at the eleventh hour, after Maxine refused to go through with the plan, Patrick realised that she did love him, and wanted to stay alive for his family's sake, as long as possible.

There were holes forming in Patrick's previous plan of framing Maxine, I thought. Especially as his daughter, Sienna, knew of his pleas about wanting help to die, and in turn Sienna had told her Bobby boyfriend, Ben.
But that didn't matter now, as Patrick had changed his mind, and with Sienna about to rush off to tell Maxine the good news, she was quickly stopped for a moment, when Patrick confessed to his video recording, which had been sent to Ben at the Police station, confessing all about Nico killing Carly.
Another redemption here from Patrick, who was genuinely concerned for his daughter's welfare at the hands of his murderous granddaughter.

The Blake's... Hollyoaks' very own family of doom...

Murderous? Not yet, because I do believe that Carly's death was an accident. But now, as Sienna rushed off to stop Ben from watching the recording, little did Patrick know that Nico had heard all on Minnie's baby monitor. And she would now turn into a murderer.
Knowing all about Patrick's previous plan to frame Maxine, Nico approached her granddad, telling him that they had a plan, and the police would think Maxine had done it... what with all the evidence he'd left behind.

And so poor Patrick was killed at the hands of his teenage granddaughter, with Maxine coming home (ecstatic at the messages left, that he'd changed his mind and wanted to live), and finding his body.

As Max screamed out, it was no one other than Darren who heard her...

I can't see this ending well for Maxine...or Darren.

If Maxine realises what Patrick had planned, what will she do to keep herself out of prison? And what's next for Nico?
We used to think that Sienna was bad, but her daughter's more than a chip off the old block, that's for sure.
Nico nearly lost it over her involvement in Carly's death, but this time she knew what she was doing, so I imagine she will act like the cold-hearted killer she's turned in to.

No wrong-doings stay hidden in soap for long, as even Lindsey's reign as the gloved-hand killer is set to be exposed this year. But will Nico strike again before her secret's out?

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Merry (ahem!) Christmas from EastEnders...

The one soap bubble I'm most looking forward to this Christmas Day is EastEnders, of course.
It's always been that tradition to sit and see how the residents of Walford are spending the most wonderful day of the year, It usually isn't happily and this year, for a fact, will be no different.

However, I want to begin by musing over a story which will really kick off on Christmas Eve, as Stacey gives birth to her son.
It's been revealed recently that Stacey will suffer from postpartum psychosis, which leads to a heartbreaking rooftop scene, where the troubled mum goes to the top of The Vic, to be closer to God. It's also the same place where she lost her husband, Bradley.
We also know that Kush is secretly harbouring the secret that he is Stacey's sons father and not his best pal Martin. Even more heartbreaking is, of course, that Kush's wife, and Stacey's best mate Shabnam recently lost their own son through stillbirth.
With Shabnam now going through a medical worry of her own, waiting to find out if she can have more children, Stacey's upsetting storyline has lead me to wonder whether Kush, with Shabs' persuasion will go for custody of his son.

I think that this would be a hard-hitting plot, especially as Shabnam will also find out that her hubby is Stacey's baby's dad over Christmas.
Shabs is fragile, from losing her own son, and her fragility will be made worse should she discover that it's unlikely that she will be able to have any more children. Imagine her pain, especially as Kush was a driving force in her backing out of going for custody of her daughter, Jade, who's now living with grandmother Shirley Carter.

If Shabnam does stick with Kush, and with Stacey's postpartum psychosis, the feeling of hurt and betrayal could easily drive Shabnam to push Kush into using poor Stacey's mental health to gain the family she so desperately wants.

But what about Martin? He's already dealt with Sonia cheating on him in the past, so will he forgive Stacey and Kush, especially as he's so excited about becoming a dad again. James Bye has effortlessly stepped into Martin's shoes and I think that this would be a perfect opportunity for him to really shine, should Martin go off the rails after this latest set-back. Deep down, Martin is a real Fowler, he's a family man. But then so was Arthur, and he went off the rails at least once in his life...
I'd love to see Martin mix with characters he may not have been involved with since his return, say, Vincent for example. Another guy who wants to be a family man, but has come off the rails because of the way his life has led him.

That's if Vincent isn't the victim of the Christmas Day tragedy... I had wondered if it would be him, but I'm now changing my mind. Especially since last night's ep - which I'd like to just take a moment to appreciate drunk Phil once more! Steve McFadden plays a blinder, and as horrid as it was watching Kim worry for baby Pearl, the comedy moments of Phil creeping out, kept the scenes a little lighter. His one liners to Sharon, and her massive disapproving looks were a chuckle!
Phil also revealed to Vincent that his dad actually 'did a runner', and you could maybe see Vincent believe him? Or at least see a seeded doubt.
I've always wondered if Claudette was the one who killed her hubby, after he possibly had an affair (maybe with Aunt Sal!). But now it seems that he could have ran off... Either way, Claudette has a vendetta against the Mitchell's.
Vincent ended last night's episode by telling his mum that Phil Mitchell is a dead man, tomorrow... We know that there will be a showdown, but I'm wondering if someone innocent will be caught in the crossfire. Fatboy, maybe? He's been about at the Hubbard's household quite a bit, and we know that he's leaving the Square.

We know it definitely won't be Phil, as he has a new battle of his own coming up in the New Year. Cirrhosis of the liver. Will this be the storyline to get Phil back on the wagon?
I think it's an amazing storyline to tackle, and as far as I believe, it's not yet been done in soap before. This could also see the Mitchell's really pull together again, after fraying over the past few months. There's no other family who forget their differences in a crisis like this one - and with Phil's teenage daughter Louise on her way home, maybe this time next year, Christmas at the Mitchell's will be a happier affair... But then again, maybe not!

I'll leave you with one final thought...
Remember that Bobby Beale is still about, and I'd look out for that one this Christmas Day, too... That's one kid definitely on Santa's BAD list!

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Christmas on Enders looks to mark the End of who?

Walford Christmases. Ah. it's all tinsel, community, and destruction. And I love it!
What more could you want after a bellyful of turkey than to sit down with a Christmas chocolate and a glass of wine to see our favourite soap characters revel in misery!

And Christmas 2015 is set to allow us all to do just that, as death and destruction are promised - with twists at each festive corner.

Enders' Executive Producer has revealed that the unlucky character who meets their maker on Christmas Day will be kept under wraps, promising that 'no one knows', and the soap has taken homage to Live Week back in February when planning the Christmas episodes.
We already know that Charlie Slater will be returning, only to tragically die in early 2016, but that's now obvious to be completely separate from the other tragic news.

With the Mitchell's and Vincent going head-to-head, my main runner has got to be that it's Kim's hubby who comes to a sticky end.

While the promo photo sees the police whisperer looking on top of things, as he tries to crush the Mitchell clan, I won't be so sure that he will actually pull off his dastardly deeds.
There has already been talk of Vincent's dislike of Christmas, after his father passed away at that time of year, so it'll add all the more poignancy, maybe? And we all know that no-one ever beats Phil Mitchell, even if he has fallen off the wagon. Ronnie, who has been forced to save herself from a prison sentence, and help Vincent set Phil up has already killed before, and even though it looks like she's turned her back on her family, I don't buy it.
To add to the tragedy, should Vincent be the grim reapers Christmas Day victim, his mum Claudette will disown him over the next week, as she finds out that he is actually a police informant...

But while Vincent is my man for now, there's also danger over at the Beale's, as Staircase-Bobby's behaviour worsens, leading to himself and little Dennis Jr going head-to-head, triggering a catalogue of incidents, leaving lives hanging in the balance.
Jane and Ian are determined to keep the truth about Lucy's murder underwraps (even though half of the Square already know it was Bobby!) Sharon (who's also in on the not-so-secret-secret) will do anything to protect her own family.

It's been revealed that Ian gifts Jane with a new car for Christmas, is this the same car Vincent is standing on, crushed beneath him?

Let the twists and turns begin...

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EASTENDERS: Where's Ronnie?

That was a nice little twist from the Enders gang last night, wasn't it? 

After my rant about how Dean's downfall might well be Ronnie's revival, and wondering how she would return after being arrested for Carl White's murder - it turns out that she wasn't arrested at all! 

Roxy was panicking after going into Walford Police Station to tell-tale on her sister (and breaking the biggest of all Mitchell codes of conduct!), suddenly having a change of heart, and telling Ronnie to run, before a detective came knocking. 

But it was in the car afterwards, as Ronnie was being driven away that she realised the two men weren't Old Bill at all... 

Cue an almighty 'WHO ARE THEY?!' from me, followed by a DUFF DUFF from them... 

It's been whispered that we won't have to wait too long to find out Ronnie's fate at the hands of her kidnappers, as some 'surprising answers' will be revealed this week. 

Initially in our house, we pointed the finger at Vincent. Was it to do with his secret meeting a few weeks back with the mysterious man at the tube station? Does he really harbour romantic feelings for Ronnie, and after getting wind of her impending arrest, sent some heavies round to take her away to safety? 

To be fair, the man throwing a 'that's not a good idea' at Ronnie while she desperately tried to open the locked car door didn't sound very safe... So she might really be in danger. 

And if so, maybe it is Vincent, and he's doing it for some kind of revenge (again, in partnership with mystery tube man) or has evil Gavin returned, to put yet more revenge on the Mitchell family? More interestingly, is this something to do with Charlie Cotton? He knows that Ronnie killed Carl, and he has played make-believe policeman before, on his arrival to Walford.

If it's none of the above, this man at the door may have been pretending to be a police officer at Walford Station - another hint towards Charlie?
Roxy did go there and it was clear that she dobbed her sister in, from her pleas to Ronnie to run. So, as Dean kept asking, where were the police to arrest her? The man at the door also knew all of the information - Carl White, and murder. 

Or, is this when the Mitchell's realise Ronnie's in danger, if the real police come knocking in tonight's ep? 

So many questions... 

But one thing remains, and that's that Roxy will be shut out and disowned by her faaaamily, even more so that Ronnie is now in what looks like bigger trouble than just being arrested for murder. 

I'm sure we'll find out more tonight and as the week unfolds, but what do you think the twist in this tale will be? 

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The X Factor: Where the Overs went wrong...

On Saturday, The X Factor had another double elimination, but under a new guise.

On Saturday, Mason Noise was sent home in the first flash vote of the series, and I've got to say that I think I'll miss him the most, out of all the acts who have gone so far.
Mason had quality, and where some may not particularly like 'him', it was undeniable that he had whatever the 'X' in X Factor is. Mason, for me, gave something new, to what The X Factor, and other shows like it haven't had for a while. He was on point, a sign of our times, but also able to sing as well as rap, and he had moves that could easily overshadow Justin Timberlake!

I can't wait to see what he does next, and think he'll be a big loss to the last few weeks of the competition.

On Sunday, it was a shocker in the sing-off, as Anton and Che went head-to-head.
Che was the biggest shock of all for me, and not because Anton was any less great a singer, but I feel as though Anton was always going to be in the bottom two, because he had a rough rap in the press.
And good for him, for sticking up for himself, to Grimmy and also to those on social media who decided to also have a pop about him being 'insincere' or 'fake'.
I really like Anton, and think his performances were always so heartfelt and true. He loved being the guy at the front, for the first time in his career, and his voice said it all. He deserved his spot.
But I do wonder if his over-enthusiasm was what hindered him, because some people in this cynical world just don't understand that yes, some people are overly passionate about what they love. And there's nothing wrong with it!

Of course, Anton's exit meant that Simon Cowell lost his final act in the Overs category, and explained that the reason he was so upset about having the Overs this year, was because the other categories were so strong.
I agree, because following last years' Ben Haenow and Fleur East, the Overs of 2015 were always going to have to step into very big shoes. And that may be where it all went wrong for them this year. Ben and Fleur proved that the Over 25s were not the 'has-beens' or the 'cabaret' acts, that it had been labelled for years before. They were both fresh, young and gave the Overs a well-needed face-lift. Unfortunately this year, the category was overshadowed by so much other talent.

There must be only two or three weeks left of the competition now and thanks to the Rugby World Cup, it's flown. I also think because of this, and the result being double eliminations galore, I think that some great acts who should have stayed a bit longer ended up going, meaning that they never got their time to shine properly. That 'moment' which Simon likes to see.

That's why I hope that The X Factor returns next year, unchanged (apart from the terrible Judges Houses Live bit!) so that we can see the full potential of this new look which was so strongly publicised.

What do you all think?

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HOLLYOAKS: The Best of the McQueens'

This week over on Hollyoaks, evil Pete Buchanan has finally been revealed for what he is, and it's been an emotive and hard-hitting beginning of the end to the story.

The McQueen family have always been a favourite to many viewers, including me, for their funny, ditzy way and outrageous names! But there have also been times when they've shown grit and heartbreak, and this week for me outshone then rest, because they were united in a situation that affected them all in one way or another.

When the newest of the McQueen girls (Porsche, Celine and Cleo) were introduced I wondered whether they work, but they soon slotted in - and I think the enormity of Porsche and Lockie's train crash (in more ways than one!) wedding really helped to cement their arrival.
Then came Zoe Lucker, who always plays a blinder, arriving as the girls mum Reenie. And Pete soon followed...

As the abuse of Cleo began to get darker, it was made clear by Hollyoaks bosses that Pete would get the justice he deserved.
And this week, after weeks of Pete manipulating Cleo and beginning to groom newcomer Jade Albright, Cleo's ex, and now good friend, Harry Thompson revealed all on Reenie and Pete's wedding day, after seeing an exchange between Pete and an upset Cleo.

The two episodes which follow are gripping, I think. We have Reenie, who began by throwing anger at her daughters, which was maybe denial that they had gone through the same abuse which she did at the hands of Nana's husband when she was a child. Zoe Lucker's performance so far has been amazing, along with Twinnie-Lee Moore, who plays Porsche. The scene of the pair being interviewed by police came across so emotive, it was difficult to distinguish between real and soap life.
Cleo's now still in denial, and that has also come across as frustrating viewing, which I hope is the point the writers are trying to make. You want to give Cleo a good shake, and hope that the penny finally drops that Pete has groomed and abused her. Even after seeing him deny their 'relationship', the teen still thinks that he's the good guy. And that's the fact, I think, Hollyoaks are trying to make here - that this kind of abuse is also a form of brainwashing.

Celine's experience with Pete, on the other hand, is very different to that of her sisters'. Having collapsed after injecting herself with medication to make her lose weight, Celine has been in hospital since the reveal.
You can already see the survivors' guilt creeping in on her - and I think this is another great way of showing another important layer of how sexual abuse can affect family members who weren't physically assaulted themselves.
Pete always told Celine that her puppy fat was 'cute' or beat her down psychologically about her insecurities. Until now, Celine thought that Pete was being kind and willing her on, to make her feel okay about being bigger than her sisters. It's Myra who makes her understand that this was still abuse, albeit in another form.

As I mentioned before, Pete will be bought to justice in the correct way, and will face trial in the new year.
After trying to go abroad with a runaway Jade, who finally escaped his clutches after her sister Sonia (aka Lisa Loveday) told her that the police were after him, Pete was last seen laying unconscious after being hit by Darren's cab, in a revenge hit and run. Whether it was Darren who did it, or not, it's clear that Pete will survive to answer his crimes.

It really has been the best of the McQueens' this week, and I think this storyline deserves all the credit possible for highlighting such an important topic in such a way.

In closing scenes the other night, John Paul and Theresa spoke to their young children, promoting the NSPCC's 'Talk Pants' message.

It's an important one, so I'll leave you with it:


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EASTENDERS: Dean's downfall may be Ronnie's revival

I think EastEnders have done a brilliant job in their storytelling of Linda's rape aftermath, which occurred just over a year ago.
Many fans were a little perplexed that Dean didn't get his rightful punishment, and Linda didn't get justice, after police decided there wasn't enough evidence to take him to court. But, as the Enders bosses said at the time, this is true for many people who suffered like Linda.

But, in soap especially, it is important to show that bad people do get some kind of comeuppance, and Danny Dyer, who plays Linda's hubby Mick, has already said that justice is served beautifully in the end. But how?
Because recent pictures, which will be aired over the New Year (and Mick and Linda's big wedding!) have shown Mick trying to save his rotten half-brother, after Dean tumbles into a lake.

Has Dean met a watery end?

Rumour has it that Dean won't survive his watery fate, but will he be outed for the rapist he is before he departs the Square for good?

We've seen over recent week's that Dean has become increasingly possessive over his new fiancee Roxy Mitchell, going head-to-head with Ronnie in the process.
Ronnie is one of my favourite characters, as I think she's so layered as a character. She's been through so much trauma, and caused a fair bit herself. She's even a murderer! Yet, like some characters, you can have sympathy, even when their actions take them seemingly beyond repair.
Ronnie will be arrested next week for killing Carl White (walloped over the head and crushed in the boot of a car, remember?!) after he tried to assault Ron... Even more surprising  is that Roxy goes against all Mitchell family values, and admits, as Ronnie's being led away, that she was the one to report her sister to the Old Bill. And there you have it, the Mitchell's cast Roxy out, meaning that all she has is Dean to lean on. Bet he's pleased as punch!

She'll be back! 

However, here's where Dean's downfall could really begin...
Having Roxy all to himself, he will no doubt continue his possessive behaviour. We've already seen him 'accidentally' burn her with hair straighteners and then cut a chunk out of her hair, during a row. Last night, too, we saw Dean hold Roxy's wrists a little too tight, leaving her to ask him to let her go, while they were in the bedroom. Ronnie noticed the marks later, in front of the Carter clan.
It has since been announced that Dean will attempt to rape Roxy towards the end of this year, leaving her traumatised - and possibly alone.

Will Ronnie be out of police custody by the time Dean attempts his attack? Well, we know that she'll be back - those Mitchell's always manage to somehow obtain a 'get out of jail free' card (anyone for Monopoly?!) at just the right time don't they!
And this is how Ronnie could be revived, and shed another of her many layers... Dean will be gone, Roxy will no doubt be welcomed back into the Mitchell bosom (she is faaaaamily after all, and will need their support more than ever) and Ronnie will (somehow) be rid of her worry about her murderous crime catching up with her.

That until the Charlie Cotton secret unravels. And who WAS that bloke Vincent plotted with at the tube a few weeks ago?

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The X Factor: 1, 2, 3...

It was the third weekend of double eliminations this week on The X Factor, and after having a quiet time at Telly Jolly recently thanks to the excitements of life, I think it's time to let loose on the opinions once more!

So - this weekend saw Monica Micheal and Max Stone leave, but before going in to that, I'm going to quickly delve into the last two weeks of the show...
Bupsi's exit in the first live show wasn't such a shock for me, as her song was so off that week. Simon admitted his mistake over song choice, but I personally think that Jennifer should have been on the lives over Bupsi. Alien Uncovered were also given the boot after a sing-off against Keira Weathers. It was a shame that they, too, didn't come across as well as they could have.
I was also surprised that Kiera left so early on, in week two, especially as she was so stand out in the audition and Boot Camp rounds, but I feel that it may have been her slight image change that failed to connect her to the audience. Keira had the lowest vote, meaning that Mason Noise and Seann Miley Moore sung-off against each other. Now, after Mason's not-so-great six chair challenge behavior, I didn't want to like him. But the boy has done good in the end, saying and singing 'Sorry', and genuinely looks serious about the competition and his career. During that sing-off, Mason didn't sound as good as Seann and his wrecking ball handbag, which made me think of Miley Cyrus each time I saw it (the name might not be a coincidence!) but I hoped that Mason would be saved,and was pleased when he was, because he can give variety as an artist, whereas Seann was already becoming quite samey, performance wise.

The public are throwing all sorts of shock bottom-two's in this year, and I think some of the better artists are suffering due to the three week double eliminations (thanks, Rugby World Cup!). Again, Max and Monica weren't as strong this week, so maybe should have gone over some of the others, but I did think that Max has a raw kind of talent, that could have made the competition stronger if he had stayed.
It was also a surprise to see Anton in the bottom three, as I thought he made a massive come back after his not-so-good (and somewhat scary!) performance last week.  But he's the last Over standing now, and I hope the public back him for a few more week's yet.

As for my favourites so far... Well, Che (who we call Damien, as he's so like my cousin!) and Louisa are the strongest vocally, by far. Then there's Mason, who I really like watching. I also have a soft spot for Reggie and Bollie, who are fun (but without being novelty) and look like they're loving life every week up on stage.
However, for every favourite, there has to be a least fave, and mine are 4th Impact. Yep, sorry everyone who's on their team, but I just don't get it. And like Seann, I find them very samey, samey. I also don't think their vocals are ever spot on, and can count flat notes every other line... That's where my ex-singer comes out in me!

Overall so far this series, I'm liking the new 'themes' but think it would be great if each contestant wrote a song of their own to perform one week... That would set the cat amongst the pigeons.
Olly and Caroline also still seem a little nervous each week - they definitely look like the new kids on the block. But I like them as a duo, so given a chance, they can only get stronger, and soon be as confident and comfortable as they were on The Xtra Factor a few years ago.

I wonder what the theme this weekend will be...

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HOLLYOAKS: And the Gloved-Hand Killer is...

It's Lindsey!

Yes, after all these months, we finally know who the Gloved-Hand Killer is. And it's not Bobby Beale this time!

Shocked? Maybe... But this week has pointed more and more in Lindsey's, er, favour...

The cast revealed that they were shocked when they discovered the GHK's identity a few weeks ago, and back then I can see why. Lindsey was SO not in the frame!

But from Monday's First Look episode it was a little more obvious that either Lindsey or her (maybe not so crazy, anymore) sister Kim were the two main players in the GHK game.
Lindsey suddenly had the edge for me, as I felt that Kim was just too obvious from a while ago. 

This week's 20th Anniversary episodes have been great, and I've really enjoyed them. Monday's may well have been my favourite, as for a half-hour slot it was so fast-paced and lots of twists were slotted in, at just the right stead. 

Tony finding out about his son, Harry's affair with Ste, revealed brilliantly by John-Paul, was just the 'side story' needed in the middle of the biggest 'Who Is It' that Chester has ever seen.
I have to say that I found gun-wielding Trevor chasing the Roscoe twins through the village a little bit comical, but it did lead to the amazing water stunts the following day, so all can be forgiven!

The GHK also killed horrible Ashley Davidson during Monday's ep, and then on Tuesday, Dr S'Avage met his maker, just as he had witnessed Lindsey's killing spree on camera. She played a blinder at sobbing to Dirk, while handing over S'Avage's belongings, and I almost took back my belief that she was the culprit.

  

Can I also say how great Steph Waring has been, portraying Cindy. It was the perfect light relief, with Dirk and Holly thinking that Cindy's bi-polar was the cause of her outlandish serial killer claims. 

Then there was the water-rapid scenes, with Jason, Robbie and Freddie, which were so well filmed. I held my breath as the boys battled to survive, and felt almost claustrophobic while the underwater action played out on screen. 

After their survival, and with Jason discharged, Robbie up and dressed, it was clear that Freddie would be the third and final victim of Lindsey's 20th Anniversary Week murdering spree. I'm sad that Freddie is no-more, as he was one of my favourite Roscoe's. And to be killed by the woman he's always loved, was heartbreaking. 

The face of the Hollyoaks Gloved-Hand Killer

But where did Lindsey's hunger for murder come from? 

The Hollyoaks top boss has said that the story team knew from day one who the GHK would be, and it hasn't changed throughout the storyline. 

To be honest, I think Lindsey being the killer is probably the most exciting outcome - as the story has been promised to continue in a new direction. I also hope that we see from Lindsey's point of view why it all began. 

She killed Rick first. And yes, he was a pain in the Roscoe's lives, but to end his life while doing her job isn't the Lindsey Hollyoaks first introduced. Or was it? 

Will was next and then S'Avage's ex-wife, Mariam. The GHK seemed to be killing people who weren't nice people, which could have made sense if un-hinged Kim, or hard-done by Tegan had been the perpetrator. The attempted-murder on Diane, which was next, could also have been obvious should Tegan have been the murderer...

By the time we got to Phoebe McQueen, maybe Linds had just got the taste for killing. But Phoebe was her best friend, Mercedes', adopted family member and Robbie's new fiancee... Although, having been accidentally shot by Joe, maybe Lindsey was looking out for her exes well-bring, and by silencing Phoebe, no trouble could come knocking on a Roscoe's door, even if it meant that Lindsey's brother-in-law would be heartbroken for a while? 

Dylan Jenkins was possibly a victim due to Trevor's unwelcome presence in the Roscoe's lives?

Monday's episode which saw Ashley Davidson killed outright was the strangest of all. But again, Jason's girlfriend, and Robbie's love-interest, Holly, had been held captive by her. Meaning that Ashley had upset not one, but two, Roscoe boys. If Lindsey knew this, maybe she saw it reason enough to end the life of the blond-haired gangster. 

By the looks of it, every victim after Mariam had some sort of link to causing heart-ache for the Roscoe's. 

But now, Lindsey has caused them the biggest heart-ache of all by killing Freddie. One of their own. One of HER own. 

It was an interesting scene. Lindsey looked taken over by anger; she had a crazed look in her eyes, as though he were a poison in her life, and she needed rid of him. Freddie was like a drug to her ever since their affair started, and all through their relationship, it was obvious that they were both addicted to each other.

Technically, if only Mercedes had managed to tell Lindsey that she and Freddie were only leaving together as friends, before her change of heart to run back to Joe, then maybe Lindsey would have understood better and possibly spared him?  

Just as interesting was Kim's cover-up for Lindsey by swapping Ashley Davidson's body, taking it to be cremated, before the police could test it, following Cindy's claims. 

'If we let someone slip once. Just once. Surely that's okay?' Kim asked a confused, but still big-haired, Grace. 

'I saw her mistake... I covered up her little secret..' Kim continued before rushing off. 

So did Kim see Lindsey medicate Ashley, and think that it was one blip, an accidental overdose of meds? Scared for her sister's career, she covered up the death, so to not get Lindsey into trouble...

Or did Kim realise that her sister killed Ashley purposefully? And because she thought it was a moment of madness, covered for her?

Whichever way, it seems that Kim will soon realise that Lindsey has killed Freddie, too. But will she be taken in by her, and believe that Ashley and Freddie are the only victims? 

Or will Kim wonder if Lindsey's aggressive streak as a child, in which an incident left their sister permanently brain damaged, has always been with her...
But will Kim, who can also be a little (a-hem!) crazy - did I mention Kim's been crazy? - end up working alongside her killer sister?

Either way, calculating Lindsey is suddenly making Kim look like Mother Teresa!

As I said before, I hope the story team and writers will delve into how and why Lindsey became the GHK. It'll be an interesting way to go...

I also wonder whether Freddie will be her final victim, or if anyone else will succumb to her blue-covered hand?

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HOLLYOAKS: Closing in on the Gloved Hand...

In six days time, Hollyoaks' big 20th Anniversary week begins, and it kicks off with a bang, as the Gloved Hand killer wastes no time in killing again in Monday's episode. But throughout the week, the murdering medic will kill not once, but twice more...

After the death in Monday's ep, the Gloved Hand gets lazy and doesn't cover their tracks, which leads Dr S'avage to realise who the culprit is.
He and Cindy have been trying to trace the killer for the last few weeks, but as S'avage walks through the village trying to warn Cindy and Sargent Ben Bradley of his findings, the Gloved Hand isn't far behind him, masked as Tony, while Hollyoaks Pride is in full swing,

Will the Gloved Hand kill their boss before he manages to reveal all? And who will the third victim be? 

More to the point, my opinion of who the killer is has also changed again. 

We've been told that it's either Tegan, Celine, Kim or Lindsey... and Lindsey was always far from my mind. But since the cast have said that the killer reveal was a massive shock to them, who else would cause such a stir than lovely, kind doctor, Lindsey?! 

The other three have all acted up, been strange. 

Celine with her eating disorder cover up, Tegan seemingly wanting revenge on Diane and Kim, well,  just being crazy Kim.

Lindsey is the only one of the four who hasn't been losing her cool, or being put in the limelight. And when Rick - the first victim - was killed, she could have wanted him out of they way, for Jason and Robbie's sakes, to get Joe out of the way so she and Freddie could be happy... But the other victims are all un-motivated for her, so to find out why will be a good insight into where the story is going. 

Also, the trailer for the 20th Anniversary had me wondering about Lindsey. You see Sienna close to Freddie, and then a Gloved Hand around Sienna's neck (unless Nico has now taken to wearing medical gloves!) But as Lindsey and Freddie seem to be over this coming week, maybe Lindsey will want Mercedes and her unborn baby out of the way, and Joe back in her life? 

Mercedes and Freddie, however, decide to run off together, as friends (Does Mercedes DO friends with boys?!), so Lindsey may not have much to worry about if it is Joe she wants back. 

But we know that Freddie, Jason and Robbie end up in watery danger after a run-in with Trevor, fighting for life as they are swept away. 

If they're rescued, any of these three could end up in hospital under the watchful Gloved Hand's eye. So will Jason, Robbie or Freddie be the third victim? I can't see Lindsey doing such a thing to any of them... But Kim has always wanted Freddie gone. 

That said - the Hollyoaks bosses could be leading us down a merry lane, and shock us all by having someone else completely off radar as the killer. 

Who do you think the Gloved Hand could now be? 

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EASTENDERS: No Faaaammmillyyyy Values...

I'll repeat it again, I think EastEnders has been great this week, all beginning when Max turned Ninja and jumped the dock after his guilty verdict.

Last night, he was captured, and Ninja status stripped, but not before correctly guessing that Bobby killed Lucy, and shouting it across so that the whole Square could hear.
Of course, no one will believe him now. But how could his daughter, Lauren, let it all get this far?
No family values, those Branning's...
Well, that's nothing we didn't already know, as Lauren once ran her dad over purposefully, Abi stalked and tried to drown Lauren last Halloween, and Tanya buried Max alive one Good Friday night. It all seems to happen on Good Friday in Walford, eh!
I mean, could you imagine any one of the Mitchell's letting one of their own go down for something they knew they didn't do? To be fair, even if they did do it, they would still do anything to get them off the hook!
Max was always fighting a losing battle with Abi, who's been 'brainwashed' by the Mitchell's according to Lauren. It was Abi who called the police, revealing her dad's location, while giving her best Janine-esque look to Carol and co... Talking of Carol, I really liked the ridiculous idea of her going off with Max on the run. She needs some fire in her blood of late, and that would've been a quirky exit for her!
But it wasn't to be, thanks to Janine Abi, and Max was surrounded. The scene where he realised who he was taking the blame for was tense. You could feel Jane's stress seep through the telly, and Laurie Brett has been on fire since the Lucy story begun. When Lauren revealed that she knew, too, a heartbroken Max uttered that she was dead to him.

He disowned one daughter, and his other disowned him.

But whatever next?

We know that last night was Jake Wood's final Max scenes for just over a year, but how on earth will this play out and how can Max be released when Jake returns next year?
Stacey is the only one truly in Max's corner. She may urge him to fight an appeal, and she already believed that Jane was hiding something, so surely Max's pleas of Bobby being the killer will set even more alarms off in her head?
Lauren is also headed off again until the New Year... Maybe with her tail between her legs, leaving her dad to languish after he 'deaded' her... But even Lauren can surely see Max's feeling of betrayal. I can't get over how she's allowed his to go for the length of a trial. Yes, she trusted Jane, but as soon as that Guilty plea was heard, she should have spoken up. And she especially should now, that Max is in even hotter water. But my guess is, for whatever reason, she will head back to New Zealand keeping schtum.

Next week, the Beale's have a new dilemma, as Ian leaves a suicide note and a panicked Jane rushes off to find him. Ian will then see Kathy for the first time (and probably die of shock!)
I wonder how the Beale's will ever come back from this Bobby killed Lucy drama. Comeuppance is 99% a must in soap, and the whole family will come a cropper should the truth be revealed.
Let's face it, Max will be back on the Square by next Christmas, either because the truth comes out before then, or he wins an appeal, meaning that the police investigation will re-open, and they will surely have to look into the Bobby allegation?

Then again, a lot can happen in a year. Bobby could always 'accidentally' kill again before then.
I mean, he does seem to like those stairs...

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EASTENDERS: Who DOESN'T know, that's the question!

How epic was Monday night's EastEnders!

Gasps occurred from our living room as Max jumped the dock, and punched DC Bryant, after being found (wrongly!) guilty for killing Lucy Beale.
It was the first time in a long while that a 'doof doof' genuinely shocked me, and I loved it!

Last night saw Max return to the Square - possibly like a Ninja - as he managed to duck and dive away from many a Walford cop on his route to the Beale's house...
Before I get more into that, I wasn't too surprised that Phil had actually done the dirty on both Jane and Sharon, but paying the foreman off to find poor Ninja Max guilty, instead of not. It's always been about faaaaamily for the Mitchell's, and even though Phil has never been Max's number 1, I think he did this to get any possible leftover-light shone on his son, Ben, who was also arrested for Lucy's murder not-so long ago. Phil also did a good job in scaring Lauren into keeping schtum about Bobby being the killer... So for now no-one else knows.

Well - apart from Ian, Jane, Sharon, Phil, Lauren, Peter, Cindy, Liam - and soon to be convicted Max himself!
Yep, as Max arrived at the Beale's last night, he will on Thursday confront Jane about why she gave him the alibi. Did Jane not think that Max, even if he were found NOT guilty, wouldn't wonder why she admitted to an untrue night-of-passion with him?

Anyhow, Max will correctly guess that Bobby is the killer!
Yep, so that will be nine Albert Square residents knowing the truth (not forgetting that Mick Carter also had a wobble that Ian knew more than he was letting on).
But will Jane admit this to Max, especially as she's now concluded that when Max's is found by the police after his Ninja stint, that it'll be best for him to serve time for a crime he didn't commit.
Let's face it, if Max's right guess is confirmed by Jane, then he'll surely not keep quiet. Would you?

But, he might also find out that his daughter also knew the truth and allowed his trial to continue. That, in Max's eyes would be unforgivable.

As Jake Wood bows out from EastEnders this week, taking a year out, we've been promised that the rest of this week's unmissable episode will lead to him going with a bang - along with daughter Lauren, who will return in the new year - his sister, Carol, who's leaving with her son Robbie, who I'm loving on his return by the way!

The four are said to not be leaving quietly, but how will they go?

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