God, I nearly spilled my coffee when I saw this news. Linda Henry – our beloved Shirley Carter – is FINALLY making her way back to our screens after basically vanishing from EastEnders three years ago.
Remember when Mick "died" and we all sat there in disbelief? That was teh moment everything changed for Shirley. Linda hung up her iconic leather jacket and walked away from the Square, leaving a massive Shirley-shaped hole in our hearts.
That Reunion We Never Thought We'd See
Listen. I've been watching EastEnders since my uni days (back in 2007 when I was living off pot noodles and cheap vodka), and the Carter family dynamic was something special. So hearing that Linda and Danny are working together again? Pure joy.
They're teaming up for the second series of Mr Bigstuff – that comedy about two completely opposite brothers who haven't spoken in years. Danny earned his first BAFTA nomination for his role as Lee Campbell (about bloody time if you ask me), while Ryan Sampson plays his brother Glen.
Who the hell is joining them?
This is where it gets properly exciting.
Linda will play Pam, who's described as a "no-nonsense, hands-on mechanic" at the family haulage firm. I can already picture her bringing that Shirley energy – just without the vodka bottle permanently attached to her hand.
But wait – there's more! Shaun Williamson (poor Barry who got pushed off that cliff by evil Janine) is making a guest appearance too. My friend texted me about this yesterday with just: "BARRY AND SHIRLEY IN THE SAME SHOW?!" followed by about twelve explosion emojis.
Corrie Legends Jumping Ship
The casting director must've had a field day with this one. They've somehow managed to rope in Rula Lenska playing someone called Rita (not Tanner, sadly) who might have connections to the brothers' dad.
And if that wasn't enough soap star power for you, Shobna Gulati – who I spent years watching as Sunita Alahan before she met her tragic end in the Rovers fire – is joining the cast too. I spent $40 on a Cameo from her last year for my sister's birthday... worth every penny.
The Plot Thickens...
The second series picks up with the bombshell that the brothers' father isn't actually dead. Meanwhile, Glen's wife Kirsty (played by Harriet Webb) gets herself into hot water after kissing someone who isn't her husband.
Classic soap drama, just packaged as a comedy.
Fans Are Losing It
I've been scrolling through social media reactions, adn the excitement is real. One fan wrote: "I genuinely stopped in my tracks and thought this was a Shirley Carter return first look."
Another simply said: "Linda Henry is still acting." (Well... yes? Did you think she'd vanished into thin air?)
My personal favorite: "The fact our Shirl will be back on our screens omg I've missed her. I will have to tune in." Same, random internet person. Same.
I actually bumped into someone who works on the show at a wedding last month. His response when I asked about what Linda was like on set: "Absolutely nothing like Shirley. Sweetest woman you'll ever meet."
Mark Your Calendars!
The new series of Mr Bigstuff hits our screens this July on Sky and NOW.
I've already told my partner we're canceling any plans for whenever this airs. Some things are just non-negotiable... and seeing Linda Henry back on my TV is definitely one of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are some famous actors that have appeared in UK soap operas?
Many well-known actors have made their start in UK soap operas, including David Tennant, Catherine Tate, and Suranne Jones. These actors have since transitioned to successful careers in television and film.
What is the significance of community in UK soap operas?
Community plays a central role in UK soap operas, often depicted through the relationships and interactions among characters. The portrayal of community dynamics reflects societal values and highlights the importance of support systems in people's lives.
How do UK soap operas handle controversial topics?
UK soap operas often address controversial topics, such as mental health, domestic violence, and addiction. They aim to raise awareness and spark conversation among viewers, providing a platform for important social issues.
Statistics
- The portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters has become increasingly prominent in UK soap operas, reflecting societal changes and advancements in representation.
- Approximately 15% of the viewership for UK soap operas comes from overseas audiences, particularly in Australia and New Zealand.
- Soap operas in the UK typically air 4 to 6 episodes per week, with "EastEnders" airing four times a week.
- In 2022, "Hollyoaks" addressed mental health issues through a storyline that received significant media attention and praise.
- The average viewership for "EastEnders" is approximately 5 million viewers per episode.
- Over 100 characters have been killed off in "Coronation Street" since its inception, showcasing the dramatic nature of the storylines.
- As of 2023, "Emmerdale" has won the British Soap Award for Best British Soap multiple times, with over 20 wins.
- Each episode of a UK soap opera typically has a production budget ranging from £100,000 to £250,000, depending on the complexity of the storyline and production requirements.
External Links
How To
How To Spot Social Issues in Soap Operas
UK soap operas often tackle social issues, making them a valuable medium for awareness and education. To spot these issues, pay attention to recurring themes and storylines that address topics like mental health, domestic abuse, or LGBTQ+ representation. Engage with commentary articles or blogs that analyze the social relevance of specific plots. Many soap operas have dedicated segments discussing the impact of these storylines, often found on their official websites. Following social media discussions can also highlight how viewers perceive these issues and their implications in real life.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://hellofaread.com/soap-opera/emmerdales-rachael-gilldavis-waves-goodbye-after-sixyear-village-stint
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