ATV look at two soapy stories released today, first EastEnders gets a new cute male actor to Moon in Walford, while the nations favourite soap Coronation Street returns ‘home’ to Salford.  

Mooning In Walford

 

We all know that “popular” Alfie Moon is returning to Albert Square this autumn but it seems along with the Mitchell family new members are to sprout up out of nowhere.

 

Michael Moon, played by Steve John Shepherd, is the latest Walford resident.

 

The BBC say that “Michael Moon is a cheeky chap with a silver tongue  who loves a lot of female attention – much like his older cousin Alfie. However, Michael  has a  slightly more  manipulative streak  and a competitive nature  which means he doesn’t think twice about screwing people over – even those he loves. Michael loves to live life dangerously taking  risks and can be  as ruthless as he is charming.”

 

Let’s just hope he doesn’t try to entertain the nation in a Christmas special like his older cousin too.

 

Steve commented: “I can vividly remember watching the first ever episode of EastEnders and I’m very excited to be joining such a fantastic and iconic programme. Michael Moon will be an exciting character to play – on the surface he a loveable, cheeky chappy but underneath he has hidden depths which will be exciting to explore.”

 

Explaining the reason for the latest EastEnders singing, Executive Producer Bryan Kirkwood said: “I’ve been a fan of Steve John Shepherd’s work for years.”

 

The good looking actor is the latest to join the 25-year-old BBC soap. 

 

---

 

Coronation Street Comes “home” To Salford

 

The nation’s favourite and longest running television serial-turned-soap is trading its famous cobbles for the boards with a new comedy written by popular writer Jonathan Harvey.

The show, entitled Corrie!, opens at The Lowry, Salford, from 12th August, The play has been especially written to celebrate the soap’s 50th anniversary. Former Coronation Street star Charles Lawson will tread the boards as narrator for the theatre production as it condenses five decades of much-loved storylines and characters into one hilarious two-hour show.

Charles, who played Jim McDonald in the soap from 1989, remained as a regular character for 11 years experiencing many challenging storylines. The character first appeared on the cobbles with his wife Liz and their twin sons Steve and Andy and was most recently seen on ‘The Street’ in 2009 when he returned for his on-screen son’s wedding.

Charles Lawson said: “I am delighted to be narrating the piece and I am looking forward to this 50th celebration of the ‘established church”.

The show will feature over 55 of everyone’s favourite characters including the likes of Bet Lynch, Elsie Tanner, Ken Barlow and Gail Platt, as well as reliving some of Weatherfield’s most dramatic moments.

After reading through the script Coronation Street creator Tony Warren described the play as “an insider’s affectionate romp through 50 dramatic years.”

Cast include Leanne Best, Simon Chadwick and Josie Walker.

---