OPINION
SLEEPY SOAP
Emmerdale is a yawnfest – ITV show needs to copy clever way EastEnders snares viewers
Sloppy writing and a lack of bombshells do not make for interesting viewing
THE Sun has been leading the way in reporting the soap crisis that ITV is facing.
We previously reported that 75 jobs across both Coronation Street and Emmerdale are set to face the axe.
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Bosses working on the cobbles have reduced the show from six episodes per week, to just five 30-minute instalments, same with Emmerdale.
Amid a budget crisis we also told how much of the cast is feeling disgruntled and concerned about their future on the flailing soap.
And I'm going to be honest, watching last night's episode of Emmerdale I can see why.
It was an utter snooze fest, going from one slow scene to another.
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I have had more action in my dreams than I did on the last instalment of the sleepy farm serial drama.
The acting is brilliant, on that I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever.
Amelia Flanagan, at just 16-years-old is doing a fantastic job as April Windsor, a young adolescent who has been through hell.
The honest vulnerability she has shines throughout the storyline after the character ran away from home at Christmas.
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It's not easy to play a teenager that found out she was pregnant, then was involved in a stabbing incident, followed by a traumatic stillbirth.
However, what should be an NTA-winning performance is let down by absolutely abysmal writing.
Emmerdale's Marlon Dingle left heartbroken after he is finally reunited with daughter April - and learns her tragic secret
After what was probably the worst month of her life, and everything she suffered, she told dad Marlon (Mark Charnock) that she did NOT want to go back home.
Where else is she going to go? Start a new life at the local Yorkshire YMCA?
It's scenes like that with the sloppy writing and literally insane character choices that ruin what should be hard-hitting events.
I'm not asking for stunts all the time, that would be even more far fetched and ridiculous.
EastEnders' 40th anniversary cameos so far
With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford's past. But who have we had so far?
Tracy-Ann Oberman - Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago.
Paul Bradley - Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago.
Micheal French - French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago.
Patsy Palmer - Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019.
Coming up this year...
Ross Kemp - Kemp will reprise his role as Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp's storyline as "explosive". Kemp said it was an "absolute honour" to return to the show.
Other aspects of the 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.
But when I have watched EastEnders every day this week, there was not one storyline where I was not compelled to keep viewing.
Phil's psychosis is totally compelling, Sonia's relationship with Reiss and his is tantalising.
Then there's the personal struggle of Denise Fox as she tries to make up her mind over the men in her life adding a dollop of sauciness into the mix.
All the while, Cindy Beale is causing mayhem with a different suspect of who attacked her in practically every new episode.
Scenes with sloppy writing and literally insane character choices ruin what should be hard-hitting events
I'm so consumed with the plot, I'm thinking about the possibilities for each Walford resident in my spare time.
Even the love triangle with Martin, Ruby and Stacey makes my eyes stay firmly on the screen.
I know they needed to up their game and pull something special out of the bag for the 40th anniversary on the BBC, and they have.
The cast and crew have been hard at work preparing two different versions of a live episode due to a soap first interactive vote twist.
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There was surprise after surprise with more stunning bombshells than in the Love Island villa.
However, I also expect the other soaps to still be putting on a show as they at least look like they are attempting to compete.
The good thing about Emmerdale at the moment is that it gave me opportunity to catch up on some needed sleep time amid my Award Season preparations.
Meanwhile, Coronation Street gave us a ridiculous fire stunt that is genuinely as interesting as it is realistic.
I'm so consumed with EastEnders, I'm thinking about Cindy Beale in my spare time.
It was giving more of a desperate attempt to get some eyeballs on ITV screens than actually delivering a meaningful storyline.
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Frankly, with the way things are going, I would prefer to get drunk at a pub (that isn't the empty Rovers) with the problematic Leanne Battersby.
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Emmerdale and Coronation Street continue on ITV1 as EastEnders airs on BBC One.
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