Comparing Kisses: Days Will & Neil Vs. Other Soaps First Same Sex Kiss

So Days Of Our Lives has taken the first step and allowed Will Horton to kiss a boy, but how does this stack up to other soaps "first" attempt at the realm of same sex kisses? Let's take a moment and compare and contrast this monumental event with some other noteworthy ones.

Nancy's Mum Returns To Hollyoaks!

It has been nearly five years since Nancy's mum Margarette appeared in Hollyoaks, but that just makes the return so much more delicious! Digital Spy is reporting that actress Darryl Fishwick will be returning to her role as Margarette Hayton beginning early next month!

Are you excited for this return? Do you remember that nasty Margarette and how she told my poor defenseless Nancy that she will never be half the mum to Charlie that Becca was? That spiteful little cow!

I am really excited and of course this news breaks HOURS after my prediction of Hollyoaks being the 'worst' UK soap of 2012...oye. Let me know what you think of this casting choice and any found memories you have of Margarette in the comments below.

SoapWikiJohn's 2012 Soap Predictions!

G'day everyone and welcome to 2012! Its been a crazy year so far but let's see how well I can predict the future with my second annual soap predictions!

Hollyoaks Axed In Australia?

Oh NO THEY DIDN'T! Channel 7Two in Australia has just canceled the hit UK soap Hollyoaks from its lineup and replaced it with repeat episodes of Designing Women.

While generally I wouldn't completely hate on a network for axing repeats of a series that were not obviously working. I have to say that I am beyond mad at 7two for axing the series when it was finally starting to find itself.

The network began airing the series with one of its WORST era's in the soaps history, and now a year later has finally begun airing the Paul Marquess content that has helped the series rebound in the UK. Honestly I don't understand why they would axe the show when the quality of the show (and thus the potential audience figures) is only going to grow.

There have been rumbles that Foxtel is going to pick up the series but there has been no confirmation of this as of this posting.

Hollyoaks Spoiler: Brendan's Seduction Plan!

Brendan: Up for a menage a trois, Stephen?

Quick! Your boyfriend's violent, psychotic, sociopath ex starts coming on to you. Do you:
A) Pepper Spray Him
B) RUN!!!!
C) Scream, Cry and Beg For Your Life
D) Make Out With Him

Luckily for Hollyoaks viewers, Noah chooses D!

According to Digital Spy, Brendan (Emmet J. Scanlan) plots to cause more trouble between his ex-lover/punching bag Ste (Kieron Richardson) and Ste's current boyfriend Noah (Law Thompson). Since recently bedding Ste and beating him up didn't do the trick, he goes for the obvious: seduce Noah...and make sure Ste catches them in the act! As you can see from the pic, looks like it works!

Holy Hollyoaks, what's a fella to do?! Personally, I think Ste should go have revenge sex with Foxy. I'm just wondering, is Noah dumb as rocks or is Brendan that irresistible? I guess we'll find out on May 26, when these scenes are set to air!

For more pics and spoilers (for Hollyoaks, Emmerdale, Coronation Street and EastEnders) from Digital Spy, click here.

-Melanie/SoapOperaBabble/daisyclover

Why We Love British Soaps: Brit Awards Promo Gives You a Taste

So some of you may have noticed that while we love (and sometimes love to hate) U.S. soaps, we just can't get enough of Brit and Aussie soaps. Luckily, the Soap Gods invented YouTube, so we can watch a lot of the shows that aren't normally available to us. For any of you that haven't watched Brit soaps but are considering checking them out, take a look at the British Soap Awards 2011 promo featuring clips from Coronation Street, Doctors, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks. It'll give you a little taste of what you're missing (and what we're loving).

Damn that's good soap!

To read my Newbie Babble about some of these shows, click here.

-Melanie/SoapOperaBabble/daisyclover

Congrats to the Winners of the 2011 British Soap Awards!

The British Soap Awards were given out last night and we've got a list of the Winners in the Viewer Voted Categories! (courtesy of Digital Spy)

Best British Soap: EastEnders
Best Actress: Jessie Wallace (Kat, EastEnders)
Best Actor: Danny Miller (Aaron, Emmerdale)
Villain of the Year: Emmett J. Scanlan (Brendan, Hollyoaks)
Sexiest Female: Michelle Keegan (Tina, Coronation Street)
Sexiest Male: Scott Maslen (Jack, EastEnders)

For a complete list of the Winners and Nominees (including the Panel Voted Categories), click here

I'm pretty happy with the picks. I voted for EastEnders as Best Soap and Emmett as Villain of the Year (Brendan is scary!) But while I really like Scott Maslen, I voted for Chris Fountain as Sexiest (he'll get it next year!)  And even though I voted for Alison King (Carla, Coronation Street) as Sexiest Female, Michelle K was my second choice.

Congrats to all the Winners and Nominees!

-Melanie/SoapOperaBabble/daisyclover

Newbie Babble: EastEnders, Coronation Street, Neighbours, Hollyoaks & Emmerdale

Hi everyone! This is a bit of a random post. A few weeks ago, with the encouragement of Denial Island residents SoapWikiJohn and Brooke, I started watching UK and Aussie soaps again. I've watched EastEnders on and off for about 2 1/2 years and would occasionally catch Neighbours. I've also seen some Corrie DVDs. But that's it. My reluctance to start up with non-US soaps is that once I get into the shows, my 'supplier' suddenly disappears and I'm left hanging, desperately searching for a new 'supplier' (or should I say, desperately asking SWJ to search for a new 'supplier'). But hey, better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. So for the last 2 weeks I've watched the UK shows EastEnders, Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, Emmerdale and the Aussie soap Neighbours.

I've got a theory on what hooks people on a soap. Sure, there's good writing, acting and quality of production but for me it's this: If there's a character I love, a character I hate and a character I have a crush on - I'm hooked! So, here's my love/hate/crush round-up for my 'new' shows (in fave to least fave order):

EastEnders:
Love: the Masoods, Whitney, Ricky, Pat and Dot
Hate: Janine, sometimes Phil
Crush: No One. Every time I get a crush on someone they leave: Jase, Sean, poor sweet Bradley :(
Random Thoughts: Despite not having anyone to drool over, I love EE. While US shows make me cry maybe twice a year, EE has me crying every few episodes. I know people think it's too dark and depressing (they have a point), but what can I say? I don't mind that lol. The Ronnie/Kat/Baby Switch story killed me. And Jack breaking down the other day? *sob*

Neighbours:
Love: Lucas, Paul, Jade (at first, I thought I hated her but...she's so scary when she's pissed and she always seems on the verge of kicking someone's ass. How can I not love her??)
Hate: There's no one I really hate, but Tash and dare I say it...Susan...get on my nerves
Crush: Lucas, Paul
Random Thoughts: I really like this show which is surprising considering how 'family friendly' it is. But with such a tiny cast are there enough women to go around?

Coronation Street:
Love: Carla (I want to be her!), Liz (why did she have to leave??), Becky (why does she have to leave??)
Hate: Frank and Chris (apparently it's ok he beat his wife because he's sorry now?), Tracy (I like the actress, but UGH I just want someone to punch the character in the face.)
Crush: Tommy (Chris Fountain is hot!)
Random Thoughts: I love that Stephanie Cole (Waiting for God) is on the show!

Emmerdale:
Love: Jackson & Hazel
Hate: The Dingles, Kelly (but she's Love to Hate)
Crush: Uhm...Carl maybe?
Random Questions: Why do so many people look like they've just stepped out of a nightclub? Why do Kelly and Nicola want Jimmy? What's with the matching mother/daughter trailer trash look of the Dingle Dopes?

Hollyoaks:
Love: no one yet
Hate: uhm..Warren maybe? Brendan maybe?
Crush: uhm...Warren maybe?
Random Thoughts: I don't mind watching the show but nothing has really pulled me in yet. I'm also having trouble keeping everyone straight, especially the women. I do like the theme and opening credits. And hey, there's an American! I'm also intrigued/frightened by Brendan.

Which UK/Aussie soaps do you watch? Who do you love/hate/have a crush on?
-Melanie/SoapOperaBabble/daisyclover

A Hollyoaks To Root For

Since executive producer Paul Marquess took over Hollyoaks at the start of 2010, I have been giving him a hard time because on paper his desicions have been questionable to say the least on paper. But once I saw the stories play out I started to see things in a different light.

The biggest screw up on paper appeared to be the apperance of Kevin the Alien. yes non-hollyoaks viewers I said alien, my guess is that Kevin is Casey's British cousin or something. But after watching the story play out I found myself enjoying the story for the message it was trying to share with viewers. It was a message that those in collage are very acustomed, that is always to keep your mind open! Don't be scared to ask quesions and form your own beliefs because it is worth it in the end and if you do not do these things than we saw the consequences play out. At the end of the story the show made a smart choice in leaving the truth shout kevin's heritage under wraps and up to the viewers to decide.

The second controversial story choice was the end of Steph's storyline. When I first read how they were going to write out the character of Steph I was less than amused but as Steph found out she has cancer and slowly started getting worse I found myself accepting
The story and I was ready for a tearful cancer caused death akin to Belle on Home and Away. Only Marquess had other plans, thus we got Inferno week. the character of Steph was finally going to make her mark as she jumped into the flames and saved the lives of Amy Barnes and her two childeren. Only when it came time for Steph to save herself she decide she had enough and told Gilly to let her go. Ar that point tears were flowing down my eyes, "No, Steph Don't!!!" I shouted, praying that Gilly would find a way to save her, but it was too late, Steph was gone.

These scenes were brilliant, by far my favorite soap death that I have seen, and it made me proud to be a hollyoaks fan, and that is something I have not been able to say in a very long time.

Then we have the amazing Jasmine/Jason storyline. This is a brilliant start to a transgender story that has the potential to go either way. Rhys and Jaquie's slow building romance has been cute and Ste and Brendan heartbreaking.

I have generally loved this show and I cannot wait to see what happens next. Are you enjoying Hollyoaks? What about the marquess era are you loving?

Bombhead is Back! Lee Otway Returning to Hollyoaks

It's official Hollyoaks fans, Bombhead IS BACK! At least for a short while as actor Lee Otway is set to make a triumphant return in the new year. The speculation is that it is for Lee Hunter's wedding to Leann but we will just have to wait and see if that is right.

I only saw Bombhead over the summer on the online spin-off "Hollyoaks Freshers" But I loved the character and Lee's performance so I am looking forward to his return, hopefully he will come back on a more permanent bases sometime in the future.

Do you guys want Bombhead back? Let me know in the comments below.

Why I Love Hollyoaks

In honor of Hollyoaks 15th anniversary, and because I am currently working my way back in to the series, as it starts heating up with it's latest storylines. I thought I would take a minute to talk about what exactly it was that got me hooked on this show in the first place.

To be honest the very first thing that got me involved in Hollyoaks was the pub fire that was used to clean house in 2006. But we will get to that later because what I want to talk about first is the REVEAL! Yes those of you that watched Hollyoaks know EXACTLY what I am talking about. The climax to the John Paul/Craig/Sarah triangle.

First a little background. So in 2006 John Paul (James Sutton) 'came out', this caused Hannah Ashworth (his ex, portrayed by Emma Rigby) to think she had turned him gay and stop eating, we will get to her in a bit. Meanwhile John Paul had a crush on his best mate Craig Dean (Guy Burnet), who was currently seeing his other best mate Sarah Barnes (Loui Batley). Well after telling Craig how he felt and coming out of the closet Craig kinda shunned him...that was until John Paul found himself a boyfriend in the form of Spike (Tom Vaughan)! Craig got jealous and that is when he and John Paul first hooked up. This began the never ending cycle of John Paul hooking up with Craig only to have Craig utter those three evil words after the fact... "I'm not gay!" .......................UGH So meanwhile Craig and Sarah became serious and eventually Craig got down on one knee and tried to make it official. Well a big engagement party was thrown in their honor, only John Paul had enough of the lies, so he got Craig to come up to the bedroom with him, where he stole Craig's cell phone and texted Sarah to come up and be with him....only when she got there she saw John Paul and Craig going at it. Now fastforward about 15 minutes later and we get this AMAZING confrontation between the two star crossed lovers.

"At last... at last he understands!" "Im sorry everyone knows, I am sorry that everyone can see you for the two timing lying little toe rag you really are, I am sorry I ruined your selfish little plans, Im sorry that I forced you to face up to the fact that you get off on undressing boys as well as girls, but I am not sorry for any of that! you caused that, no one else you! You had everything you own way hadn't you?, telling her you loved her, telling me you loved me, I mean playing these games with us, well now you have to deal with the consequences"

BRILLIANT, I mean just totally and utterly brilliant.

But now onto the Fire at the dog.

So a bit of background. This was the culmination of MONTHS of storytelling and plotting. It was also Bryan Kirkwood's (Ex-Hollyoaks Executive producer, now EastEnders executive producer) first massive storyline.

Sam Owen (Louis Tamone) was sent away for rape, but after attempting suicide in jail he is sent to hospital where he escapes! He begins to plot his revenge on the ones who sent him away, and what better way then manipulating his younger sister? Anyways a long story short everyone is gathered at the local pub (The dog) to have a drink, they get ready to leave when Sophie (Connie Powney) gets a call from whom she believes to be Sam's brother (Russ), but it is SAM! Well watch the video to see what happens.

Now as a result of this storyline Sam dies, but not before taking the lives of Melanie Burton (Cassie Powney), Joe Spencer (Matt Milburn), Olivia Johnson (Rochelle Gadd) and Mel's twin, Sophie.

Lastly I am just going to briefly touch upon Hannah's Story. This touching, moving, and award winning storyline was just all together epic. Beginning with a slow build, Hannah Ashworth developed an eating disorder. With her best friend becoming a model Hannah started feeling 'fat' and inept in comparison. Things only got worse when Hannah became friends with Sarah's co-worker Melissa (Carla Chases). After months of building, and struggles, Melissa and Hannah finally decide to leave the village together so they can escape the pesky parents who keep sticking their nose where it doesn't belong. Unfortunately things do not go well, as Melissa is gravely ill, and Hannah is not far behind as the two have been attempting to fit into a size 0, and have finally made it.

Unfortunately the video is not embedable. But you can head on over to youtube and check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZJ5sKtSS5I

So what are some of your favorite Hollyoaks moments?

New Hollyoaks Opening Sequence

So what do you think of the long awaited brand new Hollyoaks opening? I think it is much better then I expected and it is really fitting for the new era of Paul M.

Rating Paul Marquess's First Week At Hollyoaks

The moment I have been waiting for a year for is finally here, as Paul Marquess officially took over the reigns of the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks. But was his first week any good? Was it all that I ever wanted and dreamed it would be? Or was it a major let down, with convoluted plot twist and more stupid storylines then you could shake a stick at? Well I guess you will have to keep reading as I grade Paul Marquess first five episodes!

Monday -

In Marquess's inaugural episode we see that Gaz has been arrested and charged with the murder of Calvin Valentine (who was actually murdered by Theresa Mcqueen the cousin of Calvin's wife Carmel).

The other side story dealt with Stephanie Dean overcoming her battle with cancer and starting to have a positive outlook on life and realizing that it is time once again to go after stardom, but what will be different this time is the fact that she has a SOB STORY! Yes the freshly widowed woman adopted and orphan and wins her battle with cervical cancer is not off to conquer the world! OR at least attempt to.
Overall -

Monday was not a bad episode, it was decent and the fact that Paul has already axed the characters that I would obviously be ranting about here (*cough* THE ENTIRE Valentine clan *cough*), I was able to sit back and relax as I slowly came back 'home' to the lovely village of Hollyoaks.
Tuesday -

Tuesday's episode was alllllll about poor little Theresa...........she finally told Myra that she was knocked up, but refused to tell just who the father was (because Myra would probably beat the living daylights out of her....and rightfully so!).
The whole Gaz mess continued today with the Valentine clan yelling and fighting over it... Lauren went to visit Gaz, Sasha flipped out, and Carmel calmed them all down.....Is it time to say goodbye yet?

Stephanie decided to go try out for the X-factor, she and Gilly guilt trip Rhys into helping her out by using her cancer.... it was such a low blow, and they knew it, but it was kinda hilarious to see Rhys crumble and start helping her.
Cindy who still wants Darren is "SHOCKED" when she finds Darren in bed with Suzanne Ashworth!

Overall-

Yay EastEnders style cliffhangers! While this wasn't the best 'duff-duff' copycat, it wasn't the worst! Yea I am trying to find the good in this episode dang it. The episode really kinda bored me.. I don't care about Gaz and the Valentines, and I could care less that Theresa is carrying Calvin's baby, just let everyone find out that she's the murder and she can pop out the child in prison like Becca and then die as well....ugh. So I guess my optimism is slowly fading away hu?

I just wish there was a bit more of a focus on Steph/Rhys/ the older generation. I don't really care to much to see these people who cannot act on my screen muttering through their scenes. I want to be gripped and enjoying my soap opera and I am not really enjoying it when that 'mess' is on. The good news is that they will be gone soon so hopefully that will come sooner rather then later.

Wednesday -

So Suzanne leaves Neviel and shacks up with Darren for a "few days". Meanwhile Darren and Cindy are still having this flirting back and forth thing. Rhys eventually catches up with Darren and to Darren's surprise Rhys is actually okay with their relationship, but he understands that it is temporary, and it is just the way things have to be. Later on Darren returns to his flat, and is completely stunned to see Cindy and Suzanne chatting and laughing on the sofa as they watch the telly.

We have some stuff going on at the Valentines (the girls want their dad to start acting like their dad again).


And the episode ends once again with a shocker as Jake comes home and finds Loretta in his bed in yet another fake-Duff-duff moment!

Overall-

To dang much crap went on in this episode, and to many characters I simply do not care about! But hey I did enjoy the Darren / Cindy / Suzanne dynamic, and i am interested to see where things go. But with casting the way it is I am guessing that Cindy is going to go away on maternity leave as Suzanne exits the show so Darren will be left all by himself for a little bit....HA! That will be the day.

Now I just have to say that the 'BEST' part of the episode came after the fake-duff-duff when Suzanne and Cindy were discussing which Sex and the City girl they were and then told Darren he was sleeping on the sofa! It was just amazing.

Thursday-

YAY! The collage gang is on today!

Ashworths --

Josh comes home and flat out tells his dad to get his act together and go fight for his marriage!

Nancy is dating Elliot, and the two of them have a discussion about her sexuality.... *sigh* more on then in my "overall" thoughts.....

Stephanie performs at the dog and does a killer job and showed everyone up!


Today's duff-duff knock off came in the form of Cheryl winning the lottery!

Overall-

Today's episode was a vast improvement over the other episodes, but that may simply be the fact that I love the charcter of Nancy and really the whole collage gang, so this episode was a lot more towards my liking then say an episode full of the craptastic Valentines. But with that said Nancy could do SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much better then Elliot, she deserves so much better, so I really hope that this relationship doesn't last that much longer, and with casting news the way it is I think my wish might happen soon so YAY!

Friday-

Oy, okay so Friday's episode is a mish-mash..

Cheryl lost her winning ticket in her bra....yay...

Elliot tries to rig the competition so that Nancy will win, only Cheryl won.

Amy tried to win, but didn't.....

and the fake-duff-duff goes to Kyle threatening Lauren......

Overall -

Okay I am going to be honest and say that I really didn't care for this episode, it was meh, but Nancy was in it and the focus was on the college crew so i didn't hate it as much as some of the episodes earlier in the week.


Paul M's Hollyoaks was interesting, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't good. It was a decent week of a soap that I once loved and I was actually able to sit through without having to claw my eyes out and shout "WHY GOD WHY ME?" With that said I really cannot advise anyone pick up the show just yet, the best time will be when Stunt weeks appear, and from the sounds of things to come you shouldn't have to wait too long for that to happen.

So my grade for Paul's first week is a solid C+ also known as average...here is hoping that an A+ is in store for Hollyoaks future!

What did you think of this week's episodes? were they better then Lucy Allens? Did you hate them? Let me know in the comments below

Hollyoaks Producer Paul Marques First Episode Air Date SET!

The VERY first question in an exclusive interview on the official Hollyoaks website has revealed that Paul Marques first episode as 'full' executive producer will air on July 5th 2010!

So set your calendars people because Hollyoaks is about to be the soap to watch! YAY

Are you looking forward to t his transition?Or did you like Lucy Allen?

Hollyoaks Producer Paul Marquess To End Spoilers!

Digital Spy is reporting that Hollyoaks producer Paul Marquess is set to end spoilers! How is he going to do this?

Later in the year we'll be doing a story for which we'll film three endings
and no-one will know until the night of transmission which one we'll use."

Do you think this plan will work? And better yet should more US soaps go to this extreem to keep endings a secret?

Hermaphrodite plot scratched for 'Hollyoaks'?

Is Hollyoaks the new Passions? Digitalspy just reported that a purposed hermaphrodite plot that was supposed to 'improve' ratings was just scrapped due to the actor chosen for the role refusing to play it.

Now, I am not one to say "Hermaphrodite" storylines are what the industry really needs, but an actor who is selected for that role, should have to play out the role correct? I just get a strange Chris Egine feeling from this story.

Anyways would you have been interested in this story? Or are you glad they axed it?

A New Family Coming To Hollyoaks

Hollyoaks fans rejoice, executive producer Paul Marquess has announced that he will be bringing in a new family to the show after having recently cleaned house.

"We're particularly excited about the new family that will join the show in the summer - and guarantee they'll bring glitz, glamour and great stories to the Hollyoaks village!"

Now let's all hope that this new family will not eat the show alive like the McQueens did when they came on the show back in 2006.

Are you looking forward to the new family? Are you still watching Hollyoaks? If not why? Let me hear your thoughts in the comment section bellow!

Most Memorable Soap Death

One topic keeps creeping its way onto message boards and blogs around the soapnation. That topic is Soap Deaths.

Now obviously deaths happen all the time on our favorite suders, but what makes a soap death that you will always remember?

Two of the biggest soap deaths that I will always remember come from UK soaps.

First we have Danielle Mitchell on the BBC1 soap EastEnders.

After months of story building we found out that Danielle was actually Ronnie's long lost, and believed to be dead, daughter. But when Danielle finally told Ronnie the truth her mother didn't believe the news and sent her away. Thankfully Ronnie found out the truth, so she ran after Danielle and well you can see how it ended in the clip bellow.



*Tear*

The next death came from Hollyoaks.

Max Cunningham had been an essential part to Hollyoaks for most of the shows run, but when the actor decided to venture out they decided to send Max off in style.

On his wedding day Max is leaves the reception with his little brother Tom and best friend O.B. to get a present for his new wife. But while trying to move it his brother is playing in the street. So Max does what any big brother would do and...well lets just let the clip talk for it self.




So those are some of my favorite and most memorable deaths, what are yours?