No one does melodrama quite like our beloved TV soaps.
Many of those stalwart shows that make up our tea time television viewing have been on screens here in the UK for longer than a significant chunk of us have even been alive – in the case of Manchester’s iconic Coronation Street, 60 years as of last December – so it stands to reason that unique storylines geared towards entice viewers, and keeping them sufficiently entertained to come back for more, are becoming thinner on the ground as time ticks on.
This is probably why most of them – some more than others, we might add – are filled with some of the most dramatic scenarios that rarely happen in everyday life, spawning plenty of iconic quotes that are used in memes and conversation for years to come.
But for every “Im on pills, for God’s sake”, “I’ve got nothing left”, and “I didn’t just become a little bit of a slag, I became a total slag”, there’s a whole host of quotes that often slip under the radar.
Twitter user @dan_egg took to the ever-popular social media platform over the weekend to ask people what their favourite “iconic but underrated quotes from soaps” are, starting the list off himself with his personal favourite “ridiculously camp line from Eastenders that is never spoken about”.
Given that this is a pretty extensive Twitter thread, with over 420 responses and counting, we have chosen to only include a few of our favourites in this article, otherwise we’d be here all day.
Oh, and we forgotten to mention the best part about all of this.
Even Britain’s undoubted national treasure Stephen Fry has chipped in with his take on it all too, calling it “the best thread ever”.
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The legendary actor, comedian, writer and TV presenter added: “This might just be the best thread ever. Not sure i can add much. I do remember Bet Lynch and Betty Turpin/Williams at the bar of the RR eyeing a young man who was entering: “Nice,” said Betty. Bet Lynch sniffed and said “I wouldn’t have him if he came wirra nest of tables”.
Which “iconic but underrated” quote was your favourite from the list? Did we forget any others that you think deserve a shoutout?
You can check out the full thread of responses on Twitter here.
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Manchester furniture outlet LOFT is hosting a major closing-down sale with up to 70% off
Emily Sergeant
Manchester furniture outlet LOFT is hosting a major closing-down sale with up to 70% off.
Okay, so it’s not technically closing down per se, but the current LOFT premises off Hyde Road near Piccadilly will officially close doors on 30 September, as the business consolidates its operations and relocates to its newly completed headquarters over at Trafford Park.
Unlike a typical closing-down sale, the stock isn’t old or unwanted. Instead, it’s a live snapshot of LOFT’s day-to-day business, and everything must go.
LOFT is known for furnishing properties across the build-to-rent, student accommodation, co-living, private rented, and social housing sectors, and that constant turnover naturally generates surplus – whether it be project overstock, end-of-line pieces or discontinued items making way for new collections.
The move over to Trafford Park is said to be a moment to clear the warehouse ‘completely’ and start the new chapter with a clean slate.
Manchester furniture outlet LOFT is hosting a major closing-down sale with up to 70% off / Credit: Supplied
This means that everything, from sofas and beds, to dining sets, armchairs, and home accessories, must go before the move, with prices already reduced by 50 to 70% below RRP.
Benjamin Hall, who is the Founder and CEO of LOFT, says this is the ‘biggest and best value’ sale the company has ever offered.
He explained: “As we settle into our new home at Trafford Park, we want a completely clean slate. Whether you’re a homeowner after a one-off bargain, or a landlord, agent or developer furnishing multiple units on a budget, there has never been a better time to visit.”
So homeowners, landlords, letting agents, property developers, interior designers, and home-staging businesses, this one’s for you.
LOFT Manchester is open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays only, and no appointment is needed, so you can just turn up whenever and bag a bargain.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Tickets go on sale for massively popular pumpkin festival near Greater Manchester this autumn
Emily Sergeant
Tickets for one of the North West’s most popular pumpkin festivals with thousands of pumpkins to pick have now officially gone on sale.
We know it’s still technically summer and the sun is still shining, but in just over a month’s time, Kenyon Hall Farm’s popular Pumpkin Festival will be back up and running for 2026.
This is an ideal autumnal activity for when the leaves start turning golden, and is always popular with families every year.
Think fields full of pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, where you can grab yourself a wheelbarrow and get searching for your perfect gourd – whether it’s a classic round orange one, or a weird and wonderful wonky one.
Kenyon Hall Farm’s popular Pumpkin Festival will be back from next month / Credit: The Manc Group | Concetta Huffa (via Unsplash)
As well as the pumpkin picking itself, Kenyon Hall Farm also has loads of photo opportunities dotted around, like a house built of pumpkins, a giant throne, a vintage tractor, a love heart frame, and even a Hollywood sign-style sign screaming ‘PUMPKINS’ as you enter.
This year, the owners are also teasing some brand-new displays for 2026, so stay tuned for what’s in store.
While you’re at the farm, you can also browse a pop-up market packed with autumnal treats, including more pumpkins, novelty homewares, and seasonal goodies, and then head on into the gorgeous on-site cafe for some pumpkin-inspired specials like spiced lattes, scones, and soup.
What could be more a perfect autumn activity than rummaging around in a field picking your perfect pumpkin with your pals?
Kenyon Hall Farm’s Pumpkin Festival officially returns from Saturday 26 September, and tickets are now on sale at £3.95 each, so make sure to book yours soon as they’re already selling fast.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd January 2021 
