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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Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’
Emily Sergeant
Call yourself a clever clogs? The BBC is currently looking for contestants to take part in what is widely considered the hardest quiz show on TV.
That’s right – Only Connect is back for another series on BBC Two.
Presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell and first broadcast all the way back in 2008, Only Connect takes TV quizzing to the next level, as it sees two teams compete against each other by finding connections between seemingly unrelated clues.
In this quiz show – which viewers have dubbed one of the most challenging there is – knowledge only takes you so far, as the ability to think laterally is also deemed ‘vitally important’.
A casting call for the upcoming 2027 series has been shared on the BBC website, with people from Greater Manchester encouraged to apply.
Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’ / Credit: BBC
The casting call reads: “The popular BBC Two quiz show presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell returns for a new series in 2027.
“Only Connect is seeking teams of three players OR single applicants or teams of two looking for like-minded teammates to pool their combined wits to solve fiendish conundrums and vexing puzzles.
“This is the quiz series where, as in life itself, knowledge will only take you so far: patience and lateral thinking are also vital. It’s all about making connections between things which may appear, at first glance, not to be connected at all.”
Reckon you’ve got what it takes then? Applications are now open, and all applicants must be aged 18 or over and a resident in the UK or Channel Islands.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands
Emily Sergeant
Students can get themselves up to 50% off on food, activities, and loads of big-name brands at the Trafford Centre next month.
With thousands of new and returning students starting to arrive for the new academic year at Greater Manchester‘s universities, one of the region’s biggest student nights will be making a long-awaited comeback for one night only next month – and there’ll be loads of exclusive offers and free entertainment to make the most of across the evening.
Taking over the Trafford Centre in early October, the popular one-off student night is happening in partnership with Student Beans, and gives cash-strapped students the chance to shop a variety of incredible discounts all under one roof.
Just some of the big brands offering big discounts include 25% off at Levi’s and Boux Avenue, 20% off at Gymshark, Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch, and 15% off at KIKO, Rituals, and Sephora.
It’s not just retail brands you’ll be able to save some pennies on either, as many of the Trafford Centre’s restaurants and cafes will also be offering discounts and freebies on the night too.
Alongside the offers, students can expect plenty of live entertainment and in-store experiences throughout the evening, including a DJ set and drinks at Calvin Klein, in-store fitness challenges and at Gymshark, an exclusive piercing event at Lovisa, and a Beauty Hub takeover at Sephora.
There’ll also be ‘spin-to-win’ opportunities at places like schuh, River Island, and YO! Sushi.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands / Credit: Supplied
“Student Night is one of the highlights of our autumn calendar, and we’re excited to welcome students for an evening of brilliant offers and feel-good experiences,” explained Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at the Trafford Centre.
“Whether they are updating their wardrobe, stocking up on beauty favourites, grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying the atmosphere with friends, there is plenty to discover across the centre.
“With simple transport links from Manchester city centre and across the region, Trafford Centre is the perfect place for a student night out.”
The Trafford Centre’s Student Night is happening on Thursday 1 October from 6-10pm, and students can now reserve themselves a spot by registering online HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd January 2021 
