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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You can now have a private sleepover amongst all the history inside Manchester Museum
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Museum is now offering one lucky family the chance to have a sleepover with Stan the Tyrannosaurus rex.
For the first time in Manchester Museum’s history, one lucky family will be given the chance to experience an incredible night at the museum.
This unique opportunity is being offered as part of a prize draw, allowing visitors to find out what happens once the sun goes down inside the Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery – in the company of Stan, the famous Tyrannosaurus rex, of course.
The Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery is one of the most iconic spaces within Manchester Museum.
Having opened to the public all the way back in 1888, it’s part of the museum’s original building designed by celebrated Alfred Waterhouse, who also designed Manchester Town Hall and London’s Natural History Museum.
Not only will the lucky winning family enjoy an overnight stay in the gallery, but they’ll also be treated to a guided torchlight tour of the galleries after the Museum has closed, as well as other fun activities and a film screening too before bed.
You can now have a private sleepover inside Manchester Museum / Credit: The Manc Group
“We can’t be completely sure what happens when the sun goes down in our Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery, because nobody has ever spent the night in there before, but we can only imagine the kind of fun that can be had with Stan the T. rex and his friends,” said Dean Whiteside, Head of Commercial and Operations at Manchester Museum.
“This is a chance to be a part of museum history and enjoy the kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience you can’t usually buy.
“At the same time, Manchester Museum is a charity so, by getting behind this initiative, you’ll be helping to support vital work that impacts the lives of people across Greater Manchester and beyond.”
Fancy it then? You can enter the prize draw by buying a ticket for £5 from the Manchester Museum Shop, with each ticket counting as one entry and the winner set to be chosen at random from all valid entries.
The prize draw is now open and closes on Monday 28 September 2026.
Featured Image – Supplied
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A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester with DJs blasting 2000s indie and emo anthems
Emily Sergeant
A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester this spooky season.
It’s been nearly 20 years since the release of the titular first film in the Twilight Saga, based on author Stephanie Meyer’s bestselling book series of the same name, but despite two decades having passed, the films remain as beloved as ever.
Twilight went on to become a global phenomenon when it first hit cinemas back in November 2008, not just with its target audience of teens and young adults, but with people of all ages – making stars out of its lead actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in the process, and generating millions at the box office.
With the impact it had on the culture at the time, it’s no wonder Twilight remained among fans’ favourites all these years later.
And this success is why events company Throwback Events is hosting a series of Twilight Raves across the UK and Europe this autumn, making a stop off here in Manchester in late November with tickets now on sale.
The event description reads: “Bella, where the hell you been loca? Join us as we celebrate Twilight at the club, where every day is Hoa Hoa Hoa season.
“Step into the shadows and relive the magic, mystery, and eternal romance of Twilight. Get ready for a night of anthems, nostalgia, and glittering darkness as we transform the dancefloor into Forks’ most iconic vampire coven.”
DJs will be spinning Twilight soundtracks on the night, alongside dark pop, emo, indie, and 2000s bangers, as well as playing fan edits from the films on big screens.
Oh, and to make it all the better, dressing up as vampires and werewolves is ‘highly encouraged’.
Fancy it then? The Twilight Rave is coming to the Deaf Institute in Manchester on Saturday 21 November, and tickets will set you back upwards of £7 each.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd January 2021 
