Coronation Street has had its fair share of controversial storylines in its 48 years of broadcast, but the likes of the 'Free Deirdre' plot could, potentially, be eclipsed by an episode due to air in September.

The writers of the Weatherfield soap cannot be accused of shying away from contentious issues of modern day society as the soap will soon feature the most gratuitous and shocking scene of girl-on-girl violence seen on British soaps ever. It's widely expected that a backlash will follow over the scene; many believe that the soap is capitalising on the fear of gang culture sweeping across the nation.

Fansites have today been attracting negative comments from viewers saying that unnecessary scenes of this nature are actually encouraging the same behaviour among teenagers. So what's all the fuss about?

The scene in question shows four young women attack undercover police officers Mel Morton and Abi Sharpe in an unprovoked attack after they are sent to investigate an incident at a local bar. This is not your playground pulling of the hair and name-calling; the vicious attack sees the four youths punch, kick, and even smash glass bottles over the unsuspecting officers. One fierce assailant brutally stamps on Abi's head as she lays helpless on the pavement, before leaving her for dead.

Ofcom has already received a complaint – over a month before the episode hits our screens.

My thoughts are that if it's happening in on our streets, why shouldn't it occur on Coronation Street or any other soap?

However, contentious scenes or storylines must be written with a certain view taking factors such as sensitivity to taste and violence into account due to the fact that the long-running show is aired before the watershed.

I actually disagree with the concerned fans of the show who are opposing the depiction of such scenes like this on principle. Yes, Coronation Street isn't EastEnders where more gangsters appear to be operating in Walford than in all the London boroughs put together. However, youth violence is a fact of life and however unpleasant, it needs to be tackled and confronted head on. Even in a soap. It may shock viewers enough for certain people to be more self-aware and withdraw themselves from situations similar.

By Guest Editor Rob Jones

To say that Doctor Who has been a success for the BBC in the Saturday early evening slot is putting it mildly. It's a bona fide phenomenon. Question is, how to fill the void? Well, more of the same. Kinda. The answer (the Beeb hopes) is Merlin; a thrilling fantasy drama to enchant children and adults alike.

Tune in for a series of magical adventures as we follow the unlikely friendship of a would-be wizard Merlin and Prince Arthur, destined to be the future king. In typical BBC fashion, the drama brings together a cast of acclaimed actors. There's Richard 'I don't believe it!' Wilson as Gaius, Anthony 'Buffy' Head as King Uther Pendragon and multi-award winning actor John Hurt as the Voice of the Great Dragon.

The eagerly anticipated series begins long before Arthur becomes King. Arthur's father is Uther Pendragon, the tyrannical King of Camelot who has outlawed magic in the mythical city. Gaius is the court physician who takes Merlin under his wing and helps guide him with his magical powers. It's a rites of passage story that sees Merlin and Arthur on the cusp of adulthood – both on their journey to greatness in a time before history began.

Other stars lined up include Heroes star Santiago Cabrera (Isaac Mendez) as Lancelot and ex-EastEnder/Bionic Woman Michelle Ryan as the wicked sorceress Nimueh. Further guest stars include Eve Myles (Torchwood, Doctor Who) as Mary Collins, Will Mellor (Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps) as Valiant and Julian Rhind-Tutt (Green Wing) as Edwin Muirden. Soon-to-be familiar faces include Colin Morgan as the young wizard Merlin, Bradley James as Prince Arthur, rising star Angel Coulby as Guinevere and newcomer Katie McGrath as Morgana. 

What's really adding to the hype around this show is its purchase by America's NBC network, one of the so-called 'big four' US television channels. It's the first British series to enjoy that honour for yonks. Usually our shows only feature on PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) or cable as the main networks tend to purchase the rights of UK shows specifically to remake them into US versions (the American version of The Office, for example, airs on NBC). As befitting a drama of this stature, spectacular CGI effects come from The Mill, our very own Oscar-winning visual and special effects team behind Gladiator (are we still swooning over Russell Crowe? Or is that sooooo 2000?) and Doctor Who (are we still swooning over David Tennant? Or is that sooooo 2007?). The brand new 13 part series of Merlin airs on BBC One this September.

Today I am mostly lovin' - ITV3's repeats of the excellent Robin Of Sherwood. Who cares if Michael Praed's Robin Hood has a mullet? For me, this remains the definitive TV version. And I can't resist Ray 'the daddy' Winstone as Will Scarlet.

Today I am mostly hatin' - Those 'cactus man' Oasis adverts are just plain weird. I'm creeped out by them.

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I can't believe sci-fi phenomenon The X-Files debuted 15 years ago. I was a fan of the series, but a mate of mine was absolutely obsessed. She analysed every aspect of the show; her favourite preoccupation was the unresolved sexual tension between Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson).

Unless you were around at the time, it's difficult to appreciate just how big The X-Files was; it quickly became a worldwide hit and made household names of its two stars. The show focused on FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully as they investigated the existence of alien races. It also followed their attempts to uncover government conspiracies and unexplained phenomena. Always a sign of popularity, the show was promptly parodied and its catchphrase, 'The truth is out there', became as well known as the likes of 'Ay carumba!' and 'This time next year we'll be millionaires!'

With Mulder in the role of 'believer' and Scully as 'sceptic' the duo developed an ambiguous friendship and an onscreen chemistry that kept viewers guessing throughout the nine series. Now in 2008, The X-Files is back to captivate fans old and new thanks to the release of X-Files Essentials on DVD. Released by Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, the DVD offers an exclusive insider's pass to the multi award-winning show (just in time for its second trip to the big screen). Hand-picked by X-Files creator Chris Carter, the eight episodes on the DVD include special introductions by Carter and producer Frank Spotnitz, revealing why they were chosen and how they relate to the eagerly-anticipated feature film.

Offering a unique insight into the paranormal exploits of FBI agents Mulder and Scully, the DVD provides a useful introduction for those new to the cult series, as well as a nostalgic reminder for dedicated fans. Episodes include the pilot, Beyond the Sea, The Host, Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose, Memento Mori, Post-Modern Prometheus, Bad Blood and Milagro.

The X-Files' influence can be seen in a variety of shows; Doctor Who revivalist Russell T. Davies credited the series as an inspiration for Torchwood. And CSI fans - do I even have to mention the Grissom and Sara romance? However, I can't close without saying that David Duchovny is responsible for two of the most excruciating hours of my life; remember his dire movie Evolution with 'comic' sidekick Orlando Jones? Truly a cinematic experience for anyone who hasn't evolved... 
See what all the fuss is about - get The X-Files on DVD here

Today I am mostly lovin' - I'm hooked on Five series Banged Up. It's a real eye-opener. I never missed an episode of Bad Lads Army either.

Today I am mostly hatin' - Who Dares Sings! Nuff said.

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Having watched the first series of excellent US drama Dexter on FX, I nearly fell off my chair when I heard that ITV1, of all channels, was going to be its terrestrial home. I couldn't see ITV doing such a brilliantly quirky and original proposition justice. Not in the way that FX did. However, I'm pleased to say that on the whole, they did the right thing.

Based on the novel Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay, the second season of Dexter is now airing on FX and I implore you to drop everything you have planned and watch the premiere episodes on Sunday evenings (you can also catch-up during the week). Michael C. Hall (Six Feet Under) is Dexter Morgan; an incredibly likeable forensics expert working for the Miami Metro Police Department. Did I mention that he also happens to be a serial killer?


What a premise! However, the twist is he only kills murderers who can't otherwise be brought to justice. It's his own moral immoral code, if ya get my drift. In season one, Dexter was the hunter. Among his 'victims', the last person you'd suspect (unless you were watching very closely). However in season two, he becomes the hunted. A whiff of suspicion is blowing his way as far as Sergeant Doakes (played by Erik King) is concerned; Doakes is convinced that Dexter is hiding something. He's just not sure what...yet. 

The series has rightly attracted widespread critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic. New York Magazine called it: "horrifying, intoxicating, seductive and thrilling, all at the same time." The Boston Globe said: "This fiendishly excellent...series turns blood splatter into a pop art form." Finally, our very own Times gushed: "glossy melodrama, bloody grand guignol for technophile postmoderns." Gotta love The Times.

So what makes it so good? What's the secret? The answer sounds incredibly pat but I'm going to say it anyway; Dexter gets the basics right. Key elements required for superlative drama are executed to the highest degree: writing, plot, storyline, acting - all are absolutely sublime. And I haven't even mentioned the cinematography, the mood, the atmosphere, the tension. No wonder my nails are in a disgusting state! Special praise must be bestowed upon Michael C. Hall who fits the lead role like a glove; he exudes a je ne sais quoi, a quality of otherness in spades. This enhances the moral ambiguity of Dexter the character and makes him utterly compelling. Crucially, it's mirrored and reflected in the series itself; 'good' and 'evil' are cleverly subverted on all levels. As an audience, we find ourselves rooting for a killer and booing the police. And that's the rub.
Dexter, Sundays at 10pm on FX

Get a flavour of the truly excellent import Dexter by watching the trailer.

Today I am mostly lovin' - Dave repeats of the dark but brilliant 'comedy' The League Of Gentlemen. Dare you watch?

Today I am mostly hatin' - The fact that superb sitcom Cheers rarely gets an airing these days. It was soooo good in the Sam/Diane years.

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Anyone watching Big Brother's Little Brother? Nah, me neither. It's just not the same since Dermot O'Leary jumped ship to The X Factor (although after last year's turgidity, it should be The Zzzzzz Factor). OK, if you haven't seen the new look Big Brother's Little Brother, chances are you may be unaware of new male host George Lamb. He can also be seen every Wednesday night presenting new BBC Three series Make My Body Younger.

I know what you're thinking people, but you're wrong. This isn't How To Look Good Naked or Ten Years Younger...but it is the flipside. Young boozers, bingers and party animals get a wake-up call as their over-the-top lifestyle is put under the microscope - literally. This series isn't concerned with the usual preoccupations of makeover shows (laughter lines, crow's feet, wrinkles, boob jobs, cellulite et al): the question is, what damage are the subjects doing to their insides?

Using state-of-the-art technology, a 'living autopsy' is performed, revealing the real impact that bad food, drink, drugs and cigarettes are having on their organs. In the first part, party girl Emma Sheldon comes under the spotlight. For six months of the year, the 23-year-old is 'avin' it large! as a club rep in Ibiza...nuff said. Anyway, it's all been rough on her body; she lives on a diet of junk food (and it all shows on her face - sorry, but it's true), she's been known to put on three stone in just three months, enjoy 24-hour drinking sessions and - wait for this because you won't believe it - Emma also smokes up to two hundred fags a week. Two hundred fags a week!!!! Flippin' 'eck Tucker! No need for artificial smoke in Amnesia with Emma around, is there?

Her heart, lungs and skin have taken a real battering (she's got the lungs of a 45-year-old) and she is diagnosed as clinically obese. Upset by the results, Emma wants to change her ways. But can she? Does she? Ah, now that would be telling, wouldn't it? Admittedly, Make My Body Younger does feel rather familiar. But the digital technology used to illustrate exactly what's going on inside the subject's body is pretty amazing. I'm starting to wonder how old my lungs are now....

Make My Body Younger, Wednesdays, BBC Three at 8pm

Today I am mostly lovin' - Rafael Nadal's Wimbledon win. Phenomenal on every level; I am sooooo glad he won!

Today I am mostly hatin' - For the record BBC, I'd rather listen to a bowl of Rice Krispies than Tim Henman. And they've got more snap, crackle and pop too. Also, referring to that grassy area as 'Henman Hill' or 'Murray Mound' is beyond naff. 

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Regular readers of this blog will know that the first entry of the new month is about looking back. I've perused all the feedback and mail sent in during June. Here's what you've been saying...

My feature on Controversial TV Adverts sparked a flurry of e-mails and also comment here on my blog. Some users were astounded by the objections. Ruth Margaret said of the Quorn commercial: "I cannot believe that there have been complaints about this advert! I am 59 years old and think it's humorous. The way the girl tells her brother off in case he touches her food is so funny. She is fantastic!"

Steve wrote in to say: "Looking at some of the adverts you put on there, it became quite apparent that it was a female writer. Why?  Because some of them mentioned adverts that degraded women but none of the ones that I've seen that have been very sexist to men have been mentioned." Steve went on to make a case for male victims of domestic violence. In my defence, my source was The Advertising Standards Authority's lists of the most complained about adverts. It is therefore a fact that the number of commercials perceived to demean or degrade women far outweigh those perceived to demean or degrade men. Or at least, more Brits wrote in to complain about the former than the latter.
My gender has nothing to do with the adverts featured in the article - I am limited by my source.

Alistair sent me an e-mail and said: "You say the advert for Trident was the first time you'd complained to the TV  standards, well this is the first time I've complained to MSN. What is it with 'faux'? Everything is 'faux' from handbags, to wallpaper! What's wrong with good old-fashioned fake?" Ha, ha Alistair! Loved your observation and sense of humour. I have no idea where this 'faux' thing came from but I guess I was being pretentious using it in preference to 'fake' which sounds so ordinary in comparison.

(no name) wrote in to big-up my ego: "I found your article on adverts highly amusing; it was a good, well-written piece...but what made me laugh was two things... 1: The pictures rekindled memories of the adverts and I found these funny as I did when I watched the adverts originally...2: The amount of people complaining was hilarious, I am just wondering why people feel the need to complain about things which are intended as jokes? Such as the KFC, Oasis and Pot Noodle... who are these people?" Well (no name), you know what they say: one man's meat is another man's poison.

After reading my interview with fired Apprentice candidate Lucinda Ledgerwood, Jeanette wrote in and said: "I have just read the article you wrote and feel I must write (I have never in my life done this before). This interview was the best that I have ever read. You asked really relevant and interesting questions. I am just in a state of shock at being surprised to read something of interest from a reporter. Well done you!" Thank you very much Jeanette, very kind of you.

Thanks for all your comments and messages guys. Keep them coming in. That's it for this month as far as the mailbag is concerned.

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