In all the years that Viv’s been in Emmerdale, she’s always been something of a comedy character, and that’s ok, up to a point. But I think that point has now been reached, and exceeded, and Viv’s persona – which has become almost a caricature of itself – is now intruding upon the believability of the entire show.

Last night for instance, as Bob and his son Jamie were having a desperate conversation in the pub about Bob’s infidelity with Gennie, and the potential repercussions now Jamie’s knows, Tony Audenshaw and Alex Carter’s performances were top notch; the tension was palpable, the rift wide and in particular, Carter’s portrayal of a son hurt beyond measure was award winning… then Viv arrived. Read more & comment »