Tears shed, I say, tears shed for soap death

11:16am Thursday 12th October 2006

TEARS were shed in soapland this week - and as always for the death of an oldie.

There have been some really dramatic deaths in the soaps over the years, Dirty Den (twice), Harold Bishop (almost but not quite) and Richard Hillman (I've never looked at the Thelwall Viaduct in quite the same way) but there is something just really touching about an older person passing on.

Fred Elliot waved goodbye to Weatherfield on Monday night just minutes before he was due to be married, and just seconds after revealing his true feelings to Audrey.

Corrie legend Sue Nicholls was again tremendous as Audrey as the drama played out and at the same time it was difficult not to feel sympathy for Bev.

Speaking of oldies, rumour has it that Pauline's much reported departure from EastEnders might be one she can't reverse.

Christmas in the Square could see the ever-miserable housewife tumble off this mortal coil. It's hard to think of too many people - either in the Square or in their living rooms - mourning her departure though.

And Johnny Allen's return this week is also likely to be short-lived.

Over in Australia, it is all rather more sedate.

It looks like David Beckham will be following in the footsteps of Shane Warne. No, not by fumbling around in a cupboard with a cockney waitress, but by appearing in Neighbours.

As Adam Gilchrist would say: "Bowling Warney".

And finally, Skye now knows who the father of her baby is (still shocked it's not Paul Robinson). And she is soon to release her first single - a rock effort apparently, although I'll believe that when I see it.

*Alison Klabacher is on holiday.