Jack Duckworth and Tyrone

The last time I really cried at a soap it was when Scott and Charlene tied the knot in Neighbours, writes Tracey O’Sullivan. I was a teenager. I didn’t know any better.

But the tears were certainly flowing last night. In fact I don’t know if I can face watching Coronation Street over the next few weeks as Jack Duckworth bows out – because so far actor Bill Tarmey is doing it in fine style.

And now I have seen Alan Halsall as Tyrone Dobbs come into his own I am dreading that whole Kevin and Molly affair being exposed. It’ll be like snatching the loo roll from the Andrex puppy and tramping all over it and then giving it to the cat to play with.

If ever there was a doubt that too much soap too many times a week was watering down the storylines, the writing and the performances then the recent Corrie episodes are proof that Britain can be proud of its serial drama.

This was stunning stuff and hats off to Bill – a legend in soap for making it work and taking it back to the roots of a medium which is integral to British television. This was about character and script without the need for shock tactics or even expensive stunts

He was certainly a blessed relief from some of the other younger and less noteworthy stars. The current Sophie and Sian love story saga we could do without – in the vain hope it would at least give us a break from their whinging voices. Bring back Hilda Ogden’s singing. It would be less of an assault on the hearing.

And I really couldn’t care less about Chesney’s wooing of its teenage girlfriend. Never mind the question of whether or not it’s really appropriate to almost be promoting teenage sex but really it’s not Grange Hill. This need to be all things to all-age audiences is more of a threat to soap.

It doesn’t have to contain material suitable for post water-shed to be good. Just more sophisticated plots and character development.

I’m loving this idea of Tyrone helping Jack to live out his last few weeks with their own version of a bucket list. It’s going to be compulsive and emotional viewing. While the reports are widespread about Corrie’s staggeringly expensive stunt coming up for yet another landmark anniversary I hope Jack’s final farewell reminds them how they really can win awards and more importantly engage viewers.