Last updated 09:13, Saturday, 03 May 2008

THERE’S been nothing anyone might be tempted to call light or entertaining in this week’s visits to Coronation Street. Even the lovely Becky has been a touch down in the mouth – Jason notwithstanding.

Grief: The Street’s Maria

In fact, over the past few days the Street has been more like the Square (Albert) than what we’ve come to know and love as Salford’s finest.

Key to the misery has been poor Maria and her traumatic delivery of a stillborn baby boy.

“Perfect. Just perfect,” she croaked through wracking sobs as she cradled the dead infant in her arms in a lonely hospital bed and her hubby Liam grumbled in the pub, unaware of his family tragedy.

Though wonderfully done – down to the last harrowing detail – this has been a startling departure from Corrie’s more usual sitcom formula... particularly for prime-time post-school viewing.

And with little to lighten the heartbreak load, there’s added menace now hovering with predatory Carla still plotting her evil way, Audrey weighing the pros and cons of betraying Bill with her ex and lust among the arsonists blossoming down the bookies.

Much more of this and Corrie will have to come with an EastEnders health warning: “Caution: Watching this will seriously damage your sense of humour.”

Come on guys – more of the old fun please!