Kellie

During last night's Christmas Day (Sunday 25th December) hour long episode, viewers to the Yorkshire based soap saw the arrival of Caleb Milligan who is the brother of Cain and Chas Dingle.  However, it was during tonight's episode (Monday 26th December) that saw a special flashback episode to 1991. Tonight's episode was written by Chris Gill, and directed by Michael Lacey. The attention to detail throughout the episode were brilliant. One of the opening scenes to the episode saw a wonderful ariel shot of Caleb's car driving into the village before the episode saw a mix of current day life in the village to flashbacks to the early days of siblings Chas, Cain Dingle and how Caleb Milligan entered their lives. Through the flashbacks us viewers definitely learnt a lot about Cain and Chas' upbringing and why they are like they are especially with why Cain has always been so protective over Chas -  I have a new appreciation for this. In the prison, Cain received a visit

Since the beginning of Juliet Nightingale's cancer diagnosis storyline, many Hollyoaks viewers have been saying how brilliant Niamh Blackshaw has been through this storyline so far, and this week has been no different. First of all, I have to say how brilliant soaps doing these storylines as they reach so many people and encourage viewers to spread the word about what they have watched, or if that have any of those symptoms they know how to go about getting checked. During this week's episodes of Hollyoaks , viewers have seen many emotional scenes with Juliet Nightingale allowing for Niamh Blackshaw to show us what a brilliant young actress she is! There have been making emotional moments this week from her attending her first chemo treatment alone that was after she pushed James Nightingale and Ste Hay away leading to Misbah Maalik supporting her in a sweet scene showing that you are never alone. However, a moment that shocked me this week come with the way that Juliet blurted

2022 has been a fantastic year for Country Music, and it's been so hard to chose a Top 10 of songs for my annual countdown. I found this so hard! Callista Clark's Brave Girl  is a song that from the very first moment, I heard it back in September a few days after my birthday I caught myself instantly connecting with the lyrics and every time I hear it I feel myself getting even more touched by the lyrics and their personally meaning to me. Along with It's Been A Year its my anthem of 2022. I have to give a special mention to Callista's debut album, Real To Me The Way I Feel which is just incredible and there are so many songs on there that inspire me. The day I get to see Callista will be a magical one. Ashley Cooke's It's Been A Year  as this year has been me grow into the person I am today not being a afraid to chase my dream job, even learning from the rejection and becoming a stronger individual because of it - sometimes you just have to do what is right for

Today (Friday 9th December) will see US country pop singer-songwriter,  Halle Kearns  release her brand new single, Moment. Moment  has a guitar instrumental that supports the song brilliantly throughout. The first verse sees a reflective side to the song, whilst also remaining very true to who Halle is as an artist with her crisp tone. The honesty within Halle's songwriting is wonderful and something that I have a lot of appreciation for. Growing up is hard as are relationships we encounter, and sometimes you have to remember that you are only in certain moments once that we need to grab the opportunities with both hands. The chorus has such a sentimental feel that I caught myself getting emotional over as it's hard hitting thanks to the heartfelt lyrics. The lyrics get you thinking and reminding us about how it's the little things that matter most, and that we should never miss out on the things that make us the happiest. The second verse continues the songs meaning beaut

With Amelia Spencer about to christen her daughter, Esther it wouldn't be a soap without drama during the ceremony would it? It’s the day of Amelia Spencer’s daughter, Esther’s christening who is touched by her boyfriend, Noah Dingle’s support who has been there for her during her pregnancy and now adjusting to her journey into motherhood. It’s lovely to see how much he genuinely cares and wants the best for them both. Following Lydia Dingles help in organising the christening, she is disappointed when Samson Dingle refuses to accompany her to his daughter’s christening. Chloe Harris and Amy Wyatt are confrontational around cousins Chas and Charity. However, when Amy and Chloe arrive at Esther’s christening following Chas’ invite, Charity is less than impressed. Things escalated as Charles Anderson’s begins the christening as Charity’s feud with Amy threatens to put the service in jeopardy - part of me is like yay for the drama, but the other is like why are you doing this ,Charit

Last Thursday (1st December) during an Coronation Street press event which saw a new set unveiled which is coming on our screens in early 2023, I had the opportunity to put some questions to Harriet Bibby who plays Summer Spellman to offer an exclusive interview. Touching upon when Harriet take over the role of Summer and how they threw her straight in, Harriet said:  "They did, definitely." Photo Credit: ITV/ Coronation Street Summer has been through one hell of a year with her eating disorder, exam struggles, to her diabetes diagnosis, and now her pregnancy/ miscarriage storyline, Harriet said "It's been a heavy year for Summer, and they all kind of link in together obviously Summer getting diabetes was difficult manage, and that led into her eating disorder it all kind of leads into one another. It's been a heavy year and I think the universe is throwing things at her and having to deal with it - I think is hard." What lighter scenes would you like to see

Rising Country Singer-Songwriter,  Ashley Cooke  who is signed to Big Loud Records/ Back Blocks Music released a brand new single today (6th December), It's Been A Year as a surprise. Yesterday (5th December), it was announced that Ashley would be appearing at C2C 2023 as it celebrates 10 years, Ashley's set to perform on the Spotlight stage in London and Glasgow only. Photo Credit: Brayln Kelly  It's Been A Year  opens with a guitar instrumental that compliments the song throughout beautifully. The first verse sees Ashley's crisp soft vocal tone with lyrics that have a beautiful story around the song-writing and one that I instantly caught myself getting emotional over. It's amazing when you sit back and just listen how much can happen within 12 months with it being not until you hear songs like this that you realise. The chorus features many beautiful soft lyrics that bring the song together fantastically due to the catchiness of the lyrics showing everyone what a

Today (Friday 25th November) will see British singer-songwriter, Twinnie release her Christmas single, Elf Yourself. Elf Yourself starts with Twinnie's crisp vocal alongside a guitar instrumental that I have to say I love the mix off. The first verse has a rather special heartfelt Christmassy feel about our loved ones, and how precious they are. The take on the lyrics is a rather precious one even from the song takes a different road to what you are expecting. Twinnie's vocal tones are fantastic especially heading into the chorus thanks to the brilliant uplifting tones. The chorus is the part of Elf Yourself that is upbeat bringing that special Christmas spirit that we all love to hear within a Christmas song. Elf Yourself has definitely got me in the Christmas spirit which I really appreciate. The more, I hear the chorus the more I love the lyrics. The second verse sees Twinnie's sassy side come out within the storytelling which is very much appreciated allowing for the T

During this week's episodes, Emmerdale viewers saw a tough week for new mum, Amelia Spencer as her daughter returned home from hospital then following Samson Dingle's drastic action. The week   started as Amelia Spencer told Sam Dingle that her daughter, Esther will be coming home after spending few weeks in hospital following her premature birth, as Sam pushed Samson Dingle into agreeing to accompany Amelia to collect their daughter the next day.  Oh, Sam why are you forcing Samson?! What a lovely moment  when Amelia called into Noah Dingle's to see the swivel chair that he'd made seeing Amelia open up.  You can understand the anxiety she has. The caring and reassurance from Noah was needed,  however, as Noah asked to go with Amelia to collect Esther she quickly told him about Samson going. Noah looked let down,  he's been there more for Amelia than Samson ever has. Photo Credit: ITV/ Emmerdale Tuesday  saw Amelia bring her daughter, Esther home as Sam and Lydia Di

Rising Country Singer-Songwriter,  Ashley Cooke  who is signed to Big Loud Records/ Back Blocks Music. Ashley today (Friday 18th November) released TWO brand new singles, Running Back, and Dirt on 'em. “Every artist dreams of getting to play the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium, two of music's most legendary stages. I'm overcome with emotion having made my debut at both within days of each other,” shares Ashley Cooke. Photo Credit: Brayln Kelly  Running Back  starts with Ashley's crisp vocal at the forefront allowing for many special moments right from the very start which continue throughout. The first verse is stunning due to the heartfelt lyrics that you can hear Ashley has written straight from the heart. The song-writing is beautiful that is bought even more to life as the song develops especially within the second verse. As I was listening to the chorus this was the part of the song that I caught myself getting emotional over as you can hear so much vulnera

Today (Friday 11th November) will see British singer-songwriter,  Poppy Fardell  release her brand new single, Double Denim. Double Denim  has an with an upbeat guitar instrumental to start setting the tone of the song up wonderfully. The first verse sees Poppy's crisp vocals start the song with this sassy feel that instantly got me wanting more there is something so wonderful about Poppy's song-writing, and this song is no different. It's all about the small things that shouldn't fit, but do which is showcased fantastically throughout the chorus especially. It's the singalong chorus that make all the different as well as the honesty that is showcased throughout. The way that Poppy has dived into a lot of her vulnerability it's fantastic. The second verse continues Double Denim beautifully as it sees another take on the lyrics bought to life about those unexpected moments people that are bought into our lives which we don't expect making those moments even m

This Friday (11th November) will see Nashville Recording Artist,  Colleen McKee  who describes herself as a Country-Pop singer-songwriter release her brand new single, Brown Eyed Boy. Photography Credit: Erin McCaffrey Brown Eyed Boy  has an uptempo instrumental from the drums that supports the song brilliantly throughout. The first verse has some catchy lyrics mixed with fun sassy lyrics that sees Colleen's crisp vocal tone at the forefront allowing for a different side to be taken on the lyrics at many different moments. The chorus sees the catchiest of lyrics continuing mixed with many sing along moments that for me I really enjoy throughout. The more it was repeated the more I caught myself wanting to sing along. Brown Eyed Boy continues with even more honesty thanks to the very pop country style which is fantastic as it reminds me of the reason that I started to enjoy Colleen's music in the first place - the more I hear Colleen's music the more we get to see what a fan

This Friday (11th November) will see British country singer-songwriter,  Louise Parker  release her brand new single, Littel Bit Drnk. Photo Credit: Meglensphoto (instagram) Littel Bit Drnk  has a soft instrumental that I enjoyed right from the start as it compliments Louise's crisp vocal tone throughout mixed with her softer vocals. The first verse sees a lot of vulnerability changing through seeing a rather special moment thanks to the honesty within the lyrics that caught me getting extremely emotional over. You can hear so much vulnerability of a real situation which I have to say bought the tears out of me as the lyrics are heard hitting. The chorus features Louise's soft vocal tone to start before the crisp tones return seeing even more honesty shining through allowing for the perfect mix throughout. The lyrics bought those moments with your friends on a night out to my mind, and how grateful we are for them. The second verse continues Littel Bit Drnk with the real life

This Friday (4th November) will see upcoming US singer-songwriter,  Lauren Hall  release her brand new single, My Last. My Last was written with Irene Rose, and was produced by Dan Frizsell. Photo Credit: Photographer Laura Huffman - Tossing Wildflowers Photography My Last  starts with a upbeat, quirky drum and guitar instrumental which is something that so beautifully pure. The first verse sees Lauren's crisp vocal at the forefront supported by lyrics that are funny yet sentimental in way that is showcased beautifully within the lyrics, with us listeners wanting this brilliant happy ending to come or at least I did anyway. The chorus is heartfelt with lyrics that paints that pictures of a woman based on the lyrics, not being let down in their relationships and for the first time being in one where their boyfriend/ girlfriend is doing exactly what they say. The catchy twist in lyrics is fantastic. The chorus brings every single verse together beautifully especially within the secon

With stutter/ stammer awareness month coming to an end, I thought I would share a rather personal blog and one I didn't intend on sharing, but after the past crazy 2 and a half years, I have decided that am now brave enough too - I HAVE A STUTTER! As you can tell by the title of this blog, I have a stutter (some of you may know already), but what is a stutter? A stutter/ stammer is a neurological condition, causing speech issues for example our words take longer to come out of our mouths, we often have to repeat certain sounds for the words to come out clearly, have involuntary pauses whilst our brains are thinking, and we have to think carefully about the words we use sometimes. For me, this can happen at many moments including at the start of a sentence, in the middle and sometimes even at the end of sentences. The most important thing people need to realise is that someone's stutter can depend on the day, and situation they are in - one that fills me with a lot of stuttering

In tonight's episode (28th October), viewers to the Yorkshire based soap Emmerdale saw the joint funeral of Faith, and Liv Dingle who sadly died on screen within a week of each other.  I always knew that I would find this episode hard to watch, but never did I expect to cry as much as I did. Prior to the episode airing producer, Laura Shaw shared: " Having a scene featuring the entire adult cast was not something we had done before and given the funeral was taking place towards the end of our October 50th birthday month, it felt very right and fitting that we had the whole cast there to say goodbye." Tonight's episode was written by Adam Sales, and directed by Vicky Thomas. The moment that Faith and Liv Dingle's coffins were bought into the village over the bridge, then the camera panting to an emotional Vinny Dingle who wasn't ready (but then are we ever ready to say goodbye when I loved one has died?) But it was as the coffin headed to the church passing Th

Today (Friday 28th October) will see US singer-songwriter,  Lainey Wilson  release her brand new album, Bell Bottom Country. Bell Bottom Country features 14 songs - 13 were co-written by Lainey with the final track being written by Linda Perry. Photo Credit: Alyssa Gafkjen Hillbilly Hippie  starts with an upbeat instrumental with a very 90's country feel that opens this album from Lainey very well. The old school country vibes with the Shaina Twain twang that I adore with the family relatable lyrics. The chorus is extremely catchy with all the quirkiness that mixed with the upbeat tempo is a great mix and something that gives off those party vibes as I caught myself dancing in between. All Hillbilly Hippie's verses link together fantastically as it reminds me of the older Lainey Wilson music that made me become a fan of hers in the first place. Lainey's softer key in the bridge was stunning. Road Runner  has a quirky cowboy kind of feel. The first verse sees her crisp soft

On Wednesday 19th October, I was kindly given the opportunity to attend Tenille Townes  headline show at Scala in London as part of Country Music Week 2022. Photo Credit: Lauren Dunn/ Sony Nashville Tenille opened her set with Where You Are  which for me was the perfect song as it showed everyone what a talented singer and guitar player she is! The way that everyone was listening to every single lyrics was so powerful, and the silence in the room said it all! White Horse  was full of a lot of energy that got the room in the party spirit, and as soon as it was followed by a sassy version of  Come As You which is my favourite songs ever by Tenille something so magical about the lyrics, and accepting of each other. The singalong party energy was fantastic everyone was enjoying themselves. Jersey on The Wall  is another song that I have an emotional connection with as you can hear so much vulnerability with every single word pulling on your heartstring. You have to love it when a country

I feel like a broken record saying this again, but my god how fantastic was Daisy Campbell during last week's 50th anniversary week on Emmerdale. I know people have their own opinion on this, but this is mine. Thinking back to July, when Daisy Campbell absolutely smashed her scenes when her character, Amelia Spencer discovered her pregnancy - I had high hopes and I have to say Daisy last week definitely exceeded my expectations. Throughout the pregnancy storyline there have been so many standout moments where Daisy has showed different sides of her acting ability that I really do hope are recognised. It's been brilliant to see both the character develop, as well as Daisy because sometimes this happens I am torn, but in Daisy's case I have been amazed. Photo Credit: ITV/ Emmerdale I am always a little apprehensive when it comes to a special week in a soap as you never truly know which way the episodes during that week are going but for some reason because it was their 50th a

Upon hearing the news that Isobel Steele was possibly leaving Emmerdale via metro during their 50th anniversary (I started to write this blog post, but only now do I feel it's time to share). I am in shock even though deep down, I knew one day that it would happen, I wasn't expecting it during the 50th, however, during Wednesday 19th October's episode, us viewers saw Liv Dingle die in some incredibly emotionally touching scenes. Everyone who knows me way before I started writing about Emmerdale through this blog how much I loved Liv Flaherty right from the very first moment she joined the show, thanks to the insanely talented, Isobel Steele who came into the show as a young actress, and Isobel is also a brilliant musician. Throughout her years on the Yorkshire based soap, Liv has been through so much from discovering about her half-brother, Aaron Livesy (who later officially become a Dingle) where she went on to learn about what her father, Gordon did to Aaron with his abus

Today (Friday 21st October) will see Mississippi-born, but Nashville based sibling trio,  Track 45  release their brand new single, Family. Track 45 released Family via Stoney Creek Records. Photo Credit: Alyssa Gafkjen Family  starts with an upbeat piano instrumental that supports the song brilliantly throughout especially with three siblings Ben, KK, and Jenna showcasing their gorgeous harmonies. The first verse sees a female vocal that allows for some powerful lyrics to be shared, and I caught myself getting rather emotional especially as it reminds me so much of my relationship with my three best friends despite our differences in many things, I know that despite those things our friendship with one another is one of the best things! The chorus is extremely catchy, and full of so much perfection thanks to their harmonies being showcased at their finest. The more, I get the opportunity to hear the chorus the more I realise how magical their vocals work together, and in the most ange

Following on from last night's episode ( 19th October ) that saw Liv Dingle sadly die in some devastating scenes, the villagers start to realise the devastating impact that the storm had across the villagers. Tonight's episode (20th October) was written by Dawn Harrison, and directed by Tim O'Mara. Tonight's hour long episode  started with an ariel shot over the village of the devastating damage that the storm had caused.  It made me a little emotional. The devastation of the realisation was heartbreaking to see especially during Eric Pollard and Diane Sugden's scene with Diane's words. However, it was an the camera panned down to Vinny Dingle standing looking over at where Liv died, an emotional moment. The moment Gabby Thomas was told by Wendy Posner of her best friend, Liv's death, my heart sunk.  As the cameras focused back on Vinny, you could see a lot of heartbreak which I have to say Bradley Johnston did brilliantly. Aaron opening up to Chas and Paddy