Kellie

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...

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...

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...

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...

Tonight's episode (19th October) saw the aftermath of the storm becoming more apparent, and in a way that many of us viewers were left shocked over especially when it revealed an injured Liv Dingle which ended in some heartbreaking moments. Tonight's episode was written by Adam Sales, and directed by Tim O'Mara. Tonight  started with Liv and Vinny Dingle lying under the caravan that Vinny escaped from as he worried for his wife as she was revealed to be trapped with Aaron rushing to help as Liv shouted out for them to stop . I'm super worried for Liv, I know there has been talk for a while of her possibly but my god if this is the way she goes I'll be devastated, Liv is one character I love and have enjoyed watching as a whole.  Vinny tried to comfort his wife, Mandy arrived in shock of the state Liv was in.  I'm still in shock especially when she admits to them about not being able to feel her legs.  Love how Vinny is trying to reassurance her despite the uncer...

Following on from Sunday's ( 16th October ) special one hour anniversary episode, Emmerdale continued their stunt in last night's episode ( 17th October ). Tonight's episode saw more of the storm's danger shown.  Tonight's episode (18th October) was written by Sarah Bagshaw, and directed by Tim O'Mara. The episode started  in the barn with Lydia Dingle helping a petrified Amelia Spencer who's labour was continuing to quickly intensify wanting her dad and her boyfriend, Noah Dingle.  The more Amelia was stressing the more determined Lydia was to get her the help she needed and quickly. Never expected Lydia to be the one to find Amelia - Karen Blick and Daisy Campbell are a great pairing that need more scenes in the future. The way the storm was continuing the more, I was worrying. In the middle of the episode, Noah Dingle received a message from Lydia that saw him being told the news that Amelia was on her way into hospital  seeing a state of shock, as all is...

Following on from last night's (16th October) special one hour anniversary episode which saw some fantastic scenes and stunts delivered, Emmerdale continued their special anniversary week's worth of episodes tonight (17th October). Tonight's episode was written by Andrew Kirk and directed once again like last night's by Ian Bevitt. The episode started back with Kim Tate and Harriet Finch following the lightning strike that saw Kim on the ground after being thrown into the air during the explosion, and Harriet laying dead seeing an emotional Kim apologise. However, it was Dan Spencer who discovered Harriet's body,  I'm a mess that character deserved better. Katherine Dow Blyton - thank you for all your fabulous moments as Harriet over the years, and I wish you all the very best for the future! Back at Home Farm, Kim arrived back to Home Farm informing her new husband, Will along with his daughter, Dawn and her husband, Billy Fletcher about what happened out ther...

Tonight (16th October) saw Yorkshire based soap, Emmerdale air on its 50th anniversary with a special hour-long episode with a fantastic stunt that had me on the edge of my seat right from the very start. Written by Karin Young and directed by Ian Bevitt who both deserve credit. Everyone who knows me knows will know how much I have been looking forward to this episode airing, it's thanks to the Grandma that I realised my love for this show. I also hoped that I would get to watch it with her sadly, it wasn't to be! There was such a sentimental feel to the opening of the episode as it showed Emmerdale paying homage to the very first episode with the horse that Kim Tate came to her wedding on. A very special moment came in the  way that Emmerdale remembered some of the past characters who have left their stamp on the village. It was lovely to see Kim and Eric Pollard sharing a scene two icons of the Dales. At the forefront of the episode were  Kim Tate and Will Taylor as they m...

Today (Friday 14th October) will see 19 year-old singer-songwriter,  Callista Clark  release her debut album, Real To Me The Way I Feel which is made up of 10 tracks. Album Cover Courtesy of Big Machine Records It’s ‘Cause I Am is the perfect song from Callista to open her debut album with. The first verse sees Callista's classic tone which is a crisp soft vocal that is her signature style and sound. I love the electric guitar instrumental, whilst the lyrics throughout It's 'Cause I Am shine through. You can hear such a raw passion for the lyrics making it even more magically, and Callista has some beautiful song-writing skills which I shone fantastically. The chorus is of an upbeat tone that breaks the song up perfectly supporting all the verses brilliantly as well as features lyrics that are upbeat sing-alongs. The second verse sees the song turn a little, but in a way that is great. It's the take me as I am, or leave me song - which demonstrates what a great artist s...

Today (Friday 14th October) will see US newcomer singer-songwriter,  Kylie Morgan  release her brand new EP called Songs To Say I Do. Songs To Say I Do is made up of 5 songs which were all co-written by Kylie. Fireworks has a soft, yet by the end a lovely upbeat instrumental allowing for Kylie's crisp vocal to shine through allowing for such honesty to be showcased throughout the verses of this single. There is something so magical and pure that allows for us listeners to come into her world. The chorus is full of a lot of happy memories filled with those special moments, even though there are moments that you can hear about the hurt she has been through. The development of Fireworks in one of pure brilliance that I am very grateful to see especially as Kylie doesn't shy away from the hurt that she has been through, and these are the songs that country music lovers enjoy hearing the most. Good Hands  starts with a soft piano instrumental allowing for this purity with...

Welcome to a blog post to celebrate Emmerdale turning 50 this Sunday (16th October). I decided back in March ahead of the anniversary to write sharing my favourite storylines over the years, which I have to admit has taken a LONG time to write and actually like. Ashley's Dementia:  How do I begin to talk about this storyline because it was done at the time, a family member was diagnosed and it helped me so much and in a way that I never knew I needed to see it to understand how it can effort a loved one - I will always be thankfully to the show for helping me understand! I am writing this through tears streaming down my face, so I can only apologise that it's a short one. Tricia Dingle's death as a lightning strike hit The Woolpack and the chimney came down  was one of the saddest scenes I remember as being a 10 year old girl as these episodes aired I was amazed by this stunt! One thing I do remember about this storyline was being so upset as Tricia died a few days later in...

Ever since Amelia Spencer discovered that she was pregnant back in July, it’s not been an easy journey for the character especially over the recent weeks with the father of her unborn child announced as Samson Dingle and it's attitude been awful, to her and Noah Dingle going official much to Dan Spencer and Kerry Wyatt’s dismay, but it's obvious how much she knows her own mind. When asked about how is Amelia feeling about her pregnancy, Daisy responds:  “I think Amelia is very excited about pregnancy, given what she’s previously been through I think we see a shift in her emotions about it all. I think she is feeling anxious though and maybe even a little bit apprehensive.” With Amelia meeting Noah for a picnic, how are things between her and Noah:  “Things are really good between her and Noah and I definitely think she has found the right person for her. Especially because Samson hasn’t been around for Amelia during her whole pregnancy. She can compare them both and she sees m...

This is one blog post, I have been very excited to share as it talks about what Emmerdale hour long special episode to celebrate 50 years which they have teased to us fans over the past few months with a storm, wedding, and a birth. However, you can all guess from the title what the post, I am writing is about. In a scene at the start of the week, Sam Dingle watches Noah Dingle and his pregnant girlfriend, Amelia Spencer share a happy moment, he is resentful and soon argues with his son, Samson over his recent behaviour  which I have to say I am here for, his attitude has got to me a lot. As Amelia prepares for a picnic date with boyfriend, Noah all is not as it seems as the winds pick up as a heavily pregnant Amelia makes her way through the storm. Due to the force of the wind, Amelia is blown about, and with her contractions having started she desperately tries to get hold of Dan.  It’s nice that despite everything she thinks of Dan first, as we all need our father/ father f...

Welcome to a blog post to celebrate Emmerdale turning 50 next Sunday (16th October). I decided back in March ahead of the anniversary to share my Top 10 characters from the present era of the show which I have to admit has taken a LONG time to agree (and even now I'm little still unsure they are in the right order ha). Liv Dingle (Flaherty)  is a character from her very first scene I have absolutely loved exploring especially as she came in as such a fiery teenage character was took Robert Sugden's wallet as Aaron Dingle met his little half-sister for the very first time. Over the past 6 years, Isobel has been able to have many wonderful storylines and the opportunity to show what a fantastic actress she is with her epilepsy diagnosis, her issue with alcohol especially as she struggled to deal with what happened in the barn on Paul Ashdale and Mandy Dingle's wedding day in 2021, her asexuality along with her relationship with Aaron/ Chas Dingle as well as some of the beauti...