Sean and Marcus, Sophie and Sian - Corrie's courage.

I wrote about the sensitive and compassionate way in which Coronation Street is tackling Alzheimer's but I'm also so impressed by the way in which gay relationships are presented.I think I'm right in stating that Tod, Eileen's rather cultured, refined son, was the first to be involved in a gay relationship in 2004. Since then of course we have seen Sophie and Sian (with a little input from a rather manipulative Amber)and the truly delightful relationship between Sean and Marcus. They seem to me to be ideally suited and so convincing as both men are such superb actors. Both display real generosity of spirit in their relationship with each other and to other people.

Homophobia and the pejorative way in which some people think they have the right to talk about gay people is a particular bugbear of mine. Many people have the utterly misinformed view that the only aspect of life gay people think about is sex and their sexuality. Such nonsense! Many ignorant people believe that homosexual equals pedophile; again utter nonsense! I believe that Coronation Street has made enormous strides in countering the prejudices people have felt, without thinking, about gay people.

Coronation Street is so much more than a soap opera - it should never be dismissed as just a soap opera. Tony Warren, the show's creator and a gay man must be so proud to see his creation making such terrific progress in shifting attitudes towards gay people.

The wonderful Eileen Grimshaw of Coronation Street.

Can there be, please, some good luck somewhere for Eileen. This woman allows so many people, down on their luck to share her home.She retains a dry sense of humour, looks better than she did a few years ago and work so hard! Would it be too much to wish for that Eileen gets some good fortune soon?

Alzheimer's on Coronation Street

Once again the writers at Coronation Street handle a very emotional and distressing illness with great skill. The fact that Leslie is in early middle age and has Alzheimer's is perhaps a shock to viewers but it is certainly true that people can and do become affected at a relatively youthful age. Personally I know 2 women who have it -one is just 49 and has had it for 3 years and the other is now 55 and has had it for 5 years. The latter case, to me, was particularly shocking as she had been a brilliant drama teacher. She worked in a challenging area of Sheffield and was well known for her tireless persistence in her belief that all children would benefit from involvement in drama. It is unbearably sad to think of her now limited life and her need for 24 hour care.

For anyone affected by this story line can find out more information regarding Alzheimer's disease at alzheimers.org.uk