TALKING POINTS | Love Island, EastEnders, Corrie and Big Brother

Here's what's got me talking this week...

It's that time of the week again when I take a look back at the last 7 days to see what has got me talking the most.

From Love Island to Big Brother and more, here are my 4 telly talking points of the week...

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1

TONI & CACH

winning Love Island

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In its tenth anniversary year, Monday saw the end of one of the strongest Love Island series in recent memory, up there (in my opinion) with series three, which remains my all-time favourite. With a record number of recouplings, non-stop drama and more twists thever before, I found myself hooked in a way I haven’t been for a long time.

The promo for this year’s series promised more twists than ever before, and boy, did it deliver. From the Hideaway being open 24/7, to returning Islanders and what felt like more bombshells than ever, it really was reality TV gold from start to finish.

But producers struck gold right from the start with their first big twist, the arrival of the show's first-ever American Islander, Toni, who stole Ben from Shakira on day one, coupled up with Conor on day four, and then had her head properly turned when Harrison entered the villa on day eight.

They coupled up on day 13 and stayed strong through two more recouplings, until Casa Amor came along and shook things up, with both Toni and Harrison choosing to recouple. Toni with Cach and Harrison with Lauren. But just days later, Toni re-coupled with Harrison, leaving Cach and Lauren stunned.

After a tumultuous few days, Harrison left the villa to reunite with Lauren, while Cach forgave Toni, and the pair stuck it out all the way to Monday’s final. Thankfully (they’d been my winners for weeks), they were crowned this year’s champions, taking home £25k each after securing 33.5% of the final public vote, beating best mates Shakira and Yasmin, who were coupled up with Harry and Jamie, respectively.

And that wasn’t all for Love Island fans. On Monday, ITV2 confirmed that Love Island: All Stars will be returning in the new year with an extended six-week run. Could any of this year’s Islanders be making a swift return to the villa? Watch this space...

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2

STUART HIGHWAY & BEN MITCHELL

returning to EastEnders

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Whilst Ricky Champ's return as Stuart Highway had been rumoured for a few weeks now, the release of the pic above alongside news that Max Bowden would also be returning as Ben Mitchell came as a rather nice surprise for EastEnders fans this week.

So what do we know about their return? Well, sadly it's only for a few episodes later this year as the Highways prepare to say goodbye to their father, Jonno. But with Callum having recently cheated with Johnny, and with those feelings expected to grow, Ben may not be revisiting the happy family he left behind…

Whilst both characters are only back for a short stint as Ben is on day release from Prison, and Stuart has a life away from the Square with wife Raine, you’d think that all things would be smooth sailing, but this is Walford, and a lot can happen in a short amount of time.

But whilst it might not be a permanent return for either character, I cannot wait to see Ben and Stuart back and all the inevitable drama that will unfold.

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3

EVA PRICE

returning to Coronation Street

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Something tells me that due to leaks in certain publications, Coronation Street felt they had to announce news of Eva Price's return to the cobbles sooner rather than later. And on Tuesday, that's exactly what they did, confirming that after seven years away, Catherine Tyldesley will be stepping back into the role of Eva Price as she becomes landlady of The Rovers Return.

But the rather exciting news didn't stop there, because whilst Catherine has already begun filming her top secret scenes, we now know she won't be alone, and will be joined by acclaimed actors Aaron McCusker and Pauline McLynn as Eva’s partner Ben Driscoll and his interfering mother Maggie.

Eva will be reunited with her sisters Leanne and Toyah, as well as catching up with her old friends and neighbours. But what has she been up to since she left Weatherfield and how will this new clan fit into the drama on the Street?

Also joining the cast will be Ben’s two sons and Eva’s daughter Suzie and it is safe to say the Price/Driscoll family will be arriving with a bang and a suitcase full of secrets.

Eva was such a great Corrie character and I'm so pleased that she's returning, better yet to hear that Shameless royalty Aaron McCusker and Pauline McLynn will be joining her!

I can't wait for her to make her return which is said to be happening on screen in October, when Eva and Ben will be revealed to residents as the new owners of The Rovers Return, putting Eva back behind the bar of the nation’s favourite pub for the first time since 2018.

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4

BIG BROTHER'S

new eye being revealed

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As is now customary, when Love Island air a final, ITV use it as an opportunity to reveal the latest Big Brother eye and this week was no different.

As Big Brother celebrates 25 years on our screens, ITV2 are bringing us their third instalment of the iconic social experiment, with AJ Odudu and Will Best back as hosts for a bumper seven-week series.

They'll be welcoming a new batch of hopefuls, made up of an eclectic mix of strangers from across the UK, into the nation's most renowned residences, as they become housemates living under one roof.

And this year, the Big Brother house is said to have undergone a makeover that's easy on the eye as yet again, it will play host to all the mischief and mayhem that's in store.

Viewers can expect more new twists and turns, elaborate tasks, intense nominations and live evictions as the cast of housemates go up against one another in a bid to be crowned the winner, and walk away with a life-changing cash prize.

My verdict? I like it, it's fun, especially when you see it in motion. My only thing though, is that this is now the third bright/neon eye in this ITV era, so perhaps next year we could get something completely different.

It was also confirmed on Monday that following Big Brother each night will be Big Brother: Late & Live, promising an extra slice of exclusive Big Brother content with fiery debate and hot takes from a celebrity guest panel. As well as Big Brother: Live Stream airing every night exclusively on ITVX, giving fans the opportunity to watch live footage into the small hours after Big Brother: Late & Live.