“And there’s a shark attack in Emmerdale...” Sometimes, when asked, I have cause to mention my job to strangers. (Most often while under a tree in the rain in the local dog park.) “Oh, I don’t watch soaps,” is the usual lofty response, but always followed by a sly: “So I guess you know the stories in advance, then?” However, after a few teasers are shared (I like to throw in a fib, like a shark attack in Emmerdale) comes the sniffy: “But it’s always the same plots, isn’t it?” Well, yes, in that life itself is always the same plots. Births, deaths, love, loss… but anyone who’s watched the soaps in recent weeks can hardly claim they’re mundane, unless they’re regularly losing friends down storm drains. Because, also like…
