Mr Moore

The Reds fan in Soapland

Well, well, well, was I disappointed or what?! In early November I watched Brookside with a new kind of enthusiasm - I'd heard the rumours, a new character was moving to the Close and he was a huge Wrexham supporter!

I couldn't wait to see what kind of person they'd come up with and how they'd tie in his love of football. All this in the kind of soap opera that usually concentrates on the seedier side of suburban life (murder, incest, adultery, drugs, etc) - it was a tense wait. But, when Mr Moore appeared on screen, all my hopes of seeing a groovy young Robins fan were crushed.

What I saw was a middle-aged, fat, anorak of a bloke who drove onto the Close on a tiny moped. He was old-fashioned, secretive and said he "liked to keep himself to himself". Things didn't get off to a great start I must admit! As the week went on, the elusive Mr Moore became more of a sinister character. Renting a room in Sinbad's house, he put a padlock on his door and made a lot of noise!! Tinhead thought he was an axe-murderer cutting up bodies in the privacy of his bedroom!

The more Mr Moore kept quiet about his activities, the more interesting he got (to his fellow-lodgers, that is). The tension slowly built up over the week until, in an exciting climax, Sinbad and Tinhead broke into his room one afternoon.

What do you think they found??? It was a big shock for everyone concerned, none more so than the viewers I think. Mr Moore had built a Wrexham shrine in his room - that's the kind of guy he was!!

The tiny room was a vision of red and white - Wrexham memorabilia in all shapes and sizes covered the room from floor to ceiling. He had programmes, scarves, flags; you name it the makers of Brookside had bought it and stuck it in this room - mind you, it did look quite impressive! (The spooky thing was that it reminded me of a close friend of mine whose whole house is decorated in the same style - who says soap operas are not true to life??) But as long as I live, I'll never forget those immortal words uttered by Sinbad as he stared at the room: "He's no serial killer, he's a Wrexham supporter". Tinhead replied: "No wonder he was being so secretive."

Then, like in all good soap operas, the obvious was bound to happen, and who should walk in but Mr Moore himself. If it hadn't been so corny, it would have been funny!! Mr Moore went into a huge huff and packed his bags there and then and moved out. He has not been seen since - which, to be honest, is no great loss to the world of television!

He went as quickly as he had appeared, without leaving an impression on anyone. To say it was disappointing is a bit of an understatement, but I suppose it was fun while it lasted!! At any rate, it was certainly miles better than the dreary, unlucky Irish family that has moved in now. I'm counting the days till they pack their stuff and move on - give me a Wrexham fan any day! And that, ladies and gentlemen, was the tale of Mr Moore.

Jackie Beedle