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Surf's up
You can view this new ITV1 soap in two ways. Either as a straight soap, starring Jason Donovan (pictured) and Martine McCutcheon, set in the Cornish surfing town of Polnarren. Or you can watch it as a bit of a comedy show, the product of maverick fictional producer Jonathan Pope in the companion programme, Moving Wallpaper, which precedes it.

Whichever way you look at it, the soap has had a very mixed reaction from the critics. Some think it's fabulous, glamorous and gritty, must-see family viewing. Others feel it's inconsequential, with unintentional fun, such as the beach party filmed in less than bright and sunny weather.

A key character in the opener is Daniel Marrack (Donovan), who returns to Polnarren with his family after a 20-year absence. But the Marracks' return does not go down well as old rivalries are immediately re-ignited.

Mark Penwarden (Hugo Speer) Dan's ex business partner, is outraged that Dan has the audacity to come back to the town after having once had an affair with his wife Susan (McCutcheon). Dan was also supposedly the cause of a boating accident which killed three fisherman 20 years ago. In a town like Polnarren, bitter memories aren't easily forgotten and it doesn't take long before Dan is sharply reminded of events from the past. Susan still has feelings for him but she too has her own reasons for not wanting to be reminded of their affair. She urges Dan to leave Polnarren for good...

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SOAP: Echo Beach, ITV1 London at 21:30 on Thursday 10th January 2008

Soap starring Jason Donovan and Martine McCutcheon. In the Cornish surfing town of Polnarren, word spreads that erstwhile resident Daniel Marrack has returned after a 20-year absence to set up a surf shop and cafe with his son. But there are whispers among the community that Dan is a murderer, and his return is not exactly feted. Meanwhile, Mark Penwarden and his wife Susan are shocked to hear that their son Jimmy has fallen for Dan's daughter, Abi, and it isn't long before battle lines are drawn on Echo Beach between the two families.
(New Series, Stereo, Widescreen, Subtitles, Audio Described)