Inside Soap UK 27 - 2017

“Corrie is famous for feisty females!” When you think of Corrie, you think of strong women. Well, I know I do. From Elsie Tanner and Ena Sharples, the Street has produced a steady stream of feisty females over the years, and become famous for them in the process. So when we were thinking about what to do with Coronation Street to celebrate our 25th birthday, we decided to line up a few of our favourites from the current cast. Some have been with us for the whole Inside Soap journey, while others are new Weatherfield legends in the making. I loved my day hanging out with this lot, and I hope you enjoy the pics and interviews in our special section. Elsewhere this week, the ladies of all the soaps…

Bethany finally finds the courage to expose ‘friendly’ cop Neil’s true colours this week, when she admits to Craig that the policeman raped her! Although the vulnerable teenager is free of Nathan’s clutches at last, sleazy Neil’s part in the grooming ring still remains a closely guarded secret. And with her mum Sarah convinced that the copper is helping her daughter move on from her ordeal, poor Bethany is in hell… “Not only did this man rape her, he made threats against Bethany’s family if she spoke out,” explains Lucy Fallon, who plays the fragile youngster. “So when Sarah invites him round again, Bethany doesn’t know what to do. She’s scared of him, but she has to try to hide her fear in front of her mum, because she doesn’t…

It’s the anniversary of Kylie’s death this week – so the last thing David wants is to come face to face with her killer’s mother! Having made it clear that he never wants to see Shona again, David now thinks that Clayton’s mum is out of his life. So imagine his shock when he spots her moving back in across the road… “The Platts organise a family picnic to remember Kylie,” our Street insider tells us. “However, the afternoon turns to chaos after David the dog does a runner! As human David gives chase, he spots Billy helping Shona move into No 11 – and he’s absolutely furious!” After confronting Billy and insisting that he keep Shona well away from him, David returns home and announces that the party is…

“Lauren tells her family that she’s heading back to New Zealand” Desperate Steven tries to cling on to his relationship with Lauren this week – as she prepares to leave him. The troubled Beale knows that it’s only a matter of time before his long-term love ends things, and he’s disgusted with himself for cheating on Lauren with her sister, Abi. Convinced that Lauren doesn’t deserve a devoted partner like Steven, twisted Abi is determined to steal him from her. The problem is that it’s Lauren, not Abi, whom Steven loves. But as he tries to extricate himself from Abi’s clutches, Lauren confides in smitten boss Josh that she and Steven are over… “Lauren has known the truth for a long time – she just didn’t feel strong enough to…

EastEnders has done a great job of cooking up a dark love square between Lauren, Steven, Josh and Abi – but we want more! We’re genuinely worried for Lauren as both Steven and Abi plot against her, and it’s clear that Josh has a ruthless side, too. However, there’s one person missing in this picture – Lauren’s first love and Steven’s half-brother, Peter. Peter is currently in New Zealand, where he remains estranged from dad Ian and in sporadic contact with Lauren. There’s no doubt that bringing Peter home would mix things up and drive Steven to the brink – and how would Josh feel about Lauren’s ex being back on the scene? Would Lauren stop Steven playing dad to Louie with Peter home? Would Abi hatch another dastardly plan?…

“Laurel is determined to find out what’s troubling Arthur…” Time is running out for Emma this week, with suspicious Laurel determined to discover why Arthur is so terrified of the village nurse. But it also seems that Laurel will soon uncover the far darker truth that Emma is a murderer! How far will the killer go to cover her tracks? “Laurel knows something isn’t right with Arthur, and she’s desperate to get to the bottom of what could be troubling her son,” reveals our Dales insider. “She’ll be devastated – and furious – if she learns that Emma was so cruel to Arthur and Ashley. But is Laurel prepared for what she might find out about Emma in the process? Not likely!” Emma was horrified to learn that Arthur had…