Inside Soap UK 40 - 2018

If I had a soap dream (actually, I have many soap dreams doing this job – I had a really weird one recently, but I’m not sure it’s repeatable here as my mum reads this column every week!), it would be to see a super-sleek sports car pull up at Home Farm, while a glamorous party is in full swing. The car door would open, and a lady would step out, dressed to the nines. Announcing herself to the assembled crowd, the woman in question would reveal that she is the owner of the big house –and that her name is… wait for it… Kim Tate! “Kim Tate’s return is a dream come true!” After 20 years, I was beginning to think this dream would never come true. But as…

Prepare for huge drama on the cobbles – as true love is tainted by secrets and lies, death stalks the Connors yet again, and a Street favourite is left fighting for their life. Troubled couples Steve and Tracy, and Daniel and Sinead, prepare to walk down the aisle this week – but a terrible betrayal and tragic secret threaten to derail all their chances of a happy-ever-after. Meanwhile, a moment of madness will change Michelle, Ryan and Ali’s lives forever after a terrifying car crash. People first on the scene will be horrified by the injuries sustained by those caught up in the accident, and be torn on how best to help them. Then, just when it looks as if the shocks are over, Nick Tilsley makes an unexpected return…

The Steve and Tracy romance has been brilliant for actress Kate, because she loves working closely with her screen love Simon Gregson. The old pals have a great working relationship, and she’s having a ball now they are coupled up. “I’m happiest when I’m playing comedy stuff with Simon,” she enthuses. “We have such a laugh together. I’m really enjoying Steve and Tracy being back together and playing the humour in their relationship. I’ve also had some great scenes with Beverley Callard [aka Liz] recently, and it’s always nice being back in the Barlow house too!”…

There’s a beautiful moment in store for Daniel and Sinead this week, as they get set to marry in a ceremony which Daniel has secretly organised. However, Sinead is yet to tell him that she may have cancer. So while they proceed to pledge their love in front of family and friends, can Sinead be honest with Daniel about what she’s going through? “Daniel is completely oblivious that anything could be wrong – he’s blinded by love,” admits Rob Mallard, who plays Daniel. “Since he and Sinead got back together, everything has been going really well – too well, almost. He thinks Sinead is suffering normal pregnancy stuff like sickness and fatigue. So as far as he’s concerned, life is rosy – he just hasn’t noticed anything else happening.” Consequently,…

In tackling this difficult plot, Katie McGlynn – who plays Sinead – reveals how she’s been inspired by the work of an important cancer charity… “I met with a charity called Mummy’s Star, which was started by a man who lost his wife to cancer soon after the birth of their child,” shares the star. “I also met a lady who had cancer while pregnant. It’s important for women going through this to know that there are charities like Mummy’s Star out there, and that they’re not on their own. So many people are affected by this, but it’s a subject nobody really hears about.” For more information on Mummy’s Star, visit their website at www.mummysstar.org…

Michelle faces one of the most terrifying moments of her life this week, as she enters into a tense game of cat-and-mouse with violent criminal Ronan – and we can confirm that the stand-off between them will end with at least one grisly death! The gangster is baying for blood following the sudden death of his son, Cormac, and wants Ryan to pay for his involvement in the tragedy. But as Michelle makes the hasty decision to flee Weatherfield with sons Ryan and Ali in tow, who will pay the ultimate price when this violent vendetta reaches its gripping climax? “Michelle goes into full protection mode – she doesn’t even think twice about the situation,” reveals Kym Marsh, who plays the petrified mum. “She’s scared, but when they jump in…