Inside Soap UK 27 - 2020

“There seems to be almost more soap to enjoy…” Judging from your feedback, you enjoyed the first of EastEnders’ iconic episodes last week (some of your views can be found on p32) – and we’ve also had some great letters about Emmerdale’s special lockdown episodes, in which the exploration of the characters’ histories seemed to really chime. It’s strange that while we have fewer episodes of soap at the moment, there seems to be almost more to enjoy. From Secrets From The Square to ITV3’s Classic Coronation Street in the afternoons, I feel more stimulated by and interested in soap than I have in a while. Perhaps sometimes we’re always a little too anxious for that cliffhanger to be resolved, or that next big storyline to arrive – and the…

Moira is left fighting for her life this week, as she’s run down just days after stumbling upon the shocking affair between Harriet and Malone. Estranged husband Cain gets the horrifying call to tell him that Moira has been rushed to the hospital and is now battling to stay alive. It all happens just after the feisty farmer discovers that good pal Harriet has been sleeping with crooked Malone behind fiancé Will’s back. Armed with the explosive info, Moira has a lot to process, but doesn’t get a chance take stock of the information before the collision takes her out. The question is, who was behind the wheel? “Moira is afraid of Malone because he’s unpredictable,” explains Natalie J Robb, who plays the Emmerdale favourite. “He’s a copper, too –…

During Emmerdale’s special lockdown episodes, viewers finally got to see the truth about Cain’s feelings for the woman who broke his heart. While he swore that he and Moira could never go back, the final scene where he played the mixtape that he made for her, proved he still loves her. So, the idea that she could have moved on with his worst enemy brings out the green-eyed monster in Cain. “Cain is the jealous type – he sees red,” admits Jeff Hordley, who plays him. “The fact that he’s accepted that he still loves Moira – which we saw in that episode – feeds into all of this.” So, when Cain gets the call that Moira is gravely injured and may not survive, he’s utterly devastated. Is evil Malone…

Geoff fears he’s losing his grip on the situation this week, and makes his next bold move as he plots to speak to Yasmeen in prison. But how is he planning to regain the upper hand? His decision comes after a showdown with Sally, who has always had her suspicions about Geoff’s appalling treatment of Yasmeen, and decides to visit his wife in prison to hear her side of the story. Sally only needs to take one look at the broken woman to know that she is telling the truth. However, her worst fears are later confirmed beyond any shred of doubt, after Geoff loses his rag with her… “There is only so long that a person as cruel as Geoff can keep up the act,” points out our cobbles…

Geoff’s survival as a despicable human being rests on him being able to control Yasmeen. But now that she is behind bars, it’s almost impossible… “There’s a fairly large chapter of the story still to come, which features the emotional turmoil that Geoff is feeling,” explains Corrie boss Iain MacLeod. “This story is told from Yasmeen’s perspective, and we would never want to excuse Geoff’s behaviour, or illicit any sympathy for him. On the other hand, there are psychological elements to an abuser’s psyche, and we will be exploring a lot of those. Geoff does not find it easy having Yasmeen out of his sphere of influence, and that becomes quite significant as the legal proceedings unfold…”…

Walford’s new era will kick off later this year, with a massive new storyline for popular pair Mick and Linda. The couple are no longer running the Queen Vic, but that doesn’t mean we’ll see less of them in plots, as bosses plan to ensure the Carters remain at the heart of the show. “Essentially, we’re all going to come out of lockdown like the rest of the country,” reveals actor Danny Dyer, who plays Mick, explaining what life on the Square will look like when EastEnders returns in the autumn. “I could potentially have the best story I’ve ever had on the show once we get back.” Danny’s telly missus Kellie Bright backed up the statement during the pair’s interview with TV presenter Stacey Dooley for EastEnders: Secrets From…