Inside Soap UK 32 - 2021

Hail me a black cab and play the tinkly version of the EastEnders theme, because after 21 years of writing about big soap exits, I’m finally having one of my own! This is my last-ever issue as editor of Inside Soap. However, as the old cliche goes, no one is bigger than the show, and the fantastic team here will continue to bring you top soap gossip every week, so please don’t panic! “I used to buy Inside Soap religiously…” I have a million ‘thank yous’, of course – to the wonderful staff on the magazine over the years, as well as actors and behind-the-scenes people who always go above and beyond for Inside Soap. But my biggest thank you is to you, the Inside Soap readers. People often ask…

David and Shona find themselves trapped in a nightmare this week, after Shona innocently jumps behind the wheel of her husband’s car – and hits Todd! Worse still, the cops soon find evidence to link the vehicle with the crime, and Craig collars David in the middle of the Street! But is he prepared to take the blame for his wife’s big mistake? “David is arrested, and Shona feels awful – it’s the worst thing ever for her,” reveals Julia Goulding, who plays her. “It is all her fault, but she can’t say anything. David has dumped the car in a pub car park miles away, and there have been some very heated conversations going on at No 8 – a lot of panic, and a lot of serious plans…

This week’s hit-and-run horror is just the latest in a long line of mistakes that Shona has made since suffering her brain injury. But Julia tells us that she’s been thoroughly enjoying getting to know this new side to her character… “It has been really interesting,” she grins. “We are starting to see glimpses of the old Shona; although the new Shona is here to stay. As an actor, I feel very comfortable about where she is since her brain injury. I’m bringing back the essence of Shona that never left, but having the freedom for her to be more outspoken, which is really fun to play. “She does have the ability to be sensitive with people, such as Nina when she was going through hell,” adds Julia. “However, when…

Following a crushing rejection from Vinny, drunk Liv tries to entice Jacob into bed this week – however, her desperate plan goes terribly wrong… Jacob’s horrified when he finds himself alone with Liv, and she proceeds to undress in front of him. The situation is complicated further once furious Aaron walks in on the scene. Is Liv’s behaviour the final nail in the coffin for her relationship with her brother? “It’s really awkward and uncomfortable,” shares Isobel Steele, who plays Liv. “Jacob is trying to remove himself from the situation, as it could have backfired on him if Aaron hadn’t walked in. Jacob needs to ensure Liv is okay, while also protecting himself.” “It’s hard to know where rock bottom is for Liv – I thought she was already there!”…

While Liv’s life might be in the doldrums, star Isobel is flying high and working on releasing some new music in early 2022. The talented singer blew fans away during lockdown by performing hits for Emmerdale’s ‘Woolpack Sessions’. Like co-star Bradley Johnson (Vinny), Isobel has a deep love for music, and intends to launch a parallel career. “I’m hopefully releasing some new music, and then doing a tiny tour of three or four tour dates afterwards,” enthuses Isobel. “I’ll be performing in Leeds a couple of times, and then Manchester and London. It’s nice to be able to do both acting and music. It’s a lot of fun.” Now Liv and Vinny have split up, Isobel isn’t working as closely with good pal Bradley. So, she’s hoping there is a…

Chelsea’s fling with Gray comes under fire this week, after scheming Karen plots to reunite her son-in-law with Whitney – so that he’ll get shot of Chelsea! But while Karen wants Gray to dump Chelsea, it’s fair to say that Gray’s high-maintenance girlfriend is growing tired of their domestic set-up anyway – especially after she receives attention from a handsome stranger. Is Chelsea finally beginning to realise that being shackled to Gray isn’t all it’s cracked up to be? “Chelsea’s managed to wrap Gray around her little finger, yet there’s only so much running around after his kids that a woman of her selfishness can stand,” reckons our Walford insider. “She’ll happily spend Gray’s cash and lap up the perks of dating a hot solicitor –but Chelsea bores easily, and…