Table of contents for 23 - 2016 in Inside Soap UK

We’ve all got our favourite soap characters, and they’re not always the ones who are caught up in the big blockbuster murder plots or the latest thrilling stunt. There are characters who are equally entertaining when all they do is walk in and order a coffee. They may not get their fair share of the drama – but thanks to great acting and true-to-life characterisation, they don’t always need to. One of my very favourites is Emmerdale’s Bernice White. I love her ditziness, that she is so wonderfully selfish but never nasty (okay, she’s a little scathing from time to time, but wonderfully so), and that no matter how much heartbreak she gets from men, she’ll pop on a full face of make-up and refuse to give up on romance.…

We can’t help but wonder what life after Trevor will hold for Grace – especially in the wake of his affair being revealed. “I kind of want her to be bad again,” chuckles Tamara. “I do like nasty Grace! I know that baddies aren’t always popular with the viewers, but I think because Grace has so many sides to her, people have grown to love her. “I’m also learning how to ride a motorbike at the moment, so I’m hoping that once I pass my test, Grace can roar into the village in her leathers!”…

The stage is set for an almighty showdown in the village, as Rhona’s cheating fella Paddy returns to fight for his marriage. Just imagine the look of horror on his face when he finds out that not only does she have a new man in her life – but it’s his late mistress Tess’ husband, Pierce! “We have a hard-hitting storyline that will come into play for Rhona towards the end of the year,” reveals Dales boss Iain MacLeod. “Paddy comes back from Germany and sets his sights on winning back his woman, but by that point she’s moved on and has Pierce in her life. “The storyline builds to something quite shocking,” adds the head honcho. “It’s an important and honest plot that is stripped of all bells and…

It’s not looking good for the McDonalds this week, as Michelle’s betrayal seems destined to break up her marriage to Steve – but any fool can see that they’re still madly in love. While Steve’s stubborn refusal to accept some of the blame for the situation they’ve found themselves in is a stumbling block, actress Kym Marsh hopes it’s not the end for his relationship with her alter ego Michelle… “They’ve been through a lot together with Steve’s depression and everything, so I think it’s good to show the reality of life,” shares the star. “If someone is away for six months, it’s going to be a strain on their relationship. I think it’s been very real. “I want them to stay together – but this is soapland, so you…

Darren and Nancy decide it’s high time to find Maxine a man this week – but aren’t impressed when she agrees to go on a date with Grace’s brother, Adam Donovan! Maxine has been a loose cannon ever since she and Darren disposed of Patrick’s body in the city wall, and Nancy reckons she’s in need of a distraction. On a mission to source Maxine a romance, Nancy and Darren decide to set her up with Dirk! But when she later meets Adam, she’s clearly smitten and the pair arrange a date. Unfortunately, Darren and Nancy aren’t very supportive, assuming that any relative of Grace must be bad news. And when Darren gives Adam the once-over himself, he’s certain that the bloke isn’t good enough for Maxine. Despite Maxine clearly…

FAIR CITY Emmet is forced to take part in an interview about Katy’s disappearance this week – and when Nina asks him to share how he feels, Emmet blurts out that he thinks Katy is dead! How will Debbie react to his outburst? Elsewhere, Niamh challenges Paul as to why he always sides with his son over his wife, and Carol pushes Robbie to get in touch with Colin. RIVER CITY After a hiccup at the register office this week, Cassie and Angus decide to get married sooner rather than later! But disapproving of the sham marriage, Bob refuses to stand by Angus – and takes drastic action to prevent the wedding from going ahead… Meanwhile, Bob and Ellie are both forced to confront the growing cracks in their relationship.…

“Lawrence would definitely be Bernice’s King. Andy comes a close second – but Lawrence has more gravitas, which would suit the role better.” “Her court jester would be Kerry. Bernice thinks she’s a fool, but they have a close friendship, and Kerry’s been her rock at times.” “Fashion faux pas would be against the law. Although Bernice gets it wrong herself, she likes to think she’s a real style guru!” “She’d put Ronnie in the stocks, as she blames him for everything going wrong in her marriage. But Chas and Charity annoy her too, so maybe they could join him!” “The national anthem would be I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor. Bernice has been through a lot, but her attitude is to just keep going!”…

“One of my favourite ever storylines that I worked on is when Will went off the rails and locked a group of us in a house. We were tied up and he was running around with a shotgun – so it was high stakes!” “Dr S’Avage was such a great character, and it’s a shame he wasn’t around for longer. He was very different from Dirk, and I miss Andrew Greenough, who played him. I miss Dodger like crazy, too – he was the apple of Dirk’s eye.” “Steph Waring and Amanda [Clapham, aka Holly] have to be my favourite people to work with. We have a great rapport, and I hope that the chemistry between us comes across on screen. Those two usually have a lot of emotional stuff…

It’s every girl’s fashion nightmare – rocking up to an event wearing the same outfit as someone else! That’s exactly what happened to Emmerdale’s Isabel Hodgins (Victoria) and Hollyoaks’ Anna Passey (Sienna), with both ladies wearing the same floral-print skirt – but despite that, we think they look absolutely lovely. Isabel teamed her skirt with a black lace bustier top that showed off her décolletage, while Anna flashed her toned abs in a sunshine-yellow crop top. Gorgeous!…

Ahoy! Here’s a fruity shower wash with a spritz of oceanic scents that feels like a sea breeze in the shower. A bright, floral and fruity scent with a composition of melon, jasmine and lily of the valley, Davidoff’s Cool Water Woman Summer Seas is the perfect summer fragrance. For touchably sea-soft waves, use Bumble and Bumble’s salt-in-oil hair innovation of tropical oils mixed with texturising sea salts. Make a splash with Essie’s marine colours, including the shimmer of Naughty Nautical and the brilliant blue of Rock The Boat. Smother your skin in The Body Shop’s Seaweed Oil Balancing Clay Mask to lift any pesky impurities, and help refresh and revitalise.…

FAMILIAR FACES The judging panel for The X Factor 2016 has finally been confirmed and it’s very much a greatest hits selection: Sharon Osbourne, Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh will be alongside Simon Cowell for this year’s series. SICK AND TWISTED Nick Frost and Rupert Grint will star in new comedy Sick Note for Sky Atlantic. The series revolves around a pathological liar who can’t decide whether to come clean when his cancer diagnosis turns out to have been a mistake. POWER GAMES Samantha Morton, Jessica Brown Findlay and Lesley Manville have signed up for ITV Encore drama Harlots. The eight-part series will explore the world of two rival brothels in 18th-century London, and is inspired by real stories.…

GAY ABANDON It’s great to finally see Lauren back in Walford, and the way the EastEnders writers have explained Peter not coming back is actually quite believeable. But what I really don’t buy into is the fact that Lauren’s now with Steven Beale – wasn’t he gay the last time we saw him? Jimmy, via email Steven is a very difficult man to pin down! IT’S A SIN! I think Corrie’s Sinead is a great character, but other than the ‘broken back’ story, she’s not had much to do. I’d love to see her getting seduced by the modelling world, to highlight the murky underbelly of fame – it might act as a warning to girls who want to be models. Claire, Chorley That could only be more fun than…

ARIES 21 MARCH - 20 APRIL   Just like Walford’s Martin this week, you’ll find yourself having doubts about a loved one’s new . Try give a chance! After all, your approval matters to your friends and family. TAURUS 21 APRIL - 21 MAY   A person you’re close to will be driving you up the wall this week - similar to how Alex is annoying Weatherfield’s Cathy! Instead of flipping out, find out why they’re behaving the way they are. GEMINI 22 MAY - 21 JUNE   You’re being haunted by ghosts, but not the ones that the Dales’ Arthur is afraid of. Your ghouls are bad memories, and you are desperate to get rid. The stars suggest starting a new hobby will aid a brighter future. CANCER 22…

BULLSEYE! If Jane hadn’t already suffered enough at the hands of Bobby, she woke up to face Steven, who robbed her of the chance to have kids of her own! Jane, darling, moving to Birmingham is the right decision. You’ll be much safer there. Frankly, you’ll be much safer if you set up home in the overtaking lane of the M40. Hello. These two are getting on very well all of a sudden. Tenner says they fall madly in love just as Denise finds out she’s pregnant with Phil’s baby. That would be brilliant! Why so glum, gang? With Carla gone, this is your chance to shine! Remind us what the Connor name really stands for. Flirt alert! Like most gay characters in soap, Johnny and Steven were betrothed within…

It’s not just Lachlan wading in to protect Belle – her brother Cain is keen to put a stop to her controversial romance, too. But in typical Dingle style, stubborn Belle reckons she’s more than capable of taking her troubles in her stride without Cain throwing his fists about. “Cain’s been really angry about what she’s been up to, but Belle is his sister, and she knows it’s all talk,” insists Eden. “He’d never harm her, so I think Belle stands up to Cain because she feels Bailey’s worth fighting for – she can deal with all of this by herself! There’s still much more drama in store…”…

“VIEWERS AREN’T GOING TO WANT TO MISS A MOMENT OF THE DRAMA! ” SNEAK PREVIEW! In the last photos we saw from Kat and Alfie’s EastEnders spin-off show, Redwater , Mrs Moon was floating face down in a sea of her own blood – and now here she is, happily strolling through the Irish village with hubby Alfie! Is there a happy ending on the horizon for the Walford favourites, or are these cheery scenes merely the calm before the storm? “Kat and Alfie will face one of the most terrifying times of their lives when they go to Redwater in search of her long-lost son,” insists our show source. “But don’t forget that episodes are often filmed out of sequence, so there…

SNEAK PREVIEW! Troubled Ste will face competition for the affection of his children, Leah and Lucas – after their mother Amy Barnes returns to Chester with a new man in tow. Hollyoaks bosses have announced that their newest signing, Duncan James, will turn out to be Amy’s beau – and that Ashley Slanina-Davies, who has played Amy in a recurring role for the past four years, will make a full-time return to the soap… “I couldn’t be more excited to bring Amy back!” enthuses the star, who was a regular cast member between 2005 and 2012. “I’m really looking forward to moving back to Liverpool for such an exciting storyline, and working with some old friends like Kieron [Richardson, aka Ste] and new ones like Duncan. I think Amy will…

There’s a shock in store for Sonya this week when she discovers that Walter has another daughter – meaning Sonya has a half-sister! Sonya confronts her father after finding a text message on his phone, and he confirms that he’s dad to a 14-year-old girl called Zoe. But the bombshells don’t stop there – Walter also reveals that Zoe is sick with leukaemia and needs a bone marrow transplant. It doesn’t take Toadie long to work out that the real reason Walter tracked down Sonya was to ask her to be a donor, sending Sonya reeling. Nevertheless, she announces that she wants to meet her sister – but what’s she letting herself in for? Also this week… Brad is stunned to find out about Ned and Lauren’s kiss.…

AS TINA’S STOCK plummets by the second, the one person who Sonia is always able to rely on is her ex-husband Martin. Normally, soaps see former couples battling each other – but the beauty of Sonia and Martin’s relationship is they’re now good friends. “I think out of everyone in the Square, Sonia and Martin will both turn to the other as they know each other best,” grins Natalie. “I hope they’ll always share their secrets and problems, and carry on helping one another. “They’ll forever be linked, and that’s what EastEnders is good at,” adds the star. “Because of the longevity of the show, you can make those relationships work. It’s the same with the likes of Sharon and Phil. The audience has grown up with them. It’s very…

1 PLAY THE DAMSEL IN DISTRESS Belinda’s trouble with her estranged husband Neville is what brings Mick to her aid this week – and it’s clear that most men can’t resist a lady in need. Emmerdale’s Belle first caught the attention of Dr Bailey when he treated a cut on her hand, whereas in Corrie, Carla Connor’s booze problem led to her seeking support from Peter Barlow – with his relationship with Leanne ending soon after. Also on the Street, Steve fell for Becky Granger after agreeing to help her with an alibi in court! 2 MAKE YOURSELF INDISPENSABLE ! The more he comes to rely on you, the more you can rely on him… to cheat! One of soap’s classic affairs kicked off when Coronation Street’s…

What was it like working with your real-life partner Emma [Lane, aka Courtney Grixti] on Neighbours ? …asks Joanna from Hull That was fantastic. I’d never worked with Emma before, so it was really good actually. And then they paired us up as a couple on the show for a short time – obviously the chemistry between us was so good! Emma was really nervous to start with, but after the first few scenes she got into the swing and we had a lot of fun together. I’d love it if they brought her character back, but I don’t know if they will at this stage. Congratulations on your recent engagement! Have you and Emma set a date for the wedding yet? …asks Justine, via email No,…

“IF I WASN’T VOTED OUT IMMEDIATELY I’D BE THE ONE LOOKING AFTER EVERYONE AND DOING ALL THE COOKING. Presenter Emma Willis reckons she’d be the quiet, maternal one if she was in the Big Brother house “HE’S A PASSIVE VIOLENT, AND HE LOVES IT WHEN SOMEONE ELSE KILLS SOMEBODY.” Rupert Everett reckons that The Musketeers’ Feron is more of a back-seat villain “THEY’RE IDENTIFYING WITH MY CHARACTER, THAT’S GREAT, BUT AT THE SAME TIME: PLEASE GO HOME AND GET SOME SLEEP.” Anna Chlumsky gets concerned when fans say they’re like Veep’s hyper-stressed Amy “WE COULDN’T SHOW IT IF IT WAS OUT OF THE COVERS ONLY WHEN IT’S UNDER THE COVERS.” Caroline Flack explains the rules for when Love Island’s contestants get it on……

Callum’s rotting body has finally been unearthed in Corrie – meaning the Platts have had to think fast to allay the suspicions of the police! Will David really let Jason Grimshaw go down for Kylie’s crime? I know that David is just trying to protect his family, but I really can’t believe that he put Jason in the frame for Callum’s murder. It’s one thing to try to help the people you love, but it’s another thing entirely to throw an innocent man to the wolves! Jez, via email I’m not surprised that David would let Jason get banged up for Callum’s murder – but I am shocked that Sarah and Kylie would let him do it. Sarah used to be married to Jason. Surely she…

Meanwhile, village bad boy Ross Barton could be set to leave the Dales for good, judging by a recent comment from real-life alter ego Michael Parr… “I’m very happy at Emmerdale,” said the star. “My contract is up in October, though, so I need to decide what’s going to happen then. “I’d love to stay, but if they want to write me out and give me a proper exit, I’d be happy with that,” continues Michael. “I really trust [our boss] Iain MacLeod, as he’s got some great ideas.”…

SNEAK PREVIEW! Weatherfield vicar Billy will find himself in hot water – after he’s caught in the nuddy! Actor Daniel Brocklebank, who plays him, was spotted filming some scenes for Coronation Street, which will see another member of the church find Billy wearing nothing but a towel! What in heaven’s name is going on? “It looks as if the bishop is going to receive a rather rude awakening when he calls upon Billy – who he considers to be one of God’s most faithful disciples!” concludes our Street spy. “Embarrassed Billy looks as if he’s just emerged from the shower – but is there someone getting hot and steamy in there with him?” It’s the big question on our lips seeing as it looks as if Billy might get involved…

Copper Kat finally puts sleazy detective Dylan in his place this week, after he tries to attack her – and she floors him with one swift move! Kat’s friends have been warning her to stay well away from her abusive ex ever since he arrived in town. However, Kat quickly fell for his charms again, leaving her mates worried for her safety… “Ash saw through Dylan from the start,” reckons George Mason, who plays Kat’s close friend and business partner. “Dylan trashed Ash’s garage, and has been violent towards Kat. But she wanted to forget Dylan’s past. She fell under his spell again – she thought he’d changed his ways.” This week, though, Kat finds evidence that will get Dylan suspended from the force – and he doesn’t take it…

Bernie’s Army training comes in useful this week, when a horrific train disaster overloads AAU with wounded passengers. After springing into action, Bernie transforms the ward into a makeshift trauma unit – and with her quick thinking, she even impresses nemesis Serena! Serena later suggests to Hanssen that they create a dedicated trauma department that will play to Bernie’s strengths, and it seems the ice is finally beginning to thaw between the warring women – but will Hanssen agree to the idea? Also this week… Dom freezes while operating on a patient, and Ollie tries to kiss Zosia. But does she feel the same?…

“POOR BERNICE REALLY DOESN’T HAVE MUCH LUCK WITH MEN” Bernice wakes up with the hangover from hell this week – but it’s not just the 10 vinos too many she’s set to regret. There’s also the small matter of a hijacked JCB and a large pile of rubble the troubled woman will need to address – not to mention the wreck that is her marriage to Lawrence. It’s a rude awakening for Bernice, who hoped to live happily ever after with her Home Farm hero. But after discovering that Lawrence had deceived her about Ronnie being his former lover, the inebriated villager ended up drink-driving Ronnie’s digger into Rakesh’s new development. And as Samantha Giles – who plays Bernice admits, her alter ego’s love life could be about to crumble…

1997 Nick fell for local bad girl Leanne and they quickly eloped - much to Gail’s horror. 1999 Leanne soon dumped Nick after he forced her to get rid of their baby. 2004 Maria ditched boyfriend Nick when wicked Leanne laid a honeytrap for him. 2010 Leanne moved on with Peter Barlow - but started an affair with Nick. 2011 Peter exposed his bride Leanne’s secret at their wedding blessing - and viciously attacked Nick. 2012 Nick proposed to newly divorced Leanne after they became a couple again. 2012 Their Christmas Da y wedding saw Nick learn that Leanne had visited Peter. He jilted her and slept with Kylie. 2013 Just a couple of weeks later, Leanne rebooked the wedding and Nick married her. 2013 Now prone to rages following…

“THE FANS DON’T WANT CINDY AND DIRK TO SPLIT UP FOR GOOD” Dependable Dirk knew there would be a few dramas in store when he made Cindy his wife – but discovering he was just one of her two husbands certainly wasn’t something he was expecting! Cindy has done plenty of grovelling since the news came out, but heartbroken Dirk can’t bring himself to take her back. And actor David Kennedy reckons Dirk is quite right to protect his pride in this situation. “Maybe I’m being biased here, but I think Dirk is the best thing that has happened to Cindy – she just can’t see it some of the time!” reckons the star. “She still thinks she’s 22 years old and can land all these glamorous blokes, but they…

Set a course for effortless style with this striped skater dress almost identical to Samia’s. Go from day to night with ease in Zara’s super-flattering throw-on frock. Opt for endless stripes with this maxi from Phase Eight – it really taps into the trend. Flash the flesh this summer – and show a little cold shoulder, too – with a peekaboo shoulder dress.…

YOU CAN TELL THIS SITCOM is the work of Him & Her creator Stefan Golaszewski - not only does it have the same relaxed comic approach, but it shares the same obsession with the way ordinary people interact. Here the focus isn’t on a young couple, but on Cathy - a widow quietly getting on with her life following the death of her husband. Lesley Manville is fantastic in the lead role, capturing Cathy’s warmth as well as her frailty, and we’re also big fans of Lisa McGrillis as Kelly, Cathy’s son’s well-meaning but slightly scatty girlfriend. It’s a beautiful, thoughtful piece of telly.…

1 SATURDAY DVD CONCUSSION Two-time Academy Award nominee Will Smith stars in this dramatic thriller as Dr Bennet Omalu – a real-life forensic neuropathologist who diagnosed a new brain disease and its link to concussion-related injuries in football players. Also stars Alec Baldwin and Luke Wilson. WIN! For the chance to win a copy, tell us who Alec Snow plays in Home and Away: A) VJ, B) Chris, or C) Matt. Text ISWIN1, a space, then A, B, or C and your name & address to 87080 (50p). Or see below for postal entries. 2 SUNDAY DVD IN THE CLUB - SERIES TWO Drenched in drama and featuring a superb cast including Hermione Norris and Will Mellor, In The Club returns with its blend of heartbreak and laughs. The six…

BLACK’S DRESS I really love the wedding dress that Grace Black wore on Hollyoaks. Do you know where it’s from, please? Kayleigh, via email Grace’s mermaid-style wedding frock came from a company called DIYDress, which is based in China. Log on to www.diydress. co.uk  to check out their designs and prices. AGE APPROPRIATE I’m really confused about Brad’s kids in Neighbours! How old is Ned meant to be in comparison with his half-sister Paige? Sandy, Plymouth Neighbours has a habit of changing the ages of the characters to suit the plots! When Brad left Erinsborough with first wife Beth in 1993, Lauren was already pregnant with Paige. Beth fell pregnant soon after, so there’s likely no more than a few months between Paige and…