Inside Soap UK 19 - 2017

“Redwater is moody and looks stunning!” Soap spin-offs have a rather chequered history. It seems once you take characters away from the Street or the Square, and the familiar faces we know, audiences just appear to lose interest. For although it was sweet a few years ago to see one-offs like Dot’s early days in EastEnders, you don’t often find that ‘Ricky and Bianca in Manchester’, or ‘That time Steve McDonald went to Brighton and met Bet Lynch’ are in people’s top 10 soap moments. But I would urge you to take a look at Kat & Alfie: Redwater this week. It’s different from EastEnders, and even Kat and Alfie have changed from their Walford days. It’s mysterious, moody and dramatic – and looks stunning by making the best of…

Worried Sarah begins to see the true extent of Nathan’s power over vulnerable Bethany this week – when her daughter goes ballistic after being kept apart from her boyfriend! But can smitten Bethany still be saved? Sarah is horrified to find Bethany in a terrible state at Nathan’s flat, unaware of the evil intentions he has towards her. Sarah just thinks it’s confirmation that her rebellious daughter is in too deep with a boyfriend too old for her – but what she doesn’t realise is that Bethany is close to the end of Nathan’s grooming process, and destined for an even darker plight… “When Sarah reaches Nathan’s salon, the door to the flat is open, so she just lets herself in,” explains Tina O’Brien, who plays Sarah. “It’s only early…

Tina was part of Corrie’s most shocking story of 2000, when 13-year-old Sarah found out she was pregnant – so the star is no stranger to handling heavy plots at such a young age. That’s meant she’s been in a great position to mentor cast mate Lucy Fallon through Bethany’s shock plot – and she’s been very impressed by what the young actress has achieved so far. “Lucy is doing brilliantly,” enthuses Tina. “It is a huge issue to take on, and she’s had some tough scenes to film, but she really has done an amazing job. Growing up on Coronation Street meant that I had some difficult storylines to work out, so I know it’s important to have people supporting you and helping you every step of the…

“It’s been one disaster after another at the Queen Vic!” Mick makes a comeback to Albert Square this week – with no idea of the disasters that have befallen the Queen Vic in his absence. Stressed Mick left the pub in the midst of financial ruin to care for his daughter Nancy after she was injured in a car accident abroad. While he trusted his family to look after the boozer, the clan’s fortunes have gone from bad to worse in the weeks he’s been away – and dark forces are moving against them. In a last desperate effort to raise money, Shirley even signed away the Vic’s freehold behind Mick’s back. So how long can she cover before she has to tell him what she’s done? “If you think…

SAD FAREWELL Mick grew up believing Sylvie was his mother until Shirley confessed otherwise, and his auntie Tina was devastated by her tragic death. But while reluctant Shirley was released from jail to attend Sylvie’s funeral, Mick couldn’t make it back home in time. WHO’S THE BOSS? When Linda installed old mate Woody to run the Vic, the team were not happy – and it’s not likely Mick will be, either! Woody has since joined forces with new chief Fi to streamline the pub’s finances – and their sacking of Tracy had punters up in arms. AFFAIR CHANCE And what about that kiss shared by Mick and Whit back on the day of the Walford bus crash? It’s barely been mentioned since – but it’s clear that Whitney still has feelings…

“Jai’s kindness is really surprising to Nell – she’s very grateful” There’s horror for the Sharmas this week, when little Amba finds a bag of pills in Nell’s bag – and it’s feared that she may have swallowed some! It all kicks off at Amba’s birthday party where the toddler plays with Nell’s bag – finding the prescription drugs that have been helping the recovering addict. And as everyone realises what’s happened, the finger of blame is pointed directly at Nell… “It’s an accident,” insists Scarlett Archer, who plays Nell. “She doesn’t leave them lying around, it’s just Amba is playing with her bag. No one is sure if Amba swallowed the pills or even what they are! Of course, Nell gets concerned that Jai will cut ties with her.”…