Table of contents for 20 - 2021 in Inside Soap UK

The Carters are determined to show a united front this week – as they head to court hopeful that Mick’s childhood abuser, Katy Lewis, will be suitably punished for the horror that she inflicted upon him when he was just a boy. Once Katy changed her plea to guilty, there was no longer a need for a trial – leaving Mick with the option of reading his victim statement before a judge at a hearing, rather than before a jury. However, if Mick chooses to do so, he loses his anonymity – a sacrifice that he is spurred on to make this week, after Nancy persuades her dad to stand up in court. “Frankie can’t just switch off her feelings for her mum…” Yet when evil Katy conspires with Frankie…

Viewers will discover the identity of George’s murderer this week – but will the killer be brought to justice, or get away with it? After the police officer was found bludgeoned to death in the Dog car park, his battered fiancé John Paul was the prime suspect. But while he starts the week languishing in jail for the crime, new evidence is about to come to light… “It’s a really exciting week of episodes,” teases James Sutton, who plays John Paul. “A few of the fans think John Paul could have done it, but most of them don’t believe he is capable of murder – mainly because of how upset he was over George’s death, and how his story hasn’t changed at all. There’s a really strong ending to this…

Martin butts heads with Zack this week, after hearing that the newcomer hooked up with his wife while Martin was at Kush’s funeral in Dubai! It’s not long before Ruby’s furious husband is on the warpath – but has he got the wrong end of the stick? “It’s safe to say that Martin is threatened by Zack’s behaviour!” “The trouble starts as soon as Martin arrives home – he’s still distraught over the death of his best mate, and the first thing he sees is Ruby and Zack flirting at the club!” shares our Square insider. “It’s safe to say that Martin feels threatened by Zack’s behaviour, and soon marks his card. But while Zack backs off, he’s the kind of guy who just can’t help himself…” Indeed, when Martin,…

Despite Christian and Lewis being enemies, star Ditch informs us that he’s been having a blast filming nail-biting scenes with Luke Arnold, aka Lewis… “Luke has been nothing but fantastic,” praises the actor. “It’s been such a pleasure working with him. Obviously, Luke has a romantic storyline with Sam Frost [who plays Jasmine], and for those two, Penny [McNamee, aka Tori] and I, it’s like a double date on set. We all work together a lot, and I’ve loved this storyline. When we were filming it, we wanted to push the boundaries – and I’m really excited that the audience has been able to come on this ride with us.”…

Seb’s death was a huge shock. How did you feel when you were told? Well, I met with our producer Iain MacLeod, to discuss potential avenues for Seb, and this storyline was suggested. I decided it was a fitting end for the character and a great storyline – the perfect way for me to wave goodbye to Seb. I never intended to stay in the show forever, and it was always a goal to play a major part in a story that is as big as this. It wasn’t something I could pass up. How was it filming the attack scenes? Oh I loved it – filming at night creates a different vibe, so energy was high. It was quite impressive as it was all done socially distanced, but looked…

Tyrone and Alina’s plans to set up home together gather pace this week, as Tyrone prepares to make an offer on the salon flat! Having walked out on his family to start a relationship with Alina, Tyrone knows that he needs to find himself a new place to live pronto. So when an opportunity presents itself for him to buy a love nest on Coronation Street, eager Ty jumps at the chance! “This seems to be the perfect opportunity for Tyrone – he can set up home with Alina, and still be close to his kids,” reveals our Corrie insider. “But while it’s ideal for him, the truth is that it might be a nightmare for his ex, Fiz! The very last thing she wants is to have him and…

Devastated Bea loses her job at the garage this week, after she’s caught snooping around Sheila C’s car! After wondering why Sheila is so interested in Ned, Bea decides to investigate. When Sheila’s car arrives in the garage, Bea looks inside and swipes a file filled with info about Ned. But once Sheila finds out what Bea did, she leaves a bad review online… Bea decides to come clean to her boss Lucas, yet before she can confess, he tells her he knows evertything! It turns out Levi has spoken to Lucas already, and he subsequently fires Bea from the garage. In a desperate attempt to make amends, Levi tries to help Bea get her job back – however, Bea just can’t forgive him. Do Levi and Bea have any…

Martine makes a big decision about her future this week – but will her worried family be willing to support her? Having been diagnosed with breast cancer, Martine initially tries to hide the truth from her loved ones. But when Celeste discovers her mum has an appointment with an oncology specialist at the hospital, she’s given cause for concern. Later, Martine opens up to her kids about her own mum’s battle with cancer, and states that she doesn’t want it to define her. So what decision will Martine make about her cancer treatment?…

They may be all smiles in this picture from baby Courtney’s christening, but don’t be fooled – there’s a crack running right down the middle. It’s invisible in the photo, but as deep and dangerous as the San Andreas Fault; and it’s poor Courtney in danger of being torn apart. (Not literally – that would be horrible.) On mum Tiffany’s side of the chasm are her choice of godparents – brother Simon and pal Bianca. Working hard for her behind the scenes is mother-in-law Peggy, who is desperate to pull together Tiff, Grant and their baby into a happy family unit. This week, they’re embroiled in a cute conspiracy: claiming Tiffany’s boiler is broken so that she has to stay at the Vic and flirtily ask Grant to zip up…

PUT A RING ON IT! Congratulations to lovely Liam and Leyla in Emmerdale – finally a proposal that only went half-wrong! I still think there’s trouble brewing, though, especially with Bernice on her way back to the village. She really won’t be happy to hear about their engagement… Sierra, Norfolk OUT IN THE COLD Poor Bailey in EastEnders! Running away from Walford isn’t going to solve Mitch and Karen’s money troubles, and it’s been hard to watch the little’un feeling so isolated. The Taylors now need to pull together to find their little girl before something bad happens. Louise, Leicester The desperate search for Bailey reaches its conclusion this week – see p24 for more… DANCING SHOES It’s great to see celebrity dancing brothers AJ and Curtis Pritchard leading Trish…

It’s been more than two years since Toadie’s beloved wife Sonya passed away – and although it’s taken us a while to get used to the idea of him being romantically involved with anyone else, Inside Soap is finally ready for him to move on. Which is just as well, as this week it’s revealed that he’s been having a secret affair with his PA, Melanie! “Toadie and Melanie want to seize the moment…” “The writers have been very clever in the way the romance is divulged to viewers,” grins Ryan Moloney, who plays the lawyer. “Mackenzie sets it up that Toadie is unfairly treating Melanie at work – only for it to be revealed, with no real clues, that they are in fact having a fling! I thought it…

This is a good one! There have been hints of it before, but I think Simon and Kelly would be a really good couple – a very fiery one at that! They’ve already shown they care about each other in such a short period of time. It’s hard on Simon as he had to go away, and never got to say goodbye to Kelly. It’d be interesting to see how that would pan out should it happen… Every week, we put your questions to a star of the soaps. Look out for requests on our Facebook page, or email your questions to youask@insidesoap.co.uk, putting the actor’s name in the subject line. Our favourite question each week will win a £20 prize!…

Not content with being a soap star, Corrie’s Alexandra Mardell (who plays Emma) is now also turning her hand to cooking! She and fiancé Joe Parker have launched their very own YouTube channel called Nifty Northern Kitchen, where they’ll share some of their favourite dishes with their followers. “We LOVE food and sharing it with everyone, so we made a little channel where we can keep all our fave recipes in one place, and you can have a looksie too!” revealed Ali on Instagram. We wonder if Betty’s Hotpot is going to make it on to the pair’s list of favourite recipes? Mmm, we’re feeling hungry already!…

In 1971, eight-year-old Adam Hargreaves asked his dad, Roger, “What does a tickle look like?” – and one of the best-loved kids’ characters was born. In this one-off special, Mr Men megafan Matt Lucas charts the history of the colourful crew, and here, shares why he’s such an admirer… “I’ve loved them ever since I can remember,” admits the Bake Off host. “It’s a warm, friendly world: it feels very inclusive. Revisiting the books for this documentary, I was reminded of how funny, original and innovative they are.” For Mr Tickle’s 50th birthday, Adam – now the books’ author and illustrator – has created five new characters to face a public vote, and two will become the newest members of the Mr Men and Little Miss empire. “The five candidates’…

Sharon’s plot to track down Leanne has devastating consequences this week – after one of Harvey’s gang kidnaps young Sam! With Harvey banged up for drug dealing, he’s relying on his auntie Sharon to track down Leanne, who is the star witness in the case. But time is running out and Leanne is still nowhere to be found, so Sharon is forced to go to extreme lengths… “Kidnapping Sam is the last thing Sharon wants to do, yet she has no choice!” wails our cobbles insider. “Every tactic she’s employed to locate Leanne so far has failed, and Harvey’s piling on the pressure for her to deliver the goods. In sheer desperation, Sharon gives away Sam’s whereabouts to one of Harvey’s henchmen. Before she knows it, the lad is lured…

Although the person responsible for offing George will be uncovered this week, should they really be made to pay for their crime? After all, the copper was a wrong’un who was abusing John Paul… “This story has thrown up some interesting moral questions,” agrees James. “How far is too far to go to protect the people you love? Murder is never acceptable, but what if it’s in self-defence? “These are interesting questions, with interesting answers,” he adds. “There’s more corruption to uncover too, but there will be justice in the end!”…

There are emotional scenes in Walford this week, as missing youngster Bailey returns home safe and well! It’s been a miserable time for the Taylor-Baker family since Bailey’s disappearance, and Mitch and Karen feared that something truly awful had happened to their little girl. So, when Bailey turns up on the Square unharmed, her loved ones are jumping for joy… “This is the outcome that Mitch and Karen have been praying for,” grins our Walford insider. “They’ve had sleepless nights since Bailey left home, haunted by grim thoughts about what may have become of the defenceless youngster. Having her back home really is the best possible result – and they’re relieved beyond belief.” “Mitch and Karen are relieved beyond belief to have Bailey home” Bailey’s homecoming comes about thanks to…

Isaac’s behaviour gives his loved ones cause for concern this week – is something wrong? To celebrate Bailey coming home, kindly Isaac takes her and Keegan for a meal. He’s having a great night letting his hair down and enjoying a few drinks, when Sheree and Lola arrive and join in the festivities. But after Isaac suddenly freezes while he’s in the middle of telling a story, Sheree and Lola are left concerned. Is this to do with Isaac’s decision to stop taking his schizophrenia meds?…

The ward is hit with a major incident this week, after a bus full of school kids is involved in a terrible road accident. It’s all hands on deck at the hospital, although not everyone is up to the job as Hanssen continues to be plagued by nightmares of his childhood abuse. Josh tries to convince the CEO to seek help after catching Hanssen harming himself. However, will Hanssen listen? Meanwhile, Kian’s torn between treating a crash victim and helping Andrei, who arrives at Holby terrified that he is being hunted by the merciless dealers who forced him to be a drugs mule. Chloe can’t believe it when Kian becomes distracted, and almost misdiagnoses their patient while she’s on the operating table. Can Kian save his charge and protect Andrei?…

It’s a busy time for Valerie this week, as she kicks off her healthcare assistant training with practice nurse Luca – ahead of a first date! Valerie’s excited on all fronts, though doesn’t exactly keep Bear calm while she practises taking blood pressure on him. Luca attempts to calm Valerie’s nerves by insisting that she doesn’t need to try so hard at her training – before sharing his own disastrous first date stories to further put her at ease. But it seems Val might be in for a nightmare romantic encounter of her own when a patient throws up on her after she’s changed into her outfit! But as she goes to meet her potential suitor Nathan, and he tells her how anxious he’s been all day, Valerie reveals her…

Big Jim returns home this week, embarrassed to think his neighbours now see him as “a cripple” – not realising that’s the nicest thing they’ve had to say about him in years. He’s left boiling with rage when he realises his wheelchair won’t fit through the doors at home, effectively making him a prisoner of his own living room. That night – in an affecting scene – the old beast cries himself to sleep. Elsewhere, Leanne is petrified as killer Darren Whateley turns up at her door, explaining that he’s been released from prison and can’t wait to… enjoy her company. It seems that Nick’s plan to lure his father’s murderer into a confrontation hasn’t gone entirely to plan. Leanne sends Darren away, but he lets himself in through the…

“I absolutely hate doing scenes with Joe [ Duttine, who plays Tim Metcalfe, and is Sally’s real-life fiancé]. He doesn’t behave, has a twinkle in his eye and always makes me laugh. He thinks it’s funny, that horrible thing where you start sweating because you can’t get your lines out, and people are looking at you, thinking, ‘Can we get on with this, please, we all want to go home,’ and you just can’t because he’s making you laugh. He’s a real horror, so if I never had another scene with him, I’d be delighted!”…

There’s not a living soul in Emmerdale village who has managed to outsmart chief superbitch Kim Tate and get away with it – however, that could be about to change if scheming teen Gabby Thomas has her way! As an unlikely successor vying for Kim’s throne, Gabby is shaping up to be more than a match for her unborn baby’s grandmother. Though, if Dales bosses had told us this a year ago, we wouldn’t have rushed out to bet our TV licences on it. So, does vicar’s daughter Gabby really have what it takes to swim with the big fishes at Home Farm? Or is she simply a naive youngster out of her depth? Rising star Rosie Bentham, who plays Gabby, knows which scenario she prefers… “Home Farm is the…

We’re all desperately waiting for some signs that life is getting back to normal – so it’s wonderful to see our favourite soap stars leading the way by taking some big steps in the right direction… First up, Emmerdale star Lisa Riley (Mandy) was delighted to get her first Covid vaccine, and shared the moment with her followers on Instagram. “First vaccine done… Moderna (Madonna), feel a massive sense of relief,” she revealed, before thanking the staff at the NHS vaccination centre in Leeds. Lisa joins a whole host of other soap stars who have done their bit in the fight to beat Covid by getting the jab! Meanwhile, making the most of the relaxing of rules, soap vicars Daniel Brocklebank (Corrie’s Billy) and Rory Douglas-Speed (Hollyoaks’ Joel) were both…

As Naked Attraction compère Anna Richardson takes us back through the X-rated archives for the cheeky show’s Best Naughty Bits, here, she tells us her televisual faves… What’s your favourite comedy show? I really like Taskmaster, because it’s so funny and silly – just grown-ups doing ridiculous things! What were your favourite TV shows when you were growing up? I was totally obsessed with Charlie’s Angels and fancied myself as Sabrina. Well, she was the only one who had a black bob! She was so cool… Was there also a kids’ cartoon you particularly loved to watch? I’ve always hated cartoons! The only one I can cope with is South Park. I’m a massive fan of anything that’s irreverent, but the likes of Tom and Jerry, or Wile E Coyote…

DVD THE LITTLE THINGS Kern County Deputy Sheriff Joe ‘Deke’ Deacon is sent to Los Angeles for what should have been a quick evidence-gathering assignment. Instead, he becomes embroiled in the search for a killer who is terrorising the city. However, while he helps track the criminal, the investigation dredges up echoes of Deke’s past, uncovering disturbing secrets that could threaten more than the police case. Starring Denzel Washington and Rami Malek. DIGITAL LITTLE FISH With no rhyme or reason, people start to lose their memories. For some, it happens in a snap, all at once. For others, it’s a slow fade. Eventually, these people forget themselves, and everything that makes them who they are. Little Fish is available to rent on digital channels now. BOOK LOST PROPERTY by…

While Natasha and Gail end the week united in their worry for Sam, they start it at loggerheads – as Natasha accuses Gail of stealing from her! Ironically, Gail is trying to be helpful, by cleaning Natasha’s house when she’s at work. While there, she’s shocked to find that inventive Sam has swiped his mum’s silver bracelet to make an electricity conductor board, so Gail quickly takes it off him. But before Gail can return the jewellery to its rightful owner, Natasha spots her bracelet in Gail’s purse – and brands her a thief! There are red faces all round when Sam admits he was the one who took it, and Natasha is forced to apologise. Determined to make it up to Gail, Natasha offers to lend David the money…

Johnny shocks Jenny when he returns home this week – just as his wife and Ronnie are admitting their feelings for each other! So, just what has Jenny been up to while her hubby’s been in prison? Landlady Jenny has provided a shoulder to cry on for B&B guest Ronnie over his issues with brother Ed. As she pushes him to make amends, they hit on an idea to sort things out, growing closer while they do… “Jenny feels like a naughty teenager around Ronnie…” “There was chemistry between Jenny and Ronnie before they even hatched this plan,” explains Sally Ann Matthews, who plays her. “Ronnie’s planning on leaving due to his falling-out with Ed, and that unnerves Jenny – she really doesn’t want him to go. She suggests Ronnie…

Lewis drugs Christian and sets out to murder him this week. Will Tori and Jasmine find him in time to save his life? Having schemed to have Christian’s medical licence revoked, Lewis can’t wait any longer – and decides to bump him off. So just as Jasmine is confiding in Tori that she’s worried about Lewis’ mental state, he’s drugging Christian and taking him to a secret spot in the hospital! “Christian wakes up in an abandoned part of the building – there’s no reason why anyone would go there.” explains Ditch Davey, who plays him. “He comes around, and finds Lewis desperate for him to confess to negligence, and accept responsibility for the death of his wife and unborn child. Christian does the only thing he can, which is…

Asha proves she’s not the obedient girlfriend Corey thinks she is this week – after she reveals that she’s secretly plotting to get justice for Nina and Seb, by proving it was Corey attacked who them! Brother Aadi is shocked when she explains that she’s only going along with Corey in order to get him to expose the truth about the terrible night that left Seb dead. Asha’s loved ones have been telling her for months that Corey is a wrong’un, and now Asha has finally realised what a nasty piece of work she’s living with – and will make him pay! “Viewers have been yelling at their screens for Asha to wake up and see what’s right in front of her, and now the penny has dropped,” cheers our…

Bernie finally comes clean to her new girlfriend Molly about her surrogacy plans this week, but will Molly support her decision? With her family under huge financial strain, Bernie reckons that being Rainie and Stuart’s surrogate is the answer to all her problems. Meanwhile, with their fledgling romance going from strength to strength, oblivious Molly suggests to Bernie that they book a holiday – which is when Bernie is forced to admit that she simply doesn’t have the cash, and goes on to reveal her plans to become a surrogate. Molly is horrified, and asks Bernie how Karen feels about her daughter renting out her womb… “It’s clear from Bernie’s silence that she hasn’t told her mum,” says our Square insider. “And Molly is shocked that Bernie could make such…

Steve has a fundraising fail this week, after he finishes in last place in a charity bike ride! Having committed to raising as much cash as possible in his late son Oliver’s memory, Steve has thrown himself into lots of different activities. He’s had fun, but he confesses to daughter Emma that coming last in his most recent endeavour was highly embarrassing! Emma points out that he raised a fortune for Oliver’s fund, and that’s all that matters. Will her kind words bolster Steve’s spirit?…

Ethan vows to put his search for his mum behind him this week – but can he move on? After weeks of keeping the truth from his dad, Ethan has finally revealed to Charles that he’s been trying to track down his estranged mother. But after hitting a dead end, thanks to Meena’s meddling, the lawyer vows to put the past behind him and start living his life. Before long, Vic has persuaded Ethan to sign up to a dating app! Could a hot new romance be in store for him?…

Darren is determined to get himself out of the friend-zone with Nancy this week – however, how will Nancy react to her former husband attempting to reunite with her? After organising a surprise meditation session to help Nancy de-stress, Darren wants to tell her how he feels. But when Darren finally works up the courage to ask Nancy out, Brooke interrupts them. Although, it’s not long before Nancy realises what Darren was just about to say… Will Nancy accept Darren’s offer, or leave her old flame hanging?…

It’s fair to say that, when it comes to men, Kathy Glover’s radar is entirely up the spout; so reliably does it steer her towards liars, cheats and psychopaths. Clearly, some kind of alarm has been accidentally unplugged – one that would be flashing and squawking when, for example, Graham Clark gives Kathy his dead fiancée’s engagement ring to wear around her neck. Because that’s not peculiar at all. Slowly but surely, the good ship Kathy is lured on to Graham’s rocks – as it were – and soon they are kissing passionately. The key problem is that Kathy is due to marry lovely Biff the very next day. Will she come to her senses before it’s too late? Well, yes… and no. Meanwhile, Sarah moans that her marriage to…

“My first day on set was much more nerve-wracking than I thought it would be,” admits comedian Brian Conley, as we join him for a chat over Zoom about his new role in EastEnders as Sonia’s long-lost father, Terry. “I stood there on my first day, filming a scene in the Queen Vic – I was a bit nervous because it was a big scene with lots of characters from the show – and it was honestly such an honour. “I looked over, and on a shelf on the set there sits a little black cab; I knew that was a sign from my dad,” he continues. “My dad was a cab driver, he’s been gone for 20 years now, but I knew that was him saying, ‘You’ll be all…

Simon might be taking cover away from the cobbles and Harvey at the moment, but Alex isn’t hiding anything when we put your reader questions to him… “Do you remember a lot from your early days in Coronation Street?” “What’s been your favourite plot over the years?” I have a really good memory, so I do recall a lot from when I first started. My first day was with Chris [Gascoyne, aka Peter], and I was really busy for the whole week as it was all about Peter returning with Simon. It was such a new experience, even though I’d done little bits on TV before. But I’ve enjoyed everything about it – I loved being part of the Corrie family from day one. “What’s been your favourite plot over…

We always imagined that the actors in Emmerdale would really need to have an affinity with the countryside and all the creatures that live there – and these pictures just prove our theory! Star Lawrence Robb (who plays Mack) recently made friends with this gorgeous horse Piper, who he quipped likes to be the “centaur of attention” (groan). Meanwhile, his co-star Max Parker – aka Luke – posted this picture on Instagram of him with a new four-legged friend. “Just your average donkey… nothing to see here,” he revealed, although we’re not sure if he was talking about himself or the mule! Kim Tate should watch out before they make off with her prize stallions……

Finally released from prison after her conviction of killing a teenage student is quashed, English teacher Sally Wright (Katherine Kelly) determines to rebuild her future in her home town of Keswick… “Sally very much wants to get her life back,” explains former Corrie star Katherine (aka Becky McDonald). “She’s returning after the trauma of five years in prison and grieving for a part of her life that she’s missed – but she isn’t going to be held back by that.” In making her fresh start, Sally focuses on a firm set of objectives: the first being to re-connect with ex-husband Sam (Jamie Bamber), who she remains madly in love with… “Sally’s still calling herself by her married name and wearing her wedding ring,” sighs Katherine. “She’s been immensely hurt that…

“This is a drama where people won’t be disappointed by the conclusion – and that’s quite unusual!” promises former Corrie star Julie Hesmondhalgh (Hayley Cropper) of new six-part thriller The Pact, as she and her fellow cast members join Inside TV for the lowdown on the series, which kicks off with a double-bill this week. “It’s a really good story from start to finish – with complex and flawed female characters at the heart of it – that delivers right to the end…” Julie plays brewery worker Nancy, starring alongside Laura Fraser (Anna), Eiry Thomas (Louie) and Heledd Gwynn (Cat) as Nancy’s colleagues – close friends entwined by a terrible secret after their boss is found dead. And the consequences of this shocking and unexplained discovery look set to prove…