Inside Soap UK 9-2026

One criticism I often hear about soaps is that they’re just too depressing – and I can totally see why people might sometimes think that. So, this week, we’re bringing you a joyful cover story with a smiling, happy couple front and centre, flanking the most adorable baby you’ve ever seen. Now who could feel sad or depressed looking at that cute little face? It’s enough to melt even Carla Connor’s cold and stony heart! I for one can’t wait to see how Carla and Lisa will react to this beautiful bundle of joy being left on their doorstep. After all, what could be more wonderful than a baby for our beloved Swarla? Maybe she’ll be a bridesmaid at their wedding! “It’s enough to melt Carla’s stony heart!” Elsewhere this…

First with the week’s HOTTEST headlines Carla and Lisa get the mother of all shocks this week, when a newborn baby girl is left on the couple’s doorstep! The unexpected arrival throws the engaged pair’s lives into chaos – who is this little mite, and why do Lisa and Carla have to look after her? “When Carla opens the door one morning she’s expecting to find a pint of semi-skimmed waiting for her, not a bouncing baby!” begins our Corrie insider. “It turns out Carla has a connection to baby Connie, and could be her only hope of staying out of the care system. However, the little’un is also a reminder of a chapter of Carla’s past that she’d rather forget…” Niece to meet you! The baby drama begins when…

SHARING THE LOAD They both have to be up early for work, so who’ll crack first in trying to swerve Connie’s night feeds? Lisa can’t catch crims if she’s yawning, and Carla needs to be on top form to boss about her machinists. This could be a stalemate. BRINGING THE FUN She’s a ruthless businesswoman, but Carla also knows how to let her hair down and would definitely be the more fun mum than her other half. Buttoned-up Lisa’s idea of having a laugh with a little one would be alphabetising their toys. DISHING OUT DISCIPLINE DS Lisa is all about the rules, just ask daughter Betsy, and won’t stand for anyone stepping out of line – even if they are only a few months old. If Lisa starts interrogating…

Desperate Paddy is on a mission to save his broken dad this week, as Bear spirals into the depths of despair! Lost and traumatised, Bear heads to Anya’s grave in search of comfort. But as the police circle, ready to lock him back up, Paddy must save his dad – or lose him forever… “Bear’s mental state has never been worse,” cries our Emmerdale insider. “Paddy knows what happened last time Bear sank into depression, and he’ll never forgive himself for that. He’s only just escaped one prison; Paddy won’t see his dad locked up again!” After discharging himself from hospital following treatment for his injury, Bear stumbles down an isolated country road, confused and frightened. Having spent all night searching for his dad, Paddy is beside himself and no…

There’s a long road ahead for poor Bear, yet it’s easy to forget the toll this nightmare is having on his son Paddy. Paddy’s suffering immense guilt for driving Bear away – and that starts having an impact on his own mental health, reckons Dominic Brunt, who plays the devastated vet… “Paddy has to look after this husk of a man,” admits the actor. “He wants to try to get Bear back to normal, but he’s not there yet. Bear can’t articulate how he feels about anything for a while. “Paddy blames himself for the state his dad is in for some time,” adds Dominic. “Paddy has to watch his mental health as well, after his own struggles. He goes back to Andy’s Man Club to work his way through…

Nigel prepares to move into a care home this week, but there’s an unexpected arrival who wants to see him first – his estranged stepdaughter, Clare! She may arrive all guns blazing, angry that she’s only just heard of Nigel’s plight, but Clare’s in for a shock when faced with the full reality of his situation… “It’s really heartbreaking for her,” reveals actress Gemma Bissix, who reprises the role of Clare after 18 years away from Walford. “Clare feels like Julie only called her at this late stage as a punishment to get back at her. In Clare’s mind, it feels quite cruel because I think Clare really wanted the chance to apologise to Nigel.” Clare has been absent from Nigel and Julie’s lives for several years, having lost touch…