Inside Soap UK 1 - 2018

It’s a brand-new soap year – 12 whole months of fresh plots and shocks. And as is traditional here at Inside Soap, we have an action-packed preview of what’s to come in 2018. In fact, there’s so much blooming gossip to reveal that we have to split it over two weeks. So enjoy our massive Corrie, Hollyoaks and Aussie preview this issue, but come back next issue to see what the other soaps have in store for 2018. And the new year is certainly starting with a bang, judging by this week’s action. We have Mel Owen returning to Walford after 16 years away – how will ex-hubby Ian and former fling Phil react to that blast from the past? Meanwhile, there’s major wedding drama in Corrie, as Ches and…

“Lachlan wants to die because of what his mum has done” THOMAS There’s horror at Home Farm this week, as Robert steals Seb from the Whites after learning they’re leaving for Australia – and the entire family give chase! But while the Whites are in pursuit of their nemesis, a row breaks out between Lachlan and his mother Chrissie. With Lawrence and Rebecca in the back seats, seething Lachlan lunges to grab the steering wheel from Chrissie – sending their car hurtling into the path of an oncoming lorry… “Lachlan doesn’t care if anyone lives or dies,” claims Thomas Atkinson, who plays the teen. “Chrissie has told Belle about his mental health issues, and she’s had to cut ties with him. He loves Belle, and wanted to…

With the future of the White family hanging in the balance, Robert still has baby Seb close – for now, at least. It remains to be seen whether he can keep custody of his son in the wake of this shocking incident, with Rebecca determined that Seb will grow up on the other side of the world without even knowing that Robert existed. But would Robert really be that bad a father? After he endured a long, dark night of the soul on Christmas Day, would now not have been a good time for Rebecca to reassess his parental capabilities, before running away? Of course, Robert didn’t enjoy a perfect childhood himself – having lost his mother while a baby, then his adoptive mother. He also endured a strained relationship…

The Street celebrates its first wedding of 2018 this week, as Chesney and Sinead get ready to tie the knot. But with torn Sinead questioning if her fiancé is the man she thought he was, while also battling her lingering feelings for Daniel, can she commit to a life as Chesney’s wife? Although Sinead has made it clear that she has no intention of getting back with her ex, paranoid Chesney has gone to extreme lengths in order to drive a wedge between her and Daniel. And after Ches admitted to Sinead that he faked food poisoning and even smacked himself with a brick to wreck Daniel’s reputation, it’s no shock that she is having doubts as their big day grows closer… “Sinead loves Chesney, but she’s stunned by his…

Whitney is dealt a major bombshell this week, after she learns that her 14-year-old sister Tiffany could be pregnant! It’s the mother of all shocks for Whit, who is set to swap Walford for Wakefield as she ponders a new job up north. But when Tiffany unexpectedly lands on her doorstep, Whit’s plans go south instead… “Tiffany is not the innocent little girl she used to be,” grins our EastEnders insider. “She is trouble with a capital ‘T’, and Whitney has her work cut out.” Prior to Tiff’s arrival, Whitney feels that there is nothing left for her in Walford after Shirley says she’s no longer needed at the Vic. It’s the final straw for the lass, who has no loved ones around and is still reeling from Woody’s decision…

We were thrilled when it was announced that star Maisie Smith was returning to EastEnders, considering what a big hit she was first time round! Her comeback also gives us an excuse to dig out this adorable picture from 2011, when Maisie scooped the Inside Soap Award for Best Young Actor. We have high hopes that Tiff will have as much of an impact now as she did back then – if Whitney has the patience to put up with her!…