Inside Soap UK 13 - 2018

“I’m enjoying the change in Corrie” Now, have Walford and Weatherfield had a personality swap? In Corrie we have big, hard-hitting issues plots, murderous schemers and cliffhanging drama – while EastEnders has changed its fun setting to maximum, as we have Kat and co involved in some high jinks over a fake death. There’s been a lot of debate about whether Corrie has become too dark, or if EastEnders has lost its edge – but I’m quite enjoying the change, and we all know that it isn’t going to last forever. Take this week as an example: in Corrie, we have some hilarious Mary action, and Chesney dressed as a haddock – while EastEnders sees a shock death (a real one this time), and the start of some twisted drama as…

Robert’s world is turned upside down this week, after an escaped prisoner snatches baby Seb – before turning on Aaron and taking the stunned fella hostage! Robert and Aaron’s nightmare unfolds as they celebrate getting one over on Joe, having joined forces with Jimmy to hit the Home Farm supremo where it hurts (see p31). But Aaron’s joy turns to pure horror when he chances upon the dangerous escapee cradling Seb in his home… “You can imagine all the terrible thoughts that race through Aaron’s mind as this extremely volatile situation develops before his eyes,” shares our Dales informant. “For all he knows, this guy is armed and intends to hurt Seb. One wrong move and that could be it for both of them.” What Aaron quickly comes to realise,…

While Robert deals with the very real prospect of losing his partner, confused Rebecca is on the verge of regaining her memory – and finally realising that her nephew, Lachlan, is responsible for the deaths of her family! Poor Rebecca hasn’t been able to recall the moment that saw Lachlan grab the wheel of the car the Whites were travelling in, crashing the vehicle and killing his grandad Lawrence and mother Chrissie. Her memory lapses have also seen her unintentionally put herself and son Seb in some very precarious situations – so this week Rebecca is determined to do something about it, and hopes a hypnotherapist could be the answer to her problems. However, when Lachlan gets wind of Rebecca’s plan, he insists on going with her – because he…

“People around Hunter are making comments about Steve Owen” Bad boy Hunter puts pressure on Louise to sleep with him this week – but could she live to regret getting involved with the troubled teen? Square newcomer Charlie Winter, who plays Hunter, warns us that his unruly alter ego is on a mission – and doesn’t care who will be hurt as long as he get what he wants… “He’s slightly psychotic!” chuckles the star. “Hunter has deep-rooted issues with his mum Mel, because since he arrived in the Square he’s found out all these things about his dad Steve that he didn’t know. People around him are making these little comments, and it’s pushing him to find out more and more. However, the way he goes about that is…

FAMILY AFFAIR Steve was never fond of the Mitchell clan, starting a feud with Phil’s brother Grant. But it wasn’t until Phil slept with Steve’s fiancée Mel – and Steve later found out about it – that things turned really nasty. TAKING AIM Steve was a suspect in the case of ‘Who Shot Phil?’ as he had motive and access to a gun. When Mel was later kidnapped, Phil saved her – before she set light to E20 after being told of Steve’s antics. SQUARING UP Phil and Steve’s rift deepened when he told the Mitchell hard man that he and Sharon had a fling while they were together. Phil attacked Steve, who had him done for assault – and set about seducing Phil’s sister Sam in revenge. FIERY TEMPERS…

“Given the history of E20, things were never going to run smoothly” God rest their souls, but the Mitchell sisters are old news when it comes to the East End club scene – as blonde beauties Sharon and Mel join forces this week to relaunch Walford’s E20! The glam pair are all smiles as they welcome the local residents to enjoy an evening out down the disco, with a few surprises to entice them on to the dance floor. But as ever with the Square’s ill-fated night spot, there are a few hiccups along the way… “If you consider the history of this dive, things were never going to run smoothly,” scoffs our EastEnders insider. “We’re talking about the same building that Mel once set alight in a fit of…