Table of contents for 37 - 2017 in Inside Soap UK

“I want a seventh weekly episode!” Do we really need another episode of Corrie every week? Well, I can tell you that if the episodes are as good as this week’s, we’re in for a treat! A few years ago, I may have hesitated. There was a time when the show seemed to focus on the same characters and families, piling drama after drama on them until it became exhausting. But recently, we’ve seen the Corrie love being spread all around and a great mix of stories being told. There are still the big dramas, but then you’ve got plots like Mary and Norris’ wedding – which despite being a bit silly and unbelievable, turned out to be heart-warming, fun and great telly. Then there’s Phelan, who could have been…

We’ve loved watching Eva’s revenge plan take shape. What’s it been like to show the conniving side of her? Heaven! I’ve absolutely loved it. When I first came into the show, Eva was very feisty and had a bit more of a catty side to her. So to see that come back and show that she can kick ass when she needs to is brilliant. What did you think of Eva’s wedding dress? Well, I actually picked it – and as you can see, it’s very subtle! I said to the lady in the wedding shop, “Eva wants to be a princess”, and this was the first dress she pulled out. It was so tight, though – I thought I was going to snap a rib! What would you do…

Kathy arrives back from holidays this week to learn that Steven is dead and no one has told her. The distraught matriarch has to hear the truth from Kim, after her neighbour spots her in the Square and quickly realises the situation. When she gets home, Kathy tries to understand why Ian shut her out, but it’s clear he’s in a bad way. He is very cold towards her, and it dawns on Kathy that this is another consequence of her faking her own death. Determined to put things right, Kathy gets Ian and his half-brother Ben together and makes clear that she is their mum and intends to be there for them. Her kind words finally break down Ian’s defences, and he collapses in Kathy’s arms. The next day,…

The drama just keeps on coming for Phelan, with old foes and new enemies set to cause him a headache or two! Here he is pictured with his former partner in crime Vinny Ashford, played by returning star Ian Kelsey. And curiously, Phelan star Connor McIntyre has been spotted filming with Rob Mallard (Daniel) as well… “We have a massive story for Phelan,” teases Corrie boss Kate Oates. “You all know now that he has a house guest staying in his cellar, so we’ll be playing out that drama over the autumn. We’ll see how he deals with that particular problem, and whether Andy is going to escape or not.” Andy may be Pat’s biggest concern currently – but how will Vinny and Daniel factor in? There’s no love lost…

Ashley returns… kind of ? Former Dales star John Middleton has a genius idea as to how he could return: “There’s no hint of Ashley coming back as a ghost, but he does have a twin brother called Luke. So that could happen…” Darren & Nancy in danger? Hollyoaks is gearing up for its big autumn stunt, with the Osbornes rumoured to be at the heart of the action! The gossip is that no expense has been spared on the action-packed episodes… New love in the Bay! Mason will soon have something to smile about in Home and Away, when he meets pretty nurse Beth. The pair bond while talking about his spinal injury, but Beth is reluctant to open up about herself. So is she hiding something?…

“It’s a bit flippin’ elaborate for revenge, isn’t it? You run a restaurant. If I wanted to mess with you, I’d just give you a bad review on TripAdvisor.” Hardcore! You really don’t want to mess with a gangster like Rich. He might send you a ‘sad face’ emoji. “Things are always better with a cup of tea.” Sometimes – just sometimes – you hear a little bit of common sense in Walford. “Apparently, Eva wants doves at her ceremony.” “She’s a right Bridezilla, that one! Although at my wedding, I do want unicorns.” Why stop there, Rosie? Invite some elves, the tooth fairy and the Loch Ness Monster. “Don’t you talk to me, you two-faced little tart! Come near me again and I’ll slap you into the back end…

Robbo hopes that Kat can help him uncover the truth about his past this week – but the copper freaks out when she finds a picture of herself among his stuff! After a search of the police database fails to turn up new information, Kat thinks that heading back to Robbo’s camp on the island could help. It’s there that she makes her alarming discovery – but while all the evidence indicates Robbo is shady, star Jake Ryan reckons his character isn’t all bad… “I think Robbo’s a good guy,” insists the Bay newcomer. “As we learn more about who he is, I think fundamentally we’ll see that he’s a decent person.” Kat’s not so sure, though! Robbo’s link to the cop remains to be seen, but Jake tells us…

FAIR CITY Kerri-Ann is excited as Decco arranges a surprise for them this week – but she can’t ignore her growing feelings for Mondo… Elsewhere, Louie shocks Carol when he reveals that he wants to tell Jack that he is his father. Also, Paul moves forward with selling Vino’s. RIVER CITY This week, Stevie is shocked when met by a familar face, who reveals that Kelly-Marie has vanished. Where has she gone? Meanwhile, it’s a race against time for Ellie to confess her feelings for AJ before he leaves town. Plus, Frankie receives more heartbreaking news. THE ARCHERS Roy admits to Kirsty that he’s falling for Lexi this week, but is dreading her return from Bulgaria! Across the village, Joe and Bert are pleased when Cecil wins the Freda Fry…

JANE CRACKS THE CASE Jane was shocked enough to learn that Steven’s brain tumour was a sick lie, but the stakes became even higher after she unwittingly uncovered Max’s elaborate plan for revenge on the Square… Blimey, Sherlock has nothing on Jane Beale. All she needed was the initial on Steven’s phone, a few ill-spoken words from Fi, and she’d cracked Max’s entire scam in one hit! Daphne Poor Max. Jane’s the one who got him sent to jail, and now she’s the one about to ruin the revenge plan he’s spent months setting in motion! No wonder he wants to see her dead – he hasn’t had much luck while she’s been around. Janet, Milton Keynes Well done to clever Jane for sussing Max out, but why on earth…

In any good soap wedding, the dress is crucial. We love the range of fashions that Weatherfield’s brides have sported over the years – and after all the fuss she’s made, we know Jenny’s dress will be fabulous! “I had a say in choosing it,” reveals Sal. “It needed to be very particular, for a reason I can’t tell you. There had to be a few, and it was a joy to put on.” The key to a dress’ success is the designer, and Sal knew exactly who to go to… “Suzanne Neville, the designer, is one of my friends,” she tells us. “I wear a Suzanne dress to every do I go to. Jenny’s gown is all lace – and the bridemaids’ dresses are lovely as well.”…

“Zosia tells Guy to leave – which has awful ramifications!” We can’t imagine Holby ice queen Jac Naylor ever hosting a slumber party with her pals from Darwin – but when we catch up with actress Camilla Arfwedson, who plays Zosia, she tells us that is exactly what’s about to happen. “I’m going over to see Rosie [Marcel, aka Jac] tonight,” the star tells us. “I’ll be staying at hers, which will be really fun. We’ll put her daughter to bed and then have a girlie night – we try to see each other as often as we can.” This all seems a little bit surreal to Inside Soap – but after getting a sneak preview of this week’s Holby City episode, nothing surprises us any…

It seems that sometimes crime does pay, because Steven and Abi’s sinister shenanigans have led to stars Aaron Sidwell and Lorna Fitzgerald scoring a whopping four nominations between them this year. Happily, the pair are a million miles away from their wicked alter egos – family man Aaron arrives with his young daughters under his arms, and has to juggle keeping the two girls occupied while posing for our photographer; meanwhile, Lorna chats away happily as she decides on an outfit. But it’s clear they’ve loved every minute of their screen machinations… Hi, guys. We’re glad you’re both much nicer than your characters on the telly! Have you enjoyed teaming up this year? Aaron Oh yes, especially as we didn’t know it was coming. We ended…

“Diane Parish? Do me a favour! I can’t stand her!” jokes Tameka Empson, as we ask whether she and Di are like sisters even when they’re not playing Walford’s Denise and Kim. “I can’t bear her!” Di shoots back, doubling up with laughter as the pair banter in the way only true friends do. In fact, it’s suitably fitting that the Eurythmics/Aretha Franklin tune Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves is blasting out of the make-up room where Tameka and Diane are sat side-by-side singing along, bringing a party atmosphere to our shoot. “We’re super-tight,” explains Di, who has been playing Denise since 2006. “We finish work and get in our cars – then pick up the phone! I’m Auntie Diane to Tam’s daughter, and she’s Auntie Tameka to my…

I really like the film Catch Me If You Can . I feel like I could watch that movie once a year for the rest of my life and be happy that I’m seeing it again. I love the Bourne movies too – at least, the ones without Jeremy Renner. I’ve just finished watching This Country on BBC3 – that’s great. And I’m rewatching Arrested Development from the beginning because I haven’t seen the new Netflix ones yet, so I’m going back over the old ones first. And when Modern Family’s on, I love that as well. I’m a sucker for a TV drama , I love ’em. I’m big into House Of Cards at the moment, working my way through the latest…

ICE TO SEE YOU ITV is reviving Dancing On Ice next year, with the original team back on board – Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby will host the show, with Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean on the judges’ panel. GOING, GOING… Christopher Eccleston is to star in a new BBC1 drama from Ordinary Lies writer Danny Brocklehurst. In Coming Home , Marie (Paula Malcomson) walks out on her husband and three kids – but why does she leave? STAR SEARCH Jonathan Ross will be hosting new one-off show Guess The Star for ITV. The show will see celebrities in elaborate disguises performing as their favourite music stars, while teams of other celebs try to guess who that is under the wig and make-up……

BULLSEYE! Without doubt, the best performance in soap last week came from Roxy Shahidi , who took us on an amazing journey. Lovelorn Leyla began the week shy and self-conscious, nervous about rekindling her romance with Pete . But after she learned the truth about her man, her fury was blistering! Altogether an acting masterclass – subtle and heartbreaking. It is a truth universally acknowledged that, whenever the residents of Walford look this happy, devastation follows. Look at them, grinning like idiots. You think they’d have learned by now. That Tina McIntyre clone who works for The Weatherfield Gazette rocked up again. Thank God Peter wasn’t working in the Rovers that day. He’d have keeled over. So… Linda is mithering on endlessly at Mick for keeping secrets, while she kept…

Emmerdale star Danny Miller has pressed pause on talk of there being a reunion for Aaron and Robert – with his alter ego possibly falling for someone else! “There’ll be a new character introduced, and he’s a bit of a love interest for Aaron,” teases Danny. “That’s all I can say…” However, Danny and co-star Ryan Hawley (Robert) haven’t given up hope that their alter egos will get married for real in the not-so-distant future. “I believe our producer [Iain MacLeod] has said there’ll be a wedding next year,” Danny tells us. “We’re waiting for that just as much as everybody else!”…

Arthur’s troubles look like the start of a big new storyline for the Fowler family, which will push actress Lacey Turner back into the EastEnders spotlight – and on to the nomination lists of all the upcoming awards. However, despite being one of TV’s most-lauded actresses – she has nine Inside Soap Awards to her name alone – Lacey doesn’t reckons she deserves her wins sometimes… “I always think there’s someone else that it should have gone to, but it’s nice to win,” says the star. “You start to think people vote for you because they like you, and actually there was someone who deserved it more as their work was so good. I was glad Emmerdale’s Charlotte Bellamy [Laurel] won at the British Soap Awards this year. Her or…

There’s a heart-wrenching moment for Dylan this week, as he hands over his young charge Sanosi to the boy’s uncle, Kamal. Since illegally smuggling the refugee into the country, Dylan has grown rather fond of the youngster – but he knows that Sanosi can’t stay with him forever. After finally getting in touch with the lad’s family, Dylan takes Sanosi over to Kamal’s flat, entrusting him to his relative’s care. However, as Dylan says an emotional goodbye to Sanosi and leaves, will this really be the last he’ll see of the boy?…

Ayesha and Emma remain at loggerheads this week, but has their feud gone too far when a patient is dragged into it? The women lock horns after Ayesha encourages Emma’s patient Diane to undergo tests behind Emma’s back – prompting the medic to accuse Ayesha of professionally undermining her. Al bears witness to the furore, which is sparked by Ayesha’s belief that Emma and Rob are to blame for her mother Bren’s death – and he questions whether the practice nurse can go on working at The Mill. Has he raised a valid point?…

BEAUTIFUL BLOUSE Lauren in EastEnders was wearing a lovely crisp white shirt when she returned to the Square after visiting Tanya. Where can I get one please, Laura? Bev Crewe Lauren’s ‘Clean Pyjama Blouse With Pocket Detail’ is both smart and comfy, and you can buy it for £28 from ASOS! BILLY NO-MATES Just after Billy walloped Phil in EastEnders, they spoke about the past and Billy mentioned that Phil took Jamie away from him, as well as Jay. I don’t remember much of Jamie’s early years, so could you clue me in on what happened there? Jack, Worksop Jamie moved in with his Uncle Billy after dad Charlie died, but Billy was an abusive man – and beat his nephew! Phil took action when he realised what was going…

“I turned up on set and thought, ‘Oh man, it’s all real!’” He’s one of the most famous comedians in the nation, with a devoted fan base and decades of laughs behind him – but say the name Jim Moir, and much of the country will shrug their shoulders. That’s because to most people he is Vic Reeves, Jim’s comedy alter ego alongside partner Bob Mortimer. However, despite many straight roles during his career, it took Vic – sorry, we mean Jim – a bit of persuasion to join the UK’s most popular show… Hi, Jim! We know you’ve been asked to be in Coronation Street before – what took you so long? I do this with everything – I kind of let things simmer and…

Camilla may have had a wonderful time dressing up for the wedding, but her co-star James Anderson (Ollie) is about to do it for real! “James is getting married at the end of this month, so he found filming the Zollie wedding quite weird!” she reveals. “I think it was good preparation for him, though. His wedding is taking place in Greece, so he’s going to look gorgeous and brown on the beach, and I’m sure it will be fabulous.” Meanwhile, Camilla tells us that her actor boyfriend, Jack Hawkins, is 100 per cent on board with her on-screen romance. “Weirdly Jack thinks we have a believable chemistry!” she chuckles. “He doesn’t ever get jealous, because he’s an actor himself and he knows James. Besides, Jack’s in Call The Midwife,…

Thinking of Lee Ryan as a newcomer is odd, considering all his years in chart-topping boy band Blue – but Lee was very much the new boy when Walford bosses thrust him behind the Vic bar as cheeky ladies’ man Woody. “I still can’t believe I’m doing this!” exclaims the star, who is like an excited kid at Christmas as we congratulate him on being offered a full-time role in EastEnders … Hi, Lee. You’re back in the show and up for the Best Newcomer gong at our Awards – congrats! Thanks! It’s an amazing compliment, and it’s the last thing I expected – I honestly feel as though I’ve been blagging it! All I’ve ever done is be in Blue, so to be recognised as an…

It was a huge night for the stars of the Dales, as they swept the boards at the TV Choice awards. As the cast scooped the gong for Best Soap, Ryan Hawley (Robert) and Charlotte Bellamy (Laurel) were also announced as the recipients of Best Soap Actor and Best Soap Actress, while Sally Dexter (Faith) was crowned Best Soap Newcomer! Charlotte beamed with pride alongside co-star Gaynor Faye (Megan) at the event in the Dorchester Hotel in London, and Ryan looked chuffed when he posed with fellow nominees for his award Danny Miller (Aaron) and John Middleton (Ashley). “I cannot tell you how happy I am for my man Ryan,” tweeted Danny in support of his mate. “So, so deserved! Buzzing for him!”…

ANY DOUBTS THAT a second series might be stretching this concept out beyond its natural shelf life were quickly dismissed by the excellent first episode of season two. Suranne Jones is giving a career-best performance as the wounded and vengeful Gemma, and watching her and Bertie Carvel (as Gemma’s oily ex-husband Simon) hiss and spit at each other like a pair of venomous snakes is the most electrifying experience on TV right now. This week, the exes have to decide whether to put their hatred and distrust of each other aside, in the interest of what’s right for their son, Tom……

CINEMA KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE Eggsy (Taron Egerton) and co from Kingsman: The Secret Service return in this action-packed sequel, with a plethora of new faces joining in. When the group’s HQ is destroyed, it leads them to a US counterpart called Statesman, with whom they must work closely to save the world… Also stars Channing Tatum and Mark Strong. DVD SNATCHED Join Goldie Hawn and Amy Schumer in the mother of all comedies, as dumped Emily persuades her cautious mum Linda to holiday with her in Ecuador. Of course, the trip soon takes an unexpected turn… For the chance to win a copy, tell us which show Linda Gray guest starred in: A) Hollyoaks or B) Holby City. Text ISWIN1 , a space, then A or B and your…

Rita finally learns the truth about her condition this week – but the news is hard to take. She’s been in a terrible state for the past month, and Gemma, Jenny and Rosie have become deeply concerned by her behaviour – so it’s a good thing that she’s now under medical supervision and has been tested to find out what’s going on. Rita knows it must be something serious, as she’s been forgetting things constantly, and even believed her late husband Len was still alive at one point. It’s not like Rita to be so confused – she’s one of the wisest women in Weatherfield, after all, and still runs a business. However, it seems that the doctors may have found something of concern as they sit her down to…

Robert may not have been keen on the idea of being a dad, but Ryan thinks it could be a great experience for his alter ego. “It would be nice to see some sort of relationship between Robert and his baby,” muses the star. “A lot of Robert’s flaws, and the need for power, stem from the fact that he had a difficult relationship with his own father, and never felt loved or appreciated. I think that’s why he has this ruthless side to him, and it would be nice for him to have the opportunity to make up for what he never had.”…

“It would be interesting to see Peter Barlow and Toyah get their dream of having a baby together, but for Carla Connor to kill Toyah in order to get back with Peter.” …enthuses bloodthirsty reader Leon “My wish is to see Dan Sullivan and Mel Owen return to Walford and take over the Queen Vic from the Carters . What would Phil say?” …suggests reader Carmel “I love Frank in Emmerdale . He needs to get his revenge on Charity . He should take her for everything she’s got – including the Woolpack!” …says reader Tim from Rotherham “ Tony’s wife Diane is getting on very well with his ex, Mandy , in Hollyoaks . I think they should have an affair behind his…

The public are scared of getting the Jenny death stare! It might be hard to admit, but there’s a little bit of Jenny Bradley in all of us. Who wouldn’t be privately fuming about having to share their wedding day, or worry about being upstaged by a much younger, model-beautiful bride? The difference between Jenny and the rest of us is that she makes no attempt to hide her feelings, and is anything but predictable in her reactions – which is what makes her such an entertaining character on screen. And as we sit down with Sally Ann Matthews, who plays Jenny, for a chat about the dramatic upcoming week, she tells us to expect the unexpected… “The thing with Jenny is that you never know what she’s going to…

Adam felt great about getting hitched… His alter ego may be keen to save his relationship, but married life for Adam has only just begun. The smitten star wed long-term partner Caroline a couple of weeks ago, surrounded by cast mates past and present. “I wanted to walk down the aisle to the Emmerdale theme tune!” he joked, in an interview with OK!. “It was the best day ever. Everything about it was amazing, and we know we are going to be together forever.”…

PHOTOS DAN GOLDSMITH The Inside Soap Awards party has nothing on today, as the gang from EastEnders crank up the music and transform our photo studio into their very own dance floor! There’s a lot of laughter and high-pitched squeals of excitement in the room – and that’s just from Tameka Empson (Kim)… “The ‘Inside Soaps’ are my favourite!” she shrieks, while Walford newbies Danny Walters (Keanu), Lee Ryan (Woody) and Zack Morris (Keegan) devour the full list of nominations to see who’s up against who in a year of compelling drama. And what a roller coaster it’s been for the folk of Walford. The Square was rocked by an almighty bus crash and a gas explosion – and who could forget…

Getting Danny Walters and Zack Morris to stay still for our photo shoot proves to be rather a problem once the music starts, as the two stars – who play brothers Keanu and Keegan – give us their best moves. But will EastEnders dance to victory thanks to the rough-and-ready addition of the Taylor family to the Square this year? And will Danny top the leader board in his nominations as Best Newcomer and Sexiest Male? Hi, boys! How are you settling into life in Walford? Zack It’s been great. It’s so good for me to have a family in the show. When I first come in, Keegan was this little sod out of nowhere, but having the Taylors lets viewers see just why he is the way he is.…