Inside Soap UK 2015-09

It’s mind-blowing how long some soap stars have been in their jobs (though a lot of long-term readers of this magazine might say the same about me!). While we all know Bill Roache has been playing Ken since Corrie began a whopping five decades ago, it’s amazing to see the names who make our countdown of soap’s 25 longest-serving stars this issue – all of them still enjoying major storylines! Number four – Corrie’s Helen Worth, aka Gail – is integral to the Street’s plot of the moment (see p18 for the latest on the Callum drama), while further down the list at 15 is Walford’s Steve McFadden, with alter ego Phil in two huge stories this week (see p10 and p16). Then we’ve got people who seem like young…

Tortured Tracy is clapped in handcuffs and taken away by the police this week – following a clifftop confession to suicidal Carla. Tracy discovers guilt-ridden Carla is contemplating ending it all – and following months of nursing her horrific killer secret, the bad girl realises she can’t handle another death on her conscience. So with innocent Carla threatening to jump into a quarry, Tracy finally owns up to her actions… “Carla has reached the end of the line and can’t face her demons any more,” sighs Alison King, who plays her. “So when Tracy confesses to accidentally starting the blaze at Victoria Court, Carla is just incredulous – she can’t believe what she’s hearing. She genuinely thought she was responsible for it all.” ON THE BRINK Up until now, Robert…

She may be back on top for now, but there’s a massive shock waiting round the corner for Carla – and it’s going to change everything! We’ve recently met new Connor clan member Aidan, played by Shayne Ward, with Aidan’s dad Johnny and sister Kate on their way. And it looks as if they’ll be bringing some big drama for Carla… “The Connors are looking great,” enthuses Corrie boss Stuart Blackburn. “I think in Aidan, Johnny and Kate we’ve really hit gold. One of those characters will deliver a bit of news to Carla that will change her sense of self and perception forever. It’s going to be a real shocker.” We know Alison King will be written out of the Street after handing in her notice earlier this year.…

Pregnant Vanessa is left terrified this week, when she suddenly goes into premature labour! The vet takes a tumble after accidentally being knocked over at the factory by Rakesh, the man who has lied to make everyone believe that Adam – not his son Kirin – is the father of Vanessa’s baby. Initially, Vanessa believes that no real harm has been done. But when she later collapses in agony, it’s clear that something’s not right… “Panic just strikes!” reveals actress Michelle Hardwick, who plays Vanessa. “She feels that first twinge, and thinks it could be cramp or something. She’s been feeling a bit queasy because of the fall, but then the pain gets too much and she knows that something is wrong.” Fortunately for Vanessa it’s Kirin who finds her,…

BUT IS SHE HEADED FOR REJECTION? It’s been obvious for ages that Belle has a massive crush on business partner Kirin. Working together so closely has only intensified her feelings for him, and Belle has been hoping that he feels the same way too. Prior to Vanessa’s birth drama, Belle and Kirin are preparing to head to Birmingham for a work trip, where they’ll have to stay the night – and Belle really hopes that something might happen between them there. So, armed with advice from Joanie, who has become her relationship guru, Belle seizes the moment and kisses Kirin! But what will his reaction be?…

The last time Phil Mitchell received an unwelcome visitor, it was his ‘dead’ ex-wife, Kathy. But this week the hard man is in for an even bigger shock when he comes face to face with her wicked husband, Gavin! What does the villain want with Phil – and where is Kathy? “It’s no secret that Gavin is a nasty piece of work,” says our EastEnders insider. “He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty, even it means butting heads with the notorious Mitchell family. Phil should watch out – this one’s a real handful!” When we last saw Gavin, he surprised Kathy at St Pancras station in London, where she had arranged to meet Phil. The plan was for Phil to give Kathy some more money so that she could…