Inside Soap UK 7 - 2019

“Each soap has a unique flavour…” Oh, I love it when Emmerdale uses the fact that it’s a rural soap – like this week, when Pete takes a deadly trip down the farm in his tractor. A few years back, I always thought Dales producers were too keen to shake off their farm setting, shying away from hay bales and horses to concentrate on sex and intrigue. It was a real shame, as soaps should celebrate their differences – it’s what gives each of them a unique flavour! Emmerdale is the only soap that can believably have people swooping in on helicopters or being trampled to death by sheep. Similarly, the quick-fire pace of Hollyoaks lends itself to serial killers and shootings – and the hustle and bustle of Bridge…

Terrified Pete ends up with blood on his hands this week – when he loses control of his tractor and seriously injures girlfriend Rhona. The hungover farmer doesn’t realise that Rhona has swapped shifts with Vanessa, and is visiting Butlers Farm to check on some cows. He gets behind the wheel of the vehicle, unaware that it’s faulty and unsuitable to drive. Then, when he gets a call from Rhona, neither realising the other is nearby – Pete tries to answer and the tractor careers into a barn, toppling hay bales and leaving her impaled on a fence inside! “Pete should not be operating heavy machinery – he’s in a bad state after getting bladdered the night before,” explains Anthony Quinlan, who plays him. “He doesn’t know the brakes on…

Emmerdale is famous for pulling off incredible stunts that ramp up the drama to the max. Pete and Rhona’s tractor crash is no exception – but Anthony tells us that he can’t take any of the credit for the thrilling scenes… “We had a stunt coordinator, and three stunt actors – two male and one female – and they were unbelievable!” he says. “We’ve worked with them before, and they’re all so good at their job. I thought the idea of being a stuntman was pretty cool, but when you see them doing it, it’s even cooler. Although when I consider putting myself in that situation, I think, ‘No, it’s not for me!’ It was amazing to watch – they did such a great job. I’m in awe of them.”…

Tracy is determined to protect her daughter this week, and issues a warning to Tyler, the father of Amy’s unborn child. Furious that Tyler has got himself a job at the Bistro, and is now claiming that he wants to be involved in his baby’s life, Tracy panics that he’ll scupper her and Steve’s plans to adopt the child themselves. So how far will she go to convince Tyler he really should back off? “Tracy is so angry with Tyler for what he has done to Amy,” admits Kate Ford, who plays Tracy. “Despite the fact that Amy claims what happened between the two of them was consensual, Tracy believes her daughter is still a child, and that Tyler took advantage. As a family, they’ve been trying to work through…

She’s still a teenager herself, but 16-year-old actress Elle Mulvaney is taking Amy’s tough times in her stride. And fortunately, Kate and Simon Gregson – who plays Steve – are a lot more supportive than their interfering alter egos! “It’s a bit scary to be given such a big responsibility,” says Elle of her latest plot. “Teenage pregnancy is not uncommon, and there’s a responsibility to do it justice. At the same time, it’s great to know that people believe in me, and that I have the support behind me. “Kate and Simon are great for giving me a confidence boost, and offering really good advice. They’ve been in the show for so long, and are inspiring to work with. They give me a lot to live up to.”…

It’s a sad day in Walford this week, as Dr Harold Legg’s loved ones gather to pay their final respects to the much-loved medic. Bringing Dot comfort on the day are her old friends Lofty Holloway and Mary Smith, with actors Tom Watt and Linda Davidson returning to their roles for the first time in three decades. “It was so lovely to be back, and it felt like we just picked up where we left off 30 years ago,” says Tom. “And of course we got to work with the legend June Brown [Dot] again, which was just wonderful,” adds Linda. As the emotional week begins, it’s Dot who plans to lead the mourners and deliver the emotional eulogy. However, the night before the sad occasion, grieving Dot is up…