Inside Soap UK 13 - 2021

Back in the ‘old’ days (as in before last March, which does seem a long time ago now!), soaps would quite often bring us ‘big weeks’, where a story would reach its huge climax, with the stakes stacked sky-high. “It’ll be great to have some soap extravagance again” These dramatic weeks would usually feature a huge soap spectacle. A high-speed crash, a cliff-edge confrontation, a hurricane, an explosion, an underwater tussle – the list was endless. They were part of the fabric of the soap year, an exciting break from the norm, and we’ve really missed them. So, a huge thank you to Emmerdale for the hard work the show has put in to bring us Mandy’s wedding spectacular this week –against the odds, given the current filming restrictions. It’ll…

Prepare to witness one of the most spectacular weeks Emmerdale has ever seen, as Paul and Mandy’s big day ends with three villagers fighting for their lives in hospital! As the drama unfolds, two massive stories will collide, resulting in one of the biggest stunts the soap has ever attempted – and Lisa Riley, who plays blushing bride Mandy, tells us that it’s a week viewers won’t want to miss… “Everyone’s been waiting to see what’s going to happen next, and it will all play out this week,” she teases. “It has everything viewers will want to see and feel. We filmed it over five weeks, and there isn’t one emotion that we didn’t tackle. It’s going to be cinematic! “Mandy has planned the most fairy-tale, magic wedding, and it…

Desperate Paul proves he’s willing to go to any lengths to keep his gambling and his abuse of son Vinny hidden from bride Mandy this week – but would he go as far as killing someone to shut them up? Groom Paul is so close to getting his happy ending when Liv discovers the shocking truth – that Paul has been subjecting his son to violent and horrific attacks in order to keep him quiet about his gambling relapse. But now that Liv is in possession of this explosive information, will she tell Mandy – or can Paul silence her before she ruins his life? “Liv has been the thorn in Paul’s side ever since she started her relationship with Vinny,” explains Reece Dinsdale, who plays gambling addict Paul. “She…

“The dress is the talk of the town!” chuckles Lisa. “This wedding is third-time lucky for Mandy, she wants her happy-ever-after, and she’s going to make her mark with this dress. “It’s based a little bit on The Vivienne, who won the first season of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK, with a little touch of Bridgerton and …Gypsy Wedding in there,” she continues. “But we did have a problem with the corset, as no one is allowed to touch me [due to Covid restrictions]. So the seamstress came up with a built-in corset that clips at the back just once – it’s genius! “When I walked on set in that dress, everyone’s reaction was brilliant – I felt like Kylie,” adds Lisa. “It was amazing, and everything I wanted. The…

Jimmy’s life hangs in the balance this week, after the vehicle he’s driving crashes – causing a truly horrific accident! The awful chain of events is set off in the wake of more meddling from Juliette, while Nicola takes drastic action to fix the Kings’ money situation, sending Jimmy into a tailspin... “Jimmy’s on the verge of a panic attack behind the wheel – his pulse is racing, and he’s having trouble breathing,” explains Nick Miles, who plays him. “He doesn’t quite know what’s happening to him, but he’s not in a good place.” Jimmy and Nicola’s lives have been turned upside down since Carl’s biological mother Juliette reappeared in the village, and they’re in desperate need of cash if they’re able to afford a lawyer in the fight for…

New dad Michael is rocked to the core this week – when his ‘Uncle’ Ronnie blurts out that he could in fact be his father! “There are feelings of hurt and betrayal – Michael’s so angry with his mum…” The bombshell revelation comes as Michael and Grace’s newborn daughter Glory remains in hospital with anaemia, which Ronnie thinks may be linked to his sickle cell disease. Although Ed and Aggie fight to keep the truth from Michael, Ronnie believes that he has a duty to reveal all to his potential son. Suddenly, Michael’s world is turned upside down. “It comes completely out of leftfield for Michael – he’s in shock and disbelief,” shares Ryan Russell, who plays him. “It’s been 30 years, and none of this has come to light…