Inside Soap UK 28 - 2021

“Some stories you know won’t let you down…” There are some stories in soap you just know are never going to let you down. Let’s be honest, sometimes the latest ‘big’ affair story just doesn’t quite click. Or occasionally a ‘whodunnit?’ can end up feeling like a bit of a swizz or a damp squib. Or perhaps some business-related money-type plot can outstay its welcome on our screens. But when I looked at the Corrie story notes, which the show kindly sends to us, and I read the sentence, “Kev, Steve and Dev are persuaded to take part in a naked charity calendar”, I just knew we were in for a treat. You can already see the fun ahead with this one – will it be cringey embarrassment for all,…

Jimmy faces the very real possibility that he could be heading to prison this week, as his trial for death by dangerous driving gets under way. Riddled with guilt over his role in Paul’s tragic demise, Jimmy believes he deserves to be punished, and is ready to accept his fate. However, when Mandy offers him her unconditional support, Jimmy is blown away by her kindness – and once again, leans in for a smooch… “Jimmy might have genuine feelings for Mandy – mind you, I think he would have feelings for an ice-cream seller who gave him extra sprinkles at this point!” chuckles Nick Miles, who plays him. “Jimmy is bowled over by anyone who shows him any act of kindness, although he does feel terribly guilty after he and…

They may fight like cat and dog, but Jimmy and Nicola have always appeared to have a rock-solid marriage – so this recent rift has knocked us for six! And it seems we’re not the only ones… “The ‘If you split up Jimmy and Nicola, I’ll stop watching Emmerdale’ bomb has been thrown a few times by the viewers!” reveals Nick. “But we’ll just have to wait and see. How often can Nicola take him back? Will she even still want him? Those are questions for her, really.” If this really is going to be the end of the King marriage, could Jimmy make it work with Mandy? Nick reckons the pair would definitely make for an interesting match. “Jimmy needs a woman with a lot of drive, and Mandy…

Blackmailer Will pushes Todd to new depths of wickedness this week, as he desperately tries to raise the cash to pay the lad off. With time ticking on giving Will hush money, Todd resorts to stealing funds raised to pay for a local homeless man’s funeral. He pockets £5k of £7k given by the community to lay the man to rest, then lies to George about giving them a big discount in the name of charity. However, a spot of bad luck sees him lose the lot – so now he’s in yet more trouble… “Todd’s petrified,” admits Gareth Pierce, who plays the bad boy. “Will is the only loose piece of the jigsaw and a definite threat. Todd’s clever, but occasionally he underestimates people. Some have the measure of…

It seems Ed’s financial woes aren’t over this week, as he neglects to pay employee Paul on time. The two men have a tense stand-off after Paul discovers that his wages haven’t gone into his bank account, and asks Ed what’s going on. It turns out that Ed doesn’t have the money to pay him because he’s waiting for cash to come through for the materials he’s bought and work he’s already completed. Paul’s furious and downs tools to go and drown his sorrows in the Rovers. So, when Todd nicks the heat pump and Ed realises it’s gone, he’s quick to point the finger at angry Paul. Can Paul ever trust Ed again after he’s wronged him twice?…

Isaac’s mental health struggle hits a shocking crescendo this week, after he breaks into Ruby and Martin’s flat – and makes off with their kids! Panic erupts when Ruby arrives home to confront intruder Isaac, and realises that Lily and Arthur are nowhere to be found. And while the pair face a race against time to track them down, worried Patrick tries to reason with his deeply troubled son… “It’s a terrifying situation for all concerned,” sighs our Albert Square insider. “Understandably, the Fowlers are beside themselves with worry, while Isaac’s loved ones fear that he has completely lost his grip on reality. It’s heartbreaking for them to see him out of control like this.” Prior to the incident at No 43, Patrick and Sheree desperately try to convince Isaac…