Inside Soap UK 10 - 2022

“Should gratification be instant or delayed?” How long is too long for a soap storyline? It depends on whether you prefer your gratification instant or delayed. Our Facebook group often has raging comments of “How long can they drag this out?!” if two characters exchange a coquettish look on Monday and aren’t married with two kids by Friday. For myself, I’m happy with the slow burn as long as it all feels planned. Max and Stacey’s affair, to take a classic example, began a whole year before that most famous of pay-offs. Whether the Gray Atkins saga has been quite so thought-through is another question. It’s odd that this story of an abusive husband has also seen him push poor Kush Kazemi under a tube train – for some reason…

“Gray needs a plan before it’s too late!” TOBY The moment that all EastEnders fans have been waiting for finally arrives this week, as the truth about Gray’s killing spree is at last revealed – making him the most hated man in Walford! With an investigation into Tina’s murder now under way, the police are keen to speak to Gray, given that he claims to be the last person to have seen her alive. But as detectives haul Gray down to the station to grill him about his story, will the lawyer remain cool, calm and collected – or will he buckle under the pressure? “Gray realises that the walls are closing in on him, and that he needs to come up with a plan before it’s too late!” reveals…

Whatever fate might befall Gray, and at what unknown hand, his shadow will linger over Albert Square for some time to come – as these sneak preview pics of Tina Carter’s upcoming funeral reveal. Linda Carter will make her long-awaited return to Walford for the tragic occasion, bringing more drunken mayhem. And that’s not the only surprise in store, as Mick and Janine attend the ceremony seemingly as a couple. Has Mick really moved on from alcoholic Linda –thanks to Janine’s plotting – and is that the cause of her drunken fury? “Tina loved a proper knees-up, but we’re not sure how she would react to the drama that surrounds her final goodbye!” declares our Walford snoop. “This is a day that should be all about honouring Tina, in a…

Terror strikes for troubled Abi this week, after a drug-fuelled joyride ends with her doubled over in agony at a roadside – shortly before her whole world is turned upside down! Having failed to patch things up with betrayed Kevin, Abi hits the self-destruct button and pumps herself with drink and drugs, as she and dealer Dean get high on Kev’s sofa. Then, after volatile Dean steals a car from the Webster garage, he and Abi soon find themselves careering down a country lane at breakneck speed – before crippled Abi begs her intoxicated pal to pull over. She’s in searing pain, and is forced to call an ambulance… “Poor Abi has been to hell and back in recent months, but nothing can prepare her for what comes next,” reveals…

With a plethora of awards under her belt, it’s hard to imagine actress Sally Carman playing anyone else other than disaster-magnet Abi. However, on numerous occasions this nearly wasn’t the case, as Sally explains that she was no stranger to the Street’s casting directors prior to landing her dream role… “I must have auditioned 40-odd times and had about 10 screen tests – though it could have been more,” shares the former Shameless star. “I tried out for characters such as Shona Ramsay and Kate Connor, which I obviousy didn’t get and I can see why. “One of the reasons why I became an actress was because of Corrie – and particularly because of Barbara Knox [aka Rita], who I think is phenomenal,” adds Sally. “I see the Coronation Street…

“The sprinklers are set off and we have a huge food fight!” LUCY Chas and Charity have gone from business partners to bitter rivals, and relations between the rowdy relatives reach breaking point this week. The Woolpack’s long-awaited relaunch event is scuppered when Chas organises a party for Vinny and Liv at the B&B, where she’s just started work, forcing the Dingles to choose which faction of the fractured family to support. After much back-stabbing and sabotage, months of resentment boil over between the ladies in a massive food fight! Emma Atkins and Lucy Pargeter fill us in on whether their alter egos Charity and Chas can come back from this… Is Charity excited about the Woolpack reopening? Emma She’s nervous as she wants to prove herself to the village…