Inside Soap UK 5 - 2016

Where would soap be without tiny terrors, eh? But then where would soap be without tiny terrors who grow into adult terrors? It was this week’s drama with Corrie’s Simon that got me thinking – just what sort of adult might young Si grow into after the upbringing he’s had? Will he be an Abi Branning – so emotionally battered by being brought up in a soap opera that he’ll harden up and realise he has to look after number one because no one else will? Or will he be a David Platt, passing through the angry stage and now willing to go to extreme lengths so his kids don’t have the kind of childhood he did? Personally, I hope Simon stays on the dark side for a few years…

“LEANNE KNOWS SHE NEEDS TO NIP SIMON’S BEHAVIOUR IN THE BUD NOW” Heartbroken Leanne is forced to take drastic measures to stop violent adoptive son Simon this week – by reporting him to the police. Her shocking decision comes after the boy is involved in an incident that leaves his footie friend Kyle with a broken leg. Fearing that Simon’s anger issues are now putting others in danger, Leanne believes she must report him. But her actions will have profound consequences… “It’s the hardest thing Leanne has ever had to do,” explains Jane Danson, who plays the devastated mum. “But if Simon is lashing out at other people, she needs to do something about it. It’s one thing her having to deal with his anger issues, but Leanne knows that…

1 Simon’s first outburst came in the wake of his stepdad-to-be Kal’s death, when the lad threw a remote at Leanne during a heated argument. Leanne lied and said that she’d hit herself on a door. 2 When wicked Dan revealed Leanne’s prostitute past, Simon was disgusted by his mum’s chequered history. He grew to resent her even more, and his verbal and physical abuse towards her became worse... 3 Leanne banned Simon from going to football practice, and a massive row ensued which led to him kicking her in the leg. Concerned Zeedan saw Leanne’s injury and tried to help the lad. 4 But the most horrifying attack was yet to come when Simon hit out at Leanne for not buying him a new phone. Simon pushed his poor…

“KUSH IS TRAPPED IN HIS LIE AND DESPAIRING AT THE SORRY STATE OF HIS LIFE” The stress of his baby secret drives Kush into a spiral of despair this week, as he struggles with his emotions regarding baby Arthur, his marriage and Stacey’s mental health. The pressure has been building for months, but Kush has tried to keep it together as he’s supported Shabnam through the tragedy of losing baby Zaair and been a good friend to Martin and Stacey. But with his life in turmoil now that Shabs knows he’s the biological father of Stacey’s son Arthur, Kush has been pushed to his limit. What will this mean for him and his loved ones? “This entire situation is killing Kush,” says our Walford insider. “He made a huge mistake…

Martin manages to put a smile back on Stacey’s face this week – by taking Arthur in for a visit. Stacey hasn’t seen her baby or daughter Lily since she was sectioned following her struggle with postpartum psychosis. And although Martin is doing his level best to keep the children safe and well, the situation is taking a toll on all of them. His devotion to Stacey is evident as he works hard to do right by her, Arthur and Lily, even at the cost of his own well-being – but Martin is finding life without his partner very tough. He’s overstretched by his family and work commitments, and needs support from those who love him. Fortunately for Martin, his teenage daughter Bex clocks what’s going on behind his brave…

“GABBY IS IN BIG TROUBLE - SHE SHARES THE VIDEO FAR AND WIDE ONLINE” Naughty Kerry and Dan become the talk of Emmerdale village this week – when Gabby stumbles across a sex tape they made! The saucy video is on the laptop in the salon when Gabby finds it, and she can’t believe her eyes as she watches the passionate pair. Unfortunately for Kerry and Dan, there’s no chance that Gabby can be discreet, and she soon shows mother Bernice the footage. Although she also loves a bit of juicy gossip, Bernice sternly demands that Gabby delete the video and forget all about it. What is Gabby’s next move? “Obviously she shares it far and wide online,” laughs our Dales source. “In all fairness to Gabby, there’s hardly a…