Inside Soap UK 16 - 2016

Sometimes the most amazing twist in soap can be something you never thought would happen. It just seems so improbable – but then you realise it’s actually absolutely bloomin’ amazing! This week has my favourite example in a long time. I actually squealed in horror, shock and excitement when I was told Denise was to have a boozed-up bunk-up with Phil! They hate each other, but you can’t deny they have chemistry – so this is one plot that will be a belter. Elsewhere, I never expected Dales teen Belle to seduce the local GP – I thought that would be evil Emma’s plot. But it’s turned into a corker, especially as Belle comes face to face with his wife this week. And over in Corrie, I didn’t think I’d…

“DENISE IS FEELING VERY MUCH ON HER OWN - LIBBY ISN’T AROUND THAT MUCH” It’s possibly one of the biggest love shocks in Walford history, as old enemies Phil and Denise end up in bed together this week! Their surprise passion is fuelled by an unholy amount of alcohol when the pair find themselves drinking in The Albert together, as Denise reels from daughter Libby’s news that she’s pregnant. However, as Denise sneaks out from underneath Phil’s duvet the next morning, she is mortified… “It’s one of those moments where somebody wakes up and thinks, ‘Oh my God, no, I didn’t!’” cringes actress Diane Parish, who plays Denise. “I’ve been thinking to myself, ‘How can Denise allow herself to end up with Phil after the likes of Sharon and Shirley…

Phil and Denise’s boozy bunk-up may come out of the blue, but will it lead to something more? Surprise passion like this often happens for a reason in soap. With Denise only in her 40s, she is certainly young enough to find herself in the family way. And with her recently saying farewell to young JJ, and it looking as if Libby will terminate her pregnancy, Denise is feeling lonely at the moment. Surely this fling couldn’t end with her facing a late-in-life pregancy… could it?…

What an unexpected twist, Diane! How did you react when you heard about Denise and Phil? When our boss Dominic [Treadwell-Collins] told me, I got up and ran around his office, screaming! Steve [McFadden, who plays Phil] is the most wonderful actor, and I was thrilled to be able to do some interesting work with him. I have such huge respect for the man. How did you find it having to act drunk? Nerve-wracking! But with Steve, it’s like a masterclass. He plays the anger, the emotion, the torment, everything. I was really careful not to be a high-comedic, silly drunk. Will this be a wake-up call for Denise? Yes, most people reach a turning point – and this is hers! It’s that stage where you go, “What is my…

THIS ISNOT THE JASON WHO YOU NORMALLY SEE - HE GETS” ANGRIER! There’s devastation for Jason this week, when he receives the terrible news that his father Tony is dead! To make matters worse, when Jason discovers that his dad may have suffered a fatal heart attack three days before he was found at home, his guilt and grief deepen. Traumatised by what has happened and blaming himself for not being there for Tony, Jason is gripped by fury – and directs it at himself, and everyone else around him… “Jason has stayed in touch with his dad, but he’s been really busy recently and he hasn’t returned Tony’s calls,” explains Ryan Thomas, who plays the grief-stricken fella. “His dad had asked him to meet up for a beer soon,…

As the Grimshaw clan try to deal with Tony’s death, Phelan uses the tragedy to get his feet under the table. But while Todd knows Phelan is bad news, nobody else seems to see the schemer’s true colours. In fact, Tony’s demise pushes bereaved Jason closer to the villain. “Phelan has taken Tony’s role and become a father figure to Jason,” reveals Ryan. “As far as Jason is concerned, Phelan has his best interests at heart.” However, Jason couldn’t be more wrong. Phelan secures a lucrative deal for their company this week – by pretending to be the man in charge of the firm! The client believes Jason is the lackey, and it becomes clear that Phelan’s intentions are murky at best. Meanwhile, after Todd moves in to support his…