Inside Soap UK 29 - 2017

“Will this be a blip in Rovers history?” There’s a grand reopening of the Rovers this week, as Toyah and Peter take the reins at the famous pub. But will they be as well remembered as the likes of Annie and Jack Walker? (Actually, even I’m not quite old enough to recall them in their heyday!) Or can they manage to rival the fun and frolics of Bet and Alec Gilroy? Perhaps the pair will end up being one of those blips in Rovers history that seem to slip into oblivion, like those couple of years Leanne’s mum Stella ran the pub, or that funny bit where Mike Baldwin was the landlord. Whatever happens, there’s certainly scope for drama, not least with an alcoholic running a pub! And while Peter…

Rhona hopes against hope that justice will finally be served this week, as Pierce steps into the dock to hear the verdict in his rape case. It took all of Rhona’s strength to report her husband after he brutally assaulted her on their wedding day, and Pierce has continued to put her through hell ever since. But while Rhona is determined that he’ll be stopped in his ruthless tracks and found guilty of his crimes, will the court rule in her favour – or does manipulative Pierce have one last trick up his sleeve? “By the end of the trial’s second day, the audience will be thinking, ‘It’s not looking good for Rhona’,” admits Zoe Henry, who plays her. “And it really isn’t! Pierce has a very good defence lawyer…

Zoe This storyline has been a double-edged sword – I’m tired, but I’m also gutted that it’s coming to a close. I’ve loved working with Johnny. Jonathan On shows like this, you become totally invested. It’s not like doing a play and leaving when it’s finished – it goes on day in, day out. Zoe The court case script is a real page-turner – the writing is so good. It was tremendous to play out. Jonathan And there are more twists left in the story. If Pierce is able to be properly honest with himself, perhaps we could see some redemption for him. Who knows how the audience will feel about what happens to him next? Zoe We wouldn’t want to discourage anyone – male or female – from reporting…

Lauren should have got on that jumbo jet when she had the chance!” This is the moment that devious Steven asks Lauren to be his wife this week – having tricked her into believing that he has a terminal brain tumour! The twisted fella is so determined to keep Lauren from leaving him that he pops the question in the Queen Vic, as they’re surrounded by their respective families and friends. Seeing as she was set to end her relationship with Steven and move back to New Zealand, will guilt-ridden Lauren feel she has no choice but to accept his proposal? “It doesn’t look like she has any other option!” reckons our Walford insider. “Lauren is determined to stand by Steven, but all the while he’s copping off with her…

“Michelle is terrified – she knows Rich is dangerous!” The consequences from Chesney’s stabbing at the Bistro haunt Michelle and Robert this week. While Chesney is demanding compensation from the pair over his injuries, there are much more pressing concerns to deal with when Robert is attacked and the Bistro is set alight. As they begin to suspect Robert’s old mate Rich is responsible, have Michelle and Robert got themselves a deadly new enemy? “Michelle is terrified,” says Kym Marsh, who plays her. “She knows that Rich is a very dangerous man who knows some dangerous people. She has seen what he’s capable of and she has every reason to be scared right now.” The drama begins for the couple after lawyer Adam wades in to tell Chesney he could…

How has Michelle been feeling since Robert’s confession about his past? Well, she was totally taken by surprise as Robert is the most straight-talking, dependable man she has ever met. But he did the right thing and told the police, so she has accepted it was his past and has nothing to do with the man he is now. Poor Michelle – the drama just keeps coming for her! I know – she has really been through the mill! It’s great to play as an actress, but she deserves a break, doesn’t she? She’s a tough cookie, though it would be nice to see her having a slightly easier time of it. What advice would you give her? Knowing tell her to what be I STEVEN know careful about .…