Inside Soap UK 31 - 2020

What are you doing with the extra time you have while we’re on soap rationing? Those half-hours when there would have been an extra episode of Corrie, or a Friday EastEnders? I’d love to be able to tell you I’ve taken up embroidery or rag-rolled my back bedroom, but that would be a lie. I’ve just watched more soap! “I’ve been watching more soap than ever!” With the afternoon instalments of classic Corrie and Emmerdale available via catch-up, I’ve found them slipping into my evening viewing –and don’t get me started on the 2008 EastEnders episodes on the iPlayer. Bianca, Hev, Sean – good days! Then there’s classic Home and Away on Amazon Prime, which is extremely addictive. The only issue is, once the soaps build their episodes back up…

Evil Geoff has a shocking confrontation with his former wife Elaine this week – then she vanishes without a trace! Having brought down Geoff’s good guy facade, Elaine has now also revealed to Tim that she’s his mum. So, it’s no surprise that Geoff’s on a mission to get rid of her as quickly as possible, and discredit her story. Elaine is horrified when Geoff approaches her as she tries to make contact with Tim again. However, worse is ahead as he attempts to take control of the situation in his own way… “Elaine is a real problem for Geoff because she knows the truth and, if other people find out, it’s game over,” explains Ian Bartholomew, who plays the Corrie villain. “How dare this woman come back and ruin…

The shock of Elaine’s revelation leaves Tim in a state of total denial this week, as he refuses to believe she’s his birth mother. Sally’s worried as her husband won’t take anything Elaine says on board, and insists the whole story is a pack of lies. The intensity of his anger is shocking, and Sally doesn’t know what to do for the best. Even when she tries to talk to Tim, he won’t hear a word against his dad – warning her not to make him choose between them. So, as Sally sees Tim rip up Elaine’s number and throw it away, it looks as if he’s made his mind up. Can anybody get him to see sense?…

Nate and Tracy are stunned this week, when a sudden trip to the hospital reveals that they’re expecting a baby together! After an accident at the farm, Nate drives injured Tracy to A&E. And while her injuries are minor, some routine tests result in a diagnosis that is pretty major – she’s pregnant. Unsurprisingly, the revelation leaves the couple reeling… “Nate’s completely terrified,” laughs Jurell Carter, who plays the new dad-to-be. “Tracy’s on the pill – they’re being safe – so it does come as a massive shock. And, of course, Nate’s difficult situation with his own family makes him even more terrified at this point.” Nate and Tracy have only been dating for a few months, yet despite their relationship being short, it has been sweet. So could they…

If Tracy decides to keep the baby, Jurell sees the plot as a chance for Carryl Thomas to return as his on-screen mother, Cara Robinson. “Nate has such a strong bond with his mother,” the star reminds us. “She isn’t on screen at the moment, but I think that she and Nate would have spoken about the pregnancy, and how to move forward. I would love to see Cara back, her relationship with Nate is so complex, but also so loving – plus, I’ve developed a great friendship off screen with Carryl, and it’s always beautiful having her on the Emmerdale set.”…

Queen Vic landlady Sharon is certainly not hanging about when EastEnders returns this autumn – as you can see from these shots of the pub’s brand-new beer garden! Like the real world, Walford’s iconic boozer will find new ways to adapt to the current climate – inviting punters to drink in outdoor spaces, so that characters can continue to enjoy a G&T together while respecting social distancing. Shazza appears to have taken over the Square gardens and transformed them into a safe and gorgeous outside spot, which is sure to be a big hit when all the locals emerge from lockdown… “Sharon and Ian swooped in on the pub and gazumped Phil, just as establishments all over the world were forced to call time indefinitely,” our EastEnders source remind us.…