Inside Soap UK 34 - 2018

“It’s civil war as Casualty fights it out with Holby!” Inside Soap isn’t just for your Corrie and EastEnders and the like. Nope, it’s also for all those other shows you know and love – which is why we dedicate a whole section to the daytime soaps and the nightime dramas in the Inside Soap Awards. In daytime, it’s an international battle as the stars of Doctors fight the combined Aussie forces of Home and Away and Neighbours. But while it may be two against one, those medics can hold their own, as proved last year when Mrs Tembe –aka the lovely Lorna Laidlaw – walked away with the Best Daytime Star award. Meanwhile, it’s civil war in the corridors as Casualty and Holby go head-to-head in the Drama category.…

Terror strikes Coronation Street this week – when Peter is gunned down outside the factory as horrified Carla screams for help! The brand-new business partners are unlocking the doors at Underworld when a car screeches up outside, and a gunman opens fire. Peter is hit square in the chest and collapses to the floor, while distraught Carla rushes to his side. Worse still, it soon becomes clear the attack was a message to Peter’s teenage son Simon that he shouldn’t testify against his violent former friend, Tyler… “It all happens so quickly, Peter doesn’t have time to get out of the way!” reveals our Weatherfield witness. “Given her history with armed madmen at the factory, Carla loses it. She’s devastated as she rushes over to Peter, terrified that he’s dead…

Hi, Chris! It’s been exciting to see the old magic between Carla and Peter. Why is he so hell-bent on getting her back? Peter did really love Toyah, so he was absolutely devastated by her betrayal, and the first person he turned to was Carla. They have been through a lot together, and they are both quite flawed individuals. They have that connection. Is he only in business at Underworld as part of his grand plan to get her back? It’s not his sole intention, as Peter needs a business interest and he’s convinced he’s doing it for the right reasons. He’s a bit lost, so Underworld gives him a purpose. But it’s clear that working together as business partners isn’t going to be that easy. Do you reckon Peter…

Charity lives out her worst nightmare this week – as Ryan comes face to face with his father! Conniving Bails knows that getting Ryan on side could be his only hope of avoiding prosecution after Charity accused him of serious sexual abuse when she was just a young teenager. Ryan’s worried mum Irene calls Charity as she discovers Bails in their house – but is Ryan really taken in by his manipulative biological father? “Bails wants to meet Ryan under the guise that he’s trying to get to know him and finally be a father to him – but Ryan suspects that there is something amiss!” explains James Moore, who plays Emmerdale’s newest Dingle. “Yet at the same time, Ryan is curious, and does want to know what Bails has…

There’s bigger drama yet to come, as Bails’ trial begins this autumn. The tense episodes are currently being filmed at Bradford City Hall, and while Charity will have plenty of support when she faces off with her nemisis – the actresses behind Vanessa, Chas and Harriet have all been spotted filming – Emma Atkins, who plays her, reckons she might just need it. “Charity wonders how on earth a jury would ever believe her over Bails,” she says.…

Phil sacks his employee Keanu this week – when he finds out how Sharon and the mechanic have been keeping secrets from him about young Dennis! But will Phil’s reaction only result in Sharon and Keanu growing closer? The latest drama occurs after Phil takes his stepson out for the day. However, as Dennis spots the gang who recently tormented him, he rushes off in a panic, leaving Phil baffled by the lad’s reaction. “Phil is unaware of Dennis’ most recent run-in with these teenage bullies,” our Walford insider reminds us. “He has no idea how they took the terrified boy with them in a stolen car, or how Sharon and Keanu rescued him from their clutches. When Phil sees Dennis’ face, he gets suspicious that his wife has kept…