Inside Soap UK 38 - 2021

“That’d make the queue in Asda look twice” One of the gentle followers of our Inside Soap Facebook page has suggested – and I really don’t know where she gets this from – that her favourite magazine might sometimes “over-dramatise” mundane stories for the sake of a “catchy line” on our cover. Heaven forfend! Putting aside the fact that covers need to be catchy, I’d argue we’re the model of restraint compared with some dogged reporters of soapland out there. This week, for example, our cover could have featured a photo of Corrie’s Mary wielding a chainsaw, with the line ‘MARY DECAPITATES STREET FAVOURITE!’ – and be perfectly factually correct. Add a picture of Rita and that would certainly make the queue in Asda look twice. But who needs to…

In one of the most shocking acts of violence in Dales history, a masked robber breaks into the Woolpack this week – and leaves Charity for dead! Terror unfolds after brave Charity attempts to defend the pub when she interrupts an intruder raiding the till. However, as the thief flees, Charity is knocked to the ground – where she’s later found lying in a pool of her own blood… “Viewers should brace themselves for heartache as Charity fights for her life,” warns our village insider. “The head injury that she sustains is serious, and it’s touch and go as to whether she is going to make it.” UNDER THREAT Prior to the attack, tension is building at the Woolpack as Marlon considers selling his stake in the business to Al.…

Al Marlon’s choice of investor was so controversial that some will do whatever it takes to keep him out of the Woolpack. But would Al consider turning the tables on the Dingles if his venture came under threat? Faith It would be just typical of Chas and Cain’s madcap mum to pull a hare-brained stunt, thinking that she’s helping her family. A bit like that time she sent Kim Tate crashing over a balcony into a table of champagne. Mackenzie The Woolie is perhaps one of the few places in the village that the Dales’ resident troublemaker hasn’t tried to rob! And this wouldn’t be the first time that one of his bungled jobs has gone hideously wrong… Liv As she struggles to control her alcohol addiction, Liv could be…

Zeedan finally tells Alya and Yasmeen the truth behind his return to Weatherfield this week – after he’s beaten black and blue by some thugs! When Alya called her brother for financial help, Zeedan turned up on the cobbles and offered to loan his family £50,000 in order to clear their debt. However, it appears there’s far more to his surprise homecoming than he’s letting on. Here, Corrie stars Qasim Akhtar (Zeedan) and Sair Khan (Alya) talk us through the week’s drama… How does Alya feel when Zeedan offers to loan her the money she lost in a scam? Sair There are definitely alarm bells ringing; all of sudden he has £50,000 is his pocket, which means as a family they haven’t been privy to his business success. He’s holding…

One good thing comes out of Ryan being accused of Zeedan’s assault this week – he’s given a glimmer of hope that Alya wants him back! And Sair tells us that she hasn’t given up on her character reuniting with her ex… “Since the break-up, I’ve realised how fully invested I am in them as a couple,” she grins. “So I’m interested to see where their relationship could go next. Alya’s trying to put on a brave face, as if she doesn’t care about Ryan – but deep down she loves him and wants him back. “Now she knows about Daisy’s manipulation, it makes the whole thing more complicated,” adds Sair. “Alya doesn’t want to let Ryan off the hook too easily, but she is definitely still pining for him.”…

Rocky’s temper gets the better of him this week, and he punches Sonia’s new love interest, Ethan! While Sonia is smitten with handsome Ethan, Rocky has already expressed concerns about her getting romantically involved with a man she barely knows. So, when he sees Ethan at the club with another woman, Rocky knocks his block off! “ Rocky’s temper could end up getting him in big trouble…” “Rocky is definitely living up to his film character nickname!” chuckles our Square spy. “He’s not afraid to throw a punch if the situation requires it, but his temper could end up getting him into big trouble! It’s normal for dads to be wary of their daughter’s potential suitors, but Rocky punching Ethan is extreme – it’s very worrying behaviour.” While nobody can…