Inside Soap UK 11 - 2019

As this issue’s cover shows, we like to go all-out for a big soap disaster, and this one’s a doozy. Someone in Weatherfield is heading to the Underworld in more ways than one. And what an ignominious way to go! Squished flat by rubble in a pile of half-stitched D-cup brassieres. “Who’s to blame for the factory collapse?” That said, you don’t need a disaster to deliver a big shock in soapland. The most jaw-dropping surprises come from much more unexpected places. This week, for example, we report on the awful news that Lisa Dingle is dying (blub!), that Norris Cole is engaged to Emily Bishop’s niece (erm… okay!), and that Bex and Kush are in danger of becoming ‘a thing’ in EastEnders (eek!). Heaven knows what Martin will have…

Carla’s world comes tumbling down in horrifying fashion this week, as the Underworld roof gives way – and then collapses completely on top of her friends and co-workers! The drama that follows promises to be a nail-biting watch in what is potentially the biggest disaster to rock the Street since the great tram crash of 2010. However, this atrocity is by no means an accident. Viewers will see a mysterious shadowy figure tampering with the roof in the moments prior to its destruction… “When Carla arrives on the Street and sees the devastation, it’s just too much and she goes into meltdown,” reveals actress Alison King, who plays the factory boss. “It’s the straw that breaks the camel’s back after everything she’s gone through. She totally believes that she is…

GINA Sally’s sister appears unscathed as she joins the search to help free those trapped beneath the rubble – but that’s not to say she doesn’t escape the second collapse when the rest of the roof caves in.. ABI Along with Tim and Tyrone, Abi is one of the first people to turn up on the scene – and she wastes no time in trying to help those trapped in the wreckage. But will she regret not waiting for the emergency services to arrive? SALLY Poor Sally takes a tumble when the roof initially collapses, and also runs the risk of being buried by falling debris as the chaos continues. Let’s face it, the chances of Sal surviving just aren’t looking good at all… GEMMA The Rovers barmaid – along…

In the wake of the tragedy, the Street will be swarming with investigators – one of whom is safety inspector Wayne Hayes, who years ago was fostered by Roy Cropper and his late wife, Hayley. Meanwhile, here at Inside Soap we’ve launched our own enquiry – as we set about grilling the six Street stars whose alter egos have both the means and the motive… SUSPECT #1 CARLA It’s thought that Carla deliberately wanted the factory shut down, and that her desire to make a profit persuaded her to turn a blind eye to the damaged roof. She is the chief suspect, concedes actress Alison King… You have to admit, Alison, that Carla’s decision to close Underworld on the very day of the collapse looks extremely…

Ruby makes a bid to punish Ross and Matt this week, as she tries to blackmail Phil into helping her! Rattled by the latest meeting with her Independent Sexual Violence Adviser, Ruby is more determined than ever that her alleged abusers should suffer. But as she plies Phil with cash and suggests he owes her due to his murky past with her gangster dad, Johnny, can Phil be persuaded to assist? “Ruby’s either being very brave – or extremely foolish!” tuts our Walford sneak. “Matt and Ross are yet to go to trial for raping her, so it’s no surprise she’s finding it hard to move on in the meantime. Of course there’s still a chance the pair might be found not guilty – a prospect Ruby just can’t handle.…

While it seems an unlikely concept, Ruby is probably right to suggest that Phil is beholden to her. Back in 2006, Phil and his brother Grant attempted revenge on Ruby’s father Johnny, for the murder of Dennis Rickman. But the Mitchells were outmanoeuvred in a violent face-off at Johnny’s mansion, where the ruthless gangster ordered his henchman Danny Moon to shoot them – just as Ruby discovered the grisly extent of her daddy’s crimes. As she begged him to confess, Johnny agreed to hand himself in – leaving Phil and Grant to walk free with their lives……