Sommaire pour 20 - 2020 de Inside Soap UK

“There’s still a lot of big drama to come…” With no soaps being made right now, we’re very grateful that the shows had a good batch of episodes ready ahead of time, to get us through for the next while. And there’s still a lot of big drama to come, as we found out when we sat down to chat with Corrie head honcho Iain MacLeod via video call this week. There’s some great stuff ahead on the Street, and he wanted to make sure viewers knew it. Read what he has to say on p14. However, Coronation Street isn’t the only soap with a few shocks still up its sleeve. Ben and Phil are involved in some tricky business in Walford, which we have a feeling isn’t going to…

Inside Soap is pleased to report that the drama in Weatherfield will be hotter than ever in the coming weeks – and there’s even a wedding on the horizon to look forward to! Here is what Coronation Street head honcho Iain MacLeod had to tell us when we joined him for a tantalising virtual press conference… SALLY & TIM GO TO WAR! The battle between Yasmeen and Geoff is set to divide the residents of Coronation Street – with Sally and Tim on opposite sides of the debate! While Tim hopes justice will be served in the wake of Yasmeen’s attack on his father, Sally will argue that it’s actually Yasmeen who is a victim of abuse… “I think it is fair to say that Sally has never been Geoff’s…

As Iain divulged to Inside Soap in January, Corrie will explore what happened to Carla when she went missing during her mental health crisis last year. Two mystery characters – whom Coronation Street viewers are yet to meet – will resurface in Carla’s life, and upset the balance between her and other half Peter… “We saw glimpses of Carla’s The disappearance when she was hiding in a squat and later at a hotel, and now we’re going to fill in the blanks,” explains Iain. “Certainly, this will be a tricky time for Peter and Carla, as what he discovers about her lost weekend will be something that is a hard thing for him to swallow. However, ultimately he will come to love Carla all the more, and be proud of…

“I hit him. And it was quiet.” Attagirl, Yasmeen. “For someone who never stops gabbing, you move like a flamin’ ninja when your gob’s shut.” “Yeah, me mam says I’m unnaturally stealthy. Says I should wear a bell, like a cat.” We like the idea of ninja Gail. Patrolling the rooftops of Weatherfield. “Sometimes I feel that my relationship is different to everyone else’s.” “In what way?” “I wouldn’t even know where to begin.” Chantelle needs to start watching Corrie. Get some tips from Yasmeen. “It’s the Slaters. They take a lot of looking after.” You can say that again. Jessie Wallace’s suspension has been a massive boost for Kush! “Rishi has locked all the doors and banned us from using the inside toilets, and that kind of news sends…

We’ve mainly seen loveable Vinny as surrogate mum Mandy’s sidekick so far, but now he has finally stepped out of her shadow and into his own big story. Viewers know that Vinny’s new pal Alex is actually his dad Paul, and an explosive secret is about to blow his world apart. When Inside Soap caught up with Emmerdale’s Bradley Johnson, who plays Vinny, he revealed that he’s as desperate as we are to see what’s next for his character… “Things are getting really good!” enthuses the actor. “I feel sorry for Reece [Dinsdale, who plays Paul], though, because he’d just joined the cast and was starting to get his teeth into it when lockdown happened. He’s a lovely guy to work with and a phenomenal actor, so I can’t wait…

“We have lots of guest artists in the show and the whole team tries to make everyone feel comfortable,” reveals Bharti. “But I’m a bit naughty, and try to break down barriers right away with the actresses, as Ruhma and her patients are supposed to have had a continuous relationship for months before the baby arrives. “So, when Ruhma is doing examinations ‘downstairs’, I’ll be tickling the guest actor’s ankles, just to make them laugh,” adds the actress. “Or when I come back into shot after an examination down there – and I do want to stress here that the actors will be wearing safety pants and are all fully protected! – I’ll emerge pulling a funny face or something. Or sometimes I might have a sandwich down there [laughs].…

1 Gillian Wright was born on 5 May 1960 in Bermondsey, south-east London, and grew up alongside her sister, Lois. Gillian went to the University of Leeds, where she gained a degree in theatre, English and dance. 2 The actress joined EastEnders as Jean Slater in 2004. Gillian was initially only scheduled to be in one episode, but bosses brought the star back as a regular the following year. During Jean’s time on the Square, she has struggled with bipolar disorder, and had difficulties building relationships with her daughter Stacey and son Sean. Jean left Walford in 2013 after marrying Ollie Walters and moving down to Brighton, although she returned on a permanent basis in 2018. More recently, Jean has battled and survived ovarian cancer. 3 Gillian is a familiar…

Linda’s suspicions about Phil’s motives for supporting her battle with alcoholism surface again this week – as she notices that her AA sponsor seems more preoccupied with buying the Queen Vic than he is with Ben’s operation! It was after Phil persuaded Linda’s husband Mick that no alcoholic can ever fully recover while living and working in a pub that Linda confronted Phil – and accused him of trying to manipulate them so the Carters would sell the Square’s boozer to him. However, during a heart-to-heart, the pair reached a mutual understanding – and Phil eventually agreed to be Linda’s sponsor after she accepted his offer to buy the Vic. But as she witnesses his ruthless determination – whereby not even Phil’s own son undergoing a major operation can pull…

Edward’s lies could be about to come crashing down around him this week, as Verity learns he’s been fibbing about Tony’s brain tumour! The drama kicks off after Verity gets hold of Tony’s medical records, and sees that his operation was cancelled. But when she confronts her father and discovers the truth, will she reveal Edward’s twisted plot to Tony? “Verity would either make a great ally for Edward – or a formidable opponent!” teases Joe McGann, who plays the dastardly doctor. “When she sees him veering towards this wicked path, of course she confronts him. Yet Edward is comfortable with what he’s doing right now, and not even his daughter can stop him!” Edward is all about control – but Verity has power of her own… Viewers will know…

Gary and Maria will make it to the altar. However, their happiness risks being shattered as his crimes finally catch up with him… “Some of Gary’s rivals on the Street start to wonder what Gary has to do with Kelly, who is, of course, the daughter of Rick [Neelan], whom Gary killed,” reveals Iain. “Suspicions go into overdrive, which precipitates a massive explosion in Gary, Adam and Sarah’s lives in the run-up to Gary and Maria tying the knot, which will be on screen sometime later in the summer.”…

As the soaps are filmed several weeks in advance, none of them are currently reflecting Covid-19. However, when Corrie resumes filming, show bosses are planning to reference it in the scripts. “Coronation Street reflects modern Britain – albeit in a heightened way – so we took the view that the coronavirus has to exist in our world,” reasons Iain. “However, I am also aware that people tune in for escapism, and to see drama and stories they don’t normally see in their own lives. So, while the virus will exist, we’re keen for it not to dominate every single scene. You’ll see elements of it in the way people behave, such as hand-washing protocols and businesses on the Street doing more takeaways, as food outlets are doing in the real…

BILLY: THE SOUL MATE! “Forget stuffy vicars, I’m the modern way to keep your faith in shape. If my soul can be saved, then so can yours. Hit me up on TikTok, or that other one.” RITA: NOW LISTEN UP, LADY! “My shop might be shut, but my heart is open, and I’m still dispensing my wisdom. I’ve lived a life, so let me tell you about it… at length!” LIZ: THE COUGAR COACH “Middle-age is all the rage. I’ll be here each morning with exercises and tips so you can look as good as me! But not until 11.30am, after a vape and a cough.” IMRAN & ADAM: SO HOT IT CAN’T BE LEGAL! “Here with winning smiles and questionable legal advice. We might not…

There could be a new career in the offing for Martin this week, when Ruby offers him a job as a security guard. After Martin bravely tackles a thief, Ruby is left impressed, and asks him to come and work for her at the club. It’s certainly a tempting offer for Martin, who could always do with making a bit of extra cash. But given the history between him and Ruby – not to mention the fact that there is clearly still some chemistry simmering between them – will he agree to spending more time with her?…

JEAN GOES OFF THE RAILS… EastEnders’ Jean is headed for trouble now that Kush has realised she’s not taking her pills! Will Kush save the day? Or is poor Jean destined for another long stay in hospital? It’s impressive how Gillian Wright has steadily yet subtly ramped up the intensity of her performance since Jean stopped taking her pills. She’s an acting gem – the best part of EastEnders for me! Betsy, Kent Kush keeps asking himself, “What would Kat do in this situation?” – but he’s thinking too long and hard about it. Kat would most likely just scream at Jean till she gave in to taking her meds again. Maybe he should rope in Shirley in for a good-cop-bad-cop approach. Jamie, Bedford I don’t know why, but I…

BELLE “Vinny is massively in awe of Belle – he fancies the pants off her! The first time he saw her, his jaw dropped. But Belle is a bit too cool for Vinny. Although it wouldn’t be the first time two Dingles have got together, so Vinny does still have hope!” GABBY “I’ve never thought of that! Vinny and Gabby haven’t met on screen yet, but Vinny is now meeting new people, so it’s a possibility. I’ve only briefly said hello to Rosie Bentham [who plays Gabby] in the canteen, but it’s amazing how characters’ paths cross, so you never know.” LEANNA “Leanna would eat Vinny alive! She’s been out with Jacob, who is a trendy lad and can pull the ladies, and Vinny’s not at that standard yet. He…

It’s hard to believe that the Baileys have been living on the cobbles for almost a year – it only seems like five minutes ago that they moved in next to Ken Barlow, and Michael managed to knock a whacking great big hole in the wall between the two houses! Ryan Russell, who plays Aggie and Edison’s hapless older son, tells us that his first 12 months on the soap have positively flown by. “It’s gone really quick!” he grins. “Corrie is such a fun place to work, and the energy’s great – everyone’s been so welcoming from day one. It’s been quite full-on, and it’s taken a while to get used to how it all works, as everything is so fast-paced. Yet if I have questions, everyone is willing…

We’re all fond of the good girls, but it’s the bad girls we love to hate!” chuckles Neighbours’ Madeleine West – aka Dee and Andrea – when we ask her which of her alter egos she prefers to play. “Andrea is my favourite. She’s quite a character! “It comes from a genuine place, though,” adds the star. “She’s had to take care of her mum since she was young, so she’s never had the chance to make the most of herself. As much as she has sociopathic tendencies, she just wants to be with her babies. That’s something that anyone could empathise with.” Madeleine’s back on our screens again playing twins Dee and Andrea, and they’re both set to cause their fair share of drama over the next few months!…

…asks reader Anna Bates from Poole It’s pretty great! We’re not working at the moment, and I miss it a lot. It is a pretty beautiful place to work – Palm Beach is stunning. Even when you have an early start time, you get to see the sunrise. I’m pretty lucky, and I certainly don’t take it for granted. Every week, we put your questions to a star of the soaps. Look out for requests on our Facebook page, or email your questions to youask@insidesoap.co.uk, putting the actor’s name in the subject line. Our favourite question each week will win a £20 prize!…

One film I go back to all the time is the 2004 movie Man On Fire. I’m a big Denzel Washington fan, so I love any of his films! And that’s one of my favourites. It’s just wicked storytelling, and fantastic acting by Denzel. He’s a hero and a role model of mine. I’m a bit late to this, but I finished Peaky Blinders a few weeks ago. It’s become one of my top shows of all time. It’s so stylish, fresh and engaging. The acting is top-notch – Cillian Murphy is one of my favourite actors, and he gives a great performance. It’s such an amazing show! When I want to unwind, I tend to watch Brooklyn Nine-Nine, I think that’s a very funny show. Also, when I want…

England might have won the 1966 World Cup, but ever since then, our national side has been knocked out of football tournaments by the Germans more times than we frankly care to remember. So, former manager Harry Redknapp decided to get a team of English footballing legends together in 2019, and they got their revenge by beating a team of German all-stars. Now, in series two, Harry’s heroes are aiming to go one better by winning abroad… Hi, Harry! How was it taking the team back on tour? It was fantastic, just being around them. Now I’m retired, it makes my day to spend some time with lads like that. We had three trips – France, Italy, then Germany – and the more time I spent with them, the more…

SKATE BEYOND Sky Comedy and NOW TV have announced six-part comedy Betty, based on popular film Skate Kitchen. Dede Lovelace stars as opinionated Janay, and the series begins on 9 June. CARE BEARS Conservationist Giles Clarke takes on a fresh challenge in his new BBC2 series, Bears About The House. In the two-part show, which begins on 13 June, Giles builds a bear sanctuary in Southeast Asia, and rescues orphaned bear cubs from the illegal wildlife trade. HOME WORK The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades is to present a new daytime show for BBC1, Jay Blades’ Home Fix – and he’ll be helping us to become self-sufficent in our homes. “I’m looking forward to sharing expert tips to encourage viewers to get in to DIY during lockdown,” shares Jay.…

CASUALTY Connie Beauchamp.......... Amanda Mealing Rosa Cadenas......................... Jacey Sallés Faith Cadogan...................... Kirsty Mitchell Charlie Fairhead.............. Derek Thompson Noel Garcia.......................... Tony Marshall Ethan Hardy.................... George Rainsford David Hide................................ Jason Durr Jan Jenning............................... Di Botcher Dylan Keogh.......................... William Beck Fenisha Khatri........................ Olivia D’Lima Marty Kirkby................ Shaheen Jafargholi Jade Lovall.......................... Gabriella Leon Lev Malinowski........................... Uriel Emil Rash Masum........................... Neet Mohan Jacob Masters....................... Charles Venn Robyn Miller................ Amanda Henderson Will Noble................................. Jack Nolan Lavendar Spark...................... Sian Webber Ruby Spark................................ Maddy Hill CORONATION STREET Dev Alahan........................ Jimmi Harkishin Aggie Bailey......................... Lorna Laidlaw Eddison Bailey....... Trevor Michael Georges James Bailey..................... Nathan Graham Michael Bailey....................... Ryan Russell Adam Barlow...................... Sam Robertson Amy Barlow.......................... Elle Mulvaney Ken Barlow......................... William Roache Peter Barlow....................... Chris Gascoyne Sarah Barlow........................... Tina O’Brien Simon Barlow.............................. Alex Bain Leanne Battersby................... Jane Danson Toyah Battersby....................…

EASTENDERS Sharon’s back! BUT HAS SHE COME HOME FOR GOOD? While many residents of Albert Square are thrilled to see Sharon return to the fold next week, how does the lady herself feel about coming home? She’s had a long break to mull over her future – and while she’s been away, Phil has been busy trying to build a new life for them both. But is Sharon back for keeps, or just to tie up some emotional loose ends? EMMERDALE Unhappy birthday? Birthdays can often be a time of reflection, as Moira discovers next week. But will everything that’s happened in the past year prompt her to consider a fresh start? HOME & AWAY Ziggy’s daddy issues NEIGHBOURS Naomi’s back… CASUALTY Jade looks into the past CORRIE Alya attacks!…

Hi, Jane! This is a huge story for Leanne – what does it mean to you as an actor to get it right? It feels as if it’s the one where I’ve got the most responsibility to get it right. I’ve been lucky to have so many stories with Leanne over the past 20-odd years, but this one feels different: this one could break her. We hear that you’ve been working very closely with a charity that supports people living with mitochondrial disease… Yes, we’ve worked with Liz Curtis at The Lily Foundation. It was harrowing hearing the story of what happened to her daughter, Lily. It’s almost too much to comprehend, but I came away from the meeting completely bowled over by Liz’s bravery. She’s an amazing human being.…

Leyla is left horrified this week, when she arrives at work to find that her office has been trashed – and she’s sure that vengeful Leanna is behind it! The teenager has made no secret of the fact that she really doesn’t like Leyla, who is her dad Liam’s new girlfriend. However, is pointing the finger at Leanna only going to cause more trouble for Leyla? “Leanna is known for being a troublemaker and an attention seeker, so when Leyla finds out her office has been ransacked, all eyes are on Leanna,” confirms Dales star Mimi Slinger, who plays the rebellious schoolgirl. “It’s a difficult situation for Leanna because she feels neglected – she just wants her dad to acknowledge her, and show that he loves her.” Leanna was disgusted…

Most actors tell us that they prefer playing the nasty characters to the nice ones – but Joe admits that being out-and-out bad is not necessarily the best thing… “You’ve got to be human, just to play a complete baddie is never going to be interesting,” he reckons. “I sit next to my mother watching the fantastic storyline in Corrie about coercive control [with Geoff and Yasmeen], and you genuinely wonder how people like this get away with it. But it’s around us all the time, people like Edward hide in plain sight. “They’re plumbing the depths with this character, and I’m fascinated by where he’s going next,” adds Joe. “I genuinely don’t know what’s coming for Edward, which is fine by me – it keeps me guessing!”…

While David and Shona are currently worlds away from ever reconciling, her return to the Street will kick-start their love story all over again. “When Shona comes back, her memories of David are absent to a large degree, and there’s no emotional attachment to him,” shares Iain. “So for David, the challenge is to make her fall back in love with him. However, as the story unfolds, he discovers that, actually, he needs to fall back in love with her! It’s a really emotional and complex story – coloured with all the Platt fun and games – that ultimately I think will have a happy ending. Nobody has any desire to split up David and Shona!”…

It’s a classic! Old episodes of Corrie and Emmerdale have recently been uploaded for fans to binge on via ITV Hub. The Street will take you back as far as 25 years, while the Dales drama is from December 1995 onwards. See Inside Soap’s fun weekly update on p34. New love for Eileen? Weatherfield’s Sue Cleaver (Eileen) has hinted that Benidorm’s Tony Maudsley – who is joining the cast of Corrie to play the late Archie Shuttleworth’s son – could end up as her on-screen boyfriend. “Let’s see what he brings to the party…” she grins. Two for one! Neighbours star Sharon Johal (Dipi) says that the soap’s production crew are doubling up as extras on screen to help limit the number of people on set. “Our assistant director will…

Vicar Harriet’s secret past with Malone is finally revealed this week – after the pair end up having sex together in the church vestry! Loathing turns to lust when Harriet threatens to call the law on her former police colleague upon learning the full extent of Malone’s criminal dealings with Will, Cain and Billy. Her tactics seem to do the trick when the crooked cop initially promises to stay away from all of them. However, Malone struggles to keep his distance from Harriet as he later confronts her at the village church – and she can’t resist him, either… “Harriet began a relationship with Will years ago when she was building a case against him as part of an undercover case,” recalls our Dales spy. “But given that Harriet and…

Poorly Jean is rushed to hospital following her seizure this week – while Kush and Shirley have a seriously guilty conscience! It’s a really distressing time for Jean, who collapsed in the middle of the Square in front of her friends and neighbours. However, as Tina calls an ambulance and Suki steps in to help out, will anyone clock that all is not as it seems? “Viewers will realise that Jean’s seizure has been brought on because her food has been spiked with her bipolar medication,” our Walford spy reminds us. “Jean had stopped taking it, and Kush and Shirley didn’t think that was a wise idea. But they had no idea that lacing her food with pills would have such devastating effects.” Jean’s loved ones are terribly worried as…

Angry Jai makes his feelings about Priya’s new relationship clear this week, by excluding Al. The businessman is horrified that his younger sibling has become romantically entangled with dodgy Al, fearing that he’ll use and abuse her. Jai’s worried that Al, who has a reputation for being a ladykiller and dodgy dealer, will drag Priya down and leave her heartbroken. However, Al is desperate to convince Jai that he genuinely has feelings for Priya and to make him see that they are a good couple. But despite the pair working side-by-side at the office, Jai refuses to engage with Al at all, unless it’s about the business. Not only is Jai’s frosty attitude making work difficult for Al, but he’s also worried that his disapproval could make his new girlfriend…

FASHIONISTA I really loved Emma’s lightning-bolt jumper she wore a little while ago in Coronation Street. It had so many beautiful colours – do you know where I can get one, Alice? Allie, Islington Emma’s lovely top is the Kim Lightning Bolt Intarsia Jumper from Joanie Clothing, which you can pick up for £45. There are only a few sizes left on the website, so get in quick! WHITNEY’S ROMANCES… I’ve been loving the drama between Whitney and Michaela in EastEnders. And in one episode this week, Whitney mentioned a past relationship with Rob. Who is he? Ruby, Barnet Rob Grayson and Whitney met in 2011. He came to Whit’s rescue and seemed to be a nice guy, but Whitney went missing after they met. It was later revealed that…

“Meeting William Roache [Ken] in reception when I first started was a big moment! He’s Mr Coronation Street, isn’t he? That’s when I thought, ‘Wow, I’m really here’!” “ Lorna Laidlaw [Aggie] is a legend – she has so much experience with Doctors, so I try to learn as much as possible from her. It’s been a pleasure to see how she works.” “My best mate in the cast is Nathan Graham, who plays my brother James. We started at the same time, we’re a similar age, have similar interests. We clicked instantly.” “I’d like to work more with Simon Gregson [Steve]. He’s hilarious –hopefully we’ll get more scenes together. Maybe Michael and Steve can try some crazy schemes!” “Simon and Joe Duttine [Tim] are both really funny – when…

As the seventh actor to play Peter Beale, star Dayle Hudson had a wealth of rich EastEnders history to get his head around prior to taking over the role earlier this year. However, with a hunger to make the character his own – and a little nudge in the right direction from a previous Peter – the Square newcomer had the best start he could have asked for… “On my second day I heard from Thomas Law, who played Peter before my predecessor, Ben Hardy,” shares Dayle, as he joins us over the phone for his first chat with Inside Soap. “Tom’s mum works on EastEnders, so after I met her he messaged me saying, ‘My mum absolutely loves you, and you are going to smash it’! It was the…

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WE WEREN’T SURE WHETHER the beloved topical news quiz could really work during the Covid-19 crisis, but it’s been a surprising success. We all need something to keep us chuckling right now, and HIGNFY has managed to find a touch of lightness in dark times. And even though none of the team members or the guest presenter is actually together in the studio, clever editing has almost made us forget. We don’t even miss the audience much, as we’ve been too busy laughing at Ian and Paul’s quick-witted one-liners. All the same, we hope we’ll be back to the regular format next series, please?…

The names Monkman and Seagull may lend themselves to a fictional daytime detective duo, but in this new series, University Challenge legends Eric and Bobby travel the UK to investigate their favourite scientific breakthroughs. Their genius adventure begins with the 18th-century inventions that kick-started the Industrial Revolution. First stop is 1759 Greenwich – home to John Harrison’s marine chronometer – and, for Bobby, there was another London site that impressed… “I was proud that we were able to visit the Crossness Pumping Station,” he shares. “A sewage station doesn’t sound appealing, but by gosh, the Victorians knew how to build things to last and impress. It’s a masterpiece of engineering: ornate cast ironwork designs, decoration and an imposing structure for something as mundane and smelly as a sewage station. I…

BULLSEYE! We were rocked on our heels by two phenomenal Linda scenes. First, her furious showdown with Phil in his kitchen – as she dared to tempt him with Sharon’s cooking brandy – then her moving and heartfelt speech at AA. Perfomances this rich and real only come from great writing, consummate acting skill – as shown by Kellie Bright – and a total understanding of character. Bravo! We’re enjoying Andrea’s oh-so-subtle hints that she’s rumbled Belle and Jamie… Though she’s still not as obvious as Lola’s rabbit-in-headlights look every time Peter and Jay are in the same room. A reminder that Geoff’s secret camera saw everything. But how many months will it be until that footage comes to light? We dread to think! We’ve worked out that the jolly…