Inside Soap UK 7 - 2022

“Emmerdale are up that viaduct again” I’ve always loved it when the soaps step out of their sets and into the real world. I don’t mean the weird ‘holiday’ episodes EastEnders used to do when they had money – to Paris, to Portugal – more the dirty corners of their local area. For example, it’s the canal location that made Dirty Den’s first death, by daffodil assassin, so memorable; and it was a Weatherfield canal that gave Richard Hillman an epic last stand. This week, Emmerdale are up that disused viaduct again – the one I presume was left to weeds after Dr Beeching closed the old Emmerdale to Hotton Central branch line. Pete Barton was once dangled from it. Moira pushed barmpot Emma Barton to her death from it.…

Psycho Meena plans to take a terrible revenge on ex Billy and his bride Dawn this week, which involves kidnap, murder – and one last, horrifying twist! At first, it looks as if Dawn and Billy will have the wedding day they dreamed of when they marry in a romantic ceremony. But as the guests make their way to Home Farm for the reception, the happy couple are nowhere to be seen. The action then cuts to the pair begging for their lives at the edge of a remote viaduct, where crazed Meena opens fire – and unleashes hell… “Meena’s got a gun, and she knows how to use it!” warns our Dales insider. “Before the ink even has time to dry on Billy and Dawn’s marriage certificate, Meena pulls…

She started out as Manpreet’s kooky younger sister, whose worst crime upon arriving in Emmerdale in 2020 was stealing her sibling’s ex-husband! Fast-forward 18 months, and Meena has joined the ranks of the Yorkshire soap’s most deadly serial killers. And despite his character Billy being on the receiving end of Meena’s torture, actor Jay Kontzle couldn’t be prouder of his co-star… “In terms of performance, Paige [Sandhu, aka Meena] has smashed it,” he grins. “You often get a lot of male serial killers and stereotypes [on television], yet we’ve watched the character of Meena build up, and have seen how powerful she can be.” As time has gone on, the story has received a mixed reception from viewers, with some arguing that the soap’s bosses have been milking Meena’s murders.…

Steve and Tracy receive the news that every parent fears this week, as they hear that their daughter Amy has been rushed to hospital! The teenager is out at a club with her pals when she suddenly falls ill and collapses, and soon Steve and Tracy are racing to the hospital to be by their girl’s side. But as it quickly becomes clear that Amy is a victim of spiking, Steve sees red – and points the finger of blame at local drug-dealer Jacob… “Steve is beside himself about Amy being in hospital, because it’s not long after he has been to Oliver’s grave,” explains Simon Gregson, who plays the worried dad. “Steve feels as if all he does is let his children down, and his head’s a mess about…

It’s not just Steve and Tracy who are left shaken up by Amy’s collapse this week – it also brings back terrible memories for David, who has been the victim of spiking in the past too. When news reaches David about Amy’s hospitalisation, he’s horrified, and pushes Daniel to persuade the school to conduct a full investigation into the terrifying incident… “David quite rightly thinks that there’s a predator on the loose – and he won’t stop until that person is caught!” reveals our Coronation Street insider. “David is still haunted by his own terrible experience, when he was drugged and raped by vile Josh, so he’ll do all he can in order to stop anyone else falling victim to such a horrific crime.” In fact, David is so deeply…

It’s certainly a successful Valentine’s Day for Daniel, as he and Daisy agree to give their relationship another go! After chaperoning the pupils at the school dance, Daniel returns to the Street and pays Daisy a visit at the Rovers. Soon Daisy is leaning in for a kiss, and the pair quickly head upstairs… After a night of passion, it’s clear that Daniel and Daisy are smitten, and they agree to get back together. So can the couple make their romance work this time around, given all the tricky issues they’ve previously faced?…