Inside Soap UK 18-2023

“Since when were actors’ ages relevant?” It’s lovely to be able to confirm the casting of Claire Sweeney in Corrie this issue, especially as she’ll pick up a long-dangling story thread to play the late Cassie Plummer; rumours of whose death, thanks to Evelyn, have been greatly exaggerated. However, news of Claire’s new role prompted one website to label it “a massive blunder” by Corrie, primly pointing out that, at 52, Claire is only 12 years older than Alan Halsall, who plays her screen son Tyrone. But since when were actors’ ages relevant to the stories they’re asked to tell? The late Maggie Jones memorably played Blanche Hunt, Ken Barlow’s elderly mother-in-law from hell, despite being two years younger than Ken actor William Roache. Meanwhile, Audrey and Gail are played by Sue Nicholls…

First with the week’s HOTTEST headlines The moment that Emmerdale viewers have been holding their breath for rips through the village like a nuclear missile this week – after shell-shocked Charity discovers that Mackenzie is the father of Chloe’s baby! The bombshell has been threatening to explode ever since Mack succumbed to a one-night stand with Chloe and fathered newborn Reuben, who is sadly fighting for his life with bacterial meningitis. Secret daddy Mack is distraught, yet has been forced to bury his emotions for fear of the truth coming out. However, as Reuben takes a turn for the worse, Mack finally joins Chloe at the hospital – only for oblivious Charity to stop by just as her husband is lovingly cradling his son… “Charity’s world comes crashing down” “It’s crazy that she can…

The big question now is whether Charity and Mack’s marriage can survive such a cruel blow. Though if history is anything to go by, Charity could be set to issue her husband with a tricky ultimatum… “Remember, Charity found herself in a similar situation when she found out that husband Jai had secretly fathered son Archie with Rachel Breckle,” recalls our Dales insider. “She immediately demanded a divorce – but when Jai’s attempts to reconcile saw the pair crash into the depths of a frozen lake, Charity realised she couldn’t live without him. “However, after agreeing to give Jai another chance, Charity decided that she couldn’t be around Archie without being reminded of her hubby’s affair. So, she demanded Jai choose between them – leading him to pick Archie and seal their…

There’s a right old East End barney in Walford this week, when Sharon and the Panesars learn they won’t be shouting “Get out of my pub!” any time soon. It turns out that Linda has played them both – and when the Vic’s new co-owner strides into the boozer it’s none other than her mum, Elaine! Walford newcomer Harriet Thorpe admits her character is not going to be welcomed with open arms once the truth is out… “Of course not – there’s always some drama!” laughs the actress, who takes over the role from Maria Friedman. “I think both Sharon and the Panesars are hugely shocked, with big consequences…” Before the bombshell revelation, Linda struggles to be honest with Sharon about her plans, while the Panesars still think their deal is in the…

Hi, Harriet! How did you feel when you were asked to play Elaine? It’s a dream come true! My family originally came from the East End, two generations back, so it’s like coming home. It’s a wonderful story of another strong woman who takes no nonsense, is fearless and forthright, but who has a big heart. What else can you tell us about her? It’s an honour to portray a 65-year-old woman of today as not being coy, fearful or anxious. Elaine is more of a rock-chick girl rather than a 1940s landlady. How has it been working with Kellie Bright, who plays Linda? Kellie is absolutely amazing! She’s really supportive, funny and we’re very communicative about this wonderful mother-daughter relationship. Our job as characters is to irritate the hell out of each other, and…

Acid attack survivor Ryan grows closer to Daisy this week – and he needs her more than ever when he collapses while all alone! It seems Ryan’s condition is worse than anyone thought, as he’s violently sick before passing out on the sofa. But with Daisy having promised to take a step back from their intense friendship, will she forgive herself if anything terrible happens to him? “I don’t think Daisy would recover from it,” laments Charlotte Jordan, who plays her. “She would not be able to get over it because she already feels so responsible for Ryan – so if she wasn’t able to save him, I think we would lose her.” It’s clear that Daisy and Ryan have been relying on each other a little too much since Justin unleashed his…