Table of contents for January 2, 2016 in Inside Soap UK

A new year means fresh starts, new attitudes and – of course – a whole 12 months of brand-spanking-new soap to enjoy! Even though you’ve barely finished your turkey dinners, we’ve sent our spies far and wide to find out what 2016 holds for the residents of soapland. Turn the page for all the gossip! Elsewhere this week, the new year gets off to a cracking start with a virtuoso performance from Lacey Turner as EastEnders’ Stacey battles crippling mental illness following the birth of her son. I did think Lacey had been a bit underused since her return to the show, but it seems those Walford bosses were just biding their time, knowing what she was about to deliver when the time was right. Also, it’s all kicking off…

Holby favourites Dom and Ric will find themselves in terrible danger in the new year, when they’re subjected to a violent attack! How badly will they be hurt – and will their lives ever be the same again? Elsewhere, love is in the air for Serena, and Arthur hopes to be Morven’s knight in shining armour after she receives some heartbreaking news. However, Arthur’s mission to help her leads the junior doctor to make a huge discovery of his own… Also… Medic Bernie Wolfe (Jemma Redgrave) arrives.…

THE POOR FELLA LEARNS MORE ABOUT HIS BRAIN TUMOUR… Just when Kat thought her life couldn’t get any worse, there is still one more secret that could tip her over the edge. Viewers know that her husband, Alfie, was diagnosed with a brain tumour before they left Walford some time ago. Kat’s still left in the dark this week, though, as Alfie goes for a scan, where he receives significant news about his condition. Will the results prompt him to finally be honest with Kat – or will he keep quiet as his wife deals with the week from hell?…

Smitten Nick continues to plan his wedding to Carla this week – blissfully unaware that she recently spent the night with Bistro chef Robert! And when the three meet to discuss the catering options for the big day, the tension is palpable as the cheating pair struggle to cover up their actions… “Carla feels absolutely disgusted with herself for bedding Robert,” insists our Corrie source. “She would love nothing more than to forget it ever happened, but the fact that Robert and Nick work closely together at the Bistro is making it very difficult!” At the start of the week, Carla can barely look Robert in the eye knowing that they have committed the ultimate betrayal. And when Nick attempts to organise a meeting with Robert to discuss the menu…

Tributes have been pouring in for Emmerdale star Shirley Stelfox, following the sad news that she passed away on 7 December. The 74-year-old actress – who had played Dales battleaxe Edna Birch since 2000 – died at home following a short battle with cancer. “The family here at Emmerdale are deeply saddened by Shirley’s passing,” said creative director for soaps at ITV, John Whiston. “It’s hard to imagine Emmerdale without her. We offer our condolences to Shirley’s family and share our feeling of loss with the millions of viewers who will miss Edna enormously.” During her 15 years in the Emmerdale village, God-fearing Edna put many noses out of joint with her strict moral and religious views – but beneath her tough exterior, the locals knew…

Cal goes off the rails in spectacular fashion this week, after he gets behind the wheel while still over the limit – and is then involved in a horrifying car accident! The medic has been on a downward spiral ever since he met his biological mum and learned she’s suffering from the genetic condition Huntington’s disease. He’s worried that either he or his brother Ethan may have inherited the illness, and is unable to deal with the prospect – so he’s been burying his head in the sand instead… Keen to forget his problems, Cal heads out on a bender, where he meets attractive prostitute Katya. But when her abusive pimp, Nikolai, tries to get money out of him, Cal grabs Katya and the pair do a runner! After Katya…

Aunt Babe has scary telly chef Gordon Ramsay looking like a pussycat this week, after Nancy and Tamwar make the mistake of taking over her kitchen at the Queen Vic! It’s a recipe for disaster as the couple test out some of Tam’s Indian dishes ahead of the pub’s lunchtime trade. But when Babe throws in a cup of mischief and a pinch of sabotage, it’s the customers who are left with a horrible taste in their mouths… At the start of the week, Tamwar informs Nancy that he’s spoken with the imam of the local mosque about the interest she’s been showing in Islam. However, when Nancy fails to share his enthusiasm, it soon becomes clear that she has some reservations. Nancy’s admission doesn’t appear to dampen Tamwar’s spirits,…

FAIR CITY Heather brings Ellie in to see Shane at the surgery this week, making Ama ever more suspicious. Ama warns her to back off, but it seems Heather will go to any lengths to win Shane’s attention. Elsewhere, a broken boiler forces Ray and Deegan to move out – but with Ray clearly having lots of fun at Leo’s, will Deegan be moving back in alone? Also, Louise gives Dean a poor reference. RIVER CITY Martina and Alex fear the worst when Lenny returns to Shieldinch this week, so Martina turns to Billy for support. Soon a showdown between the clans is brewing, leaving Kelly-Marie worried for the safety of her unborn baby… Meanwhile, as Stevie struggles to comfort Stella before her mastectomy, what’s really on Stella’s mind? Also,…

WHILE KYM HAS BEEN making the Connors feel at home on the Street, she also feels a natural affinity with co-star Shayne Ward (Aidan) – who has made the similar transition from songbird to soapstar… “Shayne is a cheeky chap and a very confident guy,” says the actress, who found fame as part of the pop group Hear’Say. “But at the same time, he was quite nervous coming into the show. Like me, he was known for music and was suddenly brought in to be an actor. “When I first started acting I was aware that people’s attitudes were, ‘Come on, show us what you can do’. It’s a bit scary! You know what people are thinking, and I think Shayne felt that same pressure. He’s more than proven himself,…

For a young woman who went to hell and back during the first six years she lived in Walford, Stacey Branning’s return to the Square initially felt a bit low-key. But with recent plots such as Stacey’s big baby bombshell, a shock revelation from her past – and the fact that she’s battling mental health issues this week – it was always just a matter of time before the tragic heroine found herself back at the heart of the show… “When I came back to EastEnders, the plan was to settle Stacey in slowly before all of her stories come together,” explains actress Lacey Turner, who played her from 2004 to 2010, before returning to the role in 2014. “I’ve known for quite some time what the bosses had in…

“I love filming in Patrick’s flat. It’s not the biggest set in the world, but I love that it has this dark grey, Blake family lighting! There’s a lovely balcony on the outside, so the sun gets in during the summer. It’s also nice and separate from everything else in the village.” “The character of Sienna is a genius creation and definitely one of the best characters on the show. It has been a delight to see three generations of a really messed-up family with her at the heart of it, and I’m glad that the audience got the chance to see how she became the twisted, warped person that she is today.” “My most memorable scenes have definitely been the really abusive ones I got to film with Nikki…

It’s been a while since Weatherfield played host to a baddy as consistently ruthless as Tony Gordon. His wife Carla Connor soon discovered that nothing – including blackmail, arson, and cold-blooded murder – was beyond the bounds of Tony’s conscience. But it could have all turned out very differently – as Gray O’Brien, who played Tony, explains… “When I started at Corrie, they told me Tony might have a bit of a dark side,” reveals the 47-year-old actor. “But my character stepped up a gear while I was doing a scene with Alison King [Carla] one day. Tony had a glass in his hand at the time, and I asked if he might throw the glass in a temper. “It ended up having such an impact on the audience when…

1 SATURDAY DVD JEKYLL AND HYDE This controversial drama series starring Tom Bateman and former Corrie actress Natalie Gumede (Kirsty Soames) follows Dr Robert Jekyll in 1930s London, as he grapples with the curse inherited from his grandfather. Will he succumb to the devilishly alluring Hyde? WIN! For the chance to win a copy, tell us who Natalie Cassidy plays in EastEnders: A) Stacey, B) Whitney, or C) Sonia. Text ISPRIZE1, a space, then A, B, or C and your name & address to 87080 (50p). Or see below for postal entries. 2 SUNDAY Book THE CANARY GIRLS by Rosie Archer Rita is living her life to the fullest, despite the scars she sustained in a factory blast. But life isn’t exactly fun and games during the war,…

ARIES 21 MARCH - 20 APRIL  You’ll be feeling as if you can conquer the world this week - but don’t get ahead of yourself! Your ego boost will soon give way to bumping back down to earth, so take things one step at a time… TAURUS 21 APRIL - 21 MAY  A family member will be needing your help this week, but won’t necessarily be asking for it! Stay firm and insistent - they will be grateful in the end for all the assistance you can give them. GEMINI 22 MAY - 21 JUNE  You’ll be in a rebellious mood this week, and may want to sock it to the man! Just be careful that you don’t go too far with it. Your earthiness is what is most endearing,…

The Wasted Opportunity Of The Year award goes to Eileen’s too-brief stint as the Rovers’ most ill-mannered barmaid. Runner-up is Albert Square’s Aleks Shirovs. He never quite found a plot, but we thought he was hilarious! The Oh-My-God-What-Were-They-Thinking? prize goes to Corrie for the casting of Sarah Harding as whatshername. It made for truly toe-curling TV. Corrie also takes second place, with the camping trip ‘hilarity’. The Knock-Your-Socks-Off Award For Drama That Makes A Difference is shared by two Hollyoaks episodes – when Ste and JP had HIV tests, and when Reenie opened up about her abuse. Compelling and important. The Most Terrifying Greetings Card Of The Year is the hand with eyes on its fingers and covered with grinning mouths, that…

New year may be associated with fresh starts and resolutions, but for the residents of Weatherfield, long-standing feuds and cutting resentments are destined to dominate the early months of 2016. The bitter rivalry between Carla and Tracy flares up again in a major way, while new lovers Anna and Kevin find their relationship tested – as figures from the past come back to haunt them… DEAD-END MARRIAGE? Carla likes to live life on the edge, but her New Year’s Day fling with Tracy’s fella Robert is surely her most reckless choice to date. Carla and Tracy have only recently put their feud behind them, but it’s been no more than an uneasy truce at best. So when Tracy discovers what Robert has been up to with her nemesis, she is…

Although plenty of Hollyoaks residents will be hoping that 2016 might mark a fresh start, last year’s drama is set to creep up on them! As a variety of locals are forced to confront the past and embrace the future, it’s going to become harder and harder to keep secrets… TILL DEATH DO US PART! Killer Lindsey pushes on with her plan to win Joe’s heart, and the twisted medic has a new scheme up her sleeve to seize his affections. However, Lindsey may not get the fairytale ending she’s hoping for – as her husband Freddie makes a shock return to the village! With her most recent ‘victim’ surprisingly alive and well, Lindsey’s murderous identity could be on the cusp of being unveiled. But how much does Freddie remember…

Adam might not be happy to find out Johnny isn’t his, but his real-life alter ego is relieved that the truth is finally out… “Everywhere I go, everyone has been saying, ‘It’s not your baby’!” he tells us. “Sometimes they’ve said it when I’m out with my own son, and I’m like, ‘Are you talking about real life or soap?’. It was annoying! “That said, I’m looking forward to the aftermath of this whole storyline – and finding out what’s going to happen with Adam next.”…

WILL HARRIET STAND BY HER FORMER FLAME? In spite of Ashley’s plight, Harriet may struggle to turn a blind eye to the fact that he ditched her so he can get back with his ex. But John hopes the pair can be mates… “Obviously he understands that Harriet will feel betrayed, but he hopes they’ll maintain a good friendship,” the star tells us. “Nevertheless, he believes he made the right decision, and explains to Laurel that if he truly loved Harriet, he would have told her the truth already.”…

Star Shirley didn’t often give interviews to the press, but Inside Soap was lucky enough to have a charming chat with her back in 2004 – during which she lifted the lid on her time in Emmerdale , and what she really thought of tough-talking Edna… ON ARRIVING IN EMMERDALE… “When I first came into the show, I received death threats. People were upset about Edna being so against Ashley’s relationship with Bernice. I expected some sort of hate mail – ‘Leave our vicar alone’, and that kind of thing. Then a few of the letters started getting a bit hairy – going too far, really.” ON HER CHARACTER… “Edna can be an awkward sod! But the audience love the fact that she…

Gorgeous Catherine Tyldesley (Weatherfield’s Eva) was a walking advert for her healthy eating drive, looking stunning while performing in a Christmas concert for Manchester’s The Christie hospital at the city cathedral. Cath, who gave birth to son Alfie in March, recently fronted an episode of ITV’s Tonight to talk about how to stay healthy by eating well and exercising - and her regime is clearly paying off! But proving that she’s all about the glamour, the 32-year-old also posted a picture of herself taken while filming on location for Corrie - sporting a fetching onesie and posing in front of a herd of unimpressed Friesian cows! SHIRTY BEHAVIOUR! Neighbours’ Matt Wilson (Aaron) took to the red carpet at the ARIA Awards Down Under for Aussie show The Loop recently.…

It begins Tony arrives on Coronation Street in 2007 to sign a business deal with Underworld bosses Carla and Liam Connor. Tony and Carla are soon embroiled in a relationship, and the couple decide to get engaged – even though she harbours feelings for Liam, who is married to Maria at the time. Liam’s killer After discovering Carla and Liam’s affair, Tony pays thug Jimmy Dockerson to kill him. When Maria suspects Tony’s part in her late husband’s death, Carla’s suspicions are also piqued – and after she confesses her feelings for Liam, Tony admits his guilt. Manipulating Maria Tony a relationship with Maria after she’s convinced of his innocence. He confesses his crimes to Roy, and later tries to kill him by pushing him in the canal – but…

The last series of Endeavour ended on a huge cliffhanger, with DC Endeavour Morse arrested on suspicion of murder and DI Fred Thursday grievously – perhaps even fatally – injured. While we knew Morse’s innocence would eventually be proven (after all, he has to become the great Inspector Morse one day), we were desperate to discover what happened next. So Inside TV caught up with Shaun Evans, who plays him, to find out… What sort of head space is Morse in at the start of this series? He feels he’s not in the right job. When you think about it, he’s been shot at a couple of times, stabbed, fallen through floors – I’d change jobs! So when he gets out of prison it’s a case…

Cupid can book himself a winter break, because his services aren’t needed right now! Take Me Out returns this week with a new ‘flirty 30’ ready to keep their lights on (or not) for the eligible bachelors coming down in the love lift – and host Paddy McGuinness reckons this year’s crop is the best yet. “It’s a really eclectic mix of girls,” he enthuses. “They’re good talkers as well, which is great for me! When we filmed the first show, it was like they had already done it four or five times. That was smashing.” As ever, the single ladies can reject a guy by turning off their light for whatever reason – and Paddy tells us that there have been two clear patterns he’s…

YOUR BEST&WORST MOMENTS OF 2015 It’s been a roller-coaster year in soap, full of death, drama and dodgy outfits! But don’t just take my word for it – here are your best, worst and funniest moments from the past 12 months… EastEnders’ 30th birthday week in February surpassed all of my expectations. I can’t believe they went live every day – that was such an amazing feat! Bobby being the killer was a proper shocker, but for me the moment of the year was Kathy stepping out of that black cab in Docklands. Wow! Jane, via email My favourite soap storyline of 2015 has to be the affair between Aaron and Robert in Emmerdale. I don’t like Robert, but I LOVE Aaron! It was great to see Aaron in a…

Just as Connie’s finally found happiness in the arms of Jacob, her daughter Grace turns her world upside down! The last we saw of Grace, she was heading to New York to live with her father Sam. So imagine Connie’s shock when her little girl turns up in the ED! Can Jacob persuade Grace to stay put? Elsewhere, Ethan decides to hand in his notice – and it looks as if Dixie may finally find love when Jess asks her out on a date! Also… Zoe is jealous when she hears that Max has a date.…

Killer Charlotte will meet a grisly end in 2016, as she’s shot dead by a mystery attacker! The tragedy unfolds on the day that Charlotte’s ex, Zac, is due to tie the knot with Leah. Having hit rock bottom, Charlotte is determined to end Zac and Leah’s happiness – so turns up uninvited to the ceremony and threatens to reveal everyone’s secrets! Will Leah become Mrs MacGuire, or will her big day be ruined? Later, as Charlotte heads to the pier alone, she is approached by a mystery assailant – who pulls out a gun and kills her! But who is the shooter, and will they get away with murder? Meanwhile, there’s more tragedy on the cards for Zac when his nephew, Oscar, goes missing during a huge storm. The…

THE WEEK ENDS IN DRAMA… While Cathy considers her future, she soon has a more pressing matter on her mind. “She’s desperate to get rid of the letters so she never has to see them again,” says Melanie. “She throws them all in the bin and sets fire to the lot!” Cathy’s determination is about to have dangerous consequences, however, when the bin blaze ends up burning out of control. Our sneaky on-set pics show Roy rushing to the scene – but does he arrive too late to rescue Cathy?…

We can’t wait to see Mac, Nathan and Alfie perform their Bollywood-style dance routine for the delighted wedding guests. And David tells us that the whole cast had a ball filming those scenes… “It was great fun!” chuckles the actor. “We had the guy who’s choreographing the panto at the Liverpool Empire come in and teach it to us. We learned the whole routine, although obviously on telly they only show little snippets. “I think it’s going to look really good. I’ve never danced on a TV show before, so it was quite weird. But I’m looking forward to seeing it on screen.”…

Paige’s life is on the line this week – after a speeding car knocks her over! The horrific accident comes about after Paige is kidnapped and held captive by a mystery assailant. Her boyfriend Mark suspects that crook Dennis Dimato is behind it – but can he get to his girlfriend in time to rescue her? “Paige is terrified – and as soon as that boot closed on me, I got a real sense of what that would feel like,” says Olympia Valance, who plays her. “The whole thing shocks Paige, but she works out it has something to do with the Dimato situation.” Paige eventually manages to escape her makeshift prison by hitting her captor over the head and racing out the front door. But as she runs for…

There’s a gaping hole at the centre of life in Weatherfield right now. Rovers landlord Steve McDonald is, we’re told, over in Spain looking after his brother Andy – an explanation designed to cover star Simon Gregson’s current break from the cobbles. With Steve away, his wife Michelle has been left to run the pub, with both help and hindrance from her mother-in-law Liz. And while star Kym Marsh is happy to shoulder her burden as landlady, she’s looking forward to her cast mate’s return, and discovering what 2016 might hold for the much-loved couple… “I can’t wait to have Simon back!” enthuses the actress. “And when Steve’s back at the Rovers I’m hoping for a lot more comedy for him and Michelle. “They went through such a hard time…

AARON MAY NOT BE happy about having Gordon back in his life, but Danny is delighted to be exploring his alter ego’s relationship with his dad… “I love new characters who come in and show a different side to Aaron,” he enthuses. “So it was great when they told me that Gordon was coming back, and I was really intrigued to find out why they were bringing him in. It’s so interesting, and there are a lot of different tales to be told from it. “Gary [Mavers, who plays Gordon] said he’s watched some episodes and thought that Aaron would have taken some traits from Gordon – he’s really thrown himself into it and done his research. He’s very good at playing those scenes. He’s seen what Aaron’s got and…

What’s the best thing about being in Emmerdale ? …asks Bethany from Manchester It’s such a fun job! The cast are fantastic and the writing is brilliant. Soaps are wonderful because the characters are always evolving, so you have the chance to play lots of different sides of one person. You played Jessica Harrison in Casualty . Would you make a good nurse in real life? …asks Bill, via email I’d be a dreadful nurse because I’m so clumsy. In Casualty, they often had to film above my elbow because I’d be bandaging up someone’s hand the wrong way! I don’t like the sight of blood, either, so I’d be far too squeamish. It’s such a hard job to do, and I respect doctors…

TINA O’BRIEN CORRIE’S SARAH Yummy mummy Tina rarely puts a fashion foot wrong, and this on-trend outfit is no exception! You can steal her gorgeous style with these fab buys……

Expect unexpected connections in this new comedy panel show, as Sue Perkins and her guests get into the name game. Each week, they’ll take a particular first name as their starting point and consider the people, past and present, who have shared it – then debate who the greatest person ever to bear that name is… “For example, using the name Steven, there might be questions ranging from King Stephen I of Hungary to Steven Seagal, from Steve McFadden [Walford icon Phil Mitchell] to Stephen Hawking,” Sue tells Inside TV. “We’re basically using the name as a lever to get into anything we want to. If you think about it, you can access topics as diverse as art, astronomy, the monarchy and great knob gags!” Richard Osman and Josh Widdicombe…

Widow Annie Quaintain finds herself with nowhere else to turn at the start of this eight-part period drama. Penniless, homeless and desperate to find work, she sets out for the shanty town of Jericho – a makeshift village formed by the people constructing a railway viaduct. Jessica Raine, who plays Annie, reveals more about her character’s dilemma… What can you tell us about Annie at the story’s start? She’s a schoolmaster’s widow, but her husband was a gambler and left her with nothing when he died. So we meet her at this crucial ‘sink or swim’ moment in her life – getting thrown out of the family home and rejected by her neighbours, who are influenced by Victorian snobbery. I found her inspirational from the start – she’s surviving, just…

SHINING STAR I really loved the sparkly dress that EastEnders’ Linda wore for her hen do, I’d like one to wear on New Year’s Eve. Could you tell me where it’s from please, Sarah? Hannah, via email Linda’s ‘iridescent jewel cluster bodycon dress’ is from www.asos.com  – it’ll set you back £150, but I think it’s worth it for that many sparkles! SOCIAL NETWORK Am I right in thinking that the actress who plays Nessa in Corrie also played a social worker in EastEnders, who visited Kat and Sonia on separate occasions? John, West Lothian You’re absolutely right, John! Actress Sadie Shimmin, aka Nessa, played the Walford social worker who also visited Cindy and the Beales earlier this year about baby Beth. BEEN STALKED! In EastEnders this week,…