Inside Soap UK 16 - 2020

“It’s a pleasure to chat to the soapies” It’s always a pleasure to chat to the soap stars, and it’s always great to discover that they love the characters and storylines as much as we all do. This week, we’ve had some lovely ones – including Shona McGarty who, when we spoke to her, had just celebrated 12 years as Whitney. Doesn’t that make you feel old?! And from our chat, it’s clear Shona loves Walford life as much as she did when she first joined. Elsewhere, we have someone at the beginning of his soap journey – with Tom Roberts arriving as significant new Corrie character, Scott. But as Tom explains to us, it’s not his first time in soap-business! Meanwhile, we enjoyed a catch-up with the lovely Dales…

There’s more horror for Asha this week, as her family is dragged into the nightmare of her naked video going viral. First, her twin brother Aadi steps in to defend his sister, prompting a violent brawl in the middle of Victoria Gardens. But worse is to come when her dad Dev discovers the secret shame his beloved daughter has been hiding – and he heads straight for the nearest police station! “Dev is so angry and disgusted with Asha,” sighs Tanisha Gorey, who plays Asha. “He even invokes Asha’s mum Sunita’s memory – and he’s barely talked about her since her death. That really hits home, and shows just how upset he is.” Asha’s week has already got off to another appalling start, after her dad insists that she joins…

How might the police help Asha? According to thinkuknow.co.uk, if an ‘indecent’ image of someone under 18 is shared online without their permission, the person sharing the picture or video is breaking the law. Therefore the incident should be reported, and there are various organisations – including ChildLine and the Child Exploitation and Online Protection command (CEOP) – who can help. Under the Protection of Children Act 1978, ‘the UK has a strict prohibition of taking, making, circulation, and possession with a view to distribution of any indecent photograph or pseudo photograph of a child’ – and it’s an offence which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment. For further information, see www.ceop.police. uk/safety-centre…

Spare a thought for Corrie’s latest addition – Adam Hussain – who was only just getting stuck into his new role as Asha’s brother Aadi when the Covid-19 crisis hit. But the star, who took over the role from previous actor Zennon Ditchett, remains pragmatic about the situation… “Having already filmed the start of this story before, I look forward to returning as part of the amazing team who bring entertainment and joy to the screens of viewers across the nation,” he says. “Everyone at Corrie has been so lovely – I really feel part of the family. Speaking of family, I’ve always associated Corrie with togetherness and family time. I can’t wait to get back to work – but in the meantime, let’s all stay safe and I’ll see…

There’s a massive row during Vanessa’s first chemotherapy treatment this week – when Charity goes balistic after finding Kerry at her other half’s side. Kerry has been persona non-grata with their family ever since it was revealed that she accidentally caused the fire that killed Vanessa’s dad Frank. But when Kerry walks past Vanessa in the hospital, she decides to sit and keep her company while she has her chemo – a move that infuriates Charity. “It’s as if Charity directs all the pent-up anger she’s feeling about Vanessa’s cancer at Kerry – she goes ballistic!” says our Dales insider. “Vanessa can’t believe it and is furious. Kerry has done a lot wrong, but she is genuinely trying to be kind and supportive during a very dark time for Vanessa.…

When Vanessa found out that Kerry and Amy were the ones who caused the fatal fire at Sharma & Sharma’s, we thought their friendship was over forever. But the thawing from Vanessa this week gives us reason to believe there’s hope. For Emmerdale’s Michelle Hardwick, who plays Vanessa, this is welcome news, because she’s eager for more scenes between the two characters, regardless of their friendship status. “There are some great scenes between them at the hospital,” enthuses the star. “The Frank story is touched on slightly, and it may well come back in the future, because it’s Emmerdale! I’d really like that, as I love working with Laura Norton – who plays Kerry – so if it gives me more scenes alongside her, bring it on!”…