Table of contents for 16 - 2021 in Inside Soap UK

“We’re rooting for Stuart and Rainie this week…” It’s great how soap characters can totally transform themselves, and – thanks to the skill of a show’s writers and actors – we viewers completely buy into it. It really struck me when we had a lovely catch-up with Amy Walsh, who plays Emmerdale’s Tracy. I’d forgotten that the character arrived as a heartless schemer, leading on poor Sam Dingle to make some quick cash. Fast-forward six years, and she’s now a much-loved villager. It’s the same with Rainie and Stuart in EastEnders – this week, we’ll be rooting for them as they decide to take another crack at parenthood. Who in their right mind would have given this pair a baby a couple of years ago? It’s the constant evolution of…

Well, here is a sight for sore eyes – Coronation Street and EastEnders are back filming out on real-life locations again, after strict Covid protocols forced our soaps to contain the vast majority of filming to their studio sets. Our first set of sneaky snaps of the Weatherfield teens filming in a large group outdoors is a sure sign that life is gradually opening up, with characters such as Nina, Seb, Summer, Kelly and Corey set to feature in a big story. And the huge grins on the actors’ faces say it all, as they were clearly lapping up the opportunity to shoot en masse. Meanwhile, EastEnders is busy pulling out all the stops for the much-anticipated Ballum wedding. The show has carried out a couple of short location shoots…

“I’ve just come from the Roy Castle shop. The woman behind the counter is refusing to sell Seven Brides For Seven Brothers. She says it’s basically a story about sex trafficking! Have you ever heard anything more ridiculous?” And My Fair Lady is a classic study of coercive control, set to music. “What are you going to do about the smell? It reeks of hairy men and sweaty underpants.” [Deep sniff] “The smell’s the only thing I like about it.” We hope we live life with the same vigour as Mo when we’re her age. “It’s a year, but she could be out in less – for good behaviour.” “Mum? Good behaviour?” Good point Lily, well made. “Just make sure there’s no liqueur in it. Your dad’s the only fella…

Debt-ridden Karen’s flat is trashed by loan sharks this week, and considers drastic action to raise some much needed cash – becoming a surrogate for the Highways. Karen and Bernie are horrified when they find their living room turned upside down as the violent thugs leave a stark message: “Pay up… or else!”. Soon, Karen starts thinking about how to make money fast and hits upon an idea… “Stuart and Rainie are desperate for a baby, and Karen is desperate for cash, so she reckons there’s an obvious solution,” explains our Walford insider. “She’s already had six kids, so Karen knows what to expect, and she’s prepared to do it. It’s certainly going to pay well, and the family need all the financial help they can get.” “Karen is desperate…

Fiz is clearly not the only one who’s shocked by Tyrone’s cheating antics – viewers were also stunned when the dependable mechanic left his wife for a younger model! And Corrie star Ruxandra Porojnicu, who plays Alina, explains that she has had a range of reactions from the show’s fans… “It’s been quite mixed, which I wasn’t expecting,” she revealed to The Sun recently. “The way it has been written created a good environment for Alina to be accepted by the audience – they’ve seen the romance blossom, and neither of them meant for it to happen. “I have had loads of people saying they are actually happy for Tyrone,” adds Ruxandra. “However, I’ve also had people saying, ‘Go back to your own country’, and calling me a homewrecker. But…

Bear still refuses to believe that Miranda has the hots for him this week, while Daniel is thrilled to believe that he’s the object of Luca’s affections! Flirty Miranda hasn’t been subtle in expressing her ‘admiration’ for manager Bear, but for how much longer can he deny that she fancies him after she sends him a particularly risqué GIF? Meanwhile, Daniel can’t resist gloating to partner Zara after practice nurse Luca shows a keen interest in checking out the photos of him posing as 007, which he had taken for a staff calendar. So, Daniel is convinced the kisses Luca has been adding to their work correspondence mean only one thing – Luca has a crush on him! However, as Daniel continues to lap up this supposed attention, is the…

FAIR CITY • Alex discovers that Juliet has signed up to a sugar daddy website this week, but he’s relieved when Juliet chickens out of meeting her first date. Elsewhere, Olwen accidentally ruins Vinny’s new T-shirt… And Carol helps Liam come to a decision about Hayley! RIVER CITY • The news that Paul is a donor match for Rory unsettles Alex this week, and he can’t understand why none of the family wants to help – that is until Rory fills him in… Meanwhile, Bob tries to uncover the truth about Rebecca! Also, Stevie asks Bernie for help. THE ARCHERS • Fallon is left reeling when a stunning secret comes to light this week, but she’s not the only one in Ambridge who gets caught up in the aftershocks! Elsewhere,…

JEAN ON THE EDGE! EastEnders fans are absolutely loving the bond formed between Sharon and Jean, whose lives have recently been turned upside down. Here’s what our readers had to say… Well, the Sharon and Jean friendship in EastEnders is something I didn’t realise was missing from the show! I was desperate for Sharon to find more allies, and now she has Jean, maybe Kheerat, and her long-lost brother Zack who has turned up – although he might be bad news… Natalie I hope the new business at the gym works out for Sharon. It would be nice for her to have a fresh start with Albie. And who would be better to have on side than the Slaters? Mina, Essex Oh, poor Jean! Watching her fall apart in that…

“Seb’s falling harder and faster than he’s ever fallen for a girl before,” reveals Coronations Street star Harry Visinoni, as he joins us for a chat about his character’s blossoming romance with café worker Nina. “It’s all there for him, the feelings, the connection – it just feels right. Seb’s ecstatic right now, and just really excited to see where this could go.” We must admit that we’d never picked Seb and Nina as a potential love match before, though now that they are together, we reckon they’re actually pretty well suited. Neither of them has ever really fitted in, yet they both have hearts of gold, and care about their loved ones dearly. As we chat to Harry about what’s to come for this adorable new couple, he informs…

Isaac finally comes clean to Patrick about his schizophrenia this week – and after Patrick tells him more about his late son Paul, it gives Isaac food for thought. Actor Stevie Basaula tells us what’s on his character’s mind… We’ve realised that Isaac is really against Patrick taking part in the trial for stroke medication – why is that? It’s the uncertainty of it all – from the information Isaac has read on cases similar to Patrick’s, he believes that Patrick is very high risk as he’s much older and he’s black. He’s worried about discrimination, and ultimately losing another father. We’ll also see Isaac shaken up after he hears details of his half-brother Paul’s death… When he first learnt about his new family, he didn’t know what exactly had…

Robert De Niro! We were both in the film Stardust, and I’ll never forget working with him as long as I live! He’s one of my favourite actors, but he was just very normal. When he came in rehearse the script before filming, it must have been so hard to be him because every time he walks in to a room, everyone goes, “Oh, my god, it’s Robert De Niro!” But he just got on with the job. 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!…

Kayla (Robyn Cara) “Kayla feels the pressure trying to please both her mum and dad,” explains Robyn. “She has to go live with her dad and take her half-sister Marina, who hates her. Kayla is very endearing, and she’s falling in love with Johnny!” Johnny (Ryan Dean) “Johnny is from the Romany Gypsy community,” reveals Ryan. “He’s quite rebellious, and he catches the eye of Kayla and Fizza. I’ve learned so much from working with Connor, who plays Johnny’s grandad, it’s been amazing! He’s an exceptional actor.” Fizza (Yasmin Al-Khudhairi) “Fizza is Kayla’s best friend – though they’re total opposites!” grins Yasmin. “She’s intelligent, witty, confident, and likes to wind people up. She has a crazy style with her hair and make-up, and she’s also in the…

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Inspired by the memoirs of Jennifer Worth, a midwife in London’s East End during the 50s (on behalf of whom Vanessa Redgrave narrates every episode), Call The Midwife launched on 15 January 2012. Now, with all previous episodes available for catch-up via BBC iPlayer, 10 of the show’s current team tell us why they reckon it’s such a success… Heidi Thomas (Writer and exec producer) “I never run out of stories to tell! Over the years, we’ve managed to give people the comfort of familiarity without becoming stale.” Laura Main (Shelagh Turner) “A massive strength of this show is that it’s about women who are supportive of each other. And I’m really proud that it champions the NHS.” Fenella Woolgar (Sister Hilda) “I’m a bit jealous that I wasn’t in…

EMMERDALE Crisis point! THE KINGS ARE STARTING TO CRUMBLE… As the repercussions of Jimmy’s lorry crash hit home next week, he and Nicola still have Juliette lurking, determined to get her hands on little Carl. In times of trouble like this, the pair should be pulling together, a united force in the great battle of life. But unfortunately, they seem to be falling apart. And when headstrong Nicola takes some drastic action, how will Jimmy react to what she’s done? Will it be problem solved… or trouble doubled? EASTENDERS Little treasure Bailey realises there’s a cash crisis at home next week, and worries about what it could mean. With her previous heartbreak, can she cope if her family starts to crumble? CORRIE Joy… and tragedy? There’s some fun at last…

LITTLE GIRL LOST! Rita and hubby Len had no kids of their own, so took in Sharon after she rejected her first foster-parents for being too posh. Trouble followed when Sharon got a crush on the local hunk – Gail’s hubby Brian – and began babysitting young Nicky Platt to get closer to him… CURLY TOP! With her crush on Brian causing big ructions, Sharon took a job in Sheffield as a kennel maid. She returned a year later, following Len’s death, and kicked off a romance with Curly Watts. However, she was just toying with him and soon fell for Terry Duckworth, before leaving them both behind and heading home. WEDDING WOES! Sharon returned to the Street to invite Rita to her wedding to fiancé Ian. Soon, Ian began…

David and Leyla will welcome son Jacob back to the Dales later this month, after nearly six months away. In real life, star Joe-Warren Plant was written out of Emmerdale to compete on Dancing On Ice, though sadly he was forced to leave the competition early after testing positive for Covid-19. However, the 19-year-old has fully recovered – and is marking a fresh start with new bleach-blonde hair! “Joe is really looking forward to getting back to work,” says a source close to the actor. “He was bitterly disappointed with the way his time on Dancing On Ice came to an end, but is feeling and looking great with his new image.”…

Traumatised Faye goes in front of the judge to discover her fate this week – but will she be heading to jail? It seems unlikely the terrified teen will get just a slap on the wrist for bludgeoning Adam Barlow and almost killing him, even though she never intended him any harm – as she mistakenly thought he was sexual predator Ray Crosby. With Ray refusing to plead guilty for assaulting her, Faye’s defence is left shaky. So, how will she cope if she’s sent down? “Faye’s scared and nervous, but she knows this day has been coming,” explains Ellie Leach, who plays her. “She didn’t expect to just get away with what she did, though she doesn’t know what’s going to happen next. Faye still can’t really believe that…

Horrified Sonia takes control at 25 Albert Square this week – and drops a huge bombshell on stunned Dotty. Having returned from her trip to India to find total chaos at Dot’s home, Sonia is determined to find out what on earth has been going on while she’s been away. From the moment she walked in, Sonia has realised that Dotty and Tiffany were up to no good – with Tiff being followed home and threatened by a disgruntled punter from the club. So, after ordering him to leave straight away or face the consequences, Sonia demands that the girls start talking… “Sonia isn’t going to stand for any nonsense – the zen state she achieved in India has been wiped out!” shares our Walford insider. “Dotty has always been…

As if Peggy doesn’t have enough to worry about with her own health at the moment, her two boys are running her ragged. She’s furious about Grant’s relationship with Lorraine, and her nose is put majorly out of joint when the pair are offered a jaunt to Fiji to “do a bit of business” for George. Perhaps he runs a top coconut-smuggling operation. All this is mere distraction to the big Mitchell drama of the week, as Phil goes on the absolute drunken bender of all time (well, to date – the future will bring us a whole other level of mayhem). Consumed by a mistaken belief that Grant and Kathy are having an affair (mistaken because it’s only 1997), Phil sinks into a pit of despair and self-loathing, and…

TIP-TOP! My sister is a fan of Hollyoaks and loved Mercedes’ off-the-shoulder jumper – do you know where I can get it from? Millie, Stoke We always love Mercy’s style on the show. This is the Off Shoulder Ribbed Knitted Sweater from NA-KD. They also stock the top in black and brown, so there are a few colour options for you to choose from. KILLER HISTORY The Dales’ Jimmy mentioned that he caused an accident which killed Bob’s daughter. What happened? Louise, Leicester Back in 2006, Jimmy was facing ruin and pushing to open the King’s River housing development on time. However, his brother Matthew and ex-wife Sadie were plotting against him, and paid Cain to sabotage the show home. Damage to a gas main was cheaply patched-up by…

Aside from his blossoming romance with Nina, Seb’s most important relationship in life is with his mum, Abi. And Harry tells us that actress Sally Carman, who plays her, is one of his favourite people to work with. “Working with Sally is amazing,” he grins. “She’s a wonderful actress, and is an inspiration. I’ve learned a lot from her, she looks after me on set and gives me advice like a real mum. “Sally is the person I’ve been working with most closely, and I just really enjoy the dynamic our characters have,” adds Harry. “More recently, their relationship has been going back to what it should be, with Abi being the parent and Seb being the kid. There’s a lot of meat behind that, so it’s been really nice…

WIT AND WISDOM “Are we there yet? My legs are going numb!” Mo’s first line from the back of the Slaters’ removal van “She’s got a loud mouth and a foul temper. I can’t think where she gets it from…” Mo on Kat “Dark and arched keeps them parched, if you know what I mean…” Mo delighted with her brow makeover… “First time I met her, she tried to flog me a watch with no hands!” Gary Hobbs on Mo’s sales skills THE KEY RELATIONSHIPS CHARLIE When Mo’s daughter Viv died, widower Charlie was left to bring up five daughters on his own. So, grieving Mo stepped up, and together she and Charlie raised the troublesome brood. FAT ELVIS The true love of Mo’s life, perhaps? Well, certainly one of…

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Back in 1993, an aspiring young actress landed a role in Casualty. Now, one Oscar and numerous other acting accolades later, Kate Winslet is back on the small screen in this new crime drama. Suffering with heavy grief after her son’s suicide, detective Mare Sheehan has an obsession with cases of missing and murdered girls in the real-life locale of Easttown, Pennsylvania. And despite a plethora of varied roles over a 30-year career, Kate admits that this one was a huge test… “It’s one of the biggest challenges I think I’ve ever been slapped with!” reveals the star. “Mare is nothing like me, so that’s scary in a great way, if you’re an actor who likes to feel terrified and exposed. Also, the story has such heart to it, and…

CASUALTY Faith Cadogan...................... Kirsty Mitchell Leon Cook....................... Bobby Lockwood Iain Dean...................... Michael Stevenson Charlie Fairhead.............. Derek Thompson 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 Malinovsky........................... Uriel Emil Rashid ‘Rash’ Masum............. Neet Mohan Jacob Masters....................... Charles Venn Robyn Miller................ Amanda Henderson CORONATION STREET Aadi Alahan......................... Adam Hussain Asha Alahan......................... Tanisha Gorey Dev Alahan........................ Jimmi Harkishin Aggie Bailey......................... Lorna Laidlaw Edison Bailey......... Trevor Michael Georges James Bailey..................... Nathan Graham Michael Bailey....................... Ryan Russell Ronnie Bailey........................ Vinta Morgan Adam Barlow................. Samuel Robertson Ken Barlow......................... William Roache Peter Barlow....................... Chris Gascoyne Sarah Barlow........................... Tina O’Brien Simon Barlow.............................. Alex Bain Leanne Battersby................... Jane Danson Toyah Battersby.................... Georgia Taylor Emma Brooker............... Alexandra Mardell Chesney…

BULLSEYE! Nick and Leanne’s pain as they contemplated life apart was made all the more compelling by an accomplished performance from Alex Bain, who has steered Simon through the ‘cute kid from Corrie’ years into a young man more worldly wise than all of his parental figures put together! But let’s hope Simon’s mum returns at full power. The old Leanne Battersby would never run scared!…

As EastEnders viewers wait on tenterhooks to see whether Whitney and Kush escape the various horrors circling them, it’s no secret that actor Davood Ghadami, who plays Kush, has filmed his final scenes with the show. Inside Soap can go as far as to reveal that this week will be Kush’s last on screen, and star Shona insists that it’s not to be missed… “It’s such big stuff that we felt as if we were in a film,” grins the actress. “Davood was really excited!”…

Mandy’s horrified to catch Vinny gambling this week, as the family faces a financial crisis left behind by Paul’s scheming. Terrified that Vinny is heading down his dad Paul’s dark path, Mandy is desperate to stop him – and puts herself in serious danger in the process… “Vinny finds Paul’s notebook containing everything there is to know about gambling,” reveals our Emmerdale spy. “There are all of Paul’s wins and losses over time, as well as future tips, which Vinny finds really intriguing. But it’s also worrying how engrossed Vinny is in the book – part of him obviously still wants to hold on to his dad.” Vinny tells Liv all about the notebook, but she tries to make him see sense, and leave everything about Paul behind. Liv thinks…

Soap return! Corrie bosses have cast a familiar face to play the father of terrible teen Corey. Actor Paul Opacic is best known to soap fans for playing Steve Marchant in Emmerdale, and Carl Costello in Hollyoaks. Under review Neighbours is facing an independent probe after allegations of racism on set. The soap’s production company, Freemantle Media, has ordered an investigation and enquiries are ongoing. Diane’s diagnosis Hollyoaks has confirmed that Diane has the mental health condition, obsessive compulsive disorder. “I hope I can do the story justice, especially during the pandemic where it’s affecting more people,” says Alex Fletcher, who plays her.…

Chas and Marlon are in turmoil over the Woolpack’s poor finances this week, but will the pub landlords manage to find a way to save their livelihood – and the heart of Emmerdale? After being forced to shut during lockdown, Chas and Marlon are shocked by how much the pub is struggling financially. The pair of them take a serious look at their books and realise they need to save money. And they soon come to a sad conclusion – they need to let Matty go… “Matty has been working at the Woolpack since he returned to the village,” our Emmerdale sneak reminds us. “So he’s really become part of the furniture, and it’s a very tough decision for Chas and Marlon to make. But Matty won’t be receiving his…

Pregnant Gabby is heartbroken this week, when Jamie refuses to attend her first baby scan with her. Although she knows that Jamie isn’t happy about the pregnancy, Gabby is hoping that a moment like seeing their unborn baby for the first time will help him fall in love with their child. So, when Jamie flat-out refuses to go, it’s another bitter blow to Gabby and her hopes of them ever becoming a family. Jamie might have agreed to support them, but he won’t play nice. Can Gabby change his mind?…

Tracy Shankley crashed into Emmerdale in 2014 as a selfish schemer trying to squeeze cash out of lonely heart Sam. Fast-forward seven years, and it’s hard to believe she’s the same woman. Tracy’s found and lost family, loved and lost soulmate David, and ended up unexpectedly pregnant by her new boyfriend, Nate. Now mum to baby daughter Frankie, Tracy’s finding life tough as she tries to navigate parenthood, which is bringing a whole host of new dramas. As we catch up with actress Amy Walsh to reflect on her alter ego’s past and chat over the present, she laughs as she remembers wondering if playing Tracy would ever get boring. “Tracy always wants a fairytale, but things never go that way for her…” “I remember being on set early on…

After joining Ackley Bridge for its previous series in 2019, ex-Corrie star Rob (Liam Connor) was thrilled to take his English teacher alter ego Martin Evershed back to school… “By changing the dynamic and introducing a new cast this time, it’s freshened everything up,” says the actor. “There’s a new set of stories and journeys – but the continuity’s there with the teachers.” With head honcho Miss Carter set to leave, her deputy will likely have his eye on the subsequent vacancy – meanwhile, however, it’s business as usual for Mr Evershed. “All Martin seems to do is split up fights in the canteen – but he does it with a smile on his face!” laughs Rob. “He’s passionate, though I try to make him funny – Martin’s just me,…

We can’t keep track of this crazy British weather – one minute we’re putting on sun block, the next it’s snowing! It’s no wonder our favourite soap stars wanted to make the most of the sun before the temperatures plummeted again. EastEnders’ Gurlaine Kaur Garcha (Ash) and pregnant co-star Louisa Lytton (Ruby) couldn’t wait to break out their summer outfits, while Corrie’s Andy Whyment (Kirk) and Ali Mardell (Emma) both made the most of the great outdoors before the chill set in!…

NETFLIX A STAR IS BORN Seasoned musician Jackson discovers and falls in love with struggling artist Ally. She has just about given up on her dream to make it big as a singer, till Jackson coaxes her into the spotlight. But even as Ally’s career takes off, the personal side of their relationship breaks down. Stars Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. BOOK THE SOURCE by Sarah Sultoon Reporter Marie has her investigation derailed when New Scotland Yard announces the re-opening of Operation Andromeda, the notorious probe into allegations of sex abuse at an Army base a decade earlier – and Marie’s life is soon entwined with another… STAR CHOICE Doctors actor Chris Walker (Rob) “My favourite thing recently is Killing Eve – it’s wonderful. I did work with Jodie…