Table of contents for 11 - 2016 in Inside Soap UK

Ooh, we love it when a soap pub has a change of owner. You can always guarantee that a new boss behind the bar will breathe fresh life into a show – after all, we seem to spend half of each episode in the boozer! And that’s especially true if that owner is as big (and as bad) a character as Charity Dingle. She’s already the queen of the one-liner, and I look forward to watching Charity banging out a bitchy barb with every beer and serving up a slight with every short. What could be more fun? Find out all the bar-room gossip on p12. As things hot up at the Woolie, it’s getting distinctly chilly at the Vic as the fallout from poor little Ollie’s accident continues to…

“IT TAKES A LOT OF COURAGE FOR KYLE TO TRY TO REACH OUT TO STACEY AGAIN” This is the happy moment when Stacey returns to Albert Square – and welcomes half-brother Kyle into her life with open arms. It’s the breakthrough that the nervous fella has been hoping for ever since he turned up out of the blue last year and told Stacey they were related. So as her mental health continues to improve this week, it looks as if the pair will finally get the chance to make up for lost time… “All Kyle has ever wanted is to get to know Stacey,” shares our EastEnders insider. “Their dad, Brian, led a double life and had two families – so Stacey and Kyle spent many years not knowing that…

As the situation with Pierce erupts, it becomes clear there is no way Paddy and Rhona can go ahead with their adoption. “Rita from the agency talks to Rhona about how the child they’re going to bring into their lives needs a stable and happy home,” shares Zoe. “It all just crumbles around Rhona, and she realises how insane it is.” Having told Rita everything, fragile Rhona tells Paddy that they can’t stay in the village. “Rhona really thinks leaving can save their marriage,” says Zoe. “Paddy doesn’t want to go, but he’ll do whatever it takes to make his marriage work…”…

Here is your first look at Weatherfield’s Michelle enjoying a controversial rendezvous with her former boyfriend Will! Inside Soap recently revealed that the pair will fall for one another again as Michelle helps her ex plan his wedding – and judging by how drop-dead gorgeous the Street siren looks in our sneaky snaps, Will is going to struggle to resist her… “Take note, Steve McDonald – this is what happens when you jet off to Spain and leave your wife unattended for months on end!” exclaims our cobbles source. “Will’s jaw is going to hit the floor when he claps eyes on sexy Michelle, and she’ll be quite taken by him, too.” Of course, it may turn out that Michelle’s meeting with Will is totally innocent,…

There’s more good news for Eva this week, when Marta pays her a visit. Looking smartened up and happy, Marta explains that she’s now able to return home to her family in Poland, and is about to leave. It’s a touching moment as she thanks her kind friend for saving her from the treacherous O’Driscolls and then heads off – leaving Eva more convinced than ever that the trouble with the factory was worth it to help a girl in need……

The pressure is on for Billie this week, as her day in court nears – and, terrified that she’ll be found guilty of a crime she didn’t commit, she packs her bags to leave town! Billie is still the prime suspect for setting fire to Leah’s house, and with the evidence mounting against her, it’s likely she’s facing jail time. Of course, viewers know that it was actually Hunter who started the blaze – but he’s not likely to confess any time soon. Although Ash believes his sister’s claims that she’s innocent, he’s worried when her lawyer suggests that she should plead guilty to receive a lighter sentence. Ash doesn’t want Billie to go down for something she didn’t do, and harbours serious fears for her future. And it seems…

FAIR CITY Rachel is put out when Paul makes Oisin co-manager of the Pod, and tries to emphasise her authority. Later, Oisin and Charlotte make the most of Rachel’s absence by throwing a networking party… Elsewhere, Ama is confused when Emmet cancels their plans – only to discover that Doug warned him off! Also, Sally is annoyed when Dan forgets about his interview. RIVER CITY Stevie, Stella and Hope are on the run this week, with Stevie facing a murder charge. Although Stella puts on a brave face, Stevie is soon forced to make a heartbreaking decision about his family’s future… Meanwhile, Annie plays matchmaker and arranges a tutoring session between Harry and Jenny. Also, Drew is suspicious about Caitlin’s supposed trip to Tenerife. THE ARCHERS Alf is winning over…

The wedding day is surely going to be the focal point of Carla’s exit – so we hope she’ll be dressed for the part. Renowned for her style, Carla always looks a million dollars on her big days, and this dress promises to be every bit as lovely. “Interestingly, Carla will be wearing white – although it possibly should have been black!” giggles Alison. “But no, she goes for white again, and I’ve been involved in the choice of dress.” This is Carla’s fourth wedding, as she was married to Paul Connor when she arrived on the cobbles. So will it be a lavish day – and is Nick the keeper? “It’s going to be quite understated,” says Alison. “I’m thrilled it’s at the Bistro, so we don’t have to…

ELEANOR’S CAST MATE Joe McFadden, who plays Raf, recently told Inside Soap that the cast had entered into a light-hearted series of practical jokes that they’d named ‘Ward Wars’. And as more evidence of their feud emerges on Twitter – with this fun shot of the whole cast pretending to thump one another – Eleanor tells us that the rivalry is really heating up… “Chizzy Akudolu [who plays Mo] and I both pride ourselves on being quite physically strong women, so we’ve started wrestling one another,” giggles the star. “Let’s just say that it got a bit out of hand! It was all in good humour, but we did ultimately decide that we didn’t want to promote any violence!”…

Jumpsuits aren’t going anywhere in a hurry, so make a beeline for Missy Empire’s khaki version – and look nothing short of fabulous. The one-stop shop for accessories! Be on point and add a glam finishing touch with Dune’s leather-look bag. Give yourself a fashion pick-me-up with this luxurious piece of wrist candy. Bomber jackets are the ultimate spring ‘it’ piece, so add a little laid-back luxe with New Look’s sleek version. Put your best foot forward in these gorgeous metallic heels – the perfect companion for any jumpsuit.…

THE WEEKS WHEN Happy Valley and Grantchester aired on consecutive nights were a brilliant calling card for James Norton – as a scheming convict in the former and a gentle, tortured vicar in the latter. This second series of the 1950s crime drama has continued to deliver, with Norton and Robson Green showing great chemistry as the unlikely detective duo. It’s darker than you’d expect a period mystery series to be, too, particularly with a storyline that asks tough questions about the death penalty – and which threatens Sidney and Geordie’s friendship.…

Alison and Paul Hughes’ five-year-old son Joe is the centre of their world. He shares his dad’s love of music, and his mum is fiercely protective of him – but Joe has shown some anti-social behaviour and doesn’t appear to be making friends easily at school. Alison and Paul seem to be in denial that anything’s wrong, but there’s only so long they can ignore the signs… “When I first read the script, I knew it was something I wanted to watch,” reveals Lee Ingleby, who plays Paul. “I loved the character. I saw my dad in him – I think that’s what attracted me.” The tipping point comes at Joe’s 5th birthday with Paul’s brother Eddie and his wife Nicola, who’ve just moved home from London – and it’s…

“I’VE DONE MANY PERIOD DRAMAS, SO IT’S NICE TO BE IN THE PRESENT. COSTUME AND MAKE-UP CALLS ARE SHORTER!” Thirteen star Aneurin Barnard is glad to be in a contemporary setting “SHE’D BE BRILLIANT AT COMPLAINING IF SHE GETS BAD SERVICE. YOU’D WANT ARABELLA WITH YOU THEN.” Doctor Thorne’s Rebecca Front on when she would most like to be hanging out with her alter ego “IT’S A BIT OF AN EGOTISTICAL NAME. WHAT WERE HER PARENTS THINKING? WHO CALLS THEIR CHILD ‘LILYHOT’?” The Aliens star Michaela Coel ponders the title of her extraterrestrial character “ROPER IS VERY CHARMING, VERY CHARISMATIC AND AFFABLE - SOMEONE WHO IS A GREAT DINNER PARTY GUEST!” Tom Hiddleston considers the appeal of The Night Manager’s arch-villain…

It’s the five-part twist that left EastEnders fans gasping. First it looked as if Claudette had killed Gavin. Then she hadn’t. Then we learned she’d killed Henry. Then Claudette herself was killed. And then she turned up alive (if not particularly well) in hospital! Blimey… So what did you make of all that? Amazing! All my EastEnders fan friends were texting like mad about it all night afterwards. I love Claudette! I’m glad she isn’t dead. Floss, via Facebook Totally ridiculous. None of it made any sense. Why would Patrick agree to cover up a murder? EastEnders has completely lost the plot with this. Peter, via email The Inside Soap mailbox and Facebook page were flooded with questions……

ARIES 21 MARCH - 20 APRIL  You may feel slighted this week, when it seems that your friends have other things on their minds. In truth, it’s just your own feelings of insecurity playing on your mind, so concentrate on positivity. TAURUS 21 APRIL - 21 MAY  The ghosts of the past will be haunting you this week, as an old romance comes back into focus. It may not be something you have to act on - the mere thought will provide you with some clarity for the future. GEMINI 22 MAY - 21 JUNE  Take the opportunity to get out of the city this Easter weekend - open spaces and a slower pace of life are just what the doctor ordered. It may only be four days, but it…

BULLSEYE! The Inside Soap Rubbish Mum Of The Year award goes to Charity Dingle, who’d barely said “Hiya” to baby Moses before she was knocking back the vino and trying to sell the poor mite. Appalling behaviour, of course… But it’s great to have you back, love! After what was possibly the longest engagement in soap history – about 17 years or so – we didn’t even get to see Priya and Rakesh’s wedding. What a swizz! Two heart attacks down, and Michael is still clinging on to life. That man is indestructible. After the nuclear apocalypse, it’ll be just him and the cockroaches. Even as a baby, Ronnie’s doomed daughter Danielle looked as if she sensed what the future held in store. It was a…

Walford bosses are keeping tight-lipped about what Kyle confesses to Stacey this week – so the obvious question is whether or not he tells her that he was born female. While so far there have been no references to the fact that Kyle’s had gender reassignment, EastEnders fans know that star Riley Carter Millington, who plays him, is himself transgender. So is it Kyle’s honesty that convinces Stacey to give him a chance? Or will it be a while till she learns his big secret?…

Although they tend to behave like best mates or siblings, that’s the relationship David also had with his ex-wife, Alicia. And while Leyla has experienced plenty of romantic drama of late – thanks to her failed engagement to Nikhil and lingering love for Jai – she can’t help but feel annoyed when David gets attention. She’s incensed after she clocks Tracy flirting with her former fiancé, and realises that the lass may have set her sights on him. So does Leyla want David all to herself?…

There’s a dilemma for Dev this week, as he’s forced to confront the nature of his relationship with Erica. Ever since they admitted they’re attracted to each other, Dev and Erica have considered themselves to be ‘friends with benefits’. But it’s increasingly clear to all those around them that the passionate pair should be a couple – and this week, Mary makes it her mission to get Dev to see sense. It helps that a wedding invitation arrives for him, with Dev starting to wonder about how to respond to it. The invite gives him the option to bring a plus-one to the happy occasion, and Dev knows that the person he wants by his side is Erica. However, he’s nervous about asking her for fear that she will see…

“HUNTER SHUTS DOWN - THE NEWS IS TOO MUCH FOR HIM TO HANDLE” The investigation into Charlotte King’s murder kicks off this week, after her body is hauled from the water. And the police have no shortage of suspects… Detective Dylan Carter arrives in Summer Bay to head up the investigation, and he’s keen to talk to anyone who might have reason to want Charlotte dead – which could take him a very long time! But top of that list is Charlotte’s volatile teenage son, Hunter. “Carter thinks that Hunter could have killed his mum,” explains Scott Lee, who plays the grieving son. “Hunter and Charlotte had a close but turbulent relationship, so there are a lot of things that could link him to her murder.” As the week kicks…

EastEnders fans are still picking their jaws up off the floor after watching Claudette get buried alive by her son, Vincent, who genuinely thought she was dead! Only we as viewers know that she secretly clawed her way out of the grave that he dug for her – meaning that it’s only a matter of time before old Mother Hubbard returns with a vengeance! Is Vincent in deadly danger? “I very much doubt that Claudette will rest easy and let Vincent’s actions slide!” exclaims actor Richard Blackwood, who plays him. “We all know that she’s a woman of low remorse, so Vincent is sure to be more scared of her than any villain. He’d be very nervous if he knew she was still alive!” After Claudette took a…

The girls get together to celebrate Valerie’s impending nuptials this week, and with bridesmaid Ayesha in charge of proceedings, the party goes with a swing! When Valerie arrives dressed to the nines, Ayesha implies that she thought Valerie would prefer a low-key hen do, and arranged the night accordingly. However, once burlesque dancer Tuesday Le-Bow turns up to teach the hens a few of her moves, the night takes a very different turn! Meanwhile, Barry spends his last night of freedom down the pub with the boys – but when it turns out Rob inadvertently invited Barry’s work rival, how will the stag react? Also this week… Niamh meets Ben’s terminally ill son Harry for the first time.…

“Cain is definitely short of male company at the moment – he could probably do with a new workmate at the garage or a drinking buddy,” grins the star. “One of my best mates in real life is the actor Graeme Hawley, and I’d love it if he came in for the role. He played John Stape in Corrie, and was in Emmerdale a few years back as the police detective Martin Crowe. “He’s an amazing actor with a great personality, and he’s a brilliant person to be around, so I’d love to work with him. He’s working on a drama with Robbie Coltrane and Julie Walters at the moment, but he’d be great as Cain’s cousin or his long-lost best mate – so let’s get him back to the…

“JASON GOES AT HOLLY AND ROBBIE ALL GUNS BLAZING” ALFIE Hollyoaks fans were gripped as Jason and Holly’s marriage tragically crumbled on their wedding day, but they could take comfort in the knowledge that it’s not the end of the story off screen. Actors Amanda Clapham (Holly) and Alfie Browne-Sykes (Jason) have been dating for over a year, and when we catch up with the young stars to talk about the end of ‘Jolly’ – that’s Jason and Holly to the uninitiated! – they’re equally sad that the telly love story is over… How did you feel about the end of Jolly? It must have been weird… Alfie Yeah, because Amanda and I have had that on-screen relationship for a long time, so it felt like a real shame it…

The life of EastEnders star James Bye couldn’t be further from troubled Martin Fowler right now. Looking every inch the proud family man, 32-year-old James posed with his pregnant wife Victoria and their gorgeous two-year-old son Edward. With Victoria due to give birth any day now, the trio were stocking up on some last-minute essentials at The Baby Show at the ExCel in London. And James clearly can’t wait for the stork to deliver, tweeting: “Come on baby! #overdue #currytonight”! Also starring...…

A TOT AT 40 Huge congratulations to Hollyoaks’ Alex Fletcher (Diane), who recently revealed that she is expecting a boy with husband Neil Davies (formerly Brookside’s Robbie Moffat). Finding the situation surreal, Alex said: “I’m still on a bit of a high about it all. It’s a big deal. I’m 40 in July!” MATTHEW’S STAR MAN! After two months of keeping us waiting, Emmerdale’s Charley Webb (Debbie) and Matthew Wolfenden (David) have finally introduced their little bundle of joy, Bowie Grey, to the world. Matthew insisted the name wasn’t a tribute to recently deceased musical legend David Bowie. “We both just loved it, and then David Bowie died three weeks later and we couldn’t believe the coincidence,” said the actor. IT’S COMPLICATED… Corrie’s Brooke Vincent is clearly doing a…

Rings aren’t just for fingers! Jen totally rocks hair rings with her do – and so can you with these little Topshop beauties. BaByliss’ back-comb brush is the perfect tool for creating the volume any quiff needs. Frizzy hair, begone! Bumble and bumble’s Cityswept Finish adds an unbelievably lightweight veil to define and control flyaway hair, helping to guard against any sudden spring gusts. Blended with argan and almond oils, this solution absorbs quickly, leaving your hair feeling smooth and with an illuminating shine.…

1 SATURDAY DVD PETER & WENDY This modern interpretation of one of the best-loved children’s novels mixes fantasy with reality, as the classic story of Peter Pan is told through 12-year-old Lucy Rose’s (Hazel Doupe) imagination. Also starring Stanley Tucci and The Voice’s Paloma Faith. WIN! For the chance to win a copy, tell us who plays Pete in Hollyoaks: A) Nick Pickard, B) Kai Owen, or C) Greg Wood. Text ISWIN1, a space, then A, B, or C and your name & address to 87080 (50p). Or see below for postal entries. 2 SUNDAY DVD DOCTOR THORNE In this period drama adapted by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, Lady Arabella Gresham (Rebecca Front) tries to secure her son an heiress for a bride in order to save…

FREDDIE, SET, GO! I was watching the Dame Judi Dench film Ladies In Lavender recently, and there was a rascally old Cornish fisherman. Would I be right in thinking that it was Ashley’s dad Sandy from Emmerdale? Neil, Blackpool You’re spot on, Neil! Actor Freddie Jones starred as Jan Pendered in the 2004 film, a year before arriving in the Dales as Sandy. TICKLED PINK Sally in Corrie has been wearing a really nice pink jacket recently – could you tell me where it’s from, please? Laura, Dartford Sally’s ‘Cotton Rich Zipped Pockets Tweed Jacket’ is from Marks & Spencer and costs £59 – it’s currently out of stock online, but it may be worth scouring your local store to see if there are any lurking on the sale rail!…

Viewers have known her since the day she was born, and Lisa still thinks of her as just a little girl. But Belle has had to do a lot of growing up with everything that’s happened in her family lately – something the young lady proves after someone catches her eye next week… NEIGHBOURS Nene kisses Paul HOME AND AWAY Billie on trial… HOLLYOAKS Car crash horror! EASTENDERS SMASH HIT! Phil’s drinking has almost destroyed his family - so of course he decides to go one step further next week. And it’s not just the Mitchells he shatters… CORRIE PAIN & PASSION? Izzy’s recent troubles have brought her and her ex Gary closer together again - but how will she react when Gary makes a big proposal next week? PLUS!…

AMOS BREARLY & HENRY WILKS Village gossip Amos and pipe-smoking Henry ran the pub together for nearly 20 years. Drama at the Woolie included being held up by armed robbers! ALAN TURNER One of the most memorable owners of the pub, Alan saw it all – including the killer storm that claimed his granddaughter, Tricia Dingle. DIANE & BERNICE BLACKSTOCK The mother and daughter duo were behind the bar from 1999 to 2002. Their stint finished when Bernice sold her half – after her marriage to Ashley had ended. LOUISE APPLETON Aussie boss Louise pulled more than just pints as the locals fell under her spell. But one infatuation turned deadly when Louise killed stalker boyfriend Ray Mullan!…

Karl and Susan had better watch out – following the news that his former mistress, Sarah Beaumont, is on her way back to Ramsay Street! Neighbours bosses have announced that star Nicola Charles is reprising the role for the fourth time, and will be back on screen next month… “They say life imitates art, but for me it’s the other way round,” explains the actress, who played Sarah from 1996 to 1999, and then made guest appearances in 2005 and 2013. “I’ve had some huge and sometimes terrifying mountains to climb in my personal life over the last 10 years, and now I’m using them to help Sarah climb hers.” It was Sarah’s infamous kiss with Karl – later revealed to be an affair between the two – that captivated…

HUNTER He’s already set fire to Leah’s house and robbed the Diner - so it’s not too big a stretch to think that he might have bumped off his own mum! IRENE Traumatised Irene has been back on the grog in recent weeks - so she may have done something out of character while under the influence. ZAC Charlotte’s ex was devastated to discover that she’d killed his niece, Denny. Might he have shot her in revenge? KAT The cop was Charlotte’s sworn enemy, and desperate to prove that she was a criminal. Perhaps Kat took the law into her own hands… BRAX Charlotte was blackmailed by Gunno to find out whether Brax was still alive. And who knows how far Brax will go to keep his big secret……

Furious Louis accuses Joanne of abducting Lisa this week, and wastes no time in convincing his wife Simone of the same thing. Bunny boiler Joanne is now fully aware that ‘Lisa’ – whose real name is Sonia – is an imposter, but she puts her foot in it after she reveals an item of information relating to Lisa that even Sonia isn’t aware of. Still oblivious to Lisa’s true identity, shocked Louis takes this as proof Joanne must have been the one who kidnapped his daughter 15 years ago. As he furiously confronts Joanne, the pair start brawling in the street, before Louis is dragged off by police officers to calm down at the station. Once he’s released, he doesn’t hesitate to share his suspicions with Simone, and she stands…

“TRACY HOLDS ALL THE CARDS, AND CARLA KNOWS THAT” At the moment, it’s hard to imagine Coronation Street without Carla Connor. The very definition of a drama queen, the factory boss has been at the centre of Weatherfield strife for 10 solid years. So actress Alison King’s decision to leave the Street has come as a massive blow to both Corrie bosses and the soap’s audience. But while we can be consoled by the fact that the show must go on – and look forward to Carla’s dramatic departure in May – how is Alison feeling as she prepares to say goodbye to the place that she’s called home for a decade? “Calm, a bit sick and excited!” laughs the 43-year-old star, who will film her final scenes over the…

It was a heartbreaking moment when Kush’s wife Shabnam left Walford with her daughter Jade, sacrificing her marriage so Kush could stay behind with Arthur. And Davood tells us he is missing Rakhee Thakrar, who played Shabnam, as much as Kush pines for Shabs… “I was gutted when she left,” reveals the actor. “Rakhee was one of the most professional and talented people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. We tried really hard to do our homework for all of the storylines we were part of, so we spent a lot of time together off the set as well as on it. “I feel like I’ve lost a big piece from the puzzle that makes up my character,” adds Davood. “Everyone loved working with her, but I…

WHEN AMANDA and Alfie are away from the set, they spend plenty of time cooing over Frankie, their beautiful Blue French Bulldog puppy. And it sounds as if the pooch is spoilt rotten… “I got him a little hoody with his name on it and he loves it – he won’t let us take it off,” laughs Alfie. “I’ve had dogs since I was really young, but Amanda’s never had one before, so Frankie is like her baby. She worries about everything. She even panics if he coughs or sneezes!” “He’s just adorable,” gushes Amanda. “I tell him he needs to stop growing! He’s so cuddly, and we can’t stop taking pictures of him. The only problem is that, like me, Frankie is really clumsy – so Alfie has to…

It must be awesome working on the beach. Do you get to sunbathe between scenes? …asks Jo from Watford We don’t really sunbathe. At Palm Beach [where Home and Away is filmed] it gets pretty hot, so usually if we finish our scene, we head up to the shade. There’s a grassy bit outside the surf club where we can sit. But it’s great working at the beach – it’s like paradise, and it looks exactly like it does on screen. Would you be friends with Evie in real life? …asks Jenna, via email I think so. She would definitely be a very loyal friend, and she has a great sense of humour. It might be challenging at times because she is quite feisty, and can be irrational! She’s a…

THAT’S FIGHTING TALK Filming has started on BBC2’s revival of Robot Wars. Dara O Briain and Angela Scanlon will host from a purpose-built arena in Glasgow as more mechs go into battle. Look out for it later this year. GOOD NEIGHBOURS? Look out for new drama The People Next Door starting on Channel 4 next month. Starring Joanna Horton and Happy Valley’s Karl Davies, it follows a young couple who suspect their neighbours of child abuse and feel compelled to investigate. TREASURE HUNT Jane Seymour and Jessica Hynes will be joining Michael Landes and Ophelia Lovibond in the cast of new Sky1 drama Hooten & The Lady. The series will follow a globetrotting adventurer and a history expert searching for hidden treasures.…

SHE’S A GEM Full marks to [Emmerdale star] Gemma Atkinson for a great performance as Carly explained the tragic death of her little boy. Many people have dismissed her as being just a pretty face, but in those scenes she proved she’s as good at the dramatic stuff as anyone else. Jennifer, St Albans Don’t forget that Gemma is a soap veteran already! TIM’S A RIOT! Does anyone else want to see a Corrie spin-off about Tim’s youth on the mean streets of London? All his tales of his Poll Tax riots and dodgy crushes really made me laugh. That, plus Sally channelling her inner Maggie Thatcher, kept me smiling through a miserable Monday. Gerald, Wokingham Tim and Sally are the best thing in Corrie right…