Table of contents for 49 - 2020 in Inside Soap UK

“You could say that Corrie changed my life” My first memory of being really gripped by something on TV is watching Coronation Street. Deirdre had left Tracy in her pushchair outside the Rovers (it was different times then) and a lorry careered into the front of the pub, leaving frantic Deirdre pulling wood and debris away, convinced her daughter was trapped beneath it (spoiler: she wasn’t). I think it was that scene which made me a Corrie fan, which is ultimately why I’m now doing what I’m doing. So, you could say that Corrie changed my life. I’d like to thank the Street for that, and for the sheer joy the show has brought me since that day when I wouldn’t stop asking my mum if Tracy was going to…

The anniversary festivities continue with a selection of special programmes on this week, delving deep into the Coronation Street history books. The jewel in the crown is Queens Of The Street (Wednesday 9pm, ITV), a celebration of Weatherfield’s wealth of wonderful women, installed at the heart of the soap from its very first episode. The show focusses on mighty matriarchs such as Bet Lynch, Annie Walker and Elsie Tanner – plus, we’ll catch up with much-missed faces of the show’s more recent past, including favourites Julie Hesmondhalgh (Hayley) and Amanda Barrie (Alma). Meanwhile, current cobbles cast members – including Sally Dynevor (Sally) and Patti Clare (Mary) – look back at the great and the good of Corrie’s grand dames. And watch out for the likes of Lorraine Kelly and Sir…

Harriet desperately tries to halt the digging up of Malone’s body this week, but will she be able to stop the exhumation of his grave before he’s discovered? Harriet believes that the secret of Malone’s murder is safe, so she’s left utterly shocked when she spots a woman standing at the grave where Malone is buried as she heads to work. Harriet’s anxieties about this mystery woman begin to grow, and it’s not long before the pair of them come face to face… “The woman from the graveyard, whose name is Jean, interrupts Harriet’s prayer in the church,” reveals our Emmerdale spy. “Jean explains to Harriet that she’s the daughter of the man in the grave – the guy who’s buried beneath Malone! At that point, Harriet relaxes, believing that…

After 14 years of backstabbing and bedding women he shouldn’t, Max Branning’s time in Walford is almost at an end! Star Jake Wood, who plays the ladykiller, has confirmed how long he has left on the show before he bids farewell… “I’m a person who always looks forward, and I ask myself what there is to achieve next,” he shared on Instagram. “With only three weeks left of filming EastEnders, these thoughts are at the forefront of my mind. I’m excited for new challenges and to share the next chapter with you guys.” As EastEnders films roughly six to eight weeks in advance of airing, we expect Max’s exit will play out early in the New Year. Will it be a Christmas fling with married Linda that sparks his Walford…

What’s it been like for you being stuck between these two gorgeous men, Alex? I’m not being funny, but it’s exhasuating! I wish someone would give poor Diane a break. I have to take a deep breath before I read my scripts these days, because I’m like, “Oh, my goodness, what’s going to happen next?” But it’s brilliant and dramatic, and I love that. Are you still holding out hope that Tony and Diane might get back together? It’s not looking good at the minute, is it? She’s shacked up with his dad, and I don’t know whether they can ever bounce back from that. I do love working with Nick [Pickard, who plays Tony], though, so it would be nice for our characters to be back together. I also…

This week sees Laurel confide in Rhona over her baby dilemma. With Laurel’s unborn child having Down’s syndrome, Rhona – mum herself to Leo, a healthy son with the condition – finds the conversation stirring up a lot of emotions. As the pair part on bad terms, we’ll see a special episode focussing on Jai and Laurel as they make their decision, and Rhona and Marlon as they discuss what Leo has brought to their lives. Actresses Charlotte Bellamy (Laurel) and Zoe Henry (Rhona) fill us in on their characters’ positions… Laurel’s story... “This may be Laurel and Jai’s decision to make now, but the implications could be their children’s one day,” explains Charlotte Bellamy, who plays Laurel. “Because Laurel is an older mum, 20 or 30 years down the…

FAIR CITY • McCabe accuses Yates of having a personal agenda against Ger this week, and Yates is shocked when he’s taken off the case! Meanwhile, Alex and Cristiano are excited by Mondo’s latest publicity idea. And Erica is surprised when she discovers that she’s pregnant… RIVER CITY • Lenny is still locked up in Paul’s basement this week, while Alex and Rory try to find out where on earth he’s disappeared to. Elsewhere, anxious Poppy decides to get a CCTV system installed. Plus, Maggie is delighted when Caitlin regains consciousness… THE ARCHERS • As Kirsty involves herself in the Lower Loxley Christmas Show this week, will she have second thoughts about leaving? Meanwhile, Alice’s behaviour continues to cause concern for Chris. Finally, twins Lily and Freddie plan a wild…

Arthur Fowler is stumped as to where the £20k that should be in the Flowering Wilderness Fund bank account has got to. It really is a mystery. He knows that he hasn’t taken it, and the only other person with access is Willy Roper, so… Nope – Arthur just can’t figure it out at all. What could have happened? Of course, Arthur has ‘form’ in this area, as his gossiping neighbours recall the old Christmas Club money of yore. And as the evidence stacks up against him – “He’s such a nice guy,” Willy tells the police. “He’s just a street sweeper, but still treats his wife to such lovely, expensive holidays…” – poor Arthur completely unravels. Frankly, he couldn’t look more guilty if he wore a gold-plated hat bearing…

WHO IS THAT? Can you settle a dispute in our house? Belle is haunted by her mum’s voice in Emmerdale. Is that really the voice of Jane Cox, who played Lisa Dingle? Davey, Hastings We can settle this debate – as we can confirm that is the voice of Jane Cox! Although she’s left the show and wont be returning, Jane has been recording these clips from her home. RELATIONSHIP HISTORY… On Corrie, Sarah and Todd talked about being friends even though they’re exes – when did this happen? And isn’t Todd gay? Casey Sarah and Todd began a relationship straight after he broke up with Sarah’s friend, Candice, in 2003. The pair moved in together, and Sarah fell pregnant with Todd’s baby! But then Todd began to have feelings…

If you thought bedding her sister’s husband was the worst thing Meena Jutla could do, think again – she’s about to prove she’s much scarier! In fact, a bunk-up with her brother-in-law will look positively tame once Meena’s latest manipulative scheme plays out. Motivated by her belief that David Metcalfe is her true love and destiny, Meena puts a breathtakingly twisted plan in place to get him back. And Dales actress Paige Sandhu is already bracing herself for the fan backlash… “I’m guessing the audience won’t really like Meena after this,” she laughs. “It’s entertaining, but if I had to watch someone do that, I’d be like, ‘Wow, that’s horrible!’ I’d believe that Meena was the sort of person who will step on anybody to get what she wants!” “David…

Cindy and Luke have been the hottest couple in Hollyoaks since they got together. However, they’ve been having a difficult time since Luke’s devastating diagnosis, as well as Ollie’s drug addiction! Steph Waring (Cindy) tells us about her screen family’s difficult situation… Can you explain what happens to Luke this week? Luke forgets things a couple of times, which is a symptom of frontotemporal dementia. Cindy’s picking up on every little thing when Luke would rather forget it, he’s brushing it under the carpet. But Cindy’s trying to stay strong for Luke because she loves him so much. Ollie can’t be helping the situation, as he’s struggling with his drug addiction… Cindy and Luke find an empty baggie in his room and have to confront him, but Ollie blames his…

When did you last go to a concert? Yeah, it’s been a while for us, too. But while we might have to wait a little longer to attend to a real-life gig, ITV is offering us the next best thing this week. Gary Barlow is heading to the Natural History Museum in London, where he and some of his best pop chums will be belting out a few of their most well-known hits, along with some other secret treats… “It’s going to be amazing!” promises Gary. “We have some great things planned with fantastic special guests. The Natural History Museum is an unbelievable venue – the acoustics and backdrop are beautiful. There will be lots of songs you know, a couple you don’t – yet! – and a few surprises,…

HAMMER TIME! The BBC’s Homes Under The Hammer is getting a makeover next year, with two new presenters! Tommy Walsh (Ground Force) and Jacqui Joseph (Money For Nothing) will join the current line-up of Martin Roberts, Dion Dublin and Martel Maxwell. RETURN TO PARADISE! BBC1’s crime drama Death In Paradise will be celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2021 – and to mark the occasion, Sara Martins is returning to her role of DS Camille Bordery! “I feel like I’m going back home,” cheers Sara, who left the hit show after its fourth series. “I’m so happy I’ll get to wear Camille’s ‘twinkly-ness’ again!” SILENT WITNESS SEES A NEW FACE Silent Witness will be back for an incredible 24th series next year – and there will be a new addition to…

TV EARTH AT NIGHT IN COLOUR See the lives of nocturnal animals in colour, for the first time ever. Filmed across six continents, from the Arctic Circle to the African grasslands, this pioneering series follows the moonlit dramas of animals at night, revealing new insights and never-before-seen behaviours. Narrated by actor Tom Hiddleston. Available to watch on Apple TV+. DVD THE IRISHMAN In the 1950s, truck driver Frank Sheeran gets involved with Russell Bufalino and his crime family. As Sheeran climbs the ranks to become a top hit man, he also goes to work for Jimmy Hoffa, a powerful teamster tied to organised crime. Starring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. BOOK I WISH IT COULD BE CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY by Milly Johnson It’s nearly Christmas in…

EASTENDERS Sister angst! AS KIM SETTLES BACK IN, DENISE THINKS OF THE FUTURE… Kim’s a woman on a mission next week, as she sets out to find her new purpose on Albert Square. As ever, chaos follows in her wake when Kim goes in all guns blazing! Elsewhere, Kim’s sister Denise continues to adjust to life as mother to little Raymond, and she’s slowly winning over her son. There’s some great news for the sisters, but even that soon leaves Denise deeply concerned. While she assesses her life, is Denise about to be making some big decisions? EMMERDALE Carry on, doctor! An attempt to bring Liam and Leyla back together leads to an embarrassing incident next week – but despite red faces all round, will there be a good-natured reunion,…

BULLSEYE! While there is no doubt as to the quality of writing and acting on display in Corrie’s Oliver story, and we have praised both frequently, we’re left to ponder – while we watch parents weep as their child’s life support is turned off – if there is such a thing as too sad a story for soap? Too bleak? Too morbid? It makes you wonder what will come next after this; and how we, as viewers, will find the strength for it. If we were decorating a new flat for a recovering alcoholic, we’re not sure we’d go with the ‘cocktail lounge’ sign. Meanwhile, the desperation in the way Linda laughs at Max’s ‘jokes’ gives us the heebie-jeebies. Oh, Linda… Why eat Spam, when you have steak at home?…

It’s the Corrie story that has gripped the nation all year – and this week, Yasmeen’s fate is finally decided as she stands trial for attacking Geoff. Of course, it’s her abusive husband whom viewers really want to see brought to justice, following months of horror and torture that he has inflicted on poor Yasmeen. Yet in what stands to be the biggest week of drama the cobbles has witnessed in years, this story takes a shocking twist. After a fire breaks out at No 6 Coronation Street – where Yasmeen has already suffered so much pain at the hands of Geoff – it seems that there can only be greater tragedy ahead… Battle stations First, there is the matter of the trial, which seems to have swung against Yasmeen……

Police swarm Albert Square this week, after battered Ian Beale is found close to death on the Vic floor. Sharon raises the alarm having discovered her best friend, motionless and without a pulse, in their pub. She calls an ambulance and informs Ian’s distraught mum Kathy, then waits anxiously for the paramedics to arrive and try to save Ian’s life. Once Ian is rushed to the hospital, the police spring into action as the investigation begins into who did this to Walford’s most-hated resident. “Ian’s would-be killer could remain at large!” “It’s Ian Beale, so the list of suspects is long – that many people want revenge on him!” muses our Albert Square insider. “There are plenty of victims of Ian’s cruelty and vindictiveness, so most of the locals have…

Mother knows best! Ex-EastEnders star Bonnie Langford, who played Kush’s mum Carmel, is open to an Albert Square return. “Never say never,” grins the actress. “Kush needs his mother back!” From the Dales to the Caribbean… Death In Paradise bosses have confirmed that Strictly 2019 champ and former Dales star Kelvin Fletcher (Andy Sugden) is indeed hot-stepping his way over to Saint Marie for the murder mystery show’s 10th series. Ooh-er! A family affair Sacha’s story in Holby City will see a big twist after his daughter Beka becomes involved. Bob Barrett, who plays the grieving surgeon, has confirmed that his real-life daughter Francesca is reprising the role.…

Suki is furious to find young Will stealing from the Minute Mart this week, and vows to make him pay! The drama kicks off after Suki spots the lad pocketing food from her shop. Although she soon realises that it’s Honey’s son, her icy demeanour doesn’t change, as she insists that the lad be punished for his crime. Will explains he was merely taking the grub to help out a friend whose family is struggling to make ends meet – yet Suki’s cold heart doesn’t thaw. But will she be given food for thought?…

KYLIE PLATT We might remember Corrie’s Kylie fondly nowadays, but don’t forget that at first she was a thorn in sister Becky’s side, and tried to flog her son! Bad girl Kylie emotionally tortured Becky – who wanted to give abandoned Max a wonderful childhood by adopting him – and demanded thousands before calling the whole thing off and breaking Becky’s heart. RAINIE CROSS It seemed inconceivable that good girl Tanya could be related to drug-addled sex worker Rainie in EastEnders. Over the years, she tried everything to help Rainie get clean, but nothing worked. In fact, Rainie lied, robbed and betrayed Tanya repeatedly. Later on, when she was clean, she even married Max, Tanya’s ex and the father of her children! REBECCA WHITE Scheming Rebecca returned to Emmerdale as…

CASUALTY Connie Beauchamp.......... Amanda Mealing Rosa Cadenas......................... Jacey Sallés Faith Cadogan...................... Kirsty Mitchell Charlie Fairhead.............. Derek Thompson Noel Garcia.......................... Tony Marshall 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 Malinowski........................... Uriel Emil Rash Masum........................... Neet Mohan Jacob Masters....................... Charles Venn Robyn Miller................ Amanda Henderson Will Noble................................. Jack Nolan CORONATION STREET Aadi Alahan...................... Zennon Ditchett Asha Alahan......................... Tanisha Gorey Dev Alahan........................ Jimmi Harkishin Izzy Armstrong............... Cherylee Houston Aggie Bailey......................... Lorna Laidlaw Eddison Bailey....... Trevor Michael Georges James Bailey..................... Nathan Graham Michael Bailey....................... Ryan Russell Adam Barlow...................... Sam Robertson Amy Barlow.......................... Elle Mulvaney Ken Barlow......................... William Roache Peter Barlow....................... Chris Gascoyne Sarah Barlow........................... Tina O’Brien Simon Barlow.............................. Alex Bain Leanne Battersby...................…

Congratulations Shelley and Ian for all your hard work on this storyline. How does it feel to bring it to an end? Shelley I just feel so privileged and honoured that me, Ian, and the Nazir family have been given the responsibility of exploring this storyline. I feel very humbled, and I hope that we’ve done it justice. Ian It’s an incredible privilege, and I can’t wait to see it all play out on screen. The fact that the 60th anniversary has come at such a significant point in our story makes me feel remarkably honoured – but we mustn’t forget that Yasmeen will have to deal with the effects of her time with Geoff for the rest of her life, so it’s not the end of the story in…

Leanne is determined to leave the Street, and start afresh this week – can anyone talk her into staying? After saying her last goodbye to Oliver, Leanne decides she wants a new start. First, she tells Nick that she’s moving to France to stay with Eva – before explaining to Toyah that she needs to get away from Weatherfield, as everything is a reminder of Oliver… “Leanne believes moving away will help a lot,” sighs our Corrie sneak. “The only family she has on the Street is Toyah, who is hoping to foster a child soon with Imran. Them starting their own family is going to be painful for Leanne to witness.” Natasha later stops by with Sam to see Nick, and apologise for gate-crashing Oliver’s memorial. But both of…

LIKELY! This trio has better a reason than most to want Ian gone, but did any of them strike the near-fatal blow? Few people have more of a motive than Max, who is thousands out of pocket thanks to Ian. Then again, grassing a Mitchell is a crime that could carry a death sentence, and Ben told Ian that he was out for blood. Meanwhile, Peter has suffered more than most thanks to his dad’s rotten behaviour, and the Beales have a habit of fatally turning on each other… MAYBE! not be They might the prime suspects, but we can see any of these three driven to murder. Bobby’s dad ruined his big moment, plus he has form for killing family members. Tina has gone all out to disgrace Ian…

It’s with much seasonal cheer that we invite you to pop on your glad rags and dig out your dancing shoes for Emmerdale’s Christmas party this year! On Friday 18 December, the soap is kindly laying on a virtual online bash for its viewers, who are welcome to join the cast at the Woolpack for a 360-degree interactive experience. With just a couple of clicks, fans can tour the set to uncover some exclusive Christmassy treats and sneak peeks, as super-talented star Bradley Johnson (Vinny) takes to the mic for a special ‘Woolpack sessions’ performance. Meanwhile, Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy, will be oozing with festive glamour – and Isabel Hodgins (Victoria) will share with us some of her top tipples for the holiday season. “We may not be able…

A recent survey has shown that awareness of the issue of online gambling addiction has increased as a result of Kush’s storyline. The Clean Up Gambling Campaign conducted a survey that showed 36% of the people polled had watched EastEnders, and seen Kush’s poker addiction spiral. Among the people who’d caught the storyline, 56% said they had been made more aware of the issues surrounding online gambling addiction having seen it. In addition to that, 57% of those who’d watched Kush’s story play out said they favoured stricter limits for online gambling. It’s estimated that nearly 400,000 people in the UK are living with a gambling addiction, so the campaigners are hoping to bring in stricter reforms.…

It’s such a shame that Kush has been the one to take the fall for the burglary, when it was all instigated by Kat and Phil. Surely after everything the Slaters and the Mitchells have done over the years, they should be the ones to serve time in prison? Charley, Scunthorpe I’m really not surprised that Phil has turned around and declared he’s not going to give Kat or Kush any money. Knowing Phil, I doubt he was ever going to give them a share in the first place – Kat should have known better. Polly, Leeds I know there’s bigger fish to fry in EastEnders, but I just really want to know how Kush got out of Whitney’s attic and into the Mitchell house, without being heard or seen…

1 BILL ROACH (Ken Barlow) arrived 1960, 4632 episodes The daddy of the Street, it’s only right he’s at the top of the tree! 2 HELEN WORTH (Gail Rodwell), arrived 1974, 4368 episodes Serial killers and nightmare kids see Gail’s dramas bring Helen the runner-up slot. 3 BARBARA KNOX (Rita Tanner), arrived 1964, 3813 episodes She first appeared in 1964, but returned as a regular in 1972. 4 SALLY DYNEVOR (Sally Metcalfe), arrived 1986, 3409 episodes We still think of Sal as a young thing, but she’s hit the top five! 5 ANNE KIRKBRIDE (Deirdre Barlow) 1972 to 2014, 3341 episodes Much missed, Deirdre’s plots always saw Anne in the action. 6 SIMON GREGSON (Steve McDonald), arrived 1989, 3339 episodes Steve’s multiple nuptials have…

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