Table of contents for 5 - 2022 in Inside Soap UK

Rhona is rocked by a blast from the past this week, after her rapist ex-husband Pierce reaches out from jail – with news that he’s dying! What’s more, Pierce pleads with Rhona to help track down his son, whom she never even knew existed… “Rhona’s a compassionate woman, and of course the news that anyone is seriously ill and dying is terribly sad,” reasons actress Zoe Henry, who plays her. “In a lot of ways, Pierce is dead to Rhona already; he’s in prison and no longer poses a threat – certainly after the last time he wreaked havoc on the village. “However, when Rhona receives Pierce’s letter, she panics,” she continues. “Every time she thinks that she’s laid Piece to rest, he comes back again. And, because he is…

If you or a loved one are experiencing abuse in a relationship, please know support is out there. Here are some organisations ready to help… Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247. Refuge run this 24/7 service which offers confidential, non-judgemental information and support. Women’s Aid offers live chat on their website or email if you’d prefer to communicate with them in writing. Head to www.womensaid.org.uk. The Men’s Advice Line freephone number is 0808 8010 327, and there are more resources on www.mensadviceline.org.uk.…

Shona conspires to reunite old pals Audrey and Rita this week – however, her plotting backfires after Audrey clocks that the whole thing was a set-up! Shona’s plan comes about as Audrey’s family becomes concerned that she’s drinking too much. Yet while Audrey reckons a glass or two of wine a day isn’t doing her any harm, could she be in denial about the level of her drinking? “It’s not a crime to unwind with a glass of vino, but this has become more than just a habit for Audrey,” points out our cobbles insider. “It’s rare to see Audrey without a glass in her hand so there’s no wonder her family has concerns.” It’s when Audrey returns home, and there’s a loud clinking of bottles coming from inside her…

The pressure of being a single dad to baby Abigail becomes too much for Leo this week, and he begs David and Aaron to take her! It’s after the little’un has an accident while in Leo’s care that he becomes convinced he’s not capable of parenting her, and hands her over to his brother. But will David agree to step up for his niece? Takaya Honda, who plays David, talks us through the drama… “I don’t think anyone would predict what is coming…” Hi, Takaya! Abigail is rushed to hospital this week – how concerned is David at this point? David knows that Leo is dealing with a lot, and that he just needs time. He can see that Leo is really struggling. But Abigail’s welfare is of upmost importance,…

Zara’s left feeling out of her comfort zone this week, after revealing to Jimmi that she’s keen to help out with his forensic medical examiner shifts – aware that the police team is massively overstretched. But it’s not long before her controlling manner irritates Jimmi, since Zara just can’t resist interrupting him with unwarranted words of ‘advice’ while he’s busy patching up an injured man’s head! As it rapidly transpires just how challenging her new and additional role is set to be – however, is ambitious Zara about to discover she’s bitten off more than she can chew?…

Priya finds an unlikely confidant in Liam this week, as the pair of them continue to reel from Meena’s murderous antics. Both Liam and Priya were victims of Meena’s violent actions, with Liam grieving for his lost daughter Leanna, while Priya knows that it’s because of Meena that she’s dealing with life-changing injuries. However, Priya reckons that Manpreet’s to blame, and should have known what her sister was up to! Will Liam agree with Priya’s furious accusations?…

CLOSING SCENES… It’s no secret that Holby City will be ending in March – but I think everyone watching will be devastated if they kill off Jac before the final episode. After all Jac’s hard work at that hospital, she deserves to take off her scrubs and walk happily into the sunset! Wendy, Aberdeen MAKING IT WORK Dev and Bernie originally appeared to be an odd match in Corrie – they shouldn’t work, but they do! They’re played by two great actors, too. I’m looking forward to seeing how this story unfolds, especially with Mary hovering in the background. She’ll no doubt believe Bernie isn’t good enough for Dev, and I can see her and Bernie clashing in the future. Michele, London Dev and Bernie’s relationship is bound to be…

The Rovers is full of new blood, with Jenny, Daisy, and Leo sharing an address. Although she was sad to say goodbye to good pal Richard Hawley (Johnny), Sally Ann says she’s having a lovely time working with her new co-stars Charlotte Midgeley (aka Daisy) and Joe Frost (who plays Leo). “I adore them both!” she tells us. “We have a little WhatsApp chat group, and we get on so well. I love to wind up Joe as I was his first on-screen kiss, and he’s had a baptism of fire working with me. I absolutely love the dynamic in the Rovers!” However, Sally Ann says she’s keeping her fingers crossed that restrictions lift and the legendary boozer can be back to its best. “We can’t show the pub busy…

Early days Jack was born on 5 September 1972, the youngest child of Reenie and Jim Branning. He grew up in a very busy house with five siblings: April, Carol, Derek, Suzy and Max. Viewers first met Jack when he visited his family in Walford in 2007. ’Ello ’ello ’ello! Jack’s had a patchy career in the police force. He rose to the rank of detective inspector, but a criminal’s revenge attack on his wife Selina and daughter Penny left his little’un in a wheelchair. After leaving the police, he worked as a car salesman and property developer, but rejoined in 2019. My girl! Jack tied the knot to Denise on New Year’s Day – but the Square Lothario has a string of complicated love affairs behind him. Exes include…

Jenna Garvey – a popular teacher with a tumultuous private life – is accused of sleeping with her 15-year-old pupil, Kyle, after a drunken night out. With no memory of the night in question, Jenna’s life unravels, while any hope of redeeming herself appears lost. Sheridan Smith, who stars as Jenna in this unsettling four-parter (playing out across successive nights this week), reveals more… Hi, Sheridan! What drew you to playing Jenna? When this script came along, I was gripped. Jenna is such a complex character, and I love the fact that you don’t know if she’s telling the truth or not. The story has all these twists and turns, and I couldn’t put it down! Jenna does sound very intriguing as a character… She has a drink problem, she’s…

This new police drama focuses on the arrival of the first Muslim officer in the fictional town of Port Devine – English copper DC Leila Hussain. And while local DI Finn O’Hare knows the real reason why she’s been transferred there, it’s a secret he intends to keep to himself. Here, Amara Karan (Leila) and Ciarán McMenamin (Finn) reveal more… “My character is in a compromised situation in terms of her personal safety from the outset,” shares Amara. “Yet, in her new environment, she sticks out like a sore thumb!” “I’m excited about being part of something that portrays modern-day Northern Irish people without looking at them through the window of our past,” proffers Ciarán. The 10-parter was filmed in the real-life seaside town of Donaghadee in County Down –…

THEATRE THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE Step through the wardrobe and into the enchanted kingdom of Narnia. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and embark on a magical adventure. In a frozen, faraway land, they meet a Faun, talking beavers, lion Aslan, and the most evil of all, the White Witch. With ex-EastEnders star Samantha Womack (Ronnie Mitchell) as the White Witch. For info and to buy tickets, go to www.lionwitchonstage.com BLU-RAY HERSELF Sandra is a young mum struggling to provide her two daughters with a warm, safe, happy home. With very little income and no savings, Sandra must use all her ingenuity to make her dream of building a house from scratch a reality, while escaping the grip of her…

Wayward Max is left fighting for his life this week, after he breaks into Daniel’s flat, and the enraged teacher pushes him down the stairs! The nightmare unfolds as Max decides to take revenge on Daniel for accidentally revealing dad David’s secret trauma to him. Max breaks in and trashes Daniel’s flat, smashing a priceless keepsake that captured a precious moment between the widower, his late wife Sinead and their Abi son, Bertie. When Daniel covertly arrives to discuss to find the scene, he the completely flips – and in a moment of madness, shoves the schoolboy intruder down a steep flight of stairs… “Seeing Max in his space pushes Daniel over the edge!” “Daniel just sees red!” admits Rob Mallard, who plays the furious teacher. “The shock of seeing…

Shirley makes a heartbreaking decision about her future this week, as she admits to Nancy that she’s calling off the search for her missing sister Tina. It’s been over a year since Tina disappeared, and Shirl hasn’t given up hope that she will one day make her way home. So after Callum throws an impromptu party outside The Albert (see p22), Shirley dares to dream it might lure back Tina… “Shirl reckons that if there’s one thing guaranteed to make Tina show her face again, it’s a Pride-style knees-up!” reckons our Square spy. “And we’re sure it would – if only Gray hadn’t bumped her off! It’s tragic that Shirley’s dreams of a happy reunion will never come true.” The party prompts Shirley to head out searching for Tina, and…

Broken-hearted Callum makes a last-ditch attempt to save his marriage to Ben this week – but will his grand gesture work? Their relationship has been rocked to the core by the brutal homophobic attack that left Ben emotionally shattered. Callum feels helpless while his husband pushes him away for their safety, and is determined to convince Ben they should live openly and proud. So, Callum decides to throw a party outside The Prince Albert to show everyone that Walford’s LGBTQ+ community won’t let homophobes beat them. And as he begs Ben to attend and prove their marriage has a future, Callum puts his heart on the line… “This really could be game over for Ben and Callum – they are falling apart,” shares our Walford source. “What’s tragic is that…

Craig begins the hunt for a new job this week, after shockingly quitting the police force – but what’s made the copper leave his beloved calling behind? Craig has been torn about his future on the force ever since Faye confessed to killing Ted. And the ordeal only gets worse for her and Emma this week, after Craig receives inside info – there’s going to be another search of Ted’s house for forensic evidence. And it’s not long before Craig decides to abandon his beloved job... “It’s possible Faye’s killer admission has played a part in Craig’s decision to leave the police,” explains our Coronation Street sneak. “What is a man supposed to do when he has to choose between turning in his girlfriend, or going against the law? It…

There’s big trouble for Dawn this week, as Lucas’ dad Alex reappears – and begs her to hear him out. Dawn is happily planning her wedding to Billy when Alex turns up asking for a chance to talk. Dawn had vowed never to let Alex near their son again after he tried to snatch him a few weeks ago. But when Alex pleads for an audience, Dawn has to decide whether to give him a chance to explain himself. “The moment Alex attempted to kidnap Lucas was one of the worst of Dawn’s life,” shares our Emmerdale insider. “She said then that his actions were unforgiveable, but to be fair to Alex, she didn’t know the full story. What he did was terrible, but he was acting out of a…

Adam finds himself in the doghouse with Sarah once again this week, after failing to wow her on her birthday. As her big day approaches, Sarah’s hoping her hubby will sweep her off her feet with a grand romantic gesture – so when he reveals that he’s taking her to the Bistro, and has bought her a smart oven as her special birthday gift, she’s furious! Sarah storms off in a huff, but will Adam realise that he’s messed up in the romance stakes?…

Freya reveals her true reason for coming to Erinsborough this week – however, is she just spinning another lie to Levi? While in the midst of a cricket match, Levi uncovers why Freya is in town. But although smitten Levi believes her strange story, Roxy still isn’t convinced… Later, Freya persuades Levi to take her on a joyride in a police car! It’s a great date, yet as Freya’s real intentions are revealed, will anyone discover the truth about her?…

Tim’s in his element this week, as his mum goes all out to make a fuss of him while he recovers from surgery. Having just undergone a very serious heart operation, Tim needs to rest, and Elaine has vowed to be there for him, day and night. Yet while Tim is delighted to have his mum on hand, it appears that Sally is rather less keen… While Sal had no say about her mother-in-law moving in, she understands that it’s in Tim’s best interests to have Elaine close. He missed out on having his mum around when he was young, thanks to his abusive dad Geoff, so Sal can accept that both Elaine and Tim are keen to make up for lost time. However, when Elaine presents her son with…

BACK IN THE DAY “The early days of the Dingles were absolutely ridiculous,” recalls Lucy. “They were always getting up to some silly scam. I remember them all dressing up as Santas and me dressing as a hooker, trying to distract people in the back of the van while the rest of the family nicked a safe. Then they blew it up and money went everywhere! “I remember sitting round the table with the big book and a ladle, having a Dingle court,” she continues. “In those days there were about 50 Dingles in that cottage with the dogs, or getting down and dirty in a bathtub in the yard with the pigs. Those days will stay in my memory forever.” THE EPISODES SHE LOVED “The live episode [for the…

The explosion at the Salon de Thé left many in Hollyoaks shattered by the loss of loved ones – but the death we’re most gutted about is Nightingale stalwart Marnie, who’s been an Inside Soap favourite from the first moment she set foot in the village. And we’re not the only ones reeling from her loss; Marnie’s son, James, has been on a downward spiral since her death, determined to make someone pay. As we chat to Greg Finnegan, who plays the grieving son, he tells us that things will get a lot worse for James… We still can’t believe that Marnie is dead! What was your reaction when you found out? It was a shock. Lysette [Anthony, who played Marnie] was given a fair bit of warning, so we…

Jai shocked everyone by attempting to shift the blame for the Survival Week disaster. However, as star Chris answers your questions, he reminds us that his alter ego has done much worse… “What’s the best thing about being part of the Sharma family?” Well, we’ve had some great storylines! And getting to work with Fiona [Wade, who plays Priya] and Bhasker [Patel, aka Rishi] is lovely – we’re a little family on set. Fiona calls me ‘bro’! And I know that if I have a day with the Sharmas that it’ll be easy. “Are you in touch with Rik Makarem (Nikhil)?” “Are you in touch with Rik Makarem (Nikhil) and Trudie Goodwin (Georgia)?” I am, on and off – it’s been a difficult few years for everyone. I’d love to…

Angela Scanlon is back to make more dream gardens a reality in the horticultural spin-off of Your Home Made Perfect. And as the host tells Inside TV, this second series will be taking on some more modest outdoor spaces… “There’s the smallest space we’ve ever done – a tiny balcony with bespoke furniture that folds so it allows for a bit of yoga,” shares Angela. “And we have two new, young gardeners for some added competition!” Those in question – joining designers Helen Elks-Smith, Pip Probert, Tom Massey and Manoj Malde – are Oliver Bond, the youngest member of the Society of Garden Designers, and award-winning designer Steve Williams… “They’re very different,” reveals Angela. “Oliver’s a fitness fanatic, then there’s Steve, who arrives in builder boots! His ethos is there’s…

Daniel has another dilemma this week, when he and ex Daisy share a kiss! A row leads to passion, despite the fact Daniel’s been dating Lydia. No good can come from two-timing, and Daniel needs to make a decision. But which of these potential matches does Rob believe is Daniel’s Miss Right? “I think he should be with Daisy,” he admits. “He likes Lydia, but I think, in a way, he was using her to show he’d moved on. This relationship just doesn’t have the same pull.” Daisy was on her way to declare her love for Daniel when she saw him taking Lydia upstairs before Christmas. But despite the many failed attempts Rob reckons they need to give it a shot. “There’s unfinished businesses between them,” he muses. “On…

There’s a glimmer of hope for trapped Chelsea this week when a nurse at the hospital recognises Gray as Chantelle’s abuser. Suffocated by Gray’s relentless control and terrified by baby Jordan’s health struggles, Chelsea is sliding into a state of despair. Worse still, she’s detaching herself from Whitney and Kheerat, who’ve been supporting her as they try to catch out Gray. But hope arrives in the form of a kind-hearted nurse who already has suspicions about Gray’s dark nature… “Back in September 2019, Chantelle visited the hospital having cut her hand on a glass, and when she removed her cardigan, Nurse Lennon saw bruises on her arm,” our insider recalls. “She was certain that Gray was responsible – and even passed Chantelle a lip balm with details of a domestic…

The McQueens say their goodbyes to dearly departed Sylver this week – but can the family pull together and get through this difficult time? Despite Sylver’s heroics at the Salon de Thé, he met a grisly end when Bobby abandoned him! And Bethannie Hare, who plays Sylver’s daughter Cher, tell us the family has tough times ahead… Hi, Bethannie! How is Cher coping after Sylver’s death? Cher hasn’t had time to grieve because she’s looking out for everyone. She’s trying to hold the family together because they’re about to fall apart. What’s going on with John Paul? He’s beginning to struggle with alcohol, and Cher knows that there’s something going on. However, what she doesn’t know yet is that he’s beginning to think deeply about his past relationship with George……

Tortured dad Harvey is forced to take a stand against his own son this week, as his friends and neighbours find out Aaron is a racist thug! With Aaron currently banged up for his part in the failed bomb plot on New Year’s Eve, it doesn’t take long for word to get round about what he was planning to do. And after Harvey is forced to admit that the rumours are true, he makes a life-changing decision that tears him up inside… “Harvey visits Aaron in prison, and lets him know this will be the last time he ever sees him!” gasps our Walford insider. “It’s a devastating moment for Harvey – despite everything that Aaron has done, he’s still his son, and the last thing Harvey wants is to…

The future of Emmerdale’s beloved Woolie hangs in the balance this week, as the pub goes up for auction – and ends up being sold to a secret online bidder! As the week kicks off, poor Chas is heartbroken that she’s about to lose her livelihood and her home. Yet the situation gets worse when she finds out that Kim Tate is the frontrunner to buy the boozer… “Chas is devastated, it’s completely up in the air who’s going to buy the pub,” reveals Lucy Pargeter, who plays the Woolpack’s former landlady. “At least if Al had bought it, she would know what it was going to be – now she doesn’t know if it’s going to be turned into flats, stay as a pub, or what. Then she hears…

Nina’s anxiety gets the better of her this week – and she locks Asha in the café to stop her from leaving the Street! Asha confides in Aadi and Summer that she plans to apply to Glasgow University, but worries that it might be too far from home. And when Asha tells Dev that she’s having second thoughts, he suspects it’s because of Nina… “Everyone knows the traumatic ordeal that Nina went through last year,” points out our cobbles insider. “But Dev doesn’t believe that it should stop Asha from pursuing her dreams of going to university, even if it means leaving Nina behind.” Nina does some research about the trip to Glasgow, and later becomes fearful about Asha’s train journey. But it’s once she hears there are floods expected…

Hot on the heels of Phil’s decision to dump Kat comes a fresh bombshell this week – as he hands full control of his businesses over to Sharon! The Mitchell hard man is facing life behind bars, and is making some tough decisions as he puts his affairs in order. Yet after everything they’ve been through, why put Sharon in charge of his empire? “It’s mad to think that Phil started a new chapter with Kat – only to sign away his life to his ex,” points out our Walford insider. “However, when it comes to business, the very last thing that Phil needs is emotions getting in the way. Sharon’s steely resolve could be a useful asset, whereas Phil’s relationship with Kat is complicated, to say the least.” The…

Cain’s on the warpath once again this week, when he finds out that Belle is now dating Ellis, the son of his arch-enemy, Al! Belle and Ellis have been enjoying secret meet-ups for the past few weeks, knowing full-well that their families will react angrily once they find out. But the couple are well and truly busted after Cain spots them together at the Woolpack auction, and as predicted, he goes completely off the deep end… By contrast, Ellis’ father Al is totally onboard with his son’s new relationship, and even invites Ellis and Belle to join him and Kerry for dinner. It appears that Al’s own romance is going from strength to strength – so much so that he suggests to Kerry that they should find a place to…

Iain and Chrissie are forced together again this week, but will the pair admit their feelings for one another? When Iain learns he’s going on a shout with ex-girlfriend, Chrissie, he’s furious! And despite the fact that Chrissie attempts to apologise for her past behaviour, Iain refuses to listen. However, the pair end up treating a patient suffering from PTSD, which makes Chrissie upset… When their patient reveals her PTSD experience, Chrissie is forced to think about herself. Later, Iain pushes Chrissie to be honest with him about their break-up last year, and Chrissie at last reveals the truth – telling Iain that she’s been suffering from PTSD ever since he was badly injured last Christmas, and almost died in front of her. Will Iain forgive Chrissie for breaking his…

There’s a massive row between Suki and Eve this week, as they clash over Ash – and the police get involved. Officers are already in the Square responding to the complaints about Callum’s party (see p22) when they apprehend the two women. Tempers flare once Eve reveals to Suki that she’s been chatting to Ash following her departure from Walford. Although she’s attempting to be as cold and detached as usual, Suki is devastated by Ash’s decision to leave, and desperately misses having her daughter around. Eve has been a thorn in Suki’s side ever since she rocked up to join ‘wife’ Stacey. Suki can’t stand her, and strongly disapproves of the out and proud way that Eve lives her life. So, when Eve mentions Ash, Suki lashes out and…

You’d think EastEnders was sponsored by British Rail this week. We barely see the Square, as the residents drag their best wheelie-cases to all corners of the country. It’s all very 1999 for Ian and company as they head to Devon for the solar eclipse. They do say the journey of the moon does funny things to people, and that’s certainly true for Mel – she proposes to Ian! And that’s not the weird bit… the weird bit is that Ian turns her down! Gift horse, anyone? Elsewhere, Terry and Irene share a disastrous trip to the country, Natalie and Barry visit her mum – who turns out to be a real piece of work – and Bianca’s off to Manchester for an interview at fashion college. Yes, silver-puffa chic…

It’s not every day that ladies of a certain age get to enjoy the attentions of a hot, younger man. Of course, no one even blinks when older blokes date girls a generation down, but scorn pours forth if a woman does it. Widow Jenny Connor has found herself at the sharp end of this preposterous double standard just lately, with her much younger boyfriend Leo. Their age-gap relationship has raised plenty of eyebrows – even broadminded Carla’s perfectly threaded arches! But Corrie’s Sally Ann Matthew reckons that Jenny has every right to go for it – and enjoy every second… “It’s a story that hasn’t been done much before, which is nice,” says Sally Ann, who plays the reluctant cougar. “It’s always the other way around –Johnny was 15…

After two years away, The Good Karma Hospital has made a much-anticipated return – with life for the fiercely passionate Dr Lydia Fonseca (Amanda Redman) and her hard-working staff at the tropical Indian clinic as hectic and challenging as ever. While Dr Ruby Walker (Amrita Acharia) continues to struggle following the shock departure of her love Dr Gabriel Varma, newbie medics Dr Samir Hasan and Dr Nikita ‘Niki’ Sharma – played by Harki Bhambra and Rebecca Ablack – make a timely addition to the team. For Lydia and her beach-bar owning partner Greg McConnell (Neil Morrissey), meanwhile, romance still blooms – but with the medical drama’s fourth series now underway, their solid relationship is set to be tested… “Greg and Lydia are now happily living together in a new house…