Inside Soap UK 15 - 2022

“We’re all set for a week at Hotten Crown Court” Oh, I do love a soap courtroom drama. They’re a favourite of Emmerdale and Corrie, and a nice time away from staff rotas at the Woolpack, or the struggles of little Sam in Weatherfield – who is currently enduring the tramautic fallout from the fact that someone in the Corrie story team watched that Netflix chess drama during lockdown. So, we’ve packed our potted meat sandwiches for a week in Hotten Crown Court, as judgement day arrives for Meena Jutla – who we can surely rely on to stage a spectacular circus. Of course, it’s interesting that Meena is facing trial at all, as it’s usually a sign that it’s far from the end of the story; just another setback…

Tension is at fever pitch in Emmerdale this week, as serial killer Meena’s trial begins – and the scheming psychopath tries to hoodwink the jury! As predicted, the manipulative madam has a grand plan in play, and intends to fight like hell to win her freedom. Witnesses Manpreet and Liam are desperate to prove she’s a cold-blooded killer, but it’s no cut-and-dry case. Instead, they are about to face another terrible ordeal as Meena goes all-out to destroy their reputations and composure… “In Meena’s mind, she’s going to blow them all away!” laughs Paige Sandhu, who plays the Dales villainess. “Of course, the jury are going to believe her above everyone else who’s taking the stand. She reckons she’ll probably get away with it, too, because she’s Meena, and she…

There’s a massive shock for Toyah this week, when Imran vows to fight for custody of baby Alfie – and asks her to be the boy’s mum! The truth about Imran’s fling with Abi has ripped his family apart, but Imran believes they can make a go of it if Toyah accepts his proposal. She’s already in turmoil, having been forced to say goodbye to little Elsie following her split from Imran – so, when he makes the suggestion that they raise Alfie together, Toyah is stunned… “This is the scenario that Toyah has always dreamed of – bringing up a baby with the man she loves,” explains our Corrie insider. “Little Alfie needs stability, and Imran believes that he can give his son the life he deserves. He knows…

These big-hearted soap favourites became a step-parent after discovering their partner had a secret child. Despite the early drama, they all found a way to make it work… MARTIN FOWLER It cut Martin deep to discover his best friend Kush was baby Arthur’s biological father, as Stacey was recovering from postpartum psychosis. However, with Stacey so ill, the two men rallied round, and both became dad to their precious little boy. NICOLA KING Nicola stepped into the maternal breach not once, but twice, after Jimmy’s ex Kelly rocked up with a secret son – then fertility clinic client Juliette had his baby. Both birth mums caused drama for the Kings, but Nicola still loves Elliot and Carl as if they were her own. NICK TILSLEY When he got back together…

Jean makes a bold attempt to win back ex Harvey this week – by getting down on one knee and asking him to marry her! The couple broke up recently in the wake of Jean’s erratic behaviour, but when she catches a wedding bouquet, Jean has a light-bulb moment. She heads straight round to Harvey’s and issues him with a surprise proposal – however, will the stunned bloke say yes to becoming her hubby? “Jean’s romantic gesture comes completely out of the blue, and Harvey isn’t expecting it at all,” confirms our Walford insider. “As far as he’s concerned at this point, their relationship is done – though it’s obvious he still cares very deeply for Jean. But is it enough for him to throw caution to the wind and…

While Jean’s seemingly on cloud nine, troubled Harvey has much bigger things on his mind than whether to accept her proposal. The cabbie is left shaken this week when far-right gang member Neil gets into his taxi, and issues him with a shocking threat! With the terrifying incident playing on his mind, Harvey’s in no mood to discuss getting back together with Jean when she initially approaches him. Later, Dana picks up on her dad’s odd mood, while Rocky is convinced that Dana herself is hiding something. After he questions her, Dana opens up to Rocky, although makes him promise to keep quiet. However, big-mouth Rocky just can’t help himself, and attempts to ‘mime’ to Harvey what’s really going on! So with Dana’s secrets and Aaron’s so-called pal Neil issuing…