Inside Soap UK 1 - 2019

If you’re reading these words, I can only assume that you survived another Christmas – so, congratulations! How did it go for you? Was it a traditional one? “Now, our thoughts turn to 2019…” Did your partner organise a surprise wedding ceremony on Christmas Day, causing you to faint dead away in shock? Or did your cousin tell you that your husband was the secret father of her newborn baby? Or, perhaps, you’ve become obsessed with the idea that your old mum is about to fall prey to her con artist lover who looks suspiciously like Nigel Havers? (If, in fact, all three of these things happened, then do write and let us know, as our sister magazine Real People would love to hear from you.) But so much for…

There’s a proper old-fashioned Dingle bust-up in store this week, as long-lost relative Mandy makes a very unexpected appearance in the middle of Marlon and Jessie’s wedding! The fur starts to fly when Mandy’s sudden return sparks a jealous row with fuming Chas, whose partner, Paddy, is Mandy’s ex-husband – but there’s more drama brewing… Another bombshell is set to explode once it transpires that Mandy has a 16-year-old son in tow. And since Mandy left the village around 17 years ago, having enjoyed one final fling with Paddy before moving away, could that mean that Paddy is about to find out he’s a daddy? “Mandy now has a son – and a bit of money…” “I can’t tell you why Mandy’s chosen now to come back – but it’s…

Welcome back to the Dales, Lisa! Does it feel as if you’ve never been away? It’s been brill – but it’s really weird! The schedule is very different now. Although they’ve been kind and eased me in slowly, so it’s great. Mandy put me on the map, and I had seven wonderful years at Emmerdale which I cherish, so it’s been lovely to get a glimpse of what’s happened to Mandy since. How did the offer to return come about? I had a secret meeting, and once bosses told me the story it didn’t take me long to think about it. It won’t be what viewers expect! Was it the story that tempted you back? It wasn’t the storyline – I’m the type of person who can’t leave anything open-ended.…

While Paddy and Mandy share a passionate backstory, Dominic Brunt, who plays the shocked vet, insists that Paddy’s moved on… “Paddy and Mandy do have a little flirt, and he remembers how well they got along – but he completely and utterly loves Chas,” insists Dominic. “Especially after everything they’ve been through, he doesn’t want to lose her.” That’s all well and good, although should Vinnie turn out to be Paddy’s son, what then? “Paddy’s that dim, all that goes over his head – even after he meets Vinnie,” grins the star. “The story could go in any direction, and the opportunities are endless. I’m chuffed to have Lisa – and Mandy – back. Me and Lisa have stayed friends, and it’s like she’s never been away!”…

The race is on to catch out con man Duncan this week, as Gina and Tim launch a bid to get Sally freed from prison. Determined Gina is confident that if she and her brother-in-law can get into the scheming criminal’s home, they’ll find the evidence needed to exonerate Sally – and so she heads off to break in. Meanwhile, Tim spots Duncan visiting Imran’s law office, and decides to follow his arch-enemy home. However, with oblivious Gina combing through the house, the fella’s arrival means she has to hide under his bed. But just as it looks as though Duncan will catch her, furious Tim starts beating down his door! “Duncan gives chase – and Tim is forced to take drastic action!” “All Tim’s anger and frustration come out,…

As her family fights to free her, Sally’s ordeal inside gets worse, when new inmate Marcia attacks her! Marcia beats Sally after a warden searches their cell for drugs, which leaves the crim convinced that she was ratted out. It doesn’t matter how much Sal protests her innocence, Marcia won’t stop – and it’s clear Sal’s life is going to be made a living hell… When Tim rings after being told by the prison that his wife has been hurt, Sally’s in a terrible state. It’s obvious that she can’t take much more, and drug-dealing Marcia could be the death of her. Can poor Sally survive this nightmare scenario?…