Inside Soap UK 38 - 2022

Suddenly, soapland is full of secret meetings: hastily convened in draughty ginnels, parked cars and magazine editorials… I glance nervously over my shoulder. Who might have seen us here? Can we be overheard? Cos this is my life we’re talkin’ about! Do you know what will happen to me if we’re caught? So let me get one thing straight… You want soap secrets? Well, I ain’t telling you nuffin’! I ain’t no grass! “Does Spider’s boss have an axe to grind?” Sorry! I came over all Phil Mitchell for a moment, as it were. But it ain’t… sorry, isn’t just Phil who’s turned informant of late, as now we learn that poor Spider in Corrie is under pressure to dish the dirt on Toyah – with the added twist that…

First with the week’s HOTTEST headlines This is the horrifying moment when Gary is told to dig his own grave – after vengeful Kelly orders his murder! Upon finally learning that Gary killed her father, Rick Neelan, raging Kelly decides that Gary shall pay with his life and hires two hit men to bump him off. However, her plan backfires horribly when Kelly herself winds up in deadly danger – and then someone is shot… “All the good morals that Kelly has gained over the years are completely wiped from her memory when she finds out that Gary killed her dad,” explains actress Millie Gibson, who plays Kelly. “Her whole world was completely shattered when her mum Laura passed away, but finding this out about Gary is way worse. Kelly…

How does it feel to be finally tying up this storyline, Mikey? I can still remember Kelly coming into the show four years ago, as a schoolgirl, and here we are four years on, ending where it all started. It’s been a real pleasure. Does Gary worry that if he saves Kelly, she’ll shop him to the police? When they’re up on the roof, he will happily go over the edge for her. Whether Gary dies or not is of no consequence to him, he’s just looking to save Kelly. The very last scene of the week was emotional to film, shall we say. I won’t forget it in a hurry. What’s been the best thing about working with Millie? She’s an amazing girl. I’m so proud of what she’s…

Scheming Janine is thrown a huge curveball in her battle for Mick this week – when she finds out that she’s expecting his baby! After she faints while caring for her poorly daughter Scarlett, Janine ends up in hospital, and is gobsmacked when the doctor reveals the news that she’s pregnant. But is a baby the trump card Janine needs to truly win Mick’s heart? Or could it send him running back into Linda’s arms? “At first glance this appears to be the next step in Janine’s wicked scheme to keep Mick all to herself!” gasps our Walford spy. “But in actual fact it comes as a complete surprise to her. Having a baby with Mick wasn’t even on her radar – so the big question is: now that she’s…

BBC1 MONDAY Linda is hoping for some positive baby news of her own this week, as she heads to court to find out if she’ll be granted custody of her infant daughter Annie. Linda is still unaware that it was Janine’s plotting that led to her beloved little girl being taken away from her; however, the minx’s scheme backfired on her when Mick ended up with temporary custody of Annie instead! Linda’s nervous as she heads to court, hoping her pricey new legal eagle will be worth the money, and that the hearing will go her way. So will the court realise that Linda poses no danger to her daughter? Or might Annie end up staying with Mick for longer than Janine anticipated?…

Things between Liam and wife Leyla remain difficult this week – and things only get worse when Liam locks lips with his ex, Bernice! The secrets and lies surrounding Leyla’s coke habit have driven a big wedge between her and hubby Liam – but while she's working hard to stay clean, the emotional wounds may prove harder to heal. So, the pair both look for support as they confide their fears in their closest friends. But while Priya’s words seem to help Leyla, Liam only makes the situation more awkward – when a chat with Bernice sees him make a move on her… “Poor Liam really needs a shoulder to cry on” “Poor Liam really needs a shoulder to cry on,” says our Dales insider. “Bernice may have her faults,…