Inside Soap UK 23 - 2016

We’ve all got our favourite soap characters, and they’re not always the ones who are caught up in the big blockbuster murder plots or the latest thrilling stunt. There are characters who are equally entertaining when all they do is walk in and order a coffee. They may not get their fair share of the drama – but thanks to great acting and true-to-life characterisation, they don’t always need to. One of my very favourites is Emmerdale’s Bernice White. I love her ditziness, that she is so wonderfully selfish but never nasty (okay, she’s a little scathing from time to time, but wonderfully so), and that no matter how much heartbreak she gets from men, she’ll pop on a full face of make-up and refuse to give up on romance.…

“ IAN WAS LOSING THE WILL TO LIVE WHERE BOBBY WAS CONCERNED ” It’s the moment of truth for Bobby Beale this week, as he stands before a judge charged with assaulting mum Jane – as well as the unlawful killing of his sister, Lucy. All eyes are on the troubled lad as he must choose whether or not to plead guilty. Will Bobby finally face justice for his terrible crimes – or is there a shocking twist in the tale still to come? “The facts speak for themselves – Bobby took a life and came very close to ending Jane’s as well,” sighs our Square insider. “Even if he escapes punishment, there’s every chance this vicious cycle will keep repeating itself. On the other hand, how will Bobby cope…

With Bobby officially named as Lucy’s killer, it can only be a matter of time before innocent Max Branning is freed from jail. And soon-to-return actor Jake Wood, who plays him, knows exactly how he’d like to make his big Walford comeback… “Hopefully Max will get out and cause some havoc,” he laughs. “I’d like to see him go after Ian for setting him up. Hopefully he’ll come out of jail looking for revenge!” Meanwhile, actor Adam Woodyatt has confessed he’d be happy to see alter ego Ian punished for perverting the course of justice – even if it means going to jail. “We could always build a prison set,” suggests the EastEnders stalwart. “As long as the bed is comfy, I wouldn’t mind!”…

“ BILLY IS ASKED TO CONDUCT THE SERVICE OF THE MAN HE THINKS RAPED SARAH ” Unstable Sarah makes a massive mistake this week – as she decides to attend the funeral of her murdered ex-lover Callum! Consumed with guilt over her part in his death, and driven to the point of madness by the belief that Callum is haunting her, Sarah thinks that going to pay her respects may help her to move on. Quite rightly, her worried friend Billy thinks that is a terrible idea, with both he and Todd suspecting that Sarah is Callum’s killer. So when she arrives for the ceremony, it’s hard for Billy to maintain his composure… “Billy doesn’t know what actually went on with Callum and Sarah that night, but he’s made his…

Callum’s funeral isn’t the only drama for Billy this week – as he confesses to stunned Todd that he’s fallen for him hook, line and sinker! The two men have been getting closer since Billy was forced to tell Todd the truth about his brother, Lee. And this week, Sean discovers what his boyfriend has been hiding from him and ends their relationship in a rage. “Billy’s gutted,” sighs Daniel. “Sean is hurt Billy didn’t tell him, and that in turn hurts Billy. He didn’t go out of his way to say nothing – there just wasn’t a right moment.” Sean has been worried about how Billy feels about him for a while. His boyfriend has been very distant lately – and when Sean spies Todd comforting Billy, he jumps…

“ MAYBE NORRIS OR ROY SHOULD BE THE ONE TO BRING DOWN PHELAN! ” Frustrated Jason takes out his fury on David this week, accusing the Platts of framing him for Callum’s murder to cover their own tracks. But the real drama comes as the police close in on the murder weapon – a wrench in Tony’s tool bag – and scheming Phelan decides it’s time to get involved. Coronation Street star Connor McIntyre tells Inside Soap more… Does Phelan genuinely care about Jason? Although he likes Jason, he doesn’t really care. He just views Jason’s grief as an opportunity. None of this stuff is going to get in the way of what he wants to achieve! Phelan hides Tony’s tool bag,…