Inside Soap UK September 26, 2015

We’re on the countdown to Christmas! No, don’t worry, I’m not buying my presents and wearing reindeer horns round the office (I wait till at least the third week of October for that) – but we have been busy putting together a preview of all the autumn plots. And as any dedicated soap fan knows, the autumn plots are where all the seeds of the blockbuster Christmas storylines are sown – so if you want to work out what you might be watching while full of turkey and cheer on Christmas evening, then turn straight to p16 and get yourself reading! Elsewhere this week, we reach the grand climax of poor Max’s trial in EastEnders, while Coronation Street sees Roy on a rather awkward date. And over in Emmerdale, everyone…

Innocent Max learns his fate this week, as Lucy Beale’s murder trial comes to a shock conclusion! The tension in court is unbearable while the people who know the truth about killer Bobby do everything they can to keep Max out of jail. But when the foreman of the jury stands to deliver the verdict, all they can do is pray for justice… “Max is extremely nervous,” reports actor Jake Wood, who plays the wrongfully accused man. “He didn’t kill Lucy and wants everyone to know it. The decision is out of his hands, though, and he just has to hope everything turns out okay.” COURT IN THE ACT Max’s court case has been a roller-coaster ride. The biggest shock came when Bobby’s adoptive mum, Jane, took to the witness…

After nine years of lying, cheating and general Branning debauchery, EastEnders actor Jake is looking forward to a well-earned rest. However, Max’s fans will be pleased to hear he’s not waving goodbye to Walford for good… “I think some viewers are disappointed, but I’ve always said that I’ll be coming back,” he assures Inside Soap. “When Max returns, I think I’d like to see him settle down. And if his ex-wife Tanya doesn’t come back, then he’ll need to get himself a new long-term partner!” It was Max’s relentless cheating that entered him into the Walford history books as one of the Square’s most shameless love rats. And Jake has nothing but fond memories of one of the most explosive moments EastEnders has ever seen. “The…

Emmerdale village is buzzing with doubt and suspicion this week, while Robert fights for his life in hospital. But as the police launch their investigation to unearth who shot him, which residents are firmly in their sights? Since more than one villager has a perfectly credible motive for wanting Robert dead, officers have a tough task on their hands as they attempt to get a lead. It’s not long before the boys in blue make progress and arrests start taking place – but then Lawrence steps forward to confess that he was the one who pulled the trigger on his soon-to-be ex-son-in-law! Is the right man in the frame? “Lawrence is definitely capable of murder,” insists John Bowe, who plays him. “He’s quite thin-skinned, and it doesn’t take much to…

CHRISSIE SUGDEN WHY? “Robert has betrayed Chrissie,” explains Louise Marwood, who plays Chrissie. “He’s lied to her so much that she doesn’t even know who she is any more – Robert has completely wrecked her entire life.” EVIDENCE Pollard refuses to corroborate her whereabouts on the night of the shooting – key information that could put her in the clear. But is he right to withhold this? LAWRENCE WHITE WHY? “Robert has tormented his family ever since they moved to Emmerdale,” says John. “Lawrence regarded Robert as the son he never had, but Robert’s trampled over everyone for the sake of his perverted needs.” EVIDENCE Before Robert was shot, he and Lawrence furiously argued after Robert admitted paying Connor to set him up. Did it push Mr White over the…

Romance is finally in the air for Roy and Cathy this week, as the couple step out for dinner together. Cathy is thrilled when Roy asks her out on a date at last, and they meet up in the Bistro in the hope of sharing an intimate dinner. But can the nervous couple manage to make a proper go of their new-found relationship? “Cathy starts off a bit panic-stricken!” admits Melanie Hill, who plays her. “The two of them have spent many an hour sitting chatting together in the café and at the allotment, but when Roy actually says it’s a date, it puts Cathy into a bit of a spin. She does go a little OTT on the dressing-up front.” While Cathy’s flapping about getting dolled up, her new…