Inside Soap UK 6 - 2017

We all love a soap romance – watching our favourites flirt, fornicate and do ‘for better or for worse’, before a flamin’ big fight breaks out and it’s all over a year later. So romance and romantic dramas form the backbone of this Valentine’s issue of Inside Soap. In EastEnders, it seems Michelle has a mystery admirer, and we speculate on whether there’s something brewing between her and a certain Mr Branning. Corrie sees geeky Daniel – surely soap’s most unlikely Lothario – fight for his new-found love, while in Emmerdale we see the darker side of passion. Finn goes to desperate measures over Kasim (Finn, sweetheart, he’s just not that into you!), and Rhona finds herself falling further under Pierce’s control – but not before she shares a kiss…

Bethany falls even further under sinister Nathan’s spell this week. First, he seduces her – then he pleads with her to lie to the police for him! Having reeled in Bethany with compliments about how beautiful she is, Nathan seals the deal with a passionate kiss. Blinded by love, the vulnerable teenager can’t believe how lucky she is to have attracted the attention of this handsome older man. But things quickly take a dark turn when the very next day, Nathan asks her to give him an alibi as the police investigate him for kidnap. “Nathan really needs this alibi,” explains Chris Harper, who plays the Corrie villain. “It’s not just because this thing with the police has come up against his plans. However, if Bethany provides him with one,…

SARAH Mum Sarah has proved she will do anything to protect her girl. At present, she thinks Mel and Nathan are good people, but if she follows Bethany’s online career, she will smell a rat. Heaven help Nathan then. GARY Gary wouldn’t think twice about giving Nathan a beating if he found out the truth. But in the past, Gary’s violent reactions have left him in trouble, with the criminal escaping scot-free. DAVID As a manipulator himself, David could spot a wrong’un a mile off. Right now, he is too consumed by his own issues to see what’s going on with his niece. But his bond with Shona could lead him to learning the truth. SHONA Street newcomer Shona clearly has a history with Nathan, and she knows just what…

“IT’S HARD TO KNOW WHO MICHELLE WOULD LIKE THE KIND GESTURE TO BE FROM” Valentine’s Day delivers a big shock to Michelle Fowler this week, just as she tries to put her romantic disasters behind her. Ever since she arrived back in Walford, Michelle has struggled to be honest about the state of her marriage and what’s been going on in America. Only Sharon now knows the truth – that her pal was fired from her teaching job after sleeping with a 17-year-old student. Despite Michelle’s incessant calls, hubby Tim isn’t interested in hearing her apologies about betraying him and bringing shame on their good name. Son Mark is also refusing to pick up the phone to her, leaving Michelle to believe she has nothing left in the US. So…

Since Michelle walked back into Albert Square, one scene has had fans the most intrigued. Not long after returning, she and Max shared a few quiet words in the café, and the chemistry between them left viewers convinced that it will soon lead to something more. Now it’s been revealed that Max has a revenge plot brewing for those who have wronged him, we know there’s a whole lot of drama ahead. So could Michelle get caught up with the Branning Lothario, and find herself right in the middle of it all? “You don’t bring back a character like Michelle and take the chance of casting a new actress – something audiences often take against – unless you have a great story to tell,” states our spy. “And Max looks…

“IT’S NO WONDER THAT LAUREL IS TEMPTED TO TURN TO THE BOTTLE AGAIN” Laurel teeters on the brink of total disaster this week, as the devastating consequences of Ashley’s illness drive his other half to considering drinking again. Alcoholic Laurel is tempted when she spots a glass of prosecco left unattended in the Woolpack. Despite being on the wagon for a long time now, the struggling mum wonders if a glass of fizz will take the edge off the stress she’s feeling. But just as she’s about to make the huge mistake of having a drink, she’s disturbed by Bernice. “This is exactly the nightmare that those who love Laurel have feared,” says our Emmerdale insider. “She has coped with so much during Ashley’s dementia battle so far, while also…