Inside Soap UK 12 - 2017

“Two storylines will blow up this week!” There are a couple of storylines this week that are about to blow up in a huge way – both leading to massive consequences for the characters involved. But while the Barlows’ troubles in Corrie and EastEnders’ Michelle’s scandalous affair are keeping us busy, the great thing about soaps is that there are always other plots on the verge of springing into life. Who knows where Jai’s new friendship with fellow addict Nell might take him in the Dales? Knowing Jai, we imagine it will be right in the way of trouble. Then there’s Weatherfield’s Sally, who ends up being the victim of a vindictive troll this week. Are we heading for a full-blown new nightmare on Coronation Street as this story unfolds?…

There’s explosive drama on the cobbles this week , as tensions within the Barlow clan escalate out of control – with shocking consequences for the entire family! Relations between Ken and his brood have hit an all-time low in recent weeks , to the point where members of the clan are barely speaking to one another – and when they do, it usually ends in an almighty argument. As the Barlow patriarch, it’s Ken’s job to bring his loved ones together when times get tough. But that’s a lot easier said than done when he can’t even bear to look at them… “It’s amazing the difference a few months can make,” muses our Weatherfield insider. “As 2017 got under way, it looked as though the Barlows were stronger than ever…

The Thomas family face a horrifying new development in Ashley’s health problems this week, as he starts coughing up blood. Laurel and the family have only just recovered from the ordeal of Ashley going missing from his care home when the terrifying discovery is made. The doctors warn them that this is a serious matter and that Ashley is in real danger. So, as Laurel tries to pull the family together to support her husband, will they have to face the fact that this could be the beginning of the end? BACK TOGETHER At the beginning of the week, Laurel dares to enjoy a moment of happiness as she and Ashley spend time at the care home together. She’s so relieved that he was found safe and is back where…

Actor John Middleton has already filmed his final scenes, so it’s clear that Ashley’s illness this week is very much the beginning of the end for Laurel’s beloved husband. But while we must all be prepared to cry a river as the Thomas family say their goodbyes, Emmerdale producer Iain MacLeod has told us that Ashley’s death will also be an opportunity to remember the good times… “This story is desperately sad, so we wanted to give Ashley the best possible death,” he explains. “It will be warm and funny, festive and boisterous. “And I think Ashley’s funeral will be talked about for quite some time to come. It’s quirky!”…

The shocking truth about Michelle’s relationship with Preston is laid bare this week – as the Fowler family finally discover why she fled America. Michelle is in turmoil as Preston plays games with her and Bex – making Michelle a participant in a bizarre love triangle with her own niece. However, a dramatic twist this week reveals the truth to all of Walford, and now Martin and Bex know exactly what sort of woman Michelle is… “Michelle thought that running away from America would save her from the consquences of their affair, but the Preston problem won’t go away!” says our EastEnders insider. “Now that he’s here, she’s in even more trouble. Dennis is blackmailing her, Bex is falling for Preston, and he is loving every minute of the drama…

IN THE USA Michelle and Preston were living in Florida at the time of their affair, and the legal age of consent in that state is 18. This law means that Michelle committed a second degree felony – a serious crime carrying a minimum sentence of four years. The charge would likely be criminal sexual conduct. But as a person in a position of power, teacher Michelle would probably face a tougher sentence of approximately 12 years in jail. IN THE UK The legal age of consent in the UK is 16. So while Michelle’s antics with Preston in Walford are troubling, they are not illegal. However, if Michelle had been Preston’s teacher here, it would still have been an abuse of a position of trust, and Michelle could have…