Inside Soap UK 29 - 2022

Though I never expected it, I’ve become a fan of the weekly ‘box-set’ release of EastEnders on BBC iPlayer. It’s unexpected because I’m a traditionalist when it comes to how soaps should be broadcast. They’re supposed to be little slices of life; so no more than one episode a day please, and no longer than 25 minutes. (I can’t get the hang of the hour-long Corries at all.) But there’s something about the relentless duff-duff cliffhanger-y format of EastEnders that suits the “Oh maybe just one more” gluttony of modern streaming. My guess is Corrie and Emmerdale will start to ‘box-set’ with the new ITVX service later this year – offering a week of episodes for an extra subscription fee. I’ll have to be careful that Auntie Mabel – always…

Hero Gary flies to Kelly’s aid this week – after she’s kidnapped and held hostage by two men threatening to murder her! It’s a race against the clock for Gary, who finds out that the thugs want £50,000 in return for sparing Kelly’s life. However, the brutes clearly don’t know who they’re dealing with, as a violent showdown ensues – and the killer in Gary boils to the surface… “The situation mirrors what happened between Gary and Kelly’s dad, Rick,” explains Mikey North, who plays Gary. “The bad guy was threatening his family [aka Sarah and Bethany], leaving Gary no choice but to kill Rick. “This time, it’s Kelly who is in danger, and Gary has come to think of her as a daughter,” adds the star. “Gary said he…

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF! Gary tampering with Underworld’s building repairs started his journey to the dark side, after the factory roof caved in and killed bride Rana. THE POLITICIAN’S WIFE! Gary has been a great support to Maria during her political journey. He’d happily share any gossip on rival Sally! GRAVE DIGGER! Gary put Rick in the ground after the gangster threatened to kill him, Sarah and Bethany. The pair fought, before Gary bludgeoned Rick with a shovel. THEIR HERO! Gary has taken Kelly under his wing – and he’s seamlessly settled into the role as Liam’s stepdad. He’s also protective of his adopted sister, Faye. LOAN SHARK! Ryan and Derek were casualties of Gary’s money-lending service. Ryan got beaten, while Derek’s desperation led to a shooting. FUN-TIME GARY! Through…

Traumatised Ben cracks and admits his part in Jags’ death this week – after sinking so low that he hits his own mum and takes drugs! Ben has been spiralling out of control since Lewis’ attack, and none of his loved ones can get through to him. But after pushing his family away, Ben is overcome with guilt when Kheerat tries to help – and reveals that he’s the reason his brother is dead… “Ben blurts out that he killed Jags, and the Panesars can’t believe what they’re hearing!” reveals our Walford insider. “Ben’s been living with that guilt for over a year. He can’t bear the family being so kind to him when Jags’ tragic passing was his fault. He needs them to know the truth about why their…

Kathy turning her back on Ben is a crushing blow – however, can she really walk away from her boy when he’s in so much pain? Ben also approaches Phil to talk this week, but his dad is too busy with other business to be able to spare the time for him. Though when Phil later spots Ben clearly high on drugs, he’s quick to share his concerns with Kathy. And the parents are left even more worried when they hear that their son has been in a fight… Meanwhile, Kheerat approaches Callum and tells him that Ben’s in a bad way, suggesting that Cal may want to check in on his estranged hubby. Will Callum finally reach out to Ben and give him the chance to explain himself? And…

There’s a truly terrifying moment for Amelia this week, as she blacks out while she’s looking after baby Thomas – resulting in her dropping him! The teen has just returned from visiting Noah in prison when her vision blurs – yet she still agrees to babysit Thomas and Lucas. What happens next is catastrophic as Amelia becomes disorientated and faints – before both she and Thomas hit the floor… “This isn’t the first time Amelia has blacked out; but this time, she might have seriously injured a small child!” gasps our Dales insider. “It’s no secret that Amelia has been taking dodgy medication that she bought online in order to gain weight, and that’s most likely what’s caused this blackout. But what happens next could change her life forever.” “What…