Inside Soap UK December 5, 2015

The ghost of Christmas past comes back to haunt Tracy Barlow this fortnight, when her jailed ex-fiancé Rob Donovan sends her a prison visiting order. Tracy may be loved up with former hubby Robert now, but after she spots him getting into a cab with Leanne, her jealousy flares – and in a moment of madness, she decides to visit Rob! What does the convicted murderer want from her? “Rob feels he’s been hard done by, and wants a little bit of payback,” reveals actor Marc Baylis, who reprises his role as Rob this fortnight. “He’s had a lot of time to think about everything that’s happened, and ponder why he ended up where he is. He’s a bit colder than before, and there’s a nasty side to him. Rob’s…

While we’re delighted to see wicked Rob back on our screens, what we’re really waiting for is a proper face-off between him and sister Carla! And Marc promises we won’t be disappointed… “Rob and Carla will eventually have a reunion, yes,” he teases. “It’s not as straightforward for Rob as it was tempting Tracy and then Johnny to visit him, though. “It’s been awesome working with Ali King [Carla] and Kate Ford [Tracy] again, and I think the reason this storyline works is because we all get on so well together. We’re good mates, and it’s great to work with people who you not only respect, but can have a good catch-up with.”…

Pregnant Megan plans to make an escape from the village – and former hubby Jai – this fortnight. But when her friend Sam steps in to help her, it looks as if he’s gone too far after a fight breaks out between him and Jai, and the usually placid Sam takes his unconscious foe hostage… “Megan has no idea how far Sam will go out of loyalty to her,” explains Gaynor Faye, who plays her. “She wouldn’t want him to get into trouble on her behalf, and she’ll be annoyed by the risks he’s taken when she finds out. But at the same time, she’s eternally grateful that he wants to help her.” At the start of the fortnight, the pressure on Megan grows after Brenda works out that she’s…

“I love working with James – he’s brilliant,” beams the actress. “He’s just so much fun, and we have very deep conversations about life. “It can be strange, as we’re quite unlike Megan and Sam in our discussions before the camera starts rolling. He’s very easy, kind and generous, which is lovely, and I’m happy that the writers have put our characters into this unlikely friendship. Everyone seems to enjoy it.”…

Double agent Vincent continues with his mission to crush the Mitchells this fortnight – putting pressure on Ronnie to help stitch up Phil! It was recently revealed that Vincent has been working as a police informant – feeding the Organised Crime Unit with information to bring down Phil’s clan. Ronnie discovered what he was up to when Vincent used his connections to delay her being officially arrested for Carl White’s murder. So as he continues to remind her this fortnight that she owes him big-time, it looks as if Ronnie has no choice but to help him put her cousin behind bars… “It wasn’t part of the plan to get Ronnie involved, but Vincent’s gone a bit renegade!” explains our EastEnders insider. “He’s desperate to get Phil, but conflicted over…

Ross is struggling to juggle his new life with Debbie this fortnight – as her daughter Sarah plots to sabotage their relationship! Since Ross moved into Mulberry Cottage, his partner has been determined to see him and Sarah forge a proper bond. But when Debbie suggests the family bake cupcakes together, both the Barton bad boy and the girl are less than enthused. After Debbie makes her excuses and leaves them alone, Ross then steps up to the plate – eager to make amends with Sarah and Jack. However, the lass soon manipulates Ross into going out for more icing, and deliberately turns up the oven… “Ross understands that it’s difficult for Sarah seeing another man trying to play dad,” reveals our Dales insider. “Pete was a natural with Debbie’s…