Inside Soap UK 15 - 2019

Soaps often highlight social and health issues in their storylines, and can be a great way to inform viewers or start debates on the topics. But it’s off-screen events that have recently drawn attention to one particular condition. “We all grew up with Barbara Windsor…” We’ve all been moved by the news of Barbara Windsor’s Dementia diagnosis. After all, we grew up with Babs, and the thought of that sparkly personality being somehow dampened just seems impossible. Her friends have also been clearly affected by Babs’ battle, and they’ve rallied to fund-raise by running this year’s London Marathon in aid of Dementia Revolution. We spoke to the lovely Emma Barton (Walford’s Honey), who told us why cause so to her heart. Elsewhere this week, we have some great news for…

It looks as though Harriet is in grave danger this week, when her stalker lures her to the village church and then locks her in! “Harriet’s in sheer panic, the church is her safe place and suddenly it becomes a very threatening venue,” shares Katherine Dow Blyton, who plays the victimised vicar. “Somebody has been in the church, and they’ve taken her keys and locked her in. It’s very spooky – just as it was for us when we filmed it!” It’s becoming increasingly clear following recent events that somebody has it in for Harriet, and her good friend Bob is sure that he knows who it is. He’s had his eye on Dawn for a while, but when he spots her on the phone at the same time that…

She joined the cast of Emmerdale back in 2013, and Katherine says that she’s still surprised by some revelations about her alter ego, Harriet. Not many people can boast of seducing both Ashley Thomas and Cain Dingle, but Harriet’s always been a unique woman, and this latest chapter of her story is no less extraordinary. “I’m loving it,” enthuses Katherine. “I think having Harriet be a vicar who is also a former police officer is such a rich thing to explore. I’ve been here for more than five years now, and I’m still discovering things about the character.” Viewers have been speculating about the identity of her stalker, given Harriet’s colourful past – and her history with troubled Dawn. “Do I think viewers will be surprised when they discover the…

Phil’s worst nightmare looks set to come true this week, as his daughter Louise is targeted by dangerous Midge. The Mitchell hard man is in big trouble with the criminals he crossed in Spain, and now Midge is hanging around in Walford, waiting to pounce! He’s already made contact with Louise, but she’s so busy mooning after Keanu that she didn’t pay much attention to the creepy fellow. However, as the pressure mounts on Phil, Midge starts to circle the oblivious lass. “Phil isn’t normally the one in the firing line, it’s usually him doing the menacing!” muses our Walford insider. “But now the Spanish gang is after him, he’s in dire straits and quickly running out of options. They’ve already threatened Louise’s safety once, and Phil is utterly terrified…

Jay’s hopes of a happy-ever-after with Lola are under threat this week – as Ben goes all out to derail their romance. The last thing Ben needs is for Lola to fall for Jay again, distracting her from their plan to swindle Phil. But having spent some time with Jay, Lola’s loyalties are shifting, and Ben finds it difficult to get her back on side. At the same time, he’s trying to manipulate his dad into a dodgy deal, and he has a moment of triumph this week when Phil agrees. However, just as Ben thinks he has his father right where he wants him, Phil breaks the news that Keanu is going to be on the team too. This is a curveball that Ben wasn’t expecting – and he’s…

Legal eagle Imran ends up on the wrong side of the law himself this week – as he’s accused of breaking into Wayne’s car! The incident comes about after Imran confronts the health and safety inspector, furious that Carla has done a runner before she can be brought to justice over the Underworld roof collapse. But when Wayne catches him trying to pocket the official report into the accident, has Imran got himself in big trouble? “Imran’s still devastated over his sister Rana’s tragic death, and he’s desperate to find someone to blame for it,” reasons our cobbles insider. “He’s adamant that Carla is culpable, as she knew the roof needed fixing, yet did nothing about it – and he’s raging that she’s been allowed to abscond! But taking things…