Inside Soap UK 32 - 2022

I’m thrilled by the news of a special episode of EastEnders exploring the tempestuous middle ages of the great Peggy Mitchell (see p12 for details). Some commentators have already alleged that this concept is something of a steal from Emmerdale; who, a few years ago, memorably took us back to the 80s childhoods of Cain and Chas, and the struggles of their mum Faith. “EastEnders has a rich history of time travel” However, those of us with longer memories will recall that EastEnders has a rich history of time-travel specials. 1988’s Civvy Street showed us a young Lou Beale and Ethel Skinner drawing on their nylons in a bomb-ravaged Walford of World War II. Then Pat And Mo (2004) showed us Walford icons ‘Fat’ Pat and ‘Big’ Mo back in…

Marlon reaches a huge milestone this week, when he takes his first big steps following his stroke – and walks down the aisle to meet his blushing bride, Rhona! In what’s sure to be an emotional ceremony, Marlon and Rhona finally exchange vows in front of their loved ones to become Mr and Mrs Dingle. But their big day isn’t without its share of drama… “Marlon falls while on his stag do, and Paddy has to take him to hospital!” reveals Mark Charnock, who plays the groom. “The worry is that he’s had another stroke, so they have to keep him in overnight before the wedding. It’s just horrific for Marlon, and he’s in denial about it. The only thing that matters to him is getting through his wedding day.”…

Viewers may recall that Priya and Marlon made a touching pact recently – that if he took his first steps on his wedding day, she would don a backless dress and take centre stage on the dance floor. It’s a massive deal for Priya, who hasn’t uncovered the scars on her back since she was injured in the fire started by serial killer Meena. But she sticks to her agreement with Marlon, and throws caution to the wind… “I thought those were lovely scenes, Marlon and Priya are each other’s prop to lean on,” says Mark. “He’s really determined to push her to keep the pact. He knows he’s going to try to do it, but Priya’s a bit more iffy about it. “Marlon really admires Priya because of what…

BBC1 TUESDAY All hell breaks loose for Suki this week, after evil Ranveer tries to force himself on her. Determined Suki has been working with the businessman to launch the GP surgery – but after Ranveer makes it clear what he wants in return, a violent confrontation ends with Suki standing over his body… “Suki’s strong and formidable – but she is not equipped to handle an over-privileged man on a power trip,” explains our Walford insider. “Ranveer corners her at home, and she’s forced to act in self-defence.” In the lead-up to the attack, Suki’s under financial pressure – Kheerat and Vinny are drifting away from their mum after learning the truth about Jags’ death, and Suki’s on her own as she fails to negotiate a deal for the…

Do... Strike while the iron’s hot! Like Suki, terrified Little Mo reached for the nearest object when evil husband Trevor attacked. The weapon just happened to be Pauline’s iron, but it just wasn’t enough to smooth out Trevor, who miraculously survived! Don't... Forget to check for a pulse! When evil Gavin attempted to blackmail Claudette, our Miss Scarlett went full Cluedo on him with the candlestick in the drawing room. She dragged his body to the cellar, but the old snake slithered off into the night! Do... Find a willing scapegoat! Poor Matthew was in the wrong place at the wrong time when his boss Steve clobbered unhinged ex, Saskia, to death with an ashtray. After convincing Matt to help him bury the body, Steve framed the DJ for a…

ITV FRIDAY Friendship turns to passion for ex-lovers Toyah and Spider this week, when they end up in bed together! Toyah instigates things after she leans in for a kiss, and Spider is quick to reciprocate. It’s a shocking development given that Toyah is awaiting trial for the murder of her late husband Imran. And it also appears that Spider is hiding something big from his ex… “Toyah isn’t thinking straight – her emotions are all over the place right now,” explains Georgia Taylor, who plays the widowed woman. “She’s grateful for the distraction that Spider brings and the kindness – Toyah latches on to that because she’s so vulnerable at the moment.” The nightmare of the past few weeks has left Toyah feeling isolated and alone; Imran’s grieving loved…