Innholdsfortegnelse for 50 - 2022 i Inside Soap UK

One of the many Dot took under her wing over the years was homeless Disa O’Brien, who arrived on the Square after meeting runaway Diane Butcher back in 1990. Along with Kathy, Dot helped Disa sort out her life. We haven’t seen her for over 30 years, but Disa’s back to pay her respects to Dot and for an emotional reunion with Kathy. And actress Jan Graveson wouldn’t miss it for the world… Hi, Jan. Did you and June stay close after you left the show? Our friendship lasted until the very end. We had the same birthday, which she always talked about. In times of trouble, I’ve gone to June, stayed over at her house. I’ve done a lot of work for animal welfare, and June always came to…

Daniel is thrown into turmoil this week, after his girlfriend Daisy finds a lump in her breast. The widower lost his wife Sinead to cancer just three years ago, and while he tries to support Daisy when she makes an appointment with the doctor, he can’t escape the feeling that the tragedy is happening all over again… “It’s Daniel’s worst nightmare, that this would happen to him or to someone else that he cares about,” explains Rob Mallard, who plays him. “What’s doubly worse is this is someone who Bertie is growing closer to, a second chance of a mother figure for him, and yet again this woman he loves might be struck down with cancer. It triggers all the responses you might expect.” Daisy will take this as a…

It doesn’t sound as if the course of true love will run smoothly for two EastEnders lovebirds! Actor Brian Conley, who plays Rocky, is chuffed that his alter ego popped the question to Kathy, albeit accidentally! However, he concedes the con man’s track record doesn’t bode well… “I’m really glad that Rocky has plucked up the courage, but watch this space,” teases the Walford star. “If I know Rocky, it’s going to be a bumpy ride! “That said, I was really chuffed when I found out I’d be singing Have I Told You Lately That I Love You? for the engagement scene, as it’s so romantic,” adds Brian. “He’s not quite in the same league as me, romance-wise – because I proposed to my wife dressed as a knight in…

Fiz comes dangerously close to rumbling Tyrone’s secret wedding plans this week, when she walks in on Gemma modelling her bridal gown! Ty has thrown himself into arranging the hush-hush ceremony, and he can’t wait to see his future wife’s face when he surprises her with it on Christmas Day. However, judging by the look on Fiz’s face when she spots the dress he’s picked out, Tyrone has a lot to learn about fashion… “At this point, Fiz has no idea that the dress is for her wedding – but she reckons it’s hideous!” chuckles our cobbles insider. “Tyrone has already shown the gown to Kevin and Abi, who’ve both bluntly pointed out that Fiz is going to hate it. Though what does Tyrone expect when he enlists Gemma’s services…

Frustrated bride-to-be Janine lays down the law to her groom Mick this week – get your ex-wife out of our pub! The atmosphere in the boozer is completely toxic following Janine’s revelation that she’ll marry Mick before Christmas. She’s sick of seeing Linda wherever she turns at home and work, and tells Mick things have to change soon. But when she suggests getting a bank loan to buy Linda out of the Vic, Mick’s rattled. “The Vic was Mick and Linda’s dream, and it’s incredibly hard for either of them to let that go,” shares our Square spy. “But Mick knows that Janine’s patience is running out and that they can’t continue like this. The problem is that when he talks to Linda, he’s left in no doubt that the…

Jacob is shaken by the surprise arrival of a familiar face this week, when his father Damon rocks up in Weatherfield. It’s an unwelcome reminder of Jacob’s dodgy past – but as he makes amends with Simon, can he prove his bad-boy days are well and truly gone? Or will his dad drag him back into a life of crime? “The charming, cheeky Jacob we know and love today is a far cry from the scally we met a few years ago,” observes our Corrie insider. “He drew Simon into the dangerous world of drug dealing and brought horrible Harvey into his family’s life, setting off a chain of events that led to Natasha’s death. But Jacob himself had been groomed by the gang and cleaned up his act once…

Summer’s forced to come clean to Mike and Esther about her miscarriage this week, after Mike insists on going with her to the next baby scan! There’s no way out for Summer and Aaron when Mike arrives unannounced at the hospital, and they realise the time has come to tell the truth. Not only that, but they must also figure out a way of raising the £10,000 they’ll have to pay back to Mike and Esther… So imagine Summer’s shock when the couple approach her with a counter offer: she can keep the money if she agrees to be their surrogate! What will Summer’s answer be?…

“One guest star who sticks out is Frankie Wade, who played Sah’s bully, Scott. We spent weeks having this push-pull dynamic and there was a point when Sah almost clocked him.” “The stunt where Teddy was down the mineshaft was spectacular! Milo [Clarke, who plays Teddy] is such a cool action man as well – he knows exactly what he’s doing.” “Everyone’s great to ride in the ambulance with, but Di [Botcher, aka Jan] is one of the best because she cracks jokes!” “I’d want Michael Stevenson [who plays Iain] to look after me if I was ill. When I had Covid last Christmas, he called and offered to bring me some box-sets to watch.” “Working withEllie Lawless [aka Stevie] is fun. When you’re shooting a scene with her, you…

In November 2006, former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko – known as Sasha – lay dying in a London hospital having been poisoned by a mysterious radioactive substance. This new drama sees David Tennant take on the eponymous role in this unique real-life murder inquiry that began while the victim was still alive… “They had to start this investigation while all the time there is this ticking clock of a body that is closing down,” notes David. “Sasha is the only witness to his own murder, so they have to work backwards from that. That’s what makes it an incredible story to retell.” Also starring Mark Bonnar as Scotland Yard detective Clive Timmons, the four-parter opens as DI Brent Hyatt (Neil Maskell) and DS Jim Dawson (Barry Sloane) are summoned to…

Adapted from another of his successful children’s novels, Gangsta Granny Strikes Again! – the sequel to 2013’s Gangsta Granny – David Walliams stars as Mike alongside Sheridan Smith as Linda, ballroom-obsessed parents to Ben (Archie Yates). And Ben is coming to terms with life without his beloved Granny – aka international jewel thief The Black Cat… “This story is set a year after the events of the first adventure,” shares David. “Granny is gone. Now there’s been another series of daring robberies, and Ben is getting the blame, so he has to turn detective to try to solve them.” The hour-long special also stars Griff Rhys Jones as Mr Parker, Kevin Bishop as Flavio, and Maggie Steed as the Queen (“the monarch, not Queen Elizabeth II,” explains David). And when…

MASTERCHEF: THE PROFESSIONALS BBC1 6.15PM Marcus Wareing, Gregg Wallace and Anna Haugh are set to crown a brand-new culinary star tonight, as we reach the final of the high-steaks cooking contest (sorry). After six weeks of fierce competition, only three chefs remain to take on the most important cook-off of their careers. The trio have just three hours to produce a starter, main course and dessert of their very own creation, and must surpass all the skills that they’ve already demonstrated throughout the series so far in order to impress the judges. Those three courses are all that stand between the chefs and the trophy. And all that stands between us and our dinner while we watch is our food-delivery app… BIG BEN RESTORED: THE GRAND UNVEILING Channel 4 7PM…

VIENNA BLOOD BBC2 9PM Hello, both! How has life changed for Max and Oskar in this third run? Matthew A new layer of conflict emerges between them this time. Max has written a book about the psychopathy of the criminal mind, and Oskar wonders if it isn’t just Max’s ego that’s making him so interested in these murders… Juergen Oskar’s disturbed by his friend’s excitement on discovering a connection between sexuality and violence in the murder of this first episode. But he’s starting to pick up psychological ways of thinking. What do you enjoy most about these detective stories? Juergen Some of the new stories go in a more sinister, darker direction – and I like that a lot. Matthew 1908 Vienna is a fantastic backdrop: we can tell interesting…

Event THE GREAT CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL The Great Christmas Carnival at Newbury Racecourse will feature a whole host of family friendly attractions, including incredible theme park rides such as the Greatest Hits Radio Big Wheel, the Vintage Carousel, and the Fun House. Get lost in the twists and turns of the enchanting Christmas Tree Maze, while younger guests are set to be captivated by Father Christmas’ wonderous Grotto. For tickets and information, visit greatchristmascarnivalnewbury.com BOXSET ALL CREATURES GREAT & SMALL – SERIES 1-3 The familiar faces of Darrowby return for more drama and delights. After being made a joint partner, James pushes to take on more responsibility. There’s also the wedding we’ve all been waiting for, as James and Helen get ready to tie the knot. Starring Hollyoaks’ Rachel Shenton. BOOK…

It’s with a heavy heart that Walford says goodbye to Dot Branning this week, as the much-loved resident is laid to rest. The emotional episodes come following actress June Brown’s death earlier this year. June played Dot for 35 years, and EastEnders was determined to do her – and the character – proud. “It will be a real treat for people as it’s celebrating Dot and her life,” shares Natalie Cassidy, who plays Dot’s granddaughter, Sonia. “As much as it’s upsetting, and people will shed a tear, they’ll also smile as it’s a celebration of Dot. She was the most iconic character of the show, and she’s our Queen of Walford, and that’s what she deserves!” If only Sonia herself was so confident. She’s struggling with Dot’s death and feeling…

The burning question on every Neighbours fan’s lips is: will Guy Pearce be returning? Following his character Mike Young’s reunion with first love Jane Harris, viewers are desperate to see more of the pair once the soap is back on air. But can Hollywood star Guy be tempted back again? “I’ve just inadvertently committed myself to another four years,” joked the actor on Aussie talk show The Project recently. “I’ll just call my American agent and tell him to forget about all that other work…” So can we dare to hope that Mike may be coming back to our screens? “We’re going to figure that out,” teased Guy. “Though maybe it was all a dream…”…

Concerns grow for little Kyle this week, as he point-blank refuses to go to school – and his behaviour continues to be erratic. Terrified that the lad’s actions will see the truth about Al’s murder revealed, Moira and Amy reluctantly let him visit Cain in prison. However, will being confronted with his jailed father help the boy stay on an even keel, or push him even further into confusion and despair? “No one knows what is the right thing to do in this situation,” explains our Dales insider. “Moira and Amy’s instinct is to protect Kyle, although they are beset by doubts. Could what they are doing end up causing Kyle more harm than good? “Matty has been trying to persuade them to go to the police, and hope that…

Original cobbles Lothario Ken finds himself in a hell of a pickle this week, when he’s forced to choose between Martha and Wendy! It’s after Martha asks him to move to Hull with her that Ken has a big decision to make. But who will he pick? Corrie star William Roache spills the beans… Hi, William! Does Ken genuinely care for both Wendy and Martha? There’s no doubt about the fact that he loves them both, but they offer two different lifestyles; Wendy is giving him slippers, cocoa, and supper in front of the television, whereas Martha offers him the life he’s always dreamed of, being with intellectuals and writers at the theatre. How does Ken react when Martha asks him to go to Hull with her? He’s very flattered,…

The hunt for Home Farm’s answer to Mary Poppins is on this week, as Dawn and Gabby interview for a nanny. As part of their apprentice training, Kim puts the girls in charge of recruiting somebody to look after the children while they are hard at work. For Dawn, this feels strange as she’s used to managing the childcare in the family. Meanwhile, Gabby is more than happy to outsource some responsibility, and throws herself into conducting the nanny interviews… “Whoever gets this role will step into the heart of Home Farm, and be almost as close as any family member,” muses our Emmerdale insider. “Dawn and Gabby realise this is a big responsibility, and they want to get it right. Kim knows what she’s doing by putting them in…

Could there be a Christmas miracle for David this week, as he throws himself into his latest promotional idea? David has turned the shop into a festive grotto, complete with Santa, who’s due to be played by Bear. But when Bear lets him down, David finds himself having to step into the costume himself! Victoria is impressed by his dedication, and David takes this as a sign that she might be softening to him following their recent break-up. Will the magic of Christmas reunite the pair?…

Marlon is delighted to return to work at the Woolpack this week, and he’s not the only one. His cousins Chas and Charity are happy to see the chef back where he belongs in their pub – while his wife Rhona is emotional at Marlon taking such a big step in his recovery, after he suffered a stroke earlier this year. Marlon was recently downbeat about his employment future, fearing Chas and Charity would be forced to replace him. But after helping out Vic with a catering job at The Hide, he got his mojo back – and they all soon realised that with some adjustments and a bit of support, Marlon could play a role at the Woolpack again. As he settles back, Marlon is even able to spread…

Steve Owen lived in Albert Square for barely two years. He burned bright but he also burned fast – quite literally so this week, as he exits EastEnders in an almighty ball of flame… Steve has some bad men after his head – and the rest of him – most likely to pop in a suitcase and chuck in the Thames. So, he decides a rapid departure to the USA with wife Melanie would be prudent. Lisa, fed up with Phil’s influence over baby Louise, is intending to hitch a ride, too. However, when Phil twigs, a race against time ensues. Soon, Steve is speeding off to pick up Mel and Lisa, with baby Louise in the back of the car – but Phil’s desperate to get her back. “I’m…

WANT TO BAG YOURSELF £20? Tell us what you think is being said in this Corrie scene. Post your idea to the Soapbox address, email your entry to soapbubble@insidesoap.co.uk, or put it on our Facebook page. The prize-winning entry will be announced in two weeks’ time! WINNER! This week’s prize-winning entry comes from Bonnie, via email. The cash for your EastEnders caption is on its way – congrats! ?…

Dot’s funeral draws a host of ex-EastEnders back to Walford this week, but there’s only one returnee who shares the late legend’s surname. Lauren Branning jets in from New Zealand to represent her family, and catches up with old friends along the way. For star Jacqueline Jossa, it was her first trip back to the Square since 2018, when Lauren fled to start a new life on the other side of the world. But Jacqueline tells us she’d never turn down the chance to honour co-star June Brown for these special episodes. “I was really nervous to be back because, no matter what, it’s always such a big thing to be at EastEnders,” shares the actress. “I hoped I’d be asked back for Dot’s funeral because I wanted to be…

An emotional journey is in store for Cormoran Strike as a new series kicks off this week. While private investigator Strike is visiting his family in Cornwall, he’s approached by a woman – Anna Phipps, played by Sophie Ward – whose mother vanished in 1974. It’s Strike’s first cold case, but as he and Robin set out to crack it, their friendship grows closer – as Tom Burke, who plays Strike, and Holliday Grainger, who plays Robin, reveal… Hello, both! Tell us how Strike and Robin are doing as the series opens… Tom At the start, Strike is with his Aunt Joan and Uncle Ted (Call The Midwife’s Linda Bassett and former Corrie star Ian Redford) in Cornwall. His aunt has cancer, so he’s dealing with that when he meets…

Returning for a reunion special, Bad Education not only brings back a few former classmates, but introduces us to an all-new Class K as well. Also back is ineffectual teacher Alfie Wickers – and comedian Jack Whitehall, who plays him, reckons the new class is just as raucous as the last… “They each have their own individuality,” he reveals. “I think they’re a bunch of characters that fans are going to instantly fall in love with.” As Alfie’s old students return for a chaotic careers day, it’s a bittersweet ciao for Jack… “I have mixed emotions about saying goodbye because it’s been such a big part of my life,” admits the star. “But what really excited me is the chance to give Alfie a proper send-off – and welcome these…

THE ENGLISH BBC2 9PM It’s the last of this Western series tonight, in which Cornelia (Emily Blunt) finally meets the man who killed her son… In Powder River, as Trafford’s watchman defects to Melmont’s side, Trafford’s winter stockpile is wrecked by a mystery rider. As he realises Melmont may have finally beaten him, he plans to drive his cattle to Alberta. But with ominous weather looming, can his herd – or even he – survive the trek? Talking of extreme weather, the Spanish filming location proved to have its own perils for star Emily… “It was so hot!” she wails. “I have never been hotter in my life. The corset acts like a heat trap: your skin can’t breathe. I’d be in a corset, wool pants, a skirt, shirt, waistcoat…

Aaron Dingle Alan Turner Amos Brearly Andy Sugden Annie Sugden Ashley Thomas Bernice Blackstock Betty Eagleton Brenda Walker Cain Dingle Carl King Charity Dingle Chas Dingle Edna Birch Eric Pollard Jack Sugden Jai Sharma Jamie Tate Katie Sugden Kim Tate Laurel Thomas Lisa Dingle Robert Sugden Rodney Blackstock Seth Armstrong Shadrach Dingle Tricia Dingle Val Pollard Viv Hope Zoe Tate Competition rules of entry: 1. Competitions are open to all residents of Great Britain and Ireland. Employees of Hearst UK or their families are not eligible to enter. 2. The competitions in this issue open on 3 December 2022 and close on 12 December 2022. 3. The winners will be drawn the day after the closing date. Winners will be chosen at random. A list of winners’ names is available…

Dot’s funeral sees several of her old friends head back to Albert Square, including Mary ‘The Punk’ Smith and Lofty Holloway – as well as Dot’s unlikely pal in the show’s early years, Colin Russell. “All of these characters were changed in some way by Dot, certainly for the better, which is lovely,” says Lord Michael Cashman, who plays Colin. “I hope that viewers will remember those characters fondly and, with us, jump into that little time machine.” A good friend of June’s off screen, Michael had no hesitation about returning for the episodes. “I couldn’t imagine Colin not being at his amazing friend Dot’s funeral and I couldn’t imagine not being there for June,” says the actor, who previously returned to the soap in 2016 when Colin invited Dot…

C has is forced to confess the truth this week – after Belle realises she and Al never ended their affair! Things go from bad to worse when Belle tells all to Moira, who quickly realises that Chas’ affair was the real reason behind Cain and Al’s deadly showdown. Meanwhile, Chas looks to the future with Paddy, as he arranges a surprise getaway for the two of them. But while news of Chas and Al’s fling spreads, is life about to come crumbling down around her? “Everything with Al is done for Chas, it’s over,” states Lucy Pargeter, who plays her. “She’s moved on and put it to bed, and now she’s back to her real life – not the fantasy she was living. She’s eager to make what she…

EXTRA! INSIDE GossipNEIGHBOURS Inside Soap has been in a tizzy ever since the news broke about Neighbours’ unexpected return to our screens. We’re so excited, but we also have so many questions that we need answers to! Who better to give us the lowdown than Neighbours’ head honcho, Jason Herbison? We put all our burning questions to him – and he promised there are still lots more exciting casting announcements to be made by Amazon Freevee on the horizon… Hi, Jason! How did the deal with Amazon Freevee come about? We always said we were resting the show and hoped it would come back one day. I certainly didn’t expect it to come back so soon, but Amazon Freevee saw the response to the finale and approached us. I’m reminded…

INSIDE SCOOP Channel 4 TUESDAY Poor Leah suffers the ultimate humiliation this week, after she gets drunk at a house party and passes out – then pictures of her comatose turn up on social media! With Darren and Nancy out for the night at the teachers’ party, Charlie has an empty house; so he stocks up on booze and puts the word out on social media. Soon the house is full of drunk kids – but the night takes a horrifying turn for Leah. Ela-May Demircan, who plays the youngster, gives us the party gossip… Hi, Ela-May! First up, is Leah excited about the party at Charlie’s house? Oh, absolutely! It’s a chance to not only hang out with her friends and have fun, but also to get back her…

Alfie’s vision of the perfect Snow White is thrown out of the window this week, when Sharon takes control. He thought he’d hit the jackpot by blagging Crunch Time as the panto’s sponsor, but now he has to relinquish some power. Sharon demands a seat at the table as the auditions begin for Snow White’s cast – and soon, Alfie’s plan to appoint Kat as his heroine goes up in flames. “It would have helped if Kat actually turned up to the audition – but she’s a no-show!” laughs our Walford insider. “Honey is there instead, and she puts in a solid-gold performance. She absolutely shines, and there is no doubt in Sharon’s mind that Honey is just the actress they’re looking for. However, Alfie won’t give up on Kat…

Mandy is shocked to find Vinny battered and bruised this week, after his gambling escapades lead to a beating! Mandy is horrified by her son’s injuries, and deeply concerned for his mental wellbeing. However, when Vinny finally opens up and apologises for his recent behaviour, will he accept that his mum can help him find a way through his grief? “Vinny’s been pushing everyone away since Liv’s tragic death, including Mandy,” explains our Emmerdale insider. “Vinny’s rejection has only made Mandy try harder, resulting in Vinny finding her more overbearing than ever. However, after Mandy finds him beaten up, she’s shocked to her core. And it seems as though the beating has also forced Vinny to see that he hasn’t been dealing with his grief in the right way…” Vinny…

Valerie’s future at The Mill is hanging in the balance this week, when her colleagues discover that she has been secretly faking prescriptions for a young patient. The well-meaning health centre receptionist has been acquiring medication on the sly for a little girl called Grace, after her mother Hailey couldn’t get the drugs prescribed for her severely asthmatic daughter. Taking pity on the struggling mum, Valerie has been forging prescriptions and supplying Hailey for weeks, compromising her career in the process. Al smells a rat when Bear confronts him about the costs of his excessive prescriptions for his asthma, forcing Valerie to confess all. Although Al is angry, he attempts to keep his pal out of trouble once she explains herself. However, the secret is soon out, and Valerie has…

Chas comes to terms with what viewers have known for months this week – that her affair with Al was utter madness, and she’s been a total fool to risk everything she has built with loyal Paddy and Eve. Blinded by grief at her mother’s impending death, for a long while Chas couldn’t see what she was doing. Now, as her clarity returns, she’s attempting to put the shameful fling behind her. “Chas feels as though she’s back in the present,” exlains actress Lucy Pargeter, as we settle down to talk. “She has been running two different lives, and she’s now focusing on the real life, the one she should have stayed in.” But while Chas wants to forget what happened, it’s not so easy as the truth begins to…

Cheeky barmaid Daisy has settled into life on the cobbles, and even met her match with Daniel – so it’s the perfect time to ask Charlotte Jordan your reader questions… “What’s the best thing about working with co-star Rob Mallard (aka Daniel)?” Rob and I spend the majority of our time quoting Mean Girls to each other, so that’s the best thing! I really like Daniel and Daisy together at the moment, they balance each other out very well. And not just on the surface either; they’ve both experienced grief, both have very questionable relationships with their mothers, so their relationship has substance. “What’s best about working with Rob?” “Daisy spends a lot of time on social media. How do you think you’d fare as an influencer in real life?”…

“I’d never worked with Mum [who has previously appeared in TV series including Inspector Morse, Lovejoy and Les Misérables] professionally before,” grins Tom. “We once did a fundraiser together, which Linda Bassett – who I’ve known for years, and who plays Strike’s Aunt Joan – was involved in, too. We did Victoria Wood sketches! I was ill with some ghastly thing while Mum and I were together on Strike – she plays a District Nurse called Janice Beattie,” he continues. “So it was quite nice to be doing a scene with my mum that day, because there was a little extra bit of sympathy going on – which was in strong contrast to the scene we were filming!”…

Sort Your Life Out presenter Stacey Solomon brings us this one-off special sharing canny ways to get creative, cut costs and upcycle this Christmas – with a little help from her family and friends. Here, Stacey shares why crafting is close to her heart… Hi, Stacey! Why did you want to make this show? Anyone who knows me knows how much I love crafting, and DIY gifts mean so much more – plus they save a bit of money, too! Where do you get your ideas from? Anywhere! There’s so much online now: Pinterest, TikTok, Instagram… I’m trying to adapt ideas I see online to make them even simpler, and use things you’d have around the house. The bauble wreath is something I’d seen on TikTok, but using different materials.…

THE HIT LIST CELEBRITY SPECIAL BBC1 5.30PM Marvin and Rochelle Humes are back with their play-along pop quiz – and if you know your A1 from your A*Teens, then you’ll be delighted to hear that tonight’s celebrity special has a 90s theme. Westlife’s Brian McFadden and Boyzone’s Keith Duffy team up (just as they’ve done by creating Boyzlife), against S Club’s Tina Barrett and Bradley McIntosh, and 911’s Lee Brennan with You’ll Never Stop Me Loving You songstress Sonia – all of them hoping to bag some serious cash for their chosen charities. And there’s another star special coming up for Crimbo… “The Christmas one is wicked!” exclaims Marvin. “We’ve got Fiona and Eilish O’Carroll from Mrs Brown Boys – they’re really good!” FEELING GOOD: THE RADIO 2 PIANO ROOM…

CHRIS KAMARA: LOST FOR WORDS ITV1 9.15PM Former footie pundit and presenting legend Chris ‘Kammy’ Kamara embarks on a very personal journey in this new documentary, as he delves to learn more about apraxia of speech, having been diagnosed with the condition himself. The film sees Kammy open up about living with AOS, and shares with viewers the techniques he’s tried to help improve his speech; seeks advice from experts, and meets others with the rare condition. While Kammy admits to having found his career become increasingly strained due to the difficulty in pronouncing words correctly and consistently – even considering whether to quit work entirely – his desire to use his star status to help raise awareness for others with AOS is clear. DR SEUSS BAKING CHALLENGE Prime Video…

FRIDAY 16 December SHAKESPEARE & HATHAWAY BBC1 2.15PM In today’s new special, the launch of Arden’s revamped Christmas fest, Wintermas, doesn’t quite go to plan after council leader Elaine Davies receives a sinister message from the ‘Voice in the Dark’, telling her to cancel the event or face public humiliation. As Elaine remains defiant, her plans continue to be sabotaged. Cue our jocular detectives Frank and Lu, brought in to investigate who’s behind the threats. Meanwhile, Sebastian gets his first solo case: someone has graffitied the home of Rob (Steve Edge), aka Mr Christmas, who celebrates Christmas Day every day with his daughter, Olivia. When it appears that the two cases could well be linked, can Sebastian save Christmas? GRANITE HARBOUR BBC1 8PM In the last of the series…