Table of contents for 18 - 2016 in Inside Soap UK

It’s a truly tragic time in soapland – I can barely type this because of the tears in my eyes. We could cope with Peggy not living in Albert Square any more, as at least we knew she was out there somewhere, and every year or two she could pop up for a few scenes so we knew all was well. But now we have to face the truth – Peggy is home for the last time, and it’s going to be emotional! I think part of my sadness comes from putting together our tribute mag that’s in the middle of this week’s issue. It really brought home to me the legacy Peggy will leave behind. The stories she’s been in, the dramas she’s created, the battles, the laughs…not to…

BITCH-OFF! A bitter rivalry will resurface in Walford when old enemies Claudette and Peggy come face to face. Ellen Thomas - who plays mean Mother Hubbard - recently revealed on Twitter that she’s filmed scenes with Barbara Windsor. Let battle commence! KYLIE CAUGHT? As the net closes in on killer Kylie in Weatherfield, actress Paula Lane has revealed that she’s pleased with her upcoming departure. “I’m very happy with my exit,” she shares. “I can’t reveal if the door is left open for Kylie, but it’s quite a fitting end for the character.” CHAS’ LOVE! Romance could well be on the horizon for Emmerdale’s Chas. Lucy Pargeter, who plays the Woolpack landlady, has hinted towards the possibility that her alter ego will find love again. “When I heard the rumour,…

SNEAK PREVIEW! The past returns to haunt Mercedes in Hollyoaks , when she comes face to face with serial killer Silas Blissett! Viewers know that he’s currently helping ‘Gloved Hand’ assassin Lindsey Roscoe to evade police custody – so what brings him back to the village for a showdown with Mercedes? Actress Jennifer Metcalfe, who plays the mouthy McQueen, has hinted that her character will play a big part in the conclusion of Lindsey’s story… “There’s a fantastic twist I’m very much involved in,” teases the star. “I wouldn’t say the story comes to an end, but it definitely reaches a climax. It’s amazing, and I really can’t wait for it to be shown on screen!” Back in 2011, woman-hating Silas kidnapped lusty Mercedes with the plan…

FAIR CITY Kerri-Ann and Decco babysit Kim this week, but Decco makes it clear that he’s not comfortable around babies. However, Kerri-Ann soon talks about them having a child of their own – how will he react? Elsewhere, Debbie admits that she wants to be with Tommy, but suggests that coming clean to Eoghan could affect his court case. RIVER CITY Amber is determined to prove she is as capable as Alex this week, and takes on the challenge of evicting the McLeans. But when stubborn Caitlin enlists the help of lawyer Dev, will Amber’s task be as easy as she expected? Plus, Jenny worries that she will be distracted from her exam preparation. And Robbie’s one-night stand turns up. THE ARCHERS Helen has her assessment for a place at…

“I really loved the Nick Jordan years – Zoe’s relationship with him created the foundation of who she is today. All that chaos, and just being that non-functional woman in love. There was something really special about Zoe and Nick’s friendship.” “One of my favourite episodes was the one we did on female genital mutilation, because it was just really groundbreaking in my eyes. When I was reading it and watching it, I felt as if we were covering new territory – it was like a controversial film. I felt quite honoured to do that.” “We did an incredible stunt where the hospital burnt down! It was at the end of a series, and Zoe and Dylan were trapped in resus together. Having smoke all around you and trying to…

“I REALLY LOVE THE DYNAMIC BETWEEN CAIN AND HOLLY” It’s hard to believe that Holly Barton was once the innocent farm lass with girl-next-door looks and a happy-go-lucky disposition. In the years we’ve known her, Holly’s life has taken tragic twists and turns, through drug addiction, stealing, and even selling her body. It’s clear she’s been through a lot since she last lived at Butler’s Farm, and in real life, Emmerdale star Sophie Powles – who plays her – has taken her own life-changing journey. Both Holly and Sophie have come home to the Dales, but only one of them is changed for the better by all that’s happened in between… “I had an amazing time travelling with my boyfriend when I left the show,” shares the actress. “When you’re…

This may be Sienna’s first turn as a bride in the traditional sense of the word, but she had a bit of practice after deciding she wanted to marry her twin brother Dodger! And as warped as her ceremony to Ben may be – for one, Nico is the best man – you can’t get much weirder than a wedding in a basement with the bride wearing a makeshift dress and the groom handcuffed to a radiator! But Anna says that she adored every minute of it… “Oh, I loved all that stuff,” she enthuses. “It was very bizarre – I almost expected the cameramen to say, ‘Joke – we’re not really showing this on telly!’. We were wearing Christmas jumpers in that basement for such a long time –…

DANNIELLA’S DAY An exciting new twist in the Mitchells' comeback could be on the horizon if Danniella Westbrook has her way. About reprising her role as Sam Mitchell, the EastEnder revealed who she thinks would make a perfect on-screen lover for her character. “I’d like Darren Day to come in as my husband. I think he’s a fabulous actor and I reckon he’d fit right in.” BABY DADDY Hollyoaks actor Kieron Richardson (Ste) disclosed how he and hubby of one year, Carl Hyland, have tried IVF with a surrogate in the hopes of starting a family – but they have so far been unsuccessful. He said, “We’re trying all the time. We’re just waiting for it all to go in our favour.” BABY-MANIA Charley Webb (Debbie) has only just popped…

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Zoe My favourite show recently isn’t comedy-related, and probably sounds a bit pretentious, but I really enjoyed War And Peace. I got completely hooked on it, and I was really thrilled to have Happy Valley back as well. I’m rubbish at picking a favourite film. I keep trying to come up with a top five, but my favourite is probably Four Weddings And A Funeral. It’s got absolutely everything – the performances are amazing and the script is just incredible. If I could be on any other show, I would love to be on Pointless Celebrities . I’m a big fan of Pointless, so I feel like I’ve done the training and I’m ready to go on! Kerry I really enjoyed Cradle To Grave ,…

1 SATURDAY Book ALL THINGS CEASE TO APPEAR by Elizabeth Brundage In this chilling and piercing tale of marriage and redemption within a community, George Clark returns home one day to discover his wife dead and their three-year-old daughter home alone. Soon, he finds himself prime suspect for the crime – but was he really the one responsible? WIN! For the chance to win a copy, tell us who Elizabeth Estensen plays in the Dales: A) Lisa, B) Joanie, or C) Diane. Text ISPRIZE1, a space, then A, B, or C and your name & address to 87080 (50p). Or see below for postal entries. SUNDAY Book HEAT by Kay Plunkett-Hogge Spice up your kitchen with more than 120 vibrant chilli recipes from around the world, including Mexican,…

ARE YOU KIDDING? In Home and Away last week, Irene told Claire that Damian is her eldest son and Nathan her youngest. But isn’t that the wrong way round? Simon, Chichester You’re correct, Simon. Nathan is Irene’s eldest son, then came daughter Fin, and Damian was the baby of the family. Perhaps the writers got it the wrong way round, or maybe star Lynne McGranger (Irene) just muddled her lines! TIFF’S A TOP CAT! I saw an advert for Halifax the other day, and I’m sure the lady behind the desk was that girl who used to be in Brookside. Am I right, Sarah? Tim, via email You’re spot on, Tim! The actor in question is in fact Tiffany Chapman, who played Rachel Jordache in Brookside…

BULLSEYE! EastEnders’ Jamie Borthwick is the undisputed ‘bullseye’ star of the week. His performance as Jay was simply outstanding as the fella paid the price for his relationship with schoolgirl Linzi. It’s a storyline that tested allegiances, divided a community – and won our vote as one of the best plots of the year. Truly exceptional. Apparently, Zeedan “respects Rana too much” to go to bed with her. Fool! He’ll be kicking himself when she’s too Corrie A-list to give him the time of day. They no longer need street lighting in Emmerdale. Victoria’s dazzling new hairdo and luminous tan must surely light up the sky from Hotten to Robblesfield. Emmerdale boldly ploughs on with its campaign for more teatime nudity. David leads from the front, with Jimmy…

They are finally in a relationship, and things look good for Aaron and on-off lover Robert. But Danny reckons that it can’t all be plain sailing… “I think Robert needs to admit to Aaron that he actually is gay,” says Danny. “It’s a bit dubious – he could run off with a man or a woman!” No one could blame Aaron for worrying about Robert straying, as he’s cheated on almost all of his partners. But Danny believes Aaron and Robert have a much better chance now. “Aaron will never forget how Robert has been there for him,” shares Danny. “It would be nice if they didn’t just become a regular couple, though. The arguments and the making up is why people love them!”…

He’s the widower of her husband’s dead mistress – but that doesn’t matter to Rhona this week as she casts admiring looks at Pierce! Suited and booted for a job interview, Pierce admits he’s nervous, but his new landlady Rhona is full of encouragement as they stop off at the café. Waitress Carly appears equally impressed by Pierce’s handsome charms, and after she asks Rhona whether or not he’s available, Rhona is left completely unimpressed! Oblivious to Rhona’s envy, Carly continues to flirt with Pierce – while Vanessa becomes concerned as to what’s going on in Rhona’s mind when she notices her best pal’s jealousy. Since the stress of Paddy’s affair with Tess is far from unresolved – for Pierce as well as for Rhona – there’s no doubt that…

While backpacking, Sophie and her boyfriend Mark visited the Mentawai Islands in Indonesia – and had to cope with a serious medical emergency… “Where we were, there were no shops, no electricity or medical assistance, and the only boat visited once a week,” explains Sophie. “A guy staying with us split his head open – and infection is rife there, so it was a serious issue. But we knew we were going to remote places so we had a first-aid kid with everything: UVs, scalpels, needles. We were ready! “I got out my Bic Lady and shaved his head – and then I put 17 stitches in!” reveals the star. “Thank God my boyfriend filmed it, because I don’t think that anyone would believe me!”…

He was the winner of the Sexiest Male gong at the Inside Soap Awards last year, so we thought many readers of this magazine may enjoy a picture of the Dales’ Michael Parr (Ross Barton) with his backside out. But Michael didn’t just pose for this pic to titillate his fans, it was all for the good of his health, honest! The star was receiving a vitamin infusion injection at the Reviv wellness spa in Leeds. Playing a lad as bad as Ross, he needs all the goodness he can get! Also starring...…

How did you react when you found out you were the ‘Gloved Hand Killer’? …asks Sally from Exeter My first reaction was one of shock and sadness, because the character I’ve been playing is coming to an end. But more than anything it was excitement, and I just felt really chuffed that the producers believed in me enough to do this – I know a few other characters were considered. The fact I almost get to play two different characters is brilliant. Which villager were you most upset about ‘killing’? …asks Luisa, via email Freddie. That really shocked me because I didn’t know at first that he was going to still be alive. I absolutely adore Charlie [Clapham, who plays him] – I’ve worked with him for three years and…

“They’re a family whose father has made good and then lost it” There’s been no shortage of Shakespeare in the schedules while the BBC has been marking the 400th anniversary of his death, but if you’ve found the rest of the coverage a bit too serious, this might be just what you’re looking for. Upstart Crow – which takes its title from a description of Shakespeare by one of his contemporaries – stars David Mitchell as the great man, as he divides his time between his family in Stratford-upon-Avon and his work in London. “Nobody knows what Shakespeare was like, so he might have been nerdy and uncharismatic – which is how I’m playing him,” jokes David. “The scripts are brilliant, because to my mind they obey all the important…

The question of what drives a person to commit murder is an enduring one – and in this two-part series, Piers Morgan meets three women who are currently serving time in the US after being convicted of killing, to see what answers he’s able to draw out. “It’s an interesting departure for me in terms of interview subjects – I haven’t interviewed many murderers,” Piers tells us. “What’s interesting is that worldwide there are very few cases of women premeditating and planning cold-blooded murder. Normally there are cases of crimes of passion or spontaneous fights, but it’s very rare that you get this degree of planning from a female killer.” Episode one focuses on the case of Erin Caffey, who was found guilty of orchestrating the murder of her family…

WHAT’S COOKING? Dawn French will star in new drama Delicious for Sky1. She’ll play a cook in Cornwall whose friendship with her ex-husband’s new wife is rocked by a revelation that has serious repercussions. THE WRITE STUFF BBC1 has commissioned a drama about the Brontë sisters from Happy Valley’s Sally Wainwright. Chloe Pirrie will play the role of Emily, with Finn Atkins as Charlotte and Charlie Murphy as Anne. TAXI CONFESSIONS A new reality show is offering a free taxi service in exchange for your confessions. Cabs rigged with cameras will give you a free ride and record your chat with the driver. If you’re outgoing and outspoken, email ukcasting@keshet-tv.com to apply.…

DAN’S THE MAN! As lovely as it was to see Daniel and Imogen get their happy ever after in Neighbours, I just can’t believe the show’s bosses would want to get rid of Daniel. He’s Charlene and Scott’s son, and one of the few relatives that Paul has left. You’d think they’d be desperate to keep him! Sarah, via email Fingers crossed he’ll pop back for a visit soon. HOPE FOR CARLY? I’m shocked that Carly was playing matchmaker for David and Tracy. For ages I’ve been totally convinced that David was the mystery love interest that actress Gemma Atkinson keeps hinting at for Carly. Are Emmerdale ever going to reveal who her mystery man will be? Kev, via email My money is on Marlon – they’d make a lovely…

It is clear that saying goodbye to Peggy Mitchell is going to be hard for EastEnders viewers – but Barbara tells us that she thought long and hard about turning her back on her treasured alter ego for good… “Everyone knows I love EastEnders, and that will never change,” admits the star. “Peggy is a character close to my heart, but I made the tough decision a while ago that I needed to say goodbye to her once and for all – otherwise she will always be there, urging me to go back. That’s something I just need to shut the door on. “After thinking long and hard about it, I realised that it’s time for me and the audience to say our farewells to the…

CAMERON LOVED FILMING THE SCENES ON LOCATION… There may be no love lost between Cameron and Ste, but star Cam tells us that he had a whale of a time filming the tense scenes with cast mate Kieron Richardson… “We were filming on a lake, in March, and it was seriously freezing!” he recalls. “But it was great – I’ve actually just watched some of the scenes back for the first time, and they’re amazing. It looks like a feature film – the crew have done a great job on it. “We had stunt directors, and paramedics on hand to keep an eye on us. But our wetsuits were cut away at the neck and hands, so the water got in. When you got your head wet, you knew about…

“ROY IS NOT EXPECTING CATHY TO GET DOWN ON ONE KNEE - HE’S SHOCKED!” SNEAK PREVIEW! Wedding bells could soon be ringing in Weatherfield if our juicy gossip about Roy and Cathy is anything to go by! Word on the Street is the couple will get engaged when Cathy stuns her fella with a marriage proposal. But following the agony Roy went through after losing his late wife Hayley to cancer, will he want to get hitched again? “Roy’s had a really tough couple of years, so show bosses feel he needs a happier 2016,” explains our Corrie insider. “He and Cathy have been getting on brilliantly, so she decides to take their romance to the next level and gets down on one knee. Roy’s definitely not expecting it, though,…

As Jason mourns the loss of his dad, sneaky Phelan spies the chance to jump into Tony’s grave – as he tries to cement himself as the Grimshaw lad’s new father figure. But what exactly is in it for him? “Phelan knows that Tony left Jason a huge chunk of change in his will,” our mole reminds us. “He’ll be looking to get his filthy hands on that cash – make no mistake about it!” As suspicious Todd clocks on to Phelan’s plan, can he find the evidence to expose the manipulative brute? Or are Phelan’s feet planted so firmly under the table that he’s going to be impossible to budge?…

As previously revealed in Inside Soap , star Eleanor is engaged in real life and has started thinking about her own upcoming nuptials. We wonder how Morven’s ceremony compares to her own wedding plans – has filming her character’s big day in advance helped give the actress any inspiration? “I hate to say it, but no it hasn’t!” confesses Eleanor. “The shotgun wedding is not for me, as I’m much more of a control freak. And Morven’s dress is nice to wear to a prom, but I think I’ll stick to a traditional white one!”…

“ZOE AND MAX WAKING UP TOGETHER IS BITTERSWEET!” While it’s fair to say that we enjoy seeing the gruesome injuries and spectacular stunts in Casualty week after week, we can’t deny that the main reason we tune into the medical drama is to get the goss on the staff’s love lives! There’s always someone playing doctors and nurses with a colleague who they shouldn’t be, and there’s something satisfying about watching the scandal unfold, as if we were witnessing naughty goings-on within our own workplace. But out of all the romances in Holby City’s ED – and there have been a lot! – by far our favourite has been the unlikely love affair between consultant Zoe and porter Max. Their marriage may have ended in disaster, but we’re still rooting…

TYRONE & MARIA CORONATION STREET Tyrone and Maria had one of the sweetest courtships in soap. They even got engaged when Ty proposed at the top of Blackpool Tower. However, Fiz tempted Tyrone to stray, and he broke Maria’s heart. But now Ty and Fiz are engaged, so it all worked out for the best! ANDY & KATIE EMMERDALE Nothing could stop teen sweethearts Andy and Katie being together. They were so serious that Katie got pregnant at 16, but sadly they lost their baby. The pair ended up getting married, although Andy later discovered Katie had been sleeping with his brother Robert. ABI&JAY EASTENDERS Good girl Abi brought stability to Jay’s troubled life. Although her dad Max didn’t approve, Abi and Jay got very serious and lost their virginity…

“SIENNA IS GOING THROUGH WITH THIS WEDDING FOR NICO’S SAKE” Sienna thought she’d met her knight in shining armour when she first got together with Ben, although that shine has been well and truly tarnished now she’s seen the light about who her true soulmate really is. Sienna has fallen head-over-heels in love with gangster Trevor Royle, and was even prepared to leave Hollyoaks village with him. But since he’s chosen Grace as his woman for life, Sienna has begrudgingly been left to become Mrs Ben Bradley. However, for actress Anna Passey, who plays Sienna, there was no similar lack of enthusiasm about the wedding day… “I’ve never been married in real life, or on the show, so I did get a bit ‘bridezilla’ about it all, actually!” laughs the…

It's been 'bring out your partner' week at Corrie! Looking glam and gorgeous at the Cheshire White Collar Boxing charity event was Samia Ghadie (Maria) and hunky husband-to-be Sylvain Longchambon on their first night out following the birth of baby Yves in September. They were joined by cobbles co-star Jane Danson (Leanne) alongside her hubby Robert Beck. Meanwhile, a fun night out was had at a comedy night for the charity CALM, which combats male suicide, held in memory of a beloved Corrie crew member. Several of the cast brought their better halves, such as Simon Gregson (Steve) - who had wife Emma Gleave on one arm and a sling on the other, after an accident on a toy scooter! Simon later had the audience in stitches as he took…

Grab yourself the transeasonal staple that every fashionista will be wearing from spring through to summer: the sleeveless jacket – in this season’s blush colour, too! A statement piece of bling from Topshop makes for the perfect neck candy. Look to high street hotspots like River Island for distressed denim that adds edge. Rachel certainly has bags of style with her tote bag, so get one just like it with this Kurt Geiger design. Add some ankle-strap heels, and you’re good to go.…

THIS AMERICAN THRILLER makes a lot of demands of its viewers - we’ve already learned the hard way that if you let your mind wander during an episode you’ll end up having to go back and rewatch a scene. But we like it when we have to give a show our undivided attention. Quantico tells two stories at the same time, one of an FBI agent trying to clear her name after a terrorist attack, and one of her training days alongside the guilty party, whose identity we don’t yet know. We’re unsure how long it’ll be able to sustain its frantic pace, but so far it’s been tremendous fun.…

After Måns Zelmerlöw’s victory in Vienna last year, Sweden will host this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. This week, it’s the qualifying rounds, where 36 nations will compete for just 20 spots in next Saturday’s grand final. Scott Mills is our commentator for the semi-finals, and Inside TV caught up with him before he heads to Stockholm. Hi Scott! How much are you looking forward to this year’s Eurovision? I’m very excited – it’s up there as one of my most fun weeks of the year. I’ve worked on this for six years now, and I would say my favourite one to date was Malmö, so I’m expecting big things. The Swedes love Eurovision, they really put the effort and money into making it a fantastic show. Which acts are you…

“I’VE TALKED TO MANY PEOPLE WHO WILL HAVE KNOWN COLIN. HE LIVED OPPOSITE MY SISTER, THEY HAD THE SAME CLEANER.” James Nesbitt has more ties to his character in ITV’s The Secret than you might expect “I THINK THAT AT THE TIME IT WAS QUITE A NEW THING TO HAVE A FEMALE JUDGE WHO DIDN’T STOP CRYING.” Amanda Holden on being a trailblazer in the early days of Britain’s Got Talent “I TRIED TO GET PRINCE HARRY INVOLVED, AND HE ADMITTED TO NOT BEING THE GREATEST SINGER.” Gareth Malone couldn’t quite convince his royal patron to be in his Invictus Choir “NOBODY WILL BE SAT AT HOME GOING, ‘WHY ISN’T HE ASKING ABOUT THAT?’ I WILL ASK ANYTHING!” Rylan Clark-Neal promises to leave no topic untouched on his new chat…

I couldn’t stick Phelan when he was first in Corrie, but putting him with the Grimshaws was a genius move! The way he’s manipulating them all and acting like a proper panto villain is pure brilliance. He’s the best thing on the cobbles by far! Laura, via email I can’t believe wicked Phelan is using Tony’s death as an excuse to get his feet under the table at the builders’ yard! Jason is grieving, and Pat is plotting to swipe his business away from underneath him. Who would do something so despicable? He’s a rat! Neville, Gloucester I love the rivalry between Todd and Phelan – Todd’s the only one in the whole Grimshaw household who can see what Pat is really up to. Their spats make me laugh out…

1 THERE’S ONLY ONE PEGGY MITCHELL! Oh, though actually there was another Peggy! Barbara Windsor has made the character such a legend that it’s easy to forget she was the second person to take on the role. In 1991, Jo Warne played the part – an actress who couldn’t be more different from Barbara! But when plans were made for Peggy’s return in 1994, Steve McFadden (Phil) and Ross Kemp (Grant) campaigned for the Carry On star. Producers initially worried she was too well known for the show – but the rest is history… 2 THE QUEEN OF THE VIC Peggy will be forever associated with Albert Square boozer the Vic, serving behind the bar on and off for 20 years. And with Barbara believing she’d got off to a…

Talent oozed from the bright and bubbly star at a young age, as she undertook dance lessons in London. “Barbara is a born showoff who loves to perform,” said her ballet mistress. For Barbara’s infamous appearance in Carry On Camping , the crew used a fishing rod to hook her bra so that it would fly off mid-scene. But they made a right boob of their first attempt when Babs got yanked down with her underwear – and pulled through the muddy grass! Babs’ stage career began when she was just 13 years old. A year later she made her West End debut in the musical Love From Judy , and later rose to the big screen in her first film role,…