Inside Soap UK 20 - 2017

“The Taylor family look like trouble!” Oh, there’s a new soap family in the offing – and they look like trouble! EastEnders has announced the introduction of the Taylor clan, and it doesn’t seem as if they’re going to arrive quietly – as you’ll see when we reveal all about them over on p12. It’s a bold move deciding to bring in a whole new family in one foul swoop, with soaps these days often playing it safe by extending an existing character’s clan and introducing the new members slowly. Even the Carters, who arrived with quite a bang a few years back, were brought in around Shirley to give the audience something familiar among all the new faces. So, will the Taylors be the next big thing, or will…

Traumatised Ken finally remembers key moments of the night that he was attacked this week – and is ready to name the person who attempted to kill him! His shock accusation comes after more than a month of speculation over which of the Barlow clan tried to end his life. But an action-packed week – which sees a kidnap, an arrest and new evidence come to light – ends with Ken suddenly uncovering the final clue to his attacker. So who will be named as his potential killer? ADAM’S ADAMANT The week begins with Ken’s rattled grandson Adam on the warpath. Now that Tracy’s innocence has been proved – despite her false confession – Adam knows he could still be in the frame. So, he decides to take action and…

PHELAN Outsider Phelan was arrested first, but ruled out after stepson Todd provided taped evidence that he was working at Luke’s flat on the night. PETER Ken’s son Peter got nicked, but with both bunny boiler Chloe and his arch-rival Nick able to place him away from the family home on the night in question, he’s clearly innocent. TRACY Sickened Tracy believed her daughter Amy was guilty, and confessed to the crime – before fugitive Rob turned himself in and gave her an alibi. AMY Innocent Amy was shocked when her mum confessed to attempting to murder Ken in order to cover for her, as she had never laid a finger on her beloved grandfather. ADAM With a grudge against his grandad, Adam was arrested – but while the police…

“It’s Aaron’s decision as to whether he wants to be with Robert” RYAN Aaron is absolutely heartbroken this week, after his partner Robert fesses up that he cheated on him with Rebecca! To add insult to injury, poor Aaron was languishing in jail and enduring one of the toughest times of his life when Robert shacked up with his ex. So what will be his reaction as Robert comes clean about his antics and begs his man for forgiveness? “Robert realises that it’s time to own up to what he’s done,” explains Ryan Hawley, who plays the guilty husband. “If he cares so much about Aaron, he should be honest with him and tell him what happened. Then the decision is with Aaron as to whether he wants…

The truth about Robert and Rebecca may be out, but the fact remains that Rebecca is pregnant with Robert’s baby! He’s been pressuring her into having a termination – but Ryan reckons that a child would put the cat among the pigeons… “It would certainly affect his relationship with Aaron if there was a baby,” he muses. “There would be two tangents drastically different from each other. “I enjoy everything they write for us – we’re very lucky,” adds Ryan. “Emmerdale gives us great opportunities and fantastic drama, and we’re both fortunate to be involved in that.”…

Dedicated Lauren proves that she’s willing to put in the extra hours at her office this week – but it’s more than just her ambition working overtime, as the sexual chemistry she shares with Josh continues to sizzle! However, as Steven grows increasingly agitated and obsessive over how much time his girlfriend is spending at Weyland & Co, how long can it be before Lauren’s complex situation ends up exploding? “This has disaster written all over it,” reckons our Walford insider. “Josh is clearly a man who knows what he wants, and he hasn’t been shy about making Lauren aware of how he feels. She is smitten with him, too, but her loyalty to Steven and the life they have with baby Louie is just too important to ignore. “Meanwhile,…