Inside Soap UK 30 - 2017

“I’m very excited about Lisa’s return!” It’s great when a big character comes back to a soap. I love to see all the other characters react – the barbed comments as old wounds are reopened, or the warm greetings as old friends are reunited. So with all the history that Lisa Fowler has in Albert Square, I’m very excited about her return this week, as she storms in to see her poorly Louise. Of course, Phil is going to be in the firing line for what happened to their daughter, but let’s not forget the others she might lock horns with. After all, Lisa was once married to Martin’s brother Mark, she was at loggerheads with Kathy after getting jealous of her, and Sharon betrayed her when she revealed that…

Robert seems set to lose everything this week, as the consequences of crossing dangerous drug dealer Rich continue to play out. But while he decides to take a big chance to put things right, he’s not the only one whose life may be ruined by Rich – as Michelle finds herself in real trouble… “Everything is out of control,” admits Tristan Gemmill, who plays Robert. “Robert feels responsible for what’s happened because of Rich, so being the hands-on guy that he is, he decides to fix it. Robert is an independent man and wants to sort out his own problems.” At the start of the week, Robert is dismayed to learn that Rich has provided the police with an alibi, removing him from suspicion in relation to the recent spate…

When Michelle ran into her ex-boyfriend Will again recently, they had plenty to catch up on, what with her split from Steve and romance with Robert. But the former couple’s reunion also sparked an unlikely pairing between Will and Maria, who – despite her not-so-secret affair with Aidan – arrange a proper date this week. And as the duo meet up in the Rovers, watching Aidan is filled with jealousy. However, Michelle gives the couple her blessing as Will arranges a second outing with Maria – and she even goes so far as suggesting that they double-date with her and Robert at the Bistro! Have Maria and Will moved on enough from Aidan and Michelle to make a go of things?…

“This is a turn-up for the books – talk about a whirlwind romance!” Mick’s jaw hits the floor this week, as Whitney struts back into town and declares that she’s engaged! And that’s not all, as Whit goes on to reveal that the fella she’s marrying is the Vic’s former bar manager, Woody… “Well, this is a turn-up for the books,” smirks our Square insider. “Whitney supposedly left to stay with her brother Ryan, but she can’t have been there for long if Woody’s found time to put a ring on it. Talk about a whirlwind romance!” During Woody’s stint in charge of the pub, he and Whitney ended up in bed together – only to be caught in the act by Mick. Woody was promptly given his marching orders…

It’s great to know Woody will be causing all kinds of drama in Walford again, considering that star Lee Ryan almost didn’t make it back to the Square! Shortly after signing a one-year deal to make a full-time return to EastEnders, the Blue singer was treated in hospital and then readmitted for an illness known as quinsy – a serious complication of tonsillitis. Lee had some time off from filming to recuperate, and thankfully it didn’t interfere with Woody’s comeback. We hope you’re feeling much better now, Lee!…

“I don’t think that Chrissie will ever get closure now” Chrissie is hit with a double blow this week, as she finally discovers what really happened to her biological father – and also learns that her ‘fancy man’ Simon is actually her uncle, Tim! The truth comes out after Chrissie’s son Lachlan goes to extreme lengths to silence Tim by abducting him. But as events spiral out of control, it’s poor Chrissie who gets hurt… When Chrissie finds out, she feels betrayed,” explains Louise Marwood, who plays her. “She doesn’t know what to believe any more, as it’s been one lie after another from all of them. She’s pretty humiliated, and I actually feel sorry for her. It’s a big mess!” Chrissie has been unaware of Tim’s true identity since…