Table of contents for 21 - 2016 in Inside Soap UK

Justice is blind, or so the saying goes. In which case we should count ourselves lucky to live in the real world because in soapland, justice is clearly also deaf, dumb and downright dim-witted. The big stories in this week’s issue are cautionary tales about what happens if you find yourself mixed up in a soap murder. The innocent are punished, and the guilty left to roam the streets and squares of England. In Weatherfield, childlike Jason Grimshaw is fitted up good and proper for the murder of Callum. In Walford, Max is already in the slammer, even though half the world knows that Bobby ‘Basher’ Beale did for Lucy. Luckily, Lauren is back from New Zealand and (finally!) on a quest to free her dad. But don’t judge the…

While most viewers are no doubt rooting for Sonia to reconcile with her former flame Zack, Kiza tells us that she’s not sure it’s the best thing for her character… “I don’t know if I want her to get back with Zack, actually,” she ponders. “There are only so many times that a girl can be dumped and still keep taking the guy back! I think it’s time for her to just say, ‘No, it’s too late, someone else wants me now’. Maybe that will prompt Zack to man up and finally fight for her – and actually mean it this time!”…

Street super-bitch Tracy Barlow is going to be left fighting for her life after she’s struck down with a serious illness! According to star Kate Ford, who plays her, karma will catch up with her alter ego – and Tracy’s loved ones will turn their backs on her… “Tracy only has one working kidney,” explains the actress, referring to the organ damage her character sustained after taking an Ecstasy pill when she was a teenager. “She contracts a serious infection, and thinks that everyone will be there for her – but they’re not.” We know that Tracy is going to surpass herself as Weatherfield’s wicked witch when she threatens to spoil Carla and Nick’s wedding day. So are her family and friends set to learn the awful truth about her…

Nervous Cleo awaits her trial for ‘killing’ Rachel this week, while real culprit Holly is busy playing tonsil tennis with grieving Nathan! Although Holly was behind the wheel the night Rachel died, Cleo took the rap so her mate wouldn’t be punished for drink-driving. But as the village has been pointing the finger at Cleo, Holly has been cosying up to Rachel’s former fiancé Nathan – and this week, the pair are caught kissing by Ellie and Marnie! As the day of the trial arrives, Nathan is desperate for Cleo to face justice, while Celine and Myra detect tension between Cleo and Holly. The pressure is clearly too much for Cleo, and she panics outside the courthouse. Can she stick to her story? Also this week… Maxine is…

FAIR CITY Charlotte admits what she and Oisin did to Jane this week, and is taken for questioning. Meanwhile, Paul is determined to vindicate his son, and plans to reveal that Charlotte killed Paddy. Also, Debbie and Tommy are forced to work together ahead of the gym launch, while Dan and Robbie bet on Laura and Sash getting with each other. RIVER CITY Patrick’s intimacy issues unsettle Angel this week, so she challenges him over the mixed signals he’s sending. Patrick insists he has feelings for Angel, but hints at some deep-rooted issues from his past. Elsewhere, Annie uses her power over Alex to try to make a difference to the McLeans’ housing situation. Also, Ellie is outraged when Bob offers Stella a place to stay. THE ARCHERS Peggy pays…

Like David, Jack and his fiancée Lauren Shippey have two small children – and he reckons they are pretty opinionated about his Street antics! However, it seems Nyla, seven, and two-year-old Reuben have conflicting views on David Platt… “Nyla doesn’t watch me on television – she thinks it’s weird,” says Jack. “Whenever I’m on screen and she’s in the room, all she does is talk to me! I’m like, ‘Hang on, let me watch this’ or ‘Watch this, this is funny’, but no. Whereas Reuben loves it! After his bath, he says, ‘I want to watch Daddy on telly’, and we sit down together.” Jack admits that he’s not an avid viewer of all the Corrie action, preferring to mostly keep an eye on what David is up to. “I…

1 “Tony is the person I’m most likely to hang out with on set. A lot of my closest mates have left the show now, but T is always around to cheer me up. That said, we do get a bit cross with each other sometimes!” 2 “I think Will Beck would probably make the best doctor in real life. Just like his character [Dylan], he’s quite analytical and very intelligent. But I’m not sure I would want any of the Casualty cast to treat me if I were sick!” 3 “George Rainsford [who plays registrar Ethan] has a rather individual sense of humour! It’s very much his own style, but he does make me giggle on set. I’ve never been a huge fan of practical…

Take a leaf out of Jennie’s book and add this ASOS necklace to your jewellery collection. Thanks to Dorothy Perkins, the hunt for the perfect denim jeans in an indigo hue is over! With delicate stud detailing, these statement stilettos are on point from day to night. Talk about fierce! Take inspiration from Jennie, and champion the classic biker jacket. No wardrobe is complete without one… Camisoles aren’t just for evening. They refresh daytime outfits, too – see this khaki cami from Topshop.…

THE WORD “CHARMING” keeps popping into our heads whenever we think about this comic tale of a young woman from Leicester working as a nanny for a busy single mother in 1980s London. Faye Marsay is brilliant here as Nina, observing the lives around her with amusement and occasionally confusion as she writes to her sister back home. The interactions between Nina and her distracted boss George (Helena Bonham Carter) are the highlight for us, as two different worlds come together and lead to unexpected common ground, which is a total delight to watch.…

“CALLY, THE DOG WHO BURST BALLOONS, IS MY FAVOURITE. IT WAS SUCH A STUPID ACT, BUT IT MADE ME LAUGH.” Simon Cowell picks out his top animal act in Britain’s Got Talent history… “I WATCH ONE BORN EVERY MINUTE LIKE AN ADDICT - MY FELLA KEEPS WALKING IN ON ME CRYING!” In The Club’s Christine Bottomley found the perfect place to research her role as a midwife “I DID ONE GIG IN A FRENCH YOUTH CLUB. THERE WERE ABOUT NINE PEOPLE IN THE AUDIENCE.” Rhod Gilbert, host of The UK’s Best Part-Time Band, on his own ill-fated musical ambitions “I’D ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT IF SOMEONE RENDERED KING’S LANDING IN SPONGE, IT WOULD BE PERFECT.” Game Of Thrones fan and Thronecast host Sue Perkins would love to see it inspire the…

What a brilliant idea to have creepy Silas bump off Lindsey – it was such a great ending to the ‘Gloved Hand Killer’ plot. It all fitted in really well with them both having ties to Mercedes, and the fact that Silas’ old nemesis was also called Lynsey. I love that Silas just wandered off out of the village and is still out there somewhere. James, via email I know there is no justifying murder, but at least Silas had some proper reasoning behind his killings, unlike Lindsey. I wish he had bumped off paedo Pete while he had the chance, though. He’s a creep! Maz, via email Although I enjoyed the showdown between Silas and Mercedes, there was a lot of past plot that I struggled to remember. They…

ARIES 21 MARCH - 20 APRIL  While you may have been feeling as though you and one or two friends have drifted apart of late, this week could bring you all back together. If so, enjoy reconnecting and making plans. TAURUS 21 APRIL - 21 MAY  This week might bring with it the opportunity to make it up to a friend or family member after a falling-out. It doesn’t matter how long it’s been, it’s never too late to patch things up - so give it a try! GEMINI 22 MAY - 21 JUNE  Whether you’re planning a big birthday bonanza or a more low-key affair, this time of year is an opportunity for you to reflect - and you may even be inspired to think about taking on a…

With Ches spectacularly failing to deliver in the romance department, we can’t blame unhappy Sinead for concentrating on her modelling career instead. But actress Katie wants to tell her character to weather the storm… “I’d advise Sinead that if she really wants to be with Chesney, she should get her head out of the clouds and just work it out with him,” she muses. “He clearly loves her, so she needs to stop stressing about them being together all of the time!”…

Chas reckons she’s ready to move on in the wake of Gordon’s trial and subsequent suicide – but this week proves it could be too much, too soon when it comes to romance. Throughout the investigation into Gordon’s sexual abuse of Aaron, DS Wise worked closely with Aaron, Chas and Liv, providing support as the case developed and Gordon went on trial. Apparently hoping to see more of the kind detective now that the case is finally closed, Chas makes the impromptu decision to ask DS Wise to join her for a drink – and he accepts her invitation. The date is the first she’s been on since discovering that Gordon had abused Aaron. She’d just reunited with her ex at the time, and was distraught at the horrific revelation…

Darts champion Bobby George makes a cameo appearance this week, refereeing a local tournament that a patient of Al’s – called Pete – is due to play in. But thanks to Pete’s wife Tracey forcing her fella to sleep on a camp bed for days, Pete has sustained an arm injury that means he won’t be fit to compete with his darts team. Desperate not to let his fellow players down, Pete persuades Al to take his place. However, when Al finds out the rival team is captained by Tracey – and that the tournament coincides with her birthday – how will he react when she cheekily suggests he should throw the match? Also this week… Jimmi and Zara try to persuade Mrs Tembe to move house, and…

“JESSE IS REALLY FUN AND FULL OF LIFE – HE’S ALWAYS SMILING” Just as we were ready to praise Hollyoaks for giving us a band of hot new brothers, the Donovans drove off into the night! But luckily, we haven’t seen the last of the show’s latest hunks – this week, Jesse and Liam return to the village to pay Grace an impromptu visit. She was fuming when she bumped into Liam a little while ago, so as we sit down for a chat with actor Luke Jerdy – who plays Jesse – we’re keen to know whether she’s more welcoming now that she has double the fun on her doorstep… “No, she’s not happy to see either of them,” laughs the star. “Grace sees Jesse and Liam as these…

While Cain is putting pressure on Belle to end her affair with Dr Bailey, Jeff gets on famously with star Eden Taylor-Draper, who plays the teen. The cast mates teamed up to enter the Morrisons Great Manchester Run last year in aid of Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, aka Bloodwise – and Eden reckons Jeff is powered by a special diet… “He is addicted to tea!” the 18-year-old actress tells us. “Honestly, Jeff has about 25 cups of the stuff every day. He does make everybody else a cup at the same time, though. Yesterday he made me four teas, I think – and he’s very good at it, too!”…

PETER POPPING BACK TO E20? X-Men star Ben Hardy has said he’d be happy to return to the role of Peter Beale in EastEnders for a brief appearance. “I’m attached to his relationship with Lauren and the baby,” said the actor at his film’s premiere. We’d love to see Ben back any time! TINA’S SPARKLE Corrie’s Sarah is going through a tough time, but star Tina O’Brien is on cloud nine after announcing her engagement to partner Adam Crofts. However, the shock has left Tina a bit foggy on the details. “He said lots of lovely words,” she told OK! magazine as she showed off her sparkler. “But I can’t remember any of them!” THAT’S MY BABY! Emmerdale’s James Hooton (Sam) was almost unrecognisable as he attended The Baby…

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I’ve just finished watching the comedy horror series Ash vs Evil Dead . For some reason I find this show that involves constant mutilation of demons by chainsaws very warm, funny, and incredibly loveable. As something with so much blood and gore, it’s surprisingly really charming. My favourite film is Don’t Look Now . Buy it. Watch it. Thank me later! And the best film that I’ve seen recently is Victoria [which follows one night for a Spanish girl living in Berlin]. It’s done in one take and it’s mind-blowing. I just finished watching Mad Men . God, I love Mad Men. It’s such an incredible piece of work – I’m amazed by how hypnotic it was. Literally nothing ever really happened, and yet…

1 SATURDAY DVD THE 5th WAVE After witnessing four waves of increasingly deadly alien attacks that have left most of planet Earth decimated, Cassie Sullivan (Chloë Grace Moretz) becomes a girl on a mission. Will she be able to rescue her younger brother before the inevitable and lethal fifth wave occurs? WIN! For the chance to win a copy, tell us who Chloe Howman plays in Casualty: A) Connie, B) Rita, or C) Louise. Text ISWIN1, a space, then A, B, or C and your name & address to 87080 (50p). Or see below for postal entries. 2 SUNDAY DVD THE TUNNEL: SABOTAGE Commander Elise Wassermann (Clémence Poésy) and DCI Karl Roebuck (Stephen Dillane) reunite to investigate the abduction of a couple in the Eurotunnel. But when a…

THE LIFE OF RILEY When Mercedes and Silas faced off in Hollyoaks, she said that she had nothing to do with his grandson Riley’s death. Can you remind me how Riley died, please? Michelle, Manchester Riley was accidentally shot by Simon Walker – an undercover cop who was seeking revenge on Brendan Brady. Walker was holding Ste at gunpoint at the time, but as he and Brendan tussled for the gun, a bullet hit Riley. WHO’S STU? The guy who played Stuart in Marcella looked really familiar – has he been in a soap recently? Ali, via email The actor in question is Stephen Lord, who you most probably recognise as EastEnders’ Jase Dyer – Jay’s dad. He was on the Square from 2007 to 2008,…

Lorna, you must be glad to have Abi and Lauren back together again? Yes! I love working with Jacqueline [Jossa, aka Lauren], and I think Abi has needed her sister over the past few months, so I’m happy for Abi too. It’s been a bit strange without her and Jake [Wood, who plays Max] around because I was so used to working with the two of them. I’ve been busy, though, and have enjoyed being an honorary Mitchell. But now it’s as if Lauren never even left! Do you think that Lauren can convince Abi to help Max? I think having Lauren there will remind Abi of the family she wants so badly, which will help. But it’s much more complicated. Abi was prepared to never speak to her dad…

Actress Danniella Westbrook has hit back at reports claiming she’s been axed from EastEnders – and has even hinted at a possible move to Emmerdale ! The star, who is reprising her Walford role as Sam Mitchell for Peggy’s funeral, initially kept fans guessing on Twitter. But it was during an appearance on Good Morning Britain that she confirmed her Dales desire… “I was happy to go back to EastEnders,” tweeted Danniella. “But I’m ready to call another soap home now… A move north maybe.” She later told presenter Piers Morgan: “My dream job would be Emmerdale. I would love to have an affair with a Dingle. Yes, I’d love a bit of Dingle in my life!” This isn’t the first time Danniella’s…

ARCHIE’S SECRET SON? Andy is obsessed with Ronnie and has taken a weird interest in Stacey, who was Archie’s killer. The odds of him being a secret Mitchell aren’t as high now that he’s trying his luck with would-be half-sister Roxy. But any offspring of Archie’s is likely to be pretty screwed up, right? DANIELLE’S BROTHER? Shortly after Ronnie was seen grieving for daughter Danielle on the anniversary of her death, Andy was revealed to viewers as her stalker. We know that the girl had an adopted brother named Gareth and a father who coincidentally was named Andrew. So could Andy turn out to be Danielle’s vengeful sibling? KAT’S LONG-LOST CHILD? Andy’s secret stash of press cuttings about Ronnie were all articles on the infamous baby swap. It was Kat’s…

“I LIKE THE FACT THAT THERE’S A GOOD DAVID AND A BAD DAVID” While we worry for Sarah and fear for Kylie, it seems pointless to fret too much about the fate of David, their partner in the Callum cover-up. That’s because David is a Teflon-coated master of manipulation – and he always finds a way to emerge unscathed from even the most terrible situations. He’s ruthless and a born schemer, and we’re sure he’ll find a way to deflect the police spotlight. But despite his cleverness, the Platt bad boy is surrounded by vulnerable loved ones, and managing their emotions has become a full-time job. That’s hard work for David, but great fun for Jack P Shepherd, who loves being at the centre of the Corrie action… “We’ve been…

The first time we saw Jesse was when he helped his brother get revenge on Celine and Tegan – who had stolen all of two-timing Liam’s clothes while he was in the hot tub! And Luke was more than happy to play detective in his first scene… “My first day was quite relaxed actually because my character was impersonating a policeman,” the actor reminds us. “I was lucky – Maxim was thrown in the deep end, and had to be filmed in his boxers on his first day. So I’m glad I avoided that! I wasn’t even really playing Jesse because he was pretending to be someone else entirely, so that was fun. And it was great working with Jess [Ellis, aka Tegan] and Sarah [George, aka Celine] who have…

Former Corrie actress Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntyre) married one-time TOWIE star Mark Wright last year – so onlookers in Manchester were surprised to see her in a wedding gown recently! The star isn’t remarrying in real life, though – she was filming scenes for the new series of BBC1 Army drama Our Girl. Michelle, who took over as the series’ lead from EastEnders’ Lacey Turner (Stacey), has also been spotted elsewhere in the city as her character, Corporal Georgie Lane, tended to casualties following a car crash. Thankfully, the star had swapped her white dress for a leather jacket and jeans! Alsostarring...…

How do you think Luke measures up to Maria’s previous love interests? …asks Rodney from Liverpool Working with Dean [Fagan, aka Luke] is great because he’s such a lovely guy – but dare I say it, I don’t think Luke is the love of Maria’s life. I don’t think he’ll ever quite measure up to Liam Connor. She has fun with him, but I’m not fully sold and I don’t think they’re going to make it down the aisle. But with Maria, anything can happen! What did you make of Maria’s surprise marriage to Pablo? …asks Joan, via email Well, it was a bit bizarre, but I thought it was a fun storyline for her to come back on. I don’t know whether Pablo will make another appearance – he’s…

We’d be the first to admit that our knowledge of French history has a few gaps in it, but this new 10-part drama has us very excited to find out more. The show is set in 1667 as Louis XIV takes control of the throne… “It begins when Louis’ mother, Anne d’Autriche, has just died, and it’s the first time in his life when he really has to take control of France as a singular monarch,” explains George Blagden, who plays Louis. “He tells everyone that if they want to be part of his court they have to come with him to Versailles, where he’s going to build this incredible palace. It’s his way of bringing the nobility to heel, but as far as the courtiers are concerned, it’s a…

LOCKED IN Detectorists star Toby Jones is set for a part in the next series of Sherlock. He’ll appear in the second of three episodes, and co-creator Steven Moffat has revealed that Toby will be portraying one of Holmes and Watson’s adversaries. CONTINENTAL DRIFT Well, here’s a blast from the past. Channel 4’s saucy late-night show Eurotrash will return for a one-off special later this month to offer an alternative take on the upcoming European Union referendum. We can’t wait… BE ON TV The ITV game show Rebound, hosted by Good Morning Britain’s Sean Fletcher, is returning for a second series. So if you’re good with your general knowledge and fancy becoming a contestant, email rebound@thames.tv to receive an application form.…

FAREWELL, PEGGY It was so sad as Peggy decided to take her overdose – and the scene became more emotional when Pat appeared. I was trying to be calm, but started crying when I saw her! Pat made Peggy’s sad exit more poignant, as we were reassured she would be okay with her friend. Peggy is an EastEnders icon and will be sorely missed. Manisa, Harrow I DON’T BELIEVE IT! I know soaps are supposed to reflect real life, but the Peggy plot seemed to quickly take an out-of-character turn towards a pro-euthanasia stance, with no counterbalance. I don’t think Peggy would act like that. It’s a shame to imply that people with terminal cancer can’t find good palliative care, especially as cancer affects so many people. Jennifer, Leicester BRILLIANT…

BULLSEYE! It was Peggy’s epic goodbye, but Pam St Clement totally stole the show in her special appearance as the late, great Pat Butcher. The final moments shared by the two old friends were wonderfully moving. But what a shame that, again, they “never got to have that last drink together”. Heaven isn’t going to know what’s hit it… Inside Soap studied GCSE Textiles at school, so we were aghast to see Johnny’s “top seamstress” Beth mullering this piece of fabric. No wonder the factory is always fighting to land an order! We love little Arthur’s amazing new pirate ship! But knowing Emmerdale as we do, our first thought was: ‘So who’s going to burn to death in that, then?’ Izzy, dear, if you’re going to continue to buy drugs,…