Table of contents for 3 - 2018 in Inside Soap UK

“I’m sure Joe will break the curse!” Imagine being the estate agent who’s given the job of selling Home Farm – really, really hoping nobody asks what happened to some of the previous owners. “The Whites? They’re mainly dead,” would be your reply. “Apart from the young lad, the one who killed them all – he’s still around.” “And the owners before?” the client may venture. “Declan is on the run,” would be your response. “After trying to kill himself by torching the place.” Now you’re just praying they give up before you find youself having to say: “Natasha and Mark? Lovely couple. She’s in prison now – for killing him. “Then there were the King brothers,” you’d continue. “All dead. Apart from Jimmy. Not that you’d notice!” But estate…

Filming big fight scenes might look like a daunting proposition, but Mikey says the hard work on the bouncer vs Gary sequence mostly came behind the scenes. Instead of tough guys, it was Coronation Street’s dedicated make-up team who made it work. “It takes time in make-up to put Gary’s battle scars on,” reveals the star. “The initial beating took 45 minutes in the morning – so less of a lie-in for me! The team did a great job.” Meanwhile, the irony of Gary’s new status as chief punch bag on the Street hasn’t been lost on Mikey. “I remember a time when Gary used to dish out the beatings, but now he seems to be taking them!” he grins. “I’ve done a few fights over the years now, playing…

There won’t be a dry eye in Weatherfield when the locals turn out to say a final farewell to murdered Luke Britton. Our sneaky snaps show members of the Corrie cast on location for the episode set to feature Luke’s funeral, with returning star Tisha Merry reprising the role of his sister, Steph. She’s joined by the tragic fella’s girlfriend Alya and good friends Rana and Kate, with his garage colleagues Kevin and Tyrone also paying their respects. However, fans will have a bitter pill to swallow when they spot killer Phelan in attendance! “Phelan will want people to think he’s doing the honourable thing, so as not to raise suspicions,” reports our Street spy. “But he’ll be keeping an eye on proceedings…” Steph’s arrival looks set to rattle Phelan’s…

“ Shirley Carter is so brilliantly grumpy at the moment – I think she needs some love in her life. She should join a dating website and meet a new man every week. That would brighten up a few Monday episodes. EastEnders could get famous guest stars in for the dates!” …says reader Leon “I can’t stand creepy Lachlan in Emmerdale . Please get him away from lovely Belle. This is the countryside – can he not fall into a septic tank or something? Or be trampled by a bull?” …pleads reader Rohen from Durham “It’s way past time for Mad Maya to come out of prison and get revenge on Dev. Unfortunately for Maya, he’s now with Gina – who I think…

Jimmi has his head turned this week, after his nephew Will – who is staying with him – is joined by close friend Erin. The medic initially assumes that Erin is Will’s girlfriend, but given that he understood Will to be gay, it’s a pretty wild conclusion to reach! Jimmi and his young relative are soon enjoying a proper catch-up, and after Will gets the impression that Jimmi might be attracted to Erin, he encourages his uncle to go for it. Is a romance what long-term singleton Jimmi really wants, though?…

What a gruesome exit for poor Luke! I knew that he was done for once Phelan caught up with him, but I never would have expected Phelan to kill him so mercilessly. Whenever you think he can’t get any worse, Phelan manages to top himself every single time! John Just how many chances is Phelan going to get before this preposterous serial killer storyline is over? He seems to get away with ruining one innocent life after another! I don’t believe Eileen would have bought his lies for so long, and bringing Phelan to justice really can’t come quick enough for me. Ann Johnson, Cheshire Wicked Phelan is even threatening to frame Seb for his dark deed… My heart goes out to Seb, after the way Pat Phelan manipulated him…

“I feel as though I’ve got to know Billy a lot better over the past few months” The shock disappearance of a boyfriend and a daughter, a stabbing, a killer confession, a terrifying plunge over a cliff… that’s quite some going, even in soap. So it’s good that Corrie’s Billy has his unwavering faith to get him through! The vicar is going to need it, as he learns Todd isn’t coming home – all while sinister Adam begins to exact his revenge from the sidelines. But for cobbles star Daniel Brocklebank, the chance to put Billy through the wringer has been an amazing gift as he begins his fourth year on the show… “I feel as though I’ve got to know Billy a lot better over the past few months,”…

Zöe Lucker played queen bee Tanya Turner throughout all five seasons of the show. She went on to play two more characters that were as hard as nails – EastEnders’ Vanessa Gold and Hollyoaks’ Reenie McQueen. Ben Price left the cobbles behind in 2017, eight years after taking over the role of Nick Tilsley. But prior to that, his first regular television role was Earls Park footballer Conrad Gates – who had a sizzling affair with Zöe Lucker’s Tanya. Laila Rouass played glamorous Bollywood actress Amber Gates, who was married to Conrad. Five years after Footballers Wives ended, Laila took on the role of Sahira Shah in Holby City from 2011 to 2012. Ben Richards starred as Sienna Blake’s husband, also named Ben, in Hollyoaks – until the poor copper…

“It would have been better if Bob had told the whole truth” He has a track record with women that would make Casanova blush, but it was still a shock to learn that Bob had betrayed Brenda. For all his failed marriages and numerous affairs, he seemed to have found true happiness with his scatty partner – yet his recent reconciliation with Brenda would be blown apart if she discovered the truth about his other woman being Laurel! And as we settle down for a natter with actress Lesley Dunlop, she reckons their relationship is hanging by a thread… “Brenda’s trust and confidence have been shattered – she thought she and Bob were happy before all of this, and that everything was all right between them,” shares the star. “She’s…

She’s been away from Chester and off our screens for a while, but Jennifer Metcalfe (Hollyoaks’ Mercedes McQueen) has been keeping busy. After giving birth just over six months ago to baby Daye, the gorgeous star has been embracing motherhood – and was snapped taking her little’un for a walk with her partner of four years, Greg Lake. Yummy mummy Jen has been keeping fans in the loop when it comes to her cute bub, sharing photos of the family over the past few months. “Every day is different being a mum to a six-month-old,” she gushed recently. “Some days it’s exhausting, while on others it’s exhilarating. But no matter what kind of day I’ve had, I’ve never felt love like it. It’s all-consuming and too much to put into…

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THIS COMEDY IS BRINGING US so much joy every week. It’s about a group of girls growing up in Northern Ireland in the mid-90s, where the Troubles are viewed as the sort of mild irritant that make you miss a salon appointment. It’s rare that we see a comedy so assured in its tone and its sense of humour right from the off, but Derry Girls seems to have emerged perfectly formed. The whole gang feels instantly recognisable, with would-be rebel Erin, sex-obsessed Michelle and high-achiever Clare – who won’t let her friends get in the way of her plans for her own greatness……

Mona returns from Pakistan in this week’s episode, injured and furious with the British authorities for, she believes, using her to get to Danny. As Mona recovers at the heart of her worried family, we caught up with Kiran Sonia Sawar, who plays Mona’s sister Ani, to find out more… “You just don’t expect huge, horrendous things like this to happen within your own family,” she tells us. “They’re all trying to protect their mother and do the right thing. Ani feels very protective of her nieces and nephews, which is why Danny’s disappearance is such a big shock to her.” This week, Mona decides to investigate Danny’s links to radical Islam for herself, and it’s this domestic approach to the issue that Kiran thinks is the series’ strength. “It…

Here are the first pics of Walford’s Mel and her son Hunter as they reconnect in the coming weeks. On screen, Mel is currently estranged from her boy as the saga of the heist continues, but our pics show Tamzin Outhwaite and newcomer Charlie Winter filming some emotional scenes together in a graveyard. Mel is showing Hunter the final resting place of his grandmother Barbara, the mother of Mel’s late hubby Steve Owen – which is the spot where vindictive Phil dumped Steve’s ashes following his death! Barbara and Steve had a tumultuous relationship, with Barbara violently abusing him as a boy, and Steve certainly didn’t grow up to be a saint. But is Mel giving her son the warts-and-all story of his family history – and how will Hunter…

“No way is Scarlett going to let Luke have his happy-ever-after!” An uninvited guest turns up in the village in time for Luke and Mandy’s wedding this week – as Luke’s former wife Scarlett pays a visit! Having tried and failed to track down the current Mrs Morgan in order to obtain a divorce before tying the knot again, Luke has decided to give up the search and risk a bigamy charge by making oblivious Mandy his wife. If it were any other day, Luke would be thrilled to have this opportunity to explain his predicament to Scarlett face to face. Unfortunately, this blast from the past is the last thing Luke needs just hours before he marries again… “Scarlett turns up out of the blue, and Luke’s main concern…

“I got more than just laundry experience… Four boys and two girls, that’s what I got. Let’s start with the boys, shall we? Growing lads with bits. Do need to spell it out? I have to deal with every sort of stain you can imagine, and some you don’t even want to. Most people would have chucked the old clobber out and got new, but I didn’t.” There was way, way too much hinting about the personal habits of the Taylor boys this week “I’ve known Chesney Brown longer than I’ve known myself. He’s more like a brother than a mate. No, more than a brother – he’s like a nephew.” We love this. 100 per cemt premium organic Kirk nonsense “Aah! The smell of woodsmoke! Takes me right back…

Former foes end up reunited this week, as Phil and Mel are forced into working together to protect their kids. Phil suspects that Ben has made off with the haul from Aidan’s robbery, so when he finds out Mel is back in Walford and working with Aidan’s ex Ciara to track down the missing money, he’s concerned. But once he discovers that Mel’s own son is also in danger because of the cash, the duo join forces to find it… “Mel and Phil share a lot of history – and not all of it is positive!” our Walford sneak reminds us. “When she went on the run to Portugal after being arrested because of her husband Steve Owen’s drug-smuggling operation 16 years ago, Phil lost the £30,000 bail money that…

Phelan receives an unexpected visitor this week, when his daughter Nicola shows up. It looked as if their relationship had come to a bitter end after Nicola learned a little about what her father is really like. In fact, Phelan was never expecting to see his pregnant daughter ever again – so he can’t believe it when she turns up on the Street. What’s more, she profusely apologises for ever doubting him, and begs for his forgiveness! It’s no secret that Phelan hates disloyalty, so is it too little, too late? Or is he ready to welcome Nicola back into the fold?…

PLAYING DETECTIVE I’m sure that the cop who came to break the news of Luke’s death has been in another soap. Who is he? Susie DC Yates is played by Kent Riley, who you probably remember from his Hollyoaks days! Kent played Zak Ramsey from 2004 to 2010 – and he’s dropped his Scouse accent for the Corrie role. UNLUCKY IN LOVE When Aidan was comforting Maria about Luke’s death in Corrie, she declared that all her exes seem to come to harm! Have all her former boyfriends been killed off? Rob Warwickshire Not all of them, but enough for Maria to feel she’s a jinx! Hubby Liam Connor was murdered by Carla’s fiancé Tony Gordon – whom oblivious Maria became engaged…

Brenda would soon have a smile on her face again if she found a new man – and Lesley reckons there are some village fellas other than Bob who’d be right up her street. “I like the idea that Lawrence might have left his fortune to his ex-boyfriend Ronnie, and that Brenda and Ronnie could live in the big house together having a fabulous time,” she grins. “They’d have a platonic but very deep friendship – just like the couple on Gogglebox who live in the caravan together!” We’d also hope Brenda still has the potential for a sexy romance. Attraction sparks between the most unlikely pairs in soap, and Lesley has an idea that Brenda might quite enjoy being a cougar… “I think she’s one of the few women…

They’re up at the crack of dawn, film well into the night and face harsh winter weather on set – and now the ladies of Coronation Street have revealed a few tips on how they keep themselves looking so lovely. Snapped on set were Beverley Callard (Liz), who uses curlers to never let a gale (or a Gail!) stop her from looking her very best. Meanwhile, Street sisters Helen Flanagan (aka Rosie) and Brooke Vincent (Sophie) know the best way to perfect skin is a face mask. Don’t give Phelan any ideas on covering up his crimes!…

Before he heads off on tour with Wicked , Aaron is turning his hand to producing, as he puts on a special performance of the play Loserville at London’s Garrick Theatre on 28 January. “I originally did the show five years ago, but unfortunately one of my cast mates suffered with depression and took his own life,” explains Aaron, referring to co-star Chris Hardman, who played Francis in the original West End production. “We all wanted to do something as a company to remember him, so I had the idea of putting on this show. A big reason I took the job on Wicked was because we had January off, so I could still do this concert performance with everybody in it.” For ticket information, see…

Regular viewers of Silent Witness will be all too aware that Nikki Alexander doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to relationships, but is that about to change? The Lyell Centre’s latest case involves the suspicious death of an American diplomat in London, and as they work with US Chief of Mission Matt Garcia, it seems clear he’s smitten with Nikki. Could love be blossoming in an unlikely place, or is the pathologist set for disappointment yet again? We caught up with Emilia Fox (Nikki) and Michael Landes (Matt) to find out… What can you tell us about this relationship between Matt and Nikki? Michael It’s a great episode, and there is a love story in it – but it has to do with…

BULLSEYE! All good things must come to an end. And so, after a shooting, a brain aneurysm and 237 heart attacks, it was a 10-ton lorry that finally did for Lawrence White. We’re going to miss that wonderful booming voice of his. As for Chrissie, we think her untimely squishing is a shameful waste of a classic Home Farm vixen. Still, at least the Devil has a new social secretary! Perhaps Laurel should take herself off on that local history walk, to keep her from getting mixed up with another woman’s husband. Then again, in Emmerdale, what gets you more in touch with local history than sleeping with Bob Hope? Robert has a highly attuned Sense Of Impending Doom. Like when the world is about to end, and all the…

MARTIN 85% “She should get back with Martin... but I bet if she does she’ll discover she’s pregnant with Max’s baby.” “She defo needs to sort her head out and get back with Martin! What she has with Martin is real – with Max it’s just one thing!” “If she gets back with Max, the ratings will plummet. We’ve seen that story already, don’t need it again!” We asked lnsideSoap readers on Facebook and Twitter if the Fowlers should fight for their love, or if the bond between Stacey and Max is too juicy to ignore… You have your say! MAX 15% “Martin should fling her out after what she’s done – then she’d have to go back to Max, for better or probably for worse!” “Max all the way…

It won’t be long before Mel falls for the charms of philandering Max Branning – if star Tamzin Outhwaite has her way! The actress, who recently made her big return to Albert Square after 16 years away, called for a romance between the fan-favourite characters after the subject of Max’s love life was raised by Inside Soap at a press event. “Max could have a romance with Mel at some point, maybe,” suggested the star, who’s had famous on-screen dalliances in the Square with legendary characters Phil Mitchell and Steve Owen. “You’ve got to have Mel and Max… I’m just putting it out there!” Tamzin’s co-star Jake Wood, who plays Max, also teased that the pair might team up during a recent appearance on Good Morning Britain. When host Susanna…

Any actor will tell you that wedding scenes feel odd – so spare a thought for Sarah Jayne Dunn, who is marrying fiancé Jonathan Smith for real this year. “It’s exciting and weird doing this so close to my own wedding,” she laughs. “Jon always runs my lines with me, so the night before we were doing the vows, he started reading the scene and was like, ‘Oh my God, this feels a bit real!’. As he was saying, ‘To have and to hold…’, it did feel quite strange.” While Mandy goes all-out wedding glam, Sarah reveals that her look will be different on her own day. “I love Mandy’s dress and hair, but it’s not me,” she tells us. “It took about an hour – a team effort with…

Dipi has a furious showdown with Leo as the Rebecchi family gather for a barbecue this week – which results in the pair of them taking a tumble into the swimming pool! Dipi is furious at Leo for giving her hubby Shane bad business advice, and as the clan get together for Australia Day, tensions boil over… “When Leo confronts Dipi about her behaviour, she tries to avoid the conversation,” explains Sharon Johal, who plays her. “But as she goes to move past him, she slips on a float and falls into the pool! Leo tries to catch her, but ends up in there with him.” Whether the mishap will prompt the pair to bury the hatchet or make Dipi even more furious with her sister’s boyfriend remains to be…

Business is booming for delighted Gina this week – but her success could be detrimental to her mental health, as she forgets to pick up her bipolar medication. Dev has promised to support Gina as she tries to manage the difficult condition, and he even loaned her money to start up her own clothes customisation business. His faith in Gina appears to be paying off, as she finds herself inundated with new orders – but as she tries to keep on top of the work, she neglects to collect her prescription. Nobody is aware of her slip-up until Brian – who is modelling the clothing to help out Gina – is perplexed by her erratic behaviour. Will he work out what’s behind this change in her mood?…

FAIR CITY Hayley’s sister Harmony turns up this week, and soon gains Callum’s interest. Jane isn’t so keen on her, though – so she’s put out when Callum offers her a place to stay! Elsewhere, Kevin tries to cheer up Christiano – while Damien’s extreme behaviour threatens his job. RIVER CITY Ellie ignores Caitlin’s wishes this week, and decides to visit John. But as she prepares to leave, John convinces Ellie he’s in pain and needs help! Meanwhile, Annie is struggling following the Murdochs’ clash with Rick, and Pete and AJ are at loggerheads over wedding ideas. THE ARCHERS Toby fears the Archers will push him out of his baby’s life this week – but soon begins to doubt he has what it takes. Elsewhere, Jim looks into the truth…

In perhaps Guy’s most blockbusting part to date, he was never even seen on screen! Instead, he morphed into Peter Cushing’s famous role as Grand Moff Tarkin in 2016’s Star Wars: Rogue One… “That was terrifying because Peter Cushing was a hero of mine,” explains Guy who revived the character with the help of cutting-edge effects. “I’m not an impressionist, so I didn’t want to be the tall idiot from England who let the whole film down! But it seems to have gone well. “They called me back for a lot of reshoots, and I had to put on the head camera and all the motion control dots again. I’m happy to have done that amazing project.”…

I used to work in an office, actually, for many years. And I love problem-solving jobs – I enjoy sorting things out. So it would likely be something that involves troubleshooting, and getting stuff sorted. A job that might make me want to pull my hair out a bit! Every week, we put your questions to a star of the soaps. Look out for requests on our Facebook page, or email your questions to youask@insidesoap.co.uk, putting the actor’s name in the subject line. Our favourite question each week will win a £20 prize!…

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The Replacement on BBC1 was fantastic and a real nail-biter. I enjoyed the fact that it was set around an architecture firm as well, so I managed to get my design fix at the same time. The same could be said for Mad Men – so stylish! Catastrophe has to be my favourite comedy recently. Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney are absolutely hilarious – I think it is one of the best sitcoms produced in recent years. It may be because I also have a young family that I find the utter chaos so amusing! For pure nostalgia, I would say my favourite film is Point Break with Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves. It reminds me of long summer days as a teenager and killing time…

REBEL YELLS Dominic West is to play Jean Valjean in BBC1’s adaptation of the classic Victor Hugo novel Les Misérables, with David Oyelowo as Javert, Lily Collins as Fantine and Olivia Colman as Madame Thénardier. PARENT PRESSURE Jenna Coleman and Ewen Leslie are to star in BBC1’s thriller The Cry. Adapted from Helen Fitzgerald’s novel, the four-part drama follows a couple dealing with the abduction of their newborn baby. A HIDDEN GENDER Filming has begun on new ITV drama miniseries Butterfly. Anna Friel and Emmett J Scanlan star as Vicky and Stephen, the separated parents of an 11-year-old boy who identifies as a girl, and they are divided on how best to support their child as puberty approaches.…