Table of contents for 12 - 2018 in Inside Soap UK

“Imagine being Eileen Grimshaw!” Imagine being Eileen Grimshaw, eh? After being let down and cheated on, then enduring a couple of quite dull partners (there was one who was a fireman with a wife and that one off Cold Feet), you finally meet a good’un. He’s kind to you, nice to children and animals, and he even heats up your microwave lasagne for you if you’ve had a long shift and some tricky customers at Streetcars. Okay, so he had bad luck with his business partner who ran away with all the neighbours’ money that had been deposited in that shiny new building development scheme, but that wasn’t his fault. And he’s worked so hard to get himself back on his feet. Life couldn’t be better... oh, dear! So never…

Bring it all back? Former S Club singer Hannah Spearritt has hinted at a Walford return as Karen’s sister Kandice: “I think there is more to come from her, but we’ll have to wait and see…” Bite me! But there’ll be no going back for ex-EastEnder Adam Astill, who was as shocked as fans when his alter ego Luke’s gnashers turned up in a box. “I wonder if Luke died before or after they removed his teeth? he mused. Worthy watch The Silent Child – the Oscar-winning short film written by and starring former Hollyoaks star Rachel Shenton (Anne ‘Mitzeee’ Minniver) – will screen on BBC1 on 30 March, if you want to catch her amazing work.…

“I’d like Pauline Quirke to join Coronation Street . I think she’d be brilliant in it. She could play Eileen’s crazy cousin. I think they look a bit alike!” …suggests reader Caroline from Birmingham “Can they bring back Scott Windsor to Emmerdale , please? I always really fancied the actor who played him: the gorgeous Ben Freeman!” …froths reader Annie from Scarborough “When Keanu’s dad turns up in EastEnders , he’ll have to be a real looker. My mum says Tom Hardy, but I think it should be Bertie Carvel, who plays the husband in Doctor Foster .” …muses reader Mason “In Hollyoaks , I think Sienna’s stalker should be her half-sister Liberty Savage. Anyone…

“Graham identifies with Debbie as she’s had a tough upbringing– he admires her spirit…” Mysterious Graham finally shares the story of his tragic past this week – as he opens up to Debbie. Joe seems desperate to win her back, and Graham goes to see Debbie to convince her to give him another chance. While she’s suspicious of Joe, she is willing to hear Graham out. But she could never have imagined what he has to tell her… “Graham hasn’t even told Joe everything about his past – he doesn’t give things away easily,” teases actor Andrew Scarborough, who plays him. “These scenes with Debbie are important as he doesn’t really talk about himself. Joe wasn’t around when all these things happened to Graham, but they met at his school…

This devastating plot may centre on David, but it’s set to have major repercussions for his loved ones as they try to figure out why he’s acting so strangely. And according to actress Tina O’Brien, who plays David’s sister Sarah, the clan will be left baffled by his odd behaviour. “The Platts are really going to go through the mill,” shares the star. “This is a very solitary situation for David – he doesn’t want to talk about it, he doesn’t want to address it, he doesn’t even want to admit that it has happened. So the rest of the family is left wondering, ‘Why is he behaving like this?’. This is really odd and not like David at all…”…

Maggie struggles to get her head around her cancer diagnosis this week – and is upset when Ben suggests they tell their daughters what’s going on. The news is hard enough for Maggie to digest, and she’s worried that informing the girls may trigger Coco’s bulimia. However, Ben believes that hiding the truth will be just as dangerous, and that both Coco and Ziggy will want to be there for their mum. Will Maggie accept his advice?…

STYLE QUEEN Please can you tell me where Serena from Holby buys her blouses? I am an OAP and like the style of long or 3/4 length sleeves, and I’m always envious of what Serena wears! Ann, Dumfries My Holby spy tells me that many of Serena’s tops are tailor-made – but some are from M&S, & Other Stories, John Lewis and Whistles. FAST FOOD MASOOD In EastEnders, Ian made a reference to Masood’s failed businesses, and even said that they’d run a company together at some point. What was he talking about? Kelly Masood’s first food venture in Walford was a catering business he ran with Ian called Masala Queen – and that led to an offshoot being set up on the market called Masala…

“It was nice to play someone full of sass, secrets and mystery!” “When Neighbours first called and asked if I’d like to do another episode, I thought, ‘That would be great, I’d love to fly to Melbourne!’” chuckles ex-Dales star Sheree Murphy, as we chat to her about reprising the role of Dakota Davies in the Aussie soap. “So when I found out they were filming it in London, I was slightly disappointed – especially as it was summer in Oz! But it turned out to be good fun. It’s always nice to have the Neighbours cast over here.” Sheree’s appearance is just for one episode this time around, but Dakota is an integral part of the story. And the star tells…

THE SOAPIES HAD A BLAST AT THE TRIC AWARDS DO… Look at that Sally Dexter holding back her co-stars! It’s no wonder the Dales actress (aka Faith) and her cast mates Katherine Dow Blyton (Harriet) and Chris Chittell (Pollard) look so excited, as Emmerdale continued its winning streak by bagging two prizes at the Television and Radio Industries Club (TRIC) Awards at Grosvenor House, London. The show fought off some tough competition to be crowned Soap of the Year, while actor Ryan Hawley (Robert) added to the haul by scooping the Soap Actor gong – though being a runner-up in the same category didn’t seem to prevent Corrie favourite Connor McIntyre from Phelan good! Also enjoying the star-studded bash were EastEnders stars Emma Barton (Honey) and Lorraine Stanley (Karen), who’ve known…

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I’m obsessed with Mum , I absolutely love it. I missed the first series, but we had two of the stars on Sunday Brunch so I watched both series, and it’s just brilliant. It’s the best comedy since Gavin & Stacey – it’s got that similar kind of beautifully observed, quite understated humour. I have guilty secrets on telly that I like. I’m quite obsessed with Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away!, and I like Border Patrol as well. I think it’s the fact that they’re completely and utterly non-challenging – I can just sit there and stare at them… I don’t watch a lot of films. I have a real problem with the cinema – I’m not very good at sitting still! But I watched God’s Own…

PUBLIC LIABILITY True Blood’s Anna Paquin has signed up to star in the first original drama for W. In Flack, she’ll play Robyn, a PR professional whose personal life is in disarray. SIXTH SENSE ITV has confirmed a sixth series for period detective drama Endeavour. It will be set in 1969, with both Shaun Evans and Roger Allam returning as DS Morse and DI Thursday. RECIPE FOR SUCCESS BBC2’s The Big Family Cooking Showdown is coming back for a second series, and it needs new families. If you can assemble a team of three family members who are passionate about cooking, email bfcs@voltage.tv for more information.…

MADELEINE WEST (Andrea... or is it Dee?!, Neighbours ) OUT Poor Toadie s trauma isn t over. After a couple of teasers in recent months, it seems the presence of his ex-wife Dee is going to rock his life once again. But this time round, will it be scheming impostor Andrea who rocks up – or the real deal? “We always planned a long storyline with several acts, all pending Madeleine’s availability,” says producer Jason Herbison. “We certainly have another delicious chapter in store for later in 2018.” Later this year ALEXANDRA MARDELL (Emma Brooker, Corrie ) IN  The working day at Audrey’s is going to take a lively turn with the arrival of new girl Emma – played by actress Alexandra Mardell, who’s…

YOU’RE NICKED! The cobbles characters had better watch themselves now the cop shop is only a stone’s throw away. WISHFUL INKING! No doubt some of the locals will be chancing their arm (and other body parts!) at Tattoo’ll Do Nicely… SPICE OF LIFE! Speed Daal had better live up to its name – with food served in a flash! PARK LIFE! Away from the hubbub of the Street is this concrete jungle – perfect for reflecting. ACTION STATIONS! How long until someone bids an emotional farewell as they hop aboard a tram? It’s an exciting time to be part of Coronation Street , judging by the grinning stars who welcomed Inside Soap to their home in Salford for a sneak peek at the…

“I was an avid collector of shells at one time. My pink slick conch was very much admired.” And we don’t want to think about Mary’s polished cockle clam. “A few more squaddie washes in the bogs here and you’d have smelt me out. And by the way, Rodders, that air freshener in there really scorched my armpits!” Why bother with the expense of Chanel No 5 when you can have a good blast of Neutradol? “Nobody would dare break in here – not with my mum. She says if she ever disturbed a burglar, they’d end up a chalk outline on the rug.” Word of what happened to Charlie Stubbs has clearly got around. “What have you done? What’s in the curry, Mother?” “You were the first girl I…

FAIR CITY There’s terror in Carrigstown this week, as tragedy strikes – leading to severe consequences for many of the locals… Meanwhile, Decco and Kerri-Ann are at each other’s throats, and Bob and Oisin also fail to see eye to eye – will either pair be able to call a truce? RIVER CITY Lenny is furious this week, when DCI Grant arrests him for Rick’s murder! Will he discover who framed him? Elsewhere, Pete’s birthday turns sour as Caitlin learns that he’s been gossiping about the family secret. Plus, Madonna tells Stevie she doesn’t want to live with him any more. THE ARCHERS Pat befriends homeless lady Olwen this week, before realising they share a past! But will Olwen prove to be a friend to Pat – or a foe?…

Ever since Mitch Baker arrived in Albert Square, we’ve had the feeling that trouble can’t be too far behind. Karen clearly doesn’t share the same view – despite knowing Mitch has caused huge problems for her in the past, she seems happy to let him charm his way back into her life. She must be a sucker for a bad boy, right? “Yes, she never learns – she can’t help it!” hoots actress Lorraine Stanley, who’s played loud-mouthed Karen for the last nine months. “She won’t learn from her past mistakes and is naturally drawn to that bad-boy type – that’s clearly what does it for her! But I think Mitch is Karen’s true love. She’d like to be together forever with him, and to get her happy ever after.”…

David and Tracy’s romance might be a shambles, but Matthew Wolfenden and Amy Walsh, who play the heartbroken couple, have proved much luckier in love! Amy is preparing to wed her fiancé Bradley Jaden – to whom she was introduced by her sister Kimberley, who starred with Bradley in Shrek The Musical. Matthew, meanwhile, is living happily ever after with his new wife Charley Webb (the Dales’ Debbie), following their surprise wedding bash last month. The newly-weds – who have two boys, seven-year-old Buster and Bowie, two – fooled loved ones into believing the do was a party for Charley’s 30th, before breaking the news they were getting hitched!…

Sheree made lots of pals when she filmed her Neighbours stint in Melbourne back in 2014 – but the person she really clicked with was Olympia Valance, who plays Paige. So much so that when Olympia finished filming on the soap before Christmas, she flew straight over to the UK to stay with the Murphy clan… “I love hanging out with Olympia,” grins Sheree. “If she’s in the UK we will always meet, either in London or she’ll stay at mine. My kids and husband love her too, so when she was with us before Christmas we didn’t want her to go. We wanted her to stay with us forever!”…

Last seen legging it from Emmerdale for a ferry to Rotterdam, Kirin Kotecha was a desperate man – fleeing the law having run over and killed Paddy’s mistress Tess. Unwilling to confess his crime, Kirin abandoned his baby son Johnny and now finds himself in South America – where actor Adam Fielding, who played Kirin, reckons he probably still lives to this day… “I’d like to think Kirin – and his dad Rakesh – are living it up in Argentina somewhere,” suggests the 25-year-old, as he joins us to chat about his exciting new role in sci-fi series Krypton. “But where do you go after doing what he did? It’s not likely he’ll have been able to leave his history in the Dales behind him. So it’s more probable he’s…

When a group of male celebs recreated The Full Monty last year to raise awareness of prostate cancer, it was a huge success. Now, a group of female stars are daring to go bare for breast cancer awareness: Emmerdale’s Sally Dexter (Faith), broadcaster Victoria Derbyshire, actresses Helen Lederer and Ruth Madoc, singer Michelle Heaton, reality star Megan McKenna, and presenters Sarah-Jane Crawford and Coleen Nolan. We caught up with them during rehearsals to find out how it’s all going… Why did you want to do this? Coleen Cancer has been a massive part of my family’s life, and I watched the boys’ one last year and loved it. It was a great way to get the message across. I mentioned it to…

Once a member of almost-successful girl group Variety, now the manager of upcoming trio Sweet Gyal, Maxine Hancock likes to think she’s a big deal in the music business. But when her new protégées threaten mutiny, she has to find a way of keeping herself in the limelight – by getting her old band back together. “She’s trying to make this younger band famous, but she really wants to still be famous herself,” explains People Just Do Nothing star Lily Brazier, who co-wrote the series and stars as Maxine. “Fame is really interesting, because it’s fickle – I’m obsessed with The Big Reunion, and that thing where you’ve been famous, and then you’re just doing a normal job.” Variety just missed out on the big time, but Maxine believes that…

Whatever your ‘Phelans’ on this story, the builder’s killing spree has made for some of the most dramatic scenes we’ve seen on the cobbles for a while. The actors have put their hearts and souls into making it a thrilling watch, complete with a gruelling location shoot in Whitehaven, Cumbria – the setting for Eileen and Phelan’s fight to the death… “It was brutal – my face was actually grazed from the horizontal hail and sleet!” reveals Sue, reflecting on the special effects that the crew employed to set the dramatic scene. “I had two pairs of thermals, two jumpers, a pair of thick trousers and waterproofs, a padded fleece and two coats underneath my costume. It was like someone was picking up bucket loads of seawater and just throwing…

The Street’s charity boxing match is to spark a major new storyline for Robert in the coming weeks, as he begins to abuse steroids while training for his big fight! “It’s an interesting one from a psychological point of view,” explains actor Tristan Gemmill, who plays the Bistro boss. “It’s not outlandish to think that an alpha male like Robert, who recently had testicular cancer, would feel shaken by an episode like that. “He’s trying to seize the day and make the most of the reprieve he’s been given, but he ends up overdoing the exercise,” adds the star. “That’s why he gets into these muddy waters.” Viewers can expect Robert’s drug addiction to throw yet another spanner in the works for him and Michelle, who is set to face…

Alf’s predicament is yet another calamity brought about by Robbo. He’s been hiding out at the Morgan house, but this week Justin realises he needs to get Robbo out of town before Ash clocks that he’s there. Ash soon discovers that Robbo has been spotted by the cops, though – and when Justin hears that Ash is on his way, he dumps Willow and Robbo and drives off like a bat out of hell! But with Ash hot on his tail, Justin isn’t paying attention as he ploughs into a team of gas workers on the road. As he lays slumped at the wheel, will Justin end up six feet under, just like the last person who tried to help Robbo skip town?…

RONNIE MITCHELL The Mitchell ice queen was Jack’s true love, no doubt about it. But the couple’s fairy-tale romance came to a heartbreaking end when Ronnie tragically drowned on their wedding night. ROXY MITCHELL Jack couldn’t resist taking a bite of the forbidden fruit when he shared a one-night stand with Ronnie’s sister. However, he and Roxy were forced to fess up after she fell pregnant with his baby. TANYA BRANNING A knight in shining armour in the wake of his brother Max’s affair with Stacey, hero Jack stepped into the breach to support Tanya – and while he was at it, he stepped into her bed! SHARON MITCHELL Remember when these two almost got hitched? (No? We don’t blame you.) Jack called off the wedding after talking to Ronnie,…

The guilt of being involved in Glenn’s dodgy dealings gets too much for Adam this week – and he tells the police where Trigger’s body is buried! Poor Adam isn’t cut out for the criminal life, and pressures DS Roxy to arrest his old man. However, the copper warns him that if they start investigating Trigger’s murder, he could end up being imprisoned with his dad! Adam can’t wait any longer, though, and calls the cops – so has he just signed his own death warrant?…

LIV LANDS LISA IN HOSPITAL The Dales’ Liv found herself in a heap of trouble after she tried to spike Daz’s drink with ketamine, and ended up poisoning Lisa instead! But is Liv really a teenage tearaway – or simply misunderstood? What Daz said about Liv was pretty horrible – and while spiking his drink in retaliation may have been taking things a tad too far, I really don’t blame her for being upset. He had things so wrong – it’s Gabby who’s actually the bad influence! | Georgia, York I feel very sorry for Liv – she’s had a tough life, and I think that’s why she gets herself into so much trouble! She didn’t mean to hurt Lisa, she was just lashing out. What she really needs is…

Karen and Mitch’s son Keegan skips school this week – and Mitch is so worried about the lad’s behaviour, he invites his teacher round to smooth things over. “Despite being a bad boy, Mitch is such a warm character with so many layers to him,” sighs Lorraine. “Karen’s dream would be to have him for her own again.” Initially, the matriarch is furious with both her ex and her son – but when she realises that Mitch has actually had a positive impact on Keegan, her resolve weakens. As the couple manage to patch up their differences, can their romance go the distance this time?…

1 Tameka’s parents moved to the United Kingdom from the Ivory Coast, and she was born in London in 1977, where she grew up with her sisters. She gave birth to daughter Nylah in 2014, and so was written out of EastEnders for a while. Kim’s absence from the Square was explained when she was said to be on a cruise with a bloke she “met in a queue at a kebab shop”! 2 Tameka made her first appearance in Walford as brassy, fun-loving Kim for a guest stint in 2009, mainly to attend the wedding of her on-screen sister Denise to Lucas Johnson. However, Kim proved so popular that she was quickly invited back in a more permanent capacity the following year. Since then, Kim has given birth to…

“What? Vanessa and Charity have got together?! ” exclaims the star, as we break the news mid-chat that Kirin’s ex has recently moved on with someone new. “I’ve been bumping into a lot of the Emmerdale crew lately, but I didn’t know that had happened! I’m not really sure what Kirin would make of it, although I think he’d probably get over it… What’s been happening with Kirin’s boy Johnny, though? Not even Adam Barton is around to keep an eye on him now!”…

Episode one also introduces us to Brenna Doyle, whose mobile sandwich business serves the garage where Greg works. After Greg defends her from her violent ex, the pair embark on a relationship. “What’s important about Brenna was not to make her a victim or a delicate wee flower,” explains Kerri Quinn, who plays her. “She’s not that at all – she’s got bite, she fights back, she leaves in the end and she doesn’t let it take over her life.” Kerri was thrilled to land the role of Brenna not just because of the character’s strength, but because of the way the series portrays her home town of Belfast. “One of the things that drew me to it was that it wasn’t about the Troubles, and that the women were…

Thanks to a very mysterious games console from the future (just go with it), comedian Rob Beckett has been sent back in time in this new four-part series. His only hope of getting back to the present day is to play some of the greatest video games in history, under the guidance of Peggy Aytean (Kerry Godliman). “It’s quite high-concept – almost sitcommy,” Rob tells Inside TV. “And on top of that, there’s nostalgia, because the studio is set up like whatever decade that game is from, and we’re all in costume. I’ve dressed up as Miami Vice, as one of the Gallagher brothers, as a goth – I do not suit a goth, I’m too smiley!” Rob won’t have to complete his challenges alone, though, as each week he’ll…

CASUALTY Connie Beauchamp............ Amanda Mealing Gemma Dean........................ Rebecca Ryan Iain Dean....................... Michael Stevenson Lisa ‘Duffy’ Duffin................... Cathy Shipton Charlie Fairhead................. Derek Thompson Noel Garcia............................ Tony Marshall Elle Gardner............................. Jaye Griffiths Ethan Hardy...................... George Rainsford David Hide.................................. Jason Durr Dylan Keogh............................ William Beck Bea Kinsella............................. Michelle Fox Jacob Masters......................... Charles Venn Rash Masum............................. Neet Mohan Robyn Miller.................. Amanda Henderson Alicia Munroe.................. Chelsea Halfpenny Sam Nicholls........................... Charlotte Salt Louise Tyler............................. Azuka Oforka CORONATION STREET Dev Alahan....................... Jimmi Harkishin Asha Alahan......................... Tanisha Gorey Angie Appleton................. Victoria Ekanoye Jude Appleton..................... Paddy Wallace Izzy Armstrong................ Cherylee Houston Adam Barlow...................... Sam Robertson Amy Barlow.......................... Elle Mulvaney Ken Barlow......................... William Roache Peter Barlow....................... Chris Gascoyne Simon Barlow.............................. Alex Bain Tracy Barlow............................... Kate Ford Leanne Battersby................... Jane Danson Toyah Battersby................... Georgia Taylor Chesney Brown......................... Sam Aston Mary Cole...................................…

BROTHERLY LOVE Former Emmerdale star Joe Gill reckons that his character Finn would have his own way of dealing with the fallout from the acid attack on his brother Ross – by using his unique humour to cheer up Ross. “Finn would probably be sarcastic with it all and say, ‘At least I’m not the ugliest one out of us now’,” he reckons. “He’d have so much banter.” ANDREX FOR ANDREA She may be dancing up a storm across the country in the musical Thoroughly Modern Millie, but ex- Corrie actress Hayley Tamaddon – who played Lloyd Mullaney’s fiancé Andrea – has revealed her heart still belongs on the cobbles. “I wasn’t ready to leave,” she sighs. “They were like my family. But Craig Charles [Lloyd] was leaving, so the…

CORRIE Craig’s crisis! HIS OCD BECOMES TOO MUCH TO HANDLE… Bottling up his thoughts and fears becomes too much for young Craig next week, as his OCD results in his personal and professional lives being affected more than ever before. But will his mum Beth, friend Bethany or any of his other loved ones finally realise the hell that he’s been suffering? EASTENDERS Join the club! Walford prepares to party like it’s 1999 next week, as E20 reopens. But with tensions running high and hormones running wild, the launch is set to be a disaster… EMMERDALE Memory pain! Rebecca is determined not to let her condition beat her – but her memory loss is Lachlan’s evil gain! And when she tries a different tack in a bid to remember, he’s…

BULLSEYE! Big respect this week to the always-awesome Rita, who spotted Gemma skulking out of Tyrone’s house at the crack of dawn, and immediately knew that ‘relations’ had been had. Frankly, this story has taught us to think twice about sleeping with someone we shouldn’t. Not because it’s wrong – but because it’s just not worth a rollicking from Rita. She takes no prisoners! It’s good that Ian Beale is reading self-help books. We suggest he tries How To Stop Being A Crushing, Simpering, Unbearable Bore by U.R. Vile. Who knew that the answer to Billy’s drug problem would be Phelan beating the heroin right out of him? Old Pat has his bad points, sure – but at least he’s saved us from more of this…