Table of contents for 16 - 2019 in Inside Soap UK

“Soaps do love a little bit of mystery” Soaps do love a little bit of mystery, all the way back to when we were left puzzling over who was the father of Michelle Fowler’s baby in EastEnders, in the show’s early days. But this week, Emmerdale takes it to a whole new level, as a gang of residents head off on a night out, which we see the beginning of – but the end of the eventful evening will remain a mystery, leaving us puzzling over what fate has befallen several of the characters. Catch the drama over the page. Meanwhile, in a totally shameless plug, if you enjoy a puzzle, then you’re in luck! The Inside Soap Puzzle Special is out now, packed with great brainteasers, as well as…

Here at Inside Soap, we get many letters and emails every week about the hottest topics in our favourite shows. But nothing’s caused such a stir recently as the subject of Ben Mitchell’s hearing aid – or more to the point, lack of it! “What happened to Ben’s hearing aid in EastEnders?” emailed one angry reader. “Did he have some pioneering surgery while he was away to fix his hearing problems?” But now star Max Bowden, who took over the role of Ben last month, has cleared up the mystery. He replied to a tweet from a curious fan, stating, “Ben still has a hearing aid”, with this picture of Ben’s tiny, in-ear hearing contraption. We’d never notice that in a million years on screen! #MysterySolved!…

The last time we saw James Tate, he was just a toddler, boarding a helicopter with his mother Kim as she fled the Dales in her original exit from the show. And now he’s back – 20 years later! Show bosses have announced that they’ve cast actor Alexander Lincoln in the role, and together with his telly mum Claire King, he tells Inside Soap what we can expect when Kim’s precious ‘Jamie’ rocks up in the village in a few weeks’ time… Welcome to Emmerdale, Alex! How does it feel to join the Tate dynasty? Alex It’s a great feeling – I have a lot to live up to! I’d watched bits and pieces of the show before, and knew of the old Kim Tate. Claire Less of the old,…

100 club! Hollyoaks has teamed up with 107-year-old Jack Reynolds, to help him clinch the Guinness World Record for the oldest person to be in a soap. His episode will be on screen in June. Dismissed! Emmerdale actress Shila Iqbal, aka Aiesha, is leaving the soap. ITV chose not to renew her contract after racially offensive remarks she’d made on Twitter in the past were brought to the broadcaster’s attention. Bev’s wife wish! Liz will marry on-off boyfriend Mike Thornberry in Corrie, if her real-life alter ego Bev Callard has her way! “I’d like to see them both live happily ever after,” twinkles the star.…

EastEnders star Gillian Wright has opened up about playing Jean’s current storyline, revealing that she’s found it very challenging… “Emotionally, it’s been upsetting,” says the actress. “I have friends and family who have gone through it, or haven’t succeeded, as a consequence of cancer. I think that that’s why it’s such a nerve-wracking story to do, because the majority of people will either know somebody going through it, or will be living with someone who’s going through it. Sadly, it’s such a common disease now.” The actress – who first joined EastEnders in 2004 – admits she felt as if she’d “been punched in the stomach” and her “heart plummeted” when she was told what was in store for Jean. But she has grabbed the story with both hands. “To…

“ Gary needs to put that loan shark Rick back in his box. Gary fought in Afghanistan, for heaven’s sake! He was a bodyguard in Bulgaria, or somewhere. He needs to come out fighting!” …says reader Adrian “Come on, Jai and Laurel. It’s so obvious that you’re just what the other person needs! Let’s get this show on the road! #jaurel” …pleads reader Elizabeth “My money is on a secret affair between new Ben and Gray in EastEnders. And when I say my money, I mean that I would actually be willing to pay to see it.” …dreams reader Stephanie from Lytham St Annes “Hollyoaks should pit Breda – who kills bad dads – against Silas, who kills immoral women. Who’d win? Or would they team up and kill everyone?”…

The Cannings are thrilled this week, when they find out that Kyle and Chloe got together at the pool party – but they soon discover that his heart lies elsewhere! “Chloe’s fun and upfront,” says Chris Milligan, who plays Kyle. “As well as that, she’s pretty good-looking! Kyle’s definitely interested, and it’s a distraction for the time being.” For their own peace of mind, both Amy and Gary encourage Kyle to make a go of things with Chloe. But when he realises this, Kyle backs off – leaving Chloe confused. Determined to get to the bottom of things, Sheila goes digging, and uncovers Kyle’s secret… “Sheila can’t help herself!” laughs Chris. “She reads a letter from Georgia and finds out that Kyle broke up with her as he’s still in…

FAIR CITY Orla heads to Prague this week, and Wayne struggles to keep up appearances in her absence. Meanwhile, Tessa is deeply concerned about Melanie when she receives an offer for the flat… Plus, Sharon refuses to go to the dentist so that she can save money! RIVER CITY Lenny orders loved-up Amber to cut ties with resident police officer Lou this week – but will Amber do as her dad tells her? Elsewhere, Sonny refuses to accept Maggie’s diagnosis… Also, Dougie’s borrowed money gets someone else into trouble! THE ARCHERS The Easter event is in full swing at Lower Loxley this week, and Elizabeth decides to confront her condition head on! Meanwhile, Emma tries to teach Natasha the dos and don’ts of life in Ambridge. Finally, Leonard and Jill…

LILY’S MATE? I’m devastated over Lily’s death in Hollyoaks – she was too young to die! But I was just wondering, where have I seen the actress who played Imogen, Lily’s pal in the mental health unit? Julia, London Imogen was portrayed by actress Annabelle Kaye, who also played Amelia’s kidnapper in Emmerdale last year! MARRIED TO MARIA? In Corrie, when David and Maria took part in the Mr & Mrs quiz together, David joked that none of Maria’s fellas have ever “put a ring on it”, and she agreed. Has she forgotten she was married to Liam? Hannah It seems she has! Mind you, she did get hitched to him back in 2008, and has had many other men since then! She appears to have also forgotten her…

There’s baby joy in Weatherfield, as cobbles fave Brooke Vincent (aka Sophie) has announced that she’s pregnant! The star – who has played Kev and Sal’s daughter since she was just 11 – shared with OK! magazine that she’s expecting a child with her footballer boyfriend Kean Bryan. “I’ve always wanted to be a mum, so I’m really excited,” said Brooke. The 26-year-old received lots of love after the news was revealed, and tweeted: “I want to thank everybody who has gone out of their way to make my new little family feel so special.” How cute!…

Killing Eve was fantastic, plus Mindhunter on Netflix and Sharp Objects on HBO were big shows for me. I adore Amy Adams [who played Camille Preaker] – she’s a phenomenal actress and I could watch her in anything. I think it was the pinnacle of her career, that show. And Manhunt with Martin Clunes was terrific, too. I loved Sally4Ever – I’d do anything for Julia Davis, to be honest! I also enjoyed The Young Offenders, plus Better Things on BBC2 is a show I’m surprised hasn’t taken off more. It’s tender and funny with lovely characters – a family drama that reminded me a bit of Mum. And thank the Lord for Fleabag! I’ve got two favourite films – one is Cinema Paradiso, which I struggle to watch because…

The latest series of Shop Smart: Save Money is keeping its advice on point, with co-hosts Alexis Conran and Gaby Roslin looking at the savings which might be particularly useful to us each week. Spring is the theme for this week’s bargains, as Alexis and Gaby look at the best offers for the upcoming season – and Alexis tells us there’s a lot more to come… “We’ve got a spring-cleaning episode, a ‘booking a holiday’ special, a staycation one…” Alexis tells Inside TV. “Because the show is so immediate, in the sense that we film it on the Tuesday and it goes out on the Thursday, we have a real advantage of being able to be very topical and up to date. It really pays to watch the show on…

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 Archie Hudson..................... Genesis Lynea Jan Jenning............................... Di Botcher Dylan Keogh........................... William Beck Marty Kirkby................ Shaheen Jafargholi Jade Lovall.......................... Gabriella Leon Jacob Masters....................... Charles Venn Rash Masum........................... Neet Mohan Robyn Miller................ Amanda Henderson Will Noble................................. Jack Nolan Ruby Spark................................ Maddy Hill CORONATION STREET Dev Alahan........................ Jimmi Harkishin Izzy Armstrong............... Cherylee Houston Amy Barlow.......................... Elle Mulvaney Ken Barlow......................... William Roache Peter Barlow....................... Chris Gascoyne Simon Barlow.............................. Alex Bain Leanne Battersby................... Jane Danson Toyah Battersby.................... Georgia Taylor Emma Brooker............... Alexandra Mardell Chesney Brown.......................... Sam Aston Claudia Colby.......................... Rula Lenska Mary Cole.................................. Patti Clare Carla Connor.............................…

THEATRE GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS Four cut-throat salesman are desperate to sell the most real estate – using legal means or otherwise! Close the deal, and they’ve won a Cadillac. Blow it, and they’re fired… The show stars Mark Benton (Waterloo Road’s Daniel ‘Chalky’ Chalk) and Nigel Harman (EastEnders’ Dennis Rickman). For tickets, see www.glengarrywestend.com Win!  Text or write in book * to win or DVD any on this page bottom (*see details of the at page the ) BLU-RAY MARY POPPINS RETURNS Michael was just a child when Mary Poppins first came to Cherry Tree Lane, and now he’s raising his own children in London. Soon, Mary Poppins returns to the Banks family to help bring love and laughter back into their lives. Win!  For the chance to win a…

BULLSEYE! If EastEnders was The X Factor, we’d be taking Walford newbies Gray and Chantelle straight through to live shows. The potential for huge drama is practically dripping off them! Gray, in particular, is one to watch. Smart, slick and sexy, so far he hasn’t put a foot wrong – and in our experience that always means he is too good to be true. Mark our words, there’s a massive plot brewing here… Kudos to whoever insisted on seeing this plot through to its bitter end. Now, let’s never mention it again. Bear Wolf has never looked more at home in Emmerdale than when he’s at the scrapyard. Well done, Hollyoaks, for its unflinching depiction of the dangers of self-harm. Important work. Who’d have thought that Steve and Tracy would…

Soap stars work long hours at the best of times, but Jay reckons the schedule for this week of explosive episodes was something else… “Filming at night turns your life upside down – you have to get used to living in the dark,” shares the star. “I’m used to that from when I was making music, and I actually quite like being nocturnal. For me, it was just a question of getting into the mindset of being awake at night time.” However, Jay reckons that not everybody in his family was on board with the morning lie-ins he so desperately needed during filming. “Sleeping in the morning wasn’t very easy because I had to cope with coming home to two children [10-month-old Zian, and KaiBo, aged two], and they were…

The race to find Carla pushes Peter to breaking point this week, as a potential lead to her whereabouts results in violence! When Peter last saw Carla, her mental health was quickly deteriorating – causing her to flee from the medical centre before he could have her assessed by a professional. So when his mission to find her leads him to a squat where she’s presumed to be sleeping rough, Peter is beside himself with worry – and it’s not long before his short fuse blows… “He knows Carla is out there somewhere – seemingly alone, frightened and paranoid that the world is against her,” explains our cobbles source. “The memory of seeing her clearly very disorientated and barefoot before she fled the Street is haunting Peter, and every night…

The Street is to bid ‘au revoir’ to one of its longest-serving characters when Dev exits the cobbles! Star Jimmi Harkishan has been granted a break from his contract to mark his 20 years with the show, and he plans to celebrate in big style… “My first appearance was on 10 November 1999, and I have loved every minute of it,” explains the 54-year-old actor. “I have been here so long that I am now an honorary Mancunian! “Corrie bosses have very kindly let me have time off for two months to celebrate my 20th year, which I am very grateful for,” continues Jimmi. “So I am going to visit China and Japan.” There is no word on how Weatherfield chiefs will write out Dev, as his current storyline sees…

Weatherfield lovebirds Gemma and Ches sadly reach the conclusion this week that they are better off as friends. However, the timing of their split couldn’t be worse – as Gemma discovers that she is pregnant! Actress Dolly-Rose Campbell, who plays her, talks us through Gemma’s reaction to the mother of all shocks… So tell us, Dolly – what goes through Gemma’s head when she realises she’s expecting a baby? Shock at first, and when that dies down, she’s excited. It’s a mix of emotions – fear and excitement – as Ches has already made her feel as if she’s not responsible when it comes to parenting. That’s knocked her confidence with her own pregnancy and ability to raise a baby. Ches and Gemma have had a few ups and downs,…

Jean has stage three ovarian cancer. According to charity Ovarian Cancer Action, the condition is diagnosed at one of four stages – the higher the stage, the further the cancer has progressed. Jean’s cancer will have spread beyond the pelvic area into the abdominal cavity. We’re currently seeing Jean undergo chemotherapy, in which drugs attack and kill cancer cells, and she may then be offered surgery, to remove all of the cancer, or as much of it as possible. As with all cancers, the earlier ovarian cancer is caught, the better chance of suvival a patient has. Feeling bloated with a “funny tummy” was what took Jean to her GP, although she originally thought that these symptoms were linked to the menopause. Women should look out for persistent stomach pain,…

MEGAN & LEYLA You’d think ‘sisters before misters’ would’ve been a mantra at Dales wedding planners Take A Vow, but Leyla had a torrid affair with business partner Megan’s fella Jai – and ruined any chance of a happy-ever-after! JENNY & LIZ There’s nothing like copping off with your grieving boss behind his wife’s back to stir up a hornet’s nest! When Corrie’s Jenny found out Liz and Johnny had got it on, she went mad, and ran her love rival over! KEANU & PHIL Back in Walford, Phil’s employee Keanu has been fixing more than just engines in the Arches – and Sharon is one happy customer! That’s not going to end well for the naughty mechanic… or help his promotion prospects!…

There’s a catastrophe on the cobbles this week, after builder Jan crashes into Mary on his bike! Mary is loading up the florist’s van at the time the accident happens – as Jan comes round the corner on his bicycle and rides straight into her! It’s clear that Mary’s shaken by the whole incident, so Jan and passing Moira bundle her over to the medical centre, where she gets the once-over from the doctors. When Mary arrives at the Rovers later with her wrist strapped up, Jan feels terribly guilty, so offers to buy Mary a drink by way of apology – only to be met by Mary’s famously sharp tongue! However, Moira’s keen to get in on the action, and is soon flirting up a storm with Jan. So,…

This week sees the moment all Emmerdale fans have been waiting for – the point when Maya’s affair with Jacob is dramatically exposed. “Getting caught in this way means that there is no going back!” exclaims Emmerdale star Louisa Clein, who plays Maya, as we sit down to grill her on the explosive reveal. “But it’s how Maya deals with that – is she someone who’s going to run away? Is she going to defend herself? Is she going to get that chance? It’s all still to play for.” “Maya and Jacob are caught by one of the girls…” If, like us, you’ve been screaming at your TV screens for the past few months, willing Maya’s sick manipulation of Jacob to be uncovered, so she can finally be stopped, you…

I do a lot of pottering around the garden, as I like growing veggies. I also enjoy restoring things – old cars, furniture, and other bits and bobs. Or sometimes I just want to get out into nature, go to the beach or to the bush – anything to get away from the city for 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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ALTHOUGH ITS RUN ON BBC2 ended recently, this competition-slash-travelogue show is available on catch-up for a few more weeks, and we highly recommend it. Whatever you think of the people competing in the race itself, this series’ true strength is in being a love letter to our planet – the people, the cultures and the stunning landscapes, captured in all their glory (so be sure to watch in HD to get the whole story). And while we might not be up for the adventure of racing to Singapore on a budget like this lot did, we’ve certainly got a much longer holiday-destination wish list……

PERFECT STATE BBC2 has bagged the rights to short-form comedy State Of The Union by award-winning writer Nick Hornby. The series of 10-minute episodes stars Rosamund Pike and Chris O’Dowd as a couple having marital therapy sessions. STEPPING OUT Dame Darcey Bussell is leaving her role as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing. “I’m stepping away to give more focus to my other commitments in dance, after seven truly wonderful years,” shares the star. But who will replace her? ALL ABOUT EVE While we wait for the BBC to confirm when it’ll be showing the second season of excellent espionage thriller Killing Eve, we have some good news – it has acquired the rights to the third season, due to begin filming soon.…

NAVEED CHOUDHRY (Amir Shirani, Hollyoaks ) IN Naveed hits our screens this week as Shahid’s brother Amir, who recognises Jonny to be one of the men who attacked him last month. “It’s great to be involved in an iconic show such as Hollyoaks,” says Naveed. “I’ve enjoyed getting my teeth into the challenging storyline – the subject matter is very relevant and I’m keen to see the response when it airs.” This Thursday ZOE VENTOURA (Dr Alex Neilson, Home and Away ) IN Summer Bay doctor has a ! Alex new emergency , who specialises in trauma medicine, arrives to cover Tori’s maternity leave. She’s just come out of a 10-year romance, but is set to soon find love in the Bay……

EMMERDALE Keeping Faith? BEAR WOOS ERIC’S LADY JUST AS DISASTER STRIKES… Faith’s beginning to feel that she’s not getting the attention she deserves from Pollard next week, and her new pal Bear is more than happy to be a shoulder to cry on for the needy woman. However, after a terrible accident sees a villager rushed to hospital, emotions are running high – will someone do something they’ll live to regret in the heat of the moment? EASTENDERS Bernie in? he’s been unlucky in love so far, S so Bernie’s friends and family are determined to make sure that her date next week goes well. But will they end up being a help or a hindrance? CORRIE Tim s secret! ally is determined to get S Tim back to full…

An expert reveals that even characters as strong as Carla are vulnerable to psychosis… Corrie is working closely with mental health charity Mind in order to tell Carla’s story truthfully – and together, they hope to challenge many of the stereotypes that surround psychosis. “When I first spoke to Coronation Street about Carla’s story, I thought it was brilliant that we were going to see how psychosis can take a headstrong character and make her feel vulnerable – rather than turning a less assertive character into someone violent,” explains Lucy Nichol, a freelance consultant for Mind, who has liaised with Corrie on Carla’s tale. “Psychosis is still one of the most stigmatised mental health problems that exists, and I’d say that the soap has played a huge role in challenging…

Last week we brought you the news that former Doctors star Lorna Laidlaw – who played Mrs Tembe – would be at the heart of a new family joining Corrie. And now, Street chief Iain MacLeod sheds more light on exactly what the Baileys will be getting up to… “The family arrives in a slightly mischievous way,” he teases. “When they first turn up, our residents don’t immediately clock them as the new owners of No 3 – which leads to hilarity!” AGGIE Mum Aggie is to ruffle feathers from the get-go when she takes on Weatherfield’s first family, the Barlows! “We learn quite early that Aggie doesn’t back down from a fight,” grins Iain. “It all comes to a head between the Baileys and the residents of No 1.…

There’s a shock for the residents of Walford this week, as Sean Slater makes his long-awaited return to Albert Square! But the arrival of the bad boy – who was last seen fleeing to who-knows-where in 2009 – will be a dream come true for his mum Jean, who is desperate to be reunited with her boy, as she battles ovarian cancer. And EastEnders boss Jon Sen, who helped to mastermind Sean’s return to the Square, reckons the arrival of Sean will be a real treat for fans of the soap too… “Jean’s cancer has been terrible for her,” says the producer. “But, in a way, it’s been one of the best things that’s ever happened to her, because it’s shown her inner courage and it’s bought back her son…”…

“Look at all of you! Petty thieves… drunks… hypocrites… slappers… liars! You’ve all got secrets, all got blood on your hands. What my son did, he did for me, to protect his family. He owns it, and he is going to do time like a man. He makes me proud.” Bless Mel. She can find the positive in any situation. “He’s marvellous. Has he got any brothers?” “One’s taken, one’s dead, and the other one is on the run.” Hark at Kim eyeing up Pete like he’s Dave Glover. See how Rhona likes her new BFF then. “I’m glad we understand each other.” “I reckon you have more to lose. Your job, for a start. I think they take perving on kids a bit more seriously than nicking. My dad…

BEN: NEW KING OF WALFORD? Ben Mitchell returned to Walford with yet another new face – but has his luck changed as well? Inside Soap readers are divided over whether this latest version of Ben will be able to bring down Phil… So Ben’s back in Walford to take down his dad – has he forgotten all the times he’s tried and failed to do that in the past? He should know by now that nobody can touch the great Phil Mitchell – he’ll always be the real king of the Square. Give it up, Ben! Kevin Hurrah for the new Ben! It’s about time someone knocked Phil off his perch, I’m getting bored of him stomping round Walford and ripping off anyone in sight. And he shouldn’t underestimate his…

Tracy, Priya and Leyla are bound to be baying for blood when they find out what Maya has been up to with Jacob! But Louisa tells us that things were a lot friendlier while they filmed this week’s intense scenes… “I have been unbelievably lucky to work with Amy [Walsh, who plays Tracy], Fiona [Wade, aka Priya] and Roxy [Shahidi, who plays Leyla],” grins the star. “We’ve looked out for each other, while filming long and late into the night – and early morning. “It has been an enormous challenge. The scenes have involved a lot of physical stuff that I’ve never had to do before,” adds Louisa. “It’s been fantastic, brilliant and thrilling – but it’s not been easy!”…

Nick continues to arouse Toyah’s suspicions this week, after a meeting goes awry – but will she soon uncover what he’s up to? “Toyah’s switched on,” shares Ben Price, who plays Nick. “She can see right through him – that’s the only way that Nick would lose Leanne.” So, with Ben fearing that Nick’s Machiavellian actions may be exposed, we ask him to talk us through the recent changes in his alter ego’s persona… How are you finding playing this new, nasty Nick? I think it’s so interesting! He’s more nuanced now – it’s actually fun to play him differently with different people. What I realised was that I didn’t have to always play him consistently – I could be duplicitous and viewers are able to witness that change. What…

Charlotte Bellamy was born 19 March 1973 in Dover, Kent and studied performing arts at Middlesex University. After graduating in 1993, Charlotte’s first credited role came in the same year, when she played a gym receptionist in an episode of police drama The Bill. 2 In 1997 Charlotte appeared in EastEnders. She played Sue Taylor, the girlfriend of religious fanatic Alistair Matthews, who helped pull Sarah Hills (My Family’s Daniela Denby-Ashe) into their cult. “She was a bit of a weirdo!” laughs Charlotte. 3 In 2002 Charlotte joined Emmerdale as Laurel Potts – her first scene saw her dressed as a bee for Marlon and Tricia Stokes’ engagement party! Laurel went on to marry Ashley Thomas, and had two children with him – Arthur and Dotty – as well as…

Building a nation was never going to be easy, but when we left the colonial settlers of Jamestown at the end of series two, they were beginning to realise just how much division already existed within their fledgling community. As the show returns for a third and final series this Friday, the citizens are faced with the question of just what they want their new society to represent – and, in its current condition, whether it’s fit for purpose at all. One character categorically not happy with the status quo is Jocelyn Castell. After she fought tooth and nail for land of her own in the wake of her husband’s death, Governor Yeardley put her in her place by ordering the destruction of her crops. Naturally, she’s out for revenge……

Getting a product to market is an expensive process that takes time, and one of the most important elements of that is consumer testing. In this new daytime series, inventors have the chance to get full and frank feedback from a panel of YouTubers, who will vlog their reactions to their products… “What I love is that it’s very much what is happening with social media – and hopefully daytime telly will be getting a nice new generation of viewers,” enthuses Lucy Alexander, who presents the show. “It’s about entrepreneurs road-testing products and showing them to YouTubers who are so brutally honest, it’s sometimes cringeworthy! It’s almost like a mash-up of Gogglebox  and Dragons’ Den. It’s entrepreneurial, and I hope it’s aspirational as well.” The YouTubers aren’t the only ones…

SANDY RATCLIFF RIP One of EastEnders’ original cast members sadly died earlier this month. Sandy Ratcliff appeared in the soap’s first episode in February 1985 as Sue Osman, and stayed in the show for over four years until May 1989. With husband Ali (Nejdet Salih), Sue ran the Bridge , storyline saw her dealing with her newborn baby’s cot death. Former co-star Nejdet paid tribute to Sandy, saying: “It’s very sad. I remember the first time I auditioned for the show, we had this instant chemistry and banter. I was a young actor and she helped me develop so much. We had a lot of fun on the show and had some really good storylines.” OH, WHAT A KNIGHT! Ex-Hollyoaks star Claire Cooper (Jacqui McQueen) has won herself a role…