Table of contents for 46 - 2019 in Inside Soap UK

Twelve months can be a long time for a soap character. “Where do they find the energy?” While we might have bought a new fridge, been to Fuengirola, and taken up yoga, in soap you can have been married, divorced, pregnant, shot, and blackmailed – all before taking part in a zany fun run! Would Corrie’s Robert have thought at the start of 2019 that he’d now be living a double life with a stroppy fiancée at home and a preggers one away? (See p18 for the latest on that.) Or would EastEnders’ Callum have dreamt that he’d be jilted at the altar and head-over-heels in love with Ben Mitchell? (See p20.) It’s a high-octane soap life. Where do they find the energy? The fridge and the yoga would be…

There’s violence in the village this week, as Liam punches Jacob for sleeping with his daughter Leanna! Jacob falls foul of the enraged doctor when Leanna throws up after taking the morning-after pill, and Liam discovers that she and Jacob had sex. David watches on in horror as his son is grabbed by the medic and assaulted – however, Liam is left regretting his actions, as the police pay him a visit… “It’s an incredibly strange situation if you think about it,” muses Matthew Wolfenden, who plays David. “In typical soap style, Jacob has slept with Leanna, whose stepmum was Maya, who abused him and was married to Liam! When Liam marches into the shop to confront Jacob, he gets cocky, so Liam gives him a bloody lip. That’s when…

1 RACHEL BRANNING Rachel was Max’s first wife, and mother of his son, Bradley. However, their marriage came to an abrupt end when he cheated on her with Tanya… 2 TANYA BRANNING Tanya was Max’s second wife, and mother of his kids Lauren, Abi and Oscar. However, their marriage reached its conclusion when he cheated on her with Stacey… 3 VANESSA GOLD Max popped the question to Vanessa, and she agreed to become wife No 3. However, their engagement dramatically ended when he did the dirty on her with ex-wife Tanya – leading to that infamous ‘bubbly’s in the fridge’ moment! 4 KIRSTY BRANNING Max and Tanya reconciled when he discovered that she had cervical cancer, and he surprised her with a wedding dress on Christmas…

There’s a baby bombshell in store for Maria later this year, when she learns that she’s expecting! However, what should be a happy discovery for her could be Maria’s worst nightmare – having just hooked up with killer Gary on the back of a disastrous romance with Dr Ali! “While Maria has been dreaming about settling down again, she probably didn’t picture more kids in her future so soon after getting together with either Ali or Gary,” muses our Coronation Street source. “It’s definitely not a planned pregnancy, put it that way!” It was after troubled Ali – who has been battling an addiction to prescription medication – fell apart and dumped Maria that she fell for the charms of Gary, who has resorted to dirty tactics to keep her…

This is the moment when heartbroken Vicky confronts fiancé Robert about his secret double life – having learned that he’s still in a relationship with Michelle! A huge row between the pair ends with pregnant Vicky ordering Robert out of her home, as the crushing agony of his betrayal sinks in. The poor woman is shattered by the knowledge that he has been stringing her along for several months – and no amount of grovelling from Robert will convince her to take him back… “Now Vicky and Tyler’s world has been ripped away from them both” “It’s at this point that Vicky’s whole world crumbles,” sighs actress Kerri Quinn, who plays her. “Robert is a good man in her eyes, and she had no reason to doubt him or believe…

Martin breathes a sigh of relief when he finally escapes from Ben’s clutches this week, and prepares to phone his wife Stacey to tell her that it’s safe for her to return to Walford after all. Plus, he’s also keen to inform her that he was actually lying about having a fling with Sonia, because he needed to find a way of keeping her away from the Square, so that she’d be safe from Ben. However, when Kush sees how happy his pal is, rather than seeming pleased for him, he instead appears worried – not to mention guilty. What is Kush hiding from Martin? Unable to get in contact his wife, Martin instead heads over to No 31, where he discovers Mo and Jean packing all of Stacey’s things.…

“[With a picture of Gemma’s quads] Now that’s Aled, I think, and that’s Bryn – he’s the difficult one who must take after Gemma. And that’s Cleo – look at her, she’s fast asleep! Now, where is Cerys?” “I’m not being funny Jenny, but I couldn’t care less.” It’s so lovely to have the old Carla back. “[About David and Shona’s wedding] I don’t know how they can afford to bash out prosecco willy nilly. He’s been banged up for four months, and she’s in a café.” Audrey there – asking the same questions as the viewers at home. “He slept with me, and me mam. You slept with me. He slept with your missus, and now you’ve slept with me mam.” Well, it’s good to get that clear. “It’s…

An unexpected new romance could be on the cards for two Walford locals this week, as Billy begins to see Karen in a totally new light! The pair are thrown into one another’s orbits after Karen manages to wangle herself a second job working behind the bar with Billy at E20. But will they end up pulling more than just pints? “Billy and Karen are two characters who have barely said two words to each other until now, and that’s what makes the idea of them teaming up so delicious,” grins our Square sneak. “Working late nights while keeping drunk and disorderly revellers in line has resulted in some iconic EastEnders partnerships in the past. Think Sharon and Phil, Kat and Alfie, Grant and Tiffany… Although, perhaps some of those…

When Mackenzie calls time on her relationship with Colby this week, Bella is determined to make her pay! With doubts setting in over whether she can be in a relationship with a police officer, and having witnessed Robbo punch Colby in the face, Mackenzie sadly tells Colby that they’re over. Colby is left heartbroken and Bella is livid with Mackenzie for upsetting her brother. She attempts to confront Mackenzie over her actions, but is interrupted by Willow and Dean, who are concerned about her violent outbursts. But later, drunken Colby opens up about his heartbreak again, which only refuels Bella’s hatred for Mac. That night, Willow and Dean are on their way home and spot someone inside Mackenzie’s closed restaurant. The pair investigate and come across Bella, who is planning…

MERCEDES TAKES A BULLET! Queen of Hollyoaks Mercedes had her reign of terror cut short when she was gunned down in the Loft – after making enemies of almost everyone in the village! But did the bad girl deserve it? I’ve always been a big fan of Mercedes, and have forgiven her many awful deeds over the years. But in the episode leading up to her shooting, she was absolutely vile! The things she said to Goldie, Diane and Liam were horrible, and I would have shot her too if I were them! Livia, Brighton I must commend Hollyoaks actress Jennifer Metcalfe for her portrayal of Mercedes – she makes everything that happens to her character seem totally believable, no matter how far-fetched the plot! She plays an absolute bitch…

FIZ Fiz was Roy and Hayley’s first foster kid, and a right load of trouble she was too. But luckily the couple managed to put her on the right path... WAYNE Roy and Hayley realised Wayne was in danger at home, so took him on a trip – and were arrested for kidnap! Wayne returned this year, and thanked Roy for all he did... BECKY Roy put his trust in rough diamond Becky, and the pair went on to live together and become firm friends, with Becky counselling him through a rough patch with Hayley. CARLA Hayley was Carla’s right-hand woman at the factory, and the duo became firm friends. Carla helped Roy through Hayley’s death, while he has been her closest confidant through her many dramas...…

Just a fortnight ago, Lydia Hart believed she had no biological family left in this world. This week, the mother who she thought was dead walks into the Dingle homestead to make contact for the first time in 40 years. It’s a massive shock for Lydia, who was given up for adoption at just five years old. But there’s a more significant revelation ahead, and it could change her life completely. “Lydia doesn’t want her Dingle family to worry about her” “Family means the world to Lydia because she grew up without one,” explains Karen Blick, who plays the stunned lady. “She’s at the heart of the Dingle family now, although having some blood connections of her own is massive. After her sister Beth told her that their mum had…

There were wedding bells for Emmerdale star Fiona Wade (Priya) recently, as she married her boyfriend of two years, Simon Cotton. The loved-up pair – who met on the set of the soap in 2017, when Simon played Home Farm client Hugh Bryant – tied the knot in a beautiful Cotswolds venue, and Fiona was overjoyed… “Simon looked so handsome in his suit, it brought tears to my eyes,” she shares. “He took my breath away. It’s lovely to think I’m going to have my best friend with me every day.” Fiona was joined on her big day by Dales cast mates including Michelle Hardwick (Vanessa), Emma Atkins (Charity), Amy Walsh (Tracy), and Laura Norton (Kerry). Congrats!…

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THERE WAS A MOMENT IN THE first episode of this thriller (the title of which means ‘Duty/Shame’, in case you missed that memo) where it unexpectedly dropped an animated sequence in amid the live action to fill in part of the backstory. That summed the show up nicely – just as you think you’ve got the measure of it, it pulls the rug out from underneath you and heads in a different direction. And a drama that can properly keep you on your toes in this day and age is a rare thing. This week, Yuto gets a chance for freedom, but is he willing to sell out his brother to take it?…

MAXXX POWER The Handmaid’s Tale star O-T Fagbenle (Luke) has written and directed a new comedy for E4. In Maxxx, he’ll play a former boyband star trying to prove to his ex, model Jourdan Dunn, that he’s not a has-been. FRESH BLOOD James Nesbitt is to lead the cast of new BBC1 drama Bloodlands. He’ll play Northern Ireland detective Tom Brannick, who links a car containing a possible suicide note to an infamous cold case that holds particular meaning for him… AGE OF REASON Game Of Thrones star Michelle Fairley, Traitors’ Stephen Campbell Moore and Strike’s Tom Burke are to star in new BBC2 drama Responsible Child. Based on real events, the feature-length film tells the story of a 12-year-old boy on trial for murder.…

JAMIE LOMAS (Warren Fox, Hollyoaks ) IN Star Jamie has been back in front of the cameras as bad boy Warren – and we can’t wait! Hollyoaks posted a photo from filming on Instagram, with the caption, “That’s right, there are Sienna and Warren scenes coming up next year, and she’ll definitely have a bone to pick with him! What does this mean for #Brienna, though?” Early 2020 ADAM HUNTER (Robert Robinson, Neighbours ) IN shock Paul Robinson when his will jailbird get a son big Robert gets in contact with him out of the blue! Robert’s currently serving a prison sentence for murder, and declared that he wanted nothing to do with his family. But Neighbours star Rebekah Elmaloglou, who plays Paul’s wife…

BULLSEYE! The only reason Moira could offer Cain for cheating on him with Nate was “Because I wanted to!” – and so we must reluctantly accept her motivation for this affair as one of Emmerdale’s Greatest Unsolved Mysteries. But while we should feel disappointed in Moira, Natalie J Robb’s performance is so strong and so sincere, we still have nothing but sympathy for her. Now that’s some skilful acting! Robert has been sent down for 14 years, shipped to the Isle of Wight, cut off all contact with his family and filed for divorce. This Robron split could only have been more brutal if they’d bumped one of them off! We bet poor Jack curses the day when he decided to return to the police force. Now he can’t move…

It’s fair to say that David Metcalfe finds it hard to be single. He leaps from one relationship to the next so fast that we can hardly keep up! But after Maya’s devastating actions, David has been solely focussed on Jacob for a while, and Matthew hopes he’s learnt something. “I think David will find it hard to move on romantically, and I sincerely hope we play that out,” he tells us. “He’s been jumping into bed with every new person ever since he arrived in Emmerdale! There’s been a string of short-term relationships. He needs to be more wary.” However, Matthew thinks that the Maya experience will give David pause for thought, as he’s been deeply scarred by what happened. “David blames himself for inviting Maya to move in…

Christmas is historically a cruel time of year for the Carters, and now the cursed family looks set to face its worst yet – when Linda is caught in the crossfire of a deadly showdown! Our sneaky snaps of the EastEnders cast and crew filming on location see terrified Linda being manhandled by a bloodied and bruised Martin, who is brandishing a gun. But what possesses him to turn on the Vic landlady? “Martin is up to his neck in trouble with Ben Mitchell and, come the festive season, his predicament will have spiralled out of control,” warns our Square spy. “Judging by the way he is dragging Linda and trying to silence her cries, Martin is either desperate for them both to escape danger, or Linda’s a goner.” The…

The battle lines have been drawn between Kim Tate and her manservant Graham – but who will win the war? The Home Farm superbitch is currently the hot favourite to emerge victorious, after whispers that Graham is to bow out of the soap in dramatic fashion at the start of next year… “Not many people who cross Kim get away with it,” points out our Emmerdale insider. “However, Graham has proved his mettle as someone who shouldn’t be messed with, either. Expect fireworks!” Graham’s departure is certain to bring further heartbreak into the life of unlucky-in-love vet Rhona. The pair have made tentative steps towards a relationship recently, bonding through the connection Graham feels with Rhona’s son, Leo – despite the best efforts of jealous and meddling Kim! Meanwhile,…

If Vicky was to take on Michelle, who do you think would come out on top? I reckon they’d both give as good as the other! The only thing I’d say is Vicky has come through more and would probably fight dirty, if needed. She could throw a good dig – so my money’s on Vicky! It’s hard not to feel sorry for her. Do you think this revelation about Robert could tip her over the edge, or is she a fighter? I think Vicky is damaged, but emotionally strong, so she’ll come back fighting. I think Robert – or anyone – would regret betraying her! What sort of response have you had from the viewers? It has been a mixed bag. Vicky came into the show as a bit…

Ste is rumbled and captured by Stuart this week, after planning to escape from the far-right extremist group once and for all! Following the horrifying explosion that resulted in Yazz losing her hearing, Ste has been attempting to extract himself from the group with the help of the organisation Prevent. “Ste’s trying to get through to his own family and convince them that he wants to get out,” explains Kieron Richardson, who plays him. “He doesn’t want to be a part of the group any more, but he’s also terrified of reprisals. Ste has to keep his mouth shut about it – to stay quiet to protect his family.” However, when Jonny takes Ste aside and admits he wants to leave the extremist group too, Ste’s compelled to tell him…

It’s perfect timing that, just prior to Paul’s emotional confession, his ex Billy admits that he wants them to get back together – prompting the pair to rekindle their love. Until this week, Billy was the only one privy to Paul’s secret, and he’s been by his side ever since. Paul is stunned as Billy reveals he’s given Bernie a job because he loves Paul and wants to help him. A while later Paul talks to David and explains he persuaded Josh to change his statement over the stabbing, after Billy told him that Josh raped David. And when David describes how he coped with his ordeal, it gives Paul food for thought… Later, over a romantic meal, Paul assures Billy that he wants him back in his life. But…

Brody and Liberty upset Sienna this week, when they decide to adorn the flat with Christmas decorations – despite it being far too early. The eager duo attempt to spread some festive cheer by decking out their home with garish tinsel and a giant inflatable Santa, leaving Sienna disgusted by their lack of taste! And later, the situation takes a turn for the worse when Sienna learns that Brody has thrown away one of her treasured Christmas ornaments. Can Brody find a way to make it up to Sienna?…

FAIR CITY Damien attempts to smooth things over with Mairead this week, but his efforts fall flat, seeing her lose her patience with him…Elsewhere, Bob and Renee are shocked to learn that Hughie is selling McCoys! And Hayley organises a girls’ night for Orla. RIVER CITY Bob’s home life deteriorates further this week as he realises that Kim has forgotten their first wedding anniversary! Elsewhere, Scarlett grows concerned when a child welfare officer pays her a visit. Plus, Poppy makes a decision and clashes with Stevie. THE ARCHERS Lily is uncertain what to do this week, after discovering something unsettling – will Russ help her through this crisis? Meanwhile, Eddie and Alf decide to put their differences aside. Finally, Elizabeth steams ahead with plans for the Christmas show at Lower…

WHAT A HOOT! Maria and Bethany in Corrie have some really nice owl-print cushions in their flat. Could you tell me where I can get some, please, Sarah? Rachel Maria’s ‘Taquara Grey Owl Cushions’ come from B&Q, and they are on sale on their website for £5 each right now. Check out www.diy.comto order some. A BRIDGE TOO FAR? In Emmerdale, when Moira was trying to get Cain to give her a second chance, he mentioned a time on a bridge when they’d decided to give things another go. Was that when Emma Barton died? Veronica The bridge he’s talking about is the one over the  river in the village – in February last year, Moira was going to take Isaac and leave the village. Cain begged her to give…

All of this recent drama has somewhat upstaged Lydia and Sam’s wedding plans – but Karen is hopeful that the big day does arrive because, as Sam’s fiancée, Lydia has found true happiness. “Sam knows everything about Lydia, all her dark secrets and her flaws, and he loves her anyway,” she enthuses. “Lydia has never had that in her entire life, and it’s all she’s ever wanted.” So, despite her alter ego not being blessed with a bulging big-day budget, Karen reckons that Lydia saying “I do” would most definitely be the happiest moment of her life. “I’d love to see the wedding happen – I think it’d be really lovely,” she grins. “It would also be a nice conclusion to all Lydia’s turmoil over the past year, to have…

It’s a sad time on the Street, as Kym Marsh – who has played Corrie’s Michelle Connor for 13 years – is set to bid farewell to Weatherfield. But the actress didn’t let her imminent departure get her down at her leaving party! Kym was joined by co-stars, including Tina O’Brien (Sarah), Lucy Fallon (Bethany), Alison King (Carla), Rob Mallard (Daniel) and Samia Longchambon (Maria), at a swish hotel in Manchester to mark the occasion. Star Kym looked super-glam on the night and a fun time was had by all. She even made a nod to her chart-topping days in noughties pop group Hear’Say when she, daughter Emilie Cunliffe and co-star Jane Danson (Leanne) got up on stage to belt out the hit Pure And Simple. Kym commented on her…

1 Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Rose & Rose Eau de Parfum Intense Spray Think pink with this sweet fragrance, featuring raspberry facets and Damascena rose. 2 Pixi Rose Ceramide Cream This ultra-rich cream is infused with rose flower oil to nourish and restore skin’s elasticity. 3 The Vintage Cosmetic Company Rose Quartz Facial Roller Give skin a boost and reduce toxins and puffiness with this beautiful facial roller. 4 Lavera Lipstick Natural Lip Colour in ‘Rosy Pastel’ An organic lipstick in a gorgeous subtle shade that leaves lips soft and full of colour.…

I’m still in the middle of watching Fosse/Verdon. I don’t allow myself to watch everything all at once! It’s the kind of thing I like to view an episode at a time. And I really enjoyed Feud: Bette And Joan when that was out a couple of years ago – I love a showbiz biopic where you realise what monsters they were behind all the glamour. I loved Stath Lets Flats . I’ve known Natasia Demetriou [Sophie] for years because we were in Edinburgh together, and I always thought she was so funny. I know Jamie [Demetriou, who writes and stars] is hilarious, too – I’m so pleased for all of the team. It’s witty and has heart. I think it’s such a great piece of TV comedy. My favourite…

CASUALTY Connie Beauchamp.......... Amanda Mealing Rosa Cadenas......................... Jacey Sallés Ciaran Coulson....................... Rick Warden Lisa ‘Duffy’ Duffin................ Cathy Shipton Charlie Fairhead.............. Derek Thompson Noel Garcia.......................... Tony Marshall 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 Lev Malinowski......................... Uriel Emil Rash Masum........................... Neet Mohan Jacob Masters....................... Charles Venn Robyn Miller................ Amanda Henderson Will Noble................................. Jack Nolan Mason Reede.......................... Victor Oshin Ruby Spark................................ Maddy Hill CORONATION STREET Aggie Bailey......................... Lorna Laidlaw Eddison Bailey....... Trevor Michael Georges James Bailey..................... Nathan Graham Michael Bailey....................... Ryan Russell Adam Barlow...................... Sam Robertson Amy Barlow.......................... Elle Mulvaney Ken Barlow......................... William Roache Peter Barlow....................... Chris Gascoyne Leanne Battersby................... Jane Danson Toyah Battersby.................... Georgia Taylor Emma Brooker............... Alexandra Mardell Chesney…

MEL HUTCHWRIGHT MOVES TO WALFORD? Sir Ian McKellen suggested a return for his former Corrie character – con man Mel Hutchwright – when he appeared on BBC1’s The Graham Norton Show recently. “I was only in 10 episodes, but I had the idea that the camera might go across to the Queen Vic, and there you would see Mel Hutchwright conning that cast!” he told the host. “And I was told by the man who invented Coronation Street, ‘No, absolutely not, because the characters in Coronation Street do not watch EastEnders’. Of course, they’re exactly the sort of people who would watch EastEnders!” Sounds like a great plan to us – and Mel should then move to Ramsay Street, please. DAISY BECOMES CAROLE Daisy Wood-Davis (Hollyoaks’ Kim Butterfield) has landed…

CORRIE Sibling rivalry NICK AND SARAH GO HEAD-TO-HEAD AT THE FACTORY… It’s the start of a new era for Underworld next week, as the disaster-struck business faces the future. Determined to get the factory back on its feet sooner rather than later, Nick has a few tough decisions to make, as he readies his loyal employees for action. But when his sibling sidekick Sarah questions what he has in mind, Nick might struggle to get his own way… EASTENDERS Mick’s bar war! The residents of Walford have a revealing time next week, as Mick’s devilish plan to win the Pub of The Year title gets under way. But will the landlord be left wishing he’d never dreamt up the madcap scheme, after his punters get more than they baragined for…

Sinead’s death has been one of soap’s hardest-hitting storylines, but Rob Mallard, who plays Daniel, says there’s still a long road ahead. With his wife gone, the focus will shift to Daniel as he tries to live without the love of his life. “Now it’s about Daniel being a widower at a young age and not knowing what to do with that, and how to navigate something that hard,” explains Rob. “I’ve been talking to Pete Wallroth, who is the founder of Mummy’s Star, the charity we’ve been working with on this storyline, about his experience of this. Pete’s been very frank with us, and I feel an extra responsibility to not assume the height of this story was Sinead’s death and now it winds down. It’s a story of…

Viewers will have to tune in this Yuletide to find out whether Keanu’s days are numbered as a result of a shootout – but either way, he is leaving Albert Square for good. Actor Danny Walters has announced his decision to leave EastEnders, with show bosses confirming that Keanu’s departure will stem from the revelation that he and Sharon had a torrid affair – when the truth finally comes tumbling out… “Keanu’s story is set to come to a dramatic and blistering conclusion in the near future, as one of the best-kept secrets on the Square is finally revealed with devastating consequences,” shares the soap’s executive producer, Jon Sen. “What Danny has brought to his character has been one of the many reasons that the ‘Sheanu’ affair has been such…

Back from the dead? Ex-Corrie star Nigel Havers reckons his character Lewis Archer could still return to the cobbles. “Maybe he’s in Barbados waiting to come back,” he mused. “Or Lewis has a twin brother!” Yule love this! While Home and Away takes its annual break, fans can enjoy special episodes on My5 featuring several cast members, as they recall their favourite memories from the Bay – and tease what’s in store for 2020. Rita in peril! Reports suggest that disaster will strike for Street stalwart Rita when she suffers a nasty accident over the festive period, and the locals fail to realise for days that she’s in trouble……

Elsewhere in the village, there’s concern of a less grave nature, as Paddy announces to Chas that he’s invited a ‘new mums’ group to the Woolpack to talk about breast-feeding… Aware that his beloved has been struggling to get to grips with feeding their newborn daughter Eve, Paddy believes that being among other women going through the same situation can only be helpful for Chas. But she’s far from happy about the idea – leaving poor Paddy in no doubt about her feelings! Is it already too late for him to call his kind but over-ambitious plan off?…

“When Cleo returns to Hollyoaks after Nadine Mulkerrin’s maternity leave, I think she should have a baby in her arms – and Mitchell’s the dad. That’d put the cat among the pigeons!” …suggests reader Ally from London “ Pam’s return to Walford reminds me just how great she and Les Coker were. Please bring them back – there’s a real shortage of entertaining characters in the soaps at the moment, and we deserve to get to know Christine better!” …pleads reader TJ “I don’t think the character of Moira is being used nearly enough on Corrie. The Street really needs more comedy, so they should move her in properly and let her get her claws into Dev or Kev!” …says reader Parisa from Bamber Bridge “I think they should bring…

Denise fears that her relationship with Jack is on the rocks this week, as she encourages her boyfriend to be more open with her. Since returning to the police force, Jack’s been busy juggling all kinds of tricky situations, and as he remains distracted by the demands of his full-on job, Denise is starting to wonder if they’re growing apart. Initially she turns to father figure Patrick, hoping for some guidance on the matter. Eventually, she finds herself inspired enough to realise what it is her busy boyfriend might need – and pledges to do her best to help him. But as Denise seals the deal by planting a kiss on Jack, can she manage to turn around their fledgling romance?…

We always knew that the late Sylvia Cropper was quite the piece of work. Even after death, she has still managed to appal us, thanks to Roy’s discovery of the baby secret she took to the grave. And now that he’s finally met his half-brother – whom Sylvia gave up for adoption – and agreed to look after his nightmare new niece, Nina, Roy has yet more reason to curse his mother… “Finding that ring belonging to Sylvia is one of the worst things that Roy ever did!” laughs David Neilson, who plays the beloved Coronation Street stalwart. “He’s been landed with this situation where he’s promised his brother that he’ll be there for Nina – and there’s no way he can’t do it!” When we first encountered Nina and…

This week also marks the first appearance of Sami’s mum, Sheeba. And Rishi tells us that he’s delighted to have added another member to his fake family… “Sami’s mum is very abrupt and rude – she likes to let her feelings be known!” chuckles the star. “She’s very posh and quite snobby, but Sami loves her. Having his mum there when he’s going through a rough patch is a really big help to him.” Sami was also recently joined by his half-brother, Azim. And Rishi’s been thoroughly enjoying acting opposite Nav Sidhu, who plays him. “Nav and I get on really well – he’s a proper cool dude,” he grins. “I’ve been schooling him on how to play FIFA properly! “The Maalik family scenes are always my favourite, because we…

Hollyoaks hunk Sylver McQueen is renowned for whipping off his top! But soap star David Tag, who plays him, has recently revealed that he’s not too hot on his alter ego’s topless look, and has even approached the show’s production department on the matter. “They tried to do it in a scene recently, quite a serious scene with me and Tony,” says David. “The script said, ‘Sylver shirtless’. So, we had a chat and I put a vest on, and had this really serious scene.” We promise that Inside Soap isn’t reporting this story merely as an excuse to print lots of pictures of David with his top off [wink].…

June Clarke is one of life’s copers. As a carer living alone with her ailing mother, she’s never been flush, but she’s getting by. When June discovers her daughter Hana is pregnant, she makes the selfless decision to sell her house so Hana can have the money, but everything changes in an instant after a phone call – which catches June at a time when she’s distracted and vulnerable – leads to a scam operation taking all of her cash. “June’s basically a very ordinary person, who something horrible and extraordinary happens to,” explains Sally Lindsay, who plays her. “This one incident changes her – she’s spent a lifetime being good, within the law, the best daughter and carer, and she’s had enough. She goes over the edge, and finds…