Table of contents for 49 - 2019 in Inside Soap UK

“I’m glad that Peggy is going to live on!” Aww, what a lovely touch by EastEnders to have Louise and Keanu call their baby Peggy. She’d be dead chuffed if she was here. Not sure what old Peggy would make of Sharon’s pregnancy, though. Sharon was never her favourite, so you can just imagine Peggy’s face when Shaz revealed she was going to be a mum in the run-up to turning 50! Plus, there would be the dramatic moment when she later finds out the baby isn’t Phil’s, and Sharon had been knocked up my a muscle-bound grease monkey! Oh, it would have been amazing. I’m just glad Peggy is going to live on through her new great granddaughter – she’s bound to be a spirited one with those genes!…

Hi Susan, how are you enjoying your time in the Dales so far? I’m very lucky to be working in such a beautiful place – it’s stunning! And I absolutely love playing Wendy. I think she’s a fairly rounded woman, and that women will relate to her in terms of being a working mum. There’s a lot about her that we’re set to discover… What reaction do you receive from viewers while out and about? People think Wendy’s not very nice, but I have to defend her. Wendy doesn’t know what Lee did to Victoria, and as his mother, of course she will defend him to the hilt. How would she feel about Luke and Victoria making a go of things as a couple? Wendy can’t trust Victoria’s motives, so…

Sharing a 35th birthday with Albert Square next year are the cast and crew of Neighbours – and they’re pulling out all the stops to ensure it’s a celebration fans will never forget! The soap’s bosses confirmed that nine former characters will return to set in the coming weeks, to film some special cameos… “Neighbours has a reputation for going big with our anniversary milestones, and the 35th will be no exception,” promises executive producer Jason Herbison. “We’re thrilled to be joined by an honour-roll of returnees. We’re in the midst of filming our most ambitious storylines ever, and I can’t wait for viewers to see what we have in store.” The star-studded gathering of Neighbours alumni includes Stephanie McIntosh (Sky Mangel), Bruce Samazan (Mark Gottlieb), Melissa Bell (Lucy Robinson),…

Back in the summer, actress Kerri Quinn – who plays Vicky – confirmed that she would be exiting the cobbles, as the saga between Michelle and Robert reached its climax. “The difficulty with Vicky remaining on the show is that she has no other links to Weatherfield,” pointed out Kerri at the time. “No one likes her – she doesn’t have any friends!” So, it may turn out that Robert has killed Vicky after all… Gulp!…

There’s plenty for the residents of Erinsborough to celebrate this week, as Pierce and Chloe become husband and wife! Given that millionaire Pierce certainly isn’t short of a bob or two, there’s no scrimping on the glitz and glamour of the ceremony. However, following Hendrix’s shock pass at Chloe after the wedding rehearsal, Pierce’s teen son goes missing – and the race is on to find him in time for the wedding… “Chloe is really nervous that the wedding won’t go ahead, thanks to Hendrix!” teases Neighbours star April Rose Pengilly, who plays the bride. “She wants it to be a special day for Pierce, and she knows it won’t be right if Hendrix isn’t there. She’s really frustrated that he chose to run away on this very important day…

KEV CORRIE Jack is the apple of Kev’s eye, and Kev’s dedicated to making sure his disabled son has the best life possible. He’s the lad’s biggest cheerleader and closest pal – it warms our hearts to see their bond. JACK EASTENDERS Devoted Jack would do anything for his kids Amy and Ricky, who he’s looked after through tragedy and heartbreak. He’s firm but kind, loving but sensible, and he’s a father figure to Tiff too! DAVID EMMERDALE It takes a special kind of father to love a stepson as much as David has always loved Jacob. He’s had to be tough on him, and is doing all he can to help his son cope in the aftermath of Maya. What a diamond.…

Liam is left in a quandary this week, when lawyer James asks if he can get hold of some drugs for him! The dealer is immediately suspicious that he’s being set up, and questions why a legal professional would want to dabble in something so dodgy. However, James breaks down and tells Liam that, in the wake of losing his boyfriend Harry, he’s in dire need of something to numb the pain. Having lost his own love, Eva, Liam can relate – so will he agree to put himself in the firing line in order to help out James?…

FAIR CITY Cristiano puts on a brave front this week, as he returns to his apartment – and he’s touched by his neighbours’ support. Meanwhile, when Jake goes back home, he lashes out at Mairead and Damien… Also, Fiona cooks up a plan to seduce Barry! RIVER CITY Angus threatens Bob this week, after he walks in on him with lustful Nicole in the garage! Will Angus reveal the affair to Kim? Elsewhere, Scarlett orgnanises a self-defence class for women. Plus, Callum decides to open up to Maggie about his uncle’s drinking… THE ARCHERS There are surprise visitors at Bridge Farm this week, which gives Helen a welcome shock as old feelings resurface! Meanwhile, Pat and Tony make an attempt to celebrate their wedding anniversary in style…Finally, Lynda becomes irritated…

1 “I’ve probably learned the most from Shona. We’ve filmed a lot together, and she takes everything in her stride. She’s very cool and collected, and has taught me to chill out!” 2 “If I could swap roles for the day, I’d play Karen [ Lorraine Stanley]. I almost said Ben, but he’s similar to Leo – whereas Karen’s totally different! She always has fun.” 3 “I was quite in awe of Patsy when I first filmed with her, that was quite a big thing. I had a real ‘wow’ moment thinking, ‘Bianca is screaming in my face!’” 4 “Between scenes I chat with whoever’s on the green room sofas at the time. Recently I’ve been hanging out with Clay Milner Russell, who plays Bobby – he’s lovely!” 5 “Scenes…

Jesse hits it off with his new neighbours this week, but Hollyoaks star Luke Jerdy tells us there might be more to them than meets the eye… What does Jesse make of Toby and Celeste? Jesse’s drawn to them, as they’re so cool. He often makes a fool of himself, so he’s seen this couple and wants to get in there first. Can you tell us a bit more about these newcomers? They’re certainly not what they seem, and their relationship isn’t what they say it is. They pull the wool over Jesse’s eyes – and he’s the perfect person for that. What kind of affair do you think Jesse and Courtney’s wedding will be? In an ideal world, it would be brash and tacky – quite TOWIE- esque. But…

THE BIG STORIES ONE LOVER, TWO BROTHERS Sharon was at the centre of one of soap’s greatest sagas, when Grant Mitchell discovered, via a tape recording (see right), that his wife had cheated on him with his own brother, Phil. Walford still trembles with the shock waves of this public shaming. BORN OF EVIL! When Sharon finally met her biological father, he turned out to be a complete monster. Gavin Sullivan had traded her as a baby to Den Watts, in return for a piece of the action in a bank robbery. He later went on to tyrannise Kathy, before returning to Walford to manipulate Sharon with a bloodless cruelty. PLAYING AWAY! Sharon broke her own record for sleeping with the worst possible person she could find, when she fell…

WARREN “We’re delighted to have Jamie Lomas back where he belongs. It’s matters of the heart that bring Warren back to Hollyoaks – the next chapter of his story delves into his past…” SIENNA “As we’ll see over Christmas and New Year, Liberty is pregnant. We’re  embarking on a surrogacy story with a difference, with a lot of twists and turns – I don’t think the audience can possibly predict what’s on the way for Sienna.” LIAM “As Liam said recently, he’ll flirt with a bacon sandwich to get what he wants! What he does next will surprise the viewers, and will take the character to a very interesting place…” THE DEVERAUXS “We absolutely adore Imran Adams, who plays Mitchell, along with the rest of the family. The secret is…

JULIA GOULDING (Shona Platt, Corrie ) OUT We’ve only just seen Shona get married to David, but we’ll be waving goodbye to her soon – at least temporarily. Shona’s alter ego, actress Julia Goulding, is expecting her first child with hubby Ben Silver, and has now finished filming on the cobbles so she can have her baby. Her co-star Jane Danson (Leanne) posted a pic of her pal on Instagram, writing, “Happy maternity leave, beautiful Julia! I’m so excited for you. Enjoy this special time.” 2020 DIANE KEEN (Julia Parsons, Doctors ) IN mark Doctors two is decades soon to on our screens, and the soap is celebrating by inviting back one of its most-loved former characters! Diane originally starred as Julia from 2003…

BLU-RAY ANNA AND THE APOCALYPSE It’s the festive season in the quiet town of Little Haven, but there’s no time for turkey, as the town is under threat from a zombie apocalypse! Along with her friends, schoolgirl Anna has to face the living dead and battle for survival… Win!  For the chance to win a copy, tell us the name of Hollyoaks star Anna Passey’s alter ego: A) Sienna or B) Grace. Text ISWIN1, a space, then A or B and your name & address to 84988 (50p). Or see below for postal entries. BOOK LAST CHRISTMAS curated by Emma Thompson and Greg Wise Find out what Christmas means for stars such as Olivia Colman, Meryl Streep, Emilia Clarke and Graham Norton – with this heartwarming collection of festive…

The secret is out! Lisa not only knows that Sharon’s baby hasn’t been fathered by husband Phil – she’s now learned that the biological dad is Louise’s cheating fiancé, Keanu! Despite Sharon’s pleas, Lisa is determined to tell her daughter the truth about the man she plans to marry. However, she’s distracted from her mission when her new granddaughter is taken to intensive care. But surely this can only be a temporary reprieve for Sharon and Keanu, who are now panicking about their guilt being exposed? What extreme steps might they take in order to keep Lisa’s lips well and truly sealed? Meanwhile, Sharon is given yet another reason to squirm, when Louise angrily asks her where she really was while she was giving birth, and why she didn’t answer…

Christmas this year is merely a warm-up for the stars of Corrie and EastEnders, as both soaps prepare to mark huge anniversaries in 2020! The Street in particular is due to hit an absolute whopper of a milestone when it turns 60 years old, with longest-serving cast member Bill Roache, who plays Ken, hinting that the drama on screen could be set to rival the big tram crash of 2010… “We did a special live episode when the show was 50, so I’m sure there will be something extra-special this time around,” grins the actor. “I’m looking forward to the party!” Ken is currently recuperating off screen after being struck down with pneumonia, leading some fans to worry about the future for the cobbles stalwart. But if Bill has his…

Nice touch! Dame Barbara Windsor is thrilled that Louise is to name her baby after her former Walford alter ego, Peggy. “It made her emotional,” says Babs’ hubby Scott Mitchell. “Her face lights up when we watch the show.” No Mercy! Mercedes looks set to join Tony in Breda’s pig-pen prison! Hollyoaks released a sneaky teaser of the village serial killer kidnapping Mercy, due to air in January. Together forever? Dom and Lofty are set to renew their wedding vows in an upcoming episode of Holby City, with Casualty’s Robyn Miller and Max Walker to appear in the episode, airing on 17 December.…

“I have everything crossed for a surprise Christmas hook-up more scandalous than Dev and Deirdre’s! Can you imagine the shock if too much sherry saw Emmerdale’s Pearl bed Pete Barton, or Corrie’s Eileen fall into the arms of Adam Barlow?” …suggests reader Jane Gollins “While we’ve seen the Dales’ Matty face discrimination, I want the show to go deeper and explore a trans issue that divides the village and prompts conversations in our living rooms. Matty is just the character to carry that.” …argues reader Jack “EastEnders keeps hinting that Sheree Trueman could have an ulterior motive for marrying Patrick. I hope she does, but not as a gold digger. What if she has a link to his sons – maybe dodgy Paul?” …thinks reader Celeste “I probably shouldn’t say…

It’s fair to assume that, as Maria set about bagging a new man just a few weeks ago, she perhaps didn’t picture more kids in her future quite this soon. So when the stunned woman discovers she’s having Gary’s baby, it’s a real shock! Yet that’s nothing compared with the thunderbolt Maria is in for when she inevitably learns her man is a killer loan shark – aka the Street’s new supervillain! “Maria should just give up on love,” concludes Samia Longchambon, who plays her, as we despair over the cursed crimper’s terrible bad luck with men. “She’s tried it so many times with different guys – honestly, she’s better off on her own for a while. Although it’s great to play when it goes wrong, which is more fun…

SHARON “Grant really loves me, you know. Oh, I know he’s no angel, and things ain’t always been as good as they are now, but he’s always there for me. And I know that whatever else happens in my life, he’ll always be there.” MICHELLE “I’m sorry, but you can’t sit here and tell me Grant’s the perfect man when we both know he isn’t.” SHARON “I ain’t saying he’s perfect. But he’s perfect for me.” MICHELLE “What about Phil? You slept with him, remember.” SHARON “Phil was different. I didn’t know that the first time. One minute I was just looking at him. The next – rippin’ each other’s clothes off.” MICHELLE “And after?” SHARON “Well, it was like Phil was the nice side of Grant, without the other…

It’s party season and nothing says celebration quite like sequins – just take a look at Sally! Shine bright, then, with our dazzling fashion picks……

I’ve got very distinct areas of TV I enjoy: first of all, I love watching sport – Premier League football; world boxing, mixed martial arts, and tennis. I used to do a lot of sport, and I absolutely love watching it. On the other side, I really enjoy Channel 4 News, News At 10, Question Time – all those kinds of news-type programmes. I also like watching University Challenge. But I can be swayed into anything, really! I like watching films on Netflix, even some of the really terrible ones! And I loved Shameless, that’s such great fun. I’m watching ITV’s A Confession at the moment, and I always watch Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve been watching Line Of Duty lately, too – and obviously I also watch The Apprentice! I…

Future Corrie episodes could see David finally get justice for the sickening attack committed by Josh Tucker, as his rapist stands trial for another sexual assault. Our spies spotted stars Jack P Shepherd and Ryan Clayton, who play David and Josh respectively, filming scenes on location recently. “David has long come to terms with the possibility that Josh would never be punished for his awful crime, but now there is a glimmer of hope,” reckons our Weatherfield insider. “In David’s case, there was insufficient evidence for the police to charge Josh – but the fact that he is accused of putting someone else through the same ordeal could be the key to his undoing.” David recently learned that detectives would be taking another look at his original statement – although…

There’s a lovely treat in store for Hollyoaks fans this week, as beloved character John Paul McQueen makes a surprise return to the village! Sally’s son has been living in Singapore since 2017, after moving out there to reunite with his first love, Craig Dean. And viewers will be shocked when they discover the reason the former villager has chosen now to make a pilgrimage back to his family home… “John Paul is brought back by Sally and Edward in the hope of getting rid of Finn – the guy who raped him,” explains James Sutton, who reprises his role after a two-year break from the show. “It’s a complicated storyline – it’s a question of whether or not you can rehabilitate and reintroduce someone into society who has done…

Archie’s turmoil at the hands of bully Arthur is a very tough watch, but Chris hopes that this storyline will help younger viewers realise how they must tell someone if the same happens to them. Bullies often get away with hurting other children for a long time because their victims don’t dare reveal what’s really going on. “It’s important for people to discuss it, and for children to come forward and tell the truth to their parents,” insists Chris. “We must all tell our children the same thing: ‘Tell me the truth and I won’t be angry’. Because you need to know to be able to help. It certainly does happen a lot and parents are unaware. That needs to change.”…

“We don’t just make clothes, we make dreams! The individuality, the care, the thought that goes into every piece that we make. When I buy a pair of knickers, I’m not just thinking about the comfort – I want the story, I want the narrative.” You could write a best-selling novel from the narrative of Sally’s knickers. “Let me guess, Jamie is your secret love child?” “Not Jamie, no.” Honestly, if Rhona had started going out with Louis Vuitton, he’d have come with less baggage. “Me and Mitch are a couple. We’re on and off, you know. Or up and down, if you get my meaning.” “Oh, Karen, leave it out, I had egg and cress for lunch.” We love Karen’s sauciness – and Kat is hardly in any place…

Charlie and Duffy struggle to adjust to their new regime this week, as Charlie gets ready to leave his wife with her carer, Sian. It’s clear that Duffy’s dementia is getting worse when she pops on her nurse’s uniform, having forgotten she no longer works at the hospital. After leaving his wife in Sian’s capable hands, Charlie heads to work – but with Duffy’s illness taking its toll on him, he breaks down in front of David. Can Charlie’s co-workers do anything to help?…

I knew it! I knew Jade would turn out to be related to Fiz’s ex-hubby John Stape somehow! I thought she would be his sister, though, as he didn’t seem old enough to have a grown-up daughter. Those are some potent genes, as both Jade and Hope take after their twisted dad! Becky Wow, that is one plot twist I did not see coming! I was convinced that Jade was after Tyrone, and that’s why she was stirring up trouble between him and Fiz – I had no idea she would be related to John Stape! Well done to Corrie for pulling off such a brilliant ‘OMG’ moment! Jonathan, Worcester So now we know that Jade’s a Stape, but what I really want to know is, what’s her game plan?…

With recent dramatic pictures showing a terrifying graveside showdown between Leo and Whit, as she finally discovers his true identity, we ask Tom just how far Leo is capable of going… “He’s a pretty dangerous guy and I think he could go quite far,” he admits. “Obviously I don’t want to give anything away, but when I’m reading these kinds of scenes I wonder how I’m going to get there, and pull the scene off. It’s difficult going to places you naturally don’t want to go – but it’s stretching me as an actor in different ways, which is brilliant.”…

2003 Maria fell pregnant after a one-night stand with Toyah’s college tutor boyfriend John Arnley. She chose to have a termination, and when Toyah found out, she left Weatherfield – leading the Battersbys to blame Maria for her departure. 2008 Expectant parents Maria and Liam Connor were left heartbroken after learning that their unborn child had died. Maria delivered a stillborn baby boy, who the couple named after Liam’s late brother, Paul Connor. 2009 After learning about Liam’s fling with Carla, vengeful Tony Gordon had Liam killed, leaving Maria to face life as a single mum. But in a terrible twist of fate, it was killer Tony who helped deliver baby Liam when Maria went into labour on a deserted beach!…

While Jane has settled in as Bernie, she admits that, despite appearing in the soap before – as Sue Clayton in 1985 – she was ‘petrified’ when she returned to the cobbles this year. “The arrogance of youth – I wasn’t nervous at all then,” she says. “But now I’m in my 50s, it was frightening, as it’s Corrie – it’s a big gig! But Dolly-Rose [Campbell, aka Gemma] and Sam Aston [Ches] guided me to the green room and worked out when I needed a cup of tea!”…

I would play Bet Lynch. Just because, why not? You’d have to prise the leopard print out of my cold, dead hands! There was a photo on my Instagram page a while back of me dressed up as a girl, and I think I make a very pretty woman! 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!…

There’s no denying that 2019 was Hollyoaks’ year – after winning the main prize at both the British Soap Awards and the Royal Television Society Awards, the show finished the year by being named Best Soap at our very own ceremony for the first time ever. But as we sit down for a chat with Hollyoaks’ head honcho Bryan Kirkwood, he tells us that the soap’s 25th anniversary is shaping up to be even bigger and better… Hey, Bryan! Christmas is almost upon us – what festive treats does Hollyoaks have in store this year? I’ve just watched the rough cut of our Christmas episode, and I was bawling! What I really love about Hollyoaks at the moment is that it’s so full of love – although we have three…

1 Rude Cosmetics Cocktail Party 9 Eyeshadow Palette We love these fancy cocktail-themed eyeshadow palettes, featuring cool colours inspired by Purple Flame or the fiery hues of a Cosmo. 2 Baylis & Harding Beauticology Tropical Cocktail Shower Crème Have your skin feeling as good as it smells, with this indulgent tropical cocktail shower crème. 3 Pepe Jeans Celebrate For Her Eau De Parfum 80ml Spray A sophisticated fragrance with sweet and savoury notes of popcorn, chestnut and creamy vanilla. Its goblet-style dispenser also looks fab. Chin-chin! 4 Lumene Nordic-C Artic Berry Oil-Cocktail This brightening formula acts like an energising cocktail, containing antioxidants such as Arctic berries to restore skin’s youthful glow.…

IT’S A HIT Here’s your first look at Mel and Sue in new Sky One comedy Hitmen. In the six-parter, to be shown next year, they’ll play best friends who just happen to kill people for a living… KILLER SHOW David Tennant is to play serial killer Dennis Nilsen in new ITV drama Des, also starring Daniel Mays and Jason Watkins. It’ll explore the arrest and trial of Nilsen, whose many murders went undetected for five years. CITIZENS’ RIGHTS Patrick Robinson and Nadine Marshall are to star in feature-length drama Sitting In Limbo for BBC1. The one-off film is based on the true story of Anthony Bryan and his struggle to be recognised as a British citizen during the Windrush immigration scandal.…

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 Adam Barlow...................... Sam Robertson James Bailey..................... Nathan Graham Michael Bailey....................... Ryan Russell 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 Brown.......................... Sam Aston Mary Cole.................................. Patti Clare Norris Cole........................…

GAFFERS GOES DATING! E4’s hit reality series Celebs Go Dating is due to return for its eighth series in early 2020, and ex-EastEnder Dean Gaffney (Robbie Jackson) is one of the Romeos hoping to find hot love! 41-year-old Dean, who split from his 26-year-old girlfriend Rebekah Ward back in March, is keen to get back in the dating game. Recently single Malique Thompson-Dwyer (who played Prince McQueen in Hollyoaks) is up for romance too, and joins the line-up, which also includes TOWIE’s Amy Childs, Love Island’s Amy Hart, and Made In Chelsea’s Olivia Bentley. MIGHT LAUREN RETURN? Former Walford resident Jacqueline Jossa has been enduring bushtucker trials for the past few weeks in ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, so might she be tempted to return to…

EASTENDERS Home front! THE SLATER FAMILY GOES INTO BATTLE… Someone crosses the Slater family next week, but they might live to regret taking them on! The clan is shocked when someone arrives on their doorstep to deliver some shocking news – and they’re certainly not going to take it lying down! Soon, Kat is applying her lippy, pushing up her cleavage, and going into battle… but is it really a fight she can win? CORRIE Brother beyond! Roy and his new-found brother bond over one of Richard’s hobbies next week – but with every joy, there’s added sadness for Roy, as he realises what he’ll soon lose… HOLLYOAKS Doubts for Mercedes! NEIGHBOURS Robert’s shock offer… DOCTORS End-of-series cliffhanger! EMMERDALE Family matters! Despite all the recent dramas, Nate is trying to…

BULLSEYE! Farewell then, Bernice. You’re one of our all-time favourite characters, and we’ll miss you terribly. But at least you escaped marriage to Dr Cavanagh, who always felt like a stop gap until someone more ‘Bernice’ came along. And goodbye to the wonderful Samantha Giles. We hope you’ll always consider a return to Emmerdale. We’ll be waiting! Soap babies are often played by two children. And in the case of Hollyoaks’ DJ, it’s absolutely impossible to tell the difference. We always get too excited about Christmas and want to unwrap our present early. Really, Marlon? Calling out Rhona for introducing another partner to Leo? When you’ve had about 27 of them? The Walford café table reserved for super-secret plotting. The Walford café table reserved for super-duper-secret plotting. From Ed’s secret…