Table of contents for 18 - 2020 in Inside Soap UK

The ongoing rivalry between youngsters Archie and Arthur has horrific consequences this week, after the pair are left alone by the campfire. The warring kids are forced to spend the night together on a family camping trip, which has been organised for Rishi’s 70th birthday. But while the birthday boy is delighted to have all of his loved ones together for his special celebration, little does he realise that there’s simmering tension between the lads, which is about to boil over in the worst possible way… “Throwing Arthur and Archie together like this is a recipe for disaster!” points out our Dales insider. “While Laurel and Jai are both aware of Arthur’s bullying of Archie, neither of them realises that the situation is continuing – and that Archie is now…

While Gray heads off in search of Whitney, Chantelle and Kheerat are still trapped together in the call centre on the other side of Walford – and beginning to grow closer! After the power went off in the building, the pair soon realised that the security system had locked them both inside together. Chantelle becomes even more anxious after receiving a panicked call from Gray, worried that he’ll have a violent reaction to her absence. With Chantelle’s worries growing, Kheerat tries to take her mind off things. And before Chantelle can stop herself, she begins to open up. Will she finally reveal what’s been happening behind closed doors at home? And how will Kheerat – who’s clearly become very fond of his troubled employee – react?…

There’s a nightmare for Kush this week, when Jean’s erratic behaviour leads him to realise that she’s stopped taking her bipolar medication. It’s been a horrendous time for Jean, having lost true love Daniel – not to mention going on her own cancer journey – and Kush is getting increasingly worried. What with their involvement in the ongoing situation with Whitney, they’ve all been pushed to the edge. With Kat away, Kush feels responsible – but when Jean quickly assures him that she’s fine, will he believe her? “Jean doesn’t want Kush fussing over her, so she shuts down his attempts to get her to open up,” explains our Walford spy. “Viewers know that Jean made the decision to stop taking her medication a few weeks ago by going cold…

Hi, Jay! We know that Billy’s become embroiled in Malone’s shady dealings because of Dawn – how far would Billy go to protect her? He’d do anything – like put his life on the line, or put himself in jail. Billy is a family man and making sure Dawn and Lucas are happy is everything to him. If that means putting himself in the firing line to keep them safe, he will. Are the viewers rooting for Billy at the moment? I really hope so! I think they like the bromance between Cain [Jeff Hordley], Will [Dean Andrews] and me. We’re like the Three Amigos! Even though it’s a bleak story, it has its positives as well, with the developing friendship. What’s the best thing about working as a family…

Steve and Leanne are left with further fears for son Oliver this week, as they discover he’s not developing at the same rate as his classmates. The parents were given a terrible fright when their boy suffered a seizure recently, but medics have been unable to give them any definitive answers about what’s wrong. However, after Leanne has a meeting with her son’s key worker at nursery, who expresses concern that he’s falling behind, she shares the news with Steve. What exactly is going on with poor Oliver?…

Wendy is thrilled this week, when Victoria leaves her alone with baby Harry! It’s been a long road for Wendy to gain Victoria’s trust, as the pair have failed to see eye-to-eye over Lee. But with Wendy sticking around in the village, and even trying to help reconcile Victoria with her son Luke, the two women seem to have found common ground. So, when Victoria leaves Wendy to go solo looking after Harry, albeit for a small amount of time, she’s overjoyed! But while Wendy’s thrilled to spend time with her grandson, Victoria has other things on her mind – she’s been offered a job to run the HOP restaurant. However, before she makes her final decision, Victoria breaks the news to Luke, who works with her in the kitchen…

Bella has a difficult task ahead of her this week, when she speaks to Colby, and tentatively broaches the subject of leaving school. After deciding that she wants to go into further education and study photography, Bella visits Colby in hospital – where he’s been recovering from surgery – and asks him if he’ll allow her to sign up for the course. But to her horror, Colby point-blank refuses! Can Bella convince Colby to change his mind, and let her follow her dream?…

Loved-up Adam and Sarah return to the cobbles this week, after enjoying their honeymoon! Following their blissful wedding, Adam and Sarah headed off into the sunset together. But now they’re back, Sarah has to adapt to life without daughter Bethany. Meanwhile, Adam is intrigued to spot Gary sticking up for Kelly (see p16), and later learns that Ali has left after pleading guilty to assaulting Gary! The couple certainly have a lot to catch up on……

Sharon will spend her life in Walford being shattered by the deaths of those she loves the most – from her dad (twice) all the way to Denny. This week, we have another significant bereavement, as her beloved poodle Roly – Sharon’s last link to Den and Angie – crosses the rainbow bridge. The tragedy occurs when Grant gives Mandy – who’s squatting in No 5 with Aidan – a tenner to take Roly off his hands for an hour. But when Mandy skulks back to the Square later in the day, she brings news that Roly chased a cat, slipped his lead, and ran in front of a speeding truck. But it that the whole story? (Sharon, of course, blames Grant for everything.) Meanwhile, Frank welcomes home his youngest,…

Keeping the kids entertained while they’re stuck at home can be challenging – but luckily young soap stars Amelia, Isabella and William Flanagan have no problem occupying themselves! The thoughtful trio – who play Emmerdale’s April, and Corrie’s Hope and Joseph – treated parents Rachel and Chris to a romantic date night, pulling out all the stops to make sure theirs was the most exclusive restaurant in town! The kids set up a dinner table in their back garden, complete with reception desk and private pool, before offering their parents five-star service all evening. Looks fab – how how do we make a reservation?…

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD THE HOST Robert and Vera try to do what’s best for the people they love. But as the pair struggle to suppress their inner demons, it starts a course of destruction that they can’t escape! Available on demand on iTunes and Amazon Prime Video – visit thehost.movie BOOK THE HYPNOTIST’S LOVE STORY  by Liane Moriarty Therapist Ellen is shocked when her new boyfriend, Patrick, tells her that he has a stalker! However, instead of being disturbed, Ellen is curious about Patrick’s ex-girlfriend, and wants to meet her… STAR CHOICE Corrie’s Trevor Michael Georges (Ed) “I just finished watching The Morning Show on Apple TV+, which was interesting given that I work in TV at the same level as the characters – thank goodness it’s not like that…

The Street is swarming with police this week, after horrified Yasmeen dials 999 and confesses to the operator that Geoff is dead – and that she is person to blame! Yasmeen’s nightmare picks straight up from where it left off the previous week, with Geoff slumped on the floor after terrified Yasmeen was forced to whack her controlling husband with a wine bottle in self-defence. The scene that greets paramedics is a grisly one – with all the evidence of an attack pointing firmly at Yasmeen… “Yasmeen struggles to digest what has just happened…” “The violent altercation between them happens so fast – and then poor Yasmeen is left to confront the horror of Geoff’s lifeless body,” grimaces our Coronation Street insider. “There’s an eerie silence in the few minutes…

Gary steps in as Kelly’s hero this week – leading to all kinds of awkward questions for the former loan shark! Trouble kicks off in the Street as Dev accuses Kelly of leaking the naked video of Asha, which has gone viral, prompting Gary to stand up for the tearaway teen. But given that Kelly has nothing to do with Gary, as far as his neighbours are aware, what will they make of him sticking his nose in where it’s not wanted? “Nobody has any idea what Gary’s link to Kelly is,” whispers our cobbles sneak. “While some may be aware that Rick was her father, certainly no one has the slightest clue that Gary was responsible for killing him – and has subsequently been paying Kelly’s school fees out…

Jean has bipolar affective disorder, a mental health condition that sees sufferers go through periods of depression to episodes of mania or hypomania. All cases are different, so treatment has to be tailored to each patient, meaning that a sufferer coming off their medication has to be managed carefully. A DANGEROUS MOVE Suddenly stopping her meds could lead Jean to return to manic periods, which can see sufferers behave in embarrassing, harmful or even dangerous ways – so Kush is right to be worried about Jean. Bipolar UK, the national charity that supports those affected, advises this: “Whatever the individual’s circumstances, it’s important that the decision to stop their medication is made in conjunction with their doctor. If a person is well at the time, this poses fewer problems –…

Serious trouble is brewing for drug-dealer Dotty this week, until smitten Bobby comes to her rescue. There are questions to answer when Bobby is found unconscious at E20 after using laughing gas, despite Dotty’s refusal to sell to him. She may have said no to the teenager’s request, but Dotty has been peddling her illicit wares at Ruby’s establishment, and is concerned that the police are now sniffing around. However, she needn’t worry, as the young Beale proves his loyalty to her, despite intense questioning from his dad Ian. “Bobby worships Dotty, and he’ll do anything to get her attention,” shares our Albert Square insider. “Dotty has been really dismissive towards him because she’s far more interested in older boys, specifically his brother Peter. But by protecting her, Bobby is…

Max is left utterly heartbroken this week, when David nods off at home and misses the lad’s important awards speech. David has been behaving oddly for a few weeks now, but what’s going on in his life to make him so reckless when it comes to his family? Max is understandably nervous about delivering his speech up on stage, so to have his adoptive dad there would be an enormous support. But sadly, as young Max takes to the platform, he ends up performing to David’s empty reserved chair… “Max is miserable when David doesn’t turn up,” sighs our Weatherfield spy. “He has always been there for his son, until now. So when David doesn’t show, it’s just devastating for Max.” David hasn’t been himself since recuperating Shona asked for…

Tony throws a celebratory lunch to toast Verity’s new business venture this week – but will their dad Edward stir up trouble? Tony threw his father out of the house after learning about his affair with Diane – but now that Verity is back, Tony offers Edward an olive branch and invites him to join them. However, while Tony thinks his dad is repentant, viewers know the doctor has secretly been drugging his son! So what trouble will devious Edward cause next?…

Paddy’s anxiety problems push him over the edge this week, and he yells at baby Eve! The dad has been struggling for weeks, tormented by the horrifying moment when he accidentally left his daughter alone in his car. His loved ones know that Paddy is spiralling downwards, so after he shouts at Eve, Chas doesn’t go mad – she shows him some love and understanding. His shocking actions and her compassion finally convince Paddy that he needs to seek professional help. Can he recover from his trauma?…

Ruhma is a nervous wreck this week, as the day of her hearing arrives – in the wake of her patient Carrie’s accusation that she was having an affair with her husband Doug! Ruhma is heartened, though, when Zara arrives to support her – but Zara isn’t happy as Ruhma’s midwifery advocate, Janet, warns her against interfering and insists that she won’t be allowed to speak in favour of Ruhma. Meanwhile, Ruhma is keen to get her side of the story across as the hearing begins, but struggles when the intimidating chair, Grahame, throws tricky questions at her over who was responsible for the kiss with Doug, and the effect that it had on new mum Carrie. In spite of this interrogation, Ruhma continues to protest her innocence – but…

DINGLE NO-SHOW… I seem to recall Emmerdale’s Zak saying many moons ago that not one of the Dingle clan ever missed a family wedding and knees-up. Well, Debbie Dingle’s invite must have got lost in the post – as she didn’t bother to show up for Sam’s wedding! Colin, Southgate CARTER REUNION? After seeing Ruby’s recent emotional exit from Casualty, I wondered if actress Maddy Hill, who played her, will return to EastEnders as Nancy Carter? Mick and Linda could do with their daughter’s support when they leave the Queen Vic. But where would that leave her beau, Tamwar? Louise, Leicester Maybe Maddy will pop up in another soap! Perhaps head north to Weatherfield? JUST IN TIME, JUSTIN! I’m so glad that Home and Away scriptwriters have put us out…

Harlow has been in Erinsborough for a year now, and has already been terrorised by a psychopath and lost her mum! Will Jemma find your queries as tough? “I saw that you had your 20th birthday at the end of March! What did you do to celebrate?” “What was your first day on set like?” Well, there wasn’t much I could do, so I spent it with my best mate out here in Australia, Zima [Anderson, who plays Roxy]. We had cake and wine, it was great! I was a bit sad that I couldn’t be with my family – we’re all on FaceTime for the time being, so at least we can stay connected. But it was as lovely as it could have been, and very special. “What was…

We’re back in the Lake District to rejoin 10-year-old autistic Joe, who – along with his nearest and dearest – is having to navigate some big changes. It’s two years since we last saw the clan, and Joe’s parents, Alison and Paul, are now divorced. Meanwhile, Alison’s cantankerous dad Maurice – whose relationship with partner Louise is still going strong – is seemingly the only one holding it together. With newcomers Sarah Gordy (previously of Holby) and Julie Hesmondhalgh (Corrie’s Hayley Cropper) joining the cast, we caught up with regular Christopher Eccleston (Maurice), plus Pooky Quesnel (Louise) and Lee Ingleby (Paul) – and Christopher is as taken aback as the rest of us that Maurice is the one currently managing to stand most firm… “I think Maurice is happier than…

Dasha Durzan made quite the entrance when Killing Eve made its much-anticipated return a couple of weeks back, gate-crashing the wedding of former student Villanelle. After a dramatic fallout with the KGB resulted in her expulsion from the  USSR, trained killer Dasha has been desperate to return. And Harriet Walter, star of countless shows – including Belgravia, Succession and The Crown, to name just a few – tells Inside TV how she’s loved getting to grips with the wild assassin… We’re very much enjoying Dasha’s antics, Harriet! How did you go about tackling her character? I kept having to remind myself that she’s deadly. On the whole, dare I say, it’s quite a comedic part – it’s so unlike anything I’ve done before. Sometimes, when you get older, you have…

This new eight-part drama takes place in the vibrant multicultural neighbourhoods of modern-day Paris. The story follows once-celebrated New York jazz pianist Elliot Udo, who comes to France to manage struggling club The Eddy, where he heads the house band fronted by his on-off girlfriend Maja… “This series is really about human beings, who are trying to put their lives together,” says André Holland, who plays Elliot. “I’m always interested in people, and the relationships in this story were really fascinating to me. There’s a long history of black artists in particular leaving America and coming to Paris to make art and music, so I was also intrigued by what that was about and how it might apply in a contemporary way.” A key element of the series is Elliot’s…

Whitney’s prayers may be answered this week, as Gray and Max hope to be her knights in shining armour by rescuing her from her terrible ordeal. Whitney continues to be held hostage by Leo’s mum, Michaela, who blames Whit for killing Leo, and refuses to believe it was in self-defence. Michaela is clearly on the edge, but Whitney has been desperately trying to talk sense into her. And as she finally begins to get through to Michaela this week, will Whit put herself in more danger as Michaela comes to terms with the terrible truth? “Michaela couldn’t be any more desperate at this point,” sighs our Albert Square spy. “She’s hell-bent on taking revenge on Whitney for losing the two most important men in her life – Tony and now…

Mitchell finds himself in huge trouble this week, when his siblings Toby and Celeste frame him for assaulting their dad Felix! With Felix lying in hospital following the brutal attack on him, the Dee Valley police are keen to get to the bottom of the horrific crime. And while the viewers know that it was Toby who lashed out and battered his dad senseless, it’s his brother Mitchell who ends up getting fingered for it… “Mitchell’s scared – he could lose everything because of this…” “Mitchell is really hurt that he could be considered a suspect for this,” explains actor Imran Adams, who plays him. “He’s an upstanding citizen, just a normal guy, so the whole thing is really overwhelming for him. He can’t believe that anyone would ever think…

Nina proves that she’s nothing like her peace-loving uncle Roy this week, when she punches someone in the middle of the street! The Weatherfield newcomer is enraged when she witnesses some lads giving Asha grief, and storms out of the café to give them what-for. Onlookers are left horrified as Nina punches one of the boys on the nose – but Asha is grateful to finally have somebody fighting her corner… “This whole situation has been shattering for poor Asha,” shares our Street mole. “Most of the neighbourhood has now seen her naked, and her dad’s behaviour has only added to her embarrassment. So to have Nina take a lead and put these lads in their place really gives Asha a boost.” While violence is never the answer, Asha later…

There’s exciting news on Ramsay Street this week, as Mark announces to his loved ones that he and new wife Paige are having a baby! Given how long Mark has waited to become a dad, his extended clan is thrilled for him – however, the revelation gets Aaron and David thinking about their own plans to one day become parents… The married couple have been desperate for a baby of their own ever since they tied the knot – but being a same-sex couple, it’s not a straight-forward situation for them. They’ve already looked into a few options that have hit dead ends, although Mark questions if they have ever considered foster care? His suggestion gives them food for thought, and David and Aaron throw themselves into researching the possibility.…

Linda’s new-found connection to Phil takes a surprising twist this week – but Mick’s missus doesn’t get quite the reaction that she was hoping for! The recovering alcoholics collided recently after Phil happened to turn up at the same AA meeting as Linda, who was horrified to have to share her experiences in front of the Walford hard man. However, rather than going out of her way to avoid Phil, Linda approaches him and makes a rather unusual suggestion. Phil’s having none of it, though, and refuses point blank – leaving the Queen Vic landlady more determined than ever to do what it takes to turn her life around. Adamant that she will conquer her demons, fired-up Linda takes a big step forward in her rehabilitation. Although, if Linda is…

RIVER CITY Caitlin is desperate to clear her name this week, and focuses her energies on building her case with Poppy. But then Caitlin discovers it comes at a hefty price, and turns to Lenny for a loan. Meanwhile, an opportunity presents itself when a fire breaks out at Tall Ship, but the flames put Ruby and baby Joe in danger! Plus, Lenny and Rory plot DCI Grant’s downfall, little knowing that Grant has the upper hand… THE ARCHERS The Archers is delving through the archives to relive some of the most unforgettable moments in Ambridge! From the day of Adam and Ian’s civil partnership, to Alice and Chris’ return from Vegas with a big surprise for their parents!…

Being the boss is never easy – but when Bear took the helm at The Mill last year, he had a tougher time than most. “He started off blagging it quite a lot, as he wasn’t the first choice for the job – not at all!” chuckles Dex Lee, who plays him, as we join him for a long overdue catchup. “And when everyone suspected Bear of being involved in Jimmi’s arrest, his confidence was shot. But now he’s finding ways to make his business mindset work – so hopefully he’s only going to get better!” Star Dex, meanwhile, is happy to reveal that he’s received a much warmer welcome from his colleagues on the Doctors set – and Letherbridge is feeling like his home from home… Hello, Dex! While…

“I’d love to see Isaac in a romantic relationship with Ruby!” “Isaac is such a complex character – he has so much on his mind,” grins EastEnders star Stevie Basaula, who first arrived in Walford as Isaac on New Year’s Day. “It’s really fun at the moment. I’ve been watching EastEnders since I was about five years old, so to be a part of it now feels surreal. I’m surrounded by so many legends – I’m very lucky!” Sadly, Isaac isn’t feeling quite so lucky this week, as he’s just discovered that his mum Sheree has been lying to him his entire life – and that her new husband Patrick is his biological father! But while the news has come as a big shock, Stevie’s hoping that his character will…

Our favourite soap stars need a creative outlet now that they’re not acting every day, and luckily Corrie actress Alexandra Mardell (Emma) has found a fun way to express herself – by colouring her hair! Ali showed off her new purple curls on social media, and we have to say, they really suit her! Just days later, she changed her hair colour yet again, switching purple for blue – something she would never get away with while filming on Coronation Street! Meanwhile, Ali’s co-star Tina O’Brien (Sarah) opted for pastel pink – but her former screen brother Adam Rickitt (Hollyoaks’ Kyle) didn’t have as much luck with his new barnet. He let his wife Katy loose with the clippers – and ended up looking like a monk! Oops!…

Although filming on nearly all TV drama has been suspended during the Covid-19 crisis, Isolation Stories – a four-part series of short tales – has been written and filmed during lockdown. Oscar-nominated producer Jeff Pope tells us why he was keen to reflect the current situation… “What interested me was all the little stories that were emerging,” says Jeff. “A friend was talking about how he and his wife had decided to split, but then they were forced to stay together. There were lots of tales like that, so I thought, ‘Wow, these really reflect what I’m sure lots of us are going through’. So I thought it would be worth trying to make a series of short stories.” But that presented a huge challenge, as all the actors had…

EASTENDERS King of the Vic? HOW FAR WILL PHIL GO TO GET HIS HANDS ON THE PUB? The Mitchell family has so much history with the Queen Victoria public house, and Phil is determined to bring the business back into his family’s empire. But as he pushes the Carters to accept his offer, there’s just one small hitch – the hard man doesn’t actually have the cash he needs to buy it! Can Phil get his hands on the dosh required? Or will he end up losing the pub? EMMERDALE Caught in the act! Naughty Priya has been enjoying sneaking around with her secret boyfriend Al, knowing her family won’t approve. So how will she react when someone uncovers their romance? HOME AND AWAY Maggie has a secret! HOLLYOAKS John…