Table of contents for 09 - 2021 in Inside Soap UK

“Kat and Phil’s bunk-up has had a big reaction!” It’s great when a genuine soap surprise gets people talking. And for once, I don’t mean that gasp when a ‘whodunnit?’ culprit is revealed, or the explosive reaction to a huge plot twist that changes lives forever. No, this time, I’m taking about one simple scene, where a woman stepped out of a car, and exchanged some saucy banter with a smiling fella. Yep, Kat and Phil’s bunk-up in EastEnders has been one of soap’s most fun shocks in yonks. There’s something about the fact they’re characters we’ve known for years that makes it so watchable – especially when played by masters of their craft Jessie Wallace and Steve McFadden. We’ve had a big a reaction to the pairing (see p38),…

Hollyoaks star Kieron Richardson (Ste) has set the cat among the pigeons – teasing a reunion for his alter ego and John Paul! Fans of ‘McHay’ could be in for a treat given that Kieron’s real-life husband Carl Hyland was on the village set recently, playing a body double for star James Sutton, aka John Paul – and we can only assume it was for an intimate scene that needed to be shot in a Covid-secure manner. Is Cupid’s arrow set to strike twice for old flames Ste and John Paul? We certainly think so!…

Hi, Penny! Are you pleased Tori’s found love? I am! I felt as if it was about time for her big romance. I spoke to our writer about it last year, and said I think it’s time. But I told her Tori needs a man, not another boy – she needs a grown-up who has his life together. What’s it like working with Ditch Davey, who plays Christian? We’re good friends, and we clicked instantly. We get into a bit of trouble sometimes for laughing too much! But we’re so happy that we’ve been gifted this beautiful love story. So we’re taking a lot of care with it to make sure that we get everything just right so that viewers feel happy and in love. Tori is a proud mum…

Secret lovers Kat and Phil bow to the pressure of outside interference this week, after both Ben and Kim learn that the pair have been sleeping together. The unlikely duo have been hooking up recently, and are perhaps enjoying each other’s company more than they care to admit. But as their loved ones discover what’s been going on and scoff at the thought of Kat and Phil being an item, will they lose their nerve? “The looks on both Ben and Kim’s faces are a picture when they find out Phil and Kat have been at it like knives,” smirks our Walford insider. “You can’t blame them for being surprised, seeing as the duo have made no secret of how they feel about each other over the years. Their romance…

It looks as though Peter may have fallen off the wagon again this week, as he comes stumbling home, trying not to wake any of his family! Alcoholic Peter has committed to staying off the booze, as he knows that just one more drink could kill him. However, it seems as if he could have failed in his mission as he sneaks in from the backyard, desperate to hide his dishevelled state from his family… Has Peter really risked his own life for the sake of a boozy night out?…

Verity faces a dilemma this week, after she’s offered a fabulous legal role in New York! The new job is everything she’s ever dreamed of, yet Verity is currently focussed on starting a family with boyfriend Sami, and doesn’t want to leave Hollyoaks. Scott can’t understand why she would turn down such an amazing opportunity, so he poses as her assistant and accepts the job for her! However, what will Verity’s reaction be when she finds out what Scott’s done?…

FAIR CITY • Juliet and Mondo clash over Amy the influencer this week, and Mondo ends up taking Juliet off the campaign. Elsewhere, Damien learns that Mariead and Dearbhla are going wedding-dress shopping! Plus, Peter believes Paul and Orla are having an affair… RIVER CITY • Alex interferes with the family business this week, when he discovers that Amber has double-crossed Tyler Foulkes over a drugs deal. Meanwhile, Poppy finds an unlikely ally in Scarlett after she opens up about her stalking… Also, Dylan has questions for Eve! THE ARCHERS • Jim is determined to make a good impression for Jazzer’s sake this week, but events quickly spiral out of control! Elsewhere, Harrison delivers some unexpected news to Kirsty – what will this mean for the investigation? Finally, a surprise…

They say that lightning doesn’t strike twice. One person who would certainly beg to differ is Ian Beale; who, having once lost his beloved Cindy to the subtle seductions of Simon Wicks, now learns that he’s about to lose her all over again to Simon’s more wicked brother David. (You can’t say that Cindy doesn’t have a type.) Ian goes completely to pieces – especially when he discovers that Cindy has already packed the children’s suitcases – though his wife flatly denies any involvement with David. As Ian becomes even more clingy, Cindy starts to contemplate an even more brutal – not to say bloody – separation. Meanwhile, the Square’s hip young crowd take a trip to Blackpool to see the lights. It’s certainly a night that Simon and Tony…

IN THE GREEN Liberty is super-stylish in Hollyoaks, and I loved the little hat she had on the other day. I’m a sucker for a beret! Lola, Brighton We loved Liberty’s look, too! You can grab the Apple Green Wool Winter Beret from the ASOS Marketplace for just £12. And if green isn’t your colour, then have a scroll as there are lots of options available. THE FIRST TIME AROUND So I’ve been watching Corrie recently, including the scenes with Debbie and Kevin in the fridge. How did the Websters come to live on the Street? Jasmine, Hadfield The Websters arrived on Coronation Street in 1983. First Kevin arrived and lodged with Hilda Ogden, before getting a job as a mechanic at Brian Tilsley’s garage. Kevin was later joined by…

As big fans of Faith Dingle, we are silently willing Cain to draw a line under the beef that he has with his mum, and accept that she is back in the village to stay. However, while he stubbornly refuses to entertain her return to Emmerdale this week, we should probably remember that the world of soap moves very quickly – and that in real time, Cain wouldn’t be so quick to forgive Faith for harbouring the long-lost son who he never knew existed. Especially when the son in question seduced Cain’s wife in retaliation for being abandoned! After we put it like that, actor Jeff Hordley, who plays Cain, agrees Faith has a lot of making up to do before she can call herself his mother again… “Cain’s determined…

Jailbird Colby this week instructs sister Bella not to visit him in prison any more, leaving the teen devastated. The scenes mark the end of actor Tim Franklin’s time on the show as the crooked cop – and he tells us that he’s had an absolute blast playing such a complex character… We’re so sad to see Colby bowing out of Summer Bay this week! Will you miss playing him? Of course! I’ll miss putting that uniform on, and I’ll miss looking after the Bay, and working with the massive bunch of legends on the show. That’s the thing I’ve felt the most since leaving. I was lucky enough to make some lifelong friends in those hallowed halls, and I will miss them dearly. What’s been your favourite storyline to…

WIIT AND WISDOM “Hello, Grant. You should see this place, it is ripe... and I’ve found the ideal spot.” Phil’s first line “Me, a bully? No, no. If I hurt someone, it’s because they deserve it…” Phil “Shut it!” Phil “Cooooome onnnnn!” Phil’s full battle cry THE KEY RELATIONSHIPS PEGGY His mother’s love was often claustrophobic, but nobody adored Phil like Peggy. She worshipped her boy, even in his darkest moments. Over the years, family spats, romantic dramas and betrayals tested it, but nothing could break their bond. SHARON We think Phil’s far better suited to Shirley, but there’s no doubt that Sharon is his true love. The glamorous woman keeps him on his toes, but she also keeps breaking his heart… BEN Bigot Phil was unlikely to be okay…

Turning 10 is a huge milestone for any youngster, and is worthy of a big birthday party! But sadly young Dales star Harvey Rogerson (Leo) celebrated the day during lockdown, so had to make do with a low-key bash at home with his parents and siblings. Still, at least Harvey’s spirits weren’t dampened, as he got into the party spirit with Spider-Man balloons and personalised cupcakes, as well as trainers from “Mummy Rhona and Daddy Marlon” – aka the Dales’ Zoe Henry and Mark Charnock. However, Harvey’s not the only one who’s been celebrating at home. Corrie’s Sair Khan (Alya) had what she describes as a ‘quiet birthday night in’, where she got dressed up in her best togs and filled her gaff with balloons. How fabulous! Our favourite low-key…

GAME RICHARD OSMAN’S HOUSE OF GAMES Do you know how many post boxes there are in the UK? Could you guess how many times the word ‘goat’ appears in the King James Version of the bible? Fancy playing a game of charades where all of the books, films and plays are entirely made up? Curated by Richard Osman and Alan Connor, and featuring over 50 games, this is your chance to step inside the House Of Games, and pitch your trivia skills against your family and friends. DIGITAL BLUSH On the surface, suburban housewife Cathy has it all, but behind the facade, her seemingly content life is crumbling. After agreeing to look after her sister’s cat, Cathy meets a free-wheeling mum – and so begins an increasingly fraught journey through…

Sid gets a recorded confession from drugs boss Victor this week – but can he get it to the police before the gangster realises he’s been betrayed? After the tragic death of his cousin Jordan – and his best pal Juliet subsequently going to jail for drug-dealing – Sid has vowed to make Victor pay for wreaking havoc on the village. And he doesn’t care if his mission puts him in peril… “Sid feels it’s his fault that the whole drugs ring leaked into the village in the first place,” explains Billy Price, who plays the plucky teenager. “Lots of people have had their lives ruined by Victor and his gang – Sid wants to put a stop to it, and to get justice for them all. He’s terrified, but…

Over the past year, our favourite shows have chosen to reflect elements of the pandemic on screen – most notably through social-distancing and mask-wearing. And now, as the UK continues to vaccinate its top priority groups, Dales veteran Eric Pollard stands to be the first soap character to receive the injection! “The moment itself will happen off screen in the coming weeks – and is to be followed up by a sweet moment with Eric telling his son, David, that he’s had the jab,” reveals our village spy. “It’s a lovely scene, as we hear Eric say that he hopes it’s not too long before he can hold his grandson, Theo, again.” Insiders say that Dales bosses hope the story will resonate with many, and help encourage people watching to…

Laurel is forced to hide her concerns for Gabby’s welfare this week, as she worries the teenager is getting too close to Kim. Knowing how ruthless the Home Farm boss is, Laurel frets that Gabby will end up hurt if she gets in too deep with the Tates. So after Gabby lets rip at Nicola for telling her mum about her pregnancy, both Nicola and Diane are surprised when Laurel doesn’t jump in to defend Bernice… Later, Laurel explains to them that she needs to tread carefully where Gabby’s concerned, as she doesn’t want to do anything that will drive her further into Kim’s clutches! So when Jamie approaches to make amends with Gabby, Laurel feels powerless to stop her stepdaughter from falling for his charms, even though she herself…

It seems as though Paul’s luck could be changing this week, as he’s offered an apprenticeship, and a new place to live! Paul’s life has been in the doldrums thanks to Todd meddling in his relationship with Billy, leaving the poor man not only single, but also homeless and jobless! Paul moved in with sister Gemma temporarily, and picked up some casual work with Ed – however, it soon becomes apparent that he needs a more permanent solution… “Sleeping on the sofa in a house with four young babies is not a recipe for a good night’s kip!” points out our Street mole. “When Paul turns up for work at the builders’ yard, he can barely keep his eyes open, and admits to new boss Ed he needs to find…

Who was I most in awe of when I arrived at Corrie?” ponders actress Sally Ann Matthews, aka Jenny, as we ask her to cast her mind back to 1986 and her first day on set. “I was 15 when I started, it was my first job, and looking back now, I think how fortunate I was to work with all those legends from that time – Jean Alexander [Hilda Ogden], Betty Driver [Betty Williams], Julie Goodyear [Bet Lynch], Barbara [Knox, aka Rita], Jill Summers [Phyllis Pearce] – who I absolutely adored – and all the rest. I wasn’t in awe, I was like a big spongy amoeba, just there to soak it all up. “Being under the wing of Mark [Eden, who played Jenny’s dad Alan Bradley] and Thelma…

DEBBIE Cain has let daughter Debbie down on numerous occasions, the most spectacular being when he half killed Joe Tate and let Debbie believe that her boyfriend had done a runner on her. KYLE The boy was conceived following a fling between Cain and teenager Amy Wyatt. Upon hearing Amy was carrying his baby, Cain insisted that she terminate the pregnancy. And for much of the lad’s early life, Cain blanked him. ISAAC Like with offspring Kyle, Cain initially refused to have anything to with Isaac – until Faith convinced him to assume his responsibilities as a father. So at least he has his mother to thank for something!…

“It was back in November that I started filming, so it’s felt like forever waiting for my first episodes to be on screen!” chuckles Ross McLaren, who plays The Mill’s new nurse practitioner, Luca McIntyre. “But I’m loving it here, and I’m learning things every day. Plus, everyone has made me feel so welcome.” While Ross’ feeling right at home months after his first day at Doctors, it’s a rather different story for Luca this week, who doesn’t have the best of starts in his new role – as Ross explains when he joins us for a chat… Hello, Ross – it’s great to have newbie Luca on board! What can you tell us about him? He’s transferred to Letherbridge from a surgery in Coventry. He’s been through quite an…

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The support Yasmeen has from both Alya and Elaine is going to play an on-going role in her recovery, despite the issues thrown up by current filming rules. Had it not been for social distancing, we would have witnessed Alya physically comforting her gran in the wake of Geoff’s abuse – and that’s been a tough ask for the actors who want to do Yasmeen’s story justice. “That has been hard,” sighs actress Sair Khan, who plays Alya. “We’ve had some important scenes where Yasmeen and Alya have needed to be close, such as these moments where Yasmeen has broken down, and the normal thing to do would be to hold her. But what can we do except get on with it – and learn some new skills along the…

As fab castings go, EastEnders bosses have pulled a blinder in signing up popular comedian Brian Conley to play the role of Sonia’s dad, Terry! The multi-talented singer and actor is best known on TV for hosting The Brian Conley Show, not to mention numerous leading roles in the West End – in shows including Me And My Girl, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and 9 To 5 The Musical. “I can’t wait to start,” says Brian. “I’ll be wandering around the Square with the biggest grin on my face!” So, what more can we tell you about his Walford arrival? Read on for our special report with the answers to all of your most pressing questions… First off: Why have we never met Sonia’s father before? You’ll remember that Carol…

“I didn’t go into business with a sex offender, or swindle my neighbours out of their homes.” “But you have cheated on your wife and served time for assault, and – this is my favourite – fathered a love child with a girl half your age while your wife had breast cancer.” It’s always fun when characters throw their old storylines at each other. “I try not to think about him, and then I see his boat, and it sends me nut into overdrive.” We like that Mick talks in a language so tantalisingly close to English. “Have you seen Aaron’s house? It’s like something from a magazine.” “I mean, yeah, it is dead nice. The bath’s always clean, and they wash toothpaste spit down the sink.” With a man…

Tori is overjoyed to share the news that she and Christian are engaged this week, but it seems that not everyone is happy for the couple. Christian popped the question to Tori during a romantic beach stroll, and – despite her initial surprise – Tori happily accepted his proposal. And now she returns to the Morgan house with a ring on her finger… “Tori was very shocked by it all at first,” admits Penny McNamee, who plays the medic. “And I think her instinctive reaction would be read as nervousness and anxiety. Tori starts to freak out a little bit, but that’s just her being in shock, because she wasn't expecting it – things have moved very quickly. But of course, Tori does say yes, and she and Christian have…

Isaac opens up to Lola during their date this week, and reveals his massive health secret – however, what will Lola make of his admission? With their blossoming relationship going from strength to strength, Isaac and Lola are excited to meet up for another date. As the two begin to get to know each other more, Lola confides in Isaac – and so he decides to reveal his deepest secret to her… “Lola is completely floored when Isaac reveals what he’s been hiding,” teases our Albert Square insider. “It’s shocking, but mostly it’s something that Lola has no idea about, so it’s difficult for her to understand what Isaac has been through. Despite that, Lola’s secretly pleased that Isaac feels as though he can tell her such personal things so…

Valerie’s not happy this week, after she learns that The Mill’s team-building sports day has been replaced by a go-kart derby. Valerie’s spirits are rapidly lifted, however, when she’s randomly approached by a woman named Janine, who hands over her business card – and tells Valerie that she could be a hand model! The receptionist initially thinks that Janine is cracking on to her, but after Janine appears affronted by the notion, Valerie apologises – and Janine offers her a contract. Does a glam new career await?…

I was stunned to see Phil and Kat get together. Talk about viewers being blindsided! However, it is actually quite nice that these two iconic characters have now become romantically involved. This is the twist of the year. Manisa, Middlesex Well, the Arches has seen more action than anywhere now Phil and Kat are added to the passion list. I often felt that they would be a great match – not exactly made in heaven, but certainly made for Albert Square. They’re like Bonnie and Clyde, I can’t wait to see how this goes! Sylvia, Hayling Island It’s a twist to have the Mitchells and the Slaters united, and I wonder how this will affect the families that have always been feuding! I can’t wait to see everyone’s reaction to…

“So many people make me laugh on set, but especially Gunny [ Peter Gunn, aka Brian]. This morning, he was trying to find his mask to put it on in a scene, and he was pulling his pass out of his pocket, then a plastic bag – Gunny’s a constant source of ridiculousness!” “If I could bring back any former Corrie character, it would be Vicky Arden [played by Chloe Newsome]. Chloe’s a really great mate of mine, so personally I’d love her to come back. Vicky was Steve’s first wife, so I don’t see any reason why she shouldn’t return, and revisit her first love. Imagine how furious Tracy would be!” “I’d love to have some more scenes with Ben Price [Nick]. I can’t see that Nick and Jenny…

BABY SURPRISE! While Aaron and David look forward to parenthood, Matt has recently become a father for the first time, after he and his wife of two years, Jessica, announced news of their bundle of joy! Jess shared an adorable snap of their newborn on Instagram, after keeping her pregnancy under wraps. Matt also posted a glimpse of dad duties on social media with a video of him holding his baby in a sling. The news came as a shock not only to fans – but to some of the couple’s friends too. Matt and Jessica are still to share further details about their tot, although their cast mates were quick to pass on their good wishes. “Congrats, this is awesome!” cheered Sharon Johal (Dipi). WEDDING ‘MIRACLE’! Takaya followed in…

It’s frustrating knowing someone’s doing evil in soap, yet no one else can see it! But luckily, Hollyoaks star Annie Wallace reveals that her character, Sally, is on to manipulative George and the fact that he’s hurting her son, John Paul… “It starts as a gut feeling, and certain things just don’t add up,” explains Annie. “Sally has all these suspicions, and then she overhears a conversation in the café that she doesn’t want to hear. DS Cohen asks about George’s injury, and while he says it was an accident, there’s a hesitation in his voice which he uses to stir things up.” Sally begins to identify what George is doing, and goes to desperate lengths to protect John Paul, which includes sabotaging a romantic gesture. “Sally thinks George is…

It takes a lot of effort to plan the perfect Valentine’s surprise for your other half – but luckily, EastEnders star James Bye (Martin) had three willing helpers on hand to assist him this 14 February! He enlisted sons Edward, Louis and Hugo to help him in arranging a romantic gesture for wife Victoria – and don’t they all look adorable in their matching ‘Team Bye’ hoodies? James and Victoria married in 2012, although they’ve actually been together for 16 years, so we’re happy to see that even after so many years as a couple, James is still pulling out all the stops to woo his wife. Judging by Victoria’s own Instagram pictures, it seems as if she loved her hubby’s surprise! Well done James, you’ve certainly earned yourself some…

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The involvement of air accident investigator Roy Gilbert might not go down well with DCI McDonald, but she’s amused by the similarity he bears to her anorak-wearing colleague Dodds – as was guest star Rob Brydon… “There’s a bit of a bromance between Dodds and Roy – Dodds becomes quite enamoured by Roy, which was great fun to play,” chuckles the Gavin And Stacey actor, who plays Roy. “I’m always keen to do drama, and I’d never worked with Jason before, so this was very appealing. It’s a very good story, and a wonderful cast.” Rob is known for his dulcet Welsh tones, but this role called for something rather different… “I’m giving it my finest Bristol accent,” he says. “I daresay people outside Bristol will be quite impressed –…

IN THE HOT SEAT Anne Robinson is swapping The Weakest Link for Countdown! Stern-faced Anne has been announced as the new host of Channel 4’s long-running daily quiz show, and will take over from current host Nick Hewer when he steps down from the post in the autumn. STEPHEN Alan Partridge star Steve Coogan is joining Holby City’s Hugh Quarshie and Waterloo Road’s Sharlene Whyte in an ITV drama sequel, Stephen. The three-part serial follows up on the events of the 1999 drama The Murder Of Stephen Lawrence. FAITH NO MORE Eve Myles will soon return as Faith Howells in the third series of drama Keeping Faith. This final run sees Celia Imrie, Dame Siân Phillips and Shaun Fletcher join the cast. The show is set to debut on BBC…

CASUALTY Connie Beauchamp.......... Amanda Mealing Faith Cadogan...................... Kirsty Mitchell Leon Cook....................... Bobby Lockwood Charlie Fairhead.............. Derek Thompson Ethan Hardy.................... George Rainsford David Hide................................ Jason Durr Jan Jenning............................... Di Botcher Dylan Keogh.......................... William Beck Fenisha Khatri........................ Olivia D’Lima Marty Kirkby................ Shaheen Jafargholi Jade Lovall.......................... Gabriella Leon Lev Malinovsky........................... Uriel Emil Rashid ‘Rash’ Masum............. Neet Mohan Jacob Masters....................... Charles Venn Robyn Miller................ Amanda Henderson CORONATION STREET Aadi Alahan......................... Adam Hussain Asha Alahan......................... Tanisha Gorey Dev Alahan........................ Jimmi Harkishin Aggie Bailey......................... Lorna Laidlaw Edison Bailey......... Trevor Michael Georges James Bailey..................... Nathan Graham Michael Bailey....................... Ryan Russell Ronnie Bailey........................ Vinta Morgan Adam Barlow................. Samuel Robertson Ken Barlow......................... William Roache Peter Barlow....................... Chris Gascoyne Sarah Barlow........................... Tina O’Brien Simon Barlow.............................. Alex Bain Leanne Battersby................... Jane Danson Toyah Battersby.................... Georgia Taylor Emma Brooker............... Alexandra Mardell Chesney…

EASTENDERS KIM IS ON A ROMANTIC MISSION IN WALFORD... Kim Fox is Walford’s very own Cupid, but rather than a bow and arrow, she’s armed with a natural talent for spotting sizzling chemistry – and the ability to fire a passion-seeking missile right into the heart of it. Or at least that’s what she thinks! Next week, will the locals of Albert Square be happy to comply as she steps up her matchmaking efforts? Which singletons has Kim pin-pointed for passion? And will they have any say in the matter while she goes all out for love? EMMERDALE Digging up the truth! While Harriet, Dawn and Will harbour their killer secret, Harriet’s fears rise up again next week – but they’re not the only thing coming to the surface… CORRIE…

BULLSEYE! Farewell then, Max Branning – and star Jake Wood. A titan of Walford by any measure. But after bedding his son’s wife, getting mowed down by his daughter, buried alive by his missus, hiding a secret spouse, witnessing three of his kids fall off the Queen Vic roof, and being the only man ever to come between Mick and Linda, Max finally left Walford… on the tube?! Er… Bye, then! Welcome, Emmerdale baddie Connor, to soap’s growing gaggle of Rubbish Gangsters. There’ll soon be enough to fill a new Awards category. For those asking how long Kevin and Debbie were trapped in the fridge, it was 78 mins and 50 secs, if you cut out the ad breaks. And the weekend. Totally plausible! As much as we adore the…