Table of contents for 14 - 2021 in Inside Soap UK

This week’s been a busy one at Inside Soap Towers (well, at Inside Soap’s dining tables and fold-up desks, to be more precise, as we’re all still working from home!). The soaps are delivering drama in bucketfuls, so we’ve had to go all out to stay up to speed with the action. “You have plenty to say about Tyrone and Alina!” Firstly, we enjoyed a chat with Corrie star Alan Halsall, for what must be the most talked-about soap story in a while – Tyrone’s romance with Alina. And judging by your letters on p38, you guys have plenty to say about the unexpected coupling too! Elsewhere, Leanne’s story reaches a crossroads as she prepares to flee the Street to escape Harvey (giving actress Jane Danson a well-deserved holiday!). Then…

Just as Mick and Linda have kicked off a fresh chapter and taken back control of the Vic, the Carter clan is set for yet another big shake-up when the pub landlady leaves the Square later this year! Congratulations are in order for actress Kellie Bright, aka Linda, who recently announced that she and husband Paul Stocker are expecting their third child (see p56), which will inevitably see Linda disappear from Walford for a spell while Kellie goes on maternity leave. So will Mick and Linda be torn apart again? Or are bosses busy crafting a storyline that doesn’t involve splitting up EastEnders’ most popular couple, after the horrors they’ve endured recently? We examine the possibilities… LINDA GOES TO REHAB As much as we’re thrilled to witness Mick and Linda…

While Peter might be out of luck when it comes to the organ donor register, there’s nothing to stop a member of his family from donating part of their liver to help save him. Daniel has already offered to be a living donor, although Peter refused, on the grounds that Daniel has a young child to look after. Living donation involves removing a part of the donor’s liver – called a lobe – and transplanting it into the person who needs it. However, before even considering donation, Daniel would have to undergo a series of tests to determine whether or not his liver is a match for Peter’s, as well as undergoing a psychological evaluation to make sure he’s of sound mental health and able to make a rational decision…

“I’m due my first vaccination today. I’m calling it my superpower, as it makes me that little bit more invincible.” If Suki caught Covid, it’s the virus we’d worry for. “You must admit, they pushed it [the vaccine] through too quick. Lab rats, that’s what we are. Nah, I ain’t having any of that rubbish pumped into me… Twenty of me fags, please.” It’s bold of EastEnders to make Karen a anti-vaxxer. But this is one time we get to say: guys… BE MORE SUKI! “Oh, I’m such a mug. All the time she was here, prancing around in her little towel and leaving her dental-floss underwear everywhere – and you looking at her like a pathetic middle-age bloke. Why don’t you buy a sports car or take up cycling,…

Todd starts his new job at the funeral parlour this week – and immediately tries to make himself indispensable! Keen to impress, Todd bowls up on his first day and presents new boss George with a business plan. However, he’s soon aware of a much easier way to get into George’s good books when he works out that the funeral director fancies Eileen! “Todd’s highly amused once he realises that George had the hots for his mother!” whispers our Weatherfield insider. “Eileen pops in to see how Todd’s first day is going, and it’s obvious from George’s reaction that he has a huge crush on her. Todd can’t believe his luck.” Scheming Todd knows that this is a situation he can potentially use to his advantage, so he sets about…

Ryder, Chloe, Nikau and Bella are held hostage by gangster Paul this week, but can Ari and Tane save the teenagers? As the hostages emerge from the shipping container they’ve been kept in, they are shocked to see that Paul is behind their kidnap. Unaware what’s going on, Tane is stunned when he receives a call from Paul – and he and Ari finally realise what the thug has done to their nephew! Later, Paul issues a ransom; he’ll release the teenagers in exchange for Ari and Tane! Will the Paratas agree?…

“If I could work with Tish every day then I would, because she’s honestly just incredible,” grins James. “She’s had my back from day one – whether I need something on set, or I just have a question that I don’t feel comfortable asking anyone else, she’s always been there for me. “I will thank Tish until my dying day for how she’s treated me and welcomed me in. We text, we call – when I had my first appearance on screen, she was the first one to message me to tell me that I stole the show! I really look forward to more scenes with her.”…

WIT AND WISDOM “Ere! Don’t even think it!” Jack’s first line as he flashed his police badge at an approaching traffic warden “Women, eh? Whoever said they are the weakest sex was having a laugh.” Jack “Still chasing skirt, Max? What a surprise.” Jack to Max “He likes to keep people guessing. Don’t be fooled by that front of his.” Max on Jack “Did they not have computers when you were last a copper?” Tiff to Jack on his return to the police force THE KEY RELATIONSHIPS MAX Jack loves his big brother Max, even when he hates him. The two Brannings have had plenty of fallouts, although their brotherly bond somehow endures. Jack couldn’t have done without Max when his wife Ronnie tragically died. RONNIE Jack was quickly obsessed…

The year 2021 is seeing a Walford baby boom, following Kellie Bright’s announcement that she’s expecting her third child with hubby Paul Stoker. The actress, who plays Linda, will become the third Square star to give birth this year, with Lacey Turner (Stacey) on maternity leave, and Louisa Lytton (Ruby) currently also pregnant. So Kellie was glad to have a fellow mum-to-be to confide in, as she tried to keep her baby bump under wraps on set… “I spoke to Lacey a lot,” she told OK! Magazine. “And told her early on as she was pregnant too – we had lovely chats. I hid it as long as I could on EastEnders, but I have got so big that I can’t any more!” The 44-year-old actress is already mum to…

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We’ll be getting a glimpse of Bob in an 80s-tastic romantic hero outfit this week, but Tony tells us that his fave costume appeared a few weeks ago. He says that it was a dream come true to have the chance to be Mandy’s back-up singer during her Grease-themed surprise proposal to Paul. “We had great fun with the proposal – I’ve always wanted to play Danny Zuko in Grease,” he grins. “It’ll never happen, but it was good to get what’s left of my hair slicked up, pop the shades on and sing You’re The One That I Want in the Woolpack.” Meanwhile, Tony says his dream storyline for Bob would involve the pub too. “I’d love Bob to win the lottery, become a philanthropist and rename the pub…

Cupid’s arrow is going to be pointing firmly in Billy Mitchell’s direction as he falls for a new lady – who telly addicts will immediately recognise as the character Marlene from Only Fools And Horses! Sue Holderness – who played Boycie’s missus in the classic comedy sitcom – is joining EastEnders for a short stint playing Billy’s next love interest, Estelle, who’ll appear on screens next month. She arrives in Walford to oversee a photo shoot with Billy’s daughter, Janet – however, it’s clear from the outset that not everyone on the Square is as taken with Estelle as Billy is… “It felt surreal popping into Ian Beale’s chip shop, Ruby’s club, the Queen Vic, and wandering around Albert Square,” grins 71-year-old Sue. “I was ridiculously excited about the whole…

There’s a storm brewing at Martin and Ruby’s house this week – as Lily decides to wage war on her wicked stepmother. If Ruby thought that getting Stacey out of the picture was going to make her life easier, she didn’t bank on angry Lily’s reaction. She might be a child, but Lily has clocked on to Ruby’s part in her mother’s absence, and she’s determined to make life difficult for her. Unfortunately for Ruby, there’s no escape as Lily’s dad Martin is fiercely protective of his kids – and Lily knows it… “Ruby is going to rue the day she got rid of Stacey…” “Lily is a Slater through and through – she’s just like her mum!” warns our Albert Square source. “Ruby has never had a gaggle of…

There’s no doubt that Fay’s absence will be felt greatly by her children. And Zoe tells us that she formed a special bond with the actors who play her screen offspring… “I was so lucky with my Brennan family, having April and Matt, and also Scott [McGregor, who played Mark] and Travis [Burns, aka Tyler] too,” she grins. “The whole experience was lovely. It was an honour to be a part of the Brennan gang, and I’m just glad that I can keep tuning into Neighbours to see how they’re all doing.” And while acting work may be thin on the ground right now because of the pandemic, Zoe tells us that she has plenty to keep her busy. “I also do a little bit of work at a gym,”…

Bailey tells her family that she’s won the science competition this week, and they come up with a plan to get some money together… After Bailey’s revelation, the Taylors realise they need to somehow find the funds to make sure she gets her place in science camp. And later, Bernie spots a girl handing out missing-dog flyers, which mention a financial reward – so with Bailey’s encouragement, Bernie introduces herself. “Bernie’s flustered when she meets Molly,” reveals our Square spy. “However, to make matters even more awkward, Bernie sees that the missing dog on the flyer is Banjo – and Molly is the owner! But while Bernie is lost for words, the situation also presents an opportunity for the Taylors to get some money.” When Bailey sees the flyer, she…

Olivia ends up lying unconscious this week, following an argument with Karl over her book about Finn – but did he really push her? After weeks of trying to convince Susan to contribute to her new novel, Olivia is livid when Susan turns her down. But the author is relentless, and pleads for Susan to reconsider, which prompts Karl’s frustration to boil over… Karl confronts Olivia, and tells her to leave Susan alone. However, as their argument heats up, Olivia ends up falling down the stairs! Karl is mortified and rushes to help, but Olivia is out cold. As his nemesis is taken to hospital, Karl attempts to explain that he wasn’t at fault. Hendrix then tries to help Karl by covering for him in front of Levi, yet this…

Phil is keen to make his relationship with Kat official this week – but she’s determined to keep it under wraps! When Phil atempts to take things to the next stage, Kat plays it cool and insists she won’t go public until after Kush’s trial. Yet once she overhears Phil booking a romantic holiday, Kat’s thrilled to think he’s doing it for her. However, Kat doesn’t let on as she carries on playing hard to get, leading Phil to come up with another way to impress her. Will his actions win her round?…

Mercedes steps in to help Cher hit back at her online trolls this week – unaware that her stepdaughter is the one who’s been trolling her! Although Cher was initially the one behind the horrible abuse, it’s since escalated, and the teenager has been receiving genuine online threats. So, seeing how much the comments have been getting to Cher, Mercy enlists Yazz to help Cher make an empowering video message as a reply to all her haters! But how will Mercedes react when she finds out that Cher was the one who started the vile messages in the first place?…

Had you asked us to put money on the Corrie couple most likely to last, we would have bet the lot on Tyrone and Fiz. Happily ensconced in Jack and Vera’s old house with their girls, the dependable duo seemed destined to clock up decades of domestic bliss together. Well, until Tyrone fell for lodger Alina, that is! This week, Ty does the unthinkable and confesses that he’s in love with the young Romanian girl, breaks up with Fiz and moves out of the family home. Heaven knows what Evelyn’s going to say – but Coronation Street star Alan Halsall admits that he’s bracing himself for a backlash… “I’m sure I’ll get clubbed round the ear in Tesco a few times for this!” laughs Alan, who is happily coupled up with…

There’s a special episode of Hollyoaks this week, as Cindy and Mandy discuss their past traumas, before Luke’s condition deteriorates. Steph Waring, aka Cindy, tells all… This episode sees Cindy talk about her bipolar – are you glad it’s being revisited? It’s important to highlight that it’s not something that will go away, but also that it can be managed. If medicated correctly, someone with bipolar can live a normal life. Can you tell us about Cindy’s conversation with Mandy? She’s hurt Mandy kept a secret from her about Ella, but confided in Luke. It’s very emotional – Mandy opens up about her father’s abuse, then Cindy confides in her about her bipolar. How worried is Cindy about Luke and his dementia? Cindy hides her struggle well, but Luke is…

Former Corrie sisters Brooke Vincent and Helen Flanagan – aka Sophie and Rosie Webster – looked blooming lovely as they posed for social media recently. Both actresses are heavily pregnant, with Helen’s child on the way any day now, while Brooke is due this spring. With Helen already mum to five-year-old Matilda and Delilah, two, and Brooke mother to 18-month-old Mexx, the pair are creating quite an off-screen brood, and understandably both actresses have ruled out a return to the Street for the time being. Meanwhile, away from acting, Brooke has launched her own range of maternity wear, following the struggle she had to find “lightweight and stylish” maternity clothes during her first pregnancy.…

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…

Leanne goes into warrior mode this week, though it’s amazing she actually has any fight left… I know! The Oliver story was enormous, and Leanne was emotionally drained, but what I love about the Corrie writing is that they keep the Battersby side of Leanne. She’s a fighter, and I love that. What has it been like working with Will Mellor, who plays Harvey? It’s been nice for us all, as we’ve been in a Covid bubble for the past year or so, especially with the Oliver storyline, as that was very much contained in the hospital. So we’ve branched out a little bit, and it’s always nice to work with new actors while having the comfort of being with your ‘partner’ who you know very well. It’s the best…

The game might be up for Toby this week, as Cleo hears him mutter in his sleep that he’s killed someone! Could Cleo end up finding out that her boyfriend murdered Lisa? “At first I don’t think Cleo believes Toby’s actually killed anyone,” says Nadine. “But she is suspicious, and then Toby starts acting shady. So of course, Cleo starts doing some digging and she knows something’s not quite right. Lisa was Cleo’s friend after all, and she was a good person. I know half of her family have been entangled in murders, but if Cleo found out that Toby killed Lisa in cold blood, I really don’t think she’d stick around! If and when she finds out, I think it’ll be a game-changer – who wants to be with…

Poor Peter receives devastating news this week, as he’s told that he will need a liver transplant to save his life, and unfortunately there’s no guarantee he’ll get one… Although Peter has been sober for a while, and has been fighting tooth and nail to get himself back up to full health again, it’s clear that the damage has already been done. His only hope now is a new liver, and without one, he might not live to make Carla his wife again. “Make no mistake, Peter’s condition is about as serious as it gets right now,” warns our Corrie insider. “When he visits the hospital for his check-up, he’s given the worst possible news: nothing that he’s done so far has worked, and his liver is beyond repair. All…

Concerned Kush attempts to protect Arthur this week, but ends up on the wrong side of Ruby. He’s worried now that his son is living under the same roof as the scheming club boss – he knows that Ruby was so desperate to get shot of Arthur that she was willing to pay Kush to snatch his son and flee abroad. With Stacey gone, and Martin in the dark over how twisted his wife can be, Kush fears Arthur is vulnerable to Ruby’s whims. So, when his best mate goes out, Kush confronts Ruby… Things quickly turn nasty as Ruby accuses Kush of being too scared to challenge her when Martin’s there, doing her best to demean him. But after Kush retorts that he’ll tell her secrets to her clueless…

An attack on the Kabin finally sees Cathy fess up this week, and admit that it wasn’t Brian who posted nasty comments online about Steve – it was her! “Brian is being treated unfairly – he’s been shunned by his friends!” Ever since the anonymous ‘Lemon Drop’ started trolling Steve and Tracy over their fundraising efforts in Oliver’s memory, the residents of the Street have been convinced that Brian was the culprit. But after she sees how everyone has been treating her partner, Cathy realises the time has arrived for her to confess… “Brian is being treated unfairly by the locals over something he didn’t even do,” our cobbles spy reminds us. “He’s been shunned by his friends and neighbours, had graffiti spayed on the side of his shop, and…

FAIR CITY • Hayley helps Anto prepare for Cass and Bela’s wedding this week, but someone from Cass’ past returns! Elsewhere, Dearbhla’s surprised when Cian insists that he doesn’t want to end their relationship. And Ger is uneasy about Liam and Hayley’s friendship… RIVER CITY • Maggie is unsettled by flashbacks from the night of Joe’s murder this week, but soon, she’s able to see who really killed Joe… Meanwhile, Scarlett is humiliated when debt collectors empty her home! Plus, Cameron plays master manipulator with Dylan. THE ARCHERS • Jazzer’s date with Jade goes horribly wrong this week, leaving Jazzer to wonder about his life choices – before making a confession! Elsewhere, Brian kindly attempts to support Alice and Chris. Finally, Kirsty attempts to come to terms with Philip and…

One of the all-time great soap relationships begins this week, when timorous shop assistant Hayley Patterson is set up on a date with loveable Weatherfield odd bod Curly Watts. It’s a love that will… oh, sorry [checks notes]… Actually the night is an utter disaster, but it nevertheless changes the course of Hayley’s life, as she’s thrown together with loveable Weatherfield odd bod Roy Cropper, and the pair find instant companionship in their awkwardness. If you listen carefully, you’ll hear the sound of two jigsaw pieces clicking softly into place. Meanwhile, news of Nick’s marriage to Leanne is detonating like a string of fireworks along the Street. Gail is utterly horrified, while Les is delighted – mainly because Gail is utterly horrified – and he happily takes the couple in…

AH, YOUNG(ISH) LOVE… We’ve been shocked by the romance forming between Tyrone and Alina in Corrie. And with Fiz facing life without the man she loves, you all had plenty to say about Tyrone’s actions… Alina is not going to be very popular on the cobbles when this all comes out! I can imagine Brian won’t be the only one barred from the Rovers for the time being! Julie I thought the conversation between Fiz and Tyrone was great. There wasn’t any screaming or dramatics, it just felt very real and honest. Jennie [McAlpine, aka Fiz] and Alan [Halsall, aka Tyrone] are such a great partnership! Kim, Durham I don’t like Tyrone pursuing Alina and vice versa. Like Fiz said, Alina is 15 years younger than Tyrone, and to me…

There’s delicious irony this week, as Kevin steps up to support Ty as news of his affair breaks. It was Kev who did the dirty on Tyrone when he secretly romanced Molly behind his best mate’s back and got her pregnant. But Kev understands what it’s like to fall madly in lust, so puts a roof over Tyrone’s head when others are disgusted by him. “I think Kevin does what I’d do if Tyrone were my mate,” shares Alan. “He says, ‘I’m here for you, you can stay with me’. But he also says that Ty really needs to think about this.” As viewers know, Kev’s affair with Molly cost him everything. Wife Sally dumped him, Tyrone was destroyed by the revelation that Jack wasn’t his son, and Kevin was…

Connie’s departure comes off the back of her daughter Grace making a huge misjudgement, when she carries out a risky medical procedure on her friend Ollie! Emily Carey, who plays Grace, fills us in… “Ollie’s messing around in an effort to impress Grace, and he gets a sweet lodged in his throat,” she explains. “At first, Grace thinks he’s joking, so when she realises how serious the situation is, it’s an overwhelming shock. Ollie’s not in good shape, and in her mind she either takes this big risk or he’s dead – so she performs major surgery using a cheese knife, a straw, and an online video!” Needless to say Grace is in huge trouble when she and Ollie finally make it to the hospital, with his life hanging in…

Probably Roxy Shahidi [aka Leyla] or Jonny McPherson [who plays Liam]. They are both really funny. Jonny’s humour is more dry, while Roxy is just so confident and extroverted. The pair of them are like a little comedy duo. They crack everyone up! Every week, we put your questions to a star of the soaps. Look out for requests on our Facebook page, or email your questions to youask@insidesoap.co.uk, putting the actor’s name in the subject line. Our favourite question each week will win a £20 prize!…

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One thing that master detective Hercule Poirot never lacked was a high opinion of himself. “Always I am right!” he would assure you. “It is so invariable it startles me.” Immodest though this may seem, others hold Poirot in equal esteem – as here he is, the subject of a new documentary to celebrate both his first century and the work of his creator, Agatha Christie. “Poirot is the eternal outsider,” observes the film’s host, Richard E Grant. “He’s utterly fastidious and observes everything with a humane curiosity. And as a foreigner living in England, he sees through all the strange eccentricities of his adoptive land.” Introduced in Christie’s first book, The Mysterious Affair At Styles, in 1921, Poirot is a freelance detective renowned for his great brain, towering ego…

Almost a decade before Netflix hit Tiger King, Louis Theroux met Joseph Maldonado-Passage – aka Joe Exotic – while making his documentary America’s Most Dangerous Pets. In this new film, Louis returns to Joe’s home state of Oklahoma to explore what has happened since – with Joe now in prison, having been found guilty of murder-for-hire and animal cruelty – and how, rather than pariah, Joe is a phenomenon… “He’s one of the most famous people in the world, arguably,” considers Louis. “But there’s a tendency to see him as a fictional character, rather than a real person involved in real crimes. So I’m trying to present a version that’s closer to the truth…” Louis sets out to understand the man behind the mullet by looking back at his 2011…

THERE COULD BE TROUBLE BREWING AT THE VIC... Mick and Frankie have missed out on so many milestones as father and daughter over the years, but making up for lost time has proved an emotional minefield for them both. Frankie’s birthday next week is no exception, as Mick soon discovers. However, just as things finally seem to be going well, a visitor arrives who could blow the whole thing apart once again… EMMERDALE In this together? Matty is looking to the future next week, as Moira discovers when they settle down for a heart-to-heart. But what will this mean for his relationship with Amy? CORRIE Daddy issues! The Bailey family has been in turmoil since the issue of Michael’s paternity reared its head. Next week, as the truth is finally…

BULLSEYE! Ooh, you could cut the sexual tension between Mack and Aaron with, well… something suitably butch and manly – perhaps a Black+Decker power saw, or a shovel. Honestly, Mack’s flirty banter, met by Aaron’s irritated discomfort, has been the best thing in Emmerdale this year. But what will we call them for short? ‘Macaroon’, we think, in a lilting Scottish accent. We laughed at the hammy detective earwigging Jimmy. He couldn’t be more obvious if he stopped and said: “I’m sorry, could you just spell that for me please?” That Natasha really needs to stop smoking. Look at what it’s done to her hands! We’re completely up for Fiz’s Greek wedding dream. They could do a 2-for-1 with Abi and Kev. Blow the budget, Corrie! This was the big…