Table of contents for 22 - 2021 in Inside Soap UK

“This week’s set to be a hell of a bumpy ride!” Oh, you know there’s a big plot in the offing when the soaps do a posh picture to promote it, as you’ll see over the page where we reveal all the gossip on Kim’s plans to turn the tables on her poisoner in Emmerdale. And it’s a big week across the Pennines as well, with Coronation Street running episodes at 9pm through the week as Sharon’s story comes to a climax, and emotions reach fever pitch at Seb’s funeral. Back when the world was normal, this would have been what we called Britain’s Got Talent week, with Corrie airing after the live finals. But every cloud, as they say, because this year we get to call it The Masked…

Dear EastEnders, we’re here to demand the return of Max Branning immediately. We’re not being funny, but how can we truly enjoy the drama of Linda’s shock pregnancy without Max skulking around threatening to spoil everything. Can you imagine the fireworks? Let Jack get wind of the pregnancy, please, then he can get on the case ASAP, and reveal all to Max right away. Soon, we’ll be enjoying plenty of great drama as Linda, Max and Mick draw the battle lines over the baby. Max has managed to screw up every chance at parenthood he’s had. Could this time be different? Only Max’s return will show us!…

Walford’s Cindy Beale will return from the grave – if EastEnders actor Adam Woodyatt has his way! The star, who is on a break from playing Square stalwart Ian, says that his hitman-hiring ex-wife, who died off screen in prison, should come back in a Dallas-style dream scenario. “Personally I think she should come back like Bobby Ewing in the shower, and Cindy [previously played by Michelle Collins] is still alive,” grins Adam. “I said that to [an EastEnders] researcher!” Anything is possible……

“ Jenny’s fling with Ronnie gave me an idea. Perhaps she’ll think she’s starting the menopause, but will soon realise she’s carrying a little Bailey. As well as big drama, it’ll bring Jenny and Aggie into each other’s orbits, which I think could be a fun clash…” …suggests reader Juliette “If Janine comes back to Walford, I hope it’s not the usual scheming-bitch stuff. Her girl Scarlett is half-sister to Kat’s son Tommy. Maybe Scarlett needs some bone marrow or stem cells, and Janine will be back to build bridges…” …reckons reader Mila “I’ve missed the big Dingle family scenes in Emmerdale. If normal filming can resume, I want to see the biggest Dingle Christmas ever. Get some old favourites back as well for a right old ding-dong of a…

“I think it’s pretty obvious there’s a powerful connection here. I mean of mind and body. A forking of currents, like a buzzzzz.” Watch out – Dev’s forking again. “I always keep myself nice. No unsightly hairs anywhere. I show those follicles no mercy.” “I’m the total opposite. Over the winter, the hair on my legs grew that long, I could’ve styled it in a French plait.” Let us know when you trim, Cathy, we have a cushion to stuff. “I’ve left my husband and my baby to come and live here with you, because you’re in that much of a mess!” A likely excuse. “I just need something different. Do you know what I do with my days off? I’m on the sofa, one hand trawling the internet for…

Rob and Karen’s relationship appears strained this week, as the Letherbridge police officer refuses to open up to his wife about what’s going on in his head. As the week begins, Rob is reluctant when Karen reminds him of a planned shopping trip for their forthcoming 70s-themed dinner party with friends –as he’s more concerned with making it to a work do in time. Typically, the shopping trip runs over, but when Rob rushes to the party, he’s visibly relieved to bump into colleague Harriet. What’s going on between the pair? Rob’s seemingly still struggling the following day, as he suffers a blank episode while he and Harriet are out on a job. It’s after Harriet threatens him with a trip to Occupational Health that Rob opens up about suffering…

LOVING LILAC I adored the jumpsuit Liv wore for Frankie’s christening in Emmerdale – where can I find it? | Sheala Liv’s lovely purple jumpsuit is from & Other Stories, but sadly it’s sold out. There are some amazing alternatives, though – such as the ‘Cotton Mix Jumpsuit’ from La Redoute, or the ‘Flat Pocket Belted Shirt Jumpsuit’ from Shein. FAMILY TREE I might be missing the link between families, but could you please explain how Jamie and Noah are related in Emmerdale? | Gen, Newcastle Don’t worry, Gen, we know just how complex family history can be in the soaps. Jamie is in fact Noah’s uncle! Jamie’s dad was Frank Tate, whose son Chris married and had a child (Noah) with Charity. Noah’s half-brother is Joe Tate, as they…

Diane may be about to add another child to her brood, but it’s been a while since Alex saw her existing screen kids, thanks to the current Covid rules on set. And she tells us that she can’t wait to be reunited with them… “It will be lovely to be able to work with them again,” grins Alex. “They just bring a really positive energy. Plus, once the kids are back, we’ll know that the world really is getting back to normal.” Alex also gives us an insight into what we can expect once Diane’s new baby comes… “We’ve worked with a couple of dolls,” she tells us. “But we’ve also had one with a green-screen face so that we can superimpose the face of a real baby on it!…

WIT AND WISDOM “You took your time!” Little Ches’ first line to Fiz “Do you lot mind?! Going on, upsetting folk, call yourself adults? You want your legs slapping!” Young Ches tells off Blanche and co for gossiping about his pal Sophie “You better do as I say, or we’ll be out on streets. Got it, Chesney?” Cilla “I know I’m not exciting like some other blokes… but I love you.” Ches THE KEY RELATIONSHIPS CILLA & LES Cilla was such an awful mum that out of this gruesome twosome it was layabout Les who became Ches’ role model! Ches’ upbringing made him determined to be the best dad he possibly could. SCHMEICHEL The boy and his best pal were inseparable during Ches’ early days on the Street. The Great…

Congratulations to Emmerdale actor Danny Miller (Aaron), who has revealed that he and fiancée Steph Jones are expecting a baby later this year. Danny popped the question to Steph back in January, so finding out that she was pregnant just a couple of months later was a dream come true for the pair, who were about to start IVF after being told that they would struggle to conceive a baby naturally. “It was unbelievable, we just feel so incredibly lucky,” Danny told OK! Magazine. “We’re very humbled by it, as we know not everyone is as lucky.” With a mini-Miller on the way, the pair now plan to postpone their nuptials until their little one is old enough to be a part of their special day – although Danny reveals…

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DVD ZACK SNYDER’S JUSTICE LEAGUE Determined to ensure Superman’s ultimate sacrifice was not in vain, Bruce Wayne joins forces with Diana Prince, with plans to recruit a team – including Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash – to protect the world from an approaching threat. However, each of the recruits must face the demons of their own pasts to transcend… Can they save the planet from Steppenwolf, DeSaad and Darkseid? DVD DRAGON RIDER Firedrake is a young silver dragon who has had enough of hiding. So when humans set out to destroy his family’s last refuge, Firedrake secretly sets off on an adventure with friend, Sorrel. Soon, they befriend Ben, who claims to be a dragon rider – can the three pull together to find the dragon haven?…

The Rovers Return is set to be under new ownership for the 22nd time in its history – after landlord Johnny makes the difficult decision to sell up! Weatherfield’s beloved boozer will go on the market in the coming weeks, after Johnny realises that his marriage to Jenny is over. Currently, Johnny has no idea that Jenny was romping with B&B guest Ronnie days before her hubby was released from prison – though the stage is set for explosive scenes in the coming weeks, when he inevitably learns what Jenny has been up to……

There are some exciting treats in store for fans of Casualty later this year. Firstly, viewers will meet new consultant Stevie – played by Elinor Lawless – who will be in the thick of the explosive scenes as the show’s 35th anniversary approaches. Meanwhile, Casualty bosses have told us to prepare for a reunion with one or two old faces as part of the celebration. We’ll share more info as it reaches us!…

How did you react when you were told that Luke's mum was being brought in? To be honest, I’d completely forgotten that Luke had a mum [laughs] – even though I did actually used to work with Eve [White], who played Sue back in the day! But it’s brilliant to bring that history to the show, to remind the audience that the Morgans have been a huge part of Hollyoaks history. How are you and Marian McLoughlin (Sue) getting on? Better than Sue and Cindy? Oh, I’ve really enjoyed it – she’s just hilarious! Marian’s such a lovely woman, and when she plays Sue, she’s so witty and brings a lot to the Morgan household. I love the one-liners that she delivers. My favourite was when she asked how many…

Newlyweds Ben and Callum return to the Square this week – but there’s no time to bask in the glow of married bliss! Soon, Ben is reminded of the trouble Callum’s job has brought to their life when he spots his new hubby having a cosy conversation with one of his police colleagues, and instantly finds himself suspicious. Can Ben ever really trust Callum? Ben may have chosen Callum over his dad, yet turning his back on his criminal life is not easy. He’s barely back on the Square for five minutes when he’s approached by Kheerat, who wants Ben’s help. But Kheerat himself is hiding a big secret from Ben – the fact that he’s sleeping with Sharon! He knows that Ben and Sharon are sworn enemies, so if…

It seems that there’s someone else who would like to see the back of Bernice this week – her own daughter, Gabby! She’s still refusing to have anything to do with her mother following the dramatic events of last week’s shooting at Home Farm. Gabby is mortified that Bernice is trying to ruin things with Kim, and has told her she wants nothing more to do with her. And Sam Giles, who plays Bernice, reckons that Gabby has every right to be furious… “From what I gather, as I didn’t keep up with the soaps during the lockdown, Gabby asked Bernice if she could come to Australia a few months ago, and Bernice said no,” muses Sam. “There must have been a rational reason for that, but there’s definitely some…

Nikau agrees to sign up to a modelling agency this week – for the sake of his girlfriend Bella’s career! When Nikau was recently approached by a talent scout, he was very reluctant to get involved with the showbiz world. But after he meets with agency rep Sienna this week, she senses that he’s not keen, and throws in a bonus offer – if Nik signs with the agency, she will arrange for Bella to have an internship with a top fashion photographer! Bella is over the moon about the fantastic opportunity, and Nik is keen to please her, so agrees to attend the shoot. However, while Bella is in her element chatting to the big-name photographers and learning from them during the session, Nikau is feeling deeply uncomfortable in…

For a woman as seemingly meek and mouse-like as Hayley Patterson, it’s perhaps appropriate that we now find her living in Old Amsterdam. Alas, not in a windmill, but a no-less clichéd canal boat – sadly short on stairs upon which to tip-tippetty-tap. It’s against this backdrop of barges and bicycles that Corrie’s epic romantic adventure unfolds. Could there be a more fitting location for Roy Cropper to find love? Quaintly respectable and cultured, yet also tolerant and modern… and Amsterdam’s not too shabby either. Roy is nervous to be making his first trip overseas, so comes typically prepared with maps and some vital words of the language, likely including the Dutch for: “I’m looking for my friend from England, she’s here to complete her gender-reassignment surgery.” Luckily, the locals…

“Not a day goes by when Danny and I don’t make each other laugh…” Love him or loathe him, the introduction of Moira’s brother Mackenzie has been a huge triumph for Emmerdale. In fact, we’ll go as far as to say he’s one of the best characters that bosses have cast in years! Why? Well, whip-smart Mack could have a scene with a shoe cupboard and still make it look thrilling, never mind the long list of fabulous village folk with whom he’s already crossed swords. However, there is one person in particular that Mack has sparked with more than any other, and that’s Aaron. Did bosses deliberately set out to create some of the most electric chemistry the Dales has ever seen, and are the pair heading for an…

There’s a new woman in Zack’s life this week – his neighbour Jean! And James tells us that their touching friendship is set to show us a new side to his character… “Zack sees a neighbour in need,” James tells us. “Which I can relate to, as I’ve lived on a street in south London my whole life, and I’ve been my neighbours’ gardener and handyman, and gone to the shops for them during the Covid crisis. “There’s going to be a lovely relationship between them where Zack helps Jean out – and he feels great helping her, because she’s such a lovely lady.” So what is it that brings this unlikely pair together? “They form a relationship over something that you would never guess,” teases James. “Gillian Wright [who…

“I believe Mia and Ari are the love of each other’s lives…” “Before joining Home and Away, I’d never seen it before – I was a fan of Neighbours!” laughs Anna Samson, as we chat with her for the first time since her alter ego Mia arrived in Summer Bay. “I grew up in Haywards Heath in West Sussex, England, so when my mum and I lived there, we would always watch Neighbours. Once I got the part on Home and Away, I was completely unaware of what was going on!” It’s only been three months since Anna’s first scenes aired in the UK, but it’s safe to say that her alter ego Mia has really mixed up life in the Bay. That especially goes for the Parata family, who…

JAI SHARMA Played by Chris Bisson 'There has always been a power struggle between Jai and Kim, so maybe he wants to take full control of the business? If he convinced everyone Kim wasn't capable, Jai could get payback for how she forced Rishi to sell up. So, Jai could be the poisoner, but I doubt he'd have been doing it to kill her - just to relinquish her control of the business." DAWN TAYLOR Played by Olivia Bromley  "Dawn's confused to get an invite to lunch, and part of her is hoping it means that Kim's accepting her. But she sees Kim as powerful and dangerous, and doesn't want Jamie dragged further into his mother's world. However, If Kim were to hand anything to Dawn, it'd completely change her…

CARLA & PETER Carla was a natural when she worked behind the Rovers bar recently. But with alcoholic Peter crying out for a new liver, buying the pub is perhaps not the right move for them! STEVE & TRACY We’re certain Tracy will harangue Steve to place a bid, as they did with the Platts’ recently. But installing Tracy behind the bar might not do wonders for the pub’s custom! SEAN & EILEEN He’s no stranger to pulling pints, and would make a great host, while she’d take care of any rowdy punters. ‘Saturday nights with Sean ’n’ Eileen’ has a ring to it! SALLY & TIM Sally would be in her element serving her public while lording it over her neighbours. And hubby Tim won’t pass up the chance…

Gray-bashing Walford actor Toby-Alexander Smith has admitted he receives stick from fans who detest nasty Gray, but says that if the story helps just one person escape an abusive relationship, he’ll “take it all day long”. Aw! Be our guest! Two lucky fans will be given the opportunity to book an overnight stay on the set of Coronation Street! Head to Airbnb to view the ‘Rovers Annexe’ listing, and register your interest by 26 May. Meet Timmy! Hollyoaks’ Fergus is set to be joined by tech whizz Timmy (played by Sam Tutty), who’ll lend his skills to the bad boy’s criminal enterprise. Timmy appears harmless at first, but there is more to him than meets the eye……

Gary’s heroics this week remind Maria just why she fell in love with him – but a bombshell leaves her with a huge decision on her hands… She’s stunned to hear that Gary is considering moving to Bristol following the collapse of their marriage. After all that’s happened, Gary intends to make a clean break far away from Weatherfield. However, when Maria gets him on his own, Gary opens up and admits the plan isn’t what he really wants. Telling his estranged wife that he’d much rather stay on the cobbles with her and mend their relationship, Gary puts the ball in Maria’s court. Will Maria let her guard down and give Gary another chance, or is this the end for them?…

Luke finally opens up to mum Wendy this week, but just what exactly has he told her – and how will she react? Victoria excitedly reveals to Amy that she’s planning to ask Luke to move in with her soon. However, after Ethan overhears, he comes to an unsettling realisation. And when Luke acts oddly around the café, Ethan implores Luke to be honest. At that moment, Wendy walks in and realises she’s interrupted something… “Wendy quickly clocks that something’s wrong, and wants Luke to be honest with her,” explains our village spy. “After losing Lee, Wendy only has one son left, so her relationship with Luke is very precious. Wendy pleads with him to let her know what’s been on his mind, and later, he does indeed tell her…

FAIR CITY ● Hughie fails to make peace between Heather and Renee this week, and a wrong move leads Heather to break down in confusion… Meanwhile, Phoebe overhears Cristiano and Damien talking about the trial. And Bosco finds dead mice at Phelan’s! RIVER CITY ● Maggie is lost for words this week, after she discovers Caitlin’s lie – but there’s more trouble when Ruby dupes Maggie! Elsewhere, Kim struggles with the reality of an open relationship… Plus, Scarlett fusses over Stevie as he returns home! THE ARCHERS ● Adam has grave concerns about a family member this week, and decides to offer the benefit of his life experience – but is he the one who will end up learning a lesson? Meanwhile, Mia’s feelings for Ruairi continue to develop! Finally,…

Chris Tate is a worried man this week, as an unknown enemy wages a campaign of hate against him. His tyres are slashed. The Tate Haulage office is ransacked and covered with graffiti. His father’s gravestone is sprayed with the words ‘AS YE SOW, SCUM’ (which is far too poetic for it to be a Dingle, at least.) Later, as Chris sits in his car, pondering his predicament, a gloved hand chloroforms him unconscious. But who hates Chris enough to kidnap him? Well, we’d offer you a complete list if only we had the Hotton and North Dales phone book to hand……

JENNY’S FANCY MAN! We were all taken aback by Johnny’s sudden return to the Rovers in Corrie. However, no one was more shocked than his wife Jenny, who’s kicked off a secret affair with Ronnie! I loved it when Johnny waltzed through the door and said, “Admit it, you weren’t expecting this!” Talk about understatement of the century! If he’d walked in a minute later, I think it would have been Johnny facing the biggest surprise… Molly, Stratford I’m looking forward to seeing more of Sally Ann Matthews [who plays Jenny]. In my opinion, she’s one of the best actresses on Corrie. She’s just brilliant at comedy and the drama – I say give it all to Sal, she can handle it! Ilsa Considering what Johnny’s put Jenny through in…

If there’s one thing that’s been drummed into us over the past year, it’s the importance of cleanliness, and making sure we constantly wash our hands. However, for some people, keeping their loved ones safe from potentially harmful germs can turn into a compulsion, as we’ve seen with Diane in Hollyoaks recently. She’s preparing for the birth of her new baby, and it’s clear that her obsession with keeping her house clean is more than just the usual nesting urges that women can experience during the later stages of pregnancy. As we sit down for a chat with actress Alex Fletcher, she tells us that she’s delighted to have the chance to play out this OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) storyline with Diane, and highlight a mental health issue that’s impacting…

I’m going to say Emmerdale, and I’d love a scene with Lisa Riley. Her character, Mandy, reminds me of Karen Taylor, and I really love the energy that Lisa brings. I could be an honorary Dingle for the day – they could adopt me! 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!…

We can’t get enough of Emmerdale star Laura Norton – aka Kerry – and her adorable baby son Jesse. And just when we thought the little lad couldn’t get any cuter, we saw this picture of him and his mum wearing matching cardigans! Aww! The snap was posted on social media by proud dad Mark Jordon – who used to play the Dales’ Daz Spencer – although we can’t help but wonder why he’s not getting in on the knitwear action too? He must be green with envy at being left out of the matching clothes trend!…

CASUALTY Faith Cadogan...................... Kirsty Mitchell Iain Dean...................... Michael Stevenson 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 Tina Mollett............................ Adele James 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 Carla Barlow............................. Alison King 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 Sharon…

CORRIE Family affairs! THINGS TURN NASTY BETWEEN TYRONE AND FIZ… The past few months have been tough on Fiz, but for the sake of the girls, she’s more or less managed to keep the peace between her and Tyrone. However, when trouble hits next week, could it end in all-out war? As things are said that can’t be unsaid, and actions taken that can’t be undone, will Tyrone and Fiz forget that their children should always come first – and will the pair cause irreversible damage to their family? EMMERDALE Happy campers! Charles and Andrea take a step forward in their relationship next week, when they prepare to head off on a trip together with little Millie. But it seems someone’s not at all happy about it… EASTENDERS Best of…

BULLSEYE! Only in EastEnders would the stranger you blast “an old perv” turn out, two scenes later, to be your father. Welcome, Brian Conley! We can’t think of a better fit for EastEnders since Danny Dyer arrived to give the Vic the once-over. Though, if we were Carol Jackson, we’d be feeling short-changed. Considering some of the rotten blokes she had to put up with, Terry seems a bit of a catch! It’s fair to assume your average Corrie viewer came away from Friday’s episode feeling really old. Trill? Isn’t that a brand of budgie seed? Chas referencing Carl’s demise right through to Cameron’s killing spree was the Emmerdale nostalgia trip we didn’t know we needed this week. A vintage era! At least Witness Protection hasn’t prevented Leanne from getting…