Inside Soap UK 27 - 2021

“The ingenuity of the soaps never fails to astound me” The ingenuity of the soaps during the pandemic never fails to astound me. I know that we’ve talked a lot about it in Inside Soap, but I don’t think we realise even a fraction of the work that has gone in to keeping our fave shows on air. What’s more amazing is how the soaps have used the past year as an opportunity to invent new stories, or find different ways to tell them. This week, we talk to Corrie’s Cherylee Houston, who has been shielding since the pandemic hit for health reasons. Her experience is the inspiration for a new Street plot, which sees Izzy – like Cherylee – begin to consider post-pandemic life, while we also meet her…

Bonkers Meena confirms her super-villain status this week, as she bumps off a much-loved villager! By the end of a week of high drama in the Dales, one local will meet a grisly end after pushing the psycho nurse too far – in what we suspect is the beginning of a major killing spree… “I found out the plan for Meena when I first got the part – and I was so up for it!” grins actress Paige Sandhu, who joined Emmerdale last year. “Other cast members would often ask me what was going to happen to my character, and I had to keep it a secret from everyone. Meena is the strangest character I’ve ever played – however, she’s definitely the most fun!” Viewers received a glimpse of Meena’s…

DAVID The cheating lover! When he gets close to Victoria, will David push Meena to the edge? “David shares a kiss with Victoria!” explains Matthew Wolfenden, who plays Meena’s boyfriend. “They’ve developed a real bond over their children, and get caught up in the moment, although I think David genuinely has feelings for Victoria. However, he doesn’t realise just how desperate Meena is to take their relationship to the next level – so this could certainly tip her over the edge. “David is definitely in danger,” continues the actor. “I doubt that Meena actually loves him, as I think he is more of a possession to her than anything else. Meena would absolutely kill him so that no one else could steal her man!” VICTORIA The scarlet woman!…

ANDREA Meena is obsessed with driving a wedge between Charles and Andrea so that he’ll reunite with old flame Manpreet. Will Meena go further and remove Andrea from the equation for good? RISHI The same killer threat applies to Rishi, who is very much looking forward to renewing his wedding vows with Manpreet. However, the promise of “till death us do part” could see wicked Meena take action… DIANE The village agony aunt provided Meena with a supportive ear as she spoke of her so-called tragic past. Yet could Meena deduce that Diane simply knows too much? PRINCESS After trying and failing to off Princess once, will Meena see to it that Millie’s little pooch goes to doggy heaven?…

Scheming Todd thinks he has everything he’s ever wanted this week, when he and Billy get engaged – yet his wicked deeds of the past could destroy everything! “For Todd to suddenly propose is a bit of a shock!” Todd and Billy have formed a strong family unit with stepdaughter Summer recently. But despite his happiness, Todd is still wary of Billy’s ex, Paul. So, when it’s Paul who Summer turns to in a moment of crisis rather than him, Todd decides to prove he’s all in on their family – and pops the question! “Billy is stunned when Todd asks him to marry him – they’ve only just moved back in together,” explains our Corrie spy. “Plus, the whole family is still trying to adjust to Summer’s diabetes diagnosis.…

After being accused of being behind the poison pen letter, he takes action… Before Will reveals himself, Todd accuses jealous Paul of being behind the nasty messages he’s been receiving – so the innocent ex decides to do some digging… “Todd’s convinced the notes are Paul being a sore loser,” says our snitch. “He has a right pop at Paul, and then blames him for some abusive messages Billy discovers.” Paul resents being blamed for something he didn’t do, but is also convinced that there’s something dodgy going on – and discovering the truth behind the notes will expose Todd for the villain he is. With one of the messages scrawled on a flyer for the helpline that Todd and Paul volunteered at, Paul decides to speak to the scheme’s…