Table of contents for 28 - 2021 in Inside Soap UK

Blackmailer Will pushes Todd to new depths of wickedness this week, as he desperately tries to raise the cash to pay the lad off. With time ticking on giving Will hush money, Todd resorts to stealing funds raised to pay for a local homeless man’s funeral. He pockets £5k of £7k given by the community to lay the man to rest, then lies to George about giving them a big discount in the name of charity. However, a spot of bad luck sees him lose the lot – so now he’s in yet more trouble… “Todd’s petrified,” admits Gareth Pierce, who plays the bad boy. “Will is the only loose piece of the jigsaw and a definite threat. Todd’s clever, but occasionally he underestimates people. Some have the measure of…

Chelsea is warned that she’s flirting with danger this week, as Gray’s boss tells her: “Run while you can”! Now she has her feet under the table at the Atkins house, Chelsea is living the high life at Gray’s expense. However, when they attend a work function together, and Gray shames himself, his boss Laura tells Chelsea to get rid. “This advice could save Chelsea’s life, but she doesn’t know it!” warns our Walford spy. “Laura can’t know exactly what Gray’s done, but she has the measure of him, and she doesn’t want Chelsea to go the same way as Chantelle.” What started as a way to blag free legal advice has become something deeper for Chelsea. Gray’s secured her bail – and even though she needs to wear an…

Grieving Ash tries to lean on boyfriend Peter for support this week – however, she’s left devastated when he ghosts her! This is the time that Ash needs Peter the most, as she struggles to deal with her feelings over her brother’s death. Yet Peter continues to avoid her and ignore her phone calls, leaving poor Ash even more upset and confused than she already is… “The whole point of being in a relationship with someone is so you can support each other during difficult times,” points out our Albert Square insider. “And with everything Ash is going through, Peter should be by her side, giving her what she needs every step of the way through her grieving process. The fact that he’s nowhere to be found speaks volumes!” As…

Impressionable Nikau holds a wild party at his house so he can post about it on social media this week, but disappointed Bella accuses him of being fake! Since Nikau began modelling, he’s fallen down a rabbit hole of dieting and compulsive exercise. So when Ryder offers Nikau a free taco, the model claims to have already eaten, leaving his pals concerned… “Nikau’s doing well hiding his eating habits from Bella,” explains Courtney Miller, who plays Nik’s worried girlfriend. “However, Bella’s noticed his eagerness to train at the gym – she’s starting to link the dots.” “Nikau’s out of his depth,” agrees Kawakawa Fox-Reo, who plays him. “It’s a world where you can get carried away. Nikau started modelling, and is creating a new persona that suits that sort of…

Justin’s in hospital after taking an overdose this week, but will he finally admit that he’s an addict? Tori is furious with her brother after she realises that he’s overdosed on some dodgy pills he bought online, which caused him to fall unconscious. However, as she berates him, furious Justin sees red and fires her as his doctor! When Justin finally returns home, Leah resolves to be there for him, but is pushed to the limit as he begs her for more painkillers. What will it take for Justin to admit he has a problem?…

Max is left to steer the ward through another crisis this week, after Hanssen goes AWOL. The hospital is placed under special measures following the recent CQC investigation, and medical director Max could really do with Hanssen’s help to rally the troops. However, Max isn’t the only person desperate to find him, as their former colleague Sahira Shah’s son, Abs, turns up bleeding, and looking for Hanssen… When Max tries to get to the bottom of the lad’s injuries, her attention is drawn to the circumstances surrounding his grandfather Reyhan’s death. Of course, it was Abs who bumped off Reyhan, and not Sahira – who took the rap to protect her son. Will Max figure what really happened? And will Hanssen return to confront his demons?…

There’s a huge shock in store for Charlie this week, when he finds out that someone has been using his photo to catfish women! Charlie’s been getting odd looks from patients for the past few weeks, and people he’s never met claiming to know him. But when a man called Tom comes into the ED and refuses to be treated by anyone other than Charlie, the nurse begins to suspect that something fishy is going on… Tom claims to have chest pains, but Charlie soon twigs that he’s faking. So imagine his shock when Tom accuses him of having an affair with his wife! Charlie denies it, of course, and as Tom goes on to explain that his wife has been seemingly chatting to Charlie online, it dawns on him…

There’s yet another overseas jolly for the EastEnders team this week, as Phil and Grant join Ian – and his private investigator Ros, played by Clare Grogan from Gregory’s Girl – on the trail of Cindy and their two sons in Italy. (Well, at least we hope so…The recent Ireland episodes were pulled from the Drama channel schedule, likely for fear of their lingering power to offend an entire country. We must hope no Italians complain about their depiction here as a nation of hot-blooded roughs who cheat at pool.) Ros tracks down Cindy to a nightclub, and when Ian catches up with her, he’s swift to restate his undying love and even moves in for a kiss – which, as you can see from the photo, is met with…

Summer’s diabetes diagnosis has been the other huge drama in this story. For everyone involved, it was important to get the details right – and that’s why Daniel turned to a good friend to help guide him… “Johnny Labey, who played Paul Coker in EastEnders, is one of my best mates, and he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 15,” he shares. “It’s been very handy for me to have him on the phone to ask him questions. I wanted to know how he and his parents dealt with it. I’ve been able to use Johnny as a point of reference for what it’s like.” Daniel also notes that speaking to Johnny made him even more aware of how important it is for people to learn more about the…

Written by and starring Aisling Bea as Áine – who’s pulling her life back together after a breakdown – and co-starring Sharon Horgan as her sister Shona, BAFTAwinning comedy drama This Way Up returns for a second  series this week. Here, the pair reveal what it’s been like getting back in the groove… “I know Áine inside out,” confirms Aisling. “I know all of my characters way better now than I did in series one,” “As soon as I’m on set and smartly dressed, I’m Shona!” adds Sharon. Series two picks up right after the events of the last episode, with Áine trying to leave her stint in rehab behind – which may be ill-advised. Meanwhile, with Shona now engaged to Vish, how will she manage running a business with…

CINEMA THE SURROGATE This film follows Jess Harris, a 29-year-old web designer who is excited to be the surrogate and egg-donor for her best friend Josh and his husband Aaron. Twelve weeks into the pregnancy, a prenatal test comes back with unexpected results that pose a moral dilemma. As they all consider the best course of action, the relationship between the three friends is put to the test. The Surrogate will be released in cinemas from Friday 9 July. DVD DIANA AT SIXTY Diana, Princess of Wales, would have turned 60 on 1 July 2021. To mark what would have been a milestone birthday, her friends, allies, and those touched by her charity work line up to discuss her life and achievements, and consider how she might have been today,…

Jimmy faces the very real possibility that he could be heading to prison this week, as his trial for death by dangerous driving gets under way. Riddled with guilt over his role in Paul’s tragic demise, Jimmy believes he deserves to be punished, and is ready to accept his fate. However, when Mandy offers him her unconditional support, Jimmy is blown away by her kindness – and once again, leans in for a smooch… “Jimmy might have genuine feelings for Mandy – mind you, I think he would have feelings for an ice-cream seller who gave him extra sprinkles at this point!” chuckles Nick Miles, who plays him. “Jimmy is bowled over by anyone who shows him any act of kindness, although he does feel terribly guilty after he and…

It seems Ed’s financial woes aren’t over this week, as he neglects to pay employee Paul on time. The two men have a tense stand-off after Paul discovers that his wages haven’t gone into his bank account, and asks Ed what’s going on. It turns out that Ed doesn’t have the money to pay him because he’s waiting for cash to come through for the materials he’s bought and work he’s already completed. Paul’s furious and downs tools to go and drown his sorrows in the Rovers. So, when Todd nicks the heat pump and Ed realises it’s gone, he’s quick to point the finger at angry Paul. Can Paul ever trust Ed again after he’s wronged him twice?…

Kidnapped Liberty thinks she’s finally found a way to escape her captor Summer this week – when she stumbles across some help. Having been locked up in Summer’s store cupboard for weeks, Liberty’s desperate to break out and get back home to her baby daughter. So once an opportunity presents itself in the form of a pair of tweezers, she grabs it with both hands… “Liberty’s looking for anything she can use to get out of there!” exclaims Hollyoaks star Jessamy Stoddart, who plays her. “Any time something new is left in the cupboard, she’s like, ‘What can I use this for?’ So when Summer leaves behind a make-up bag, Liberty rifles through it and finds the tweezers – then tries to escape with them!” Summer was forced to take…

Ryan has some major grovelling to do this week, when his girlfriend Alya finds out that he’s spent the night with Daisy! Having plied the Weatherfield hunk with cocktails and served herself up on a platter, Jenny’s stepdaughter is feeling pretty chuffed when Ryan wakes up in her bed. But just how much naughtiness went on under the covers? And has he blown it with Alya? “Absolutely – Alya isn’t the sort of girl to turn a blind eye to something like this!” reckons our cobbles insider. “She thought that she and Ryan had a good thing going, but if he wants to go off with other women, Ryan isn’t worth another moment of her time.” “Daisy exposes love rat Ryan – leaving Alya heartbroken…” The truth of the matter,…

Suki continues to push away her loved ones this week, as her heartbreak and guilt over Jags’ death takes its toll. Deep down, the grieving mum blames herself for her son’s tragic murder, knowing full well that he wouldn’t have even been in prison if she hadn’t put him there. However, while her friends and family try to offer support, can anyone get through to her? “Suki’s go-to is just to blame everyone else, and never to take responsibility or say she’s sorry,” explains Balvinder Sopal, who plays her. “How can you say sorry for something like that anyway? It doesn’t make it better. It doesn’t bring him back. Her only way to control her feelings is to lash out at everybody else, and blame the rest of the world…

Curtis comes up with a plan to help Steve to reach his money milestone for Oliver’s fund this week, and proposes a naked calendar for charity! Steve reveals he’s reached £96k in his late son’s memory, and now wants to step back. However, Curtis wants Steve to make it to the £100k he’d planned, and asks for Emma’s help to put together a nude calendar. They run their idea past Steve and Tracy, who give them the go-ahead. Not long afterwards, Curtis and Emma fill their December slot by tricking Steve into taking part. And with him on board, the pair even manage to talk Dev and Kevin into losing their kit for the calendar, too! It’s all coming together nicely – but soon, Curtis runs into trouble: it turns…

Marlon is left fretting about his financial situation this week – but will his kids be the ones to suffer? With money now tighter than ever, Marlon is forced to convince Rhona to cut back on her elaborate plans for a day out with the kids. But later, when April assumes her dad won’t be able to send her to holiday club, Marlon feels bad – and eventually relents, telling her that she can go after all. As Marlon’s worries about his cashflow spiral out of control, will he be able to find a way to make ends meet?…

Nick has a tough time this week, as while he finally reckons he’s making some headway with Natasha and Sam, he soon ends up disappointed. Natasha raises Nick’s hopes when she unexpectedly asks him to have their son for the night. Nick is absolutely delighted at the opportunity to spend quality time with Sam, and Leanne is thrilled for him. But as Natasha calls again to tell him plans have changed and the sleepover is off, Nick’s crushed. Is it possible that Natasha is playing games?…

SUMMER COLD I saw Corrie’s Gail wearing a lovely quilted blue jacket. Could you let me know the make? | Sharon Hi, Sharon! I’m so sorry we couldn’t find an exact match – however, the ‘Barbour Elizabeth Quilted Jacket’ is very similar, and has a corduroy collar. Joules also has a similar style called the ‘Newdale Quilted Jacket’, which is currently on sale! FAMILY REMINDER… When Courtney left Hollyoaks, she asked Grace to say goodbye to Jesse at the cemetery. But can you remind me: was he Iona’s dad, or just Courtney’s boyfriend? | Abi, Staines Jesse was actually Courtney’s husband, and he died hours after their wedding last year! Jesse was Iona’s adoptive dad, but her biologocal father was Jesse’s brother, Liam Donovan! Liam had a one-night stand with…

With the nosey Taylors constantly firing questions at Keegan, it’s no wonder that star Zack is calm and collected as he fields your queries… “How did it feel to celebrate your four-year anniversary on EastEnders recently?” “What would your ideal storyline be?” I didn’t even realise it had been four years since my first appearance until someone tweeted me to tell me! Time kind of stands still, and you don’t realise just how long has gone by. But EastEnders has given me the platform I always wanted; it’s allowed me the chance to show different levels and emotions, stuff that you wouldn’t get anywhere else on television. It’s been a brilliant training ground – and it means that I can finally call myself an actor! “Do you think Keegan and…

To be honest, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli never really struck us as a couple of petrolheads – but then, the two Strictly Come Dancing judges are full of surprises! Australian-born Craig and Italian Bruno have made the UK their home for many years, and are keen to see a lot more of it. So, in each episode of this six-part series, they’re getting behind the wheel to explore a different part of Britain, starting this week in Cornwall… Hi, both! What can viewers expect in this series? Bruno Sights I never thought existed! We haven’t gone off the beaten track before, and these drives took us to places you’d otherwise never see. It was so beautiful. Craig I’d only done a certain amount of travelling around the UK,…

Rolling In It is back for a new eight-part run this week. If you’re not familiar, think of an enormous tuppence-roll arcade game – and when Inside TV joins host Stephen Mulhern for a chat, he tells us he has fond memories of those end-of-the-pier-style amusements… “I remember as a kid we’d get a little packet of coins,” he recalls. “You might only win a pound’s-worth of 2ps, but it was as if you’d got rich!” Each team of two is made up of a contestant and a celeb partner – Oti Mabuse, Sarah Millican and Martin Kemp in the opener – who plan to spend any winnings on some very strange things, including a new knee and a goat… “It’s incredible, the weird things they want to win the…

Isaac’s mental health struggle hits a shocking crescendo this week, after he breaks into Ruby and Martin’s flat – and makes off with their kids! Panic erupts when Ruby arrives home to confront intruder Isaac, and realises that Lily and Arthur are nowhere to be found. And while the pair face a race against time to track them down, worried Patrick tries to reason with his deeply troubled son… “It’s a terrifying situation for all concerned,” sighs our Albert Square insider. “Understandably, the Fowlers are beside themselves with worry, while Isaac’s loved ones fear that he has completely lost his grip on reality. It’s heartbreaking for them to see him out of control like this.” Prior to the incident at No 43, Patrick and Sheree desperately try to convince Isaac…

Eileen’s love-hate relationship with George leads to disaster this week, after an altercation between the pair ends with the undertaker falling over and breaking his wrist! “It’s as if George and Eileen are cursed!” After finally agreeing to let Sean move back in with her, Eileen is angry with George for conspiring with her lodger to win her round. So much so that when she angrily confronts her admirer in the Rovers, George falls backwards and does himself a mischief… “It’s as if George and Eileen are cursed,” concludes our Weatherfield insider. “Every time they seem to grow closer, something bonkers happens. You couldn’t make it up!” Eileen is mortified after George is hurt, so she calls in at the funeral parlour and offers to lend him a hand. However,…

Fiz signs up to a dating website this week, though she’s shocked when her first meeting isn’t with a potential partner – but with a journalist who’s desperate to write a story on Fiz’s marriage split! Everyone knows how tough it’s been for Fiz to see Tyrone move on with his new woman. So when she’s in the factory, Beth and Sean urge her to sign up for the website. And as Fiz receives a reply from a guy called Chris, she’s delighted. “Having someone message Fiz makes her feel wanted,” explains our Weatherfield spy. “After all, it’s clear that she isn’t fully over Tyrone, so she needs that push from her friends to date again. Unfortunately for Fiz, however, Chris isn’t the man of her dreams…” “Tyrone is annoyed…

Phil tries to convince Kat to allow Tommy to do a football trial this week, but is the lad talented enough to make the grade? As Phil steps into his father figure role, he wants Tommy to really get into his sport. But after Phil suggests the football trial to Kat, she’s left unsure. That is, until she later bumps into Kim – who happily boasts about her daughter’s abilities! In the end, Kat comes around to the idea, wanting to show everyone that Tommy is as gifted as any other child. However, how will Tommy fare at the try-outs?…

Felix finally finds out that Martine has cancer this week, and in truly touching scenes, helps her to shave her head. Martine is struggling with the side effects of having chemo, as her hair starts to fall out. Worse, when she stumbles in the village, everyone assumes she’s drunk! Once Felix finds out the truth, he’s heartbroken, but vows to be there for Martine, no matter what. But after Felix spends the night at Martine’s, although it’s just as a friend, what will his girlfriend Grace say?…

There’s a sour new face at Underworld this week, in the form of hard-as-nails machinist Linda Sykes, who instantly proves as welcome as a hedgehog in a condom factory. Linda is particularly vile to Hayley, who, after weeks of bullying from Mike, bravely decides to tell her co-workers that she is transsexual. Happily, most of Hayley’s neighbours take this information in their stride, with only Les Battersby really matching Linda for prejudice and poison. Nevertheless, it all becomes a bit much for Hayley – with even Roy starting to crumble in the face of the gossip – and she decides to move away. Meanwhile, there’s happy news as Des and Natalie get married – well, happy in the sense of ‘at least that keeps two other couples from being ruined’…

ISAAC’S STRUGGLE I absolutely loved watching Isaac’s scenes with Ruby and Jean in EastEnders. We all knew that Isaac was going to crack eventually, and Stevie Basaula really showed off his acting talents! I love it when Patrick’s family take centre stage – I don’t think it happens often enough. Coleen, Duxford GET HIM OUT… Clive really is the houseguest from hell in Neighbours! Nicolette might seem high-maintenance because she wants to get rid of him, but I really don’t blame her. All he does is bang on about that plant. Julia As much as we love Clive, it does seem as though Nic is right in trying to drive him out… THE FIGHT IS ON THE RYAN… Hasn’t poor Alya suffered enough over the past few years in Coronation…

By rights, the only concern that Todd Grimshaw and Billy Mayhew should have at the moment is whose surname is going to go first after they become double-barrelled following their forthcoming marriage. However, this is Coronation Street, where things can never be that straightforward! Todd’s currently in a right pickle, knowing that he’s done despicable things to get what he wants, while poor Billy looks set to have his heart broken if the truth is ever revealed. We caught up with co-stars Gareth Pierce (Todd) and Daniel Brocklebank (Billy) to find out what they make of this love story gone horribly awry… Hi, both! Were you shocked that Todd would whip out a ring and propose so quickly? Daniel It’s very unexpected! Todd’s only just come back into Billy’s life,…

The heat is on for a gastronomic gaggle of celebs – Shirley Ballas, McFly’s Harry Judd, Catherine Tyldesley, Johnny Vegas, DJ Naughty Boy, Denise Van Outen, Griff Rhys-Jones and AJ Odudu – as they’re mentored by top chefs before going spatula to spatula against their fellow stars in a tense new culinary competition. On hosting duty are Emma Willis and Tom Allen – and we caught up with Emma to find out more… “Each week, four celebrities are challenged with a different cuisine, with two pairs competing against each other to win our golden frying pan,” she explains. “They prepare everything with their mentor chefs first, before the loser of each pair’s round goes head to head in a cook-off, with no help from their mentor.” These final dishes are…