Table of contents for 33 - 2021 in Inside Soap UK

“It’s time to celebrate hot new talent!” Hello! And yes – in the biggest upheaval to rock Inside Soap in thirty generations, there is a slightly different nerdy guy in specs on the contents page. You can rest assured that that’s where the changes end… I mean, you just don’t mess with perfection. (Oh, and I’m no stranger to Inside Soap – I’ve been here 18 years already!) But if you are in the mood for something new, scoot yourself over to page 50, where we present our annual celebration of the hot new talent of Soapland. (And it’s absolutely, definitely not just an excuse to print a big picture of a Home and Away dude with his shirt off.) Personally, I’m a big fan of ‘hard-faced’ Corrie trouble-magnet Kelly,…

The residents of Coronation Street will gather to pay their respects in the coming weeks – and we have reason to suspect that the deceased is cobbles favourite, Norris Cole! Why? Well, the cast has been spotted filming a funeral on location, and it would take a character of some gravitas to draw in a crowd of mourners as A-list as the ones snapped in our pictures. Stars Bill Roache (Ken), and Helen Worth (Gail) are not currently on screen, yet their characters all shared strong bonds with Norris. Meanwhile, actress Rula Lenska – whose character Claudia Colby lived at the same luxury retirement complex as Norris – is back specially. However, there’s one other dead giveaway… “It’s the fact that Norris’ former sparring partner, Mary, is in costume as…

It sounds as if Stacey will be released from prison just in time to go to war with her arch-nemesis, Janine Butcher! EastEnders actress Lacey Turner – who is currently on leave from the soap after welcoming her second child, Trilby – has teased a huge return plot for Stace as the Square films scenes for a fire, rumoured to involve Janine’s daughter, Scarlett, and Kat’s son, Tommy… “I’m really lucky, as although with a big storyline you can be working like any full-time job, there are lots of times when I’m not needed, so it works out perfectly,” let slip Lacey, when asked how she’ll juggle work and motherhood. “I live not too far away from the studios, so I can pop home in-between filming – and I’m always…

Michael confesses to Ronnie the real reason that he’s still with Grace this week, but will he continue to string along the mother of his child? With James in a bad mood, awaiting news of his police complaint appeal, there’s a tense atmosphere in the Bailey house. And when James snaps at Grace, she suggests to Michael it’s time they started looking for a place of their own to raise Glory… “Michael reels at the thought of moving in with Grace,” reveals our Coronation Street spy. “The pair of them haven’t exactly had the smoothest of starts after Grace’s deception. Obviously they moved past it all, but the love Michael once had for Grace simply isn’t there for him any more.” However, Michael can’t face telling Grace this because he…

“Home schooling is the worst. One day Lily tried to glue herself to the window and I swear it was a cry for help. “ That will have been nothing to do with home schooling. “Let me tell you something about the female…” Move over, David Attenborough. “Babies always have this same look on their tiny faces, like a furious old man who’s just lost his job at the car factory after 30 years.” She’s not wrong! (See also Phil Mitchell.) “Eileen, you know I’ve taken a shine to you.” “Not really. You’re a pathological flirt. You’d hit on anyone with a gusset.” Is there a more Coronation Street word than ‘gusset’? “When I had the all-clear, I was a bit happier about it.” “Well, I’m very sorry I don’t…

Young Tommy has an important try-out for a big football team this week – yet Kat worries she’s putting too much pressure on her son… Since being ‘discovered’ by footballing legend Harry Redknapp, little Tommy’s determined to become the next Harry Kane, and Phil’s been encouraging him all the way. However, Kat is concerned that her lad could be heading for a fall… “Football isn’t really Kat’s thing, so she doesn’t understand just how big a deal this is,” explains our Square sneak. “She doesn’t want Tommy to get his hopes up, only to see him disappointed if he doesn’t make the team. She’s worried for her son’s well-being, as any parent would be.” It’s hard to contain Tommy’s expectations, though, when all the adults around him are brimming with…

Bella’s world is shattered this week, when Nikau finally reveals that he slept with his boss, Sienna! After battling to hide his secret, Nikau cracks and tells Bella about his affair. Understandably, Bella is heartbroken and asserts to Nikau that they’re over – for good. As Bella heads home, Nikau is confronted by Sienna and tells her that he’s quitting. She threatens to take Nikau to court over his contract – but all he cares about is Bella… Can Bella forgive and forget?…

MODEL LOOKS Allegra from Home and Away was wearing a one-shoulder dress that looked effortless! Where can I get a similar dress? | Cheryl Well, the ‘One-Shoulder Striped Mini Dress’ from Silkfred looks similar to Allegra’s dress and is perfect for a garden party. Or if you really want to turn heads, take a look at the ‘Dafne One Shoulder Maxi Dress’ from Revolve! WHO’S HOME FROM HOME? In Emmerdale, Bernice mentioned checking if the wallpaper she chose is still in Home Farm. When did she live there? | Georgia, Kent It was a while ago that Bernice was a resident of Home Farm – but she moved in after marrying Lawrence White in 2015. Lawrence bought the house a year before and lived there alongside his daughter, Chrissie,…

“Sometimes I look at Debbie’s lines and think, ‘Oh my gosh, she’s so direct’!” chuckles Corrie star Sue Devaney, as we chat about how much she’s loving being back on the cobbles. “There have been things I’ve wanted to say to people over the years, but I think, ‘Oh, I shouldn’t really say that’, then I’ll go home and fester on it. But Debbie just gets it all out, she doesn’t care. It’s quite liberating to play!” Debbie might have met her match this week, as she agrees to go into business with feisty Leanne and her fiancé Nick at the Bistro! So will it be a match made in hospitality heaven, or will the fancy entrées be flying across the restaurant floor? Sue hints that it could go either…

“I think Ethan needs to rip off Cain or punch Aaron!” He’s smart, he’s successful, and he rocks a suit like nobody’s business… So we have no idea why Emmerdale’s Ethan hasn’t bagged a man yet! Still, having the single legal eagle still in the mix makes life in the Dales a lot more interesting. And for actor Emile John, one of the most exciting things about Ethan is what this kind of representation means for viewers. “Roles like Ethan allow young black people the opportunity to see someone who looks like them, being a lawyer,” he enthuses. “If you can see it, you can be it! It’s a positive role. Would I make a good lawyer myself? Well, I’ve always had the gift of the gab, and I’m pretty…

Wild child Kelly has made a massive impression on the cobbles since she arrived – with the misfortune of finding herself in two massive murder storylines! Gary Windass has successfully covered up killing her dad (for now), and Kelly is about to stand trial for her part in Seb’s horrifying death in a hate-crime attack. Which only means more epic drama for fresh Corrie talent Millie Gibson, who tells us that Kelly is a gift to play… Just a vulnerable girl “I really do love her, even though she gets herself into all sorts,” laughs the 17-year-old star. “Kelly isn’t a bad person, she’s a typical teenager trying to show off. I know she’s hard-faced, but she’s been brought up to be like that because of how many times she’s…

CORRIE’S BETH & SHONA Take a leaf out of Julia’s book and tropic while it’s hot like Lisa, with these sizzling summer styles… £19.50 Oliver Bonas Dazzle with these luxe glass gem pineapple earrings. £4.99 New Look Top off your look off with a touch of neon green thanks to this knot-style headband. £26.99 Bon Prix Add summery textures to your outfit with this straw and bamboo handle bag. £10 H&M Add an extra pop of colour with these sunshine yellow platform sandals. £69 vivienofholloway.com Enliven your wardrobe, like Lisa, with this scene stealer of a dress – perfect for those sunny days! £45 Joanie Clothing Dress for warmer weather, like Julia, in this gorgeous tropical leaf-print dress.…

DS MICHAEL McANDREWS (JAMIE SIVES) “Michael feels hard done by that Annika – whom he already knows – has rocked up and stolen his job,” reveals Jamie. “He’s also a good detective, but he’d much rather be diving than detecting!” DC BLAIR FERGUSON (KATIE LEUNG) “Blair’s trying to play it cool,” explains Katie. “But in reality, she really looks up to Annika. She’d eventually love to be in the same position and just really admires her.” DS TYRONE CLARKE (UKWELI ROACH) “Tyrone’s been promoted into the team, but constantly has to prove himself,” reckons Ukweli. “He’s maybe a bit gung-ho, and needs to learn to stand back and observe like Annika does…”…

BULLSEYE! We’ve always thought of Milly Zero as that contestant from The X Factor who walks into the audition room with the sort of spark that sees them go on to sell more records than the actual winner. And Milly is so ace that it doesn’t matter whether Dotty is pinching her mate’s husband or blackmailing Ian Beale – we’ll forgive her every time, for being so electric to watch. Don’t ever let her go, EastEnders! Summer has a new robot. So Billy is now the only person in this photo with the same face! The axing of Bernice’s wig is the most sensible decision Emmerdale has made in years. Welcome back, Samantha Giles! Nice work if you can get it! By the looks of things, there was a German…

Tyrone betrays his family in the worst possible way this week, by handing his arsonist daughter Hope over to the police! It’s after Alina finds out that the youngster was the one who started the fire at her flat – which resulted in her losing her baby – that she begs Ty to stop the lies. So while Fiz is prepared to go to prison to protect her daughter, Tyrone heeds his girlfriend’s words, and drops Hope right in it… “Tyrone realises that the only way out of this situation is to tell the truth,” explains Alan Halsall, who plays him. “He’s torn – he has lost a baby with Alina, which he is devastated about – but in the end, all of his fibs to Fiz, Evelyn and Alina…

Sienna faces a race against time to save her sister Liberty this week, after she discovers that Summer has kidnapped her – and framed Brody for her murder! As the penny drops for Sienna that her girlfriend has been lying to her all of this time, she’s devastated. But can she tap into her own manipulative side in order to outwit Summer, and save her sister from a potentially grisly fate? “Sienna is heartbroken – she can’t believe that Summer has played her to this extent,” reveals star Anna Passey (aka Sienna). “She’s really let her guard down and fallen for this woman, so she’s a bit on the back foot, and can’t get her head around it all. But Liberty is in danger, so the priority for Sienna is…

The Nazirs will welcome back a familiar face next month when Yasmeen’s grandson and Alya’s brother, Zeedan, returns to the cobbles! From what we last knew of Zeedan, he was living abroad and settling down with a lovely new wife. However, judging by the cuts and bruises accompanying a nasty-looking shiner on his left eye, the honeymoon is most definitely over… “Zeedan has made some mistakes while he’s been off screen, but he’s determined to be a better man,” teases Corrie boss Iain MacLeod. “However, the path to redemption is strewn with pitfalls, and Alya and Yasmeen are sucked into the trouble that follows him back to Weatherfield – threatening what promises to be Yasmeen’s fairytale ending after her ordeal at the hands of Geoff.” Flush Zeedan – played by…

Hello, handsome! Feast your eyes on the Hollyoaks hottie set to take a shine to Grace! Sparks will fly after newcomer Nate – played by Chris Charles – moves in with her and Ripley. But is he all that he seems? Soap swap! Former Neighbours star Jacqui Purvis (Melissa Lohan) is joining Home and Away to play a new love interest for Tane. The star was spotted cosying up on the beach with Ethan Browne, who plays Tane, for future scenes… More Mandy! Hot on the heels of her hilarious on-screen scrap with Nicola, Dales star Lisa Riley – who plays Mandy – has signed a new 12-month contract to stay with the soap. “I still pinch myself that I get to play her,” grins Lisa.…

Hi Derek! Why do you think Casualty is still so popular 35 years on? The same reason as always – the quality of the work, and because it has maintained its high standards. There’s a great deal of social realism and it also manages to do some spectacular stuff, which doesn’t feel like spectacle for the sake of spectacle. What are some of your most memorable Casualty storylines? I think the most memorable for me is the one with Charlie’s son, Louis; a drug story which took us to Romania – that was quite an experience. Gregory Foreman, the young actor who played Louis, was great, and we got to play something that was very strong and very hard-hitting. Do you have a standout favourite guest star from over the…

Leah shocks Roo and Marilyn this week, when she confesses that she thinks Justin may have been the one who killed Susie! Ever since the con artist’s body was found floating in the Bay, the cops have been desperate to track down her murderer. But could Justin really be the one who offed her? “Leah is afraid that a killer is walking among them,” admits Ada Nicodemou, who plays her. “However, after Stephen asks Leah about Justin’s involvement, her confidence in her boyfriend slowly chips away. As she sits down and really thinks about what Justin has done recently, she wonders if he could be capable of it.” And after making her declaration to Roo and Marilyn, Leah seeks out Stephen at his motel room for comfort. Yet when Justin…

FAIR CITY Bosco continues to let Will stay at his house this week, but soon Damien warns Bosco to rid dodgy Will from his life… Elsewhere, Zak is torn when a night out with Vinny clashes with work and he decides to call in sick. Plus, Ger spares no feelings as she turns down Leo’s amorous advances. THE ARCHERS The summer fete plunges into chaos this week, when one resident launches their protest. Will the event turn to anarchy, or will someone save the day? Meanwhile, Steph Casey’s impending nuptials are the topic of conversation… Finally, Russ and Lily’s romantic getaway doesn’t quite go to plan. See TV listings for times & channel details. River City is on a summer break – it will be back on screen soon.…

We’ve not been able to listen to Toxic by Britney Spears in quite the same way since mad Meena did a deadly little dance for us – moments after she’d sent poor Leanna Cavanagh tumbling to her death! However, if the psycho nurse is going to start racking up more bodies, it’s only right that she has her own theme music… “That would be fun – I would love that!” laughs Emmerdale’s woman of the hour, Paige Sandhu, who plays Meena. “I do think [the scripts] will get crazier and more heightened if there are more murders – so maybe there will be a different Britney song for each one. I would enjoy that!” While neither Paige nor Inside Soap is condoning Meena’s monstrous behaviour, we’re welcoming the opportunity to…

“ Debbie likes a businessman, and she has a soft spot for Ronnie, so I think he’d be her king. She also likes Dev – but walking in on his naked calendar shoot did put her off!” “ Abi would be Debbie’s court jester. The two of them have a very interesting relationship, but Abi really makes her laugh.” “ In her role as Queen, Debbie would give Bernie a makeover! I love Bernie as a character, so I’d love to work with Jane Hazlegrove, who plays her.” “ Debbie often wants to throw her brother Kevin in the stocks! He’s just so laid back, so she’d want to wake him up every now and then by throwing a tomato at him!” “ Debbie’s national anthem would be I Am…

When Jesse arrived in Erinsborough to work at the new flashy Flamingo Bar, the last thing we expected was that he’d be a spy! However, the bombshells didn’t stop there, as we soon learned he’s the son of the Robinsons’ sworn enemy, Julie Quill… “It’s safe to say that both Jesse and I had an interesting start to Neighbours,” laughs Cameron Robbie, who plays him. “Although I knew Jesse’s story from the beginning, and I loved the angle because secrets are so much fun to play. It’s been really exciting for me to watch it all unfold.” While the Quills’ plan to take down Lassiters has now been rumbled by Harlow and Roxy, Cameron assures us that his alter ego isn’t entirely a villain… “Jesse has a kind heart,” reveals…

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From the makers of The Repair Shop comes this new six-parter, which sees presenter Jay Blades and a group of volunteers in a Yorkshire-based workshop build beautiful bespoke pieces as a surprise for deserving locals. Inside TV spoke to the man himself to find out more… Hi, Jay! Tell us about how your workshop works… So, we have three experts, who each have two apprentices. People come into the workshop to nominate someone, or I go out into the local area and find out about someone who’s done some really great work for society. Then I go back to the workshop and say, ‘This is what I would like you to make,’ or, ‘Can you come up with an idea for this particular person?’ Basically, it’s about celebrating the uncelebrated,…

EASTENDERS Terror at the Vic! Albert Square’s resident boozer has often found itself playing host to the most terrible of crimes, from adultery to arson to dramatic shoot-outs. Next week, the pub is at the centre of another heart-racing incident, which sees one member of the Carter family left in grave danger. So who exactly will fall victim to this appalling act of violence? And what will be the fallout as the rest of the family realises what has happened? ONE OF THE CARTERS WINDS UP IN A FRIGHTENING SITUATION… YOUR NEXT ISSUE ON SALE TUESDAY 17 AUG CORRIE Maria’s nemesis! Maria finds herself with an unlikely new enemy next week, after a scary incident makes her see red. But as she declares war, is this a battle Maria can…

Just when Tyrone thinks his week can’t get any worse, he unintentionally proposes to Alina – and she excitedly agrees to become his wife! “Tyrone tries to explain but Fiz isn’t having it” With all that’s going on with Hope, Alina feels sidelined, and ends up getting tipsy in the Rovers. But when Tyrone apologises for how things have worked out, and admits he imagined they’d get hitched and raise a family together, Alina takes it as her fella asking her to marry him… “Tyrone doesn’t quite know what he’s saying, then it turns out to be some kind of really awkward proposal!” cringes Alan. “Tyrone is trying to keep Alina happy, but not actually doing anything to make himself happy. When he realises that he’s engaged, it takes him…

“Coronation Street missed a trick by not producing a real naked calendar for charity. In fact, all the soaps should do one! Though there might be some prettier views in Walford, Summer Bay and Hollyoaks…” …says reader Abbie “A two-hander episode of Coronation Street featuring Ken and Rita would make a nice change – looking back over the years. We don’t see enough of these legendary older characters on screen nowadays.” …suggests reader Luke “Now restrictions are lifting, can we finally have some action at the Emmerdale outdoor pursuits place? All we’ve ever seen is a dull café and some gravel. Bring on the zip-wire stunts! The sweet factory had more drama.” …begs reader Jilly G “I wonder who’ll be the first lady to catch the eye of hot new…

There’s a row between Imran and Leanne this week, when they clash over Kelly’s trial. The foster father is running himself ragged trying to prepare Kelly’s defence, while rich Corey has a big team of lawyers on his side. The stress of the case, plus the ill-will towards Kelly on the Street, is pushing Imran to his limits, so Toyah takes him for lunch at the Bistro. During the meal, Imran unburdens himself to Leanne about how hard it is to fight for Kelly’s freedom, only to get slapped back by his girlfriend’s sister. Leanne insists she’s on Abi’s side, not Kelly’s, and that they’d do well to remember the loss of Seb in all of this. For Imran, it’s the final straw and he erupts, leaving Toyah deeply concerned…

LETTING IT BURN… Alina’s life was put in jeopardy when a fire began at her flat in Corrie. And soon enough, it was revealed to be no accident. Our readers told us exactly how they feel about Hope’s actions… It’s becoming obvious that Hope is an arsonist in the making. We can’t forget that she set that trampoline on fire and blamed it on her sister, Ruby. Then she did a lot of other horrible things to her sibling as well – if I were Alina, I’d be worried. Rachel, Essex I’m not too keen on Hope – but I have to admit that the actress Isabella Flanagan is shining! I thought she was good before, but the scene where she and Fiz were arguing was really true to life.…

RICHARD HILLMAN CORRIE Dubbed ‘Norman Bates with a briefcase’ by the press, Gail’s hubby set the benchmark for Street psychopaths. He even had the audacity to try to rub out Emily Bishop! Kill count 3 LUCAS JOHNSON EASTENDERS After impaling his ex-wife Trina on a garden rake, the Walford preacher went on a mission to cleanse women – and anyone who stood in his way – of their sins. Even Sugar the Dog carked it! Kill count 5 LINDSEY BUTTERFIELD HOLLYOAKS Chester’s very own Doctor Death was revealed as the notorious Gloved Hand Killer responsible for bumping off hospital patients. She was only thwarted after fellow mass murderer Silas Blissett got his hands on her! Kill count 7 CAMERON MURRAY EMMERDALE They say love never dies, but Debbie and Chas…

We’re big fans of Ripley – and the market stall offering the residents of Hollyoaks not only clothes, but also much-needed life advice! And while star Ki Griffin may have only been on the show for a short time, they’ve already changed the face of soap… How does it feel to be the first non-binary character in a soap opera? I’m very proud to be part of history – which is a crazy thing to say out loud! I’d only been identifying as non-binary for a year prior to joining the show. I suppose there was some pressure; wanting to do my community proud. But the response to the representation Ripley brings to the show has been overwhelmingly positive. Brooke and Ripley have struck up a lovely friendship – what…

New doctors in Casualty tend to be thrown in at the deep end from the moment they arrive in the ED – yet Stevie’s introduction this week is a little more unconventional, as we discover that her link to the hospital goes back several years! Thankfully for actress Elinor Lawless, who plays the medic, her own arrival to the show has been easy breezy… Hi Elinor! How’s your Casualty experience been so far? I have been made to feel so welcome by all the team at Casualty. It feels such an honour to have the opportunity to shape and tell stories that are so much a part of the human experience: suffering, loss, love and hope. Can you tell us a bit more about your character? Stevie is a law…

Nicole Kidman and Melissa McCarthy star in this eight-part series based on the novel by Big Little Lies author Liane Moriarty, set within Tranquillum House, a wellness resort run by the mysterious Masha – as Nicole Kidman, who plays her, explains… “Masha is the catalyst for the story,” reveals the Oscar-winning actress. “When Liane Moriarty was writing the book she said, ‘I’m writing a character for you’. So that’s how Masha became mine. She’s never what she seems, which is a fantastic character to play. It’s like peeling back layers of somebody, and she gets deeper and deeper as the show goes on.” Enigmatic Masha promises total transformation for her nine stressed-out clients – each from different walks of life, and all determined to find a better way of living…