Table of contents for 35 - 2021 in Inside Soap UK

Destroyed Tracy packs a bag and leaves Emmerdale behind this week, convinced that Nate and baby Frankie will be better off without her. The struggling new mum reaches breaking point as she contemplates doing unthinkable things, just to put an end to her torment. Unable to go on, Tracy reaches the devastating conclusion that she’s not fit to look after her own daughter, and must get out of her life. “Tracy thinks the only way Frankie can be safe is if she’s away from her,” explains Amy Walsh, who plays her. “There’s a moment on the bridge this week where Tracy questions whether it’s better if she and Frankie aren’t here any more because then nobody can hurt her baby, and this pain will go away.” Thankfully, this moment passes…

Mick – when it’s all said and done, you’re a lover, not a fighter! Sure, Zack’s done you dirty by covering up your daughter’s hit-and-run and dating her at the same time. Yet, let’s be honest, there have been worse crimes committed in Walford than that! Meanwhile, both your sons are gone, and it’s been a while since you’ve been able to enjoy a good bromance. Your friendships with Jack and Mitch are proper casual, and well, you won’t be posing for selfies down the gay bar with Gray after finding out what he did to Tina! So, drop the defensive daddy act and give Zack a chance. Secretly, he probably reminds you of yourself when you were his age……

Paul finally tracks down missing Nicolette this week – and tries to persuade her to hand over her daughter in exchange for a big wad of cash! David and Aaron were left devastated when Nicolette ran off just weeks before she was due to give birth to their baby, and Paul is riddled with guilt over his part in her disappearance. So once he gets a lead that she’s in Canberra, he goes racing off to find her… “Paul realises that the things he said to Nicolette before she left were the straw that broke the camel’s back,” reckons Stefan Dennis, who plays him. “So while he’s supremely annoyed that she’s taken off with David and Aaron’s baby, he’s also attempting to cover his own tracks because he feels he’s…

Poor Emma is worried sick about her beloved Curtis this week, after he suddenly falls unconscious behind the bar at the Bistro! Emma is aware that her fella has a mysterious heart condition, and as such could collapse in agony at any time. Yet when she sees it happen, she’s terrified… “This is a truly frightening situation for Emma,” confirms our cobbles sneak. “Being told that Curtis has got an illness is one thing, but to see it playing out in this very real scenario is something else entirely. In that moment, Emma really is scared that Curtis could die!” Thankfully an ambulance is called, and Curtis is swiftly taken to hospital, where he was due to receive his latest test results anyway. The doctor gives him the once-over, then…

Tommy makes a bid to track down AWOL Alfie this week, still completely unaware that the wheeler-dealer isn’t his biological father! The youngster has been recently reunited with Scarlett Moon – Janine Butcher’s daughter – whom he believes is his distant cousin through Michael Moon. Yet what Tommy doesn’t know, and what mum Kat is desperate to stop him finding out, is that he and Scarlett are actually half-brother and sister… “Kat’s never been able to tell Tommy the truth…” “Scarlett’s dad Michael is Tommy’s biological father too,” our Square spy reminds us. “Kat had a fling with Michael while Alfie was in prison, then fell pregnant with Tommy –and although both Alfie and Michael knew the score, Kat has never been able to bring herself to tell Tommy the…

They say revenge is a dish best served cold, but it’s taken Grant so long to cook up his comeback to the ‘Sharongate’ saga, he must have stored it in the Vic deep freeze. It’s been four years since Grant found out Phil copped off with his wife; an absolute age in modern soap terms, where any revenge bunk-up must be done and dusted by the next available Christmas. It’s been so long, in fact, that Kathy and Phil aren’t even married any more. But that didn’t stop producers deciding that Grant should hastily – and let’s face it, unconvincingly – fall for Kathy; to provide a big enough drama to blast her out of the Square after 13 years. “We could love each other the way we’ve never loved…

CLOSER EACH DAY… Is it my imagination, or is there less social distancing in soap these days? I don’t know if it’s more camera trickery or if the actors are just ‘bubbling’ on a more frequent basis, but the distance doesn’t seem so obvious on screen now. It’s much better – let’s have more, please! Carole, Hartlepool HISTORY LESSON I’ve just watched Kat’s lack of sympathy for Isaac’s mental health in EastEnders, and the fact he’s looking after her children. Is this the Kat who rightly trusts her kids to the care of Jean and Stacey, who’ve famously struggled with bipolar disorder for many years? The inconsistency really pulled me out of the story. James, Solihull It must be hard for soaps to keep track of every detail of their…

While Roxy admits that there haven’t been a lot of laughs for her on set recently, given the seriousness of her storylines, she does tell us that she can always rely on her gal pals to cheer her up at work… “I love Fiona Wade [Priya Sharma], she cracks me up,” she grins. “She’s just the best. And I love Leyla and Priya together. We always talk about how funny it is that they’re friends now, like, ‘I can’t believe I’m at your wedding when I had sex with your fiancé at the last one!’ But that’s the magic of soap, isn’t it?” The actress has also been enjoying Leyla’s rivalry with Bernice, and says she wouldn’t rule out a Mandy and Nicola-style cat fight between the two of them…

In the beginning… Gail and Brian Tilsley welcomed their son Nick into the world on New Year’s Eve 1980, but the newborn didn’t make his screen debut until 5 January 1981. Nick’s father was tragically killed when his only son was just nine years old. Making a name Young Nick was the apple of his mother’s eye and his grandma Ivy’s pride and joy, but the two women clashed constantly. Ivy even stipulated in her will that Nick must remain a ‘ Tilsley’ even when his mother remarried – or lose his inheritance. Poster boy Nick found a new face in 1997 as Adam Rickitt took on the role and became the Street’s number one pin-up. It wasn’t just viewers who enjoyed his topless scenes. Nick’s top admirer was teenage…

“At the end of filming every Vera season I think, ‘Oh thank the Lord, I’m going home. Never again!’” admits Brenda Blethyn – who’s been playing DCI Vera Stanhope (of Ann Cleeves’ novel series) since 2011. “But it’s like having a lovely slap-up meal – you’ve eaten too much, then you get hungry again. So by the time I go back to Newcastle, I’m always looking forward to it.” Vera’s on duty once again as the drama returns for series 11, with the first of two feature-length episodes – as Brenda explains… Hello, Brenda! We understand shooting of the new films was delayed by the pandemic? Yes, I was about to head up to Newcastle from my home in Ramsgate when lockdown happened. My husband couldn’t come down, but fortunately…

Prepare for the start of an epic battle this week, as Imran faces off against his ex-wife Sabeen in court, both of them determined to prove that their defendant didn’t murder Seb Franklin in cold blood! As Corey and Kelly fight for their freedom, Seb’s devastated mum and girlfriend watch on, hoping that the lad’s killer will be brought to justice. Corey will need to put on the performance of his life in order to convince the court of his innocence – but can he do enough to evade a life sentence? “Corey definitely thinks he has the upper hand in comparison to Kelly,” reckons Maximus Evans, who plays the smug teen. “That all comes down to his privileged background, and the preparations his dad has put in place with…

Luke comes up with a plan to fix the Hutch’s money worries this week – by staging a break-in to claim on the insurance! With the restaurant in dire financial straits, Tony is desperate to claw back some cash in any way he can. So, when Luke suggests an insurance scam, Tony goes along with his harebrained scheme… “In Luke’s mind, this is completely normal and rational thinking,” reveals Gary Lucy, who plays him. “Sadly this is a big part of Luke’s dementia, him showing impulsive behaviour – and Tony reluctantly goes along with it because Luke is so convincing. But obviously it’s a silly idea, and the end result is what you’d expect!” The robbery is just the latest in a long line of reckless decisions that Luke has…

Serial killer Pat Phelan is officially wreaking havoc in Weatherfield again this week – after Todd drops his ashes all over the floor! Having unearthed the evil killer’s urn in Shuttleworth’s cellar, Todd has demanded answers from George, who is mortified about the entire situation. The hapless undertaker promises Todd that he’ll dispose of Phelan’s ashes in a respectful manner ASAP, before Eileen gets wind of what’s going on. But Todd doesn’t believe it for a minute, so decides to take matters into his own hands… “Phelan’s return is chilling, and Todd is determined to protect his mother from the diabolical truth,” explains our cobbles insider. “He doesn’t think George will get the job done right, especially as he’s been hiding the urn for so long. So Todd resolves to…

It’s payback time for Gray this week, when boss Laura fires him, and he’s left with a big money problem. But it’s what he does next – full of impotent fury – that may well prove the murderer’s undoing... For the past couple of weeks, Gray has been bombarding his boss with vile messages following an altercation at work. He’s also been underperforming, so Laura decides to cut Gray loose and save the company a small fortune. It’s a decision that leaves Gray in dire financial straits. “It’s not just the cost of running his household, Gray’s also funding Chelsea’s designer wardrobe,” shares our Albert Square insider. “She’s only with him in order to rinse him for as much as she can get, and Gray hasn’t clocked on yet. He’s…

With our UK soaps still following fairly strict Covid protocols on set, it’s great to see Neighbours heading out on location to Australia’s capital Canberra this week. And Stefan reveals that he was particularly excited to get out of the studio… “We get great catering on location –isn’t that what most actors care about?” he chuckles. “We tend not to get out of the Neighbours backlot very often, so when we do go away to a true location shoot, we’re all like, ‘Whoo, we’re on location!’ “Canberra is nowhere near as big as London, so we filmed most of the scenes in just one day,” adds Stefan. “The only issue was that all the buildings in Parliament Square are painted white – and the sun was glaring, so I couldn’t…

Jac struggles with a moral dilemma this week, as she’s forced to choose between saving her own life – and potentially killing Carole! The need to find a guinea pig for Eli’s stent procedure – a new surgery that Jac hopes will offer the solution to her brain tumour – becomes more urgent after the trial patient he had lined up is no longer an option. Eli refuses to speed up the process until he finds a suitable candidate, prompting Jac to consider Carole again when her dementia worsens. However, the odds are stacked against her surviving the operation… “Jac’s desperate,” insists our Holby insider. “The reason why she brought Eli back to Holby with her was almost entirely selfish, as she knows his treatment could be a game-changer for…

MAKING A STATEMENT! “I love Suki’s wardrobe. She has a black top with a floral print and a high neck – and when she teams it with a blazer, it feels powerful and sexy to wear. I always feel very dignified in Suki’s clothes, even if she might not be!” POWER PLAY! “My favourite place to film with the Panesars is in the pest control office! I really like the colours and the layout of it, and it feels like a Godfather’s den where deals go down, behind the big leather desks and computers. There’s a real sense of power about that space.” SUKI’S SHOCK FLING! “I was quite relieved that Suki’s night with Peter just happened the once! Like, what are you doing, Suki, playing with little boys? It…

After playing Home and Away’s Leah for over 20 years, star Ada is a pro at answering Inside Soap’s questions. So even our tricky reader queries don’t faze her… Is it true that you originally auditioned for a different role on Home and Away? I did, actually – that’s how I first got into acting. It was via an ad at the end of the show, a competition to win a part. It was years ago and the role was Sarah Thompson; it was between me and Laura Vasquez, and she ended up getting it. Fun fact, Laura is now the head of make-up at Home and Away! But everything turned out as it was meant to, because I love playing Leah. Who’s your best friend at Home and Away?…

Cathy Keating (Kacey Ainsworth) “It’s the late 50s and everything feels new for Cathy – there’s a lot of change going on,” grins Kacey. “She and Geordie seem to be getting on, then something happens. Cathy thinks it’ll blow over, but that doesn’t happen…” Leonard Finch (Al Weaver) “This series brings the biggest challenge Leonard’s ever faced,” shares Al. “Something big happens to him which threatens his relationship, his career and everything about his life – and we’ll see him taken on a real journey…” Mrs Chapman (Tessa Peake-Jones) “Going on holiday with the entire vicarage family is more than a dream for Mrs C,” reckons Tessa. “But she’s really going to go through the mill due to Leonard’s dilemma. I don’t think she’s cried so much as she does…

Stephen Lawrence was killed in a racially motivated attack while waiting for a bus in Eltham in 1993. Stephen’s parents, Neville and Doreen, knew the identity of their son’s killers, yet the original investigation into Stephen’s murder failed to convict them. It wasn’t until 18 years after his death that two of the gang who murdered Stephen were found guilty; his parents working closely with DCI Clive Driscoll to secure a conviction, “Clive Driscoll decided to help two people he didn’t know, on the basis that it was the right thing to do,” explains Steve Coogan, who plays him. “It’s important to remind people that there are decent people trying to do the right thing in the face of hatred and cynicism – Clive did a decent job by sticking…

THEATRE THE SYSTEM Former Emmerdale actress Emily Head (aka Rebecca White) will star in the world premiere of her self-penned sharp psychological thriller, The System. In this incisive drama, the audience is invited into the interrogation room with the murder suspects. As, one by one, the suspects give their accounts of that night, a dark truth begins to reveal itself – a truth so powerful that it could change everything… and everyone. The System will be live streamed on 27 August – for information, log on to www.originaltheatreonline.com/productions TV TRUTH BE TOLD Investigative reporter turned true crime podcaster Poppy Parnell dives into a new case that deeply involves her childhood friend, media mogul Micah Keith. As developments unfold, their lifelong friendship is put to the ultimate test. Starring Octavia Spencer…

As the trial gets under way, viewers are finally set to learn the identity of Seb’s murderer, with flashbacks to the night of his death revealing the shocking truth. Just as Inside Soap has been promising, the team at Corrie pulled out all the stops during a series of top-secret night shoots, filmed on location, to confirm what really happened on the night that Nina and Seb were attacked. And Maximus tells us that he loved being part of the dramatic scenes. “It emphasises the threat that Corey poses over Kelly” “It was very intense, but it was great to have Harry [Visinoni, who played Seb] back again,” he grins. “It was a long night, but I really enjoyed it. I was in a bubble with Millie [Gibson, who plays…

Things look pretty bleak for Luke right now… Yes, I think the next few months will be a sad progression of his illness, and the worsening of his mental state. The things he’s doing will become more reckless and less rational, and you’ll see the knock-on effects. It will be quite heartbreaking, I think. What has this storyline been like for you to play? It’s been really hard. It was actually my suggestion – it was something I really wanted to do as this type of dementia hasn’t been covered before in soap, and it’s horrendous. It was a really important story for me to tell, but I do think I’ve maybe put a lot of pressure on myself with it. Why is it important to you? My nan suffers…

Here is your first look at the two fresh faces who’ll be shaking up Chester! First up, actor Raji James makes his debut on 2 September as Dee Valley Hospital’s new doctor, Ali, who is also the father of Misbah’s secret son, Shaq… “Ali’s part of a potentially explosive storyline,” teases Raji. “I’m thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to explore the character’s darker side.” And then we’ll meet Felix’s youngest son DeMarcus Westwood – played by Tomi Ade – who’ll re-enter his father’s life during an hour-long special episode set to air on E4 on 9 September. “I can’t wait for the fans to meet DeMarcus,” grins Tomi. “I’ve had a blast on set!”…

It looks as if time is up for Victoria this week, when killer Meena breaks in and prepares to kill her. The psycho nurse tried and failed to do away with Vic last week, but she’s determined to get the job done, as she can’t allow anyone to come between her and her beloved David. Though first, Meena has to get Victoria alone – which is easier said than done… “Cold-blooded murder is much trickier to organise than a spontaneous killing, Meena finds,” explains our Dales snitch. “It’s all so tiresome! She’s having to work overtime to get Victoria where she wants her. And time is ticking, because with every passing day, David and Vic are growing closer – so Meena needs to act fast.” After stealing keys to Vic’s…

Guilty Sharon contemplates handing herself in to the police this week – as Shirley begs her to clear missing Tina’s name, after Gray’s spiteful stirring. Desperate Shirley thinks her missing sister is still on the run having been accused of trying to kill Ian Beale, and is determined to make the true culprit, Sharon – and her co-conspirator Phil – confess so that Tina can return home. However, will the pair give in to her demands? “It’s high time that Sharon and Phil had to answer for what they did – it was one of the most shocking plots in Walford history!” insists our Square spy. “Sharon was mad with grief and seeking revenge on Ian for Denny’s death when it happened. So, the idea that Tina is paying such…

It’s a tough week for Ethan when he receives the news that ex-lover Eddy has tested positive for HIV as he awaits his own results. We catch up with Dales star Emile John to find out how Ethan is coping with the wait… Hi, Emile. How is Ethan dealing with Eddy’s bombshell news? Ethan’s knee-jerk reaction to receiving news like this is to blame and condemn Eddy. It’s an extremely hard pill for him to swallow; accepting that he had a part to play in gambling with his health by engaging in unprotected sex. He’s flooded with regret and kicking himself for being so irresponsible. Does Ethan think that he’ll definitely get a positive result as well? Ethan’s a realist, so he deals with facts and logic before anything else.…

Cleo struggles with her guilty conscience this week, as she keeps multiple secrets from those closest to her… As the nurse takes Walter to his dialysis appointment, she feels awful that she knows the truth about the Price Slice robbery – but with Joel putting pressure on her to keep quiet, she doesn’t know what to do. So instead, she decides to come clean to Toby about her recent kiss with Joel! But will Cleo go through with it, knowing how volatile Toby is likely to react?…

Jan is given hope that Ffion may want to repair their marriage this week – but is she jumping the gun? When a bunch of flowers arrives from her estranged wife, Jan is shocked, given that they haven’t spoken to each other in months. Ffion just can’t forgive Jan for smuggling drugs into the prison for her jailbird son Ross, so her sudden olive branch takes Jan by surprise… As Jan wonders whether to text Ffion, the decision is taken out of her hands when Rosa informs her that Ffion is in the ED after being involved in an accident at work! Jan immediately rushes to her wife’s side to check that she’s okay, only to be given the cold shoulder by Ffion. However, things take an upsetting turn when…

Ooh, it’s great in soap when the good’uns fall to the Dark Side; so it’s a delight to watch Jack Sugden at the moment. A run-in at the Woolpack sees him finally land one on the pretty-but-vacant face of Richie – his wife Sarah’s lover. But being the nice fella he his, Jack feels things might have gone too far, and invites Sarah around to see the kids. However, his new-found fury can’t be held back, and when Sarah tells Robert, Andy and Victoria that they’ll be staying with her soon, Jack sees red and turns on her too. Let’s hope Sarah hid the pitchforks before she left the farm for her new life of sensual love-making. Meanwhile, Bernice and Ashley’s bunk-ups are the talk of the village, but after Edna…

“It was one of the best and worst shows I’ve ever done,” reckons Atomic Kitten Kerry Katona, reflecting on coming face to face with Ant Middleton and his fellow former Special Forces officers for their SAS selection course in the wilds of the Scottish Hebrides. “I’ve learned so much about myself. It was a real learning curve.” Kerry is joined by an equally gutsy batch of SAS wannabes: ex-football pro Kieron Dyer, Loose Women’s Saira Khan, singing star Alexandra Burke, Strictly champ Ore Oduba, BMX racer Shanaze Reade, Olympic rower James Cracknell OBE, Hollyoaks’ Jake Quickenden, presenter Ulrika Jonsson, Paralympian Aled Davies, Love Island’s Wes Nelson and reality star Vicky Pattison. But famous or not, the SAS staff don’t hold back when it comes to the life-changing expedition… “I hadn’t…