Table of contents for 38 - 2021 in Inside Soap UK

“That’d make the queue in Asda look twice” One of the gentle followers of our Inside Soap Facebook page has suggested – and I really don’t know where she gets this from – that her favourite magazine might sometimes “over-dramatise” mundane stories for the sake of a “catchy line” on our cover. Heaven forfend! Putting aside the fact that covers need to be catchy, I’d argue we’re the model of restraint compared with some dogged reporters of soapland out there. This week, for example, our cover could have featured a photo of Corrie’s Mary wielding a chainsaw, with the line ‘MARY DECAPITATES STREET FAVOURITE!’ – and be perfectly factually correct. Add a picture of Rita and that would certainly make the queue in Asda look twice. But who needs to…

Dana is the victim of a vicious hate crime this week, when a group of racist thugs assault her. It’s after Dana joins her boyfriend Bobby and pals Iqra, Kioni and Waseem handing out flyers in support of a new mosque that the gang of men approach, and hurl insults at them. Later, the thugs make a terrifying return, and get physical… “The men hone in on Dana, and start savagely attacking her!” gasps our Walford insider. “Dana’s friends are absolutely horrified as the mob lays into her, and all poor Bobby can do is watch on, powerless to help. “This isn’t the first time Bobby’s been set upon by an Islamophobic gang,” adds our sneak. “On the previous occasion, Bobby was left unconscious after being strangled.” Prior to the…

Salon wars aside, the big shock of Norris’ funeral is the news – delivered in his letter – that the paperboy statue outside the Kabin contains a great secret! As the mourners rush back to the Street in order to investigate, they soon find that unlocking the newsagents’ shouting sentinel is a more difficult task than it first appears… Mary, Ken, Gail and Brian are obviously eager to find out what Norris has hidden for them,” teases our insider. “Could it be Norris’ secret hoard of cash? More delicious secrets about their neighbours?” Soon, Mary runs out of patience and switches to plan B. After disappearing for a moment, she returns with a revving chainsaw in hand! Desperate to know what’s inside, she heartlessly decapitates the poor paperboy. So what…

Timmy? Timmy is already using his tech knowledge to spy on Peri. Could the computer nerd be masquerading as Jade to entrap Cher too? Theresa? Theresa has a big history of family deception – most recently teaming up with serial killer Silas to blackmail the McQueens! We wouldn’t rule her out. Prince? Cher’s cousin Prince has made a sudden and unexpected return to Hollyoaks from Brighton. Could he be trying to stay in touch with the McQueens through Cher? Her mum? We haven’t seen Kelly since she left the village last year. Perhaps she regrets abandoning her daughter and is trying to keep in touch by using a fake persona……

Marnie’s on the hunt for a new employee at the Salon de Thé this week – but the only applicants she gets are Becky and Donna-Marie! Keen to put the pair to the test, Marnie devises a set of challenges for them, and both women get stuck in. However, rather than letting Becky and Donna-Marie know which of them has been successful, Marnie takes a phone call – then tells them she needs a night to sleep on her decision! Then Donna-Marie breaks into the café – what is she planning?…

RED CLOAK… In the Neighbours episodes in Canberra, Nicolette had on a beautiful red coat. I’d love one for when the weather turns cold… | Sophie, Kent Nicolette’s ruby overcoat is the ‘Double Breasted Wool Cashmere Cape – Poppy’ from Allora, and they ship orders over to the UK. There’s also a similar version called the ‘Frill Trim Button Front Cape Coat’ available from Shein. BEST OF FRIENDS… I’m so happy Janine is back! But can you tell me why she’s so chummy with Billy in EastEnders? | Abigail Janine and Billy have a very interesting friendship – more like frenemies! Back in 2001, Janine and Billy used to date. This was after Billy came into some money – but when the cash ran out, the pair parted ways (shocking!).…

“Corrie couldn’t have picked a better person in Max [Evans] to play Corey. He’s an incredible actor and nothing like his character!” “Tanisha Gorey [aka Asha] is one of my best friends. I love working with her, especially when our friendship on screen is constantly wavering. And Adam Hussain [who plays Asha’s twin brother Aadi] is great. He’s like a mini-Dev!” “If you need advice, just go to Elly [Elle Mulvaney, who plays Amy]. I think she’s definitely the mother of our group!” “Whenever I have a scene with Harriet Bibby [Summer], I know it’s going to be the most comforting day ever. You can just chill and relax with her.” “Alex Bain [aka Simon] is so great. Our characters have drifted apart on screen, but it’s always enjoyable to…

In the beginning… Sarah-Louise Platt arrived on 2 February 1987 and was born straight into drama. Dad Brian initially rejected Sarah, convinced that she was the product of Gail’s affair with his cousin, Ian Latimer. Sarah is little sister to Nick, and big sister to David. Baby blues Sarah became ill in the wake of baby Harry’s birth, suffering from post-partum psychosis. With the body of her baby’s father, bad boy Callum, buried under the Platt house, troubled Sarah began to talk to him. Oh brother! It seemed Sarah had finally found true love when she married Jason Grimshaw in 2007, having previously romanced his brother, Todd. Jason jilted her at their first wedding, but Sarah forgave him. However, the couple split a few months later. Big adventures! Most of the…

Soapland has been in a celebratory mood during our little Indian summer – with news bursting out all over! Inside Soap would like to join the chorus of congratulation for EastEnders’ Louisa Lytton, who plays Ruby, and her fiancé Ben Bhanvra, who have welcomed their first child into the world. “And then there were three…” posted Louisa, with a photo of all their hands together. “We are utterly overwhelmed with love.” More news as we get it – while we know they had the nursery ready, the paint colour was free from old gender stereotypes! “We are utterly overwhelmed with love...” Meanwhile, the cute inter-soap couple of Emmerdale’s Amy Walsh (Tracy) and EastEnders’ Toby-Alexander Smith (Gray) have announced they’re expecting their first child. The pair, who have so far kept…

CASUALTY Matthew Afolami..................... Osi Okerafor 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 Marty Kirkby................. Shaheen Jafargholi Jade Lovall........................... Gabriella Leon Rashid ‘Rash’ Masum.............. Neet Mohan Jacob Masters........................ Charles Venn Robyn Miller................ Amanda Henderson Tina Mollett............................. Adele James Stevie Nash.......................... Elinor Lawless CORONATION STREET Aadi Alahan.......................... Adam Hussain Asha Alahan......................... Tanisha Gorey Dev Alahan........................ Jimmi Harkishin Izzy Armstrong................ Cherylee Houston 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…

In one of the most shocking acts of violence in Dales history, a masked robber breaks into the Woolpack this week – and leaves Charity for dead! Terror unfolds after brave Charity attempts to defend the pub when she interrupts an intruder raiding the till. However, as the thief flees, Charity is knocked to the ground – where she’s later found lying in a pool of her own blood… “Viewers should brace themselves for heartache as Charity fights for her life,” warns our village insider. “The head injury that she sustains is serious, and it’s touch and go as to whether she is going to make it.” UNDER THREAT Prior to the attack, tension is building at the Woolpack as Marlon considers selling his stake in the business to Al.…

One good thing comes out of Ryan being accused of Zeedan’s assault this week – he’s given a glimmer of hope that Alya wants him back! And Sair tells us that she hasn’t given up on her character reuniting with her ex… “Since the break-up, I’ve realised how fully invested I am in them as a couple,” she grins. “So I’m interested to see where their relationship could go next. Alya’s trying to put on a brave face, as if she doesn’t care about Ryan – but deep down she loves him and wants him back. “Now she knows about Daisy’s manipulation, it makes the whole thing more complicated,” adds Sair. “Alya doesn’t want to let Ryan off the hook too easily, but she is definitely still pining for him.”…

Coronation Street viewers should batten down the hatches and prepare for hurricane Abi – as the grieving mum plots to wreak terrible revenge on killer Corey! The Weatherfield legal system let Abi down after finding the wicked teen not guilty of murdering her beloved son, Seb. However, the court verdict is just the beginning of a blockbuster new chapter in this story – set to explode on screen next month as part of ITV’s Super Soap Week – as Abi teams up with a blast from the past to see that Corey is punished once and for all. Actress Sally Carman, who plays the vengeful mum, reveals all… Hi Sally! Tell us, how is Abi feeling in the wake of the verdict? She was daring to believe that justice could…

How far do you think Jamie would go for his slice of the Tate empire? I think he’d go pretty far to get it back, now that he’s had a taste of it. He sees what that life can afford him. So fans can expect Jamie to do whatever it takes to get back into Kim’s good books. He’ll go above and beyond. Is Jamie someone you’d be mates with? Me personally? No! Jamie has just done too many things wrong. He’s too fickle; he’ll do whatever suits him at that moment. Despite me being a Surrey boy and as posh as they come, I don’t think Alex and Jamie would get on particularly well, no! What did viewers think about Jamie being Kim’s poisoner? People were really surprised that…

After 20 years of living in Walford, Patrick could be forced to wave goodbye this week – as Sheree forges ahead with her sneaky plans to sell their home and move away permanently! Isaac’s mum lied to convince Patrick that their son would be better off in Trinidad, and his father agreed to go with them. However, Sheree comes unstuck after Denise rumbles her plan… “Sheree wants what she thinks is best for Isaac, but she’s not giving him or anyone else a say in the matter,” explains our Square mole. Sheree’s actions come to light as Isaac prepares for Lola and Lexi to move in. However, Sheree reminds Patrick that she’s still relocating to the Caribbean, despite her son’s best efforts to rebuild his life in Walford. And when…

”As a fan of EastEnders, I’m watching these scenes of Gray slowly unravelling on screen, and I’m thinking someone has to rumble him!” reveals Shona McGarty, aka Whitney, as we chat to her about her character getting closer to the killer again. “I don’t know where this storyline is going, and I keep wanting to ask the writers because I’m just so excited to see what’s going to happen. As a viewer and a fan, I’m loving it!” With Whitney back in Gray’s orbit again following his split from Chelsea, Shona might not want to know what’s going to happen, just in case her character is next on the killer’s hit list! He’s already bumped off Whitney’s fiancé Kush in a fit of jealousy – yet Whit’s oblivious to his…

“Paddy is terrified of them!” Dominic reminds us. (In fact, Paddy’s fear of horses stretches back at least 20 years, as this week’s Classic Scoop on p35 will confirm.) “If there’s a horse job on, he sends someone else. Paddy’s been kicked by them – he thinks they’re big, stupid and clumsy! But he does this deal as he thinks it’s the only way they can keep hold of the pub. “Filming with this horse was fine, but when you’re up close to one in real life, that’s when you go, ‘God almighty, they’re massive!’. They’re three times bigger than you expect them to be – I just remember the donkeys on Blackpool beach, so it’s a surprise to me when I meet a real horse!”…

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After stepping into the shoes of Chief Inspector Colin Sutton in Manhunt – the 2019 drama based on the real-life investigation which brought serial killer Levi Bellfield to justice – Martin Clunes reprises the role in this sequel. The new four-parter – playing out across the week – is based on another of DCI Sutton’s investigations; surrounding a series of rapes, sexual assaults and burglaries in South East London between 1992 and 2009. Originally named Operation Minstead, a police unit was tasked with capturing the man known as The Night Stalker… “I was delighted at the prospect of playing Colin again,” reveals Martin, as Inside TV joins him for a video call. “This story is terribly different from the last. You think Colin is coming into this 17-year-old investigation as…

There’s a ‘wheely’ good time in store with Si King and Dave Myers – aka The Hairy Bikers – this week, as the no-nonsense chefs are back aboard their beloved motorbikes for a trip up north… “Without doubt, our most personal, emotional and enlightening journey,” reckons Si. “It’s a trip around the wonderful northern landscapes that shaped our identities, palates, culture and friendship.” For the next eight weeks, the guys take in a host of stunning northern locations while travelling from the west coast to the east. This week is Lancashire, where legendary pies, gin-making and a unique ice cream in Blackpool are just a few of the treats on the menu. And of course, Si and Dave will be whipping up delicious recipes of their own along the way……

APPLE TV+ THE MORNING SHOW Picking up after the explosive events of season one, this second run finds The Morning Show team emerging from the wreckage of Alex and Bradley’s denunciation of their employers, into a world in flux due to the pandemic. The relationship between Alex (Jennifer Aniston) and Bradley (Reese Witherspoon) is also explored – while former The Good Wife star Julianna Margulies joins the cast as Laura Peterson, another UBA News anchor. FILM BETWEEN WAVES When Isaac, the love of Jamie’s life, mysteriously disappears, she’s crushed. Finding a notebook and a map he left, with a message asking her to take the trip they had planned, she ventures to the island of Sao Miguel for answers. This sci-fi love story is available on leading digital platforms. BOOK…

BULLSEYE! In the space of approximately six weeks, Victoria and David will have been at the mercy of: a deranged killer, an armed gunman and white-water kayak terror… They’re clearly the flavour of the month! So what’s in store for them next? An escaped leopard? The zombie apocalypse? Planting a bomb on an alien mothership? We’ll make sure we have our popcorn ready! Absolute w*****r. We know that she’s an utter car crash, but that’s the secret to Laura’s charm. The campaign to make her a regular character starts here! Emmerdale’s Mack could be flirting with a Billy bookcase from IKEA and it would still be the undisputed thrill of our week. We’re growing to like someone who could literally drop dead at any moment. It feels very cruel after…

Al Marlon’s choice of investor was so controversial that some will do whatever it takes to keep him out of the Woolpack. But would Al consider turning the tables on the Dingles if his venture came under threat? Faith It would be just typical of Chas and Cain’s madcap mum to pull a hare-brained stunt, thinking that she’s helping her family. A bit like that time she sent Kim Tate crashing over a balcony into a table of champagne. Mackenzie The Woolie is perhaps one of the few places in the village that the Dales’ resident troublemaker hasn’t tried to rob! And this wouldn’t be the first time that one of his bungled jobs has gone hideously wrong… Liv As she struggles to control her alcohol addiction, Liv could be…

“You tell it like it is, and I’m not always good at hearing it.” “Because most of the time you’re talking to God, so you don’t get much actual feedback.” With all the disasters, how much more feedback from God does Emmerdale need? “Curtis could have come off the road… He could be down a ravine… Or what if he’s trapped and has to cut off his own arm?” Super Soap Week revealed! “You’ve got a very firm and insistent knock on you, haven’t you? I do like a man with a firm grip. There’s not a woman alive who relishes a limp one.” Well indeed. “Let’s face it, Mum, I had a good life until you inserted yourself back into it. I lived with my wife and daughter; I…

FAIR CITY Lee learns that he was the one who killed Will this week, and not Ger who was trying to take the fall! Will Lee confess? Elsewhere, Damien attempts to convince Cristiano to attend Will’s funeral… And Zak lies to both Sash and Tommy about his wealth. RIVER CITY Roisin encourages Stevie to open up in a counselling session this week, and Stevie wonders whether to find out who his dad is. Elsewhere, Karen is desperate to make amends with Jessie but finds herself pushed away! Plus, Ruby wants to raise money for Caitlin. THE ARCHERS There’s worry at Beechwood when Joy reveals some disturbing news this week, and the pressure mounts for Lee and Tony! Meanwhile, Kenton and Eddie compete for prime position at the Flower & Produce…

BABY SWAP MADNESS! Aaron and David were thrilled in Neighbours to be reunited with their baby daughter. But the viewers were beyond shocked when it was revealed that baby Isla isn’t actually their child… What on earth is going to happen when Aaron and David realise they’ve been raising the wrong baby? Surely it has to come out in a medical emergency when they realise their different blood types – that’s so soap! Ollie I can’t wait to find out what Nicolette is up to in Neighbours. Selling her baby to Paul, but it wasn’t really her baby! Did she have twins? Or did she steal a baby? She is such a troublemaker, I wonder what she is really up to and if Nicolette is ever coming back to Ramsay…

“Where do I most enjoy filming? I’d probably say the Vic, because that’s where all the fights, arguments, and stunts happen! I do love a stunt.” “One of the stunts I really enjoyed filming was when Whitney ran over Kat. I really wanted to put my foot down, but they wouldn’t let me! I felt a bit like Lara Croft, I loved it.” “Jean Slater is my fave character. Gillian Wright is unbelievably talented, the way she can play the character with that constant high energy – she’s completely different off screen.” “My favourite plot to film was when Whitney was in prison. I loved the make-up, they even made my teeth look really yellow! I felt like I was filming a different side to Whitney.” “The scene where Whitney…

It was the plot twist that Corrie viewers didn’t see coming, as innocent Kelly was found guilty of murdering Seb Franklin, while his true killer Corey skipped home to a takeaway curry. Then, what happened next was all the more devastating, as broken Kelly sought to put an end to her nightmare by attempting to take her own life. Better news, however, is that Kelly is to survive her ordeal. And while the fight to see Corey punished for his crime isn’t over (see p12), the campaign to free Kelly starts here – as actress Millie Gibson joins an iconic list of Street heroines sent to prison for crimes they didn’t commit… What a heartbreaking turn of events, Millie! What do you make of it all? I was shocked! I…

The giraffe. I think they are so beautiful. We had some gorgeous giraffes on Wild At Heart. The baby, a male called Hamley, he was like a dog. He was used to being on set, so he would stick his head in the make-up truck of a morning and check out what we were doing! 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!…

Glitter! Glamour! Gawwjus-ness! Yes, Strictly Come Dancing is back to fill our weekends with fancy footwork and killer costumes, and among the 15 celebrities taking part this year are soap stars Katie McGlynn (Corrie’s Sinead Tinker) and Rose Ayling-Ellis (EastEnders’ Frankie Lewis) – who’ll be making telly history as the show’s first deaf contestant. The pair tell Inside TV what made them choose to keeeep dancing… “I’ve always admired dancers, so I’m now living out a childhood dream!” cheers Katie. “I’m excited for the sequins, too, but I do actually want to learn how to dance.” “I feel like it’s so important for somebody like me to be on the show,” adds Rose. “I want to break down the stereotype that deaf people can’t dance and can’t enjoy music.” Also…

As Extreme Food Phobics reaches its mid-point this week, its host Dr Ranj tells us his go-to telly… What was the last series you binge-watched? I recently binged a zombie series on Netflix called Black Summer. I can’t watch health programmes because it reminds me too much of work, so I like to watch something completely the opposite, that I can just get lost in. Which comedies have you most enjoyed lately? I love watching stand-up comedians: Alan Carr, Tom Allen, Judi Love – they’re all fantastic. What kind of shows did you watch when you were growing up? A lot of cartoons and Saturday morning TV, with people like Phillip Schofield –who I then ended up working with! I watched Dynasty, which when I was a kid was huge,…

CORONATION STREET Unhappy birthday! THE PLATTS’ PLANS FOR AUDREY’S BIG DAY FALL FLAT… We’ll be wishing many happy returns to cobbles stalwart Audrey next week as she marks her birthday – however, the stylist is in no mood for celebrating! She’s still smarting from her old pal Rita’s terrible barnet betrayal, and she’s none too impressed with her family’s attempts to mark her special day either! But as poor Aud lets her emotions get the better of her, is there more going on with her than first meets the eye? EASTENDERS Boss from hell! Tensions between Honey and Suki escalate next week, as working conditions at the Minute Mart become unbearable. Will upset Honey be pushed to quit her job? HOME AND AWAYCash’s mystery woman! NEIGHBOURS Julie Quill is back……