Table of contents for 39 - 2021 in Inside Soap UK

“Look out for a homicidal nurse in a canoe” Hear ye, hear ye… With the power vested in me by the ancient spirits of Elsie Tanner, Annie Sugden and Ethel’s Little Willy, I hereby declare a new national holiday. Yes, I name Super Soap Week – and we are determined to make that a thing – to be from Monday 18 to Friday 22 October. It will be a time for partying in the streets and exchanging coy looks with that neighbour you secretly fancy, before rushing home to enjoy insane stunt-based disaster in the ITV soaps (and Issue 39 25 Sept – 1 Oct 2021 I’ll bet EastEnders has something up its jumper). For the latest news, turn to p12. But remember, while out celebrating, that this is the…

LIAR! After Paddy’s cousin Ross hit Gennie Dingle with his car, Paddy agreed to lie to the cops that he was the one driving… ASSAULT! Mild-mannered Paddy found himself suspended from the vets’ practice after he hit a police officer! CHEAT! Paddy’s first marriage, to Emily, ended after he had an affair with her boss, Viv Windsor! KIDNAP! When Paddy was offered a job in New Zealand, he and Rhona planned to take Leo away from dad Marlon! CHEAT AGAIN! While married to Rhona, Paddy started an affair with Leo’s school teacher, Tess – and we all know how that ended……

Over in the Dales, it’s no secret that the cast has been busy filming the show’s biggest ever disaster for Super Soap Week at a water sports facility at Tees Barrage, Stockton. David and Victoria will suffer a terrifying rafting accident, and now it turns out that village bosses plan to ‘wow’ us with more action-packed drama than we realise… “There are four big stunts that happen over the week,” teases actor Matthew Wolfenden, who plays David. “Two of them in particular have never been done in a soap before, so it’s massive for us. I’m covered in bruises and cuts – and all I can say is that it has something to do with Meena…” Could this be the week that Meena claims her next victim?…

It’s a sad and difficult time for Chas and Paddy this week, as they reach the three-year anniversary of losing their daughter, Grace. The couple were utterly devastated in 2018 when their baby girl – who was diagnosed with a genetic disorder – tragically passed away just 29 minutes after being born. Faith and Liv are on hand to listen as Chas fights her overwhelming sadness, but will Paddy give his wife the support she needs as he juggles his drugs nightmare with Kim?…

Tane attempts to get over his break-up from Ziggy this week – by bedding another woman! Keen to let off some steam after Ziggy ditched him for Dean, Tane heads out to a club, and is soon flirting up a storm with barmaid Felicity! It’s clear there’s some serious chemistry, and once Felicity’s shift finishes, she and Tane head back to her place to continue the party… The following morning, Tane regrets his drunken liaison, and tries to sneak out before his one-night stand wakes up – but as he tip-toes out of the bedroom, he bumps straight into local police officer Cash! It’s clear the men are shocked to see each other, and Felicity takes great delight in introducing Tane to her brother, Cash. So how will Cash react…

The net closes in on Jeni this week – forcing her to make a run for it! The evil predator is making plans to escape and take Evie with her, as Fletch and Donna anxiously await the arrival of the police. As cops swarm the hospital, Jeni takes cover in a derelict wing of the building and arms herself with a broken shard of glass, before Fletch and Evie eventually catch up to her. However, after Fletch calmly convinces Jeni to surrender her weapon, what will he do? Hand Jeni over to the police? Or dish out his own justice?…

HOLBY DEATH TRAP! The aftermath of the bomb in Holby City left so many lives hanging in the balance! But the most shocking event was that killer Cameron perished. Lots of viewers wrote in to tell us their thoughts… Can someone explain to me how Henrik is still alive? He’s had so many near-death experiences, and this time around got crushed. Yet he still manages to be up and walking within a few hours! Michael I’m so glad that Cameron has finally gone – and we got to see the body which means there’s no coming back. After Bernie turned up, it’s safe to say I will never trust an off-screen death again. Naomi, Watford The best Holby City and Casualty episodes in my opinion are the crossovers. It was…

Ceramics with Kirsten Ramsay The oldest ever item to pass through the barn doors is a 2,000-year-old terracotta figure, smashed to bits following a house move. Getting the statue back in one piece will draw on Kirsten’s skills conserving ancient treasures at the British Museum. Instruments with Pete Woods A 50s drum kit belonging to West Country jazz band Pete And His Stardusters has spent so many years in a garage that it’s more rack‘n’ruin than rock‘n’roll. Restoring them will pose a test to Pete’s formidable percussive restoration talents. Paintings with Lucia Scalisi A wooden toy box – which followed two young boys of Jewish heritage who fled 1930s Nazi Germany – calls on Lucia’s incredible ability to not only revive the paintwork, but also decipher and…

After successfully arguing their way around the likes of America and Lapland, celebrated foodies and BFFs Gordon Ramsay, Gino D’Acampo and Fred Sirieix take a culinary crash course around the Greek islands – and, naturally, the boys admit it was good to be back… “It was so nice to be together, especially after the pandemic,” cheers Fred. “Yes, we really appreciated how lucky we were to get away and film safely,” agrees Gordon. “And all the locations we visited were quieter than usual, which gave us time to admire the beauty of Greece.” “The last trip was very cold, so it was brilliant to be back in the sunshine,” concurs Gino. “And I loved being able to captain the boat and make the guys say ‘Yes, Cap!’ to me…” Ah,…

How does Toyah feel when she realises Imran is lying to her? It’s horrible – I really feel for her because she’s almost being made to feel as though she’s going a bit crazy. It will turn out that there are things he’s lied to her about that night, so she is justified in feeling like this, but at the time she’s made to feel as if she’s the one going mad. What does Toyah think of Sabeen? I think it’s fair to say that Toyah has been wary ever since Sabeen came back on the scene. That’s not because she doesn’t trust Imran, she just doesn’t trust Sabeen! Toyah doesn’t want this woman around, yet it seems as if she’s popping up more and more. Toyah and Imran have…

Corrie is to stage a disaster so epic that it will rival the soap’s famous tram crash stunt from 2010 – and claim the life of at least one character! Weatherfield boss Iain MacLeod has confirmed that the soap will be pulling out all the stops and going all guns blazing for ITV’s Super Soap Week next month, with the sinkhole in the Platt family garden spelling tragedy… “We’ve tried to look at the past 12 months and the limited way in which all soaps have been forced to tell their stories [due to Covid], and try to subvert that and go, ‘We’re back!’” explains Iain, suggesting that restrictions on set will be scrapped for the blockbuster scenes. “It’s going to be cinematic with lots of emotion and spectacle –…

It’s the end of an era in the Dales, following the news that Diane is bowing out of the show! Actress Elizabeth Estensen has announced her retirement, after two decades of drama… “For the past 22 years I have loved playing Diane Sugden – she’s kind, reliable and fiercely loyal,” grins Liz. “However, I now feel the time has come to say goodbye. Emmerdale will always be special to me. I’ve been treated with respect and kindness, and I’ve had the very best friends and colleagues, past and present. I’ll miss everyone.” Diane’s most memorable moments have included beating cancer twice, getting stabbed in the dark by Chas Dingle and losing her sister Val to a mirror maze. And, lest we forget her two biggest love affairs as landlady of…

YOUNG AT HEART Even in her 40s, Audrey could rock a killer dress just as well as her teenage daughter Gail. And this was just to pop down Freshco. PULLING A CRACKER Nothing says ‘Christmas’ like two good time girls in Santa cloaks. Here, Audrey and the dearly departed Ivy brought the sparkle to the Street’s 1990 festive celebrations. HAIR-RAISING HELLRAISER The first rule of being a party animal is getting your hair so big that nobody can miss you. In the 80s, Audrey made her mark as the queen of the massive barnet. WHAT A CARD Audrey can make the most of any social occasion, even when it involves playing for tuppences in the snug. This game of ‘Custer’s Last Stand’ could only be improved by many G&Ts. GIRLS…

“Norris was the finest of men. The finest of hubsters. I’m going to miss him dripping poison in my ear, and slagging off all the neighbours. He slagged off all of you. Constantly.” We will never know his like again. “It’s always the same, you getting involved with women. It’s always a mess. It’s like you’re scared to commit. Someone comes along who is genuine and nice and you get cold feet and leg it. You can’t keep going round in circles all the time. It’s selfish!” And now Jacob has somehow talked David into staying with Meena? Amazing. “She kind of got the wrong end of the stick.” “You mean when you abandoned your partner and two kids for her, she thought things were getting serious? The dozy mare!…

The long arm of the law reaches for two Emmerdale residents this week – in very different ways! Former copper Harriet is given food for thought when PC Swirling encourages her to rejoin the force! It’s clear that the vicar is considering it as she confides in Dawn that she’s been lacking purpose recently – but could it open up a whole can of worms for her? “Let’s not forget that Harriet was involved in the murder of a police officer!” our village mole reminds us. “If she wants to keep that under wraps, becoming involved in the local force might not be the best move. If DI Malone’s body is ever uncovered, Harriet may well end up investigating a crime that she committed!” Meanwhile, there’s more bad news for…

Sally’s parking crusade is reinvigorated this week, when she sees a way to get local traffic warden Fergus on side! It’s after Sal spots a local councillor – who previously ignored her concerns – parking his car on the Street while he goes to catch a tram that she is left incensed, and vows to take action! But as she begs Fergus to back her, will he agree that there are benefits to residents-only parking? “There’s certainly no love lost between Fergus and Sally after he gave her a parking ticket!” our Weatherfield mole reminds us. “She made it quite clear what she thought of him back then, but now Sal realises that she needs to get Fergus on side if she’s to win this battle. She’s certainly determined, we’ll…

Tracy takes a big step in her recovery this week, when she and Frankie move back home for good. Nate’s delighted to have his girls back, but both he and Tracy know that this is a delicate time. Boosted by her medical team’s confidence in her, Tracy tries to settle back into life in their family home. However, with both she and Nate aware of how hard her battle with postnatal depression has been so far, Tracy knows she needs to take baby steps in rebuilding her life……

FAIR CITY Anto and Sharon throw a farewell party for Darragh and Lee this week, but not everyone is pleased about their departure… Meanwhile, Pete arranges a surprise for Dolores – a visit from Cleo Collins! Plus, Orla and Paul come to a ‘friends with benefits’ arrangement. RIVER CITY Stevie puts on a wake to honour his father this week, but Scarlett soon admits to Bernie that Stevie’s dad isn’t dead at all! Elsewhere, Alex and Karen’s antagonism turns to attraction, and they give in to temptation. And Nicole agrees to an interview with Darren… THE ARCHERS Lee makes an unexpected discovery that leads to more drama for Kirsty this week, and it goes from bad to worse… Meanwhile, Lynda finds herself duty bound to offer support to a kindred…

PARTY TIME In Emmerdale when Tracy and Nate were in the Woolpack celebrating their engagement, Tracy wore an off-the-shoulder top – I think it was pink, but very sparkly… Jenny Tracy’s ultimate party top is from River Island and called the ‘Pink Long Sleeve Sequin Bardot Top’. At the moment, it’s in the sale with only a few sizes left, so grab one quick! FAMILIAR FACES I spotted the EastEnders’ actress who played Cora Cross on Silent Witness the other day, and what I want to know is when was the last time she was in Walford? Marlene, Hove We saw the brilliant Ann Mitchell on the show too! Cora has been in and out of Albert Square since 2011 – but the last time she was there was 2018.…

Daniel’s very brave, going to teach at a secondary school!” laughs Corrie star Rob Mallard, as he joins us for a chat about his alter ego’s new career. “I think he had this idea of going in and finding that one student you manage to help in such a way that, later down the line, they come back and say that you changed their life. But he very quickly realises he has a room full of 30 kids who don’t care!” A bunch of indifferent kids is one thing, but Daniel’s transition into the world of teaching has been made all the more difficult by his neighbour Max, who’s determined to disrupt the class and make Daniel’s life hell. And this week, Daniel is suspended from his job after David…

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CASUALTY Matthew Afolami..................... Osi Okerafor Faith Cadogan....................... Kirsty Mitchell Iain Dean....................... Michael Stevenson Charlie Fairhead............... Derek Thompson Teddy Gowan............................ Milo Clarke Ethan Hardy..................... George Rainsford David Hide................................. Jason Durr Jan Jenning................................ Di Botcher Dylan Keogh............................ William Beck Marty Kirkby................. Shaheen Jafargholi 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…

Murderous Meena returns to the village next week – and after David’s recent brush with death, she’s determined not to leave her man’s side again! In fact, having her boyfriend completely at her mercy suits psychotic Meena down to the ground, and she’s determined to be the best nursemaid he could possibly have. But how far will she go to make sure she’s the ONLY person that David needs to lean on in his time of crisis?…

BULLSEYE! Bye then, Alina Pop! From the nail bar exploitation to Tyrone’s… exploitation, it was certainly eventful while it lasted. We take comfort from your departure knowing that little baby Pop-Dobbs is going to re-enter their daddy’s life one day, just as he’s navigating his eighth mid-life crisis; probably while trying to date one of Dev’s grandchildren. Until then… Down the years, Shirley almost killing Phil has become a sure sign that autumn has arrived. Like falling leaves, the swallows flying south, or the trip to WHSmith for a new pencil case. Our Emmerdale spy is due with a report very soon now. He’s preparing to break cover at any moment. The coping mechanism that 16-year-old Aadi employed during his ‘birds and the bees’ chat was arguably soap’s Most True-To-Life…

If you’re wondering why Mick and Linda aren’t around to keep their beady eyes on Janine, it’s because star Kellie Bright – who plays Linda – is currently on maternity leave. The actress and her husband, Paul Stocker, revealed their baby news to OK! Magazine, saying, “We’re thrilled to announce the safe arrival of the latest addition to our family. Mum and baby are doing well.” The couple already have two sons – Freddy, nine, and four-year-old Gene – but there was no news at the time of going to press on whether the boys have a little brother or a little sister. Meanwhile, after welcoming baby Annie to their family, Mick and Linda have been keen to keep her true paternity a secret – so expect them to be…

Jean and Stacey could be in for one hell of a family reunion, if fresh rumours surrounding a comeback for Sean Slater are true! Our spies spotted star Rob Kazinsky – who made a brief return to the role in 2019 – at the soap’s set in Elstree, with the US-based actor’s social media confirming that he’s been enjoying the sights of London recently. “Imagine Jean’s joy if Stacey is released from prison around the same time that Sean re-enters their lives,” smiles our Square insider. “On top of the news that her cancer hasn’t returned as she thought, Jean having her two children home will be the icing on the cake.” Sean and Jean finally buried the hatchet after an emotional showdown between mother and son saved him from…

Beale he return? ’ Don t expect to see Ian Beale in Walford for “quite a while”, says Adam Woodyatt. The star’s current run in the theatre show Looking Good Dead has been extended till April next year, so an EastEnders comeback is a long way off… Grave expectations ’ Hollyoaks bad boys Warren and Fergus will be forced to work together in grisly scenes that see the pair burying a body! However, which unlucky villager are they digging a muddy hole for in the woods? Trading places In a new sponsorship deal, Corrie appears to be replacing the Street’s local Costa with an EE phone shop. So… congratulations to café owner Roy, for winning the Weatherfield coffee war!…

She’s at it again! Have you noticed how Priya has become chief counsellor of the Dales? We’ve seen her holding forth on post-natal depression, grief, infidelity and father-son relationships. There doesn’t seem to be a problem that can’t be cracked by Priya’s insight. While we love to see friends helping each other, we can’t help but raise an eyebrow when Priya offers up wisdom. We’re not sure Leyla should take marriage advice from the woman who discovered – twice! – that her groom was diddling somebody else. Still, you live and learn, so perhaps Priya’s experience will help others to navigate life’s big problems. We’re just keeping our fingers crossed that she can also help herself!…

There’s a worrying development between Charlie and Ella this week, as they discuss their plans to have underage sex! After Darren and Nancy hear Leah talking about Charlie’s secret girlfriend, they’re determined to find out who it is – but little do they realise that it’s their interrogation that pushes Charlie and Ella together… And after the teenagers decide that being boyfriend and girlfriend isn’t such a bad idea, they conclude that the next logical step is for them to sleep together! How will Nancy and Darren react when they hear what the kids are planning?…

Star £25 letter! NO SMOKE WITHOUT FIRE! The episode of EastEnders with the house fire was nothing short of intense. I’m still not sure why no one attempted to catch Tommy when he fell off the ledge, though. They were happy to watch him get hurt! Since Janine returned there’s been nothing but drama – it’s great! Deborah, Derby DOGGY DAYCARE I’m hoping to see more of Corrie’s canine stars again soon. During the pandemic, we’ve loved our pets so much more, being at home. However, we still don’t see enough of Cerberus with Evelyn, or Kirk with his Peanut. Where is David, the little yorkie? And we’ve not seen Steve’s dog in a long time either! Kevin, Staffordshire We’re sure social distancing on set has been the problem –…

“Yeah man!” was the collective response from the Inside Soap team when we heard that Rudolph Walker – aka Walford’s Patrick Trueman – would be joining us for an exclusive chat to reminisce over two decades worth of drama on EastEnders. The 82-year-old star, who was recently accompanied by his daughter Sheona to collect a CBE from Prince Charles, marks 20 years on the Square this month – and tells us that he owes his success to his kids, who convinced him to join the show when bosses offered him the part. Our only regret is that we can’t include audio soundbites of Rudolph’s infectious laugh, which has us utterly smitten with him from beginning to end… Congratulations on marking 20 years with EastEnders, Rudolph! How does it feel? “If…

Rob remains firm friends with his former screen missus Katie McGlynn (who played Sinead), and will be cheering her on as she lights up the Strictly dance floor. Yet he’s not entirely sold on Katie’s dancing skills… “When Katie gets enough drinks in her, she likes to dance – which I always think is really funny, because she can’t dance!” he told Inside Soap last year. “I wouldn’t even really call it dancing so much, just ‘feeling’.” Never mind – we’re sure what Strictly super-fan Katie lacks in rhythm she will make up for in enthusiasm!…

As Ainsley continues to cheer us with his Good Mood Food series, the legendary chef tells us about the TV that makes him smile… What have you enjoyed on TV most recently? The Euros and the Olympics took up 80% of my time! I like a bit of late-night Celebrity Gogglebox, and I always find time for Bradley Walsh on The Chase… What are your favourite comedies? I do enjoy Would I Lie to You?, but the great thing with telly now is that I can always find some of the classics to watch, too. How about your favourite shows growing up? I loved the old days when you didn’t have to change channels! Saturday night on the BBC: The Generation Game, The Two Ronnies, Starsky & Hutch, Match Of…

This new survival challenge show sees comedians Ed Gamble, Kerry Godliman, Jessica Knappett, Jamali Maddix, Toussaint Douglass and Lou Sanders pair up in an attempt to – among other things – fell a tree, rescue an air-crash victim and invent a camp motto, all in the hope of earning a badge from leader David Mitchell… Hi David! Tell us more about the show. Originally it was getting comedians outward bound and competing for Scout badges, which is quite funny. However, what I thought would give it more grist to its mill was if, as well as the adult Scouting, it was also about the human condition and our means of survival. And you’re in charge of the comedians from your very own HQ… Yes – and I enjoyed it because…

THEATRE CHICAGO TOUR Chicago launches its UK tour in September, starring former Coronation Street actress Faye Brookes (Kate Connor) as Roxie Hart, music icon Sinitta as Mama Morton, and Darren Day as Billy Flynn. Featuring all the incredible music of Kander and Ebb, this musical favourite is guaranteed to have you singing, dancing, and all that jazz! FILM TOGETHER TOGETHER Young loner Anna is hired as the surrogate for Matt, a single man in his 40s who wants a child. The two soon come to realize this unexpected relationship will challenge their perceptions of connection, boundaries, and the nature of love. (On leading digital platforms.) BOOK THE STORYTELLER OF CASABLANCA  by Fiona Valpy Zoe is struggling with her marriage, her baby daughter, and her new life as an ex-pat in…