Table of contents for 53 - 2021 in Inside Soap UK

“We have to do a delicate dance for you” This isn’t meant as a whinge – we never complain! – but you might be interested to know that this is the trickiest issue of the Inside Soap year to put together. It goes into the shops a couple of days before Christmas, but covers the storylines from the first week of the new year. So we have to do a delicate dance – part waltz, part quickstep, part a sort of sexy shimmy – around certain shocks of the festive season. Happily, there’s plenty of new plots revving-up to distract you! Fresh from her wedding drama, Corrie’s Emma – with help from Faye – literally knocks her new storyline off its crutches in a VW Golf. In Emmerdale, Vanessa has…

Why do you think Suki is lashing out at Ash right now? Suki is battling a lot at the moment. There’s a lot of confusion going on in her mind in terms of who she is, and also the situation she had with Honey has muddled her brain a little. She sees Ashneet being free as a person, free with her sexuality, free with who she chooses to sit with, and that grates on Suki because she is unable to do that. Have you enjoyed going deep into Suki’s psyche for these scenes? Yes, it’s been brilliant. I think there’s a real lost little person in Suki, and it’s been really interesting to find who she actually is. Could Suki ever become a better person? Yes, I think so. I…

Charity’s left furious this week, when her former partner Vanessa announces that she’s staying in the village for good! It’s taken Charity months to get over her heartbreak after being dumped by Vanessa, and now that she’s moved on with Mack, she’s finally in a good place. Yet having Vanessa back in the village full time could threaten to tear her newfound happiness apart. Keen to keep things civil, though, Charity approaches her ex-fiancée and asks if she can spend some time with her young son, Johnny, who Charity loves as if he were her own. But Vanessa’s having none of it, and soon the angry pair are embroiled in a full-on argument! Can the exes find a way to peacefully co-exist in the same village?…

FAIR CITY Carol worries that someone from Ritchie’s gang has returned this week, but the stranger turns out to be Louis. Elsewhere, Cristiano has a big decision to consider when Patrick makes him an offer… Plus, Bela advises Melanie to give Alex some space. RIVER CITY Ellie is faced with a harsh reality this week, and Caitlin does her best to be supportive – but Ellie is determined to find a way to become a mum… Meanwhile, Kim fears her ex will come looking for her after being released from prison. And Karen tries to keep her secret under wraps. THE ARCHERS Alice and Chris take Martha for a day out this week, but it all ends in disaster as events spiral out of control. Elsewhere, it’s a full house…

BYE, BYE, TIFFANY! After 13 years in Walford – and more recently the breakdown of her marriage to Keegan – Tiffany decided to bid farewell to Albert Square! And our readers had a lot to say about it… It’s a real shame that Tiff has decided to leave, because there’s obviously still feelings between her and Keegan. And now, they’ll never know! It’s turned into a messy divorce after a dreamy first year of marriage. Holly, London The only good thing about Tiff leaving Walford is her getting away from Aaron! He’s a real bad bloke, and I think if she’d stayed then he would have ended up leading her astray again… Pamela With Tiff having left, I wonder if Dotty will make another move on Keegan. It seems clear…

Vanessa may have returned to the village to help her sister, but Tracy won’t be around for too much longer – as actress Amy Walsh is soon going on her maternity leave. And Michelle tells us that she’s been giving her screen sister lots of tips on motherhood… “All we do on set is talk about babies!” she giggles. “I’m sure everyone is really sick of us. I’m not even joking when I say we talk non-stop about it. It’s just really, really exciting. There was me and Laura Norton [who plays Kerry], and now Amy. It’s brilliant!” And Michelle tells us that becoming a mum has been a dream come true for her. “I’m absolutely loving it,” she grins. “Though Teddy must have known I had a 5.30am start…

There’s nothing we love more in soap than a good ‘will-they, won’t-they’ plot – and we must admit that we’ve been willing Karen and Mitch to get back together for quite some time now. We know he’s broken her heart in the past, but Mitch seems to love Karen – and after everything they’ve been through, they both deserve a bit of happiness. This week, the pair are thrown a curveball when circumstances force them to bunk up in the same bed! Might there be some saucy shenanigans on the horizon? EastEnders star Lorraine Stanley reckons that Karen’s happy for them to be just good friends for now… Hi, Lou! There’s drama in the Taylor house this week – what can you tell us? Well, there’s a leak in the…

Pink Velvet Open Flat Make-Up Box Bag and Tray No more rummaging for cosmetics as this chic pink bag opens out into a tray. Cooper Poodle Blue Velvet Make-Up Bag Adorned in blue velvet, this make-up bag features a cute poodle motif. Cotton Velvet Wash Bag Brighten up morning routines with this striking yellow cosmetics bag. Diamante Polka Dot Make-Up Bag Elevate your beauty routine with this elegant green make-up bag.…

After a car accident in the hot and dusty depths of the Australian Outback robs a man of his memory, his desperate bid to rediscover his identity sends him running for his life – as Jamie Dornan, who plays ‘The Man’ in this stunning series, explains… “This is a cat-and-mouse thriller, one man’s darkly comic journey of self-discovery – it’s just mad!” reckons the star, who appears alongside Danielle Macdonald (star of movies including Patti Cake$ and Dumplin’) and Line Of Duty’s Shalom Brune-Franklin in the six-part run. “We find The Man driving through the dusty outback of south Australia, followed by a big, nasty, aggressive-looking truck. He’s hit off the road in a terrible accident and wakes up in hospital where he doesn’t remember anything and doesn’t know who…

Between 2014 and 2015 in Barking, Essex, Stephen Port drugged, raped and caused the deaths of four young men. This new three-part drama tells the true story of how the families of the victims fought for justice. Stephen Merchant, who plays Port, tells Inside TV how – being typically a comedy actor – he was initially hesitant about taking on the role of a murderer… “I was apprehensive for a number of reasons,” shares the star. “I’ve had to work with a voice coach to scale back my quite distinct Bristol accent. Then there’s the challenge of doing the story and the families justice: that’s the trickiest thing.” Also starring in the drama are Sheridan Smith as Sarah Sak, the mother of Port’s first victim, Anthony Walgate; and Jaime Winstone…

CASUALTY Matthew Afolami..................... Osi Okerafor Sah Brockner....................... Arin Smethurst 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 Stevie Nash.......................... Elinor Lawless CORONATION STREET Aadi Alahan.......................... Adam Hussain Asha Alahan......................... Tanisha Gorey Dev Alahan........................ Jimmi Harkishin 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 Battersby.................... Georgia Taylor Sam…

Cain’s brutal actions spark another bitter battle between him and nemesis Al, who angrily accuses the mechanic of hurting his son! When he’s unable to locate Ellis, Al is convinced that Cain is responsible – though Cain denies all knowledge. These two have already butted heads recently, when Cain kidnapped Al. So could there be more trouble to come? “Cain doesn’t like or trust Al,” Jeff reminds us. “He thinks he’s a chancer and a bad egg. These two have big issues, yet Cain doesn’t see Al as a serious enemy – he would just quite like him out of the way.” However, in the wake of the Ellis drama, Al is furious. And soon, he’s threatening Kyle in retaliation! Is there set to be bloodshed if this war between…

Well, we promised explosive drama for the Woolpack – and now here is your first look at the pub going BOOM on Christmas Day as part of Al’s desperate plan! But fear not Emmerdale viewers, because this is far from the end of the village boozer. It may look as though it’s been blown to smithereens in our dramatic pictures, yet Inside Soap can confirm the Woolie will rise from its ashes… “It’s unlikely that it will be out of action for long,” teases a Dales spokesperson. “The Woolpack will be back to enjoy roaring trade once more – although who will be behind the pumps?” Whispers suggest that the pub could be set to change hands, and Inside Soap has a few ideas on who might take charge – particularly…

They’re the Street’s hottest couple in years, with their chemistry evident from day one. However, soap history tells us that Adam and Sarah’s days together are surely numbered… We must never forget that Adam is the son of the Patron Saint of Soap Lotharios, Mike Baldwin; and with own his history of shameless womanising, it’s clear that he’s simply not programmed to stay put in a relationship for long. Meanwhile, Sarah is her mother Gail’s daughter – with two dead lovers to her name already, not to mention an ex-boyfriend with at least three deaths on his conscience. Sure, Gary Windass is no Richard Hillman, but it’s clear that any man who takes on a Platt woman is putting his life at serious risk. At this rate, the chance of…

The fallout from New Year’s Eve hits Bobby hard this week – but when the teen stumbles upon a theory about the horrifying events, will he speak up about his suspicions? Everyone on the Square is dealing with what happened in different ways, and it prompts Bobby and Iqra to renew their campaigning efforts for the local mosque. But when Bobby spots something that sends his mind racing, he sets off on a quest to get to the truth… “If Bobby’s suspicions prove correct, they could have huge consequences for people that he loves dearly,” reveals our Walford insider. “At the same time, Bobby knows that he needs to get to the root of this, no matter how painful it may be for those around him.” Bobby shares his theory…

SAM, ZOE & CHRISSIE EASTENDERS Dirty Den’s worst nightmare came true when the three women he’d wronged started comparing notes. Chrissie organised for them to take him on as a trio, but the confrontation went horribly wrong after he turned violent. Thanks to his missus and a doggy doorstop, Dirty Den didn’t make it out alive. PRIYA & DEBBIE EMMERDALE After learning Al was two-timing them, Debbie and Priya united to bring him down. They came up with a plan to destroy his business, nick his money and frame him for thieving from Kim Tate. The smug look was wiped off Al’s face when he realised that they’d played him. MARIA AND CARLA CORRIE There was no love lost between Carla and Maria – until they found…

The hospital welcomes the return of a familiar face this week, as Nicky lands back on Darwin ward after having her first baby. There’s no such thing as being eased in gently though, after Jac’s former protégé is plunged straight into theatre operating alongside Eli. However, it quickly transpires that Nicky is struggling to juggle work and motherhood, when it dawns on her that she’s forgotten to arrange childcare for young Juliet! As Nicky scrambles for a babysitter, she asks Amelia to babysit – unaware that Eli’s wife recently suffered a miscarriage… Meanwhile, Nicky’s return to work stands to be a huge transition for her. She took time away from being a surgeon after finally seeing killer Cameron’s true colours and falling pregnant with his baby. Is she ready to…

Jack takes the stand this week, accused of killing his estranged wife Sarah in the barn fire. He’s popped on his best suit and combed his hair, but no amount of Brylcreem is going to help his cause. Let’s remind ourselves of the case against: Petrol on his clothes, burns on his gloves, a positive ID from the only witness – Sarah’s lover, Richie – and a raging fury at his cheating wife. Open-and-shut case. Well, until Andy – the real firestarter – takes matters into his own hands. Soon, Richie has the bejeezus scared out of him when Andy’s face looms at the bottom of his bed in the dead of night. Andy may be small, but the crowbar he’s wielding isn’t. The next day, as Richie takes the…

WARMING UP! Please help – Juliet from Hollyoaks has recently been sporting a tartan jacket that I’m in love with! Where can I get it? Maya We know the one you mean! Juliet’s new winter jacket is the ‘Call You Out Puffer Jacket – Mustard/combo’ from FashionNova. It comes in eight sizes and is currently in the sale too, so get it now if you want to bag a bargain! DISAPPEARING DAD… With Tiff and Liam having left Walford for Germany, I was wondering: where is their dad, Ricky, meant to be these days? Nathan, Reading Ricky is living in Germany too! Liam was staying with his dad prior to his more recent return to Walford. The pair have been together in Germany since 2015  when Ricky agreed to let…

“It’s a shame that things didn’t work out between Emma and Chesney!” muses cobbles star Alexandra Mardell, as she plucks an unexpected hero from the list of fellas whom her character Emma has loved and lost. “That was a very sweet relationship – and similarly, Emma and Seb had lots of potential as a couple too. There was always another lovely lady waiting in the wings with them, though, which is why I think Curtis was meant to be Emma’s Prince Charming. He was her everything.” Emma’s dreams of living happily ever after with Curtis were shattered when police officer Craig interrupted their nuptials and exposed yet more of the groom’s lies. Ironically, though, Emma is set to kick off the new year with a big secret of her own…

1 “When I first came into EastEnders, I was a little bit star-struck by Steve  McFadden [Phil]. I was in awe of him because he’s just been there forever.” 2 “Someone who I always learn from is Gilly Wright [Jean] – I just love her way of working, she’s so detailed, and so true. I’d love to do more stuff with her, she inspires me as an actor.” 3 “ Scott Maslen [Jack] is a joker – he’s like a cross between Lee Evans and Jim Carey! He’s nuts, honestly, he has so much energy. I love it. He’s the funniest person I know.” 4 “I’d love for Patsy Palmer [Bianca] to come back again. When she returned last time, I was so glad I got to do a scene…

“We’re going to be with Scott for his whole journey – and I don’t know when or how it’s going to end!” reveals Hollyoaks’ Ross Adams, as we chat with him about Scott’s exciting new venture into fostering. “Sometimes I think it’s lovely to tell stories full of heart, and that are real. And with this one, we’re going to see a whole other side to Scott; the process of fostering is new to him.” It’s been a quiet year for Scott, who’s been suffering from heartbreak after his husband, Mitchell, suddenly left the village last November. And it’s safe to say that since then, Scott hasn’t been his usual, flamboyant self. But Ross tells us he’s ready for his next challenge to put him – and Scott – firmly…

We must admit we’ve been finding it hard to get into the Christmas spirit this year, but these pics of our fave soapies enjoying the white stuff has made us want to bundle up and get our sledges out! Emmerdale’s Charley Webb (Debbie) and Matthew Wolfenden (David) revealed that not all of their kids are keen on the cold weather. But it looks as though Alan Halsall (Corrie’s Tyrone) and girlfriend Tisha Merry are big fans, as they took his daughter Sienna to lapland to meet Santa! The grins on their faces say it all… BABY JOY! Here at Inside Soap, there’s nothing that melts our hearts more than soap stars and their babies. So imagine the warm glow we felt when we stumbled upon this pic of former…

Maxine Peake plays Anne Williams in this poignant new series – a mother who campaigned for all those killed as a result of the Hillsborough tragedy of April 1989. Anne lost her own teenage son, Kevin, at the football ground, one of 97 victims. Refusing to accept the coroner’s original verdict of accidental death, Anne launched a determined campaign on behalf of all those who lost their lives, fighting alongside parents and relatives to prove their loved ones had been unlawfully killed. Here, Maxine explains more of her inspirational alter ego… Hello, Maxine – why is it important to tell this story, 32 years on from the Hillsborough disaster? We must remind people of what happened. I have heard some say, “People need to move on”. But it feels to…

The drama from Christmas is set to rumble on into 2022 – and where better to get the lowdown on the hot plots that will be setting our screens alight than Inside Soap’s bumper New Year preview? Our spies have been busy working overtime to bring you all the gossip – and the bosses themselves have been on the blower to drop more than a few sneaky hints. Hold on tight, as next year’s action stands to put 2021 in the shade… CORRIE Horror for Ches! It’s been quiet for Gemma and Chesney in the grand scheme of Weatherfield drama – but next issue, they face every mum and dad’s worst nightmare. Who in their family winds up in danger? Also... HOLLYOAKS EXPLODES! Which villager is set to die? EMMERDALE…

Blimey, Sally! Abi’s a one-stop-shop for drama these days… Yes, she goes from one extreme to the other! I love getting my scripts and finding out what more the writers are going to throw at her. If Abi is pregnant, would she consider having the baby? On some levels it’s something Abi wants more than anything. But this situation is all wrong. It’s a reminder that when Abi makes a mistake, she never gets away with it. What she and Imran did was unforgivable. What do you wish for Abi in 2022? I wish that Kevin could always see the intentions of Abi’s heart, so that when these things happen and they come out in the open, he can look at the situation and agree to get past it. Nothing…

Al & Gavin It was their plan all along to bulldoze the pub and build swanky apartments – though maybe the knuckleheads will conclude that there is still life in the hospitality industry after all… Chas & Marlon The pub’s current owners will be hoping that the insurance pays out so they can rebuild their business from scratch. But is anything ever that simple? Charity & Mack The smart money is on this wily pair, thanks to our tip off from Emma. ‘Service with sarcasm’ will be their mantra. Kim & Bernice Lady Tate has the funds, while Bernice has experience running Emmerdale’s beloved pub. Perhaps  the catty love rivals should join forces, and throw their hat in the ring as soap’s Best New Partnership? Stranger things have happened!…

We’ve already met Dave and his wife Honour, so here’s the lowdown on their kids… SERENA Serena Chen (also known as Galaxy) is Honour’s daughter, and an aspiring Olympian. But she’s torn between living a normal teenage life or focusing on her Olympic dream… SAM Dave’s son Sam is the new police officer – and ladies’ man – in town! He’s a bit of a cheeky chap, and there could be love on the horizon as he’s already caught the eye of Celeste Deveraux. LIZZIE Lizzie is best friends with her stepsister Serena – that is until Sid comes between them. But Lizzie is, and always will be, the life and soul of the party! MASON Dave and Honour’s son Mason is the youngest in the family, and a gentle…

“ When I first walked back on to set, it was as though I’d only had two weeks off!” reveals Emmerdale star Michelle Hardwick, aka Vanessa, who returns to our screens this week after taking time out following the birth of her baby son, Teddy. “Everything was exactly the same, and I was dead excited to be back. Though I was very nervous, I must admit. You think, ‘Can I still do it? Can I still learn my lines with a one-year-old?’ But so far, so good!” The last time we saw Vanessa was July last year, when she left the village to look after her poorly mum. In the time since then, Vanessa’s engagement to Charity has broken down, thanks to Charity’s dalliance with Mack – so when Vanessa…

It must be strange acting out a fake wedding for TV while planning to get hitched for real. We ask Alexandra if Emma’s big day on Corrie helped her to decide what she did – and didn’t – want for her own… “It’s like having the best of both worlds, as Emma’s style and wedding is the opposite to what I would choose,” laughs the actress, who was thrilled to share on social media recently that she’s picked her gown. “There was a lot going on at Emma’s wedding – and it gave me a bit of a headache! Although, it was fun to play around with ideas that would never have occurred to me. Emma’s day was exactly how I envisaged it – awful, but fabulous for her!”…

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The first series of The Masked Singer caused a huge buzz when Girls Aloud’s Nicola Roberts was exposed from her Queen Bee shell, and in series two, Sausage – aka Joss Stone – was unmasked to a record number of viewers (more than 10 million of us!). And presenter Joel Dommett has a theory as to why the show has captivated people… “I think it’s because it’s so simple and silly,” he reckons. “It’s such a departure from the seriousness that surrounds the rest of our lives: there is no cynicism to it, it’s just silly, all-out fun.” Also on a non-serious front are Joel’s flamboyant suits, which, happily, will be making a comeback too this series.... “You can definitely expect more of them!” cheers the star. “The suits have…