Table of contents for 13 - 2022 in Inside Soap UK

“The pay-off should appear inescapable” The perfect storyline should be built like a mouse trap. I don’t mean the basic cartoon kind with the sprung wire that always ends up on Tom’s nose while Jerry runs off with the cheese. No, a soap plot should be like the game ‘Mouse Trap’, where you crank the handle slowly, then all kinds of bizarre events unfold – a ball runs along guttering, a man jumps into a bath – before the trap finally falls. The ultimate pay-off should appear inescapable, however absurd the journey to get there. With Corrie’s Toyah set to learn Abi’s baby secret at any moment, we can marvel at the ‘Mouse Trap’ plotting that brought us here. Roy Cropper finding a brother. Nina coming to stay, Seb falling…

Corrie’s Sam Robertson set the cat among the pigeons recently, after he hinted to Inside Soap that he was considering hanging up Adam Barlow’s suit. However, Weatherfield insiders have since confirmed that the actor has put pen to paper on a new one-year deal to remain on the cobbles – which is good news considering that the solicitor’s office is set to lose Imran later this year. In other news, Rebecca Ryan has filmed her final scenes as bunny boiler Lydia. Does that mean that Adam and Sarah’s stalker nightmare is finally going to be over?…

Cindy is looking forward to her upcoming wedding, and prays Luke will be well enough to enjoy it. But Steph is surprised her alter ego wants to be a bride again! “I’ve never been married in real life, but Cindy’s done it nearly six times!” she laughs. “My favourite was her and Tony’s in 2012 with the bus crash. It was like a movie, we were on location and did this big stunt with explosions, I felt lucky to be a part of that. It’s better to be the bride in the thick of the drama if you’re filming a wedding – that’s more exciting than being a guest!”…

It looks as if Jai has reason to hope for a future with Laurel this week, as the former couple end up in a passionate embrace. There’s no lack of love between them, but Laurel has been adamant that she can no longer trust her deceitful ex. Yet while it’s easy to say it’s over, Laurel’s heart is silently aching for her lost love. And in an emotional moment, as she and Jai prepare to put their romance behind them, Laurel gives in to her feelings. Jai made a massive mistake, though he’s genuinely remorseful” “This is what Jai has been waiting for – proof that Laurel still loves him as much as he loves her!” whispers our village source. “She’s already handed over the last lot of his belongings,…

Shirley and Mick start planning to give Tina the send-off she deserves this week – but will they be able to agree on what she would have wanted? When Jay calls into the Vic to go over the arrangements for the funeral, Shirley is keen for everyone in the family to have their say. Yet when Janine arrives and starts sticking her oar in, Shirley kicks off! “As far as Shirl is concerned, this is a family affair – and Janine isn’t welcome,” declares our Albert Square insider. “Janine didn’t even know Tina, so Shirley just can’t understand why she insists on getting involved. She wants her out of the pub – and their lives – for good.” But while Shirley wants rid of Janine, Mick is actually really grateful…

Curtis convinces Aubrey’s grandmother to get her hearing tested this week, after she’s nearly mowed down by a car! When Curtis pulls Shannon from the path of a speeding motor outside the Tram, he becomes concerned that she may be hard of hearing. After some persuasion, Shannon agrees to take the test – but when it proves she needs a hearing aid, she’s reluctant to get one fitted. Will Curtis manage to convince Shannon that getting a hearing aid is for the best?…

Cain finally unleashes his revenge on Angie this week – taking in her whole family for good measure. First, he interrupts a cosy family get-together, delivering the news about his and Angie’s affair to the whole clan. Then, goading Sean, Cain lets the furious hubby knock seven bells out of him, before heading straight to the police station to report him for assault. And while he’s there, he pops open his diary and lists the times Angie took down his particulars while she should have been on duty. Meanwhile, there’s a new ‘Trixie Trouble’ type in town, as Edna’s granddaughter Eve arrives. Soon enough, she strong-arms Donna into having a boozy party when Viv and Bob’s backs are turned. But it’s on a night out to the heady hotspot of…

Mick’s going to need a shoulder to cry on with Tina’s funeral coming up. And without Linda being around in Walford, I reckon it’s the perfect time for Janine to sink her claws in! Helen, Purley Even though poor Shirley ended up being knocked out by Gray, I can’t tell you how happy I am that she and Mick landed a few punches of their own before his arrest. And can we all agree that Linda Henry’s performance throughout was phenomenal? Pete They say that tragedies often bring people together – and I hope that’s what happens in Walford. Rather than Karen, Mack and Mia being on the outer, the community really needs to help them. After all, the kids lost their mum and Karen lost her daughter. I’m not…

While the theatre wards of Holby City Hospital are set to disappear from view, it’s still business as usual on screen for the medical drama’s sister show Casualty. So, could a few of the Holby gang still pop up in the ED, or even bag regular roles? “I’ve done many episodes of Casualty, as I’m supposed to be the boss of the whole hospital,” points out actor Guy Henry, who plays CEO Henrik Hanssen. “So, it isn’t an unreasonable thought that Henrik could appear. I would happily pop in sometimes and loom in corridors!” “I think Fletch is now too old to be running around the ED,” chips in star Alex Walkinshaw, whose character started out on Casualty before transferring to Holby. “He might slip and break a hip!” Well,…

Not being able to surf while Dean was recovering was super-hard,” reveals Home and Away star Paddy O’Connor, who plays the Bay’s surf instructor Dean. “When you get into the crystal-clear water on a summer’s day and the waves crash, there’s nothing like it!” Dean hasn’t had an easy time recently, having spent time recovering from a car crash. However, just as he’s managed to get back on a surfboard, Dean’s mum arrives in Summer Bay and discovers she has a grandson she knew nothing about! Inside Soap catches up with Paddy, who tells us more about his alter ego’s drama-filled life… Hi, Paddy! Poor Dean has had a difficult time recently – what do you make of it all? When things go wrong for Dean, they go really wrong!…

Maria is prepared to stand by her man, and Mikey’s pleased considering the amount of times the couple have almost called it quits! “Maria has been very forgiving,” he says. “When he wants to confess, she’s the one trying to persuade him to keep quiet. I think Maria is absolutely the right person for Gary, and I love Samia [Longchambon]. We’ve had to work at a distance because of Covid – we even got married two metres apart – but we’ve been bubbled recently so we can get closer in certain scenes. “Kel [Allen, aka Laura] says Gary is a heartthrob among ladies of a certain age,” chuckles Mikey. “She knows this woman who is Gary’s biggest fan and wants a signed picture by her bed – and she’s 85!”…

“Putting the contenders through their paces was crucial for me,” admits Michelin-starred chef and global business boss Gordon Ramsay, as he launches his search for the UK’s most exciting new food and drink business – in which he’ll invest £150,000 of his own cash. “They need the resilience, the vision and the drive to pick themselves up when things aren’t going incredibly well. Our challenges were designed to push them – when the chips are down, you have to dig deep!” Rising to the challenge are 12 up-and-coming culinary tycoons. Restaurant boss Amit has a range of bottled Indian sauces; graduate Asher makes jam with a twist; health coach Bola offers apple cider vinegar seltzers; ex-Navy chef Jamie has a mussel bar; Jen is shaking up bottled cocktails; while Leah…

Hollywood’s famous ‘runaway bride’ Julia Roberts has nothing on Walford’s Jean Slater – as Stacey’s mum prepares to get wed, and legs it! These dramatic sneak pictures of Walford’s Gillian Wright filming on location show the actress donning the most extraordinary wedding dress for her character’s big day drama. However, the look on Jean’s face suggests that she’s in a bit of a hurry… “Is it a case of Jean racing to get to the church on time, or is she jilting the groom?” teases our Square insider. “Either way, that frock is not designed for sprinting through the streets of Southend!” EastEnders crew recently descended on the seaside town in Essex to film the curious plot for Jean, who isn’t even engaged on screen. However, considering the pace of…

The verdict is in! Dales writer Sharon Marshall has hinted serial killer Meena will not get away with murder at her trial. “The research team worked out that she’s broken the law 25 times, so can Meena [escape justice] legally? Probably not!” Homeward bound! It has been confirmed that Melissa Bell and Tim Robards are reprising their Neighbours roles as Lucy Robinson and Pierce Greyson. Meanwhile, reports state that bosses are bringing back 80s-character Shane Ramsay ( Peter O’Brien) ahead of the show’s finale. Be our guest! Rumour has it that former Brookie star Suzanne Collins – who played Nikki Shadwick from 1998 to 2003 – will pop up for a brief cameo in Hollyoaks. The actress is said to have shot scenes earlier this year for a mystery character…

Harlow arrives in London this week to explore the places mentioned in her late mum’s diary – but she discovers her aunt Harriet has stolen it! What does Harriet want with the journal? Two years have passed since Prue was horrifically killed. Since then, Harlow’s life hasn’t been easy, so she heads to the UK to reconnect with her British family – but not all is as it seems. Jemma Donovan, who plays Harlow, fills us in on what’s awaiting her character… Hi, Jemma! Why has Harlow come to London? Harlow wants to feel more connected to her mum, and the only way she can do that is through her diary. Harlow wants to experience the places she wrote about for herself. Harlow meets her aunt Harriet – are they…

“If anyone knows what it’s like to grow up with a serial killer for a father, it’s you, Chelsea! Your dad Lucas murdered three people, and attempted to bump off many more – including your own mum! But remember that time you tried to set up your dad for drug smuggling? He worked out what you had planned, yet he still took the fall for you – proving that a parent’s love trumps everything else. Yes, Gray was a wrong’un, but you didn’t turn out too badly. Having a rock-solid mum like Denise has been your saving grace. With a mother like you, Jordan has everything he needs. You’ve got this!”…

Kim is delighted to realise that her hard work and hustling has paid off this week, when Pearl gets an interview for a scholarship. Determined to keep her daughter at the fancy private school she’s been attending, broke Kim has been desperately trying to secure funding for the pricey fees. Yet while she’s overjoyed to hear that Pearl’s application has landed her a meeting with the school board, Kim’s in for a rude awakening when Howie makes a confession… “What Kim doesn’t realise is that it actually wasn’t her video that won over the school bigwigs,” our Walford spy reminds us. “While Howie was helping her, he switched Kim’s entry for a much lower-key version that showcased Pearl’s real talents. The only trouble is, he doesn’t know how to break…

Kat finds herself in a desperate situation this week, as she struggles to cope on her own – but who can she turn to? Since Phil was arrested, it’s been one crisis after another for his stressed fiancée. Not only has her son Tommy been the victim of bullying, Kat’s also had to hide a gun in the house on Phil’s insistence, in order to keep her man safe while he’s banged up. When events take a shocking turn this week, Kat pays Phil an urgent visit – but why does she need to see him so suddenly, and what can he do from his cell? Later, Kat receives an unexpected visitor when Scarlett’s social worker comes to discuss the schoolgirl’s imminent custody hearing. Does Kat have the strength to…

The wrench of being a long-distance daddy takes its toll on Nate this week, as he pines for his young daughter, Frankie. The pair have limited contact following Tracy’s move to Nottingham, and all Nate can do is watch old home videos of his little girl in order to feel close to her. He eventually tries to rope in Ryan for a drinking session at the pub to take his mind off Frankie. But as Nate looks forward to finally seeing his daughter in person again soon, is their reunion set to help ease his pain?…

FAIR CITY Orla gives Ruth some advice about Dawn this week, so Ruth repays Orla by setting her up on a date with Paul… Elsewhere, Damien isn’t pleased with the prospective buyer for his house. Plus, Tommy attempts to locate Hughie’s stolen scooter. RIVER CITY Lenny takes centre stage in a special episode this week, as he attempts to right the wrongs of his past. Meanwhile, Ellie’s ultimatum for Caitlin could tear the McLean family apart. And Gillian’s birthday gets Mikey thinking about his birth mother! THE ARCHERS There’s high drama in the village this week, as Chris and Amy’s relationship is exposed to the community! Elsewhere, Brian and Justin go head-to-head over Berrow Farm… Finally, Natasha’s unexpected news has consequences for Pat and Tony. See TV listings for times…

Moira Dingle isn’t a woman you want to cross. No shrinking violet could have shacked up with Cain, and Moira is every bit as ferocious as her husband when people cross her or any of her loved ones. Having been on the receiving end of a terrifying Glasgow kiss from Moira once before, you’d think Charity would be extra careful not to antagonise her again. But this week, the two women are on a collision course as Moira finds out that Charity didn’t just sack Mack, but she almost cheated on him – leaving her with revenge in mind… “I think the audience is going to enjoy this – I had fun channelling Moira’s dark side!” laughs Natalie J Robb, who’s ready to spill the beans about their feud. “Moira…

It’s safe to say that Misbah Maalik has never been lucky in love. And after her recent ordeal with Ali Shahzad, the very last thing Misbah expected was for a new romance to be right around the corner – with the family’s imam, Zain! Harvey Virdi, who plays the Maalik matriarch, tells us it’s about time her alter ego enjoyed love… “Misbah hasn’t thought about romance for a long time – so this is very exciting,” grins the star. “With Ali awaiting trial, I think Misbah is starting to re-evaluate her life, and might be ready to meet someone who’s right for her.” Zain is already familiar to Misbah and her family – however, Harvey tells us that her character soon sees him in a different light. “It’s getting to…

Queen of the Dales Kim Tate may be happily loved up with fiancé Will Taylor these days, but 25 years ago, she was embroiled in an illicit affair with hunky farmhand, Dave Glover. Their steamy shenanigans lit up the screen and had everyone talking about the rural soap, while also making a household name out of young actor, Ian Kelsey, who played Dave. Sadly, Dave met a sticky end in a house fire in 1997, while saving the life of Kim’s baby son James – who he had once believed to be his own. But as we catch up with Ian to chat about his latest project, he remains convinced that Dave is Jamie Tate’s father… “Right, what’s the score here? Baby James is my son, isn’t he?” argues the…

THERE’S LEAVING DRINKS EVERYWHERE FOR A SOAP EXODUS… You can tell that many of the storylines you’ve read about in this issue have dramatic weeks ahead – as so many of the major players are leaving their shows! The wonderful Kel Allen (Corrie’s Laura) bid farwell to her “dysfunctional family” at a high-spirited do, with a special hug for her fellow leaver Charlie De Melo (Imran) – whose smiling face Inside Soap will miss dreadfully. Corrie’s equally cheerful Alexandra Mardell also enjoyed a big send-off from her cast mates, with screen dad Simon Gregson sharing a cuddle with Alexandra and her fiancé Joe Parker. Down Walford way, the great and the good glammed-up to bid adieu to Zack Morris (Keegan) and Stevie Basaula (Isaac) as they headed Up West for…

EMMERDALE Let the games begin… MEENA’S TRIAL GETS UNDER WAY – BUT WHAT SHOCKS AWAIT? Serial killer Meena will stand in the dock next week, and face trial for her terrible crimes. You would think by this point that Meena would just accept the fact that the jig is up, and admit to everything in a bid to lessen her sentence. But oh no, not our Meena! This is her time in the spotlight, an opportunity for her to get the attention of everyone she feels has wronged her, including her sister Manpreet. Meena’s games are only just beginning… EASTENDERS Match making! There could be hope of a romantic reconciliation between Kathy and Rocky next week, when one unlikely match-maker tries to get them back together. Will their plan work?…

How does it feel to be back? Great! It was a six-month break, so I was nervous to return and learn lines again. But it feels as if I’ve not been away! Did you watch the show while you were off? Yes, just to keep in the loop of what’s going on – especially with the climax of the Gray story, which was amazing. It was really nice to watch it as a viewer again, and come to it completely fresh. Have things changed much since you’ve been away? It’s been strange not to have Toby [Alexander-Smith, who played Gray], Zack [Morris, aka Keegan] and Maisie [Smith, who plays Tiff] around, they’re so missed. But the new set looks really cool, there’s some nice features. It’s good to have something…

Rhona is still reeling from the shock of Marlon’s stroke this week – but with the chef refusing to see anyone other than her, Rhona feels the pressure as she tries to do everything herself. It’s a desperately sad situation, and there’s currently no sign of light at the end of the tunnel for the couple. Emmerdale star Zoe Henry, who plays Rhona, tells us that her alter ego is going to need all the help and support she can get in the coming weeks… Hi, Zoe. How is Rhona coping in the aftermath of Marlon’s stroke? She’s still in shock. Getting through this is going to take a superhuman effort from her; Rhona’s just trying to keep all these plates spinning. Also, frightened is the key word in all…

UNDER YOUR MUM’S BED! Corrie’s Callum came a cropper when the Platts protected Kylie from her evil ex’s attack, and buried him beneath Gail’s ensuite bedroom. Tidy! IN A ROMAN WALL! To stop hubby Patrick framing her for murder from beyond the grave, resourceful Maxine bunged his body in the ruins of Hollyoaks’ ancient city wall. Original! IN A CAR BOOT! Ronnie’s henchmen mistook Fatboy for police grass Vincent – and bundled him into a car boot, where he was later crushed to death. Yikes! IN SOMEONE ELSE’S GRAVE! Emmerdale’s Harriet hid corrupt cop Malone’s corpse in a parishioner’s grave, but had to move it when the family wanted their relative exhumed. Unlucky!…

Actress and presenter Amanda Holden plays the role of Harlow’s aunt Harriet – and she tells us that being in the Aussie soap is a dream come true… “I’ve always been a huge fan of Neighbours,” grins Amanda. “I used to rush home from school to watch it. And now I feel like an adopted member of the Donovan clan! Just to be on the periphery of Neighbours royalty is good enough for me. “Working with Jemma was brilliant too, people kept stopping us to ask if she’s my daughter; we both have quite high foreheads and little round faces! She’s just so sweet, and I know her dad, Jason. I love him and the whole family, so it was brilliant to be part of it all. And just so…

Isaac receives upsetting news this week, when he hears that his mum Sheree has had a heart attack. He confides in Kim that his mother wants him to go to Trinidad to help look after her while she recovers – however, Kim is convinced that Sheree is lying! Later, furious Kim lets slip to Patrick that his son is leaving; and when Lola finds out too, she’s upset that Isaac didn’t discuss it with her before making the decision. Once she calms down, Lola explains that she’s worried Isaac won’t ever come back, though he assures her he will. But as Isaac packs his things to leave, is Lola right to be worried?…

Nick is raging this week, after he learns that Sam has been playing chess behind his back. Leanne has been taking the little lad to chess games with Roy on the sly, keeping the truth from her partner. However, when Nick books Sam a trip to the Space Centre, and he’s less than enthused, the perplexed dad can’t understand why. That’s when Sam admits the truth – sparking a big row between angry Nick and shamed Leanne. So, will Nick opt to reinforce his board game ban?…

Nadira helps Shaq take pictures for his matrimonial profile this week – though when Verity finds the pair in each other’s arms, will Shaq tell her the truth? With Nadira’s help, Shaq hopes to find himself a wife; but first he needs to get his profile up and running. Yet as he and Nadira joke around for the shots and even share a dance, Verity walks in. Verity’s heartbroken as she assumes that Shaq has already moved on. But how will she react when he comes clean?…

It’s sadly the end of an era this week, as Holby City bids farewell after 23 years on the air. However, don’t expect to see a lorry crash into the hospital, or a crazed gunman picking off your favourite doctors – as at the core of the finale lies a powerful message, simply told through the show’s best character. You’ll sob your heart out… But, enough of this maudlin talk! To say goodbye, we’re joined by Holby’s longest-serving star and undisputed Queen of the ward, Rosie Marcel, who plays Jac Naylor. Rosie never shies away from speaking candidly in our interviews, and this exclusive final chat is no exception… Hello again, Rosie. How are you feeling ahead of the last episode? The whole thing is really upsetting, in all honesty.…

CHRISSIE WHITE When Moira saw Harriet’s photographs of Chrissie snogging her husband, she saw red – dishing out a punch to Chrissie! CHARITY DINGLE After Moira endured Charity’s cruel comments about stealing Cain, she delivered ‘a gift from Glasgow’ – and headbutted Charity in the face! EMMA BARTON Murderer Emma used her final moments to taunt Moira about her failings as a mother. Wound up, Moira pushed Emma off the viaduct!…

“The problem with me is that I’m too honest for my own good,” laments Ian, as he looks back at his exit plots. “I get this three-year itch – I got it on Emmerdale and Casualty, same on Doctors too. So I’ll say to the producers, ‘Look, I think I’m done, I need to move on’ – instead of being clever and leaving it until I’m a day away from signing a new contract so they can’t kill me off! “The writers start rubbing their hands together with glee, going, ‘How can we lose this character in a dramatic fashion?’” he continues. “So I’ve been killed off four times now! I have three coffin plaques for my characters – I put them on my Christmas tree!”…

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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 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 Ed 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 Blakeman.......................…

BULLSEYE! We’ve heaped praise on Meena for her service to Emmerdale these past months, yet none of it would have been possible without Rebecca Sarker, as Manpreet. Meena’s sis kept her composure in the face of seemingly certain death – only to finally succumb to a panic attack that saw her howling and hammering on the steering wheel of her car. It’s arguably the stand-out performance of the whole plot.…