Table of contents for 15 - 2022 in Inside Soap UK

“We’re all set for a week at Hotten Crown Court” Oh, I do love a soap courtroom drama. They’re a favourite of Emmerdale and Corrie, and a nice time away from staff rotas at the Woolpack, or the struggles of little Sam in Weatherfield – who is currently enduring the tramautic fallout from the fact that someone in the Corrie story team watched that Netflix chess drama during lockdown. So, we’ve packed our potted meat sandwiches for a week in Hotten Crown Court, as judgement day arrives for Meena Jutla – who we can surely rely on to stage a spectacular circus. Of course, it’s interesting that Meena is facing trial at all, as it’s usually a sign that it’s far from the end of the story; just another setback…

These big-hearted soap favourites became a step-parent after discovering their partner had a secret child. Despite the early drama, they all found a way to make it work… MARTIN FOWLER It cut Martin deep to discover his best friend Kush was baby Arthur’s biological father, as Stacey was recovering from postpartum psychosis. However, with Stacey so ill, the two men rallied round, and both became dad to their precious little boy. NICOLA KING Nicola stepped into the maternal breach not once, but twice, after Jimmy’s ex Kelly rocked up with a secret son – then fertility clinic client Juliette had his baby. Both birth mums caused drama for the Kings, but Nicola still loves Elliot and Carl as if they were her own. NICK TILSLEY When he got back together…

The cast and crew of EastEnders welcomed some VIP visitors to their brand-spanking new set recently, as The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall called to say hello. The royal couple were invited to watch some special scenes being filmed, involving our Walford favourites celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a huge street party. The scenes will air around the June Bank Holiday, to coincide with the rest of the nation celebrating the very special royal landmark. Among the stars meeting their Royal Highnesses were Walford’s very own princess, Letitia Dean, aka Sharon, who was delighted to chat with Prince Charles and Camilla. “Today was a very special day for all at EastEnders,” she revealed. “As a company we are all incredibly proud of the show we make,…

MARLON V ROSS April’s attempt to bid her mum Donna farewell in Emmerdale was marred by Marlon fighting with Ross – who he blamed for her death, after the Barton bad boy lured her into organised crime. PEGGY V CHRISSIE The Walford women went to war when Peggy pushed Chrissie into an open grave at Den’s funeral – the second one – for framing her daughter Sam for his murder! STE V MISBAH Consumed with hatred, Hollyoaks’ Ste gave Misbah a mouthful at his sister Tegan’s wake, accusing her of being responsible for the death (not the tree that fell on her). RITA V AUDREY When Aud learnt at Norris’ funeral that Rita was getting her highlights done by a rival stylist, all hell broke loose. The shade was real,…

Nurse Maeve is suspicious this week, when a number of patients arrive at the surgery with the same respiratory symptoms and strange rashes – and they all have links to local nightspot the Radar Club. After a patient collapses, it’s discovered that a new recreational drug is circulating locally, putting lives at risk. Jimmi gets a sample to Al, and begs him to fast-track getting it tested so they know what they’re dealing with. Can Al manage to get answers before someone dies of the dangerous drug?…

WHO’S WHO? Please help – this is driving me mad! Diva Montana Marcel in Neighbours is a really familiar face, but what has she been in before? Lacey, Manchester Montana is played by Tammin Sursok, who’s been acting since she was a child! One of her first roles was in Home and Away as Dani Sutherland – she was a rebellious teen who even had a stint in prison. LOAN CONFUSION In Emmerdale, Bob told Laurel that he once took out a fraudulent loan, like Jai. But I don’t remember that – what happened? Louise Bob took out a loan in Brenda’s name in 2015, in order to help daughter Carly buy David’s shop. Brenda had refused to help, so Val Pollard dressed up as Brenda and signed the…

“Corrie would be a very different show if all the characters just got what they wanted!” laughs Harriet Bibby, aka Summer, as we discuss whether she prefers to play out happy scenes, or gritty storylines. “You do grow really attached to the character, especially when it’s a sweet girl like Summer. I want her to succeed, but at the same time, that would be boring!” Luckily for Harriet, she has a challenging plot to sink her teeth into – not only has Summer been diagnosed with diabetes, but she’s also struggling with the beginning of an eating disorder. It’s a really tough time for the teenager, yet Harriet is determined to do the best job she possibly can… What was your first reaction to the eating disorder plot? It’s a…

Verity’s younger brother Eric hasn’t given much away since his sudden arrival in the village. But Verity is determined to form a bond with him – and this week, she tries to find Eric some friends! But Eva O’Hara, who plays Verity, tells us that her on-screen sibling has a hard time opening up and making connections… “Verity has a very female-heavy friendship group,” points out the actress. “Even so, she involves Eric in their girly plans. However, I think their topics of conversation end up making Eric more uncomfortable!” Later, events take an even stranger turn when Verity walks in on Eric and Cleo together – holding a pregnancy test! “Eric can make any situation awkward and uncomfortable,” shares Eva. “When Verity walks into the room, there’s an odd…

Bonnie’s most talked-about role since leaving EastEnders was as the giant dancing Squirrel dressed in a Gwen Stefani-inspired outfit for The Masked Dancer! And the 57-year-old tells us it was one of the biggest challenges of her career… “My first reaction was, ‘How do you expect us to dance in those costumes?’” she recalls. “Some of the time it was really quite tricky, though the choreographers were amazing. And it was great fun! “I had no idea that Tamzin [Outhwaite, who played EastEnders’ Mel Owen] was in it, or Louise Redknapp, or Christopher Dean – I know all these people, but it really was kept a big secret. It was a wonderful experience, though, and three of the four finalists were over 50, which I thought was brilliant.”…

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As we reach the third and final series of the much-loved Northern Irish-set comedy Derry Girls, Saoirse-Monica Jackson (Erin), Jamie-Lee O’Donnell (Michelle) and Nicola Coughlan (Clare) bring us up to speed on where we find the gang… “It’s all stepped up a wee bit,” shares Jamie-Lee. “We get to see things that they’ve never had to handle before.” “There are more big events for them,” confirms Saoirse. “They have a break away from the parents on a bit of a road trip, and obviously all the usual madness incurs!” And it was a sense of closure rather than sadness that the actors took away from their final scripts… “It ends on a note that they’ve grown up, and know that they have to make a decision to be adults,” reveals…

EVENT MICHAEL BALL & ALFIE BOE Michael Ball and Alfie Boe, two of the greatest voices in the world, who have achieved phenomenal success with their duet albums in recent years, have announced a trio of huge outdoor picnic concerts for 2022. – taking place at three of the most sublime venues for live music in the country. For tickets and information, go to ticketmaster.co.uk ACORN TV HARRY WILD Harry Wild is a retiring university professor who finds herself at a crossroads. Jolted from a mugging, she reluctantly agrees to recover in the home of her son, Charlie, a senior police detective. And it’s not long before she embroils herself in his investigations… Starring Jane Seymour. BOOK THE CLUB by Ellery Lloyd The Home Group is a collection of ultra-exclusive…

Tension is at fever pitch in Emmerdale this week, as serial killer Meena’s trial begins – and the scheming psychopath tries to hoodwink the jury! As predicted, the manipulative madam has a grand plan in play, and intends to fight like hell to win her freedom. Witnesses Manpreet and Liam are desperate to prove she’s a cold-blooded killer, but it’s no cut-and-dry case. Instead, they are about to face another terrible ordeal as Meena goes all-out to destroy their reputations and composure… “In Meena’s mind, she’s going to blow them all away!” laughs Paige Sandhu, who plays the Dales villainess. “Of course, the jury are going to believe her above everyone else who’s taking the stand. She reckons she’ll probably get away with it, too, because she’s Meena, and she…

Jean makes a bold attempt to win back ex Harvey this week – by getting down on one knee and asking him to marry her! The couple broke up recently in the wake of Jean’s erratic behaviour, but when she catches a wedding bouquet, Jean has a light-bulb moment. She heads straight round to Harvey’s and issues him with a surprise proposal – however, will the stunned bloke say yes to becoming her hubby? “Jean’s romantic gesture comes completely out of the blue, and Harvey isn’t expecting it at all,” confirms our Walford insider. “As far as he’s concerned at this point, their relationship is done – though it’s obvious he still cares very deeply for Jean. But is it enough for him to throw caution to the wind and…

One week on from the tear-jerking final episode of Holby City, and we’re still in bits over Jac’s tragic demise – and we’re not the only ones. Actress Rosie Marcel, who played Jac for 17 years, told us she was gutted when bosses revealed their plans for her character as the show reached its conclusion… “Honestly, I was mortified,” she admitted. “When I suggested going to Casualty for a bit, they went deathly silent. I said, ‘You’re not going to kill Jac, are you?’ They told me yes, and I burst into tears. “I won’t lie, I fought against it,” adds Rosie. “And the more I fought, the more exhausted I became. It was a big internal battle for me; there will always be a part of me that feels…

“It’s all right for you, sat in here, scratching yourself and watching Bargain Hunt all day.” Kat manages to make a prison sentence sound quite appealing. “Do you ever want to complete on a nice little semi with me again?” Tim and Sally’s ‘estate agent’ role play took the very long way round to this punchline. “We could swap our names around. Put the last bit first. So instead of Tinker I’d be ‘Kertin’.” “Just think for a second what mine would be. From Windass to…” “Yes, we’ll maybe leave that for another time.” Faye never knew when she was well off. “If this was you in that hospital bed, Marlon would never, ever leave your side.” It’s true, but he’d have accidentally unplugged all the life support equipment on…

Nancy’s frosty attitude towards Linda begins to thaw this week – though will Linda’s drinking problem mean she’ll let down her daughter again? After days of mother and daughter avoiding one another, Linda is stunned to see Nancy at Sharon’s party. But when Linda tries to talk to her, Nancy is adamant that she wants nothing to do with her mum! “Linda abandoning the family was obviously hard for Nancy,” explains our Albert Square insider. “Then Linda went to Tina’s funeral and had her outburst – Nancy knows her mum is struggling, although their relationship is hugely fractured.” However, a later discovery makes Nancy re-evaluate her feelings. Nancy discovers bottles of alcohol in Linda’s suitcase, and it suddenly becomes clear that Linda has hugely fallen off the wagon. Nancy doesn’t…

Gallant Rocky comes to ex Kathy’s rescue this week, when he apprehends a thief who snatches her handbag. Kathy is shaken as she’s robbed in the Square, but Rocky gives chase. Thanks to wing-woman Kim, Rocky wrestles Kathy’s bag from the villain and returns it to her. For the first time in a long time, Kathy is genuinely pleased with Rocky, and he decides to capitalise on her good mood. Asking her to repay his heroics with a date, Rocky makes his play – but will Kathy agree to his request?…

This week, classic Emmerdale is wrapped up in one of those twisted soap plots where a diagram would be handy. Bernice is pregnant. That’s a fact. She’s done the dewy-eyed baby scan scene and everything. However, she’s not sure if the baby’s daddy is holy hubby Ashley or comely chef Carlos. Which is a bit awks since Carlos is about to marry Bernice’s sister, Nicola. Meanwhile, Nicola is also crowing about her impending motherhood. Though we’re yet to see the dewy-eyed baby scene – and that’s because there’s no baby at all. But Nic’s holding back the truth about not being up the duff until she’s safely up the aisle… This plot may be a soap magazine editor’s dream, yet it’s set to end in a nightmare for Bernice and…

THE END OF AN ERA! Bravo to everyone at Holby City for a brilliant final episode. I still can’t believe what happened to Jac Naylor – a part of me really wanted her to have a happy ending. However, it was a fitting, realistic and a truly remarkable tribute to our fantastic NHS. Maddison, Bath GOLDEN COUPLE I do hope that Stuart and Rainie have some good luck for a change in EastEnders, they have been through so much trauma over the years. The pair of them were true soap baddies at first – but we have grown to love them as a couple. They deserve some happiness with a new baby, not to mention a clean bill of health, too! Kevin, Staffordshire We’re sure there’s lots to come for…

“The Rovers is my favourite set. But my character is under 18, so I hardly ever get to go in there. And the times when I have, I feel as if I’m being naughty and shouldn’t be there!” “One of my favourite characters is Steve. He’s so funny – he doesn’t even have to say anything! I’ve had a few scenes with Simon Gregson, and he always makes me laugh.” “Who’s the best person to work with? Dan [Brocklebank, who plays Billy]. He gives me a lot of advice, though he feels more like a pal than a father figure, I’d say.” “One of my most memorable scenes was when Summer was diagnosed with diabetes. She had Todd and Billy by her bedside, the two people she cares about most. It…

The final episode of Dodger – the all-star adventure series featuring those much-loved duckers and divers from Charles Dickens’ classic tale – wraps up on BBC1 this week. Saira Choudhry, who plays Nancy, shares the TV shows she ‘considers herself’ a big fan of… What have you most enjoyed about being a part of Dodger? The incredible costumes, sets and my beautiful long wig of Nancy curls! It’s my first experience filming a period drama and so much fun. It feels special playing such an iconic character, but also creating something fresh and new. What have you most enjoyed on TV recently? I really liked The Responder with Martin Freeman. The series is set in Liverpool – it was a nice change to hear so many Scouse and regional accents.…

As the great and the good of theatreland gather for the 2022 Olivier Awards, comedian Jason Manford – no stranger to treading the boards – is delighted to be back on hosting duty… “It’s my fourth time, and something I really look forward to – it’s a lovely job,” he grins. “For the audience, this show is a really great way of getting to see the crème de la crème, and it’s a reminder of just how much entertainment there is on a night out at the theatre.” Nominated in hotly contested categories this year are productions including Anything Goes and Cabaret At The Kit Kat Club, and stars such as Eddie Redmayne, Beverley Knight, Lily Allen and Robert Lindsay, – plus a host of stunning special performances are in…

EASTENDERS Look who’s back! SAM MITCHELL MAKES A DRAMATIC RETURN TO THE SQUARE… It’s been six years since Sam Mitchell was last in Walford, for mum Peggy’s funeral. Since then she’s been living it up in Spain, providing respite for desperate relatives on the run from the law, and no doubt keeping the continental arm of the family business going in her own unique way! But next week, Phil’s sister is back on the Square – so what could have made her swap sun, sand and sangria for the cold, harsh realities of life in Walford? CORRIE Eileen’s upset There’s trouble for Eileen next week, when she jumps to the conclusion that her beau, George, is hiding something from her! But is she right to be suspicious? And what…

While Jean’s seemingly on cloud nine, troubled Harvey has much bigger things on his mind than whether to accept her proposal. The cabbie is left shaken this week when far-right gang member Neil gets into his taxi, and issues him with a shocking threat! With the terrifying incident playing on his mind, Harvey’s in no mood to discuss getting back together with Jean when she initially approaches him. Later, Dana picks up on her dad’s odd mood, while Rocky is convinced that Dana herself is hiding something. After he questions her, Dana opens up to Rocky, although makes him promise to keep quiet. However, big-mouth Rocky just can’t help himself, and attempts to ‘mime’ to Harvey what’s really going on! So with Dana’s secrets and Aaron’s so-called pal Neil issuing…

Corrie legend William Roache (Ken) turns 90 this month – and ITV has commissioned a special documentary to mark the occasion. Happy Birthday Bill will look back at the actor’s life, with appearances from Corrie cast members past and present, and his real-life family. William holds the Guinness World Record as the longest-running TV soap star – yet he has no plans to slow down… “I can’t believe I’ve been lucky enough to play Ken for over 60 years,” he says. “I hope the viewers enjoy watching the documentary as much as I did making it.”…

With her character Rhona at the centre of a serious storyline, Emmerdale star Zoe Henry is busier than ever. Luckily, co-star and hubby Jeff Hordley, aka Cain Dingle, is on hand to manage the pair’s hectic family life while she’s on set… “Where Jeff’s been amazing is just taking the weight of what’s going on at home,” she revealed during a recent appearance on Lorraine. “We have two kids, two dogs and an allotment, so Jeff is managing all that at the moment. It’s about to get busy for Cain as it quietens down a bit for Rhona soon, so we’ll swap the baton then!”…

There’s shock at Underworld this week, as Kirk manages to bag a big client order! Sarah and Carla can’t believe it when the hapless packer impresses new business contact, Mr Geronimo. After getting a tour of the packing area from Kirk, Mr Geronimo signs on the dotted line for a big order. Beth is quick to capitalise on her husband’s win by nagging her bosses to promote him to ‘Extra Office Administrator’. So will Kirk shine in his new role?…

FAIR CITY Tommy and Zak look forward to life on the straight and narrow this week, but it’s not long before they return to their dodgy dealings. Meanwhile, Anto is buzzing after placing the high-stakes bet! Plus Annie wants to take the kids to a boxing class… RIVER CITY Lenny waits in the safehouse for his wife this week, and is stunned when Lydia turns up at the property with Rachel Grant! Elsewhere, Karen returns after going missing for weeks – how will Alex cope once he finally finds out the truth? THE ARCHERS Josh pitches a concept for the farm development this week, but Ruth and David put a dampener on his idea. Meanwhile, Freddie hopes to track down the Easter bunny for the celebrations… Finally, a guest at…

LAURA’S KILLER CONFESSION! Laura deciding to take the blame for Rick’s demise while on her deathbed shocked everyone! And our readers had a lot to say about it – as yet again Gary seems to have got away with murder… I never thought Laura had it in her to take the rap for killing Rick so that Gary can continue to take care of Kelly. She has been one of the worst mothers going overall, but has finally come good – what a shame it took her being diagnosed with a terminal condition to finally step up! Lesley, Walsall Gary needs to clean up his act now that Laura’s asked him to look after her daughter and give her the best chance at life. If he doesn’t do that, he…

Emmerdale has revealed that there will be a mega Meena twist this week that’ll leave Manpreet reeling! The show is keeping the details of the shocking moment under wraps, although it’s safe to say that Meena’s surprise will be jaw-dropping. When we interviewed Rebecca, we pressed her on what she could tell us about Meena’s new bombshell – and she had some teasers to share… “Meena has one more horrible, horrifying confession to make,” shares Rebecca. “It’s one that, above all her terrible crimes, might have the potential to plague Manpreet for the rest of her life! I would say that it’s a crime that is very, very close to home.” Given what Manpreet has already endured at her sister’s hands, it’s hard to imagine how she can come back…

When Walford favourite Kush met a grisly ending last year – bumped off by serial killer Gray Atkins – our first thought was for his poor mum, Carmel. She’d already lost her youngest son, Shaki, in heartbreaking circumstances when he was the victim of knife crime, so to lose yet another child in such an awful way was truly tragic. As we catch up with former EastEnders star Bonnie Langford, who played Carmel from 2015 to 2018, she admits that she didn’t tune in to see her screen son’s final scenes in the soap… “Davood [Ghadami, who played Kush] is adorable, such a lovely man, and that was not a nice ending,” she admits. “So I didn’t watch Kush being chucked under a tube train, no, I didn’t want to…

It was after the task of transcribing Anne Lister’s diaries that Sally Wainwright eventually brought Gentleman Jack to the screen. Last year she and Suranne unveiled a statue of Anne at The Piece Hall in Halifax – and the warmth with which this trailblazer has been taken to viewers’ hearts means a great deal. “The fact the series has changed people’s lives is extraordinary,” says Suranne. “It’s something that can start a conversation with people, that perhaps they wouldn’t have had the tools to do before. It’s an amazing thing to be a part of.”…

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! Every so often a young soap actor comes along who truly impresses with the skill and subtlety of their performance. It’s time to big-up Sonny Kendall – Walford’s Tommy Moon – who has conveyed such deep emotion in his bullying storyline, more than holding his own in the acting stakes with such big-hitters as Jessie Wallace and Steve McFadden. Long may he reign!…