Table of contents for 40 - 2022 in Inside Soap UK

Secrets and lies bring chaos to Phil’s door this week – leading to scenes of utter carnage at Peggy’s nightclub! All the double-crossing, bitching and backstabbing from the past few months comes to a head as Phil finally learns that his sneaky sister, Sam, is plotting to seize control of the Mitchell empire. However, Sam is the least of Phil’s worries once vengeful Shirley stumbles across his meetings with DCI Keeble – and secures evidence that could ruin Phil forever… “These revelations light the fuse for what promises to be an explosive week of drama in Walford,” explains our Square spy. “By the end of it, Peggy’s is under siege – and not everyone stands to make it out in one piece…” Dirty dealings Disaster strikes as Phil struggles with…

Channel 4 FRIDAY Theresa decides to play Cupid for Eric and Maxine this week – little realising that she could be putting Maxine in serious danger! When Eric throws a sneaky glance in Maxine’s direction, Theresa clocks that he’s got a crush, and flies into action to set them up. However, her seemingly good deed could be about to backfire in spectacular fashion… “Theresa’s heart is in the right place, but she’s playing with fire!” gasps our Hollyoaks sneak. “She reckons Eric is harmless, and might even make a good match for Max. She has no idea that he’s embroiled in radical misogyny, and that he is capable of doing terrible things to women!” Meanwhile, Eric’s sister Verity is determined to find her sibling some friends, and bribes Theresa’s boyfriend…

Stu is delighted to get closer to his estranged family this week, as his daughter Bridget brings his granddaughter Eliza for a visit. However, the more Alya sees of the family, the surer she becomes that they are hiding something when it comes to the murder that sent Stu to prison. Soon, she decides to go it alone as she makes a daring move to prove Stu’s innocence… “Stu is over the moon when Bridget and Eliza come to visit, as it’s a really big step in their relationship,” explains our Corrie insider. “But it ends on a bit of a sour note when Stu’s ex-wife Lucy turns up, and demands Eliza and Bridget leave immediately!” While the visit is happening, Dee Dee is revealing to Alya something she’s dug…

Battle lines could be drawn between Walford’s two top drinking establishments this autumn – when Alfie tries to sabotage an event at Peggy’s to win trade for The Vic! Alfie thinks he’s on to a winner when he gets out his best Mexican garb to promote International Margarita Day in the boozer. His vision is punters knocking back pricey cocktails as the Vic’s till rings repeatedly, however he’s stunned when nobody seems interested. It is not until he discovers that Jay’s birthday bash is being held at Peggy’s on the same night that Alfie realises what he has to do… “There’s no such thing as playing fair when it comes to pulling in the punters!” laughs our Walford spy. “Alfie thought the customers would come running once he donned his…

Nate agrees to stand by new girlfriend Naomi this week, as she faces the plea hearing over her part in Nicola’s attack. However, the rug is soon pulled out from under him once his ex Tracy and daughter Frankie return to the village! “Naomi’s really happy to have Nate’s support – it means the world to her when so many of the village seem to be against her,” explains our Dales spy. “However, she becomes the last thing on Nate’s mind after he spots two familiar figures in the Woolpack beer garden. Distracted, Nate misses the hearing, leaving Naomi disappointed. But she could be in for a bigger let-down…” Nate and Tracy split after he spent the night with a girl named Fiona. Meanwhile, after a battle with postnatal depression,…

Ravi Gulati made quite the entrance to Albert Square, murdering his own father and conning Suki into thinking she committed the crime. Since then, he’s been busy manipulating Suki while worming his way into her family. But as actor Aaron Thiara joins us for a chat, he reveals there are plenty more shocks still to come, with things only set to grow more twisted… “With all that’s going to be revealed, there have been a lot of secrets to juggle!” laughs the actor of his role. “You couldn’t ask for anything more from a job when it comes to character and storylines.” First up is the revelation that Ravi isn’t the lone wolf he seems to be. We discover he has a collaborator in the Square, and the breadth of…

After a 20-year hiatus, Spider has returned to the cobbles! Martin Hancock tells us how he feels about being back – and what he’s been up to in-between – as we put your questions to him… “Hi Martin, what was it like on your first day back at Corrie?” It was so great to be here again after all these years. My first scene was in the tip truck. It was different to the first time I was on the set in the 90s, when I was in a state of blind terror! That was a night shoot, I was walking down Coronation Street with my rucksack knocking on Auntie Em’s door. I can still see Eileen’s [Derbyshire] lovely face poking out! “How was your first day on Corrie? “How…

As It Takes Two skips onto our screens for another week, we get the lowdown from co-hosts Rylan and Janette… Hi, both! How does it feel to return to the Strictly family for its 20th series? Janette I could not be happier! The 20th series feels like a very special one, so I’m absolutely honoured. Rylan It feels amazing! Like Janette, to join the show for a big anniversary is an honour. What’s your earliest Strictly Come Dancing memory? Rylan For some reason, mine is Natasha Kaplinsky running around in a ballgown… Janette My first-ever group dance to I’m So Excited. It encapsulated exactly how I was feeling about being on the show: excited! And your biggest It Takes Two highlight? Janette Definitely dancing with Rylan: he’s got moves! Rylan…

ROBBIE WILLIAMS: REEL STORIES BBC2 8.45PM Robbie Williams takes a pew alongside host Dermot O’Leary to reminisce on key moments from his career. Across the three decades-worth of footage are Rob’s younger days on stage inOliver!, the break-up of Take That, his 2003 Knebworth concert, Take That’s reunion tour, and his recent gig in his hometown of Port Vale. “I’ve known Robbie for a very long time, but never properly interviewed him,” reveals Dermot. “He’s the most honest, candid, wise and funny man, who’s come through some tough times to become the national treasure he is today.” And if that’s still not enough Robster for you, there’s also another chance to see his 2013 night of swing music at The London Palladium and his TOTP2 special. LATER – WITH JOOLS…

PAXMAN: PUTTING UP WITH PARKINSON’S ITV 9PM In this new one-off film, we follow broadcaster Jeremy Paxman as he reveals his personal story of coming to terms with living with the brain disorder Parkinson’s since his formal diagnosis 18 months ago. As well as speaking candidly about the ways in which the disease is impacting his life, Jeremy busts some of the myths surrounding the illness. He speaks to others with Parkinson’s, meets the president of charity Parkinson’s UK, Jane Asher (yes, the one who makes the cakes), tries an English National Ballet therapy dance class, and learns to play bowls. Jeremy also meets with experts at the leading edge of research into the disease, and observes a brain dissection. MICHAEL PALIN: INTO IRAQ Channel 5 9PM On the final…

A FRIEND OF THE FAMILY Peacock The first three episodes of this disturbing nine-part series – based on a shocking true story, and starring Anna Paquin (Flack), Jake Lacy (The White Lotus) and Colin Hanks (American Crime Story) – are available to stream from today. It tells the traumatic real-life tale of the Broberg family, a clan devoted to its community, faith and each other, whose young daughter Jan was repeatedly kidnapped across several years by a supposedly close friend. The Brobergs’ lives were ripped apart and changed irreparably by the unforgiveable actions of their charming but horrifically fixated neighbour while they were heartlessly exploited – prompting Jan to turn against them… MUNICH GAMES Sky Atlantic 9PM This gripping political thriller tracking a pair of agents – Maria and Oren…

Jay declares that Lola is the love of his life this week – but the pair face being torn apart after she’s caught up in the raid at Peggy’s! The former couple look set to be rocked by a tragic twist as Lola finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time. But will the Walford Gods really be so cruel as to deny her and Jay their happy ending? “A reunion for Lola and Jay is long overdue, so of course it won’t be plain-sailing – this is Albert Square, after all!” says our EastEnders source. “Finding their way back to one another was written in the stars, but fate could be about to deal them a terrible blow…” Jay and Lola have grown close again in recent…

Love rat Al is forced to publicly commit to girlfriend Kerry this week, after she asks him to marry her in front of his secret lover Chas! It’s after Kerry stumbles across her boyfriend’s plans to buy a love nest that she gets excited, believing he’s serious about their future together. So, she puts the wheels in motion for a public proposal – little realising that her fella is plotting to run away with Chas… “Kerry pops the question in the middle of the Woolpack, and it’s cringeworthy on so many levels!” gasps our village insider. “Firstly because Kerry decides to ask Al to marry her in the form of a rap – and you can see the Woolly punters visibly wincing as she delivers her performance. Then secondly, she…

James looks to the future this week, and makes a new start following the recent heart attack which ended his football career. The Weatherfield County hotshot was devastated when his health troubles saw the club terminate his contract. And although his sister Dee Dee managed to negotiate him a good pay-off, James was left with a big hole in his life, with his career cut short at such a young age. “Football was James’ world,” our cobbles insider reminds us. “He’s worked so hard over the years, and overcome so much, including coming out as a gay. He was the team’s star player and was looking forward to a bright future. Now he’s left feeling completely rudderless.” However, a recent experience coaching his young neighbour Lily has made James realise…

Troubled teen Max’s problems are far from over this week, as he suffers once again at the hands of his bullying schoolmates, Chris and Blake. But with David and Shona finally proud of Max as he gets a glowing report from his Pupil Referral Unit, will he continue hide his troubles? “David and Shona seem really happy with how Max is doing, he’s been sticking to his studies and behaving out of school,” reveals our Corrie insider. “So David is bemused when Max asks to be picked up from class rather than getting the bus, but he doesn’t realise what’s behind Max’s request. We soon see his schoolmates Chris and Blake are up to their old tricks – they accost Max, pouring water on him, breaking his phone and leaving…

Channel 5 WEDNESDAY Rose declares that she wants to leave Summer Bay this week – can Xander persuade her to stay? After Cash is discharged from hospital, he opts to stay with Felicity instead of returning to Irene’s, where the reminders of Jasmine are just too painful to bear. Worse still, he decides to cut Rose and Xander out of his life, declaring that – without Jasmine around – they are no longer his family! Cash’s rejection hits Rose hard, and now that Jasmine has left town, she sees no reason to remain in the Bay. Xander wants to stay put, though, believing that Summer Bay is good for him – a fact Rose disputes when she spots him icing a new tattoo! Rose can see that her brother isn’t…

Robyn ends up in danger this week, as the stress of juggling her nursing responsibilities takes a toll on her health… Adi and Marty are really excited for their initial scan with Robyn as they begin their surrogacy journey. However, Robyn begins to feel under the weather and run down, especially after being up most of the night making a costume for her daughter, Charlotte. The stressful day doesn’t get any better when Robyn overhears Adi telling Marty he wants to be the biological father of their baby! Still feeling unwell, Robyn heads to the school to watch Charlotte’s play before her appointment. But as Robyn’s sitting in the car, she begins to feel worse… Later on, Adi and Marty grow anxious about Robyn being a no-show at the clinic.…

It’s easy to get a reputation on Coronation Street, as Eve Sykes is discovering. Just because your daughter weds a wealthy businessman twice her age then cheats on him, and your son does some light armed robbery, people assume you’re a wrong ’un, too. We say ‘people’. Mainly it’s Audrey. She may not want Fred herself, but she’s jealous enough to make sure no one else does. So, when Aud overhears Eve and Linda talking about Linda’s impending divorce and the size of Mike’s wallet, she gets the wrong end of the stick and believes Eve’s out to rinse Fred. “Gotcha!” cries Audrey, and she can’t wait to tell Fred. Sadly for Aud, the misunderstanding only leads Fred to prove his love – by proposing in the Street! Less public…

Oh my gosh, there’s so much going on for Alya right now!” teases Corrie star Sair Khan, as she chats to Inside Soap about what’s coming up for her character in the run-up to Christmas. “I’m deep into filming a new storyline that is going to affect a few families on the Street, and I’m working with characters I’ve never worked with before. It’s going to be hard-hitting, and quite explosive around New Year and beyond. It’s been exciting to film!” Before all that though, Alya is still determined to prove that Stu is innocent of murder (see p10) – and even after he asks her to drop the matter, she’s still hellbent on cracking the case! And Sair tells us that she’s loved seeing her character play detective… Why…

This new competition sees six celebrity couples put through a series of challenges in a test to find out whose partnership is strongest. And for host Rob Beckett, that’s right up his street… “I love nothing more than leaving a party and gossiping with my wife Lou about all the other couples!” he chuckles. “This show is perfect for that, as it puts all kinds of pressure on different couples to see how they react. It’s brilliant!” Among the first to go under the relationship microscope are Loose Women’s Denise Welch with her artist husband Lincoln Townley, and Strictly judge Shirley Ballas with her partner, theatre star Danny Taylor. They’ll compete under relationship psychotherapist Anjula Mutanda and actress-turned-agony aunt Maria McErlane. But what does Rob – who’s been married to…

THE RANGANATION BBC2 10PM Romesh Ranganathan’s award-winning topical comedy programme returns to our screens tonight, as ever with star guests and his personally chosen focus group, The Ranganation – 20 outspoken characters representing today’s Britain. This week, comedian and presenter Alex Brooker will be joining Romesh in the studio to take a sideways look at some of the week’s maddest news headlines, trending social media topics and biggest talking points, helping us all navigate our way through tricky times (and, goodness knows, there are a LOT of them right now). We’re hoping to see the return of Romesh’s loveable mum, Shanthi Ranganathan, and the show’s iconic Zoom quiz, ‘Trousers Or No Trousers?’… LONDON MARATHON 2022 BBC1 9.25AM Sisay Lemma of Ethiopia and Joyciline Jepkosgei of Kenya will be hoping to…

PORTRAIT ARTIST OF THE YEAR Sky Arts 8PM Hello, Stephen! This is Portrait Artist’s ninth series – what’s the secret of its longevity? We’re watching something you just don’t get when you go to a gallery. Here, you get to see something created. It’s always dramatic to watch artists tackle all these incredible faces; it can be very moving. What can you tell us about the sitters this series? It’s the usual eclectic mix of actors, singers, athletes, scientists. Ellie Simmonds was a highlight for me. She was wonderful, and I’m a huge fan of hers – not only as an incredible sportsperson, but also as a fascinating character. What’s the best thing about working with your co-host Joan Bakewell and the judges? I learn a huge amount from the…

Theatre AN INSPECTOR CALLS When Inspector Goole arrives unexpectedly at the Birling family home, their peaceful dinner party is shattered by his investigations into the death of a young woman. His startling revelations shake the very foundations of their lives – and challenge us all to examine our consciences. More relevant now than ever, this is a must-see for a whole new generation. For tickets and information go to: aninspectorcalls.com NETFLIX BLONDE This fictional portrait of Marilyn Monroe boldly reimagines the tumultuous private life of the Hollywood legend; from her difficult childhood, to finding fame in the 1950s – and the price she paid for it. Starring Ana de Armas. BOOK A DAUGHTER’S WAR by Emma Hornby Renee lives at home with her father – a cruel man who rules…

Hi Isobel! How much has Liv missed Aaron? Aaron leaving was a massive hole in her life, and she’s had to work hard to get over that. To let him back in would require a lot of forgiveness and understanding of why he left. I don’t think she got the answers she wanted. Is Vinny right to turn Aaron away at the hospital? Vinny knows how broken Liv is, and he’s the person who’s seen her go through this. Rightfully, he should be putting his foot down, but it’s a complex issue. In the end, it’s Liv’s call, and if she wants to forgive Aaron, she will. I think it might take a bit of time, though. Have you enjoyed having Danny back in Emmerdale? It’s been really nice to…

Vicky finally decides to ditch Joseph this week – but not before attempting to prove once and for all that he murdered Saul! Felix and Scott have been trying for weeks to uncover rock-solid evidence that it was Joseph who stabbed the police officer, not DeMarcus, but have so far had no luck. So Vicky steps up – and puts herself in huge danger to trap Joseph! Hollyoaks star Anya Lawrence, who plays Vicky, reckons her character is being completely reckless… Hi Anya! Is Vicky in denial about Joseph killing Saul? I think deep down she knows that Joseph was the one responsible, because she knows him better than she gives herself credit for. But she doesn’t want to snitch on the person that she supposedly loves. It’s an absolute…

Eve and Suki’s romance is very much back on track this week – until Vinny rocks up while they’re in the middle of an impromptu date! Though Eve has been reluctant to be with a woman who can’t be honest about her sexuality, she just can’t stay away from Suki, and the pair share an intimate meal at the Panesar house. But when Vinny turns up unexpectedly, it seems Suki’s worst fears are about to come true… “Suki’s attraction to Eve is genuine, yet she just can’t bring herself to admit to her family that she’s gay,” recaps our Walford insider. “She doesn’t think it’s something her children – or her community – will accept, and she doesn’t want to risk the shame of going public with how she feels.…

Troubled Summer and Aaron finally have some fun this week. However, their happiness is short-lived when events take a terrible turn after violence erupts – leaving Summer horrified.… The week begins with Aaron desperate to stop his dad from drinking, so he confiscates his wallet hoping it’ll keep him off of the booze. He’s intrigued, however, when he finds a bag inside – and it’s this discovery which sets off an unfortunate series of events. “Aaron and Summer bake weed brownies, and are happily giggling together when they’re caught red handed by Billy and Todd!” explains our Corrie spy. “Billy’s beside himself as the bishop is due to visit any minute. He and Todd try to cover up, hiding Summer and Aaron in the bedroom. But it soon plays out…

The BIG stories from a week of timeless drama… An EastEnders icon lands this week, full of wit, charm and – before too long – a lot of rum. It’s the funeral of Audrey Trueman, a character who never exactly set the Square alight; her rather speedy exit coming via a crack on the head and a lacklustre collapse on the living room carpet. As the wake gets underway, a flash motor arrives. The door opens, and we get the kind of rising camera shot normally reserved for divas. A pair of winkle pickers… A sharply cut suit… A handsome face, twinkling eyes… all topped off with a black trilby. Patrick Trueman truly is ‘a fine figure of a man’, as your grandma would have said. Usually, the first thing…

HARD TRUTHS! The moment we’ve all been waiting for finally arrived in Corrie – Kelly discovered Gary killed her dad! It obviously came as a shock to Kelly, but I’d never have guessed she’d pay to have Gary murdered. Kelly’s come a long way, but her dad’s evil streak will always be a part of her! | Derek, Kent QUICK FIXES… I do hope Alfie Moon doesn’t sail away into the sunset as quickly as he arrived in his old boat. I love him being back with his vulnerability and humour, it’s just what the Square needs. And one day let’s hope Kat realises it, too, so she’ll ditch Phil, and Sharon can have him back. Sorted! | Sylvia, Hampshire We have to admit, we’re also enjoying having Alfie back!…

The last time we saw The A Word’s Ralph and Katie, the newlyweds had moved in together after a romantic wedding ceremony – and via this groundbreaking new spin-off series, we’ll discover how married life is panning out for the young couple. Lead actors Leon Harrop and Sarah Gordy are joined by new co-stars, including The Royle Family’s Craig Cash, Dylan Brady (Corrie’s Danny Tomlinson) and Traces’ Jamie Marie Leary, alongside castmates from The A Word – Pooky Quesnel as Leon’s mum Louise and Matt Greenwood as Tom. And as the pair reveal, it’s been an unforgettable experience… Hello both! Please tell us what Ralph & Katie is all about… Leon It’s about a married couple who have learning difficulties, and they go through a roller coaster of different things.…

THE WALK-IN | ITV MONDAY As Hire Me: Competing For A Dream Job continues, host Snoochie Shy tells Inside TV the telly that works for her… What has been your favourite drama you’ve watched recently? I’ve just watched The Longest Night on Netflix. I literally finished that in one sitting, it’s so good. It’s a Spanish prison-set thriller, and it’s in Spanish as well. I like to watch things in their original language. And which comedy series have you most enjoyed lately? BoJack Horseman. It’s a cartoon for adults about a horse trying to find acting work; his agent is a cat, there are loads of different animals in it and humans as well. It’s so random, but that’s my go-to. What were your favourite shows when you were growing…

As Steven Moffatpenned thriller Inside Man draws to a close this week, Lydia West – who plays investigative journalist Beth Davenport – reveals that it was a no-brainer to take on the role… “When I read the script, I was entertained from the first page to the last,” cheers the star. “Then finding out Dolly Wells was in it, and David Tennant, who is amazing, and Stanley Tucci… it was a lot of things in my favour to do it!” Janice (Wells) – the maths tutor trapped inside a cellar – grows desperate in the penultimate episode, while her pupil’s father, vicar Harry (Tennant) is determined to do the right thing. Meanwhile, Beth meets with one of death row prisoner Jefferson Grieff’s (Tucci) helpers, who delivers a stark warning –…

PRETTY HARD CASES Alibi 9PM This Canadian police comedy-drama, starring Meredith MacNeill as Guns and Gangs detective Sam Wazowski alongside Orange Is The New Black’s Adrienne C Moore playing Drug Squad detective Kelly Duff – officers who fight crime in their own way, against all the odds – returns for a second series tonight. This week, the daring and determined duo is heading sky-high, as they take their expertly skilled, bold and always entertaining partnership to the highest of heights, working undercover as flight attendants to infiltrate a Central American gang’s drug route. But will the plucky pair need to take advantage of their nearest emergency exit as the dangerous case takes off? JON RICHARDSON: TAKE MY MOTHER-IN-LAW Channel 4 10PM In a selfless bid to avoid his mum-in-law Gill…

Alex Fletcher Anna Passey Billy Price Chelsee HealeyDominic Power Ellis Hollins Emma Lau Eva O’Hara Gregory Finnegan Haiesha Mistry Harvey Virdi Ijaz Rana Jacob RobertsJames Sutton Jennifer Metcalfe Jessica Fox Kelly Condron Kieron Richardson Lily Best Lucy-Jo Hudson Niamh Blackshaw Nick Pickard Nikki Sanderson Omar Malik Richard Blackwood Rory Douglas-Speed Ross Adams Ruby O’Donnell Stephanie Waring Tomi Ade Tylan Grant Vera Chok Competition rules of entry: 1. Competitions are open to all residents of Great Britain and Ireland. Employees of Hearst UK or their families are not eligible to enter. 2. The competitions in this issue open on 27 September 2022 and close on 10 October 2022. 3. The winners will be drawn the day after the closing date. Winners will be chosen at random. A list of winners’ names…