Table of contents for 05-2023 in Inside Soap UK

Lonely Paddy falls into bed with his ex-wife Mandy this week – but rather than bringing him comfort, the incident pushes Paddy even further into the depths of despair. Emmerdale bosses have confirmed that this is the start of a huge new storyline for Paddy, who’s been struggling to mask his sorrow since he found out that Chas had cheated on him with Al. And while Mandy does her best to be there for him, ultimately she can’t mend his broken heart… “I think the audience has been desperate for a bit of Mandy and Paddy since she came back,” teases Dales producer Laura Shaw. “We’re going to see those two rekindle their romance and get it on together, but it’s not going to be all love and laughter. What…

Sneaky Stephen plays a dangerous game this week, as he hosts a client meeting behind Carla’s back! With Sarah and Michael keen to drum up interest in their new business, they enlist Beth’s help to knock up some designs after hours that they can show to a prospective new customer. Stephen is happy to facilitate the rendezvous, but what will Carla say when she finds out? “Stephen’s confident that he’s covered his tracks,” reveals our cobbles spy. “He’s a dab hand at keeping things on the downlow by now – and let’s face it, a secret business meeting is child’s play compared to getting rid of dead bodies! But on this occasion he’s been a little too cocky, and it’s not long before Carla gets suspicious…” Beth jumps at the…

Nate is drawn into Naomi’s devious plan to bring down Ethan’s boss Greg this week – what could go wrong? Angry her brother could end up jobless, thanks to his manager’s unscrupulous behaviour, Naomi begs the fit farm hand to help – by pretending to seduce Greg in order to catch him out! “Greg denies making a move on Ethan’s boyfriend Marcus, which has made it super-awkward at work,” recaps our Emmerdale insider. “Even though Greg is under investigation for being inappropriate, he’s turned it round and claims Ethan and Marcus made the whole thing up to discredit him! But the truth is that he doesn’t want his wife to know he’s secretly hitting on hunky blokes. What a snake!” When Ethan admits he’s considering dropping the complaint and resigning…

Roy’s behaviour is a cause for concern this week, as he becomes obsessed with his mobile phone! Though he was initially dismissive when Nina bought him a smartphone for Christmas, Roy is now won over by the device’s delights, and his niece starts to regret giving it to him! The café owner can’t resist checking for updates on an archaeological excavation, and Nina challenges her addicted uncle to put his phone away while he’s working. Can Roy go a whole shift without his favourite new toy?…

Bree reports Dean for domestic abuse this week, after Ziggy ends up in hospital following her accidental fall at Salt! Ziggy is rushed into the ED fearing for the life of her unborn child, with Dean by her side. The baby is given the all-clear and, feeling relieved, Ziggy says sorry to Dean for her reckless actions. Unfortunately, Bree misreads this and believes that there might be something more sinister going on… So, after thoroughly questioning Ziggy about her home life, Bree reports Dean to the authorities for domestic violence! Cash arrives to investigate, and soon Dean begins to lash out when he’s banned from seeing Ziggy – so Cash is forced to take him down to the station. Later, Bree overhears Dean’s heartfelt declaration to Ziggy and realises she’s…

ITV1 THURSDAY Cathy and Heath celebrate turning sweet 16 this week – but the birthday girl’s party is ruined when she clashes with her dad. Bob is worried about Cathy’s recent mood swings, so Brenda reveals the teen has started taking the contraceptive pill to cope with heavy, painful periods. While aware that this is definitely not the kind of thing a 16-year-old girl wants to discuss with her dad, Bob is still upset Cathy couldn’t come to him – so, he attempts to address the situation as sensitively as he can. He grabs a quiet word while the party is in full swing, hoping to make it clear he’s there for his little girl – causing cringing Cathy to wish the ground would swallow her up! Embarrassed that Bob…

The BIG stories from a week of timeless drama… One of the big challenges soap producers often face is a leading lady getting pregnant. Of course, this is wonderful news for the star in question. Meanwhile, the growing bump can be hidden by swishy coats, a constantly carried washing basket, or some strategically placed furniture in shot (at the same time creating a fun game for viewers to spot the tricks). But the big problem comes when the actor has to head off on maternity leave and their character’s absence then explained. Usually, an off-screen mum requires nursing. Sometimes, a slightly less convincing plot is invented – such as Corrie’s Shona, who is currently on Lily’s two-month football apprenticeship, which the lass won after posting one YouTube video of her…

We have a never-seen-before EastEnders plot this week, although it’s a familiar one to any viewers of British sitcoms between about 1970 and 1985. With Dot away, Jim is left in charge of the house chores. However, there’s trouble when he decides to save time by cleaning Joey the Budgie’s cage while hoovering. Rather than killing two birds with one stone, he’s soon left with just one bird, stone dead. Dr Anthony is called to perform emergency CPR (probably not the weirdest call-out as Albert Square’s GP), but sadly Joey’s journey up the tube marks his final adventure. Jim scours the pet shops for a lookalike replacement, but the Joey he finds is actually a Josephine. Cue hilarious consequences as Dot returns home to a sex-swap shock. WHERE TO WATCH……

Everyone says the Queen Vic is smaller than you’d expect, but I actually think it’s quite big,” reveals EastEnders star Jonny Freeman, who’s recently returned to our screens as Dot’s great-nephew, Reiss Colwell. “Quite frankly it’s a shame it’s not a real pub; they have everything in there if you want it. Unfortunately in my scenes as Reiss, he’s generally driving – so there’s been a lot of orange juice consumed in the Vic for me!” It’s only right that Reiss follows in the footsteps of his great-aunt, whose tipple of choice was a tomato juice – though of course she would push the boat out and order a sweet sherry if the occasion called for it! Sadly Jonny never had the opportunity to meet or work with the legendary…

Long-time Hollyoaks fans will remember Charlie was the product of a scandalous fling between schoolteacher Becca Dean and tearaway pupil Justin Burton – and the sensational storyline is still remembered as one of the soap’s most controversial plots. “When people find out I work on Hollyoaks, I ask if they remember Becca and Justin – then tell them I’m their son!” laughs Charlie. “It always gets a reaction! I know it was a big deal at the time, Jess has told me she played an important part in it as Nancy ended up taking her nephew in. “My character knows Becca died in prison and thinks Justin left, but he doesn’t know why. Sometimes I forget Brooke’s mum was Becca’s cellmate and stabbed her – so their mum murdered my…

M aybe it was something to do with turning 40 last year, but I thought it was time to do something different,” explains Casualty star George Rainsford, as his character Ethan bids farewell to the ED this week. “I’ve done nine years and filmed over 300 episodes, which sounds bonkers! I wanted a bit of time to do the usual family stuff, like school runs and bedtime stories.” It appears Ethan wants the same, as he decides to put his medical career on hold to focus on his son, Bodhi. With George insisting this is just a break, he’s about to embark on a UK theatre tour - then he’ll see what happens… Hi, George! When did you finish up filming on Casualty? It was around August, so I’ve already…

HAPPY VALLEY | BBC1 SUNDAY As Happy Valley’s concluding episode approaches, the stage is set for an unforgettable farewell. Sergeant Catherine Cawood is days away from retirement, but with her nemesis Tommy Lee Royce on the run – Catherine and her family in unfathomable danger as he plots his next twisted move – the bitter adversaries are seemingly hurtling towards a final, fearsome face-off… Ahead of this explosive conclusion, creator Sally Wainwright – also the writer behind series including Last Tango In Halifax, Gentleman Jack and Scott & Bailey – reflects on the award-winning story which has kept us on the edge of our seats since 2014… Hi Sally! Why did you decide to make this the final series? The intention developed through conversations I had with Sarah Lancashire to…

SUNDAY 5 February DANCING ON ICE ITV1 6.25PM Hi, both! How are you enjoying being back? Ashley It feels really nice. In all honesty, I can’t quite believe it’s come around again. I still remember my first series and being the new boy – now I feel like I’m part of the furniture! Oti I feel as if Dancing On Ice helps you transition from cold January into the warmer months. It’s honestly such a privilege to be on the panel – and it’s great not to be the newbie any more! How would you describe your judging style? Ashley Honest, fair and positive at the same time. Oti I get emotional because I feel for the contestants and I understand they’re being put in that position as a…

PAMELA ANDERSON’S FAMILY HOME RENOVATION More4 10PM This new series follows megastar Pamela Anderson as she returns to her roots on Canada’s Vancouver Island and embarks on a massive restoration of her grandmother’s six-acre property (helped by a team of designers, architects and contractors, natch). Pammy is bursting with ideas for the property, but the team starts small, transforming the unfinished roadhouse basement into a laundry area, pantry and mudroom (somewhere to put your shoes and coats, in UK parlance). But before they can even start, Pamela has to figure out where to put her 600 pairs of shoes and numerous designer dresses she’s been storing in the basement for yonks… EMERGENCY: FIRST TIME MEDICS W 8PM It’s week three as we follow Royal Berkshire Hospital’s newly qualified doctors in…

First with the week’s HOTTEST headlines This is the heart-stopping moment that Nick and Leanne burst into the Bistro to save Sam – after the terrified boy finds himself staring down the barrel of a gun! All hell breaks loose when a drug deal set up by Damon backfires, with two armed and masked men storming the restaurant to grab the gear. Nick, Leanne and Damon are safely outside on the street when Sam calls them to say that he and Ryan are under siege – and then, a shot rings out… “There is a soul-crushing moment for Nick when it dawns on him that he could lose his son,” despairs actor Ben Price, who plays the distraught dad. When the danger of his association with Damon is only affecting…

Sienna and Warren go head-to-head once again this week – but this time, Ethan, Grace and Norma are all embroiled in the dramatic scenes, too! With Warren and Norma out of hospital after their liver-transplant surgery, the pair seek revenge on Grace – who lied about Norma being a match. But surprisingly, lovebirds Sienna and Ethan decide to team up with Grace to take down Warren and his gangster-boss mum! Anna Passey, who plays Sienna, tells us more… Hi, Anna! How worried is Sienna that Warren will find out about her part in the transplant test scandal? Sienna doesn’t believe that Warren will hurt her, and she holds on to that. However, she also knows how irate he can be, and that he needs revenge. Grace is in the firing…

Bernie is beaming this week, when she’s accepted into Dev’s golf club – but her envious fella is fuming that she’s better at the game than he is! “Dev only asked Bernie to play golf with him last week to make up the numbers, as his partner had bailed,” smirks our Corrie insider. “Now he’s beginning to wish he hadn’t bothered as she’s totally showing him up! Who knew Bernie had a hidden talent for golf?” With his pride seriously wounded after being beaten by Bernie in the bunker, demotivated Dev pretends to Chesney he let his lady friend win. When Bernie learns her victory is being undermined she’s annoyed, and Mr Alahan is forced to concede she’s a natural! After another trip to the golfing range, and another thrashing…

Eileen and Todd are left open-mouthed in shock this week, after the pair are warned that Sean’s boyfriend Laurence is a murderer! The drama unfolds when Todd rides a taxi back to Coronation Street, and the driver, Mitch, recognises Sean’s other half. Todd and Eileen are stunned as Mitch then tells them that Sean needs to watch his back – because Laurence is a dangerous man. But when Sean confronts Laurence with a picture of Mitch on Todd’s taxi app, his beloved denies even knowing him. Fortunatley, super-sleuths Eileen and Todd are on the case – and soon find evidence that dodgy Laurence is a liar… “It’s an open-and-shut case – Laurence has been telling porkies!” warns our Street spy. “Not only do he and Mitch know each other, there’s…

Nish decides to expand the Panesars’ business empire this week – by launching a bold plot to take on the Mitchells! Nish knows that Phil is a powerful man, and if the Panesars are to rule the roost in Walford they need to make it clear to the Mitchell hard man that they’re not to be messed with. So, despite his wife’s warnings to stay well away from the criminal family, Nish forges ahead with his plans – and declares war… “Nish hasn’t been on the Square for as long as Suki, so he doesn’t truly know who he’s messing with,” points out our Walford spy. “We know Nish is capable of terrible things – he has just come out of prison after doing time for murder – yet Phil…

The girls at Waterloo Road wage a war on the boys this week, after they discover an offensive group chat! Samia is ready to take the day by storm and cheerlead for the basketball team’s big game – but she and her friends are left horrified when they discover that the boys have been rating them in a ‘hot or not’ chat! With none of the boys or teachers listening to her, Samia takes matters into her own hands; will the girls find out who’s behind the list?…

Another odd element of this week’s Emmerdale is Louise throwing herself into an affair with married newcomer Ronnie Marsden, with no shame or worry of recriminations. Diane is convinced that Louise’s out-of-character behaviour is some form of PTSD in the wake of stalkerish fella Ray’s death. But weirdly nobody seems to mention that the attraction may be from the fact that Ronnie looks exactly like Ray, as the scripts were presumably written before actor Ray Ashcroft was cast.…

A HELPING HAND… I loved the scene between Patrick and Linda in EastEnders. Linda needed words of wisdom from someone like Patrick, who has been balancing a hectic Walford life for years now. Linda will be all right in the end, she’s one of the most resilient people in Albert Square. | Angelica, Reading SHEDDING TEARS Juliet’s cancer diagnosis in Hollyoaks is sad enough, but actress Niamh Blackshaw is doing such a good job that it’s made the story even more emotional! When Juliet had to tell her family that the treatment isn’t working, I welled up – and I can imagine there’s a lot more tears to come. | Freya We’re all preparing ourselves for a heartbreaking time ahead for Juliet and her family… STAYING PUT… Well, I am…

"Sarah should go on Dragons’ Den or The Apprentice,” giggles Corrie star Tina O’Brien, as we compliment the actress on her Corrie character’s business acumen of late. “That would be so much fun for a little spin-off or special episode – let’s put it out there!” Lord Sugar would be lucky to have Gail’s daughter, who has somehow managed to strike career gold by making children’s pyjamas with Michael Bailey. The stitching of their new venture seems to be coming together nicely this week, as the pair secure themselves a big money deal with an investor (see p8 for the full story). However, there is just one problem: Sarah’s big success is set to collide with her husband Adam’s desire to have a baby. And Sarah’s not sure they want…

MONDAY 6 February THE ROYALS: A HISTORY OF SCANDALS More4 9PM Prince Harry might make a mint from his tell-all book, but it’s not just royals of the 20th and 21st centuries with scandalous secrets. In this second of her four-part series, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb is at Hampton Court Palace to unveil some more of the royals’ historical improprieties. Tonight, she’s aided by author and Taggart creator Glenn Chandler, and fellow historians Dr Linda Porter (also a consultant on the BBC series Six Wives and The Boleyns) and Dr Jennifer Aston (not off of Friends) to uncover stories of an immoral marriage that led to one royal standing in the witness box; why Charles II was monickered ‘the merry monarch’, and a sex scandal involving a prince and a…

1923 Channel 5 10PM Hollywood superstars Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford team up for this epic Western drama series – prequel to the hugely successful Yellowstone with Kevin Costner – following the fortunes of the Dutton family, owners of Yellowstone Dutton Ranch in Montana. As we reunite with another generation of this formidable clan, patriarch Jacob and matriarch Cara are battling the well-documented challenges of America’s mountain states during the early 20th century – pandemics, epic drought, the end of prohibition, and the Great Depression – alongside bitter local rivalries. Also stars our very own former 007 Timothy Dalton, and Jerome Flynn – he of Soldier Soldier, Game Of Thrones and Robson & Jerome fame… YOU Netflix The fourth run of this gripping psychological thriller series streams from today, starring…

Mack decides to tell Charity that he’s the father of Chloe’s baby this week – but just as he’s on the verge of confessing all, Sarah collapses to the floor in front of them! With the guilt of his secret weighing heavily on him, Mack informs Chloe that the time has come for him to tell Charity the truth, much to Chloe’s dismay. As the pair discuss their options, they are oblivious to Sarah hovering nearby, listening in horror to their every word – until she comes tumbling down stairs, clutching her chest and struggling to breathe… “Mack is in ‘I’m telling Charity’ mode, but he’s unaware of Sarah upstairs,” reveals Lawrence Robb, who plays him. “I think as soon as Sarah comes down the stairs, saying that she’s feeling…

LAUNDERETTE & CAB FIRM Phil bought the Launderette in 2021 as a gift for Kat, who wanted to operate a cab firm from the back room. He’s hands-off as far as the day-to-day is concerned – for now, at least… PEGGY’S WINE BAR Sam begged her brother to buy the old club as a tribute to their later mother. Phil’s sister is in her element as manager – but he’s the one reaping all the profits. CHICKEN SHOPS Away from the Square, Phil runs McKlunky’s leading competitor chain. Though really they’re just a front for his money-laundering scam! THE ARCHES & SQUARE DEALZ Phil signed the garage over to Ben, and the car lot now belongs to Jay. But while Phil doesn’t own them any more, technically they’re still part…

Jacob attempts to move forward with his love life this week, but how will he cope in taking a big step? Jacob is surprised by a patient in cubicles who is wearing a superhero costume, and has her eyes glued together! It turns out the patient is May, a woman whom Jacob used to work with years ago, and she obviously has a bit of a soft spot for him. The two flirt and eventually May asks Jacob out for a drink, which he accepts. However, on their date, May’s insistence on going back to hers leaves Jacob running for the door as traumatic memories of Tina rise to the surface. It’s been two years since Jacob’s ex was arrested for domestic abuse in their relationship – and despite attending…

You should never mix business and pleasure, as several Weatherfield residents discover this week. Firstly, there’s trouble at the corner shop after Deirdre mouths off about her festive stocking filler from boss Dev to his fiancée, Geena. Dev sacks Deirdre for her lack of discretion, until she issues a threat to tell the whole Street about their Christmas cracker. Meanwhile, pals Steve and Peter clash after Peter’s girlfriend Shelley ends up with chewing gum on her snazzy new coat from the back of a Streetcars motor. Steve refuses to pay for the cleaning. So, when one of Steve’s horses later comes in, bookie Peter won’t pay up. Soon, Steve is leading a boycott of the shop. Finally, Fred learns the true meaning of ‘marry in haste’ as wife Eve insists…

It seems like only yesterday Charlie Dean was a sweet little boy without a care in the world. Fast-forward, and the cute kid Darren and Nancy nicknamed ‘Charlie Bear’ is a brooding 16-year-old who’s been groomed into drug dealing, spent time in young offenders and got his first girlfriend pregnant! Actor Charlie Behan has played his namesake for over a decade and can barely remember life before Hollyoaks. He’s relishing the chance to tackle grittier plots as his character struggles with adolescence, and this week he’s at the centre of the drama following a disastrous camping trip that ended with Charlie’s classmate Vicky rushed to hospital after a suspected spiking. Inside Soap catches up with Charlie to chat about growing up on screen, and what the future holds… Hi, Charlie!…

We last saw Cilla in 2014 when she popped back, having left as a full-time Street resident in 2007. Now Chesney is planning his wedding to babymamma Gemma, fans are wondering if the groom-to-be will be bothered to send his dear old mum an invite – and so is Wendi! “I heard Chesney’s getting married, but I don’t think anybody’s told his mother!” she laughs. “I think it would be fun if Cilla met Evelyn and Bernie. Maureen Lipman is a comic genius and Jane Hazlegrove is a brilliant actress. I can imagine them having some great comedy scenes round the wedding buffet, but who knows? “Cilla made a big impact and I’m pleased she gets a mention now and again, but I’m happy where I am,” adds Wendi. “Nina’s…

ANT & DEC’S LIMITLESS WIN ITV1 8.30PM In the final show of the series, the Geordie duo welcome back husband-and-wife team Nathan and Taylor, as they continue their attempt to wend their way even further up the never-ending money ladder. They found the climb tough last weekend, but will their persistence pay off in big bucks? Ant and Dec also welcome along Liverpudlian mum and son Tracey-Jane and Troy, who’ll be taking educated guesses at some tricksy numeric questions… “The great thing about this show is everybody can have a go, because the answer to every question is a number,” grins Ant. “You can be shouting at the TV, and the whole family can have a go to see who does best. You don’t need to be Brain of Britain…

CONSENT Channel 4 10PM This thought-provoking new one-off drama is based on hundreds of testimonies from young people about their school experiences. Set in a private, previously single-sex establishment, female students are now allowed in its sixth form. Affluent and privileged Archie’s (Tom Victor) social media and online world is dominated by a ‘lad’ culture that he doesn’t feel he belongs to. He instantly bonds with working class Natalie (Lashay Anderson), who has won a scholarship to attend the school. Then one night at a party, boundaries are crossed – and nothing will ever be the same between them. But how will the school deal with the accusation Natalie makes against ‘one of their own’? KAVOS WEEKENDER ITV2 10.05PM As the Corfu-set reality series continues tonight, boss David revokes Tash’s…

HOTEL PORTOFINO ITV1 9PM This lavish new drama – revolving around a fancy hotel, run by the prestigious Ainsworth family on the stunning Italian Riviera – continues tonight. Lucian, the son of proprietor Bella (Natascha McElhone), gives guest Rose a painting lesson on the beach. But the session doesn’t go quite as planned… “Lucian’s father Jack [Adam James] is trying to marry Lucian off to Rose, who’s from a wealthy family,” shares Oliver Dench, who plays the talented artist. “Lucian is presented as a reasonable, sympathetic character, but as the show goes on and as his love life becomes more complicated, it becomes more evident that people are being hurt by his actions…” SAM SMITH LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL BBC1 11.30PM Get a front-row seat for multi-platinum recording…

Cinema The Whale Charlie is an obese and reclusive English teacher who is cared for by his nurse and only friend, Liz. As his health declines, Charlie tries to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter, Ellie, for one last chance at redemption. Starring Brendan Fraser, Hong Chau, and Sadie Sink. Out on 3 February. NETFLIX YOUR PLACE OR MINE Debbie and Peter are best pals and total opposites. She craves routine with her son in LA, while he thrives on change in NY. When they swap houses for a week, they discover what they think they want might not be what they need… Starring Reece Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher. BOOK SWEET, SOFT, PLENTY RHYTHM by Laura Warrell Circus Palmer, a trumpet player and old-school ladies’ man, refuses to be tied…