Table of contents for 06-2023 in Inside Soap UK

Have you ever watched the soaps and pondered who your ‘identification’ character might be? By that I mean: with which resident of soapland do you have the most in common? Are you a long-suffering mum, just doing the best you can for your crazy kids; like Gail Platt, Stacey Slater or Eileen Grimshaw? Or a brassy broad, like Kat Slater or Mandy Dingle, who’s loved and lost and loved again, but doesn’t suffer fools gladly? (Does anyone suffer fools gladly?) Or perhaps it’s for others to say. While I base my own management style at Inside Soap on that of Carla Connor (“Less griping, more typing!”), I fear that, in reality, I’m seen more like Brian Packham at the Kabin – pompously shuffling magazines while wearing knitwear a size too…

EMMERDALE Laura-Jayne snoops behind the big soap headlines… The date is finally confirmed for Charity and Mack’s wedding – although sadly, they’ll be scooping up the debris from the bombshell set to explode on their big day for a long time to come! Emmerdale bosses have made no secret of the fact that the nuptials will collide with the revelation that Mack is the father of Chloe’s baby. However, the story won’t end there – with the fallout set to dominate village drama for much of next year… “There will be massive repercussions for all of these characters that will carry us into 2024,” confirms Dales chief Jane Hudson. “It’s not a question of will Charity find out, but when – and it’s going to be explosive.” The good news…

Hi, Aaron! What is it about Denise that Ravi likes so much? Ravi and Denise really get one another. There’s a magnetic attraction that is playing on his mind – he wants to pursue Denise at whatever cost. He also really enjoys the thrill of the chase, and stepping into dangerous waters with Denise being a detective’s wife. Why do Ravi and Jack clash so much? It’s an alpha male thing. Also with Ravi being in and out of prison and Jack being a detective, that makes him feel a certain way towards him. Plus Jack doesn’t appreciate Denise – Ravi has an attitude of, ‘If you don’t appreciate her, then I will!’ Have you enjoyed working more with Diane Parish (Denise)? Diane is an absolute godsend – she is…

Sean is left brokenhearted again this week, following his split from Laurence – but can Todd cheer him up? Sean’s suspicions that Laurence offed his late wife led to their break-up, though Sean is still pining for the dentist. Todd swoops in and suggests a movie night to lift Sean’s spirits – but given the part Todd played in his relationship going south, Sean may not be keen to accept his olive branch! Corrie star Antony Cotton, who plays Sean, ponders whether his character will ever find true love… Hi Antony! Why did Sean let Todd convince him that Laurence likely bumped off his wife? Sean has been so unlucky in love that he is used to that feeling; so it’s simple for him to go to that place and…

CASUALTYBBC1 SATURDAY Rash has his hands full this week, when his dad Ashok turns up at the hospital after causing a car accident! Knowing that Ashok can’t be alone following his dementia diagnosis, Rash leaves him in the care of his dad’s childhood friend, Nadeem. But a few hours into Rash’s shift, Ashok is brought into the ED after stealing Nadeem’s car, driving the wrong way down a dual carriageway, and crashing! Ashok is mostly unharmed, yet the same can’t be said for the couple in the other car. Matters only get worse for Rash when his dad’s ex-girlfriend informs him that Ashok can’t go into assisted living because he has no money. It turns out that Ashok’s so-called friend, Nadeem, has been using Ashok’s cash to make dodgy investments!…

MUM’S THE WORD! Emma has officially made her mark on Albert Square in an attempt to find out more about her long-lost daughter Lola – and our readers are excited to see what is next for the family… Emma has added some much-needed class to Albert Square. And does anyone else think she looks a lot like Sam Mitchell? Or maybe it’s just their love of camel coats! | Melanie, Oxford It’s a great idea to bring Emma into the show, and I suppose this is their last chance to do so! I’ll be interested to see how Lola and Emma get on. I wouldn’t be so quick to get to know the mother who abandoned me at such a young age. | Nora, Essex When the horrific end to…

Whenever Inside Soap asks the Corrie cast which co-star gives them the giggles in the middle of filming a scene, one name constantly crops up: Peter Gunn. So, as we settle in for a chat with the man who brings loveable buffoon Brian Packham to life, we have to start by asking if his reputation as the Street’s most notorious on-set mischief-maker is justified… “Sometimes it’s hard to keep a straight face as my character comes out with some absolute crackers!” chuckles the star. “You can’t help it. I’ll tell you who else has a glint in his eye – Bill Roache! Even after all these years he’s looking for a bit of business, there’s always a sense of mischief working with him. If Ken Barlow can do it, so…

It’s easy to forget that Amy has another main man in her life – her boyfriend, Matty. Natalie reckons that her alter ego pays nowhere near enough attention to her devoted partner. In fact, she thinks Matty is a saint for being so understanding! “I think Matty puts up with a lot from Amy!” she laughs. “She’s so fixated on Kyle and trying to do the right thing that she doesn’t have time for anyone else. I think she could spend more time thinking of others. The fact Matty sticks around and puts up with this must mean he really does love her!” Meanwhile, Natalie says there’s only one man that fans want to discuss when they see her out and about. “People always want to talk to me about…

Before Doctors, Kia spent a decade on CBBC’s The Dumping Ground as Jody Jackson – and she’s not the only cast member to graduate from the hit kids’ drama to the world of soap… “Annabelle Davis has just joined Hollyoaks as Lacey, and we played best mates on Dumping Ground,” smiles Kia. “She is one of my closest friends in the world, I watched her first episode when it went out recently. I’m so proud of her. “And Emily Burnett, who played Olivia in Hollyoaks, was also in Dumping Ground. Me and her find it really funny how different our soap characters are from the ones we used to play. On Dumping Ground, Emily was all sweetness and light and I was a total tomboy – then Olivia is this…

As SAS: Who Dares Wins – Jungle Hell continues its current run of gruelling challenges, DS Chris Oliver tells us the telly that gets his adrenalin pumping… What’s it been like joining the series? I knew Billy and Foxy as we worked together in the military, so joining the team and running the course is my bread and butter. But being on TV, that’s where I’m having to adapt. There’s a lot to learn, but I’m enjoying every minute! What’s been your favourite drama series lately? I watched The Light In The Hall recently, that was brilliant. And Happy Valley – I’m always seeking something that I can download to watch when I’m travelling, so that fitted the bill! And what comedy have you enjoyed? I love Ricky Gervais. He…

CORRIE “Hi honey, I’m home!” BUT WILL DAVID BE PLEASED TO SEE WIFE SHONA BACK? For the past few weeks, Shona has been away in London with stepdaughter Lily, helping the youngster achieve her footballing dreams, and shielding her from the horrors going on back home with teen tearaway Max. Next week, Shona’s back, keen to support David in one of the darkest moments of his life. But will Shona’s hubby welcome her home with open arms? Or will she return to find her family in the midst of another huge scandal? HOLLYOAKS Health worries Warren hoped he’d been given a second chance at life after his liver transplant – but next week, there’s cause for concern when he collapses! What’s wrong with him? HOME AND AWAY Drama at Flick’s…

As Linda is forced to accept that there may be no coming back for her beloved Mick, former EastEnders fave Danny Dyer has responded to speculation that his character will one day do ‘a Harold Bishop’ and return to Albert Square years later with amnesia. “He died, didn’t he – and then he came back!” remarks Danny of the iconic Neighbours twist. “Washed up, funnily enough… Harold lost his memory. “Who knows if Mick could return – EastEnders have kept it open,” adds the star. “I could turn up in three years smothered in seaweed.” Meanwhile, Danny – who says that he “didn’t quite know who he was playing any more” towards the end of Mick’s time in Walford – has paddled his way over to Netflix. He’ll host new…

Juliet declares her feelings for Peri at a Valentine’s Day party this week – but will her heartfelt speech be enough to win Peri back? After her cancer diagnosis, Juliet has been growing closer to Peri once again. So on the most romantic day of the year, Juliet takes her chance to woo Peri back – and star Niamh Blackshaw tells us her alter ego’s plan just might work… Hi, Niamh! Do you think Juliet has always had feelings for Peri? Yes, I think it’s hard to lose feelings for someone when they’ve been such a prominent person in your life. Why does Juliet think she’s lost her chance with Peri? Juliet has a chat with Donna-Marie and James, and makes a plan to get Peri back. But then she…

We’re not being funny, but where is Max’s devoted Aunt Becky? Don’t forget that Becky was once so desperate to adopt Max that she robbed Dev’s shop for the money to buy the kid from mum Kylie. Alas, Kylie herself – may she rest in peace – is in no place to help Max now, but surely Becky can drag herself off her sunbed in Barbados and put a shift in. It’s as if ever since she popped on that plane, Max has been a distant memory to her – and that’s not good enough. Auntie Becky could sort Max out in five seconds flat, or at the very least share some tips on coping with life inside. So, we demand Becky returns and steps up to her duties. Let’s…

Walford’s toughest businesswomen Sharon and Suki go head-to-head this week – in the battle to become the new Vic landlady! The two powerhouses of the Square are determined to get themselves behind the bar, but only one can win the war. The rivalry kicks off after news reaches Linda that Janine is selling Mick’s share in the pub – but she can’t afford to buy it, so she may have to sell up too. Sharon is quick to swoop in and make Linda an offer to run the place together, though she hasn’t bargained on Suki being interested too… “Women don’t come much more formidable than Suki and Sharon – so this could shape up to become an epic battle!” promises our Walford insider. “The idea of running her beloved…

Honour is in for a few surprises this week – and not all of them are nice ones! The psychologist is called for a meeting to discuss her assault on evil Eric, who she blames for corrupting Mason with his misogynistic views. As she panics that her career could be over, Honour fears Maxine’s misguided efforts to save her job may have made matters worse. Desperate to help his other half, Dave prepares a grand gesture for Honour – however, will it give her something to smile about?…

WHO’S WHO? I was watching the most recent episode of Silent Witness and recognised one of the police officers, but I can’t remember where from. Could you help me out please? | Stella, Liverpool Yes! If you’re thinking of DC Meena Puri, she was played by actress Krupa Pattani. You’ll recognise her from Hollyoaks, where she starred as Farrah Maalik from 2017 to 2019. CAUGHT IN CROSSFIRE In EastEnders, Denise referenced the fact that Jack has half a bullet lodged in his brain! What’s she on about? | Matthew In 2010, Peggy’s was a nightclub called R&R. Jack organised a surprise birthday party for his niece Lauren, and was there celebrating. Also there that night was Billie Jackson’s ex, Kylie, who was bitter he’d chosen Whitney over her.…

Peter trained at the prestigious Royal Academy Of Dramatic Arts (RADA), along with some illustrious classmates who – like him – would go on to be big names in the acting world. He also crossed paths with one of his future Corrie co-stars, who he recalls working with on a very strange-sounding project… “Bizarrely, David Neilson [aka Roy] wrote and directed a play I was in at drama school about 40 years ago: it was called Robin Hood: The Truth Behind The Green Tights!” laughs Peter. “I was the Sheriff Of Nottingham, and Ralph Fiennes [star of the Harry Potter and James Bond movies] played Robin Hood – I kid you not! “I also studied with Jane Horrocks [Absolutely Fabulous], Iain Glen [Game Of Thrones], Jason Watkins [The Crown] and…

The last time I came back to EastEnders, I ended up in prison!” laughs actor Neil McDermott, reflecting on his character Ryan’s ups and downs in Walford (see below for our handy recap of his storylines). “I’ve popped back to do various bits, such as Whitney’s wedding, and it’s always a lovely phone call to receive. Ryan’s in a state of shock and wondering what to do “When you’ve been doing EastEnders for a long time like I have, it stays with you for your whole life,” adds the star. “People on the street talk to you about it, too. They say, ‘Where is he? Is he dead? What’s happened to him?’ I always sort of know where Ryan is; he’s up in Wakefield with his wife, Helen – but…

John Paul may be going through difficult times, but at least he has his madcap family on hand to lift him up when he needs it. And James tells us that he always enjoys the McQueen scenes… “I’ve been working quite a lot with Chelsee Healey [Goldie] in the past few months, which I’ve loved,” he reveals. “She’s a really funny performer, and I’m enjoying John Paul and Goldie’s relationship now more than I ever have. We’ve had some really funny scenes together, and I think that’s helped us to build our relationship both on screen and off. “I’ve also built up a really nice rapport with Matthew [Clohessy, who plays his screen son],” adds James. “He’s a sweet boy. He’s interested in video games and all those things young…

W hen I first heard Donte was coming back, I thought he was going to be the headmaster of Waterloo Road!” laughs star Adam Thomas, who has reprised his role as Donte Charles in the school drama, which wraps up this week. “I didn’t think I’d end up as the caretaker – but I’m happy not to be stuck in a classroom all day.” The series has been especially tough on Donte after losing his childhood sweetheart, Chlo, in the very first episode. Yet despite the heartbreak, Adam – who you may also recognise as Emmerdale’s Adam Barton – tells us he’s enjoying every second of it… Hi, Adam! How have you found going back to Waterloo Road? It’s great fun! And a huge blast from the past for me;…

Early Life… Phillip James Mitchell was born on 20 January 1961. He was raised with brother Grant and sister Sam by mum Peggy and dad Eric. As a teen, Eric involved Phil in a robbery where security guard Malcolm Keeble was shot dead – which would come back to haunt Phil… Walford arrival Phil arrived in Albert Square on 20 February 1990, with his brother Grant (Ross Kemp) joining him a couple of days later. “I was nervous,” admits Steve of Phil’s entrance. “I had this really difficult line, ‘This place is ripe for the picking’, which is an awkward bit of phrasing.” Kids’ stuff… Phil has had troubled times with his four children. He struggled to come to terms with eldest son Ben’s sexuality, and was embroiled in a…

THE BRIT AWARDS 2023 ITV1 8.30PM Kicking off at the weekend for the first time ever, this year’s BRIT Awards is hosted for the second year running by Mo Gilligan – and, as an acclaimed comedian and presenter, we can think of few better qualified to handle the live broadcast from London’s O2 arena, chock-full of music industry types, and free vino on tap… There’s a stellar line-up of performers in store including Harry Styles, Ella Henderson, Lewis Capaldi, Lizzo, Sam Smith and Stormzy. And for a proper Access All Areas feel, Clara Amfo, Maya Jama and Roman Kemp are reporting on all the backstage action with The BRIT Awards 2023: Red Carpet over on ITV2. HEARTBREAKERS AT THE BBC BBC2 9PM In a string of romantically themed shows tonight…

BULLSEYE! Much like Cain, we weren’t so sure about Caleb in the beginning and, similarly, he’s lured us into a false sense of security too! So, when the backstabbing brother made his mystery phone call, we felt all the emotions that the Dingles will surely feel when his treachery is revealed. (Well, without all the shouting, shotguns and shipping container malarkey.) What fun! Nicola vs Bernice prompted a few digs about their old lover boy, Carlos The Chef. And to think they’re now scratching each other’s eyes out over a ratty old B&B. Trend alert! Denise didn’t get the “soap babes in camel coats” memo… …at least Emma, Kim and Daisy all understood the assignment. And we’re led to believe the biggest threat to Sam these days is Damon? Join…

Hi, Todd! Stephen has killed twice now – is he having sleepless nights? It doesn’t seem that way! As time goes on, he seems to be less and less uncomfortable about what he has done. He’s had moments when it looked as though he wanted to confess, but that was only because he was certain he was going to be found out. How does he rationalise what he’s done? His circumstances forced him into those initial actions, but now he seems to have got a taste for it. There was panic with Leo, then with Teddy he calculatedly got rid of the body – and even roped in other people to help without them knowing it! Now he is doing this to Carla in plain sight and is feeling invincible…

Caleb is the one who manages to convince incandescent Cain to cool it this week, yet viewers have seen the workings of his brother’s secret plan – proving that Caleb does indeed have a hidden agenda! Meanwhile, Cain remains in the dark. Does he truly trust his estranged sibling after weeks of suspicion and animosity? “They’re definitely working together more now, although I wouldn’t say Cain is relying on Caleb to get him out of trouble,” observes star Jeff. “I think it’s good Cain is starting to get on with his brother, as they could be a formidable duo.” Viewers have seen Caleb make secret calls to an unknown ally, confirming they have Cain on the ropes. Is the long-lost Dingle playing a long game of revenge against his big…

The Panesars in EastEnders will be rocked by another family departure when daughter Ash bows out of the Square. Insiders have confirmed that actress Gurlaine Kaur Garcha is still filming, and will make her exit later this year. Over on the cobbles, Maureen Lipman – who plays Evelyn – is set to be absent from Corrie filming for a spell when she swaps the Street for the stage again. The actress will reprise her role as Rose in her one-woman play of the same name when it moves to the West End in May. Tickets are on sale now!…

Star Niamh surprised her Instagram followers when she posted pictures of her celebrating New Year’s Eve with co-star Angus Castle-Doughty (aka Eric) – and the pair of them certainly looked close! It’s good that Niamh has someone to cosy up to when she gets home from work, as she tells us that Juliet’s cancer storyline has been tough to play… “It’s quite heavy and full on,” she admits. “Because it’s so emotional, it can take its toll. But it’s really great to do as an actor, I really feel I’ve been able to do some of my best work. “There’s also lots of downtime when I finish work, so it’s about taking care of myself in that way as well,” adds Niamh. “Because it’s so heavy and you do it…

Overprotective April frets about her dad’s health this week – and comes up with a secret plot to keep him safe… It’s after Marlon receives a text and has to go out suddenly that April starts to panic, and pleads with him to stay at home and rest. But what’s prompted this sudden concern about her dad’s wellbeing? “Let’s not forget that April found her dad after he suffered a stroke, and that’s a traumatic experience for any young person to go through,” reasons our village spy. “Marlon may be doing well now, but April still bears the scars from that fateful day and subsequently watching him on his long road to recovery. It’s understandable that she’s terrified of something bad happening to her dad again.” As you can see…

FAIR CITY Carol and Ray fear the worst for Nora this week, when Dr Roche is unable to provide an update on her condition. Is Nora going to pull though? Elsewhere, Dearbhla tries to persuade Gar to keep an open mind about a relationship with Joan, but he’s not interested… And Orla is taken aback by Paul’s cruel remarks towards her! THE ARCHERS Freddie catches up with an old friend who has been unlucky in love this week – but as Freddie brings his DJ set to the Bull for Valentine’s, will they help him get lucky? Meanwhile, David and Ruth struggle to switch off as Pip’s birthday approaches… Finally, Ruairi’s actions across the week look set to test Alice’s patience. See TV listings for times & channel details. River…

The BIG stories from a week of timeless drama… Richard tires of his ex-wife Patricia’s constant nagging over money this week. Things have been a little tricky for Dicky since he discovered his housing development needs thousands pumped into the foundations to stop it from falling down around his ears. So, the timing of Patricia’s reappearance couldn’t be worse… for her! Because poor Patricia is about to witness first-hand Richard’s graduation from serial-killer-in-waiting to fully fledged soap psycho. When Patricia turns up at Gail’s door, Richard ushers her away before the Street gossips overhear his financial affairs. He drives Patricia to the development site, hoping to give her some sort of “This time next year, Patty, we’ll be millionaires” flannel. But this isn’t Patricia’s first viewing of the Richard Hillman…

Long-lost family Mystery man Ryan is spotted lurking in Walford before finally dropping a bombshell on Whitney – he’s her half-brother! Till death do us part! Ryan weds Janine. However, the universe delivers the perfect omen for their marriage after Phil sets fire to the Queen Vic during the wedding reception! Poison horror! Ryan learns he’s the father of Stacey’s baby. When they resume their fling, Janine finds out and slowly poisons him! (What a shame they’ve just missed each other.) Over the edge! Whitney is groomed by evil sex predator Rob Grayson, so Ryan rides to her rescue. He ends up killing his sister’s abuser after a fight results in the pair tumbling over Southend Pier! Starting over After five years on the run, Ryan is convinced by Whit…

After months of misery, life is finally looking up for Scarlett in Doctors. The surly receptionist was run ragged as the cost of living crisis hit hard, pushing her to the point of exhaustion as she struggled to make ends meet. Now, with the support of her Mill colleagues, Scarlett is ready to make a fresh start, which includes a new home, a new attitude – and a potential new love interest! Star Kia Pegg teases what’s ahead for her antagonistic alter ego… Hi, Kia! Karen and Rob have taken in Scarlett, how are they adjusting to the new living arrangements? Scarlett is not the easiest house guest – however, she does try harder than she ever has to be gracious and as polite as possible. She is very aware…

“I recently went back to my old school to talk to the kids, who were working on a production of Bugsy Malone,” explains Adam. “I’ve been in their shoes, walked down those corridors, so I was able to let them know that anything is possible. A little kid came up to me, shook my hand and said, ‘Thank you so much, I’ve learned so much from what you’ve said’. “I got to speak to some of my old teachers who were still there,” he continues. “And I had to apologise to a few of them, too! I think they’re happy for me, they knew I wanted to be an actor when I left school. Now I’ve done it, and I’m very proud of that.”…

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ACROSS 4 Summer Bay’s Bree Cameron is a victim of __ thanks to her husband Jacob (5)9 Weatherfield newsagents’ owned by Brian Packham (3,5)10 __ Bright, acted the wife opposite 22A in EastEnders (6)11 __ Nightingale, managed to survive The Undertaker’s imprisonment in Hollyoaks (5)12 Security storage device located in the office of the Loft nightclub in Chester (4)14 & 24A Xander’s sister, very interested in his love life in Home and Away (4,7) 15 See 6D 16 __ Duckworth, Elizabeth Dawn’s Corrie icon (4)17 See 37A 18 Horse-based activity enjoyed by 7D’s character in Emmerdale (6)19 Alfie Moon’s ex-wife who he’d like to win back in EastEnders (3) 22 & 36A Ex-EastEnders actor who played 1D’s brother, then son Mick (5,4)24 See 14A 26 He plays Felix Westwood’s son…

CASUALTY Paige Allcott ...... Shalisha James-DavisSah Brockner ................ Arin SmethurstFaith Cadogan .................Kirsty MitchellIain Dean .................Michael StevensonCharlie Fairhead ........ Derek ThompsonTeddy Gowan ...................... Milo ClarkeDavid Hide ........................... Jason DurrJan Jenning ..........................Di BotcherDylan Keogh......................William BeckMarty Kirkby ........... Shaheen JafargholiRash Masum ...................... Neet MohanJacob Masters ..................Charles VennRobyn Miller .......... Amanda HendersonStevie Nash .................... Elinor LawlessPaul Pegg ..................... Paul Popplewell CORONATION STREET Aadi Alahan ....................Adam HussainAsha Alahan ................... Tanisha GoreyDev Alahan ................. Jimmi HarkishinIzzy Armstrong ..........Cherylee HoustonAggie Bailey .................... Lorna LaidlawEd Bailey .......... Trevor Michael GeorgesDee-Dee Bailey Channique Sterling-BrownMichael Bailey .................. Ryan RussellRonnie Bailey ................... Vinta MorganAdam Barlow ............ Samuel RobertsonAmy Barlow ..................... Elle MulvaneyCarla Barlow ........................ Alison KingKen Barlow ................... William RoachePeter Barlow ................. Chris GascoyneSarah Barlow ..................... Tina O’BrienSimon Barlow .........................Alex BainLeanne Battersby .............. Jane DansonToyah Battersby .............. Georgia TaylorSam Blakeman .................Jude…