Inside Soap UK 22 - 2017

“Will Claire King return to the Dales?” The old soap revolving door is spinning out of control! Of course, we’ve just been treated to a little visit from EastEnders’ Pam Coker (I plead with you to bring her back properly, Walford bosses!), but there are more familiar faces to come. Linda’s heading home to the Queen Vic for an almighty showdown (see p14), as is Phil. Meanwhile, there are rumours of Carla coming back to Corrie (second plea of the week – go on Street chiefs, you know you want to!). However, with this being a revolving door, sadly some people need to travel in the opposite direction.… We see the aftermath of Carly’s departure from Emmerdale on p28, as well as the news that the cobbles’ Erica is heading…

“Bethany is blinded by what she thinks is love – she just won’t listen” Horrified Sarah faces fresh hell this week, when she discovers Bethany trying to grab her passport and leave the country with evil Nathan. Following shocking recent events, Sarah now knows the full extent of how much Bethany has been manipulated by her predatory boyfriend. She’s hoping that Bethany is safe back with her family, but Sarah hasn’t reckoned on the control Nathan has over brainwashed Bethany. That is until she finds her daughter preparing to make a run for it… “Bethany’s actions throw Sarah completely,” admits Tina O’Brien, who plays the struggling mum. “There is a moment earlier in the story where it looks as if Bethany has made a breakthrough – and Sarah is so…

Lucy Fallon visited the Manchester base of helpline Childline, chatting to the counsellors whose job it is to help children and young people with issues including grooming… “It’s been quite overwhelming hearing how many children use Childline and how counsellors are able to help, just by in some cases listening,” says Lucy. “When you’re young and vulnerable, like Bethany is, it can feel like you have nowhere to turn – so it’s crucial Childline is there for them. “Talking to counsellors has made it hit home that there are real-life Bethanys out there who need help. I hope by tackling such an important issue on Coronation Street, we can help raise awareness and encourage victims to speak out.” Children and young people can contact Childline for free confidential support and…

“Finn plays the innocent, but he’s smarter than you might think” JOE Foolish Finn makes a difficult decision in the hope of sorting his family’s money troubles this week – as he chooses to become an escort! Typically, it’s not long before the youngest Barton is way out of his depth, and ends up having to leg it from his first client. But when Finn attempts to hide out at Wylie’s Farm, there’s another shock in store, as he and Ross discover that their parents’ former home is being used to grow cannabis. Actors Joe Gill (Finn) and Michael Parr (Ross) explain… There’s no shortage of drama for the Bartons this week! But let’s start at the beginning… Why does Finn decide to be an escort? Joe He’s…

Emmerdale producer Iain MacLeod recently teased that it won’t be long before the Barton boys find out their mother Emma killed their father James. And Joe and Michael are braced for the consequences… “What Emma’s done is unforgivable,” admits Joe. “I wouldn’t like to think what might happen in a situation like this, but I’d say it would tear them apart. What exactly will they do? We’ll have to wait and see!” “It’s a weird one – and I imagine you’ll see varied reactions from the brothers,” continues Michael. “Ross has a very difficult history with Emma already – she tried to suffocate him with a pillow when he was a baby – so there’s already 20 years of damage as far as he’s concerned. I think Ross is more…

“Having a child together means the world to Stacey and Martin…” This is the moment thrilled Stacey and Martin see baby Fowler for the first time! The proud parents have joy written across their faces as they visit the hospital for Stacey’s first ultrasound, and are shown their little bundle of joy on a monitor… “Having a child together means the world to Stacey and Martin,” beams our Square spy. “When Kush turned out to be Arthur’s father, it almost broke Martin. But here he and Stacey are, stronger than ever, and having a baby of their own. It’s a dream come true.” The couple have been keeping the news of Stacey’s pregnancy a secret since finding out earlier this year – but with their first scan out of the…