Inside Soap UK 39 - 2017

“Emmerdale is off the scale this week!” Wow! Well, Emmerdale is off the scale this week, as the final chapter for evil Emma begins. It makes me a bit sad, actually. Not the ‘going off the scale’ bit – you know I love a big load of drama – but the fact we’re saying goodbye to the wonderful Emma, truly one of the most fascinating soap villains we’ve seen over the past few years. The twists and turns she’s orchestrated in order to keep her sins hidden have been worthy of an Olympic gymnast – and some of the things she’s done, such as manipulating poor Ashley or terrifying little Arthur, have been real shout-at-your-telly moments. Gillian Kearney has given a superb performance as Emma, but I think you still…

The scorching tension between Emma and Moira finally combusts this week, when unstable Emma instigates a heated confrontation at the Bartons’ farm. But soon her quest for vengeance literally explodes, leaving one of the barns engulfed in flames – and the inferno is just the beginning, as Emma’s deadly rampage kick-starts a dramatic week guaranteed to change the Dales forever. And at least one person won’t live to tell the tale… Crazed Emma has spent the past year obsessing over hiding the truth about James’ murder, and committing many heartless acts in order to ensure the secret is kept safe from her grief-stricken sons. While she has successfully thwarted suspicion time and time again, she knows her culpability in her fiancé’s death is on the brink of being unveiled –…

Did you and Natalie enjoy having a final showdown? It was really good fun! We were nervous at the start because this is such an important block of episodes, but it was very exciting – and Natalie and I weren’t limited at all. We were allowed to trust our instincts together! How do you switch off from playing such a complex character? Oh, I switch off all the time – even between takes! As a character gets darker, you have to find the light and have a giggle. I’m always joking around with the cast and crew, and Emma has completely left me after the drive home at the end of the day. Do you think fans would like to see Emma get her comeuppance this week? Yes, but I…

It’s strange to be starting work in the middle of the night, but that’s what Inside Soap is doing! Nothing gets between us and soapie drama, of which there is plenty as Gillian Kearney (Emma) and Natalie J Robb (Moira) prepare to film the big barn blast. Although the stars will each have a stunt double on hand, tonight they will also be performing a stunt themselves – as their characters attempt to flee the burning barn just before it explodes! The ladies are putting themselves in a very dangerous situation… “We did a practice explosion last week and used a stunt man to work out the safe distance away from it,” explains director Tony Prescott. “So tonight, the actresses will run, and we’ll know when…

Nathan promises Mel the world, and needs one thing in return” It’s the day of reckoning for Nathan this week, as he’s forced to face the consequences of his despicable actions in court. But when his traumatised victim Bethany is kidnapped by Nathan’s cohort Mel just as she’s due to provide her vital evidence, will Nathan worm his way out of trouble? “He believes he’s a master manipulator,” sighs Chris Harper, who plays Nathan. “He thinks he can wrap anyone around his little finger. I spoke to a female police inspector who told me that a man charged with grooming had tried to seduce her while he was being interviewed. Nathan is largely based on that story – his self-confidence is delusional.” By luring his former victim Mel back into…

What was it like filming Nathan’s court scenes? The director made it feel like a movie set, with lots of different angles and great lighting – it was very exciting. When we finally came to record the verdict, my heart was pounding. How important is it to you for Nathan to face justice? It’s very important. There are growing conviction rates for abuse cases, and the bravery of victims who come forward is being rewarded. Seeing the lifelong damage that abuse inflicts is a hard lesson, and that’s why it’s so good that Corrie is doing this storyline. How would you sum up your Street experience? Nathan’s plots have twisted and turned, and that’s been really exciting. I’ve loved watching this snake grow – the way he thinks he’s so…