Inside Soap UK 42 - 2018

It’s all go in soapland at the moment – and it’s certainly keeping us busy! From Corrie’s wedding crash drama to Kim Tate’s rebirth – and Joe Tate’s shock death! – we’re strugging to cram it all into the magazine right now. “I love that our soaps can tell such different stories” We’ve loved the crash-bang-wallop of all those plotlines, but over on EastEnders, the episode showing us both sides in the wake of Ruby’s rape was as gripping as it was important. Last, but certainly not least, the Hollyoaks episode revealing the inner turmoil of Cleo’s bulimia was raw and powerful. I love that our soaps can tell such different, but equally brilliant, stories. While this drama is the lifeblood of Inside Soap, we’re also being kept busy with…

The mother of all showdowns kicks off in Walford this week, when livid Karen storms over to the Mitchells’ house and tears into Sharon – after learning that she has been sleeping with Keanu! While the affair teeters on the verge of exposure, the secret lovers agree not to be seen together in public, especially when Sharon learns that her husband Phil has been in touch with her friends in the Square. However, Sharon and Keanu just can’t keep their hands off each other as they steal a passionate clinch in the alleyway of the Vic – only for horrified Karen to walk past and see them… “Karen has no clue that Keanu is seeing a married woman – and Sharon is the last person she would expect!” exclaims star…

What did you think when you first heard about Keanu and Sharon’s affair? I laughed, as I know Tish [Dean, who plays Sharon] and I love her to bits – so I just thought, ‘Oh my God, she is going to have the time of her life’! He’s a good-looking guy, my son! Tish is a complete professional, of course, but I bet she’s had a good day at work! [laughs] How is Danny [Walters, aka Keanu] coping with being thrust into such a saucy story with a legend like Sharon? I know, she is the Queen of soap! He’s such a good guy, is Danny. He is completely professional, really mature for his age and I think he’s handling it very well. I don’t think Danny’s intimidated at all…

“The funeral is for Chas and Paddy to honour their baby…” It’s time to say a final farewell to Grace this week, when Paddy and Chas bravely attend their baby girl’s funeral. The devastated parents are struggling to cope with their grief in the wake of Grace’s death – especially as they only shared a short, precious time with their tragic daughter. Her loss has changed their lives forever – so it’s with heavy hearts that they and their loved ones prepare to pay their last respects. “No parent should ever have to bury their child, it’s an unimaginable horror,” says our Emmerdale spy. “They’ve both been strong throughout the pregnancy and Grace’s brief life. It’s important to say a proper goodbye to her, and her funeral is a chance…

Emmerdale stars Lucy Pargeter and Dominic Brunt took to Twitter recently to thank fans for their huge reaction to Chas and Paddy’s tragic story. They were both blindsided by the response to the episode where Grace was born, and the fantasy sequences that showed what their lives could have been like if she had survived. “Dear all – Just looked at Twitter, I’m seriously overwhelmed,” wrote Dominic. “I’m filming in the middle of a field in the freezing rain, so I haven’t seen the episode yet. I’ll read every single post when I get inside. Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you.” Meanwhile, Lucy shared, “I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has watched tonight’s ep. I was cleaning sick up off…

“Ken wants to do the honourable thing – but this is his son’s life too” Ken piles the pressure on to Sinead this week, imploring her to tell Daniel the truth about her cervical cancer diagnosis. However, when Daniel calls into the café, he finds Sinead in tears, and demands to know what Ken has done to upset her! Ken is put in an impossible situation when he has to choose between respecting Sinead’s wishes, or letting his son know about his wife’s true condition. Although he keeps quiet for now, he begs Sinead to tell the truth, or else things will be worse in the long run. Struggling to carry his burden, Ken turns to Claudia, confiding in her that Sinead has cancer, but is unable to let Daniel…