Table of contents for 16 - 2016 in Inside Soap UK

Sometimes the most amazing twist in soap can be something you never thought would happen. It just seems so improbable – but then you realise it’s actually absolutely bloomin’ amazing! This week has my favourite example in a long time. I actually squealed in horror, shock and excitement when I was told Denise was to have a boozed-up bunk-up with Phil! They hate each other, but you can’t deny they have chemistry – so this is one plot that will be a belter. Elsewhere, I never expected Dales teen Belle to seduce the local GP – I thought that would be evil Emma’s plot. But it’s turned into a corker, especially as Belle comes face to face with his wife this week. And over in Corrie, I didn’t think I’d…

What an unexpected twist, Diane! How did you react when you heard about Denise and Phil? When our boss Dominic [Treadwell-Collins] told me, I got up and ran around his office, screaming! Steve [McFadden, who plays Phil] is the most wonderful actor, and I was thrilled to be able to do some interesting work with him. I have such huge respect for the man. How did you find it having to act drunk? Nerve-wracking! But with Steve, it’s like a masterclass. He plays the anger, the emotion, the torment, everything. I was really careful not to be a high-comedic, silly drunk. Will this be a wake-up call for Denise? Yes, most people reach a turning point – and this is hers! It’s that stage where you go, “What is my…

How do David and Tracy end up in bed together? It’s not long after Pollard has told her about David’s cancer – but David doesn’t know that she knows at first. They decide to have a bit of a drink in the shop together, and David moves in for a kiss. She’s not sure whether or not to mention the cancer at that point, but it’s really in the moment, so she just decides to enjoy the snog! They sleep with each other quite quickly after that. When does David find out Tracy knows he’s unwell? The next day, and he’s really angry because he thinks that she’s slept with him out of sympathy. He’s going through a lot right now – he’s just about to have his operation and…

EastEnders star Jessie Wallace has undergone a glam makeover for Kat and Alfie’s upcoming spin-off series, Redwater . The actress took to Twitter to show off her character’s new glossy hair extensions, just when show bosses unveiled the all-Irish cast set to join the Moons for their big adventure… “I walked into the drama read-through to a table full of wonderful Irish actors, and it was thrilling,” enthuses Jessie. “They all made me feel welcome as we started to look over the first script. It’s going to be a roller-coaster!” Stars such as Fionnula Flanagan, Maria Doyle Kennedy and Ian McElhinney – who are known for their respective roles in dramas Lost, Orphan Black and Game Of Thrones – are among those who will be…

Ben and Paul make their relationship official this week, as they move in for a very public kiss in the Vic. Finally ready to make his happy ever after a reality, Ben decides to unveil his relationship with Paul at the pub darts match. But while the girls’ team are all smiles at the spontaneous snog, it’s a different story for Paul and Ben’s loved ones – meaning the boys still have a long way to go if they’re to win the family approval they’re after. It’s no surprise that Ben’s dad Phil isn’t impressed by his son’s impulsive behaviour, and storms out of the pub as Ben and Paul smooch. Of course, that’s not what Ben was hoping for – and while Sharon, Kathy and Jay chase after Phil…

FAIR CITY Sean is upset when he is rejected for a job this week – and blames it on the fact he’s been arrested in the past. However, he is soon nicked again when Deegan finds him being drunk and disorderly! Elsewhere, Eoghan refuses to go for a drink with Debbie, so she meets up with Tommy instead – and Ray suggests he and Cass set up a ‘men’s shed’. RIVER CITY Everyone is concerned about Stella this week, as she struggles to cope without Stevie. However, Stella is left feeling even more helpless when the police ask her to identify a body matching Stevie’s description. Is it him? Meanwhile, Caitlin’s 18th birthday plans for Jenny are thrown into turmoil. Plus, Patrick is torn as Angel offers him a job…

“I LIKE PLAYING CHARITY WHEN SHE’S BEING MISCHIEVOUS” If there’s one thing that Charity is good at, it’s causing trouble, and this week is no exception. As well as getting good boy Finn arrested (see p44), she’s back to her bitchy best when she goads Moira over Pete’s return to the village. But as we sit down with Emma Atkins – who returned from maternity leave this year, having given birth to baby boy Albert in March 2015 – she says she wouldn’t have it any other way… Hi, Emma! Charity’s getting herself settled back in, isn’t she? Are you happy with how her return has played out? Oh yes, it’s as if she’s coming back with a vengeance – and I feel like I’m getting my mojo back. It…

“I’M EXCITED THAT ALEX IS A REGULAR NOW” It’s not difficult to see why Alex is the apple of his Auntie Cathy’s eye – his sunny, happy personality has certainly lit up Roy’s Rolls. That attitude has helped him cope with having a mother as flighty as Nessa, but her uncaring behaviour has still taken its toll. That’s why Cathy has reason this week to worry that Nessa’s latest antics are causing Alex to go off the rails. Here, actor Liam Bairstow gives us the full story… Hi, Liam. It sounds as if life is a bit tough for Alex right now. What’s been going on with Nessa? Well, lately she’s been trying to get Alex to go to Scotland with her and her boyfriend, but he doesn’t want to…

“IT’D BE GREAT TO DO MORE WITH THE REST OF THE NIGHTINGALES” Ever since James Nightingale rocked up in Hollyoaks with his mum Marnie, the devious duo have wreaked havoc wherever they’ve gone. From plotting to con Mac out of the pub, to scheming to get their grubby hands on the Hutch, it’s clear the wicked mother-and-son team will stop at nothing to get what they want. This week, however, James is branching out on his own, and has some new targets to manipulate: Ste and Harry! So we sat down with actor Gregory Finnegan, who plays James, to ask him exactly what his Machiavellian alter ego wants with the lads… “There’s an attraction there, and James is certainly a guy who likes to get what he desires!” chuckles the…

FINN  Nice try, Barton Jnr - but an arrest for accidentally flogging stolen goods doesn’t mean you’re suddenly playing with the big boys. You’re practically a saint. PETE  We know you have a heart of gold in there, Pete, but we can’t forget that time you seemingly beat Ross to death and hid his body in the woods. Not a nice thing to do. ROSS  Oh Ross… Carjacker, thief, con artist - and that’s when you’re playing nice. You shot Robert in cold blood, and planned to murder Pete and pass it off as suicide. And yet still we love you! EMMA  Mummy dearest - you’re the real serpent in the nest. We suspect there’s no wickedness you wouldn’t stoop to! You tried to smother Ross as a baby, and…

The stars of Corrie know how to party - and they enjoyed Debbie’s big night in style. Celebrating with the actress were Alison King (Carla), Lisa George (Beth), Cherylee Houston (Izzy) and Jennie McAlpine (Fiz), plus Debbie’s on-screen daughter Ellie Leach (Faye) who looked every inch the mini-starlet. Making the party a reunion was Debbie’s former on-screen partner Ian Puleston-Davies (Owen Armstrong) and Emmerdale’s Matthew Wolfenden (David) - while Paula Lane (Kylie) showed off her baby bump with hubby Tom Shaw. She tweeted the next day: “Bump and I enjoyed a boogie!”…

 Arthur is known for being a bit of a geek. What are you nerdy about in real life? …asks Sharon from Exeter I’m nowhere near as intense as Arthur is, thank God! When I was a kid I was geeky about dinosaurs, but not so much any more. I was very excited when Jurassic World came out in the cinema, though. What teasers can you give us about Arthur and Morven’s upcoming wedding? …asks Shelley, via email Arthur is trying to be a little bit more impulsive, so they decide to just go for it – and it’s the best day of their lives. But then he receives some further news about his illness, and the whole wedding is played out against the context of that. That’s all I can…

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THIS US ROMANTIC COMEDY arrived with little fanfare but is one of our favourite things on telly right now. It follows the potentially dangerous coupling of a self-centred British writer called Jimmy and a self-destructive American PR named Gretchen, who assure themselves they’re definitely no-strings-attached and not in a real relationship - but find themselves becoming increasingly couple-like. It’s a charmingly cynical take on modern romance with loads of brilliant gags and heartfelt performances from Chris Geere and Aya Cash as Jimmy and Gretchen.…

1 SATURDAY DVD CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION - COMPLETE SEASON 15 This final season sees night shift supervisor DB Russell (Ted Danson), and the other members of the ‘grave shift’ at the Las Vegas crime lab, take on their last complex cases of killing and kidnapping in the city. WIN! For the chance to win a copy, tell us which character Jane Danson plays in Corrie: A) Maria, B) Leanne, or C) Kylie. Text ISPRIZE1, a space, then A, B, or C and your name & address to 87080 (50p). Or see below for postal entries. SUNDAY Book THE SUMMER WE DANCED by Fiona Harper After a humiliating divorce and watching her rock star ex-husband get together with a model, Pippa wants to disappear. Returning to the village…

BULLSEYE! How refreshing it was to see life finally go Aaron’s way for a change. His evil dad Gordon was found guilty of his appalling actions – punishment fitting a crime is something we rarely see in soap these days – and Robert and Aaron can live happily ever after. Hurrah! Millionaire lottery winner Kat has stopped paying Stacey’s rent, all so she can fund her own fancy spin-off show in Ireland. How selfish! New Johnny’s constant ‘rabbit in the headlights’ expression is a very accurate portrayal of a man facing life in Walford for the foreseeable. Poor David found out all too quickly how one’s fortunes can change in a soap. So cruel to raise the poor man’s hopes and then CRUSH him! This week, we learned Luke is…

“CHRISTIAN IS NEVER FAR FROM MY MIND - I TURN MY BACK AND LOOK WHAT HAPPENS!” Walford’s Jane will receive the surprise of her life, when her brother Christian Clarke turns up in the Square with their mother Linda in tow! EastEnders bosses have announced that stars John Partridge and Lynda Baron are to briefly reprise their roles, for an explosive plot set to change the Beale family forever… “I’m thrilled to be able to return to EastEnders while touring the UK with Chicago,” beams theatre star John, who reached the final of Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year. “Christian is never far from my mind – but I turn my back for five minutes and look what happens!” The actor is of course referring to the jaw-dropping storyline that…

“I’D LOVE DENZEL WASHINGTON TO PLAY MRS TEMBE’S NEW BOYFRIEND” Mrs Tembe is renowned for ruling The Mill’s reception desk with a rod of iron – taking no prisoners among the staff or patients in her bid to have the Letherbridge practice running like clockwork. But when the poor woman was ousted in ruthless fashion by unpopular practice manager Anthony Harker, Mrs Tembe’s loyal fans were up in arms. Fortunately, Mr Harker has just received the comeuppance he rightly deserved, and is now out on his ear. And as Mrs Tembe is persuaded to return to The Mill and take over his post this week, star Lorna Laidlaw, who plays her, is just as pleased as we are… “After all the drama with Anthony, even if Mrs Tembe’s wig came…

James finds out that Holly was the one driving the car that killed Rachel. Does he tell Nathan, or blackmail Holly? “Whichever scenario benefits him most. Maybe he would help Holly cover it up to have her on his side in the future.” Marnie asks James to help her wreck Mac and Neeta’s relationship. Would he choose to get involved? “Yes, he’d have no problem with that whatsoever. James and his dad have some serious issues – he feels that Mac didn’t really fight for him when he split from Marnie. James is very resentful.” James happens to spot the money Alfie raised for a cancer charity. Does he steal it? “No, he’s got enough money, he doesn’t need to steal from a charity. But if he’d found the money…

EastEnders fans are in for a treat when X-Men: Apocalypse comes to cinemas next month – former Square local Ben Hardy (Peter Beale) looks amazing in this pic of him in character as Angel. Playing the winged horseman, Ben looks a million miles away from the market stall in Walford. Don’t miss the UK’s newest Hollywood star when the film comes out on 18 May.…

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I love Coronation Street – I’ve always loved it, and it’s been going forever. I actually really like Ken Barlow, because he’s so nice. I love it when they bring the odd celebrity in just to zhuzh it up a bit – in fact, I’d love to be on Coronation Street, oh my goodness me. I’d have to play myself though – I couldn’t be anyone else, could I? I really enjoyed The Night Manager , absolutely adored it, and I loved Downton Abbey . I’ve always been quite fascinated by Midsomer Murders as well, how they always seem to have three murders in one story – there are just so many killings, and all close together! One programme I used to love…

FINAL CHAPTER The upcoming third series of Broadchurch will be the final instalment of the crime drama. David Tennant and Olivia Colman are both returning, with Sarah Parish, ex-Corrie star Julie Hesmondhalgh and BAFTA winner Georgina Campbell joining the cast. ALL ABROAD The cast of Call The Midwife are heading to South Africa for this year’s Christmas special. They will be helping a struggling Cape Town clinic run by Dr Myra Fitzsimmons (Sinead Cusack). GROWING PAINS Kerry Howard is to play the title role in Young Hyacinth, BBC1’s one-off prequel to Keeping Up Appearances. The 1950s-set comedy will reveal how Hyacinth became the monstrous social climber we saw in later life……

Never mind making up daft stories to keep hold of Ben, Abi should be fighting to get Jay back! He was her knight in shining armour this week, helping her out when everyone else was staring and pointing. And at least he plays for her team! Marilyn, Chester The saga of Ben pretending to be straight has gone on for far too long now – so well done Jay for telling it like it is, and pushing Ben to finally be honest. Jay seems to be the only one in the Mitchell clan talking sense right now. Jennifer, via email But could heroic Jay be headed for a fall? Call me suspicious, but I think Jay’s new girlfriend Linzi is hiding something. The way she threw her toys out of…

Phil and Denise’s boozy bunk-up may come out of the blue, but will it lead to something more? Surprise passion like this often happens for a reason in soap. With Denise only in her 40s, she is certainly young enough to find herself in the family way. And with her recently saying farewell to young JJ, and it looking as if Libby will terminate her pregnancy, Denise is feeling lonely at the moment. Surely this fling couldn’t end with her facing a late-in-life pregancy… could it?…

Meanwhile, Christian’s lover Syed Masood will also be back on screen – or at least Marc Elliott, who played him, will be! The BBC medical drama Holby City – which is filmed next door to EastEnders at the same studios in Elstree – is to welcome him this summer as new general surgeon, Isaac Mayfield. “Charming, confident and twinkly, Issac will make a handsome additon to the Keller team,” says the show’s executive producer, Oliver Kent. “He’ll catch the eye of fellow doctor Dominic, and will quickly help to brighten up his life…” We almost didn’t recognise Marc, who has swapped Syed’s trademark long locks for a shorter crop. He’ll be filming with the Holby gang for six months, and will be on screen from June.…

Check out these adorable snaps of Corrie’s Roy and Cathy – together again! The couple have been apart since Roy was forced to leave to care for his ill mum, Sylvia, in Hastings. But judging by this sweet picture of the pair, they’re soon to be reunited… “Cathy has been coping tremendously well at the café without Roy, but she’ll be thrilled when he returns home,” insists our insider. “It’s clear they’ve missed each other terribly.” Cathy seems to have sustained nasty-looking cuts to her hands and face. What – or who – could be the cause of her injuries? “Poor Roy – it looks as if he’s returning home to chaos,” speculates our mole. “Will he get back in the nick of time to put…

Ian channels all his energies into making the Pride of Walford Awards at Beale’s perfect this week, in the hope of giving his beloved restaurant a spectacular send-off. Although Ian’s business gives him great joy, the eatery owner was forced to put Beale’s on the market so that he could find the cash for his son Bobby’s hefty boarding school fees. Jane and Kathy had managed to get the punters flooding in, hoping that Ian would reconsider – but after he admitted he’d sold the restaurant to a supermarket chain, it was too late to save the day. When the Pride of Walford Awards end up a huge success, Kathy can see that her son is struggling with the prospect of losing his cherished business. However, Ian’s yet to go…

Paul’s attempts to clear his name suffer a further blow this week, when he’s put under house arrest! The businessman may have done some wicked things in his time, but he swears he didn’t cause the explosion at Lassiters – despite being the cops’ prime suspect. However, Julie Quill believes he is to blame, and turns up at the motel to let rip at him for killing her stepson Tom. But when Paul lays a sympathetic hand on her arm, she reports him to the police for harassment! Paul’s stunned when Mark arrives to fit him with a tracker, and tells him that he’s not allowed to leave the motel. Will Paul ever be able to prove that he’s innocent? Also this week… Brad is the proud winner…

“Mrs Tembe would declare a day’s holiday to celebrate chastity and decency. She’d struggle to get everyone on board for that, but if anyone can do it, she can!” “Her king would be Barack Obama. Barack has lots of experience of being in a position of power, so he’d be a really good king – he could give Mrs Tembe plenty of advice!” “Mr Anthony Harker would be in the stocks! I don’t think there’d be any shortage of volunteers to throw stuff at him… Everyone would be welcome!” “I think Mrs Tembe would have to appoint Valerie as her court jester. She’s just arranged her own wedding and funeral, after all, so she can definitely organise entertainment!” “The dress code would involve everyone having Mrs Tembe-style wigs on sticks,…

“My favourite storyline was when Daniel had a slight turn to the dark side, when he was selling real estate for Paul. He had to really throw his morals in the bin to try to fix things with his uncle – and as an actor, that was really fun to play.” “Being involved in Neighbours’ 30th anniversary was a real highlight for me. It was such an exciting time! Being able to come over to London with Stefan [Dennis, who plays Paul] and Olympia [Valance, aka Paige] was a very cool experience.” “Getting to work with Ian Smith [Harold] was amazing – he’s someone I grew up watching. Harold is essentially Daniel’s grandpa, and I felt that I really got to know Ian well during the time we spent working…

Looking every inch the hostess with the mostess, Debbie Rush (Corrie’s Anna) was a radiant vision as she rocked a sparkly skater dress for her 50th birthday celebrations at the club New York New York in Manchester recently. Joined by her 24-year-old lookalike daughter Poppy (who plays EastEnders’ Sophie), the Street favourite spent the evening partying with co-stars – after arriving at the bash in style, sipping on champagne! Clearly having had a great time, Debbie spent the next day thanking guests on social media, tweeting: “The best night ever!” Turn the page to see who joined in with the birthday girl’s festivities… Also starring...…

NO REGRETS Ex-EastEnder Charlie Clements recently revealed that he was glad his character, Bradley Branning, was killed off. Speaking to ITV’s Loose Women, Charlie said: “I don’t regret it because leaving allowed me to do other things. I was very lucky I didn’t leave in a cab. But I had a great time on the show when I was there.” EAST END GIRL! Don’t expect Suranne Jones back on the cobbles any time soon. The former Corrie star (Karen McDonald) revealed she doesn’t watch the show that made her a star – rival soap EastEnders is her guilty pleasure instead. Said the actress: “That’s what marrying a southerner and moving to London does for you!” Can’t we just love both? FRIENDSTOTHEEND Actress Lucy-Jo Hudson put to rest rumours regarding a…

“SIMON’S BEEN STEALING MY PHONE AND TWEETINGTHINGSFROM MYACCOUNTTHAT MAKEMELOOKSTUPID.” Alesha Dixon has been the victim of a prank war during this year’s Britain’s Got Talent auditions “PUTJOHNNYAND METOGETHERAND WE END UP LOOKING LIKE POOH BEAR AND PIGLET.” Two Doors Down’s Alex Norton on the visual aesthetic with his co-star Jonathan Watson “YOUCANTELL HOWFARINTO ANEXPEDITION YOUAREBYHOWLONGIT TAKESPEOPLE TO START TALKING ABOUT FOOD.” Wildlife expert and adventurer Steve Backshall has been feeling those hunger pangs “IT’DBESTRANGEIFSHE DIDN’TGROWUPINFIVE SERIES.SHE’SMATURED BUT CAN STILL BE A PAIN IN THE ARSE!” Suranne Jones sums up her character Rachel’s progress in Scott & Bailey…

RELATIVE LIE? In Corrie this week, Chesney mentioned that he’s related to Eva! Surely that’s got to be a mistake by the scriptwriters? Sandra, via email It’s no mistake, Sandra! Ches’ mum Cilla was married to Les Battersby, whose daughter is Leanne, whose sister is Eva. So they are in fact related – albeit very distantly! TRIAL AND ERROR I really recognised the barrister for the prosecution in Gordon’s trial in Emmerdale. Where have I seen her before? Tara, London The legal eagle in question is played by Mandana Jones, who you may recognise as Nikki Wade from Bad Girls . She played the role from 1999 to 2001, and has also had small roles in The Bill , Casualty ,…

ARIES 21 MARCH - 20 APRIL  Changes may be afoot in your life, but don’t fear change - embrace it! This week, things will start to fall into place at work and at home, so you can really start looking forward to what the future holds. TAURUS 21 APRIL - 21 MAY  You’re incredibly independent, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need support from others every now and then. This week, ask loved ones for help if you require it - they’ll happily oblige! GEMINI 22 MAY - 21 JUNE  Many people might be offering you advice on a matter at home or in the workplace this week, but don’t feel compelled to take everything that they say on board - rely on your own judgement as well. CANCER 22…