Table of contents for 6 - 2017 in Inside Soap UK

We all love a soap romance – watching our favourites flirt, fornicate and do ‘for better or for worse’, before a flamin’ big fight breaks out and it’s all over a year later. So romance and romantic dramas form the backbone of this Valentine’s issue of Inside Soap. In EastEnders, it seems Michelle has a mystery admirer, and we speculate on whether there’s something brewing between her and a certain Mr Branning. Corrie sees geeky Daniel – surely soap’s most unlikely Lothario – fight for his new-found love, while in Emmerdale we see the darker side of passion. Finn goes to desperate measures over Kasim (Finn, sweetheart, he’s just not that into you!), and Rhona finds herself falling further under Pierce’s control – but not before she shares a kiss…

FALLING HARD Laurel made a public disgrace of herself when she fell down the stairs at Kerry’s party, and it was the first time many of her friends realised she had a drink problem. DRINKS SPIKED It was a terrible moment when April drank orange juice Laurel had spiked with vodka. Laurel rushed the little girl to the hospital, then asked her to lie about what happened. PUNCH-DRUNK Laurel lost it at concerned hubby Marlon, and punched him in the face so hard that she detached the retina from his eye. This abusive incident was the death knell for their marriage. DOG DISASTER Drunk Laurel let out Marlon’s dog, Daisy, – then accidentally ran over and killed the beloved pet! She tried to hide Daisy’s body, but was discovered by…

“CLEO IS ALONE AND VULNERABLE - IT’S TAKEN HER A WHILE TO ACCEPT THIS” It’s a heartbreaking week in Hollyoaks as the McQueen clan gather to say a final farewell to murdered Celine. Cleo in particular is finding it tough to deal with her big sister’s death, after learning that she had been bumped off by wicked serial killer Cameron. And in the absence of her mum Reenie and eldest sister Porsche, Cleo has had to take on the burden of arranging the funeral all by herself… “Cleo’s really been struggling – it’s taken her a while to accept Celine’s death,” explains star Nadine Mulkerrin, who plays her. “Ultimately, she’s heartbroken. Reenie is still in jail and Porsche can’t make it back, so she feels so…

Although Emma’s conscience may be pricking her this week, it’s impossible for us to forget everything that she’s done. Pushing fiancé James to his death was dreadful enough, but confusing ailing Ashley into believing that he was to blame is downright wicked. And as we sit down with Dales star Gillian for a catch-up, she tells us that she for one hopes that Emma will carry on with her scheming… Emma is going all out to protect Finn this week – how do you get on with Joe Gill, who plays him? Joe is just like my own boy, John [aged six], only he’s bigger! Joe is so gorgeous – and so is Ethan [Kai], who plays Kasim. They’re lovely lads and they work so well together. It’s an absolute…

David comes up with a novel way to prepare Robyn for motherhood this week – by giving her a training doll to practice with! The lifelike dummy is used by the maternity ward, but David commandeers it for the day, hoping it’ll help his colleague face her fears about being a single mum. Caring for a baby in a busy hospital isn’t an ideal situation, though, and Robyn soon grows tired of little ‘Alice’ and her constant crying. Worse still, Noel is taking bets on whether she will last the whole day looking after her bundle of joy! How will Robyn react when she finds out? Also this week… Iain confides in Lily that he’s trying his best to repair his fractured relationship with sister Gem .…

One of the biggest revelations to rock Rhona and Pierce’s relationship was her admission that Cain Dingle is her fantasy one-night stand! Pierce was seething, though for viewers, it was particularly amusing – as we know that actress Zoe is married to star Jeff Hordley, who plays Cain, in real life… “I was so surprised when I saw that in the script, and so was Jeff!” exclaims Zoe. “We had no idea that was coming, but I understand why the writers picked Cain. It needed to be someone who is rough and ready and a bit dangerous – so although her crush could easily have been Ross, I suppose Cain is the obvious choice.” Now that the truth is out, how would Zoe feel about snogging her hubby on screen…

“I WANT TO SEE HOW MESSED UP WE CAN MAKE THIS STORYLINE” It’s always a treat when the stars of Neighbours come over to the UK, and we actually get to sit down for a face-to-face chat with them. So as Ryan Moloney – aka Toadie – arrives in London for a round of press interviews, we can’t wait to quiz him about Dee coming back from the dead! After all, surely it must be a storyline the Neighbours bosses have been thinking about doing for years? “We’ve always joked about it, because no one ever found a body, did they?” chuckles Ryan, who’s on the final day of his UK visit. “But in the same vein it’s always been a case of, ‘Can we really do this?’. We finally…

Would you believe the fabulous June Brown is about to turn 90? So now the star, who has graced our television screens for more than three decades as Walford stalwart Dot, is getting her own show - a special 90th birthday tribute to mark the milestone. Broadcasting this week, the programme will see June talk about her vibrant life and career, as well as how she came to land her famous role in Albert Square. When I came in, EastEnders was already incredibly famous - I’d never seen anything like it,” she remembers of joining the soap. Many co-stars pay tribute to June, including Danny Dyer (Mick), Lacey Turner (Stacey) and Adam Woodyatt (Ian), who reveal exactly why she has become a national treasure and recall their stories of an…

What is the most showbiz thing that’s happened to you while you’ve been in Blue? …asks Becky from Croydon I think being invited to a club in London with Britney Spears, after the premiere of her movie Crossroads. We got taken to the VVVIP room – which was basically a big bed in the middle of this room – and Britney was there with all her dancers. And the next minute we were asked if we’d like to dance with Britney on the bed! So me and the Blue boys were with Britney on a bed in a club, and it was the most bizarre thing. If you could have been in any other boy band, which would it have been and why? …asks Liam, via email I couldn’t –…

DEE-CEPTION? Dee’s return to Ramsay Street had Neighbours fans completely divided – could she really be back from the dead after 13 years? Or is she a fake wanting Toadie’s cash? You have many theories… I know that Dee’s body was never found after the car crash, but there’s no way she could have survived – and something about her story just doesn’t add up! I’m sure she’s an impostor – I just don’t know how she faked that DNA test for Mark… Kara, via email Why is everyone so quick to believe that Dee is a fraud? I do hope she turns out to be real, as she was one of my favourite characters in Neighbours. And now we’ve found out that she and Toadie…

BULLSEYE! “It was never my job to be mum – I didn’t want it then, and I don’t want it now. Consider yourself abandoned,” declared Denise , in an impassioned speech that saw her put spiteful Kim well and truly in her place. Diane Parish has been stealing the show in EastEnders for weeks, and we’re in no doubt that she’ll continue to do so for a long time yet. We love you, Di! Kate’s face at Johnny and Jenny’s wedding news wins the award for Most Horrified Reaction To An Engagement Ever. Meanwhile, Jenny had her own Kodak Moment when Johnny said, “I think we should have a pre-nup”. Look at that death stare! We’ve never seen a plot killed off more swiftly and brutally…

Since Michelle walked back into Albert Square, one scene has had fans the most intrigued. Not long after returning, she and Max shared a few quiet words in the café, and the chemistry between them left viewers convinced that it will soon lead to something more. Now it’s been revealed that Max has a revenge plot brewing for those who have wronged him, we know there’s a whole lot of drama ahead. So could Michelle get caught up with the Branning Lothario, and find herself right in the middle of it all? “You don’t bring back a character like Michelle and take the chance of casting a new actress – something audiences often take against – unless you have a great story to tell,” states our spy. “And Max looks…

Nana isn’t the only McQueen returning to the fold this week – she brings wayward relative Bart back with her, too! But while the grieving clan welcome him with open arms, he’s soon causing them bother… “Bart’s a bit of a bad egg, and has a few of his own demons,” sighs Nadine. “It’s not a positive for the family, having him around – and Cleo has enough going on! “It was great for me working with Jonny [Clarke, aka Bart], though, because he was in Hollyoaks when I used to watch it. We’re doing some good stuff together – but I can’t reveal yet what they get up to!”…

Emma has a lot on her mind this week, in the wake of what happened between her and her friend Lena during their spa day. As the pair meet up for lunch, the atmosphere is strained to say the least – but in talking over the surprise development, both women insist their friendship is too important to sacrifice. However, a bouquet of flowers from Lena is later delivered to Emma, prompting intrigue and discussion among her curious colleagues – so does Emma have reason to worry about Lena’s real intentions? Also this week… Sid has an admirer – and Al takes the pub quiz seriously!…

“LEE WOULD BE LEFT FEELING WORTHLESS IF HE FOUND OUT” For Lee Carter, life is a constant struggle. His relationship, his family and his career have suffered terribly as he’s been dragged down further and further by his depression – but Lee is the one who’s endured the most. This week, he’s set to reach his lowest ebb yet, as he fights to save his fledgling marriage to Whitney. But when Danny-Boy Hatchard, who plays Lee, joins us for a chat as he prepares to film his final scenes, he admits that he’s not sure it’s a battle the traumatised couple can win… “Lee’s state of mind is the worst it’s ever been,” shares the star. “He loves Whitney more than anything in the world, and all he’s trying to…

“ I loved ‘the shadow’ on Myra’s X-ray . Me, James Sutton [aka John Paul] and Joe Thompson [who played Dr Browning] were laughing hysterically because it was such a dark, black comedy. I got to play somebody who thought they were dying, and was talking about it all the time even though nobody ever said that she was dying! That was one of the most fun plots I’ve had.” “ I remember the McQueens going shoplifting back in the old days . There was Myra, Mercedes, Jacqui, Michaela – and Theresa might have been there as well. I remember Jen [Metcalfe, who plays Mercedes] had a mobile phone tucked into the top of her tights – and as we were running down the escalator, her phone slipped right down…

Meanwhile, over on the cobbles, another big birthday was celebrated recently, as Corrie’s Kate Ford (Tracy) revelled in turning 40 at the end of last year. The actress marked the milestone at the Ivy Chelsea Garden restaurant in her hometown of London with mum Gillian, as well as a familiar face or two. Attending the big night of fun were cast mates Samia Longchambon , (Maria), Kym Marsh (Michelle), Jane Danson (Leanne), and former co-stars Alison King (Carla Connor) and Shobna Gulati (Sunita Alahan). Showing what a fab night was had by all, Kate shared pics of her loved ones, and tweeted: “I’m so lucky to have these girls in my life.” Aw!…

You can’t get a better red pleated dress than this beauty from the Biba range. It’s a love affair waiting to happen! A gorgeous dress requires the perfect silhouette, so get a little help with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s range. Extra attention and luxurious detail abounds. Be a golden girl in these scallop heels! With pretty ankle strap detail, they’ll keep your fella on his toes. Valentine’s wouldn’t be right without a little kiss or two, so grab this lip clutch in a holographic gold finish pronto! Nothing says classy and elegant like a regal rose, so look no further than Ted Baker’s chic cuff adorned with deep-red enamel roses. Wear your heart on your ears! These delicate heart-shaped earrings will make sure you’re the centre of attention on that all-important Valentine’s date.…

WE COULDN’T BE HAPPIER that Tracey’s sketch show has moved to a prime-time slot after its late-night tryout last year, because now we get to enjoy it without having to stay up late . We love her characters, particularly the accident-prone masseuse, but it’s the uncanny celebrity impressions that are the real draw here. Judi Dench as a kleptomaniac using her “national treasure” reputation as cover for her crimes always has us in stitches, and her take on Maggie Smith preferring to work without leaving home is inspired . This week, watch out for her trying to prank call Alan Bennett……

The Celebrity Dating Agency has opened its doors again, just in time for Valentine’s Day. This time, Hollyoaks’ Jorgie Porter (Theresa McQueen), TOWIE’s Ferne McCann, ex-member of the Pussycat Dolls Melody Thornton, Kardashian hanger-on Jonathan Cheban and Perri Kiely from Diversity will join returnee dater Joey Essex in the hope of finding romance. We caught up with Ferne and Melody to find out how their search has been going… How have you found your dating experience on the show so far? Ferne I thought it was going to be a walk in the park, but it’s been quite therapeutic. I’ve had to work at this, I’ve had some bad dates. You get feedback at the end of the dates, and I cried…

“WE WENT TO THE WORLD’S ONLY CHICKEN MUSEUM - THE PLACE HAS THE BIGGEST COLLECTION OF EGG CUPS ON EARTH!” James Martin recalls a cultural highlight of his French Adventure for ITV “ANYONE WHO GOES IN AND SAYS, ‘I DON’T WANT ANY DRAMA’, IS A BIT OF AN IDIOT - SO I CLASS MYSELF AS A BIT OF AN IDIOT !” Ibiza Weekender’s Imogen shows a refreshing level of self-awareness! “THE BUS STATION IN UGANDA LOOKED A BIT LIKE THE PLACE WHERE BUSES GO TO DIE .” Jimmy Doherty didn’t get first-class travel during his Escape To The Wild visits “ IT’S STILL REALLY FUNNY , BUT IT’S LIKE A HARD-HITTING DRAMA NOW. LIKE SHERLOCK, BUT WITH MORE GAGS!” Witless star Zoe Boyle reckons the show is upping the tension…

RAE OF LIGHT The girl who did a trial shift at the Bistro in Corrie looked familiar. Can you tell me where I’ve seen her before? Penny, via email Waitress Nancy was played by Alice Barlow, who you may recognise as Rae Wilson in Hollyoaks . She was in the show from 2009 to 2011 – but sadly her character fell foul of serial killer Silas Blissett. AMY ENVY During Ryan’s birthday party in Hollyoaks, Amy was wearing a really gorgeous dress – it had birds and flowers on. Do you know where it’s from? Jackie, via email I do! Amy’s Heidi Shift dress is from Oasis – they have sold out on their website, but you could try in store. Alternatively, Very.co.uk  still have…

ARIES 21 MARCH - 20 APRIL   In the run-up to an important event in your life, this week will bring some calm among the chaos. Appreciate the small amount of downtime you have - it won’t be long before you’re busy once more. TAURUS 21 APRIL - 21 MAY   It can be a tough time for many people during the early part of the year - but this week, by making a plan for the summer, you’ll feel inspired to be positive even when most days feel cold, grey and dull. GEMINI 22 MAY - 21 JUNE   School might feel like a long time ago for some of us - but this week may bring a reminder of what it was like, when you bump into an…

SARAH Mum Sarah has proved she will do anything to protect her girl. At present, she thinks Mel and Nathan are good people, but if she follows Bethany’s online career, she will smell a rat. Heaven help Nathan then. GARY Gary wouldn’t think twice about giving Nathan a beating if he found out the truth. But in the past, Gary’s violent reactions have left him in trouble, with the criminal escaping scot-free. DAVID As a manipulator himself, David could spot a wrong’un a mile off. Right now, he is too consumed by his own issues to see what’s going on with his niece. But his bond with Shona could lead him to learning the truth. SHONA Street newcomer Shona clearly has a history with Nathan, and she knows just what…

Leanne’s complex life is the least of her problems this week – as she panics when she’s unable to find her teenage son, Simon. Alarm ensues after the lad attempts to reconcile his fractured family, who have been fighting like cat and dog since Leanne discovered her sister Toyah’s affair with Peter. Well-meaning Simon has a word with Toyah and Leanne’s other sister, Eva, and warns them to stop texting his mum with their apologies, as it’s causing her blood pressure to rise. Meanwhile, Toyah talks to Nick and tells him that Peter should be allowed to spend more time with Simon. But when father and son eventually meet up, Simon tells his dad that he’s missing out on a party at Manchester’s Trafford Centre. With that, Peter and Toyah…

TANYA BACK? EastEnders fans have been speculating on a comeback for Tanya Branning, after Lauren revealed she missed her mum. And former Walford actress Jo Joyner isn’t ruling it out: “I miss them all too! But I’m filming up north at the moment. I’ll tell more when I’m able…” SLOSHED SCOTT! Back in Walford, star Scott Maslen (who plays Jack) has admitted to needing a stiff drink after filming Ronnie and Roxy’s death. “I drank a lot more beer after those scenes,” he confessed. “You have to go to a dark place, and I don’t think my wife and son appreciated it much!” KATE’S NEW LOVE Coronation Street actress Faye Brookes has dismissed a possible romance between alter ego Kate and Sophie. “There will be a new love interest for…

FAIR CITY Robbie reminds Jane that they’ll have to leave Carrigstown this week, but Jane demands they cancel upon seeing how sick Dermot is. How will Robbie react? Elsewhere, Damien secretly asks Dean to give Caoimhe less work hours – and it’s not long before Caoimhe finds out… Also, Oisin decides to team up with Hughie to ensure the future of the Pod. RIVER CITY Scarlett tries to hide her drug dealing from her family this week, but is forced to do deals from the shop. However, Caitlin discovers the truth – and calls the cops! Will Scarlett be sent down? Meanwhile, Pete befriends Dr Mikey Rosenburg, but there’s more to Mikey than meets the eye. Plus, Gary and Robbie’s open relationship spells the beginning of the end for the…

As he chats to us, Danny-Boy is obviously emotional about his Walford exit. But he reckons the worst is yet to come… “I’ve already struggled with watching some of Lee’s recent episodes, to be honest,” reveals the sentimental star. “I know I’ll get a bit upset when the last one comes round, so I probably won’t be able to watch it straight away. I’ll definitely record it. But it’s the nature of this job – characters come and go, that’s how it works. It’s part of being an actor. “Before EastEnders I did a play for two or three months [Beautiful Thing], and when that came to an end, I had withdrawal symptoms. The play included a lot of music by Mama Cass and The Mamas & The Papas, and…

“I DON’T THINK THAT RHONA WILL EVER STOP LOVING PADDY” It’s becoming more uncomfortable to watch with each passing episode, but the story of Pierce’s psychological and physical abuse of Rhona certainly has us gripped. Every time Pierce forces Rhona into having sex, or mentally punishes her when she attempts to address the issue, we find ourselves shouting back at our TV screen. Oh, Rhona – we cry – you know this isn’t right! Just run… and keep running! We share our concerns with actress Zoe Henry, as she joins us to discuss her character’s domestic hell. However, she assures us that we’re definitely not the only ones willing Rhona to break free. “Of course the public are warning me off Pierce – with bells on!” insists the 43-year-old star, who…

He’s fitted back into Weatherfield brilliantly, though Sam admits he thought twice before accepting the offer of auditioning to play Adam again. Not only had he spent years in America trying to escape the soap-star label, but he hadn’t seen the show for a long time. So it was his mum who gave him some important guidance – based on the fact she’s a soap expert! “My mum is always my reference for soaps, and I trust her eye,” shares Sam. “She gave me a crash course on soaps by recording a week’s worth. When I watched them, I said to her, ‘I think Emmerdale’s a bit better than Corrie at the moment,’ and she replied, ‘Emmerdale’s producer [Kate Oates] is moving to Corrie’! I told Kate my thoughts, and…

GEORGIA TAYLOR & MARK LETHEREN Although Toyah’s cheating antics have shocked Corrie viewers, Georgia’s off-screen relationship isn’t scandalous in the least. She fell in love with fellow actor Mark after they met when filming Casualty in Bristol. Georgia was in the role of medic Ruth Winters, while Mark made a guest appearance as psychiatrist Ben Harding in 2008. They’ve lived together in Bristol, with their two cats Claude and Audrey, ever since. That made returning to Corrie as Toyah a big decision for Georgia… “Mark has been really supportive,” she shares. “He’s an actor, so we’ve had long periods of time with him away on tour, and it’s not alien for one of us to be away. Bristol will be my sanctuary, it’ll be good for me.” A job in…

Gemma Atkinson has exciting news to celebrate – another job! Don’t worry, it doesn’t mean we’ve seen the last of Carly in the Dales, but Gemma has also landed a role as the new co-host of regional radio station Key 103’s breakfast show. So she’s going to have to get used to some early starts… “While it means lots of coffee and lots of the M62, I can’t wait,” beams the star. “Emmerdale has been great, and I feel really fortunate to be able to combine both jobs. I’ll sleep when I’m dead!”…

Pucker up this month with Ciaté’s Pretty Stix. As the name suggests, it’s a buttery textured stick offering high shine and colour for a pretty, perfect-looking pout. If you’re having a solo Valentine’s Day this year, what better way to spend it than soaking in a cloud of bubbles? Envelop yourself in Sanctuary Spa’s limited edition bath float, infused with freesia flowers. It doesn’t get better than this – two styles come together in this giant heart palette featuring 12 eyeshadows, mascara and eyeliner. It’s a Too Faced and Kat Von D collaboration to die for! Treat yourself if no one else will, and get Monsoon’s Rose Gold fragrance. Not only will you come up smelling of roses, but with every 50ml purchase or more, you’ll receive these bath petals…

THE DOCTOR IS OUT Here we go again: Peter Capaldi has announced that he’ll be stepping down from Doctor Who at the end of this year. There’s no official word on his replacement, just lots of fevered speculation - so watch this space… LIVING A LIE Broadchurch s Jodie Whittaker is set to star in new BBC drama Trust Me, as a nurse who loses her job after whistleblowing, and in desperation steals her friend’s identity as a senior doctor. UP FOR REPAIR Do you own a cherished object that is broken? A new BBC show, The Repair Shop, wants to help people fix or restore their most treasured possessions. You can get in touch on 01273 224829 or repair@ricochet.co.uk…

1 SATURDAY DVD ARMY OF ONE Hollywood legend Nicolas Cage stars as an American man on a mission from the US to Pakistan in this extraordinary comedy. Based on a true story, ex-convict Gary Faulkner has a vision from God telling him that he must single-handedly mount a war on terror. WIN! For the chance to win a copy, tell us who plays Corrie’s Gary Windass: A) Dean Fagan, B) Alan Halsall, or C) Mikey North. Text ISPRIZE1 , a space, then A , B , or C and your name & address to 85010 (50p). Or see below for postal entries. 2 SUNDAY DVD ENDEAVOUR - COMPLETE SERIES FOUR DC Endeavour Morse ( Shaun Evans ) returns in the latest series to open a casebook on a brand-new set…