Table of contents for 9 - 2017 in Inside Soap UK

“Emmerdale is the king of the slow burner...” Although I love a shock affair, big explosion or dirty catfight (and that’s only on a Saturday night!), my favourite soap storylines of all are often the really slow burners. Those ones that subtly progress for months on end, without big peaks or sensational scenes, then one day you suddenly realise you’re completely addicted to the characters’ situation more than any other in soap. Emmerdale is the king of this at the moment, with Ashley’s heartbreaking descent into dementia, as his family and friends slowly lose him, even though he’s still there – and the creepy tale of Rhona and Pierce, which we can’t look away from no matter how uncomfortable the scenes may be. We have some sneak peeks of where…

KERRY & CAIN They’re often at loggerheads over young Kyle, but could Kerry and Cain’s pure, unadulterated loathing for one another turn into love? Stranger things have happened… ROSS & HARRIET He’s the village wrong’un and she’s the local vicar (not to mention a former police officer), so Ross and Harriet couldn’t be more chalk and cheese if they tried. But he’s currently single – and she’s in dire need of a plot. CHRISSIE & SAM Hell would probably freeze over before rich bitch Chrissie lowered herself to the idea of a romance with simple Sam – but maybe the Home Farm game keeper will end up tickling her fancy? SANDY & DEBBIE We wouldn’t exactly bet Rebecca White’s trust fund on this one, but a fling between Sandy and…

Hollyoaks viewers were shocked when John Paul cheated with Ste recently – and they weren’t the only ones! Actor James was just as surprised, and he tells us he’s finding it hard to condone John Paul’s despicable behaviour. “Everything I thought John Paul was, he’s not any more,” laments the star, who first joined the show in 2006. “John Paul’s not a good guy – that’s kind of how it has ended up in order to fit the storylines. He has no morals whatsoever, and he cheats on everyone he’s with. He doesn’t care about anyone but himself – I can’t really sugar-coat it any more than that!”…

“Michelle feels like someone has ripped her heart out” As the dust settles on the cobbles this week – following the revelation that Steve fathered Leanne’s baby son, Oliver – Inside Soap can reveal that the war is far from over! The Rovers may have a ‘For Sale’ sign hanging on it, but scorned wife Michelle wants far more than half of everything as she vows a terrible revenge on Steve… “The smashing up of the Rovers, the fists flying at Leanne, the dressing-down of Steve? Oh, they were only the warm-up act as far as Michelle is concerned,” laughs our Corrie spy. “There is a pivotal moment for Michelle this week. Just when it seems things might be about to calm down after all the…

As lonely Jai struggles to cope this week, he finds himself seeking solace from an unexpected source – Moira Dingle. Ever since the tragic death of his former girlfriend Holly, Jai has struck a solitary figure. And although he’s been busy managing the Sharma factory, and helping to raise his baby daughter Eliza with former wife Megan, Jai is missing having that special someone in his life. The sad reality of his situation is forced home when he walks into the Woolpack to find Megan sharing a cosy date with boyfriend Frank. But she’s not the only one enjoying a romantic moment in the pub. Priya is also there with husband Rakesh, in the wake of the couple’s recent reunion – and even Jai’s father Rishi appears to have a…

Sarah’s not the only mum with family troubles this week, as over in Walford, Carmel has some parental problems of her own. With all hell breaking loose for poor Bex (see p38), her former boyfriend Shakil is having to handle the fallout – and his doting mother can’t believe the mess her beloved boy has got himself into. With tempers running high among the younger members of the community, Shaki is up to his neck in bother. So when his supposed friend Keegan – who has been busy causing a storm in a vengeful bid to humiliate Bex – pushes Shakil too far, the lad finally cracks under the pressure. Sick of Keegan’s ruthless bullying, fuming Shakil lets rip at his mate – and fists fly as the angry boys…

Lauren turns to her best pal Whitney for advice on her love life this week, admitting that her relationship with boyfriend Steven is going through a bit of a rough patch. Parenting a toddler and living with her in-laws is clearly taking a toll on Lauren, and her romance with Steven is suffering as a result. Having gone through her own marital crisis recently, Whit doesn’t want to see her friend end up in the same situation – so she’s happy to listen to Lauren’s concerns, and offers up some practical suggestions on how to inject the fun back into her relationship with Steven. After taking on board all of Whitney’s ideas, Lauren decides to organise some quality time with her fella, hoping that it will bring them closer again.…

How beautiful was that? I’ve already rewatched it three times! Robert and Aaron are so perfect together, and fingers crossed they’ll have a legal wedding once Aaron gets out of prison – then we can watch them say their vows all over again. Ellie, Newquay I think it’s great that Robert and Aaron made their vows in private in the end. Nobody else will ever understand their love like they do, and everything they said to each other was tender, personal and honest. Long live Robron! Matt, Lincoln As perfect as the wedding was, I could feel my heart breaking when Aaron and Robert were talking about him going to prison. I’m so happy that they’ve made this commitment, but I think it will also make their time apart so…

“ Shaheen is the funniest person I’ve ever met. It’s so hard when we have to do scenes together, as all it takes is for us to look at one another and we burst into tears of laughter!” “I really look up to Lacey Turner , who plays Stacey. She’s incredible, personality-wise and talent-wise. She’s one of the most normal people you’ll ever meet as well.” “If I could bring back an ex-cast member, it would be Nitin Ganatra , who played Masood. We rarely crossed paths, but then we got talking and really hit it off.” “I’d like a scene with Jacqueline Jossa [aka Lauren]. I think the relationship Lauren had with Lucy is like Bex and Louise’s, so Lauren and Bex could confinde in each other.” “I love…

It’s been nine years since Matthew King met his tragic end in Emmerdale, but as Matt Healy – who played the ruthless villager – joins us for a chat about his new role in Doctors, he reveals that he remains a familiar face for many… “Funnily enough, I was recognised in a sauna the other day,” chuckles the 46-year-old. “I was sat there, in my towel, and this little fella said, ‘I know you!’. It took him about five minutes to work out why, but that made me laugh. “People don’t notice me as much as they did while I was still in Emmerdale, obviously, although it’s every time I wear a suit it normally happens – that’s all Matthew ever wore, isn’t it?” Following his dramatic Dales exit –…

She’s dedicated when it comes to fitness and healthy eating, so Gemma Atkinson (Carly) has revealed she was rather peeved when she was offered free liposuction by a company in return for endorsing them on social media. “My niece is 13 and I’d hate for her to think she had to be a specific size or have Botox or have a specific lip shape just to please society,” says the star. “I would never do something just for the financial side of it if it wasn’t real. It’s not only conning the public, it’s conning yourself.” Meanwhile, Gemma’s looks have had quite the effect on Ryan Giggs – she and the ex-footballer have been spotted on a date after meeting at a sporting event.…

“YOUR NOSE IS NEVER MORE THAN TWO FEET FROM A BOTTOM” ANT “This will doubtless be remembered as one of the most awful acts of piracy ever committed,” wrote Captain William Bligh in April 1789. “At dawn of day, several men came into my cabin, and while I was asleep, seized me and tied my hands behind my back, and took the Bounty from me.” The story of ‘The Mutiny On The Bounty’ is among the most infamous in maritime history. The Royal Navy ship was crossing the South Pacific when most of the crew rebelled against their captain, William Bligh. The mutineers set Bligh adrift, with just a handful of loyal men, in a tiny, open boat. Death seemed certain. But…

FIREWORKS! The BBC has announced a new drama Gunpowder , with Kit Harington as the man behind the 1605 plot to blow up parliament. Liv Tyler, Mark Gatiss and Peter Mullan will also star. HIGHLAND FLING Fans of the time-travel romance Outlander will be thrilled that a third series is coming to Amazon in September. Can lovers Claire and Jamie return to one another? JOHN’S JIVE John Bishop: In Conversation With… returns to W channel for another series of candid conversations later this month. First up is former Hollywood wild child Lindsay Lohan, with Olly Murs and Louise Redknapp to follow.…

BULLSEYE! If ever someone was born to be in Coronation Street , it’s Kym Marsh . We have been in awe of her performance these last weeks, but the moment when Michelle met Steve’s son for the first time – and then when she went absolutely berserk at Leanne for bedding her fella – was truly exceptional stuff. She deserves every award going. Mixed reviews for the Walford dustbin saga have done nothing to dissuade Jamie Borthwick (Jay) from getting stuck right in. For the people making snide remarks about Ian’s tummy, bear in mind that, to achieve this balancing act, he’s had to engage his full set of core muscles. Forget ‘Chit-Chat’ or ‘Hiya!’ – it’s good to see that Ken subscribes to a better class…

Confused Sylvie has a moment of clarity this week – when she stuns Tina with a revelation about the Carter clan’s past. Tina feels overwhelmed by the demands of looking after her mother, who is suffering from dementia. She has taken on a lot by becoming Sylvie’s primary carer, especially as the rest of the Carters aren’t doing much to support her. However, there’s more cause for Tina to feel angry when Sylvie takes her on a trip down memory lane. She and Shirley are with their mum as Sylvie starts remembering something that happened to her years ago. And while her words leave Tina shocked to the core, Shirley isn’t buying it. Not only is Shirley certain Sylvie can’t be trusted, but she also thinks their mum deserves everything…

EastEnders’ Danny Dyer has been at the centre of a recent media storm, following tabloid reports that he’s been booted out of the soap. However, Inside Soap is pleased to confirm that the speculation couldn’t be further from the truth, and that the popular star – who plays Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter – will be back to work in a matter of weeks… “Danny is on a short break from EastEnders,” a BBC spokesperson told us. “This was not forced on him by bosses, nor has he quit the show. There is no truth that his exit storyline is being discussed or planned.” The rumour mill went into overdrive following claims that Danny had a ‘meltdown’ at the National Television Awards and that…

Will Michelle’s revenge on Steve begin this week with a steamy affair involving Bistro chef Robert? Robert is keen to prove he’s there for Michelle when he calls round to console her, armed with a game of Scrabble and a bottle of tequila – a sure recipe for a cosy night! Of course, Robert has already declared his love for Michelle, and she tried to kiss him when she was grief-stricken over baby Ruairi. So, it wouldn’t take much for their friendship to move to another level. However, should Michelle be embarking on a new romance so soon after her break-up? Probably not – though we can’t help but imagine Steve’s face if he walked in on the lovebirds canoodling over a bottle of bubbly in the Bistro!…

“ Corrie need to give Maria a prison spin-off. She’s got quite tough in the clink, so it’d be great to see a Wentworth-style drama with her and the other inmates. After all these years, maybe a Top Dog makeover is what Maria needs to be a great character.” ...suggests reader Kelly Blaze “Surely Michelle’s son Mark from EastEnders now has to come back and have it out with Preston about his mum. Oh, and throw Grant in there too!” …dreams reader Zoe (via email) “ Emma needs to coach Finn in how to be a soap psycho! He’s clearly inherited her scheming genes, so a mum and son team-up causing havoc would make great soap!” ...plots reader Geri…

Emma is desperate to keep her beloved son Finn in the country this week, after he announces he’s off to Australia all by himself. Having booked the trip Down Under for himself and former boyfriend Kasim to see Kylie in concert, Finn decides to heal his broken heart by going solo. And after Ross makes a mortifying attempt at finding him a new man, he can’t wait to get on the plane! Convinced that Finn is running away to avoid facing up to his problems, Emma remains unimpressed. But can she persuade him not to go?…

FAIR CITY Jane accuses Orla and Wayne of stealing her money this week – and breaks into their place to take it back! Will she find what she’s looking for? Elsewhere, Ciaran is excited to learn that Farrah is pregnant. Also, Niamh is frustrated when Carol refuses to involve her in the business. RIVER CITY Pete and Mikey continue to run from the authorities this week. As Mikey breaks down, Pete seeks help – and faces unsettling truths. Meanwhile, Lenny plans his next move after learning Amber was the one who shot him. Also, Bob urges Patrick to leave Shieldinch. THE ARCHERS Harrison doubles down on his idea of recruiting women for the cricket team this week – but Kirsty’s annoyance at not being asked leads to a public outburst!…

DRESSED UP I loved the dress that Whitney was wearing in EastEnders when she went out for dinner with Lee on Valentine’s Day. Do you know where I can get my hands on one? Laura, Bradford Whitney’s dress is from Quiz, but unfortunately has sold out online. However, there is a ‘Navy and Wine Tile Print’ shirt, and shirt-dress in the same style, both being sold at £19.99! BAD BLOOD When EastEnders’ Dot was talking about driving to see Nigel and Clare Bates, she said, “Less said about her the better”. My memory is foggy, so can you remind me when we last saw Clare? Jack, London We last saw Clare in 2008, when she made a failed attempt at stealing cash from Bradley Branning. She then fell out with…

“There are enough hours in the day to do anything!” insists Casualty star Jason Durr. When we chat to him, we’re getting ready to go home, but the actor – who plays nurse David Hide in the medical drama – still has plenty more work to do, thanks to his second job as a farmer on the property where he lives with wife Kate and their three children. “I’ve had a hectic filming schedule at Casualty this week, and I’ve been working the farm as well, so that definitely keeps me busy,” grins Jason, as we ask him how he has enough time. “But that’s just the way it is – I find the time to get it all done.” We can’t help but admire the star’s can-do attitude –…

Jacqueline Jossa’s (Lauren) adorable daughter, Ella , turned two recently, and enjoyed the kind of celebration every toddler would adore – complete with a cake that was nearly as big as her! EastEnders beauty Jacqueline was joined by fiancé Dan Osborne , and the pair couldn’t have looked prouder as their little’un blew out the candles on her special Minions-themed cake. Describing her daughter as ‘the light in my life’, it’s clear Jac is smitten with her baby girl, who is bound to play a big role in the couple’s wedding later this year.…

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Recently, I’ve been totally addicted to Taboo . Tom Hardy is wonderful. I’m also looking forward to catching up with the new series of Girls. Like everyone, I do love a box-set binge – such as that brilliant series on Netflix called The OA. But I like to get out of the house, and I watch a lot of movies . I have a Cineworld card and I get a lot of use out of that! I watch all kinds of things – good, bad or indifferent. Most recently, I really loved La La Land. It was so uplifting. One television show I’ll always go back to , time and time again, is Sex And The City. I like to get the DVDs out, and that’s my…

While Adam may have reached a bad decision this week, his Uncle Daniel is desperately trying to make the right choice. However, as he begins to get things straight in his head regarding Sinead’s unplanned pregnancy, Daniel gets a shock that changes everything when he’s offered a place at Oxford University. Will he choose a quiet backstreet life with a baby, or follow his dream of becoming an academic? “Poor Daniel – he’s never even considered being a father,” shares our informant. “He has a chat with Peter, who has no real idea of what’s going on, but tells Daniel that he wishes he’d put his family first over the years. It’s an emotional moment because it makes Daniel realise what he’s giving up if they end Sinead’s pregnancy. Rana…

We suggest stocking up on as many tissues as the shops will sell you, as Emmerdale prepares to air Ashley’s devastating exit. Tragedy will rock the Dales later this year as the village favourite loses his battle with dementia and passes away… “I’ve just signed off on the final version of the episode in which Ashley dies, and it’s unbelievably beautiful,” reveals the show’s producer, Iain MacLeod. “It’s oddly joyous, actually – a celebration of the character. “We didn’t want to do a story where Ashley just absconded from a care home and was discovered dead from hypothermia or something, as that would be too bleak,” he continues. “In a story that is already desperately sad, we wanted to make this the best possible death. It’s…

Ben again Ex-EastEnders star Ben Hardy , who played Peter Beale, is returning to the BBC. He’s taken a lead role in a lavish new adaptation of the Victorian novel The Woman In White, which is currently being filmed in Belfast. Hello, stranger! Meanwhile, another former Walford resident is joining Scottish soap River City. Alex Ferns – best known for playing Little Mo’s abusive husband, Trevor Morgan – has been cast as new Shieldinch bad boy Rick Harper, who arrives shortly. Watch out, Mac! Hollyoaks’ Lysette Anthony has dished the dirt to Inside Soap on what’s next for Marnie: “She’s going to wake up to Mac – and when she does, God help him!” she grins. “Marnie is out for revenge – and you’ll see James and Marnie back…

“It’s just two women fighting over a pair of shoes.” We were impressed by the way Hollyoaks’ James really got to the nitty-gritty of the plot from The Wizard Of Oz. “Another week and she’ll be well enough to go shoplifting again!” Beth had good news regarding the health of her ailing mother. “Break his heart and you’re a dead man. Just saying.” Her warning to Aaron about Robert reminds us that Diane Sugden is not a woman to be trifled with. “Do you sell cards that say ‘Sorry For Opening My Big Mouth’?” “I’d be a millionaire if I did, love.” Rita should also consider stocking greeting cards for ‘Sorry I Fathered Another Woman’s Child’. “I’ve heard it all before, Steve! Karen heard it all before… Becky heard it…

Back in July 2001, Sarah had her own encounter with a sexual predator after going online to meet friends. She thought she was speaking to a 16-year-old lad, Gary, in an internet chat room, and once the pair exchanged pictures she agreed to go to his house to meet him. So imagine her shock when a much older man answered the door. The man pretended to be Gary’s dad, and invited young Sarah in for a drink. But she soon realised something was amiss, and he finally admitted that he was the one she had been speaking to – and ended up locking her in a bedroom!…

Leela is living in fear of the creepy messages she’s been receiving – and this week she accuses Zack of being the culprit! Hassled Leela is on edge after getting a threatening note in the post, followed by an eerie photo of her asleep on the sofa. She realises she’s been frosty towards besotted Zack since he tried to make a move on her, and therefore reckons he must be her secret stalker. But after she works up the courage to confront him, will her suspicions prove correct?…

(Although if you do, we’ll probably forgive you...) If Peter gives in to Chloe’s charms, we’ll obviously be very cross with him for betraying Toyah. But somehow, Inside Soap always manages to absolve the charmer of his sins. Here’s our case for the defence… Peter wed two women at the same time… Poor Peter, he’s just addicted to love. Plus, he didn’t want to let either of them down. He seduced Tina on his wedding night to Carla… Carla shouldn’t have got so drunk. She basically drove him to it. All her own fault. He abandoned Simon for half his life... Peter knows Leanne is a better mum than he’ll ever be a dad – so really, all those times he ran away to Portsmouth were…

I think for Lisa, it was just about the sex and the thrill of doing something like that and not getting caught. They get down and dirty and then go back to their loved ones – so I don’t think Mac really loves her. I love working with [star] David Easter, though! He’s very professional and such a great guy. He’s just goes for it, and brings the best out of me as well. Every week, we put your questions to a star of the soaps. Look out for requests on our Facebook page, or email your questions to youask@insidesoap.co.uk, putting the actor’s name in the subject line. Our favourite question each week will win a £20 prize !…

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The TOWIE gang are enjoying the high life in Spain this week, as they return for a new series. We literally asked Chloe Meadows, like, for a quick briefing… How’s your TOWIE experience been, Chloe? It’s been the craziest year of my life – like, honestly. Like, no one could ever, like, prepare you for the TOWIE life. It’s just insane. What have I learned? I mean, in a year I’ve literally learned to be good in confrontation. I used to literally just stand there and cry. I’ve learned to stand up for myself. What’s the weirdest thing that’s happened to you on the show so far? I mean, it’s not funny is it – but the weirdest thing is obviously falling…

EASTENDERS House of cards! MAX’S SCHEME IS IN DANGER OF BEING DISCOVERED… Since returning to Walford on Christmas Day, Max has been nothing but the model citizen – fixing Stacey’s plumbing, supporting Jack through his grief, and rescuing Martin from under a bus! However, he’s actually planning to destroy the Square, and next week things could start to unravel. Someone is close to rumbling a big secret – but who is it, and will they learn everything? CORRIE Maria mayhem! The jailbird is out of those prison gates and straight into trouble next week, as she looks set to reveal all on her trysts with Aidan, while also getting closer to another cobbles fella – David Platt! EMMERDALE Teething problems ! Marlon gets a shock next week, when he finds…