Table of contents for 23 - 2017 in Inside Soap UK

“The most excruciating thing for Rhona is her being seen as a victim” Rhona’s worst nightmare comes true this week, when she finds her rapist husband Pierce standing in her kitchen! It’s the first time the pair have been in the same room since the aftermath of their brutal wedding night, causing traumatised Rhona to finally tell the police that Pierce is the man who attacked her… “Pierce’s return forces Rhona’s hand, as she realises he is never going to go away,” explains actress Zoe Henry, who plays her. “She’s wanted to stuff it all under a mattress and forget about it, but when she sees him again, she is absolutely terrified.” Pierce’s return is triggered by Paddy, who tracks the lawyer down and begs him to come back to…

“Lauren’s family are doing their best to ruin everything for her…” There’s another angry showdown between Abi and Lauren this week, as Abi carries on with her spiteful bid to get one over on her big sister. With Lauren going all out to make her mark in her new career, Abi continues to stir up trouble with Steven behind her sibling’s back. However, when her dad Max questions Lauren about the precise nature of her relationship with boss Josh, is Abi the least of her troubles? “Lauren’s really not having an easy time of it,” sighs our Walford source. “All she wants is to prove herself at work, but her family are doing their best to ruin everything by sticking their oars in. Lauren and Abi have always struggled to…

There are some truly heartbreaking scenes in Hollyoaks this week, as Scott decides to end his own life. The emotional episodes are bound to be shocking for viewers, who are used to seeing Scott as the bubbly, happy-go-lucky chap that we’ve all come to know and love. So what happens to make him want to put an end to everything? “The Hollyoaks team has worked very closely with the charities Mind and Samaritans,” explains our Hollyoaks insider. “The plot will play out retrospectively – so the audience will see Scott’s suicide attempt before they discover what has led him to this point.” The devastating turn of events will unfold across one episode focused solely on Scott. While Hollyoaks aren’t giving away too much ahead of the…

“Bex is far too nice to let her friend suffer through this alone – she’s a tower of strength” Louise is the latest victim to fall foul of vile Keegan this week, as the school bully spreads some vicious rumours about her! When Louise hears the awful things that Keegan has been saying, she’s distraught, and naturally denies everything. But as her so-called friends Alexandra and Madison add fuel to the fire, will Louise finally realise that the mean girls are not to be trusted? “These things that Keegan is saying about Louise are despicable,” sighs our Walford insider. “But sadly it doesn’t take long for the gossip to spread, and soon the whole school is talking about her! Poor Louise is humiliated, and has no idea who to trust.”…

This week, distraught David struggles to cope with Shona’s secret and the fact that she’s left Weatherfield, as he tries to battle his deep feelings for her. Now he knows Shona is the mother of Clayton, the lad who stabbed his beloved Kylie to death, David is horrified. He’s already made it clear to Shona that he can’t forgive her deception – though in his heart, he’s still emotionally attached to her. The question is: does David feel strongly enough for Shona to get past this? “It would be a big ask of anyone, but especially David,” says our Weatherfield spy. “Kylie died in his arms, and he nearly took himself out in a bid to avenge her death. With all that tragedy, meeting Shona has been his first glimpse…

Alfie grows increasingly concerned about his brain tumour this week, as he realises that his symptoms are getting worse. Worried about the future and with death on his mind, Alfie seeks out local priest Dermott and asks if he’ll baptise him. However, will the priest agree, and what will Kat think of Alfie’s decision? Meanwhile, Bernie is still suspicious about Lance’s death, convinced something more than a heart attack killed the patriarch. But she has to put her worries to one side as she organises her new son’s christening. After recent events, the occasion is not exactly full of joy – and as a plethora of family resentments quickly rise to the surface, troubled Eileen finds herself being comforted by an old friend……

Grieving Ethan is distraught this week, when he finds out the main suspect in the murder of his brother Cal has been released without charge. The doctor is convinced Scott Ellison killed Cal – so when Scott arrives in the ED with the rest of his family after an outbreak of violence at a local race rally, tempers flare. Furious that Scott has been released from police custody and is now causing more trouble, Ethan confronts the thug, hoping he’ll confess. But will the medic just get himself into more trouble?…

It’s Pollard’s birthday this week – but the celebrations are cut short after Tracy is summoned to the cop shop! David’s wife has awaited her fate ever since she told the police that she attacked troublesome teenager Josh – but the vile lad has been prepared to frame Dan for the crime! Up till now, Josh has felt too embarrassed to admit that it was a woman who assaulted him – so will it turn it out that he’s changed his mind, and decided to support Tracy’s confession? Meanwhile, Pollard is flabbergasted to learn that Josh has returned to school and hasn’t been charged for his recent crimes and misdemeanours. Does this mean Josh will be free to terrorise the village yet again?…

TAKING THE MICK I’m so disappointed in EastEnders’ Mick. His adoration of Linda was one of the best things about his character, and I’m devastated that he’s turned to Whitney in her absence. No doubt his marriage will survive, but it’s a pity he’s not the faithful family man we all thought he was. Petra, London NICK OF TIME I felt sick watching Corrie’s Nick struggling in the quicksand. As much as I don’t like the character, it would have been awful to see him leave the show in such a way. Ben Price [Nick] and Chris Gascoyne [Peter] did a terrific job of filming such tense scenes. Julie, Margate He had a very lucky escape! ODD COUPLE Emmerdale’s Marlon and Carly have always been a total mismatch, so I’m…

It’d be easy to judge naughty Priya for her night of passion with Pete Barton – she’s married, after all, and he’s going out with her best mate Leyla. But after the years of misery Priya has endured at the hands of her nightmare husband Rakesh, it feels like she deserved a little thrill. The only trouble is, now they’ve done the deed, Priya and Pete can’t stop thinking about each other… “It’s going to get complicated!” warns Fiona Wade, who plays the Dales minx. “In the heat of the moment, it was all about her and Pete, and Priya wasn’t thinking of Leyla. Now she feels guilty – but it doesn’t stop at just one night.” Of course, Pete is not the only party with a significant other. Back…

The pupils of Erinsborough High stage a revolt against Finn this week, leaving Susan deeply concerned about the state of her school. Actress Jackie Woodburne fills us in on Susan’s battle to keep her job… Hi, Jackie! That Finn Kelly is a sneaky one, isn’t he? He is, but he’s so charming! And I think that’s what is so good about this storyline – is he evil, is he not? Is it just his aneurysm pressing on his brain? He’s usurped Susan from her role as head, and this week it’s suggested she take retirement! Susan is horrified. She’s fighting an uphill battle anyway because she has been feeling unwell, but she’s determined to get back to school, otherwise Finn will get a foothold. Susan can’t be seen to be…

Few things on TV grab our attention quicker than a compelling murder mystery set against an incongruously beautiful backdrop – so this new crime drama based in the Highlands around Loch Ness is off to a solid start. Local detective Annie Redford (Laura Fraser) has to deal with her first murder enquiry when local man Niall Swift is found at the bottom of a mountain. And when it becomes clear this is neither an isolated death nor an accident, experienced DCI Lauren Quigley (Siobhan Finneran) is brought in to supervise the investigation. What can you tell us about your characters? Laura Annie has lived and worked in a small village her whole life. She’s very protective of it, but at the same time she’s got all this potential that has…

Cheating Aidan and Maria are in for a major shock this week, as Eva organises an extravagant party at the Rovers – where she intends to ask Aidan to marry her! Still oblivious to the fact that her beloved bloke has been doing the dirty with Maria, Eva has grown tired of waiting for Aidan to propose, so she decides to do the job herself. The scene is set with a Mexican-themed party in the pub – where, unbeknown to Eva, Maria and Aidan are busy getting jiggy in the loos! And when her guilty man finally makes an appearance, he’s in for a surprise… “Aidan is stunned,” admits Shayne Ward, who plays him. “Particularly since, minutes before Eva pops the question, the naughty boy is in the toilets with…

When Pierce’s mum, Martha, rocked up in the village during the lead-up to his wedding, he was clearly rattled. So what has gone on between them for Pierce to want her as far away from him as possible? Will it explain why Pierce has become such a monster? “Martha is coming back,” reveals Jonathan. “She’s so charming, nice and plausible – but there is something mysterious about her. She’s clearly harbouring a secret, which could be about what Pierce has done in the past. Do we believe Martha or Pierce? He’s a disturbed character, so there is definitely something lurking there.”…

“Denise has come back into Daniel’s life like a wrecking ball – he finds it devastating” Daniel’s mental state hits an all-time low this week, as the pained bloke takes drastic action by scoring drugs in order to cope! Incredibly, forgiving Ken has managed to clear his son of an attempted murder charge, but the rest of the Barlow clan are disgusted by Daniel’s crime and want nothing more to do with him. And to add insult to injury, even Sinead has turned her back on him – having been the one to report the violent fella to the police. So, weighed down by guilt, solemn Daniel seeks an escape route via the use of illegal substances… “Daniel is at the Bistro and gets riled up by Tracy,” explains Rob…

“Gerry is as disturbed as Lachlan, and just as weird” Mortified Lachlan faces pressure to sleep with Belle this week – but first he wants to lose his virginity! Belle doesn’t realise that her new man has never had sex, and Lachlan doesn’t want to admit he’s not as experienced as she is. But then his cellmate Gerry turns up and declares he has a way to solve Lachlan’s problem – and it’s as terrible an idea as you’d expect… “Gerry hires Lachlan a prostitute so that he can have a practice run!” explains our Dales snoop. “It seems Gerry is as disturbed as Lachlan is. Given the ordeal Lachlan put Alicia Metcalfe through when he sexually assaulted her, it’s no surprise that he’d apply his twisted logic to this…

Rebecca is back in the village this week, having taken some time away to clear her head – but when she announces she’s shunning the family fold to move in with Victoria, how will they react? Coming to terms with the fact that she’s carrying Robert’s baby has been tough, and the harsh reaction of her father Lawrence didn’t help. So it’s no real surprise Rebecca isn’t ready to return to Home Farm. However, is choosing to share a house with Robert’s sister the right move to make?…

Phelan agrees to take on troubled teen Seb as an apprentice this week – but what’s in it for him? The builder has grown closer to the lad in recent weeks, and has accompanied Faye on her visits to see her boyfriend in the young offenders’ prison. However, with Seb due to be released soon, he will need something to keep him on the straight and narrow. So when Seb’s key worker, Nicola, calls on Phelan and suggests he take on Seb as trainee, Pat is given food for thought. Can he turn this situation to his advantage?…

Billy has a huge decision to make this week, after he comes face to face with Summer, the daughter of his ex Drew. Dying Drew has asked Billy and reluctant Todd to take over Summer’s care when he passes away, and the torn vicar has been wrestling with his feelings. Todd has made it clear that he doesn’t think they’re ready to have a child, while Billy has felt swayed by his loyalty to Drew and wanting to do the right thing. So, as Billy agrees to meet with Drew and Summer this week, he’s disappointed when Todd tells him that he can’t attend the introduction due to work commitments. Nevertheless, Billy decides to go along anyway and finds himself warming to the youngster. How will Todd react when his…

It’s the end of the line for Rakesh – his reputation and marriage are in tatters, and the police are closing in. With nothing left to lose, Rakesh goes on a crazed mission to grab as much cash as he can before leaving the village. In a bid to punish cheating Priya, he steals her book with all the passwords to the Sharma accounts in it and goes to the factory. He’s interrupted by Jai, and the old foes trade threats as Rakesh makes it clear he’ll take down Priya if they don’t give him money. Will Jai cave in to his hated brother-in-law’s demands? That’s only the start, too. Rakesh heads to Home Farm with a weapon and orders Lawrence to stump up £50k – or he’ll expose the…

“Who is the biggest celeb you’ve worked with?” Scheming Marnie is used to talking her way out of a sticky situation – but how will screen legend Lysette , 53, fare when faced with these slippery questions from our readers? “Who is the most famous celebrity you’ve ever worked with?” The most famous is probably John Travolta – and Liam Neeson and Hugh Grant aren’t bad starters for 10, either! But actually, working with Sydney Pollack and Woody Allen was really exciting. That was like going to the top of the mountain… but I’m just boasting now! “What’s your favourite outfit of Marnie’s?” Marnie has some fantastic things. I adore my coats – there’s one by Viktor&Rolf which I think was originally about £1,600, and we got it for £120.…

“I didn’t even get to take my stethoscope with me!” “Nooooooo!” was the reaction in the Inside Soap office when news reached us that Mo and Mr T were departing Holby City. We feel as if we’ve been on a real journey with their romance – plus, stars Chizzy Akudolu and Ben Hull, who play them, are two of the nicest people we’ve ever had the pleasure of interviewing. “The door has been left open – and you have to go in order to come back!” insists Chizzy, who is leaving the role behind after five years of playing Mo. “Holby will always be home, but it was time to fly the nest.” And thankfully, there is a happy ending for ‘MOT’… You’ve finished filming now,…

Gone are the days when reaching a pensionable age meant sitting in front of the TV eating Werther’s Originals. Nowadays, senior citizens are more determined to live life to the full. In this four-part series, a group of celebrity OAPs take a look at what’s on offer to their generation. We spoke to ex-Corrie star Amanda Barrie (Alma Sedgewick) to find out what that entails. “They got a group of old people together and subjected us to things we might be coming up against in the future,” she tells us. “They told me that I’d be working with [cricket commentator] Henry Blofeld, and I just thought, ‘Wonderful!’ – and he did not let me down!” One of the tasks Amanda was given was to stop passers-by…

“Lily has never cared about what she looks like – but now, it matters and she’s distraught” Injured Lily faces her fears this week, as she attends a hospital appointment to discover whether her scarring will be permanent. The schoolgirl was recently involved in a terrifying car crash that left her with horrific marks on her chest, as well as the psychological scars that still linger from the accident. And as she waits to find out whether the injuries will be with her for the rest of her life, she struggles to cope with memories from that night… “Lily has always had a confidence about her, but since the crash, viewers have seen just how vulnerable she really is,” explains actress Lauren McQueen, who plays her. “She’s never cared about…

“Finally Johnny tells worried Kate the truth – she’s stunned to realise how serious it is” Johnny is knocked for six this week, when a neurologist breaks the news that he has a life-changing illness. The factory boss has been struggling with health issues and sudden weakness for months, and is left in a state of shock as he finally learns that he’s suffering from a serious and debilitating disease. But when his worried daughter Kate quizzes her dad about what’s wrong with him, will he tell her the truth or leave her languishing in ignorance? “This is not the kind of news that anyone should have to deal with alone,” sighs our Weatherfield spy. “Johnny has been blocking out the possibility that something might be seriously wrong, and dismissed…

“Bethany’s options are limited without a passport, but Neil’s help makes anything possible” Brainwashed Bethany prepares to break the hearts of her entire family this week, as she schemes to leave the country with evil Nathan. Following her mum Sarah’s desperate bid to keep her close – when she set fire to Bethany’s passport – the troubled teen is still planning to disappear with her older man. Worse still, she has help from dodgy copper Neil to do it… “This is the ultimate betrayal of trust – an officer of the law taking part in a despicable deception,” sighs our cobbles insider. “Without a passport, Bethany’s escape options are limited. But with Neil’s help, anything is possible.” Sarah and the family have no idea Bethany is secretly meeting Neil to…

The Morgan family think their troubles are behind them this week – but is drug addict Brody really on the road to recovery? The beleaguered clan finally have something to celebrate after Justin announces that he’s decided to join fiancée Phoebe on her musical tour of the States for a year. And although they will miss him, his siblings are delighted. All except Raffy, that is, who can’t believe she has to say goodbye to yet another family member! Justin assures his sister he’s not abandoning her, though it’s clear something else is bothering Raffy… As she explains that she’s worried Brody will end up in jail like Hope, Justin tries to ease her fears, pointing out that Brody is off the drugs now. But as Raffy hits back that…

Grieving Jack remains at his wits’ end this week, while still doing his best to cope for the sake of his beloved kids. Since the tragic death of his late wife Ronnie, it’s the children who have kept Jack going – but every day remains a struggle. In the wake of his battle with Charlie over the custody of little Matthew, all Jack can try to do is keep it together – so when he bumps into Kush at the park, and the kindly bloke offers some timely advice, Jack is ready to listen. His loyal mate Honey is also on hand to step in, and as she volunteers once again to help him out with childcare duties, Jack finally starts to accept that he should swallow his pride and…

Mishti asks Aaron to help promote Shane’s solar-powered lawnmower to potential investors this week – but disaster strikes when the machine ends up taking a nosedive into Lassiters lake! Marketing guru Aaron is full of ideas about how to make the mower more sellable – including giving the gadget its own distinctive name! But as Mishti, Dipi and Kirsha are giving Aaron a run-down of the mower’s special features, the gang take their eyes off the ball – and before they know it, Shane’s precious invention has disappeared into the water! How will Shane react when he finds out what his family have done to his mower?…

The fractured Nightingale family try to put their differences aside this week, as they gather for the laying of Nathan’s headstone. The family have been at loggerheads ever since the truth about Mac’s affair and Marnie’s scheming was revealed, with both Ellie and Alfie disgusted at their parents’ behaviour. But it’s the kids who force Mac and Marnie to call a ceasefire, as they come together at the cemetery to remember tragic Nathan. However, as desperate Marnie begs her brood to give her another chance, will Alfie help her pave the way for a reconciliation with Mac?…

“I look awful on screen! My fella is gonna leave me! Lorraine” It’s moving day for the Taylors this week, as the raucous family are turfed out of their tower block for a new start in Albert Square – but they don’t show up quietly! Their new neighbours are stunned into silence when mum Karen rocks up with eldest boy Keanu, daughter Bernadette and younger sons Riley and Chatham – not forgetting Bronson the dog and Rooney the bearded dragon! However, as we arrive at the EastEnders set for an audience with Lorraine Stanley (Karen), Danny Walters (Keanu) and Clair Norris (Bernadette), the warm and friendly trio – who already seem as tightly bonded as the Taylors – make us feel at home as they spill the beans on…

“I feel as if we have justice. I’ve waited my whole life to talk about this” “I really admire what the Truth Project is hoping to achieve, and I’m glad to play a part in the process” We understand this is a big decision. Talking or even thinking about what happened to you as a child can be difficult. If you contact us, you will be treated with compassion and not judged. What would be my first step? Firstly, visit our website below or call us. This will give you more information on the purpose of the Truth Project and how we’d encourage you to share your experience. And if I decide I want to go ahead, what would happen? If you decide the Truth Project is right for…

With speeches from world leaders cut into the opening titles, all the way up to President Trump, you can tell from the off that Fearless is going to be both political and contemporary. That was proven beyond all doubt for us when we went to interview Helen McCrory – who plays human rights lawyer Emma Banville – and discovered that she’d come straight from making it more timely… “We’ve just been reshooting some bits, to make them even more up-to-date,” Helen tells Inside TV. “For instance, we’ve just been doing stuff about picking up things on internet surveillance, which has really just come up because of Wikileaks, and discovering that if you have a smart TV in your house, you can be listened to, and all…

SHOW WONDERLAND The musical adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland and Through The Looking Glass comes to stages across the UK. Starring ex-Corrie actress Wendi Peters (Cilla Battersby-Brown) as the Queen of Hearts, this medley of love and magic tours till 19 August – to purchase tickets, log on to www.wonderland themusical.com STAR CHOICE Chelsee Healey (Hollyoaks’ Goldie) “I’ve just finished watching ITV’s Little Boy Blue, which was heart-wrenching and emotional, as it was based on real-life events. The acting, directing and producing was absolutely phenomenal. It left me having sleepless nights because it was really sad, and I just couldn’t stop thinking about it. It was unreal and totally amazing.”  DVD SPLIT This psychological thriller delves into the mysterious depths of one man’s fractured mind. Kevin Crumb…