Inside Soap UK 24 - 2017

“The biggest slice of cake is for you!” Let’s party! Yes, it’s a very happy birthday to us this week! It’s been 25 years since the first issue of Inside Soap, so we thought it deserved a bit of a celebration. But here at Inside Soap, we’re such party animals that we don’t want the celebrations to end – so we’re making the birthday last till next month! Let’s face it, we’ve all got a friend like this, eh? The festivities kick off with this bumper issue, in which we celebrate 25 years of fun times with Emmerdale – before we continue partying for another four weeks! We’ll have issues dedicated to EastEnders, Corrie, Hollyoaks, and the Aussies – even good old Brookie will get a cheeky mention at one…

“This is vile Nathan’s last chance to cash in on Bethany” Predatory Nathan is close to smuggling his young victim Bethany out of the country this week – as he plots a nightmarish future for the traumatised teenager. Now she’s home and apparently safe, Sarah and Gary don’t realise that brainwashed Bethany is preparing to flee to Belgium with Nathan. She’s convinced, despite all the horrifying things he’s done to her, that Nathan truly loves her and wants to make a new life together on the Continent. But as the pressure intensifies, sinister Nathan’s mask slips and Bethany gets a glimpse of who he really is… “Nathan is an ugly, selfish, cruel bully who is trying to control Bethany through both fear and flattery,” reveals Chris Harper, who plays the…

He’s been propelled into the spotlight playing the Street’s creepiest villain ever, but now Chris is looking to the future. Having previously appeared in shows such as Life On Mars, Holby City and Doctors, the star is hoping to bag some more great roles. His biggest dream? To work alongside other Corrie alumni! “This is an exciting time,” he enthuses. “There’s so much brilliant television out there at the moment. I’d love to work with some other ex-Coronation Street actors – Julie Hesmondhalgh [Hayley Cropper], Suranne Jones [Karen McDonald] and Sarah Lancashire [Raquel Watts] are all incredible.” And although he’s aiming high, Chris says he’s aware there are some roles that even a great stint on Corrie may not help you get… “I think I can rule out James Bond…

“Steven knows this flash git Josh is trying to steal his girl away” Shattered Steven is left reeling this week, after Abi spitefully tells him that Lauren terminated their baby! Ignoring family loyalty, Abi reveals the shocking news in a bid to get back at her sister. She’s jealous of the attention lavished on Lauren by their dad Max, and she’s sick of keeping the dark secret from devoted Steven. But given how insecure and unhinged Steven is, has Abi made a fatal error? “Steven is a man on the edge, desperate to keep Lauren no matter what,” warns our EastEnders snitch. “He’s already tricked her into a pregnancy by sabotaging their birth control, so Abi’s revelation knocks him for six. He didn’t anticipate that Lauren would have a termination…

It’s a milestone birthday for Abi this week, as she turns 21. Traditionally that’s an exciting time in any young person’s life, but Abi is far from pleased… She barely sees her mum Tanya and little brother Oscar, and relations between her, Max and Lauren have long soured. So as the day of her 21st dawns, Abi isn’t sure what kind of night it’s going to be. She’s already made a difficult situation worse for Lauren and Steven by blabbing to him – and all the major players will be at the party. Given Abi’s previous form when she’s had a few drinks, it’s fair to say that sparks will fly! The question is: will Abi’s birthday prove a chance for her to be a better person, or is it…

“Finn is way out of his depth – and Ross is not there to help him” The battle lines are drawn this week, as Ross learns that you don’t cross Robert Sugden and get away with it! The bad Barton has been making Robert’s life a misery by blackmailing him since he found out that Robert cheated on Aaron with Rebecca. So when Robert decides it’s time for payback this week, he targets Ross’ livelihood by having his taxi crushed… “Ross knows that Robert can play dirty, but he wasn’t expecting this!” says actor Michael Parr, who plays Ross. “He’s fuming that Robert has taken his most valuable possession, and is determined to have his revenge.” The trouble is, someone else is set to pay a heavy price when their…