Table of contents for 25 - 2017 in Inside Soap UK

“Don’t miss our brill competition!” We’re into our second week of 25th birthday celebrations, and we don’t even have a hangover! (Yet. We’ll save the hangover for the Inside Soap office birthday do, which like all big parties on soaps, will end up with a big argument, a shock revelation and probably two people copping off who shouldn’t be.) This week, in another bumper-sized issue, it’s EastEnders’ turn, and we were delighted to have an audience with two Walford legends – Natalie Cassidy and Dean Gaffney, aka Sonia Fowler and Robbie Jackson – who return to Albert Square this week. They tell us all about spending over two decades both in and out of EastEnders. Meanwhile, please don’t miss our simply brilliant competition, which could see you getting a grand…

“Eva thinks it’s only fair that Aidan gets his just deserts!” Eva gets the worst welcome home in history this week, when she returns from France and finally realises that Aidan has been sleeping with Maria! Newly engaged Eva has been on cloud nine since Aidan accepted her wacky Mexican proposal, and can’t wait to become Mrs Connor. But when she gets home after visiting her mum, she learns Aidan has been cheating – and has to choose whether to confront him or play the long game… “We won’t reveal exactly how poor Eva discovers the affair, but it is brutal and totally unexpected!” teases our Corrie insider. “She’s obviously devastated. All this time she thought Aidan was the perfect man – but now she feels an idiot for pushing…

The Square stallholders are not impressed with their new boss – who’s none other than one-time road sweeper Robbie! With Carmel’s promotion, Robbie steps into her shoes as market enforcement officer – but how will his new regime go down? “Robbie is a bit of a jobsworth, and he ruffles feathers!” admits returning star Dean Gaffney. “After his time living in India, he tries to get the stallholders chanting and doing meditation – but they look at him like they don’t know what the hell he’s on about! “There’s a proper clash of personalities between him and Donna – she’s not happy at this guy throwing his weight around. Typical Robbie! But as Sonia says at one point, ‘You’ve gotta love him…’”…

Bethany’s abuse at the hands of vile Nathan has made for difficult viewing – but the good news is that the twisted tanner is set to get his comeuppance, thanks to the immense courage of Bethany. Chris Harper, who plays Nathan, and Lucy Fallon (aka Bethany) have revealed that the teenager finally finds the strength to stand up to her tormentor, which will hopefully result in him going to prison for a very long time. “The bravery that it takes for someone who’s been abused to testify against their abuser is not to be understated,” insists Chris. “We’re going to be watching Lucy – as Bethany – go on a massive journey. But I’m very pleased that Nathan won’t be around for that. “He’s going down,” continues the actor. “He…

There’s devastating news for Terese this week, when Dr Karl delivers the heartbreaking news that the lump in her breast is cancerous. And for actress Rebekah Elmaloglou, who plays her, acting out this week’s scenes was particularly emotional… Terese’s initial test results come back clear. What makes her think something is amiss? She has a sense of relief at the time, as that was exactly the result she expected. However, after a few days, she still senses that something isn’t quite right, and decides to get a second opinion. Plus she does a bit of digging into her family history and learns that her grandmother had breast cancer. Can you talk us through the moment she finds out she has cancer? Karl breaks the news to her and she is…

There’s more turmoil for the Morgan clan this week, after Brody is arrested for vandalism – and his horrified siblings discover that he’s still taking drugs! Justin, Tori and Mason have been convinced that he’s kicked his habit for good – only young Raffy has realised that something is still amiss with her brother. So imagine Tori’s horror when Kat rocks up at Salt to arrest Brody for wrecking a pawn shop! While Tori is quick to defend her brother, Kat suggests that he could have been high – and when she mentions ‘ice’, it gives Tori pause for thought. Brody recently tested nagative for cocaine – but after Tori checks back with the lab, they confirm that he had other drugs present in his system… As news of Brody’s…

Connie, Dylan and Elle are forced to re-interview for their own jobs this week – and Connie is furious to find out that Sam is also considering junior doctor Lily for a consultant’s position! After walking in on Sam interviewing Lily for the role, Connie plays dirty to try to prove that the ED can’t afford to lose any member of staff – let alone someone as senior as her, Dylan or Elle. But as Connie and Sam go head-to-head over the department’s future, which of them will win this battle?…

A NEW LEAF The curtains in Leyla and Vanessa’s living room caught my eye when I was watching a recent Emmerdale episode. They’re white with green leaves on and I’d love to get my hands on the same set. Where are they from? Julia, Kent The ‘Regan Green Lined Eyelet Curtains’ are from Dunelm, and prices start from £25. THREE TIMES A LADY! When Rita was giving Johnny a good telling-off in Coronation Street, she mentioned that she’s been married three times! Could you tell me more about all her ex-husbands, please? Lynette, Barnsley Rita’s first husband was builder Len Fairclough, who she married in 1977. He died in a road accident in 1983, and Rita then discovered he’d been having an affair. In 1992, she married Ted Sullivan, who…

Cleo always goes for the wrong – this one men ’s a priest! Given her poor track record with romance, put-upon Cleo McQueen deserves a little bit of luck in love. Following Cleo’s latest failed relationship, this time with Joel, minxy Mercedes advises her to play the field for a while – but what are actress Nadine Mulkerrin’s thoughts on that? “I don’t think Cleo could ever fill Mercy’s shoes!” she laughs. “I’m so awkward and cringey, so I’d struggle if I ever had to be sexy on screen. Kissing scenes can be a bit uncomfortable because there are always about 20 crew and cast members watching you at it! But you’ve just got to go for it – and Rory [Douglas-Speed, who plays Joel] is cute, so that makes…

Natalie was just 10 years old when she was cast as Sonia, and now she’s one of the most recognisable faces in the UK. The grown-up actress has two young daughters, Eliza and Joanie, and is making a return to Albert Square following her maternity leave… Are you happy to be reunited with Sonia’s trumpet today, Natalie? It’s a lovely thing, and iconic in its own way. People are always shouting, “Where’s your trumpet, Sonia?”. How does it feel to be coming back to EastEnders ? Honestly, it’s just like coming home. Sometimes I feel more at home here than I do in my own home! Was it an easy decision to come back after having Joanie? Oh God, yes. I’ve always felt women have the right…

As fierce as Eva becomes when she decides to make Aidan pay for his betrayal, the heartbroken bride-to-be is struggling to hold back the tears in his presence. But star Catherine Tyldesley is confident that her character will overcome her misery and rise from the ashes. “She is her mother’s daughter and Stella was a strong, feisty woman – that’s what Coronation Street does best,” praises the actress. “They write wonderful female characters. Growing up, Liz McDonald was always an important figure for me – I still love her now and the phenomenal outfits she wears! I think Eva will come out of this a lot tougher, and hopefully more independent.” Catherine reveals what the future holds for Eva in our big interview on p38…

Early Elsie Corrie fans can now find out what happened on the cobbles before the soap even began! Three prequel books will tell the stories of the early lives of the Street’s most iconic matriarchs, kicking off with Elsie Tanner. Ramsay retreat? Neighbours’ future in the UK may have been secured, thanks to a rumoured deal with Channel 5 – but the channel that shows the soap Down Under has gone into administration, leaving its future in Oz in doubt. New faces! There’s a new family heading to Home and Away this summer! The Astoni clan – mum Maggie, dad Ben, and daughters Ziggy and Coco – will move to the Bay looking for a fresh start. But will they find it?…

“Arthur is heartbroken to see his dad begging Emma to stop” Grief-stricken young Arthur accidentally stumbles on the truth about Emma’s wickedness this week, when he watches an incriminating recording of his dad Ashley. There’s a video file of the sinister moment when Emma cruelly manipulated confused Ashley to exacerbate the symptoms of his dementia. She was horrified to realise that Ashley saw her moments after she’d pushed terrified fiancé James to his death – and in a bid to cover her tracks, she exploited his condition. But Emma doesn’t know that Arthur possesses proof of her abhorrent antics… “Poor Arthur is already in deep distress and finding it hard to cope with the death of his daddy,” shares our Dales spy. “One of the few things that brings him…

RECLAIM HER MAN! Linda has no idea her hubby has strayed. But in any case, we reckon she should drag Mick to the bedroom as soon as possible – to show him what he’s been missing! REDECORATE! Mick will have some explaining to do when Linda sees what he’s done to her parrot wallpaper! Frankly, it’s time for a total revamp of the pub’s decor – and L is just the woman for the job. LIFT THE CURSE! All of the dramas at the Vic started when Aunt Babe was banished and cursed her entire clan. If Linda has any sense, she’ll straighten things out with Babe and have that curse lifted! PAMPER HER POOCH! Nobody in the Carter clan has been through as much as Lady Di, and she’s…

“Nick Pickard [Tony] is one of the funniest people on the show. He’s absolutely hilarious, and probably the clumsiest guy I’ve ever met. I’m always seeing him fall over!” “The smartest person in the cast is Richard Linnell [Alfie]. Honestly, he’s like a walking book of knowledge – it’s brilliant! I’m pretty sure he knows how to solve a Rubik’s cube as well.” “I love going on a night out with Jess Ellis . She’s absolutely crackers! Jess turns up on the dance floor wherever you go, and I always have a great time when I’m with her.” “Jennifer Metcalfe [Mercedes] is the person I’d most likely turn to for advice. She’s taken on a big sister role. I’m really missing her, because she’s off on maternity leave now.” “I…

“We all know that Scott loves Britney Spears, but is there anyone you idolise that much?” …asks reader G Peters from Shoreham-by-Sea Jane McDonald! She’s up there with Beyoncé, she’s just incredible. I went to see her last week in Manchester, and her show was unreal! And the best thing was that I tweeted her beforehand, secretly hoping that I might get to meet her, and she sent her PA to find us. I went backstage and had a glass of champagne with her! Jane was everything I hoped she’d be. 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…

After Robbie left the Square in 2003, 39-year-old Dean has returned to EastEnders on a couple of occasions for the odd guest stint. However, the star – who has 20-year-old twin daughters – is very open about the fact that he was always hoping to come back to Walford… Hi Dean! How does it feel to be back on Albert Square? It’s the maddest feeling. When I had my first meeting with our executive producer, Sean O’Connor, he instigated Robbie’s return, and just said, “Come home” – that was an amazing thing to hear. I think EastEnders always knew that I wanted to come back. Have people always associated you with EastEnders , even when you’ve been out of the show? Yes! Wellard [Robbie’s…

JUNE BROWN  by Allison Jones, Features Editor Back in 2001, I was excited to be heading for my first face-to-face interview with the fabulous June Brown (Dot). I’d been given an hour for our chat on the EastEnders set, where June sat with me in the green room – still decked out in full Dot costume after filming a scene. She was in typically sparkling form, and fascinating to behold – so captivating, I didn’t even realise we’d chatted way over our allotted time, and I’d run out of tape… June kindly invited me to join her for lunch, in no hurry to rush off elsewhere. She really is a phenomenal woman, and I’ll never forget that day! PAM ST CLEMENT By Sarah Ellis, Deputy Features Editor Not long after…

I don’t really like comedy , but if push comes to shove I would have to say my favourites are Mister Ed, which is about a talking horse called Wilbur, and Vic Reeves Big Night Out. Oh, and Fawlty Towers and Cheers and Larry Sanders and Seinfeld and Catastrophe and Cradle To Grave and Car Share… but as I say, I don’t really like comedy. My favourite film would have to be Bridge Up The River Kwai , which starred the so-called Alex Guinness. I watch it at least twice a day, because I’m whistling, ‘Hitler Has Only Got One Ball’ in a crowd scene in the Japanese concentration camp, and I try to spot myself so I can get some repeat fees. Growing up, my favourite…

The Crimewatch Roadshow team are now into their third week of live broadcasts from around the country, and this week they’ll be based in the north-west of England. We chatted to the programme’s co-presenter Michelle Ackerley, and she revealed that they will be covering some very timely topics this time around… “We’re going to be looking at what the emergency services are still doing in the aftermath of the attack on Manchester,” she tells us. “We’ll be with the forensic teams and fire and rescue training facilities and the mounted unit in Manchester, which is where they train all the horses that are involved in big events like the recent One Love concert. We’ll look at how they train them not to react when there are…

Many happy returns! BUMPER ISSUE! SPECIAL BONUS SECTION! We raise a glass to 25 years of Inside Soap with Hollyoaks … includes... EXCLUSIVE PHOTO SHOOT & INTERVIEWS! CORONATION STREET Bistro bloodbath? THERE’S TERROR AT THE RESTAURANT… BUMPER ISSUE ON SALE TUESDAY 27 JUNE Weddings, robberies, shock confessions and crazed vigilantes locked in the cellar – the Bistro has seen it all! But next week, the Weatherfield eatery lives its darkest day yet, as horror unfolds for the staff and their patrons. Which residents are caught in the crossfire? Who will be to blame? EMMERDALE All guns blazing! Poor Lawrence – he’s seen both barrels of a gun more times than we’ve had hot dinners! Next week, history repeats itself – but who has…

“Who knows how long frightened Dot might have been left there?” Poor Dot suffers a horrifying fall at home this week – and only her old friend Sonia can save her! Badly injured and totally alone after tripping over her beloved kitty Dave, Dot is left lying on her kitchen floor for hours, desperate for someone to find her. And her saviour comes in the form of Sonia, who makes a return to the Square in the nick of time. She’s horrified to find her pal in such a dire predicament – and as frail Dot is rushed to hospital, Sonia proceeds to tear a strip off several guilty locals for their neglect… “Nobody has been keeping an eye on Dot, and Sonia is on the warpath!” seethes our Walford…

MICK & LINDA The Queen Victoria pub is key to the Weyland & Co plan, and Max’s new priority. He talked Shirley into selling the freehold of the pub, and helped to bring in new manager Fi Browning. Is Fi who the Chairman referred to as “our girl on the inside?”. Or might a member of Mick’s own family be secretly working against him, determined to force him out of business? DENISE Public-spirited Denise has recently applied for a job at Walford Council, determined to stop the shady sell-off of the Community Centre. This will put her at loggerheads with Carmel, who Max eased into a job with the planning authority. Is Denise putting herself in danger by standing against the power of Weyland & Co? LAUREN Lauren also works…

“I just feel that everything’s going to be okay. Finally.” “Well, as long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.” If sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, Abi certainly digs deep. “I don’t get along with cruises. I went on one with Hilary once. I was seasick all the way. I still can’t watch Titanic without dry-heaving.” It’s Doug’s foundering romance with Diane that’s giving us a sinking feeling. “Do you know? If you had a brain cell, it’d be lonely.” We love how Gail still proves a source of constant disappointment to David. “Have you forgotten how all of this started? None of this would have happened if you hadn’t been sleeping with Tess. You crushed our marriage…

There’s a shock for birthday boy Patrick this week – when ex-wife Yolande makes a surprise return to Walford. It’s been nine years since Yolande decided to leave London to start a new life in Birmingham without Patrick. Although they had some rocky times in their marriage – not least when Patrick had a steamy affair with the late, great Pat Butcher – the Truemans have remained on good terms. So, as Yolande arrives in Albert Square, Patrick is happy to see her, but wonders why she’s in the area on his special day. It turns out Yolande hasn’t come to wish her old flame a happy birthday in person. Instead, she’s here on official Minute Mart duty. It’s been a turbulent time for the Walford shop, especially after the…

“I’d like to see Emmerdale’s Jermaine Bailey arrive back in the Dales to rescue Belle from loony Lachlan . Despite the age difference and their respective histories, I think the relationship could work.” …suggests reader Mary “ Coronation Street will really be missing a trick if they don’t pair up Adam and Todd , and make them have a solicitors’ empire! I can imagine Adam doing his legal (or knowing him, illegal) work while Todd helps out – but their banter, and ultimately a friendship, would be the best part of it all!” …imagines reader Sarah from London “ Hollyoaks’ Ste has been in prison for a while, but nobody has mentioned the fact that his ex-boyfriend Brendan Brady is…

FAIR CITY Dolores is anxious for Pete to find work this week, and signs him up for temporary shifts in the Arcade. Will Pete agree to the job? Elsewhere, Damien is annoyed when Caoimhe decides to return to medical school – and issues her with a tough ultimatum… RIVER CITY Annie and Lorna team up to save Frankie and Jules this week – but Lorna is floored when Annie makes a confession that threatens to tear the sisters apart… Meanwhile, Lydia returns to Shieldinch, hoping to convince Amber and Charlotte to come to Spain! Will they be persuaded? THE ARCHERS Brian thinks he’s found the perfect attorney to represent Ruairi this week, but who is it? Plus, Eddie sweet-talks Clarrie when she begins to doubt his advertising methods – while…

SCOTT’S SUICIDE SHOCKER Smiley Scott is the biggest joker in the village – which made it all the more shocking when his friends and family watched the devastating video diary that detailed the depths of his anguish… I’ve been in tears over the latest Hollyoaks episodes! Scott has always been portrayed as a bit of a joke, but this has all built up to an incredibly moving storyline. Beautiful acting by Ross Adams, who’s shown a completely different side to the character. Louise Some of my friends thought that Scott’s suicide attempt seemed a bit rushed, but I think this story has been developing since we met him! He’s always been picked on and isolated, but clearly never felt like anyone cared enough to hear how he really feels. Gina,…

Underworld is the real love of Aidan’s life, and we reckon the worst thing Eva could do would be to steal the place from under his nose. Does Catherine have faith in her alter ego as a businesswoman? “I think she’d make a pig’s ear of it!” laughs the actress. “She’d probably have some great ideas, and I could see it going down the Ann Summers route. But Eva would need a bit of help taking Underworld in that direction!” We know Eva is no stranger to sexy lingerie, given the PVC ensemble she slipped into recently. “I have a lot of say over what Eva wears, but with that outfit, I did stop and think ‘What have I done?’” cringes Catherine. “I got nervous, but Shayne was great –…

VICTORIA SUGDEN Emmerdale’s Victoria was only 10 when she rumbled a big secret. She’d seen big brother Robert snogging his sister-in-law Katie behind her hubby Andy’s back. Robert did such a good job at keeping Vic quiet that she was left mute! With the help of a ventriloquist’s dummy, Diane got her speaking again and she revealed Robert’s betrayal… BEN MITCHELL Over in Walford, Ben was traumatised at the hands of unhinged stepmum Stella. Jealous of the love her fiancé Phil had for his son, Stella subjected the lad to mental abuse and physical torture. Finally, on Phil and Stella’s wedding day, Ben spoke out about what was going on, and showed Phil his scars. Stella did a runner, and fell to her death. CHARLIE DEAN Hollyoaks’ Charlie was left…

Join us for a little eavesdropping as Natalie and Dean reminisce about their friendship and their shared history in EastEnders … Natalie I was absolutely thrilled when I heard Dean was returning to the show. I’ve wanted it for a long time, and it’s important as it gives Sonia someone to talk to other than her ex-husband! Robbie brings such a lightness to EastEnders, and I think the viewers will be pleased with what they see. It’s nostalgic – and nostalgia is big at the moment. Dean I couldn’t have put it better myself! Before I came back, Natalie reminded me actors are renowned for moaning. She said: “As this is a job you’ve always wanted to come back to…” Natalie “…I never want to hear you…

WE TOOK A BIT OF CONVINCING that an all-kids version of the singing contest was a good idea. We expected a load of precocious stage-school brats, but we were sold as soon as we saw the first episode. If anything, this is superior to the grown-up version . Where we would normally get people saying this is their last shot at a singing career, here we have kids who are genuinely thrilled at their first real chance to perform on a big stage – even if they don’t pass the audition. It absolutely basks in the contestants’ youthful optimism, which is just the sort of thing we need on TV right now.…

HE’S BACK… Idris Elba is on his way back to BBC1, as crime drama Luther will be returning for a new four-part series. “I look forward to putting the coat back on,” reveals the star, who will begin filming early next year. HEIST SOCIETY Timothy Spall will star in four-part ITV drama Hatton Garden . The series will tell the incredible true story of the audacious jewellery heist carried out in London by a gang of ageing career criminals in April 2015. ROBOT RELIEF A BBC2 documentary will show how robots can help with day-to-day struggles like getting fit or learning a language. If you would like to take part, email robots@rdftelevision.com for more information.…

BULLSEYE! It was a magnificently twisted piece of plotting that led to unknowing Paddy – trying to do right by Rhona – pleading with her rapist to come home and look after her. However, it was brilliant to then see Rhona head straight to the police to name her attacker, with a knockout performance from Zoe Henry . It’s another powerful Emmerdale story that will change lives. Abi’s party invitation seems to show her poised to commit another of her dog murders. (RIP Tramp . Never forgotten. Never forgiven.) We suspect there’s a lot of grown men out there who would pay good money to be fed with a spoon by Diane Parish . Your lover is proposed to just after you’ve bonked him in the…