Table of contents for 30 - 2017 in Inside Soap UK

“I’m very excited about Lisa’s return!” It’s great when a big character comes back to a soap. I love to see all the other characters react – the barbed comments as old wounds are reopened, or the warm greetings as old friends are reunited. So with all the history that Lisa Fowler has in Albert Square, I’m very excited about her return this week, as she storms in to see her poorly Louise. Of course, Phil is going to be in the firing line for what happened to their daughter, but let’s not forget the others she might lock horns with. After all, Lisa was once married to Martin’s brother Mark, she was at loggerheads with Kathy after getting jealous of her, and Sharon betrayed her when she revealed that…

Hollyoaks fans have gone crazy for newcomer Milo’s mystery tattoo – and have some wild theories as to what his secret is! The very impressive artwork on Milo’s back reads “Numquam Obliviscar” which is Latin for “I shall never forget”. Chester bosses have already revealed that the shady fella is concealing a disturbing secret that could cause trouble for Cindy and her family. But after some viewers took to social media to speculate on what it could be, star Nathan Morris set the record straight… “No spoilers yet on why Milo has the tattoo, but he is definitely not a Nazi or a Satanist,” said the star on Twitter. “But I applaud your vivid imaginations!”…

“It’s the only way Lily can cope with her trauma” Tortured teenager Lily suffers the ultimate humiliation this week, as her horrific scar is revealed in public – and viewers will be stunned when she starts to self-harm. The schoolgirl has been left with a permanent mark on her chest following the terrifying car accident in which she was involved recently, and she’s struggled to come to terms with the fact that it may never fade. So imagine her horror when jealous Yasmine sets off a chain of events that results in all her friends seeing her scar for the first time… “Lily has been desperately trying to keep the mark hidden from everyone around her,” reveals our Hollyoaks source. “She deliberately wears high-neck tops so that nobody can see…

TUNING IN I’m sure I recognised Joe, Gary’s ex-Army friend, when he paid him a visit on the cobbles recently. Are there any other shows I might have seen him in? | Elliot, Berkshire Actor Chord Melodic played music producer Matt Crosby in Hollyoaks back in 2008 and 2009, and also played the role of Sledge in the second series of Happy Valley . MAMMA MIA In a recent Emmerdale episode, Jai opened up to Nell about losing his own daughter, Mia, in a car accident. I don’t remember Jai having children before Archie was born. Who was she? | Janet Mia was the daughter of Ella Hart, and wrongly believed that Ella’s ex Declan Macey was her dad rather than Jai. When…

When Inside Soap arrives at the Emmerdale set and gets ushered through to the Woolpack to interview Charlotte Bellamy – aka Laurel – the first thing that strikes us is how strange it is to be chatting to her solo! Over the past few years, we’ve done many interviews with her alongside her long-time telly partner John Middleton, and this is the first time we’ve sat down to talk to the star on her own since Ashley’s death. But luckily for Charlotte, life after Ashley is proving to be quite eventful for Laurel. And as the actress tells us, she’s very much enjoying having a new nemesis in the shape of bonkers Emma Barton… “It’s been really weird for me because I was working with John for so long, and…

I’m very boring, so it would involve white sand, hammocks and palm trees. And maybe an ice-cold rum punch and a tennis court nearby – and obviously my family! As long as they let Daddy have his afternoon nap, that’s fine… 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 !…

“Farrah’s tiger tattoo symbolises her – fierce but also a softie!” Flamboyant Farrah turns heads wherever she goes – and after catching Esther’s eye on her first day in the village, the clinical psychologist has now captured the heart of her former patient Kim! So as we sit down for a chat with actress Krupa Pattani, we’re keen to hear her thoughts on how her quirky character is put together… Hi, Krupa! What did you make of Farrah when her character was first pitched to you? I was really excited because I’ve never seen a gay Muslim woman in a soap before, and it’s good that she ticks a lot of minority boxes – but that’s not the only reason I was so thrilled. What’s intriguing about her is that…

TINA DINGLE (Emmerdale 1994-1996) Zak’s youngest daughter Tina set up Luke McAllister by pretending he’d got her pregnant – all to avenge the death of her brother Ben . Luke kidnapped Tina, but was killed when his van crashed. She was later in a love triangle with Frank Tate and Steve Marchant , which led her to flee the village. “I love the Dingles – we actually started behaving a bit like them sometimes!” grins Jackie. LINDA BALDWIN, NEE SYKES (Coronation Street 1998-2001) After outing her Underworld colleague Hayley Cropper as transsexual, Linda fell for boss Mike Baldwin . With plans for marriage, Linda had an affair with Mike’s son Mark , who revealed their fling on the big day. Mike ousted his son, but forgave Linda – who was…

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I love Game Of Thrones , and I was so excited for the new season . I draw quite a few parallels between Wentworth and Game Of Thrones. Even though the shows are in completely different settings, they share a similar tone, they are character-driven – and they lend themselves to binge-watching! The comedy I’m really enjoying right now is Silicon Valley . It’s basically set around this start-up tech business, and the trials and tribulations of being in this huge market and the competition they come up against. It’s really fun and a great show. My favourite film would have to be This Is Spinal Tap . It’s just an absolute classic of a film. It’s about this ageing English…

SOUND JUDGEMENT Cat Deeley is heading home to host a new entertainment series for Sky1. Sing It will bring together 30 different a cappella groups in a raw contest of vocal talent, with no band or backing tracks, and no room for error… ALL ABOUT ANNE Suranne Jones is to star as revolutionary Regency landowner Anne Lister in Sally Wainwright’s BBC1 drama Gentleman Jack . Anne is determined to restore her ancestral home and marry a woman. MAKE LIGHT WORK Alan Carr’s new Channel 4 programme I Don’t Like Mondays will see one audience member in every episode win a paid year off work. If you fancy being part of that audience and enjoying a full 12 months without the nine-to-five, email casting@magnumtv.co.uk for info.…

BULLSEYE! We hereby award PC Craig Tinker with a special commendation for going beyond the call of duty, and having the courage to confront his sleazy boss Neil and secretly record his confession. Craig’s bravery and ability to stay calm under pressure just go to show what a great officer he’ll make – on top of being such an amazing friend to Bethany . A true hero! We thought we’d seen it all until Abi passed off the brain scan of a Cavalier King Charles spaniel as proof of her sister’s boyfriend’s cancer. And they say soaps are far-fetched! If this is Leyla’s ‘playing it cool’ face, we dread to think what she looks like when she’s desperate. We love how Eva has gone from being absolutely heartbroken to casually…

It’s great to know Woody will be causing all kinds of drama in Walford again, considering that star Lee Ryan almost didn’t make it back to the Square! Shortly after signing a one-year deal to make a full-time return to EastEnders, the Blue singer was treated in hospital and then readmitted for an illness known as quinsy – a serious complication of tonsillitis. Lee had some time off from filming to recuperate, and thankfully it didn’t interfere with Woody’s comeback. We hope you’re feeling much better now, Lee!…

Here is your first look at comedy legend Vic Reeves in his new Corrie role! The star – real name Jim Moir – has commenced filming in Weatherfield as TV presenter Colin… “Had a brilliant first day on the cobbles,” he tweeted. “Everyone was so welcoming. It’s a thrill to be part of a British institution.” Best known for his hilarious double act with fellow comedian Bob Mortimer, Vic has made no secret of the fact that it’s been his life ambition to appear on Corrie. It’s sure to be rib-tickling stuff as he joins forces with amusing duo Mary and Norris, who are set to become the focus of Colin’s TV show while they continue to masquerade as husband and wife. The ruse took shape…

Corrupt officer Neil Clifton has finally been exposed for his part in grooming Bethany – and we can expect high drama when the case goes to court. Meanwhile, Ben Cartwright has no regrets about taking the icky role… “Initially I had major concerns and thought about how it might affect me as a person,” explains the actor, who is married with a family. “So I sent a few texts [asking friends for their opinions] and one said you should always have a positive reason for turning something down, not a negative one. That’s why I went for it, and I’m so glad I did.” Ben knew that playing a cop who was complicit in a sex ring may have provoked a negative backlash, but he’s been overwhelmed by the feedback.…

“Do you know – and this is probably going to get me kicked out the sisterhood – but those sandals do absolutely nothing for her cankles…” We just can’t get enough of Eva’s catty remarks about Maria! “You’re an absolute tool.” Abi’s brief summation of Steven’s character was neverthless spot-on. You don’t hear the word ‘tool’ enough in soap. “You lied to me! Phelan’s not dying.” “Oh yeah, that. Well, I didn’t lie completely. He’s old – so he’s going to die pretty soon anyway.” Thanks for that, Seb, you brat – Phelan’s not that old! “Don’t worry, I’m sure Pete will pop the question eventually.” “I’m not worried. We’ve already talked about it and ended up having sex on the kitchen table.” Who needs Love Island when we have…

“ Kathy Beale is so boring these days. She needs a plot. I loved it when she and Jane were bickering over Ian . Let’s have more of that, but let the fight get really dirty, until Kathy goes too far and sabotages Jane’s wheelchair.” …suggests reader Caroline from York “Do you know who Toyah and Peter should employ as a new barmaid at the Rovers? Gemma ! She’s a gossip and she’s got a right gob on her – so she’d be piggin’ hilarious!” …advises reader ‘Eggy’ from London “I think Emmerdale should bring back Kerry’s daughter Amy , but since [star] Chelsea Halfpenny is now on Casualty , they should replace her with Scarlett Moffatt !” …proposes reader Anna “I want…

The fallout from Pierce’s trial sends shock waves through the village this week, as Rhona tries to move on with her life. But will she ever be the same again? The jury reached its verdict after a nail-biting court case left Rhona feeling exhausted. She was determined to be present in the courtroom to face her attacker, but nothing could prepare Rhona for the events that followed as Pierce’s fate was finally decided. While she attempts to pick up the pieces and return to normality this week, the most logical step for Rhona is to go back to work. She loves being a vet, and doing something she enjoys will help keep her mind distracted. However, her resolve soon crumbles when she looks into having her marriage to Pierce annulled…

“Leanne is a good mum – and Steve has always tried to do the right thing” Serial bridegroom Steve McDonald seems set on upping his wedding count to a gift-list busting seven this week, as he makes the bold move of asking Leanne to marry him! When it comes to living happily ever after, Steve certainly deserves credit for trying. But as we join Simon Gregson, who plays Steve, to talk about his alter ego’s latest proposal, the actor admits that Steve should maybe think twice about popping the question to the mother of his little boy, Oli – and not just because divorce can be a painful and expensive business… “On-screen weddings are not fun to film!” he laughs. “They take days to do, and there are too many…

It may have taken 15 years, but Charlotte’s talents were finally recognised when she picked up the Best Actress gong at this year’s British Soap Awards. And she still hasn’t got over the shock of actually winning! “You could probably tell from my face!” she chuckles. “Somebody said to me, ‘It looked like you had just been hit over the back of the head!’. I never imagined ever that I was going to win that award. I didn’t even have anything in my head that I was going to say. “I’ve had dreams about winning these awards, but I’ve also had nightmares,” adds Charlotte. “So that night was one I’ll never forget. It was amazing.”…

With Louise on the mend, Lisa returns to Albert Square this week, where she is reunited with some old friends – and some old enemies! However, the return to her former home really cements the fact that she wants her daughter back in her life – and she’s prepared to go to extreme lengths to achieve it! Of course, as the woman who shot Phil, Lisa has taken desperate measures before – and there’s no knowing what she could be capable of if she feels her daughter is in real danger in Walford. So while Lisa remains determined to see Louise – and to get her away from Phil – her actions soon throw the Mitchell family into panic. But as Sharon struggles to keep Phil calm, just what has…

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WE SENSED WE WERE WATCHING a star in the making when we witnessed Nadiya Hussain competing in The Great British Bake Off back in 2015, and two years down the line it’s great to see her properly established with her own cookery show . As she travels around the country meeting producers of tasty British food, Nadiya shows the same ease in front of the camera that made her such a fan favourite on Bake Off, and we’re desperate to try out some of the recipes she’s shared with us so far . This week, she’s off to the east of England, and experiments with a dessert involving crisps……

The part of gawky, excitable PC Miranda Hilmarson might seem a long way from Gwendoline Christie’s star-making turn as Brienne of Tarth in Game Of Thrones , but we’re loving the new energy she’s brought to Top Of The Lake . And while Miranda may have seemed like comic relief when she first turned up, Gwendoline reveals that she never saw her that way during filming… “It’s enormously funny, but I didn’t find it particularly funny at the time because Miranda is a painful character to play,” she shares. “But you are aware, as an actor, of seeing past anything you find difficult, and I’m now able to watch it and find it amusing. That’s all I wanted, for the character to work.” Landing…

Get well soon! Ex-EastEnder Paul Nicholls (Joe Wicks) is recovering from a near-fatal accident in Thailand. The actor spent three days trapped in a snake-infested jungle with a broken leg after tumbling from a waterfall. Scary! Soapland security A survey by security experts ADT has shown Albert Square to be the most dangerous place to live in soap when it comes to break-ins or fires! Ambridge from The Archers was declared the safest. Blast from the past Scarlett’s secrets will catch up with her in Home and Away when her husband Caleb tracks her down and makes threats. Justin forms a plan to help the terrified woman flee – but is it the last we’ll see of her?…

Billy worries that young Summer is bottling up her grief for her late father Drew this week, so decides to distract his new ward by making a robot! After discovering that robot-building is something she enjoyed doing with her dad, Billy and Todd pinch some scrap metal from Tyrone to construct their own creation. But their kind gesture ends up going badly wrong – and Summer is forced to step in and take charge of the project! Has Billy succeeded in cheering her up, though?…

FAIR CITY Carol and Robbie are at loggerheads this week, as she tries to get morphine for sick Trigger. Will she succeed? Elsewhere, Kerri-Ann is sad that she isn’t pregnant, and frets that she and Decco may never conceive… Also, Damien refuses to surrender to Caoimhe. RIVER CITY Robbie approaches AJ about buying the Tall Ship this week, and soon requests the help of the locals! Will they be happy to oblige? Meanwhile, Bob decides to start dating again, but Angus worries he still has feelings for Kim. Plus, Kim tells Simon that she’s pregnant. THE ARCHERS Matt asks Anisha for her veterinary expertise this week, but Alistair’s reaction leads to a shocking showdown… Across the village, the fete committee come up with a unique way to promote the event…

STEVEN’S SICK LIE EastEnders’ Steven knows no bounds when it comes to trapping Lauren. And just as she was ready to walk away, the fanatical fella fabricated an inoperable brain tumour to make her stay… I knew that Steven was manipulative, but this brain tumour plot is seriously disturbing. I hope Lauren catches him out sooner rather than later, so she can finally be with Josh. Steven is too messed-up and possessive to be in any kind of relationship! | Penny Does Steven not understand he won’t be allowed anywhere near either Lauren or Louie once she learns the truth? I expect Ian and Jane will oust him as well! There’s no way he can keep up this lie, and he’ll end up even more miserable when he’s exposed. |…

While it’s easy to mock Steve for his marital woes, he’s just trying to do his best. He’s always been a family man at heart – just like the actor who plays him, with Simon being a proud father to nine-year-old Alfie, Harry, eight, and 18-month-old Teddy with wife Emma. And if the actor’s social media accounts are anything to go by, Simon clearly relishes being a dad… “The best days of my life were when my children were born,” he beams. “As soon as they came out, I held them. It just makes you think that nothing else matters. My perfect evening is coming home to the family, sitting in bed and watching a movie. We’re looking for an emperor-size bed for the five of us and two dogs!”…

“Lisa is absolutely desperate to be a part of Louise’s life!” The terrible night of the Walford High prom was certainly EastEnders’ biggest drama to occur in recent months, but nobody knew that another major storm was coming – as Lisa Fowler returned to Walford to visit her injured teenage daughter, Louise. As expected, the reunion between her and Lou’s dad Phil isn’t going to be a happy one, given their troubled history – “in true Lisa and Phil fashion, it’s all quite explosive,” laughs Lucy Benjamin, who plays Lisa. But off screen, Lucy tells us her top-secret comeback has been a delight… Hi Lucy, it’s great to see you back. How did you feel about returning to Walford? At first, I wasn’t too sure because…

What was your initial reaction to this amazing episode? We all just laughed – I thought it was an April Fool’s joke! But Erika told me early on that I’d be doing a lot in it. As soon as I read the script, I knew it would be brilliant. What’s the complicated filming process been like? We had the luxury of being able to rehearse, but this week we’ve started bringing in the camera. Up till now it’s felt a bit like doing a stage play – but with the camera on us, it all feels real. We have a different energy on set. Are you worried about messing up? If you fluff the odd line, it’s not the end of the world, because that’s how we speak in real…

Almost 20 years ago now, Jacqueline Chadwick was about to be embroiled in an award-winning love triangle, courtesy of her infamous Coronation Street character Linda Baldwin. Two decades on and life is very different, as she now lives in Canada, where she’s celebrating the release of her debut novel, In The Still. But while the former actress – who also starred as Emmerdale’s Tina Dingle – couldn’t be more excited about her blossoming new career, there’s no danger she’ll forget her soapy roots… “I’m so proud of the fact I was in two such iconic programmes,” she shares. “Even though we’re talking a long time ago now, that feeling doesn’t wear off – it was a great achievement. And it’s lovely to be coming back full circle with Inside Soap,…

Her character is currently at the centre of Corrie’s juiciest storyline, so it came as a real shock to her fans to read that Catherine Tyldesley – aka Eva – was set to quit the cobbles. The rumours were that Cath planned to leave the Street and its demanding schedule to concentrate on her family (hubby Tom Pitfield and two-year-old son, Alfie ) – but the star has revealed she is staying put. Having just signed a new contract that will see Eva’s antics continue well into next year, Cath tweeted about the reports: “Not sure who your insider is, kids, but I think they must be stuck outside! I’ve just signed my contract.” And Cath also let slip that her storyline is set to become yet more shocking. “Oh…

“THOMAS IS OUTRAGEOUS FOR HIS TIME, AND HE’S UNAFRAID” JAMES An enigmatic painting and a country cottage provide the link between two love stories spanning 60 years in this new two-part drama. The first story begins in 1944, where Captain Michael Berryman is serving in Italy during the Second World War, and war artist Thomas March is assigned to his unit. The two men grow close, and the attraction between them is obvious – but when the war ends, Michael has to return home to his life in London with his fiancée Flora. “Michael is mathematical in his thinking and chooses to conform in life,” explains Oliver Jackson-Cohen, who plays him. “But as a result, he is forever conflicted because the man…